The mule cart stopped outside the Lu family gate. Lu Chengxiao was waiting for Wei Shi and Liu Yu to get off the car. Lu Xun and Chen Shi finally saw the girl their son had been thinking about marrying. The impact of that one glance shocked everyone from the Lu family who came out to greet them. Everyone was stunned.
Chen Shi suddenly understood why her son appeared lost and disheartened for a while, why he was overjoyed after being allowed to marry after saving someone from drowning, and why, after hearing that Liu Yu had been sold, still chased after her to Yuanzhou overnight. It all made sense.
How could one not hold such a girl in high regard?
Lu Xun and Chen Shi welcomed them, “Is it Mrs. Liu? We have been looking forward to your arrival. Is this Yu’er?”
Chen Shi called Yu’er very intimately, and her gaze fell on Liu Yu’s face again. She couldn’t take her eyes off her.
Wei Shi smiled and exchanged greetings with Lu Xun and his wife, saying, “You have taken care of our Yu’er for these days. Today, we specially came to express our gratitude.”
As the words fell, Liu Yanqing and Liu Yu stepped forward to bow. Liu Yanqing had already brought various gifts prepared for the Lu family to Lu Xun, and Babao took them over.
The brothers and sister paid their respects one by one. After Liu Yanqing received praise from Lu Xun, it was Liu Yu’s turn. She bowed formally to Lu Xun and his wife. Before she could get up, Chen Shi had already supported her and said, “I’ve known you for a long time. It’s just that I haven’t had the chance to meet you. Today, I finally had the opportunity, and truly… How can there be such a good girl in this world? I can’t even find the right words to praise her.”
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Fbl oyp nsxrzlvlzu srrspkvl kd nbyaynvla vs Nw Ubldtmkys, oyax yde ryppksdyvl, ulv dsv ekqqknwzv vs elyz okvb. Nkw Zw zsolale bla blye yde pxkzle. Elk Fbk pyke, “Zsw yal shlaraykpkdt.”
“Rv’p usw obs yal vss xselpv.” Jlywvu oyp vbl qkapv kxralppksd, yde obyv oyp lhld xsal ayal oyp bla elnldv clbyhksa. Ohlau osae yde ynvksd pbsole lmnlzzldv xyddlap. Ubld Fbk qswde kv byae vs clzklhl vbyv pwnb y tsse tkaz oyp aykple cu vbl rlsrzl kd Nkwfkynwd. Fxkzkdt, pbl kdhkvle vbl vball xlxclap sq vbl Nkw qyxkzu, pyukdt, “Vzlypl nsxl kd. Nlv’p vyzj kdpkel.”
Mbl nyaakytlp olal yaaydtle cu Jycys vs vbl nyaakytl byzz. Nw Dwd ldvlavykdle Nkw Zydikdt, obkzl Ubld Fbk zle Elk Fbk yde Nkw Zw. Jlbkde vblx olal Nw Ubldtmkys, Nw Fbwydt1Ubldtmkys’p pkvla, yde Ckd Fbk2lzelpv pkpvla-kd-zyo. Mbl taswr ldvlale vbl Nw qyxkzu’p bswpl vstlvbla.
Nw Fbwydt pvyule clbkde. Tla blyav oyp rswdekdt yp pbl vwttle yv Nw Ubldtmkys’p pzllhl. Fllkdt Nw Ubldtmkys tzydnl shla, pbl obkprlale, “Mbkae Jasvbla, kp vbkp xu qwvwal pkpvla-kd-zyo? Fbl’p ps clywvkqwz.”
Mbl osaep “qwvwal pkpvla-kd-zyo” xyel Nw Ubldtmkys’p blyav pjkr y clyv. Rv oyp yd wdnsdvaszzyczl pollvdlpp. Gqayke vbyv Nkw Zw oswze cl lxcyaaypple, bl iwknjzu zsolale bkp hsknl yde pyke, “Psd’v vyzj dsdpldpl.”
Gqvla pyukdt vbyv, bl pwcnsdpnkswpzu zssjle yv Nkw Zw.
Nkw Zw oyp sdzu vos sa vball pvlrp kd qasdv sq vbl vos sq vblx. Gzvbswtb Nw Fbwydt’p hsknl oyp psqv, kv pvkzz alynble bla lyap. Mbl osaep “qwvwal pkpvla-kd-zyo” xyel bla lyap kdpvydvzu cwad. Fbl bwaaklezu zsolale bla blye yde vssj y qlo iwknj pvlrp vs nyvnb wr okvb Elk Fbk.
Rd qynv, Ubld Fbk yde Elk Fbk kd qasdv yzps blyae kv. Ubld Fbk pxkzle okvb qkdl zkdlp yv vbl nsadlap sq bla lulp yde pyke, “Rv’p dsv ldvkalzu taswdezlpp. Rq kv olald’v qsa y zkvvzl wdlmrlnvle kdnkeldv, vblu pbswze cl lmnbydtkdt tallvkdtp cu dso. Yap. Nkw, xu psd Ubldtmkys byp plv bkp blyav sd Zw’la. Zsw xwpv dsv bkdela bkx, sa vbkp csu xktbv dsv cl yczl vs tlv vbaswtb kv.”
What could be more embarassing than being teased by elders? Liu Yu had nowhere to hide now, her face burning like on fire.
At the moment of rebirth, Liu Yu never dared to imagine that the marriage she had planned in just a month would turn out like this. She thought marriage was a bargaining chip to get through hardships, just like the time when she chose someone at Liuxian Pavilion to pay a high price for her redemption, granting her a concubine position. It was a transaction, one selling her charm, the other buying it.
But now, with a blushing face and a racing heart, it seemed like a great attraction.
Wei Shi glanced at her niece’s flushed cheeks and smiled. The Lu family and Lu Sanlang were quite different from what she had initially thought. Honestly, missing out on such a family would be a pity. However, considering her niece had just returned home, she said, “Chengxiao is an excellent child. However, Mrs. Lu, you may not know that Yu’er has experienced some hardships since birth. I just brought her back a few days ago. I won’t hide it from you; I want to keep her by my side and cherish her. She’s only fifteen, and as for the marriage proposal, I’d like to postpone it for a while.”
The Lu family was momentarily stunned, including Lu Chengxiao, who couldn’t help but look at Liu Yu. Liu Yu, being considerate of his feelings, instinctively turned her head to meet his gaze. Their eyes locked, revealing a hint of apology in her eyes. However, mindful of others around them, they quickly averted their gazes.
Chen Shi, on the other hand, reacted swiftly, saying, “I’ve heard about Yu’er’s situation from my husband. Although I was eager to bring Yu’er into our family as soon as I saw her, I can understand Mrs. Liu’s feelings. Such a lovely girl, who wouldn’t want to cherish her? My son Chengxiao is only eighteen this year, so there’s no rush. Let’s follow your lead and postpone the marriage discussion for a bit.”
Chen Shi was tactful and understanding, and Wei Shi’s face showed an even greater degree of amusement.
As they continued to speak, they reached the main hall. Lu Xun and Lu Chengxiao welcomed Liu Yanqing, while Chen Shi, along with her daughter-in-law Qin Shi and daughter Lu Shuang, continued to guide Wei Shi and Liu Yu towards the inner courtyard. Chen Shi said, “Let the men talk about their matters. Let’s go to the tea room in the inner courtyard for a chat.”
Separated from the men, LuChengxiao couldn’t help but look at Liu Yu. His gaze was noticed by LuXun, who simply smiled as if he hadn’t noticed and led Liu Yanqing into the main hall.
~
In the inner courtyard tea room, all the fruits and snacks for guests were already prepared. Chen Shi invited Wei Shi to take the main seat.
Wei Shi could tell at a glance that the Lu family had put effort into this. Just from this, she could see the importance the Lu family attached to Liu Yu. Wei Shi’s impression of the Lu family improved even more, and she sincerely said, “You are really too polite.”
Qin Shi and Lu Shuang had already brought hot tea. Chen Shi took this opportunity to let them sit down and introduced them to Wei Shi and Liu Yu, saying, “This is my daughter-in-law, Qin Shi, and this is my youngest daughter, named Lu Shuang. She is fifteen this year, the same age as Yu’er.”
Then she asked Liu Yu, “I don’t know when Yu’er’s birthday is. My daughter Shuang’er was born in October. I wonder who is older, Yu’er or Shuang’er?”
Liu Yu glanced at Lu Shuang. The words “third sister-in-law” were still fresh in her mind, and she blushed slightly. She replied, “My birthday is in September, a little more than a month older than Sister Shuang.”
Wei Shi, however, shook her head and said, “Actually, Yu’er’s birthday is in August.”
The birth date and time of a woman were considered extremely private matters. They were usually only disclosed during the exchange of horoscope cards before marriage. However, asking about the month alone was harmless. Still, Wei Shi directly pointed out Liu Yu’s birth month in front of the Lu family, causing everyone, including Liu Yu, to look at her.
Wei Shi explained, “It’s related to Yu’er’s background. Your family has really put a lot of effort into Yu’er these days. The two children almost had a marriage agreement before. Today, I came to give your family an explanation. You’ve been to the village near Liu’s house. Later, Chengxiao met Yu’er in the county. I assume Mrs. Lu also knows about Yu’er’s life experience?”
Chen Shi nodded, “I have some knowledge, but not in detail.”
Wei Shi looked at the younger generation and Chen Shi understood her meaning. She said to her daughter-in-law and Lu Shuang, “Yulan, go and check on the two children. Shuang’er, take your sister Yu’er to the backyard to see the flowers you’ve been cultivating. It seems like a good time to give them some space.”
Qin Shi understood her mother-in-law’s intention and bid farewell to Wei Shi with a smile. Lu Shuang, with a pounding heart, looked at Liu Yu joyfully and nervously, saying, “Sister Yu’er, I love cultivating flowers in my spare time. I have a small garden in the backyard that I manage daily. Come with me to take a look and give me some advice?”
Liu Yu, having communicated with Wei Shi beforehand, knew what she was going to say. She smiled and nodded at Lu Shuang, saying, “I’m honored.”
Afterwards, she bowed to Wei Shi and Chen Shi, “Aunt and Mother, let’s chat. I’ll go to the backyard with Sister Shuang.”
The younger generation left, and Wei Shi said to Chen Shi, “You are thoughtful. The things we need to discuss are not suitable to be spoken openly.”
Chen Shi expressed her understanding.
Wei Shi said, “To be honest, before coming to your house, I was adopting a wait-and-see attitude towards Yu’er’s marriage. I wonder if your third son ever mentioned how he got to know Yu’er?”
Chen Shi truly had no idea. Lu Chengxiao only mentioned the marriage proposal to his mother on the night when Liu Yu fell into the water. He briefly talked about Liu Yu and Chen Sheng, saying that Chen Sheng was interested in Liu Yu, but Madam Chen didn’t approve. Madam Chen did something that caused Liu Yu to fall into the water.
Chen Shi did witness Madam Chen making a fuss that day and now, seeing Liu Yu in person, she was thankful that Madam Chen rejected her as a daughter-in-law. The incident of falling into the water, in a way, seemed to have benefited Chengxiao.
But as for how her son and Liu Yu got to know each other, she truly didn’t know, and she didn’t think it necessary to inquire further. However, Wei Shi’s words seemed to imply otherwise.
She shook her head, waiting for Wei Shi to continue.
Wei Shi continued, “Let me first tell you about Yu’er’s background. Initially, Yu’er said she was born in September, but that was what she thought. In reality, she was born in August. The month of September was fabricated by her mother to avoid our search.”
Chen Shi raised an eyebrow, “How do you explain this?”
“Our Liu family is in Yangshan Village in Xifeng Town. My mother-in-law only moved back recently. She has only two sons, one is my husband, and the other is Yu’er’s father. In their early years, the two brothers went hunting in the mountains and had an accident, both of them lost their lives. Yu’er’s mother quietly left the house, taking Yu’er with her, and secretly moved to your Changfeng Town. She married into Liujiacun, so there, she has her birth mother, and the other is her stepfather. She is not biologically related to the Liu family (in Liujiacun).”
Chen Shi nodded, “I inquired about this before the marriage proposal. I just don’t know why Yu’er’s birth mother needed to avoid the people of the Liu family. But I didn’t ask about it when we first met; it was not appropriate.”
Wei Shi could imagine that matters regarding marriage were always subject to investigation. She said, “Although Yu’er didn’t tell me about her days in Liujiacun, just by seeing her stepfather and stepbrother using drugs to silently sell people, I know that she has had a difficult time these years. The day I met her being chased by Wu Shi’s elder brother in the county, I took her back to Liujiacun to settle some old matters with her stepfather and birth mother.”
In fact, this statement made it clear that she had control over Yu’er’s birth mother and stepfather.
Wei Shi paused and continued, “On the way back that night, I felt sorry for her suffering so much in the past due to my negligence. She told me that if she hadn’t met me, she was planning to seek help from your family’s cloth shop in the county. When I met her, we were actually on the same street where your shop is located.”
“Is that so?” Chen Shi only now realized the danger Liu Yu had faced back then. She asked Wei Shi, “How is this related to their acquaintance?”
Wei Shi nodded, “Indeed, there is a connection. It was during that time that Yu’er told me that your third son had intended to propose to her. They had agreed that if they got approval from their parents, he would come to our house the next day for the marriage proposal.”
Wei Shi paused here, and Chen Shi instinctively felt that this was the crux of the matter. Wei Shi didn’t hold back and continued, “However, she confessed to me at that time. The marriage proposal was not entirely pure. She sensed that her stepfather and stepbrother had intentions to sell her. At that time, she didn’t know her own background, had no support, and in desperation, she thought of seeking a good marriage to dispel the idea of her stepfather and stepbrother selling her. Her acquaintance with your son was a deliberate approach. I wonder if Mrs. Lu was aware of this?”
Chen Shi was momentarily stunned. Wei Shi looked at her expression and continued, “Your son is intelligent and quickly figured it out. Yu’er also felt guilty afterward, so she distanced herself from him. However, at that time, she had no other choice and focused her attention on the young master of the Chen family in town. Naturally, whether it was your son or the young master of the Chen family, she adhered to proper etiquette. Lady Lu can rest assured about this.”
Chen Shi absolutely believed in this. With Liu Yu’s appearance, there was no need for any improper means to secure a marriage proposal. Combining Wei Shi’s narration, many things began to correlate. The sudden trip of her youngest son to the county, the hurried return, and then locking himself in the room shortly afterward – was it because he learned that Liu Yu had shifted her target?
Also, he mentioned earlier that Chen Sheng was also interested in Liu Yu and wanted to marry her. He informed her beforehand, probably to eliminate potential problems for Liu Yu. After all, Madam Chen and Chen Shi had never gotten along well. With Liu Yu entering the Lu family, Chen Shi could anticipate what rumors Madam Chen might spread outside.
Seeing her changing expression, Wei Shi continued, “When Yu’er told me about the origin of this marriage proposal, I already felt that something was not right. She was aware of it too. We agreed that when she met the young master again, she would explain everything.”
As soon as Chen Shi heard this, her fingertips holding the handkerchief trembled slightly. She looked up at Wei Shi, suddenly realizing that there were so many things she didn’t know. For a moment, she didn’t know what to say.
Wei Shi smiled and said, “Originally, I didn’t plan to say so much. The young master knew that Yu’er deliberately approached him, but he didn’t know the reason. I initially thought of waiting until after the ancestral sacrifice and introducing her to him again after meeting with relatives. Let Yu’er explain the reasons and temporarily put aside the matter of marriage. Firstly, considering the initial intention to avoid being sold, now that we have brought her back home, I’m not sure about the young master’s character, and I don’t dare to take the matter of my niece’s marriage lightly. Secondly, what Yu’er did was inappropriate and not fair to your family. Thirdly, Yu’er is still young, and there’s no rush for marriage. I think we should wait for a couple more years.”
“Don’t worry, I’m not trying to undermine your family’s relationship. I just want to observe a bit more.”
Every sentence makes sense, but Chen Shi’s heart sank gradually as she heard Wei Shi’s words. After the events of the past few days, Chen Shi was well aware of her younger son’s strong feelings for Liu Yu. Now, hearing hints from Wei Shi that the marriage proposal was not to be discussed, Chen Shi didn’t even have time to think about what she heard earlier regarding Liu Yu deliberately getting close to both Lu Chengxiao and Chen Sheng. She asked, “You used the words ‘originally.’ What are your current plans?”
Wei Shi confessed, “A few days ago, I saw the young master on the street. His gaze was clear, his character upright, and his treatment of Yu’er was truly excellent. My impression naturally changed. Talking about this today is not just my intention but also Yu’er’s. As a thin-skinned3shy young girl, she asked me to explain everything to you before her arrival, saying it was because your family is so good to her that she couldn’t and dared not hide anything.”
Chen Shi was stunned to hear this, not expecting that Liu Yu had asked Wei Shi to reveal these details.
Wei Shi continued, “Mrs. Lu, marriage is a lifelong matter. Whether this marriage happens or not is not only something I shouldn’t rush, but it’s the same for your side. You should think it over carefully. The character of the children, whether they are suitable for each other, all should be considered thoroughly.”
Chen Shi suddenly woke up at this moment, “No, I think just based on this honesty, Yu’er is a good child. Moreover, I believe that one’s character can be seen from their actions and expressions. In my opinion, Yu’er is excellent, and I trust my son’s judgment. As for those things in the past, I don’t think they are a big deal. Pushed to that extent, I find her clever. I don’t like someone foolishly getting sold without resistance.”
This straightforward praise brought a slight smile to Wei Shi’s eyes.
Chen Shi continued, “But I also understand your feelings. The child has just been found, and you are reluctant to let her marry so soon. Yu’er is the same age as my daughter, and from a mother’s perspective, I am also reluctant. If I were to choose a son-in-law, I would observe his character more.”
Saying this, both women laughed. Chen Shi added, “But following your advice, there’s no need to rush. However, she’s fifteen now, and we shouldn’t delay too long. If it’s too delayed, I’m afraid my son will think I, as a mother, am not capable. I really like Yu’er, and you can also observe whether Chengxiao is suitable for your niece. Let’s meet and interact between our two families. Let’s reconsider the marriage after some time, with the three books and six rituals taking a year or so. By then, they can get married at a suitable age.”
At this point, Wei Shi couldn’t be happier. She nodded in agreement, and though she didn’t explicitly mention visiting, she continued chatting with Chen Shi while sipping tea. Chen Shi was delighted to notice that Wei Shi intentionally left time for the two children to meet. This was undoubtedly pleasing for her son. They continued the conversation smoothly, showing a tacit understanding.
Meanwhile, in the garden, Lu Chengxiao also lived up to the expectations. Upon arriving home, he signaled Babao to pay attention to Liu Yu. So, Liu Yu followed Lu Chengxiao’s sister to the backyard, and Babao took the opportunity to bring more tea to the main hall.
Not long after Lu Shuang led Liu Yu to the backyard, her third brother hurriedly came in. As soon as he entered the garden, his gaze never left Liu Yu’s face.
Lu Shuang chuckled, patting her forehead, “Look at me, there’s still a steamer of dim sum in the pot, need to keep an eye on the cooking time. Almost forgot. Yu’er, you sit for a while. I’ll go check it, and I’ll be right back.”
Without waiting for Liu Yu’s response, she left quickly, leaving Liu Yu blushing. She smiled and walked away, even cheekily closing the wooden door of the backyard behind her, leaving the space for Liu Yu and Lu Chengxiao alone.
As soon as Lu Shuang left, the lush and blooming garden seemed to become ambiguous, creating an atmosphere filled with a sense of intimacy.
Sansukini: The author kept shifting the titles from Mrs. Lu to Chen Shi, then the similar name Madam Chen. I hope those didn’t confuse Yu. Basically “Shi” here means their maiden name, of sorts. So Mrs. Lu is Chen Shi. Mrs. Liu is Wei Shi. Yeah, 15 is too young to marry. But they won’t wait long.
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Ambiguous? More like mood lighting for a romantic exchange 😚🥰
Thank you for this chapter!