Chapter 53

Lai Er is a young beggar, who is diligent when it comes to stealing and lazy when it comes to begging by leaning against a wall. The nearby villages and towns are places he often wanders around, and even if someone sees him in their own village, they don't find it surprising.

Although this small petty thief is young, he has a thick skin. Even if someone grabs his hand, he is not afraid and can either put on a playful face or shed tears, always finding a way to make the captors let their guard down, sparing his life.

Lai Er's dark neck was gripped by Song Junshan's big hand, like catching a small bird, and he was dragged into their firewood room and tied up with a hemp rope.

Looking left and right with his spinning eyes, he then started crying to Song Dingxiang, "Oh, Song Second Madam, why are you catching me, I'm just a little beggar..."

Ignoring him, Song Dingxiang said to Song Junshan and Song Junli, "Give him a beating, break his arms and legs, just don't kill him. Also, gag him to stop him from shouting and attracting attention."

After speaking, she turned and walked away.

Lai Er's eyes widened in shock, he had never seen such a cruel woman before. He quickly got up, knelt down, and kowtowed, "Sister-in-law, spare me, where did I offend you, just tell me clearly... I swear, I won't come to this village again in the future."

With a stern face, Song Junli stuffed a worn rag into his mouth, then grabbed a broomstick and began hitting him with it.

Song Dingxiang also told them about Song Zijin's situation, causing Zhang Shi to immediately get red eyes and scold Song Zijin.

Song Dingxiang stopped Zhang Shi, expressed her thoughts, and that's why Lai Er was caught as soon as he showed up today. People who saw him on the road only said that this guy was not clean, daring to steal their eggs!

The villagers were also well aware that these eggs were valuable goods, as one egg could be sold for two copper coins. Although Song Dingxiang's family was wealthy, they lived frugally on a daily basis and did not show off their wealth.

What others ate, they also ate, so losing an egg was definitely a painful loss.

"Just give him a beating, this kid... Ah, even the yamen doesn't want him, it's really frustrating to deal with."

Before Lai Er could even come up with the words he wanted to say, he was beaten up. However, Song Junli only hit him on the thick meaty parts, so it did hurt but it wasn't too serious.

Once Song Dingxiang felt that it was enough, she entered the firewood room. Lai Er was rolling on the floor, unable to scream because his mouth was gagged, but his face was covered in snot and tears, looking dirty and disgusting.

Covering her mouth, Song Dingxiang said, "Older brother Li, take the cloth out of his mouth, I have a few questions to ask."

Song Junli dropped the broomstick, and pulled the cloth out of Lai Er's mouth.

"Tell me, why did you come here?" Song Dingxiang asked.

Lai Er cried, "I-I came to deliver a love letter for Third Miss."

Song Dingxiang frowned, "If you don't tell the truth, the beating will continue."

Lai Er was really scared, and quickly said, "Madam Song, oh, Lady Song, I was wrong, I was wrong! It's just that there's a sour scholar in town who has taken a liking to Third Daughter and asked me to deliver a letter. But she has never replied to any of his letters."

Song Dingxiang sneered, "If it's just delivering a letter, why did you snatch her handkerchief?"

Lai Er grinned, "Yes, it's that sour scholar who wanted a token of affection..."

Song Dingxiang widened her eyes and angrily said, "Are you still not telling the truth??"

"Lady, I really am telling the truth!" Lai Er banged his head on the ground, "The scholar found me and asked if I was familiar with your family. I said yes, and he gave me a few copper coins to deliver the letter. I started delivering it before the New Year last year, and have been doing so until now. Then the scholar asked me why she wouldn't reply, and I said she couldn't write, but she also didn't refuse... so he said that if he could get her token of affection, he would give me some money, and I, I just..."

Song Dingxiang said, "Oh? Then why did I hear that if she don't accept your letter, you go around making a scene?"

Lai Er kowtowed again, "Lady, you see through everything. I was just afraid that if the letter didn't get delivered, I wouldn't get the money, and in case, in case... she and that scholar..."

"I spit on you! Do you want another beating?" Song Dingxiang's eyebrows were about to shoot up.

Song Junli kicked Lai Er, causing him to fall to the ground. Lai Er curled up, crying, "I-I was just delivering a letter, Lady, I didn't do anything, sob... Lady, spare me, I won't come to this village again, never again."

Song Dingxiang asked, "Are you here to deliver a letter today as well?"

Lai Er nodded, saying, "The letter is in my arms, wrapped in oil paper."

Only then did Song Junli take out the letter from Lai Er's arms.

Because of the beating, the oil paper wrapping was in a mess. When unfolded, a messy love poem was revealed on the paper.

"Absolutely disgraceful!" Song Junli scanned the poem, his head almost smoking with anger.

However, Song Dingxiang remained calm. She said to Song Junli, "Don't get too worked up, clean him up and give him something to eat. I still need him to deliver a letter for me later."

Song Dingxiang picked up a piece of paper, wrote a sentence on it, and drew a lotus flower on the back. She folded the paper neatly, wrapped it in oil paper, and handed it to Lai Er, who had cleaned his face and was devouring the food.

"You help me with the matter I mentioned to the scholar earlier, and when it's done, I'll give this to you." She took out a small ingot of silver from her sleeve, weighing two taels.

Lai Er had never seen silver before, his eyes widened in astonishment, mumbling, "Oh my heavens, getting a silver taels for a beating, that's worth it." He reached out to grab it.

Song Dingxiang took back the silver and said, "After I said the matter is finished. You give this letter to that person and come find me in five days."

Lai Er rubbed his hands, grinning with missing teeth, "Um, what if I come and you don't give me the silver?"

Song Dingxiang replied, "Not giving you silver means you didn't do the job well and got caught. I'm just saying, if I beat you to death and bury you in the mountains today, who can find you? You should know that my family has a good relationship with Wang family in town, but it's just a beggar who died. Do you think he will seek justice for you?"

Lai Er shuddered, his face turning pale.

"So you better behave obediently and listen to me. Listen, and you'll get silver. If you don't, there's only one way, the path to death, understand?" Song Dingxiang waved the silver in front of him, saying, "Alright, you've eaten and drank enough, now get lost."

Lai Er grabbed two more pastries and ran off in a hurry.

Song Zijin, with red eyes, came out of the house and looked at Song Dingxiang, asking, "Sister, there won't be any trouble, will there?"

Song Dingxiang said, "There won't be any trouble, but in the future, be more cautious, understand?"

Song Zijin sniffed and nodded.

Song Jun raised his thumb, smiling and said, "Our little sister is truly amazing. Lai Er is usually tough, but now he's scared white by our little sister, he'll do whatever she says."

In truth, he wanted to beat Lai Er. But Song Dingxiang said he was just a messenger, not worth beating, just scaring. The person who sent him the message was the real villain, deserving a good beating.

Initially, Zhang shi was worried that Lai Er might spread the news throughout the village, saying something that could harm Song Zijin. But seeing Lai Er scurrying away, she inexplicably relaxed.

"In the future, learn more from your second sister, even if just a little, it will be enough for you." Zhang shi looked at her daughter and sighed deeply.

Her children weren't as talented as the Fang shi's, not even as bright as the girls from the Fang shi's. Thankfully, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law were willing to support their family, otherwise, she didn't know how long they would have to worry in the future.

"It's time to find a match for our third sister." Song Dingxiang helped Li shi hold the thread, saying, "Our third sister is already sixteen this year. Most girls in the village who are sixteen are already married, if we wait too long, we might not find a suitable match."

Actually, she didn't want Song Zijin to marry too early. Once married, she would suffer in someone else's house, caring for children and serving parents-in-law, how could she be comfortable at home?

But since it was ancient times, not getting married at a certain age could lead to trouble. Moreover, if she waited too long, the government might assign an unreliable bachelor, causing even more problems.

Li shi said, "Your aunt also mentioned that to me, but we can't find a suitable match in the nearby villages, and we don't want to marry our child too far away... It's better for a girl to marry near her own home, where she can get support when needed. If she marries far away... sigh..."

Song Dingxiang thought for a moment and said, "How about this, in a few days it will be Wang Daren's son's full moon celebration. Last time didn't we give a silver lock as a gift? This time let's see what else we can give as a gift, and ask Wang Daren to see if there is anyone suitable."

"Oh my, he is a respected person, and all the people he knows are officials and dignitaries. Would he even consider a village girl like your sister?" Li shi was surprised.

Song Dingxiang smiled and said, "Of course we're not trying to climb the social ladder, but after all, Wang Daren has a kind-hearted identity and knows many people. He doesn't just know wealthy families, and besides, we're just inquiring and asking, even if he introduces us, don't we still need to meet and see if it's a good match?"

Li shi thought for a moment and said, "We should also discuss this with your aunt."

Zhang shi was naturally pleased. In her opinion, even the gatekeeper under Wang Daren's hand was better than the commoners in this village.

Just look at that steward Wang Quan, he always comes with such grandeur. And yet, before, Wang Quan was also a poor child, picked up by Wang Daren and has been with him ever since.

Later, he married a girl from a poor family, and now they live a good life.

But this matter needed careful consideration. Right now, the priority was to deal with the person who had been delivering messages to Song Zijin.

On this cold spring night, most people had gone to bed early. The village was extremely quiet, with only occasional sounds of dogs barking and children crying.

A dark figure emerged from the main road, tall and thin, stealthily making his way to the pond in the Song family's compound, hiding behind the rockery.

Before long, two soft meows could be heard not far away. The figure straightened up and responded with a bark.

A moment later, a graceful woman walked over from the other side of the pond. However, behind her, several burly men were following, rushing towards them with fierce and menacing looks.

The dark figure was startled and tried to run. However, how fast could his thin legs run?

Soon, he was caught and his hands and feet were bound, his mouth was stuffed with cow dung, and he was shoved into a sack. Countless punches and kicks landed on him, causing him excruciating pain and eventually making him pass out.

When he woke up, he found himself lying by the side of the main road not far from the town. He tried to get up, but the intense pain in his legs and arms made him see black spots in front of his eyes.

After a few futile attempts, he broke out in a cold sweat and passed out again from the pain.

*

Song Dingxiang brought a pot of stewed meat sauce, sweet peach jam, a jar of newly brewed fruit wine, and several newly made woolen shawls in various patterns, riding their own mule-drawn cart to the town.

"I'm not going," Song Xingyi said, feeling nervous when he saw the large stone lion at the entrance of the Wang family. "You go with your father, I'll go sit in your sister's shop."

Song Dingxiang didn't insist either, and together with Song Zhiyuan, they arrived at the entrance of the Wang family.

They said to the young man guarding the gate, "Young man, please help us inform Wang Daren and say that the Song family from Beihugou village has come."

The young man immediately smiled and said, "So it's Young Lady Song and Sir Song. The couple has been talking about when you would come. Please come in, please come in."

As they stepped into the courtyard of the main house, Wang Daren came out of the house with a smile, saying, "I heard magpies chirping on the branches early this morning, turns out it was my niece who came."

Song Dingxiang smiled and greeted, saying, "Thank you for coming out, sir. Tomorrow will be the full moon of the young master, coincidentally we have some free time today to bring something over for you."

"Ah, there's no need for formalities between our families. And since tomorrow is the full moon, you must come for the celebration," replied Wang Daren, helping them up.

Song Dingxiang continued, "We came today because we were worried we couldn't come tomorrow. And I also have a little favor to ask of Wang Daren, it may not be suitable with so many people around tomorrow."

Wang Daren welcomed them into the main hall, had a maid bring tea, and curiously asked, "Is there something going on at home? Just say the word, I will do what I can!" He was content with having a son and felt joyful every day.

Song Dingxiang said, "Everything is fine at home, just some personal matters today. You know I have a younger sister, right? She is sixteen this year and hasn't found a suitable match yet."

Wang Daren responded, "Oh... I see, considering the youngsters in your villages, it's true that they may not be quite suitable. This girl needs to marry into a good family with kind in-laws for a happy future. But... wait a moment, let me ask my wife."

After he finished speaking, he got up and walked away, and shortly after, the laughter of Madam Wang could be heard, "The niece has arrived? I knew it, the magpie was chirping incessantly this morning, indicating that esteemed guests were coming."

As she spoke, the door curtain was lifted, and the well-fed Madam Wang, who had just given birth, came out with a joyous expression on her face. "If Dingxiang is so kind, then her younger sister must be equally exceptional. You've come to me for advice on the right matter."

Song Dingxiang and Song Zhiyuan bowed to Madam Wang again, and she repeatedly said they need not be so formal, urging them to sit down.

Song Dingxiang opened up the woolen shawl in her hand and handed it over, saying, "I came up with some new patterns recently, so I hurried to show them to you, to see if you like them."

The woolen shawl was made using crochet techniques, which Song Dingxiang had carefully researched at the blacksmith's shop. The crochet shawl had more patterns and was more versatile in color changes.

The new patterns she brought this time were all peony patterns, making the wearer look extremely elegant.

Madam Wang couldn't stop touching and feeling the shawl, saying, "This is truly remarkable, I really love it."

She carefully put away the shawl for a maid to take, then turned to Song Dingxiang and said, "When you came to deliver soap recipes, I already thought you were quite thoughtful. Now that we've known each other for a while, I can see that you truly treat people well. Whether it's winter stew or summer fruit jelly, they may seem small, but they show dedication in every aspect. I really appreciate it."

Song Dingxiang bowed again and said, "Initially, when I came, it was indeed to ask for Wang Daren's help. But I didn't expect that both Daren and Madam Wang would be so kind to my family. Tit for tat, if I were neglectful, wouldn't it be a disservice to the kindness of the two of you?"

Everyone likes to hear nice things, and for Song Dingxiang, many small matters were just a small effort, but having a stable and lasting support was the most worthwhile. Moreover, words of praise cost nothing, as long as they were sincere, who wouldn't be happy to hear them?

Madam Wang was naturally very happy and said to Wang Daren, "I told you this girl is a good one. What could other people possibly have against our family? How many things has she done for our family in all these years? It's our family that has taken advantage of her generosity in eating and drinking, instead of the other way around."

Song Dingxiang hurriedly replied, "How can you call it taking advantage? The lady of the house just called me her niece, these little things are just a niece's filial piety. If you call that taking advantage, then I really won't have the face to come again."

"You look at me, oh, I'm just not very good at talking." Madam Wang quickly took Song Dingxiang's hand, affectionately patted it twice, and said, "Are you here this time to find a suitable family for your cousin-sister in your uncle's family, right?"

Song Dingxiang replied, "Yes, my cousin-sister is excellent in everything, and she looks good too, it's just that my family doesn't want her to marry too far away, they're worried they won't be able to take care of her..."

"I understand, how can parents not understand that?" Madam Wang thought for a moment and said, "Actually, a few days ago I mentioned this matter to the old lady, and now there really is a good match, the age is similar, and it's not too far from your home."

Song Dingxiang was taken aback, "Not too far from my home? Isn't my village still...?"

Madam Wang smiled and said, "My mother-in-law had a manor as part of her dowry. It's located not far from the foot of the hill opposite your orchard. Have you heard of it?"

Song Dingxiang nodded and said, "Yes, I've heard there's a manor there, but I didn't know who owned it before."

Madam Wang said, "The manor is managed by my mother-in-law's grandnephew. He's tall, strong, and handsome. I think he's a good match for your third sister."

Song Dingxiang hesitated for a moment and said, "Since that young master is so good..."

Madam Wang said, "You don't need to worry too much. Back then, the boy had a marriage arranged in his grandmother's hometown. Unfortunately, the girl had a weak fortune and contracted a cold in the winter. She didn't even survive the New Year and passed away."

"Later, another match was arranged, but the boy's mother died in childbirth, and the girl's family was afraid of delaying the wedding too long, so they broke off the engagement."

"The boy's father also passed away not long after his mother's death. My mother-in-law felt sorry for the boy and was afraid that he would be bullied in his hometown, so she had someone send him over to be in charge of the estate. However, due to various delays, he is now 21 years old, and the mourning period just ended last year."

Song Dingxiang said, "The old lady's great-grandnephew must be a good person, it's just that this marriage is a bit of a stretch."

Madam Wang laughed heartily and said, "How is it a stretch? He's a child without parents, my mother-in-law is anxious to find him a good match, so she mentioned your third sister a few days ago, thought it was suitable, just didn't know if she was already promised. This is good, I haven't had a chance to ask you, but you've brought it up yourself. Isn't that a coincidence? I think it's fate."

Song Dingxiang also chuckled, "I have to say, this is really a good match, but after all, it's my third sister's marriage, she and my uncle's wife have to meet and see if they like each other. It's gonna be a bit troublesome, Madam Wang, please help."

Madam Wang said, "We're family, no need for formalities. Isn't tomorrow my son's one-month celebration? Bring your whole family, I'll set aside a courtyard for you, and then I'll introduce my nephew to you all, and you can see for yourselves. Besides, the manor is not far from your home, go back and inquire about the person, shouldn't be too hard to find out."

She paused and added, "A woman's future depends on whether she marries well. If she marries well, the man will care for her, earn money, and have a son in the future, securing her life. Oh, I talk too much, please don't take it to heart."

She wasn't intentional, but halfway through, Madam Wang remembered Song Dingxiang as the one whose marriage wasn't sure about being good or not, feeling embarrassed.

Song Dingxiang replied, "You're speaking the truth, my family only has this one sister left unmarried. It's been delayed until now, worrying she won't marry well. But since it's the lady's recommendation, how could it not be good? Just afraid others won't see the value in our country girl."

Madam Wang said, "What's not to value? Don't underestimate that child, she's skilled in farming and accounting, very reliable. It's just that we don't have daughters of the right age in our family, otherwise why would it fall to you? Dream on."

Song Dingxiang agreed to bring her family for the celebration tomorrow and bid farewell to Wang Daren and Madam Wang before leaving their home with Song Zhiyuan.

After leaving the Wang family, Song Zhiyuan said, "So that estate belongs to Old Madam Wang, huh? I actually know a little about that estate. The former caretaker was an old man who couldn't work anymore and retired. A young successor came in. I've seen him a few times while gathering firewood and picking fruits in the mountains, he's really good, even learned how to manage the fruit trees from me and your grandpa. If it's him, he's more than suitable for your third sister."

Song Dingxiang replied, "If Father thinks he's good, then he must be good. Let's bring Uncle's wife and third sister over tomorrow to take a look, and if it works out, that's all we need." The two of them walked towards the Song family restaurant, only to find Song Zhixuan there.

"Little Uncle," Song Dingxiang said, "What brings you here?"

Song Zhixuan smiled, "I came to teach my classmate the teacher's lectures, so he can study in his spare time. But seeing grandpa here startled me."

They chatted and laughed, then Song Yulan prepared a table of food in the backyard for them to have lunch.

Halfway through the meal, Song Dingxiang glanced around and asked with a smile, "Uncle, don't you get tired of studying every day at the academy? Isn't there anything interesting happening?"

Song Zhixuan caught on to her hidden question and understood immediately, "Actually, there is something interesting going on. There's a scholar in our academy, surnamed Zhen, a very dull name. He always thinks of himself as a literary genius and isn't very likable. But one day, someone beat him up and left him outside of town with broken hands and feet. The person who saved him wanted to report it, but he refused, claiming he fell while walking at night. It was obvious he got beaten up, his face all bruised."

Song Dingxiang placed a meatball in Song Zhixuan's bowl, saying, "He's a scholar, why isn't he studying well and why was he out walking at night?"

Song Zhixuan replied, "Who knows? He won't say, so let it be. But his wife has come to take care of him these days, so we don't have to worry."

Song Dingxiang widened her eyes, "Oh, he has a wife?"

Song Zhixuan felt her reaction was off and asked, "What's wrong? Why are you so surprised that he has a wife? Let me tell you, that scholar is not a good..."

"Uncle, what are you thinking!" Song Dingxiang slammed down her chopsticks and said firmly, "If I had known he had a wife, I would have hit him even harder!"

——— T/Note: I am about to have my period. If I suddenly stop updating one day, it's because it's here. Please don't rush me to update.