Chapter 35: Confrontation

Madam Chen of the Chen family had just arrived home and was heading towards the inner courtyard.

In the western wing of the inner courtyard, Chen Xiaomei was sitting by the window frame, embroidering a picture of joyful birds on a branch. Seeing her mother arrive, she quickly got up to welcome her, assisting Madam Chen to sit down and asked with a smile, “Mother, where did you go so early in the morning?”

Without answering, Madam Chen brought up the matter of the appointment with Madam Zhou at the Niangniang Temple. “Tomorrow, you and your brother will go with me. Miss Zhou Ruyi from the Zhou family will also be there. Remember to invite her and your brother to the backyard, let them talk more.”

Chen Xiaomei was aware of Zhou Ruyi. She was momentarily stunned, recalling that her brother was excited when he came to return the embroidery patterns last night. He mentioned that their mother had agreed to arrange a matchmaker for a proposal in a few days. Unsure if she had misunderstood her mother’s intentions, she hesitated and said, “Isn’t it inappropriate to bring my brother and other girls together?”

Madam Chen raised an eyebrow, “What’s inappropriate about it? Madam Zhou and I both understand the situation. Just let them get to know each other. Having you there will make things easier.”

Chen Xiaomei was shocked. She bit her lip, endured it, and finally couldn’t help but speak up for her older brother, “Mother, he already has someone he likes. He said you agreed to arrange a matchmaker for her. Now you want him to meet Zhou Ruyi… Isn’t that not good? I don’t think he would agree.”

Madam Chen chuckled, “The one he likes? The father and brother are both rural carpenters, a family of mud-stained folks. Do you want to associate with such a family in the future? Think about your sister-in-law’s dowry, a bundle wrapped in tattered clothes is considered her dowry. Do you want a sister-in-law like that?”

Chen Xiaomei made a sound of realization, left stunned by her mother’s words. When thinking about girls from poor families in the clan, she couldn’t quite imagine what the girl her brother liked would be like.

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With that, he flicked his sleeves and strode out of the room.

Madam Chen trembled like a sieve. After a while, she suddenly brought the hand holding the handkerchief to her forehead, slumped into the chair behind her, and burst into tears.

Chen Xiaomei was utterly confused, continuously comforting Madam Chen, “Mother, don’t be upset, don’t cry, what’s going on…”

Madam Chen was momentarily taken aback by her most beloved son’s reaction, feeling a bit heartbroken. Unaccustomed to being wronged, her nose tingled, and a few tears rolled down. However, she couldn’t let a twenty-year-old household fall into chaos over a momentary anger. While her daughter was still trying to console her, Madam Chen regained her composure. Realizing that Miss Liu had instigated her son into causing a scene, she and her son would play into her hands if they really fought. In a hurry, she instructed her daughter, “Go and bring your brother back!”

After saying this, she once again sobbed, covering her face with the handkerchief. Seeing her mother in distress, Chen Xiaomei nodded and said, “Mother, don’t be sad. I’ll go fetch him and have him apologize to you.” With that, she quickly left the room.

Once they left the west wing, Madam Chen stopped pretending to cry. She watched the commotion outside without wiping away the remaining tears on her cheeks, letting them stay.

As for Chen Xiaomei, she swiftly reached the east wing of the courtyard. Seeing her brother in a sullen mood, she approached him and advised, “Brother, why did you quarrel with mother like that? She used to dote on you a lot. If you defy her like this, how can she bear it? Now, she’s crying in my room. You should go back and apologize to her, and try to persuade her to stop crying.”

Initially still angry, Chen Sheng didn’t pay attention to his sister. However, upon hearing that his mother was crying, his eyelids trembled uncontrollably. Unable to resist, he glanced at his sister, his cheek twitched slightly, but he still refused to speak.

Seeing him beginning to soften, Chen Xiaomei continued, “Although I don’t know what happened, our mother always considers things carefully for you. Her intentions must be good. Even if you’re unhappy about her helping that Miss Liu, try to communicate with her. How can you argue with her right away? Isn’t that hurting our mother’s heart?”

Chen Sheng was stirred by this remark. He wanted to say that it was his mother who wanted to hurt his heart, not the other way around. Thinking of the tear marks still wet in Miss Liu’s eyes and her saying she wouldn’t see him again, Chen Sheng felt his heart ache.

His mother was wronged, but he felt even more wronged!

However, it wasn’t appropriate to say such things to his sister, who hadn’t yet married. All he could say was, “Mother shouldn’t deceive me. If there’s something unsatisfactory, we can discuss it as a family. Sister, you haven’t seen Miss Liu. Although she comes from a farming family, she is extremely refined and courteous. She’s much better than many girls from scholarly families in terms of manners and education…”

As he spoke, the discomfort intensified, and he continued, “Mother promised me a few days ago that she would go to propose marriage, but instead, she followed me and found Miss Liu. She said some embarrassing things, and Miss Liu is only about the same age as you, my little sister. How could she bear that? Can’t I come back and ask about this?”

Chen Xiaomei was at a loss for words. Her mind alternated between imagining the appearance of Sister Fang, as mentioned by her mother, and the refined and courteous young lady described by her brother. She also considered herself being cornered one day by her lover’s mother, saying something unpleasant about unsuitable matches… In a moment, she sympathized with Miss Liu and understood her brother’s feelings to some extent.

However, people tend to instinctively favor their own, and compared to the unfamiliar Miss Liu, Chen Xiaomei still defended her own mother. She advised, “Even if Mother said something about Miss Liu behind your back, it’s all for your sake. It hurts Mother’s heart too much for you to act this way. You should go and comfort her.”

Afraid that her persuasion might not be effective, she added, “If you truly like Miss Liu, you need Mother’s approval, don’t you? Sit down with Mother and have a good talk. Isn’t that better than being stubborn like this? If you continue to be stubborn with Mother, she will never agree to Miss Liu.

Inside the room, these words truly stirred Chen Sheng’s emotions. He glanced at his younger sister, and she returned the look, urging, “Go quickly!”

Chen Sheng hesitated before standing up. The siblings headed toward the western wing of the inner courtyard.

Mother Chen had been paying attention to the outside movements. She vaguely heard footsteps and quickly used a handkerchief to cover her forehead, producing a few sobbing sounds.

Chen Sheng was originally filled with anger. When he heard that his mother had cried, the remaining anger had not completely dissipated. It was only when he softened and intended to discuss matters about him and Liu Yu with Mother Chen, that his emotions took a turn. It wasn’t until he reached the door of the western wing, saw his mother had indeed cried, that he suddenly felt guilty. He thought that perhaps his tone had indeed been too harsh. He felt a twinge of self-blame.

After a few quick steps, standing about three paces away from Madam Chen, he lowered his head and called out, “Mother.”

They had just been arguing fiercely, and there were too many words of comfort that couldn’t be spoken. Madam Chen had long been waiting for his call. If he didn’t come, the tear streaks on her face would have dried. She waited for another two or three breaths, then turned her head to look at Chen Sheng. With a hint of anger, she said, “I don’t dare to be called ‘Mother’ by you!”

Saying that, she used the handkerchief to press against her cheek. Her tears, which were already half-dried, were wiped away as if seizing the opportunity.

Chen Sheng felt even more embarrassed. Seeing that his mother was indeed crying, he suddenly felt remorse. He thought that his tone just now was indeed not good. With a bit of self-blame, he said, “It’s the son’s fault for making mother angry.”

Madam Chen turned her head away, pressing the handkerchief against the corner of her eye. It seemed as if she would press it more to prevent further tears from rolling down. After a while, she turned her head, looked at Chen Sheng with red eyes, and said with a bit of temper, “It’s not good of you. A lifelong matter is something for a lifetime. Why won’t you let me be strict on your behalf? Blame me for protecting you too well. You’ve had smooth sailing from childhood until now. When have you ever seen any tricks or schemes?”

Listening to everything before was fine, but when he heard “tricks or schemes,” Chen Sheng’s forehead creased again.

Madam Chen noticed his expression and said, “Sit down and talk. I also want to hear your thoughts. There are some things I need to ask. Don’t blame me for inquiring in detail. For such a major matter as getting married, I can’t help but investigate. I heard that you got to know this girl because she went to the study to request a written character from you?”

Chen Sheng was momentarily stunned but followed her advice and sat down, nodding.

A hint of mockery appeared at the corner of Madam Chen’s lips. “Seeking a written character¹Calligraphy in the bookstore to use as an embroidery pattern. Isn’t there an embroidery shop in Changfeng Town? Sheng’er, don’t you understand? She wasn’t interested in the characters; she was interested in your person. From a poor family like hers, she’s trying to find a good match for herself. I’ll be frank with you; this is why I don’t like her.”

Madam Chen dared to approach Liu Yu, not afraid that Liu Yu would expose her intentions. She considered that she had a hold on Liu Yu.

However, Chen Sheng frowned. “Mother, you’ve misunderstood Liu Yu. Her family values scholars. They’re still supporting their nephew’s education at home. Her mother treasures the calligraphy and painting of scholars. So when she embroiders something for her mother, she intentionally goes to the study to request a written character. She uses it as a pattern for embroidery, adding a bit of scholarly elegance to please her mother. As for the embroidery pattern that my younger sister obtained, I actively pursued Liu Yu to borrow it. At that time, Liu Yu explained the reason to me.”

Reading materials of scholars, absorbing literary charm? Madam Chen almost choked on her own blood, glancing at Chen Sheng. She truly believed that she had raised her son too naively. However, considering Liu Yu’s seductive appearance, she couldn’t entirely blame her son. With such looks, any man would be affected. After all, some people believed the sun is square if you said so.

She felt a mix of resentment towards the cunning Liu Yu, who had evidently prepared for this in advance.

Clenching her teeth tightly, she knew this plan was falling apart. She had no choice but to focus on maintaining a united front with her son. She forced a strained smile, adopting a tone of both sadness and regret, saying, “Is that so? If it’s just a misunderstanding, I’m already afraid of her. You’ve only known her for a few days, and you’ve already sided with her to criticize me. In the future…” She stopped abruptly, letting out a self-deprecating laugh and refusing to say more.

Feeling urgency, Chen Sheng crouched in front of Madam Chen, apologizing, “Mother, please don’t be angry. It’s all my fault.”

The mother and son went back and forth, finally concluding this episode of turmoil with Madam Chen’s reluctant concession. “Tomorrow is Empress Yu’s birthday. I’ll go early in the morning to pray for your father and our family’s well-being. Accompany me.”

Chen Xiaomei, who had been watching with wide eyes, couldn’t believe that the matter of meeting Zhou Ruyi was brought up under such circumstances. She looked at her mother and elder brother, wondering if their plan was to deceive her brother first before meeting Zhou Ruyi.

Unexpectedly, Madam Chen was much more composed than Chen Xiaomei had anticipated. Without waiting for Chen Sheng to nod, she spoke directly, “I’ve also made an appointment with Madam Zhou and asked her to bring Ruyi along. Do you know Ruyi?”

Chen Sheng shook his head.

Madam Chen chuckled, “It’s good that you don’t know. There’s a difference between boys and girls. Well-raised girls don’t casually wander outside.”

This was another indirect reference to Liu Yu.

Seeing Chen Sheng’s displeasure, Madam Chen knew he wasn’t happy. She didn’t mind; these matters needed to be brought to his attention. Continuing, she said, “You don’t need to be unhappy. I’m speaking the truth. Have you ever seen your sister roaming around outside every day or frequenting a study full of young men? If you want me to agree to a marriage proposal, it’s not impossible, but not now. You’re twenty, but you haven’t really interacted with any women. Zhou Ruyi from the Zhou family seems good. If you really want to get married, I like someone like her. Tomorrow, when you accompany me to pay respects, you can see her and observe the differences.”

Chen Sheng abruptly stood up, looking at Madam Chen, “Mother, are you still not agreeing to me and Liu Yu?”

Madam Chen raised her eyes, her brows carrying a hint of sternness. She said in a deep voice, “Sit down!”

Chen Sheng tightened his fists, but in the end, he sat back down, still gazing at Madam Chen.

Madam Chen half-smiled and pursed her lips, saying indifferently, “I’m not refusing, but I won’t agree right away. First, meet the person I’ve arranged and make a comparison.”

“Don’t worry, as your mother, I won’t harm you. You’ve only seen a few girls; can you make up your mind so soon? It’s better to see more and avoid any losses.”

Chen Sheng, displaying his temper, retorted, “I only like Miss Liu. There’s no need to meet others.”

Madam Chen chuckled, saying, “If you’re so determined that Liu Yu is good and are afraid of meeting others, relax. If you still insist that Liu Yu is better after meeting Zhou Ruyi, then I won’t have much to say. We can send someone to propose to the Liu family. After all, it’s the person you want to spend your life with. If you’re determined to like her, how can I stop you? I might as well be more tolerant for your sake.”

Chen Sheng’s eyes lit up, “Mother, do you really mean that?”

Madam Chen tightened her grip on her handkerchief, showing no change in her expression, and nodded, “I do.”

Chen Sheng was overjoyed, “Then, Mother, you’re true to your word this time! Tomorrow, I’ll accompany you to the temple and meet Miss Zhou. After that, I’ll arrange for the matchmaker to propose to the Liu family.”

Chen Sheng was firm in his feelings for Liu Yu and had no doubt that meeting someone else would change his mind.

Madam Chen, despite her inner frustration, maintained a smile and nodded, instructing, “Go pick out something presentable. Don’t tarnish our family’s reputation.”

Chen Sheng had no interest in dressing up to meet Zhou Ruyi. His mind was entirely focused on the prospect of his mother agreeing to the marriage proposal. Suppressing his elation, he gave a perfunctory acknowledgment and said to Madam Chen, “You’re busy, Mother. I’ll return to the study.”

In reality, he was eager to find Liu Yu and share the good news with her.

As Chen Sheng walked away with a joyful expression, Madam Chen’s smile vanished completely. A layer of gloom covered her face, making her look more solemn. Chen Xiaomei, watching her mother, felt a shiver down her spine.

Unable to meet her mother’s gaze, Chen Xiaomei glanced at her brother happily leaving and felt an inexplicable heaviness in her heart.

Sansukini: I do agree with Mommy Chen, Chen Sheng is too naive.

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