Chapter 31: Invite

Chen Sheng knows nothing about all of this.

At the beginning of the hour, Chen Ma took care of all the household chores for the Chen family, tidied herself up, and then carried the two snacks given by Mrs. Chen to the Liujiacun.

Inquiring about Liu Yu in Liujiacun was not difficult at all. She was indeed the exemplary model among the village women for educating the girls in the family. Chen Ma’s younger sister, who married into Liujiacun, spoke highly of Liu Yu. However, she was particularly curious, “Aren’t you working at the Chen family? Why are you inquiring about the girl in our village? Could it be your young master…”

Women are sensitive, and Liu Yu is of a suitable age for marriage. Her eyes lit up, already thinking about Liu Yu’s marriage.

Chen Ma hurriedly interrupted, “Don’t talk nonsense. That’s not the case.”

Having spent fifteen years in the Chen family, she knew Madam Chen very well. If such rumors spread from her, it would certainly bring trouble. Although she was not a servant who sold herself, she still relied on the Chen family for her livelihood.

Her sister was annoyed, but over the years, she had also heard about the character of the lady of the Chen household. She knew it wasn’t easy to talk about, so she smiled, explained Liu Yu’s situation, and added at the end, “If someone really has their eye on Yu’er, sister, you should say a few good words. I’m not saying this because I’m biased, but apart from not being Liu Kangsheng’s biological daughter, this girl is excellent in every aspect. I know the boys in our family don’t even deserve to carry her shoes. I dare not have such thoughts, but if someone wants to marry her, I’d be happy to have her as a daughter-in-law.”

Chen Ma, who initially wanted to talk about her own sister, became concerned. Hearing that her sister’s suitability was compared to not being able to carry shoes, she looked at her sister from top to bottom, with a gaze that seemed to say, “Do you have any problems? Are you speaking ill of your own son?”

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Chen Ma’s sister took Liu Yu to a spot in the courtyard where they weren’t blocked by the walls to talk privately. Chen Ma, standing outside at a distance, took a quick glance.

With just one glance, even an old woman like her couldn’t help but hold her breath. Her eyes were fixed, almost unblinking.

Chen Ma instantly understood the meaning behind her sister’s words. Compared to her two rough nephews, this girl was like a piece of jade next to tiles!

Her gaze remained fixed on the girl until she turned and went back into the house, disappearing from view. Chen Ma was still somewhat dazed.

Her sister had approached by now, waving a hand in front of Chen Ma’s eyes. Seeing her regain focus, she smiled and asked, “I wasn’t exaggerating, right?”

“No, no, she’s really something. Like a celestial being.”

Thinking that Madam Chen was waiting for her report, Chen Ma didn’t dare linger. After bidding farewell to her sister, she left for Changfeng Town in a hurry.

Sure enough, Madam Chen was waiting at home that afternoon. In the flower hall, Chen Ma provided a detailed account of what she had learned about the background of the Liu family and Liu Yu’s background.

The more Madam Chen heard, the colder her expression became. When she learned that Liu Yu was the daughter brought over through Wang Shi’s remarriage, she coldly chuckled, “The daughter of a carpenter, or rather, a stepdaughter brought over from her previous husband’s family.”

Chen Ma, who had a belly full of good things to say, dared not mention any of them.

At that moment, Chen Sheng breezed into the flower hall. His eyes lit up when he saw Chen Ma, “Chen Ma is back.”

He then looked towards Madam Chen at the upper end of the hall, “Mother, did Chen Ma bring back some information for you?”

The stern expression on Mrs. Chen’s face eased when her son entered, returning to her usual gentle appearance. She raised an eyebrow, “This is not the bookstore. Why have you come back again?”

Chen Sheng touched his nose and said, “I thought Chen Ma should be back around this time, so I came back.”

Madam Chen’s face darkened, and she sternly scolded, “Nonsense! The family business rests on your shoulders, and this is how you manage it? No wonder your father can’t even be at ease when he’s sick.”

The smile on Chen Sheng’s face froze, and he looked somewhat uneasy as he glanced at Madam Chen.

Madam Chen rubbed her forehead. When she looked up again, her face carried a trace of fatigue. She waved at Chen Sheng, softened her tone, and said, “Sheng’er, come over and sit down. I’ve been too strict with you. Since your father fell ill, we’ve relied on each other as mother and son. I can’t afford to let my guard down even for a moment.”

Chen Sheng, unsure of himself, dared not sit. He stood in front of Madam Chen and apologized, “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have neglected the bookstore. Mother, I shouldn’t have upset you.”

Madam Chen smiled, “Enough, sit down. I know you well. Are you in a hurry for your marriage proposal?”

Chen Sheng finally showed a somewhat shy smile on his face. Following her suggestion, he sat down and glanced at Chen Ma, then at Madam Chen, asking, “Mother, what did you find out?”

Madam Chen shook her head with a helpless look, “Silly child, do you even know about the girl’s family? You’re so eager to marry her.”

Chen Sheng’s expression changed slightly, and he quickly asked, “What’s the matter?”

Madam Chen then explained Liu Yu’s background, saying, “The situation in her family is complicated. Besides not having any support for you, you’ll likely have to take care of that large extended family of brothers, sisters, and nephews in the future.”

Hearing that, Chen Sheng breathed a sigh of relief and said, “It’s not a big deal. We’re not relying on anyone for support, and as for taking care of them, I’m marrying her, not her father or brothers. I’ll help where I can, and if I can’t, I’ll refuse. It’s not a big deal.”

Chen Ma, who had been lowering her head and closing her eyes, couldn’t help but glance at Chen Sheng when he spoke. Soon after, she lowered her head again.

Madam Chen sighed inwardly at his innocence. Although her face showed an expression of helplessness towards Chen Sheng, he continued to insist, “Mother, please arrange for the matchmaker to visit the Liujiacun soon.”

He was afraid of being late and having someone like Lu Chengxiao or someone else take the lead.

Madam Chen didn’t even regard Liu Yu highly so she wouldn’t bother to arrange a matchmaker for him. However, she smiled and scolded, “Marriage is a significant matter. We need to choose an auspicious day and meet the girl first. I need to observe my future daughter-in-law’s demeanor, and then we can communicate with her family. Otherwise, it’s too hasty and might seem disrespectful to the girl. Don’t you think so?”

Chen Sheng’s heart fluttered at the mention of his future wife, finding his mother’s words very reasonable. He smiled and said, “Mother, you handle the arrangements. If you meet her and like her, I’ll leave it to you. I’ll go back to the bookstore for now.”

After finishing his words, he respectfully bowed, nodded at Chen Ma, and left the flower hall.

As soon as Chen Sheng left, the smile faded from her face. Supporting her forehead with her hand, she truly felt tired. She closed her eyes and sighed deeply, remaining silent for a while.

Chen Ma stood quietly, and after several dozen breaths, Madam Chen finally opened her eyes. Still supporting her forehead with her hand, her voice carried a hint of fatigue as she asked, “On the Double Third Festival¹WashigFestival that day, do you remember how old that girl named Ruyi from the Zhou family is this year?”

Chen Ma had gone with the Chen family for the outing on the Double Third Festival. While the Chen family enjoyed the outdoors, she followed behind, carrying some food and snacks. After hearing Mrs. Chen’s question, she thought for a moment and asked, “Is it the Zhou family that manages the accounts for the grain shop in the county?”

Mrs. Chen nodded.

Chen Ma said, “Madam He asked about it that day, and I vaguely overheard. She’s around fifteen years old.”

Zhou Ruyi was also a quite graceful and beautiful girl, but compared to the one they met in the afternoon, she couldn’t compare. Of course, Madam Chen clearly didn’t favor Liu Yu. Chen Ma wouldn’t be foolish enough to say such things in front of her. Even though she had seen Liu Yu from a distance, she didn’t plan to bring it up again unless Madam Chen asked.

Madam Chen nodded and, after a while, said, “Please make another trip and go to the Zhou family and talk to Madam Zhou. I haven’t been feeling well lately, and I thought the day after tomorrow happens to be the birthday of Empress Yushui. Arrange for her to go to the temple with me in the morning. See if she is available.”

“Oh, and ask if it’s possible to bring Ruyi from her family. Tell her that since the Double Third Festival, I’ve been thinking about Ruyi and would like to see her again.”

Chen Ma instantly grasped her meaning, acknowledged with a sound, and headed straight to the Zhou family.

On the Zhou family’s side, upon hearing Chen Ma convey Mrs. Chen’s invitation, Madam Zhou felt her heart pounding with joy. However, she was afraid she had misunderstood and tentatively asked, “Is Madam Chen going alone?”

Chen Ma smiled, “No, that won’t do. Our young lady is filial. Whenever Madam goes to burn incense and worship Buddha, she always accompanies her. Your girl should also go with Madam. It’s perfect. The two young ladies can talk together.”

With such a clear implication, how could Madam Zhou not understand. She was delighted and said to Chen Ma, “That’s great. Ruyi was still thinking about her sister from the Chen family some time ago. Please tell your lady that on the day after tomorrow, at the end of the hour of Chen(Chen Shi 7am-9am), I will definitely go to the Empress Temple.”

The number of worshippers at the beginning of the Chen hour was too high, so the end of the Chen hour was just right.

Chen Ma knew that Madam Zhou understood the situation. She smiled, agreed, and as it was time to prepare dinner, she couldn’t delay any longer. She mentioned she needed to hurry to deliver the message to her lady and bid farewell to Madam Zhou.

Madam Zhou warmly accompanied Chen Ma all the way to the gate. She stood outside and watched until Chen Ma disappeared before returning.

Behind the moonlit window in the courtyard wall, Zhou Ruyi bit her lip, having overheard much of the conversation. She watched Madam Zhou see Chen Ma off, and when Madam Zhou was about to turn back, she quickly lifted her skirt, tiptoed, and hurriedly retreated to the western wing.

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