Chapter 54

Song Dingxiang recounted the incident to Song Zhixuan, who clenched his teeth in anger and exclaimed, "That was a light punishment! I've long heard that he has a bad reputation and considers himself a talented scholar. Back then, I was curious why he suddenly mentioned to our teacher about holding a calligraphy and painting exhibition at our family's lotus pond. It turns out there was more to it than met the eye. When you first told me about it, I felt suspicious..."

Song Dingxiang replied, "The beating relieved my anger, and I got my sister's handkerchief back, so there's no need to be afraid of him. But there's also some good news today. I went to the Wang family to inquire, and Madam Wang did introduce me to someone who seems quite suitable."

Song Xingyi hurriedly asked, "Is there really someone suitable? Which family is it?"

Song Zhixuan laughed and said, "Speaking of which, this person's dad should also know, remember the estate not far from our village? The head of the estate used to be an old man, then a young successor took over. That young successor is actually a nephew of the lady from the Wang family in town. His parents passed away early, leaving him alone in their hometown. The kind old lady took him in, and now he's the head of the estate, he seems quite promising."

Song Xingyi suddenly realized, "Oh, that kid is related to the Wang family? I didn't realize that, he usually dresses quite modestly, but does have a tall and spirited appearance. But I heard he is in filial mourn?"

Song Dingxiang smiled, "He used to mourn for his parents, but the mourning period is over. Madam Wang mentioned the other day that she is considering finding a good family for him and thinks our third sister would be a good match."

Song Xingyi said, "It's just polite talk, let's just wait and see."

Song Dingxiang added, "Madam Wang said we should come tomorrow for a celebration, and take a look at him. If we think he's suitable, the matter can be settled."

Song Xingyi exclaimed, "Really? He's a relative of a high official, and they are interested in our family?"

Song Dingxiang said, "Even though he's a relative, over here he's just a nephew, not as prestigious as the Wang surname. Besides, our family is not lacking in anything. And with some additional dowry for our third sister, becoming the wife of the estate head, not far from home, wouldn't this be a good match?"

Song Xingyi said, "It sounds good, but we should also consult your aunt."

Suddenly, Song Yulan interjected, "Is that kid surnamed Li?"

Song Dingxiang laughed and said, "Even sis knows? But when he came, the eldest sister had already been married off, so I thought you probably doesn't know him well."

Song Yulan thought for a moment, looking puzzled, and said, "A few days ago, someone came to eat at my place and asked if I knew Jiaoxing. I heard that they...seemed to want to introduce him to Jiaoxing the daughter of my fifth uncle. I asked a bit more, and the person said it's a young man from the estate not far from our village, around twenty years old, surnamed Li."

Song Xingyi immediately furrowed his brows and said, "Did you hear it correctly? Introduce Jiaoxing?"

Song Yulan nodded.

Song Dingxiang said, "But it's just an introduction, nothing serious. With so many families seeking daughters, in our area, good young men are scarce. If our third sister and that young man hit it off, it would be a good match. If the young man likes Jiaoxing, it's fine by us."

Song Zhiyuan said, "In theory, yes, but as soon as it's connected to your third grandfather's family, I..."

Song Dingxiang smiled and said softly, "Could it be that once their family has introduced a young man, no one else can introduce him to others? Introduction is not a betrothal, why make such a big deal out of it?"

After lunch, Song Dingxiang talked to Song Yulan for a bit, then they went into town, bought some things, and returned home.

After Zhang shi heard this, her face lit up with joy, and she exclaimed, "Indeed, it's a good match. I've seen that child before, and he is really nice. So, are we going to the town tomorrow? Oh, Dingxiang, why don't you take your sister with you? I'm too clumsy, I won't go, I won't even be able to speak properly if I go."

Most families in the village are not fond of visiting wealthy households, mainly because of the huge gap and they feel inferior. Song Zhiyuan is used to coming and going because of his job of slaughtering pigs, Song Dingxiang is fearless, but others are not comfortable.

They nod their heads like bobbleheads just at the thought of it.

Li shi couldn't help but laugh and cry, "It's supposed to be a good thing, but look at all of you... How about this, Dingxiang, you take your sister with you tomorrow, and bring your parents and your young auntie along. Your eldest uncle and aunty definitely won't go, and they won't know what to say, they might end up causing trouble if they say the wrong thing."

Fang shi, on the other hand, was enthusiastic, "Alright, I'll go. I've never eaten at a wealthy household before, I wonder what delicacies they serve."

Li shi looked at Song Dingxiang and asked, "Should we bring a gift over as well?"

Song Dingxiang replied, "We already sent a gift today. Tomorrow, we're just going to meet them, whether we eat or not is another matter. But I've told my eldest sister to prepare some snacks in the morning and make them festive to bring as a gift."

Li shi nodded in approval, "I knew you had everything planned out. Just observe their attitude tomorrow, and ask about the matter with Jiaoxing. If the young man likes Jiaoxing, we won't rush it. Your sister doesn't have to worry about finding a good match."

Song Zijin blushed and said, "Grandma always teases me, but I wouldn't be happy if I had to marry far away. I want to be with my grandparents, and my parents."

Li shi laughed and said, "I'm afraid you won't want to come back by then."

"Grandma!" Song Zijin blushed and buried her head in Li shi's arms, coquettishly saying, "Grandma, how can you say that!"

The next morning, Song Zhiyuan specially cleaned the mule cart, laid out new cushions, and changed the curtains to make it look more exquisite. Song Zijin also tidied herself up, with her shiny black hair twisted into a bun on top of her head, two small braids on the sides, looking pretty and lively.

She didn't wear any elaborate jewelry on her head, just a few fluffy flowers given by the Wang family, shell-inlaid earrings hanging from her ears, and a red agate ring on her finger, making her fingers look slender, long, and pale.

She wore a light green skirt and a light red jacket, which was a popular color combination at the time. Although it was red and green, the colors were soft and gentle, making her look very beautiful.

Song Dingxiang simply dressed as a typical woman, with a silver hairpin originally given by Zhou Yinuo on her hair bun, simple silver earrings on her ears, and wearing common dark-colored clothes. She added a crocheted shawl with a design of lilac flowers.

The whole family got on the mule cart, and the cart trotted toward the town.

The Wang family's full moon celebration was very grand, with many nearby people invited, and the carriages lined up so far out that they reached the door.

Seeing this, Fang Shi felt a bit uneasy and couldn't help but say to Song Dingxiang, "Second daughter, look, everyone else has horse-drawn carriages."

Song Dingxiang didn't mind and said, "It's okay, we're not trying to show off wealth, what's wrong with a mule cart? There aren't many mule carts in the nearby villages anyway." After speaking, she lifted the curtain and looked outside, then smiled and said, "Oh, my little uncle is here too."

The Wang family was a prominent family in the town, with the title of an official. Now that they had a legitimate son, they naturally wanted the full moon celebration to be grand.

They not only invited their business associates but also invited the county magistrate, the head of the academy, and many wealthy households in the area.

The head of the academy was Song Zhixuan's father-in-law. Having the father-in-law come for the celebration meant he was willing to bring his son-in-law along to meet more people.

If the son-in-law passed the imperial exams in the future, it could be helpful for his career.

Upon hearing Song Dingxiang's words, Bai Shi also looked outside, her face blushing and eyes full of longing.

Seeing Song Zhiyuan driving the cart, he hurried over. Song Zhiyuan got off the cart and bowed to the head of the academy. Song Zhiyuan laughed, "I was worried I wouldn't see anyone after coming, but I happened to run into you."

Song Dingxiang also got off the cart and said, "Uncle, my little aunt is here too."

"Oh?" Song Zhixuan's eyes lit up. He asked, "Did you bring the child?"

Song Dingxiang said, "How can you bring a child to such an occasion? If Uncle wants to see his daughter, he can go home and see her."

Song Zhiyuan chuckled, looked into the cart, and said, "Then let's go in together later."

Just as they were speaking, a young servant from the Wang family ran over and said, "I recognized the look of the cart from afar and thought it might belong to Young Lady Song. Turns out it really is. Madam said to let Young Lady Song and her family go straight to the backyard. The old lady wants to talk to Young Lady Song."

With that, he took the reins from Song Zhiyuan and helped pull the mule cart.

When the mule cart reached the entrance, maids and old women helped the Song family women alight from the cart, and the cart was taken to the stable. The young servant led the male guests directly to the main house, while the female guests followed the maids and old women through the garden to the backyard.

"This prominent family is quite particular..." Fang Shi glanced around, not daring to look left or right, and spoke softly to her daughter.

The maid leading the way smiled and said, "If it were just family members coming, we wouldn't be so formal. But today is the young master's full moon celebration, and my master invited many guests to avoid any offense, that's why we are separating seating like this."

Song Dingxiang couldn't help but glance at the maid. Although she was dressed as a maid, her clothes and accessories were obviously more refined than the other maids nearby.

Song Dingxiang smiled and asked, "Are you serving the old lady?"

The maid widened her eyes, blinked, covered her mouth, and chuckled, "I heard our lady say that Young Lady Song is a clever person, and I didn't believe it. Now that I see for myself, I believe it. How did you know?"

Song Dingxiang said, "I can see that Sister's demeanor is different from others, both dignified and steady. It must be because you have served the old lady for a long time. And I heard that the old lady likes to worship Buddha, and there is a faint scent of sandalwood on Sister, so I made a guess."

The maid smiled so much that her eyes and eyebrows curved, and she said, "Yes, I am the old lady's senior maid. My name is Zhenzhu. Please don't call me sister, just call me Zhenzhu."

Song Dingxiang slightly squatted down and said, "Sister Zhenzhu."

Zhenzhu laughed a lot, "You don't seem like you were raised in a rural family, your manners are very proper."

As they walked, they arrived at the backyard, where Madam Wang was standing at the entrance, talking to a woman adorned with pearls and jade. When she looked up and saw Song Dingxiang, she smiled and waved, saying, "I was just wondering when you would come, and now here you are."

The woman with pearls and jade frowned upon seeing Song Dingxiang and her group, saying, "Brother has been here for a while, how does he even know someone like this?"

Madam Wang pursed her lips, suppressing a smile, and said, "This is not a place full of dignitaries, we are just here for simplicity and comfort. Well, you should go in now too, I'm sure Mother is getting impatient waiting for you."

The woman with pearls and jade pursed her lips, supported by a maid, twisted her waist, lifted her feet, and entered the courtyard.

Song Dingxiang then walked over, and Madam Wang smiled, saying, "There are many people here today, so I prepared a small courtyard for you separately. It's also to avoid you encountering those with hidden agenda and causing unease."

As she was speaking, she took Song Dingxiang's hand and said to Fang Shi, "Sister-in-law, you are indeed fortunate to have such a clever daughter. You'll probably enjoy endless good days in the future."

Fang Shi quickly replied, "Thanks for the kind words, we rural folks just aim to have enough to eat, wear, and stay healthy."

Madam Wang, leading them into the courtyard, continued, "Who doesn't aim for enough to eat, wear, and stay healthy? As for women like us, what do we aim for? It's nothing other than finding peace of mind in marriage and ensuring our children live well. Especially for daughters who have to marry and can't stay by our side, it's truly heart-wrenching."

Fang Shi felt touched by her words and sighed, "Who can argue with that? It's a pity that my two daughters didn't get to marry as they wished. I only hope that our third girl will marry into a good family and live a harmonious life."

Madam Wang also sighed, saying, "I have two daughters myself, although they are not of marriageable age yet, I worry about them all the time. But rest assured, Sister-in-law, your eldest daughter is not far from here, and I can help look after them. If she find a good match in the future, she can still remarry."

Fang Shi quickly expressed her thanks, saying, "That would be too much trouble for you, Madam."

Madam Wang smiled and said, "It's no trouble at all, we are all family here. How could I find an unsuitable match for our daughter? It took me so many years of praying for a son, I must continue to accumulate blessings for my son."

The small courtyard was next to the main guest courtyard, exquisitely decorated with two maids and two old servants serving inside.

Seeing that Fang Shi and her companions were settled, Madam Wang continued, "My mother-in-law will be talking to Dingxiang and your third daughter. Sister-in-law, you stay here and rest for a while. I will take them to meet my mother-in-law."

Fang Shi quickly agreed, and Madam Wang led Song Dingxiang and Song Zijin to the back courtyard where the old lady lived.

The old lady's place was lively, with many women and children surrounding her. Seeing Madam Wang bringing in two women, especially two women dressed plainly but personally brought in by Madam Wang, they became curious.

One of the women adorned with pearls and jade sneered, "Oh, so now brother's family is personally selecting maids, too?"

Madam Wang gave her a faint glance without speaking, only nodding her head at Old Madam Wang.

Madam Wang smiled and said, "Mother, this is the Song Dingxiang I often talk to you about, and the beautiful girl next to her is her sister, Song Zijin."

Old Madam Wang's smile widened, and she beckoned, saying, "Come over here, let me have a look. Oh, both of these girls look so good. I've heard that Dingxiang is good at cooking, I've tried it and really liked it. Is this Zijin? Such a delicate appearance..."

The sisters bowed to Old Madam Wang and stood up. After Song Dingxiang glanced around the room, she had a good idea in her mind.

Old Madam Wang took Song Zijin's hand and examined her closely, looking at her hands and said with a smile, "Very good, very good, I like her."

The woman adorned with pearls and jade laughed and said, "So, sister-in-law is picking a chef for my mother?"

Old Madam Wang gave her a faint glance and said, "Guests are to be treated as guests. Qiang'er, you've been married for so many years, why don't you understand this principle?"

Madam Wang then said, "Mother, since you came here, the sisters have been taught by their concubine-mother, so naturally they don't understand. How about letting the younger sister stay for a few days, so that mother and sister can bond."

The woman adorned in pearls and jade immediately changed her expression, her face darkening as she fell silent.

Old Madam Wang talked to Song Zijin in a casual manner, asking about her family, how many people were at home, and what they did on a daily basis.

Song Zijin answered truthfully without hiding anything. When she mentioned farming, there were a few faint scoffs from the side.

Old Madam Wang said, "I like how simple and down-to-earth you are. When I was young, I also worked in the fields with my family, planting corn and rice. After getting married, I had to make ends meet by embroidering and growing vegetables in the yard. People, only by experiencing hardship, can truly appreciate the sweetness of what they have now. I like girls like you."

Song Zijin couldn't help but say, "Thank you, old madam. If you like it, I will come with my sister in the future to chat with you." She genuinely liked the old lady, who had a gentle aura and reminded her of her grandmother.

Li shi was also a gentle woman with a firm interior who cared deeply for her younger relatives.

Old Madam Wang chuckled, "It's settled then. You and your sister discuss and make time to come and accompany me."

Just then, a maid named Zhenzhu walked in and smiled, "Madam, the feast can begin."

Madam Wang whispered a few words into the old lady's ear. The old lady nodded after some thought and said, "Hmm, that's fine. It's better to avoid causing trouble. Alright, you take the two of them and take good care of them."

Song Dingxiang and Song Zijin were escorted back to the courtyard by Zhenzhu. Zhenzhu smiled and said, "Today is unusually leisurely. Old Madam asked me to take care of the lady and the young ladies."

Fang Shi quickly said, "There's no need for you to take care of us. Zhenzhu, please have a seat quickly. Otherwise, if you stand like that, we won't be able to eat."

Zhenzhu said, "Alright then, since the madam insisted on me being lazy, I'll be lazy." After speaking, she sat down next to Song Zijin.

Dishes kept coming one after another, exquisitely presented.

Fang Shi opened her mouth as if to say something, but ultimately glanced at Song Dingxiang and remained silent.

Zhenzhu noticed and said, "It all just looks good on the plate. In reality, I think the big pot of stew we make at home is fragrant and cost-effective. My mother used to make pickled cabbage stew with goose for me, but since coming here, I haven't had it again."

Song Dingxiang picked up a meatball and gave it to Fang Shi, then smiled at Zhenzhu, "It's not hard to have what you want to eat, is it? Just tell a little white lie to the old lady and come to my home. My mother's pickled cabbage stew with goose is delicious. We can also bring some pickled chicken eggs and duck eggs, all greasy, perfect with porridge."

Zhenzhu said, "I'll remember that, so don't deny it when the time comes."

With a few words, the atmosphere became harmonious and Fang Shi became less formal. She joked along saying, "Pickled cabbage tastes best in winter. If you come in winter, we can stew blood sausages, stew pork bones, stew ducks, and geese. Just tell us what you want to eat."

Zhenzhu laughed, "Then I won't be polite. I'll write a menu before coming over and have someone bring it. I'll just go and enjoy the ready-made dishes."

As the meal was almost over, a plate of desserts was brought out.

Zhenzhu looked at the desserts and exclaimed, "Oh, it's in the shape of a lotus flower. Old Madam loves lotus flowers the most. When you brought lotus flowers before, Old Madam put them in water for a long time and they didn't wither. She said it was a good omen, and not long after, her daughter-in-law became pregnant."

Just then, a maid walked in and said, "Zhenzhu, is Young Lady Song here?"

Zhenzhu stood up and said, "She is here, is there something you need?"

The maid smiled and said, "Old Madam heard that this lotus flower dessert was sent by Young Lady Song's sister and she was very pleased. She asked for Young Lady Song and Young Lady Song's sister to go over for a chat."

Zhenzhu said, "I knew Old Madam would like it. Alright, I'll take them over there."

Song Dingxiang and Song Zijin went to the next courtyard, where it was filled with flowers and birds chirping. Old Madam Wang sat at the main table, chatting with Song Yulan who was standing beside her.

When Song Dingxiang and the others entered, she smiled and said, "You three sisters really make this old lady happy. I was just asking your sister how to make this dessert, and she said you taught her?"

Song Dingxiang replied, "It's just a coincidence that Old Madam likes it, so she made it."

Old Madam Wang nodded and said, "I like it, I really like it. I was also asking your sister if she knows how to make longevity peaches. With these skillful hands, I bet the longevity peaches she makes are also very good."

Song Dingxiang asked, "Does Old Madam want the everyday longevity peach dessert or the longevity peach for special occasions?"

Old Madam Wang raised her eyebrows and asked, "Is there a difference?"

Song Dingxiang laughed, "Of course there is a difference. How about I have my sister make some for you to taste in a couple of days?"

Old Madam Wang chuckled and said, "Well, well, well, oh my, I really do like you three sisters."

Just behind the flower stand where they were talking, there were several people standing. Wang Daren pointed to one young man and said, "Do you like the girl behind Young Lady Song, in the light green dress with the fluffy flower on her head?"

The young man glanced over, his cheeks turning red, and nodded vigorously.

Wang Daren smiled, "Her two sisters are both very nice, so I'm sure this sister is also nice." He then glanced at Song Zhixuan standing beside him.

Song Zhixuan said, "My three nieces are truly outstanding - the oldest is steady, the second is clever, and the youngest, although a bit carefree at home, may be feeling nervous and restrained here. But she is not a spoiled child, very gentle and polite."

The young man nodded, then suddenly said, "Actually, I have seen her before from a distance, near the lotus pond..."

Wang Daren teased, "My shy nephew here. If you like her, I'll go propose on your behalf. Let's aim to have the engagement done this year so you can have children next year."

The young man blushed and shyly raised his head to steal a few glances in her direction, then couldn't help but smile.

As they were leaving, the Song family was the last to go. As they reached the door, Zhenzhu pointed to the side and said, "Oh my, isn't that Madam's nephew from her family?"

Several people followed her finger and saw a tall young man talking with Wang Quan. After a few sentences, he laughed, appearing quite handsome and cheerful.

Song Zijin glanced over a few times, then turned to look at the grinning Song Dingxiang and Song Yulan, couldn't help but stomp her foot and said, "Sister always enjoys teasing me."

After speaking, her own face also turned red.

Song Dingxiang nodded towards Zhenzhu, who smiled and said, "Since everything is almost settled, the girl can now wait to hear good news."

Just two days after they returned home, the matchmaker came knocking at their door. After exchanging betrothal gifts, both families discussed and settled on the sixth day of the sixth month for the wedding.

Just as they had finalized the arrangements, Song Jiaoxing received some shocking news, "What? No, it can't be! Big Brother Li promised to marry me, how could he marry that Song Zijin from their family?!"

They had just spoken about it the day before, and yesterday she spent the whole day playing dead in bed.