Zhou Сhujin wаs bоth shосkеd аnd delighted, sо ехсitеd she didn't know what tо dо.
She nevеr exресtеd Сhеng Chi would аrrange a marriage fоr Zhоu Shaоjin, much lеss thаt hе wоuld chооsе suсh аn eхcellent fаmilу for hеr.
Ever sincе she leаrned Chеng Хu wаs еngаgеd tо the eldеst dаughter оf thе Мin familу, she hаd сried cоuntlеss times in рrivate. She аlways felt thе wоrld wаs unfair tо her youngеr sistеr. Тhat Сhеng Хu hаd сlеarlу tаken libеrties with hеr sister, yеt in the еnd nоt оnly fасеd nо consequеnces but also haрpily marriеd a daughtеr from а рrominеnt family, while her sister had to swallow her grievances and leave Jinling City.
Who knew how the people of Nine Prosperities Lane gossiped about her sister behind her back?
She dreamed of her sister marrying into an even better family, to show them all that her sister was more upright and virtuous than anyone, gentle and serene. Without the Cheng family, she could still marry into a noble household, still enjoy the honor of a distinguished husband and the respect of accomplished sons.
If nothing else, just based on Song Xiuzhi being last year's top scholar from the two Hu provinces and the eldest son of a grand secretary, they should at least meet and consider the match.
She quickly said, "Does Uncle Chi want me to write to Father?"
The Zhou, Cheng, and Song families were all scholarly households. Although Cheng Chi and Old Master Song had intentions of forming a marriage alliance, what would Zhou Zhen think? What did Song Jingran think? Otherwise, if one side agreed while the other was dissatisfied, it would offend the matchmaker. There needed to be someone to bridge the gap; even if refusing, they should find a plausible reason so as not to offend the matchmaker. Especially when the matchmaker's status and position were no lower than either party's, both families needed to be extremely cautious.
Cheng Chi said, "Don't tell your father for now." He explained the Song family's situation to Zhou Chujin and added with some concern, "If Song Xiuzhi weren't outstanding enough, given the messy affairs in their household, I would never have considered this. So I want Shaojin to meet him and see for herself. If she is willing, and Xiuzhi likes her, then even if she marries into a family with troublesome relatives like the Wangs, as long as her husband protects her, the Wangs would be nothing more than flies buzzing around Shaojin."
Seeing how highly Cheng Chi regarded her sister and his amusing description, Zhou Chujin couldn't help but chuckle, her voice and expression softening. "Uncle Chi, being a man, probably doesn't pay much attention to household matters. In reality, no matter how perfect a family may seem, they all have their own difficulties. To be honest, you see how well I've married, don't you? But the Liao family's affairs would leave you speechless." Blushing, she told Cheng Chi how her father-in-law had extorted money from them. "...The Song family's situation is actually quite good. At least Old Master Song and Grand Secretary Song are open-minded and haven't let gratitude blind them. Madam Song is gentle and generous, and Song Xiuzhi is a promising eldest son personally chosen by Old Master Song. If this marriage really happens, Shaojin won't have to worry about displeasing her mother-in-law or father-in-law, and they would be a well-matched couple of similar age. Could there be a better marriage alliance than this?" After saying this, she teased, "There's a saying: 'Deep affection does not last long.' In my view, the Bodhisattva sent us into this world to suffer. If something seems perfect in every way, it surely won't last. Having one unreliable relative might just be Shaojin's karma. With this karma, Shaojin's life can still be harmonious and happy."A husband and wife of similar age who are each other's first spouse?
Cheng Chi frowned slightly upon hearing this, thinking, isn't this exactly my goal?
To help Shaojin find a good family with a legacy of poetry, books, and etiquette, marry a gentle and refined young husband of similar age, and live her own happy little life. When she looks back in the middle of the night, if she can think of him, will she smile and secretly laugh at how foolish she was back then?
Suppressing the slight discomfort in his heart, Cheng Chi smiled and said, "I really don't understand these matters well, which is why I came to discuss them with you. I want Shaojin to meet him first. If she takes a liking to him, it won't be too late to speak with Grand Secretary Song and your father. This way, we can avoid making the matter widely known and causing further complications, which might lead to Shaojin being gossiped about."
That would be even better!
Zhou Chujin was very confident in Zhou Shaojin's appearance.
Nine out of ten men who saw her younger sister would fall for her.
And those with good looks have more opportunities than others.
Once they spend time together, with Shaojin's gentle and agreeable nature, the couple is sure to treat each other with respect and enjoy a harmonious marriage.
The more she thought about it, the more pleased she became. She stood up and was about to kneel and bow deeply to Cheng Chi, saying earnestly, "Uncle Chi, thank you for arranging a match for Shaojin. I will be forever grateful for your care and protection of her..."
Cheng Chi quickly stopped her, smiling, "You can kneel and thank me properly once this matter is settled."
But in his heart, he thought, if it were me seeking to marry Shaojin, you'd probably jump up and curse at me right now!
Cheng Chi felt both bitter and sour inside.
By then, he would only be Shaojin's uncle.
Zhou Chujin felt her body was somewhat unsteady and couldn't kneel down properly. She thought it was due to her postpartum condition, and since Cheng Chi spoke so sincerely, she had no choice but to give up. She smiled apologetically at Cheng Chi and decided, as he had suggested, to properly thank Uncle Chi once the matter was settled.
It would be best to do so together with Liao Shaotang.
That would make it more solemn.
Cheng Chi then said, "For now, don't tell Shaojin about this either. She's shy and might feel embarrassed when the time comes. I came to you because I wanted you to find an excuse for her to come to my place..."
Chance encounters often make people feel destined.
If Shaojin and Song Xiuzhi meet twice by chance, Song Xiuzhi would surely hold a special place in Shaojin's heart.
Zhou Chujin thought of this as well.
She was so grateful to Cheng Chi that she could hardly express it, repeatedly saying, "Uncle Chi, don't worry, I understand."
This way, that Song Xiuzhi would also feel that his marriage to her younger sister was destined by heaven.
Seeing how quickly Zhou Chujin grasped the idea, Cheng Chi couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
Could it be that Shaojin's temperament takes after her mother?
But everyone in Nine Prosperities Lane speaks highly of Madam Zhuang. Madam Zhuang couldn't possibly be like Shaojin!
Who on earth did that little girl take after?
He said to Zhou Chujin, "As for the dowry, you don't need to worry too much. I originally chose Elm Coin Alley because it's close to you, and I intend to give it to Shaojin as part of her dowry. I also have a hundred-acre estate in Daxing, two qing of land in Baoding Prefecture, and a few shops near Xizhimen Gate. I'll give all of these to Shaojin as well. As for gold, silver, and jewelry, you don't need to concern yourself. Just prepare some daily utensils, tinware, bedding, and quilts for her..."
Could this be the compensation from the main branch for Shaojin?
Zhou Chujin's expression grew serious.
Cheng Chi looked at her and smiled wistfully.
What kind of situation was this for him?
Was it the apprehension one feels when nearing home?So you want to quickly get rid of this matter, hastily entrust everything to Zhou Chujin, let her handle it, and turn a blind eye yourself to avoid annoyance?
Cheng Chi didn’t explain either, rising to take his leave.
Zhou Chujin regretted it deeply.
Even if it was the main branch’s compensation for Shaojin, it was still a gesture of goodwill from them.
Why did she have to be so prickly and unable to tolerate others?
If they were willing to give, what harm was there in accepting it?
The main branch would feel they owed Shaojin nothing, and they would gain practical benefits.
Wouldn’t it be better if everyone was happy?
She tried to make amends with a smile, saying, “We dare not let Uncle Chi spend money. My father has been saving up a dowry for my sister!”
Cheng Chi didn’t feel like talking. He smiled at Zhou Chujin and said, “Once I’ve made the arrangements, have Shaojin come to my place.”
Zhou Chujin respectfully agreed, then suddenly thought of something and smiled. “Regarding Cheng Lu’s matter, thank you for your help, Uncle Chi. When the time comes, I might as well tell her it’s about Cheng Lu’s business and have her deliver a message to you. What do you think?”
Quite a clever mind.
Shaojin was very wary of Cheng Lu. If she knew that Cheng Lu’s matter was his doing, she would only be endlessly grateful to him. Not to mention asking her to deliver a message to him—even if he asked her to pour tea, fetch water, make his bed, fold his blankets, or perform the duties of a servant, she would likely do it without complaint, only feeling gratitude.
Zhou Chujin certainly knew how to make Shaojin do things.
Cheng Chi felt a faint displeasure in his heart, but he also knew he was being overly critical. He smiled and nodded, then was escorted to the door by Zhou Chujin.
Since she couldn’t go out in the wind, Zhou Shaojin saw him off once he stepped outside.
She excitedly asked Cheng Chi, “What did you and my sister talk about, Uncle Chi?”
Cheng Chi looked at her, so defenseless and utterly innocent, and felt a slight ache in his heart. However, his expression remained unchanged as he half-joked, half-sighed, “We were discussing how to sell you off for a good price!”
Zhou Shaojin didn’t believe it at all. She wrinkled her pretty little nose and snorted indignantly, “If you won’t tell me, I’ll go ask my sister!”
Zhou Chujin wouldn’t tell her either!
Cheng Chi ruffled her hair gently and said warmly, “I’m leaving now! Live well.”
Zhou Shaojin flushed with anger and exclaimed loudly, “Uncle Chi, you’re doing it again! You messed up my hair, and now I have to redo it.”
Cheng Chi smiled and said, “I won’t do it again in the future.”
Zhou Shaojin couldn’t help but frown. “Uncle Chi, has something happened? You don’t seem very happy…”
This little girl is really sensitive!
“Do you think I’m made of steel?” Cheng Chi laughed. “Won’t I get tired from running back and forth like this?”
Zhou Shaojin blushed in embarrassment.
Cheng Chi couldn’t help but pat her head again.
Zhou Shaojin’s eyes widened, and she protested, calling out, “Uncle Chi!”
Cheng Chi laughed heartily and strode out of Elm Tree Alley.
Thinking to himself that he really wouldn’t pat her head again in the future.
Zhou Shaojin puffed out her cheeks and stomped her feet in frustration.
Meanwhile, Zhou Chujin was too excited to sleep. She finally waited for Liao Shaotang to return, and the couple hid under the bed curtains to talk.Liao Shaotang also thought this marriage proposal was excellent, saying, "When I was in the Hanlin Academy, I occasionally heard the Hanlin scholars mention outstanding scholars, and I've heard of Grand Secretary Song's eldest son. They say he is not only naturally intelligent but also diligent and hardworking, disciplined and respectful. If Second Sister could marry him, it would indeed be a splendid match. However, if you're not at ease, I'll find a way to meet this person. After all, hearing is not as reliable as seeing with one's own eyes."
Zhou Chujin nodded with a smile and said, "It would be good for you to meet him. Only after you've seen him will I feel reassured."
Liao Shaotang narrowed his eyes with a smile, pulling Zhou Chujin into his embrace, and said, "By then, you'll have no more worries. I'll strive to earn you a phoenix crown and ceremonial robes, and you can give Guan Ge'er a few more younger siblings. Even if I were offered the life of an immortal, I wouldn't trade this life for it."
Zhou Chujin nestled in Liao Shaotang's arms, her eyes slightly moist.
※
Dear readers, here's an extra update.
O(∩_∩)O~
PS: I'll correct typos from time to time. If you have low tolerance for typos, you can refresh after a while...
※ (To be continued ~^~)
OpenNovel