Matchmaker Zhang and Shen Wan Ni walked out of the courtyard and headed toward the Zhong Family's old residence.
The Zhong Family's old residence was located near the entrance of the Village. When the Old Master Zhong first became prosperous, he built the house with blue bricks and tiles, making it the best house in the Village. Over a decade later, it was still intact, save for being a bit old.
At this time, a plain carriage was parked at the main gate of the Zhong Family's old residence, surrounded by many villagers, including the Village Chief.
Standing next to the carriage was an aged and sorrowful Old woman, her hair almost entirely white. She wore well-made clothes, and an imposing aura surrounded her, like an Old Madam from a prominent family. This was Madam Zhong, the first wife of Old Master Zhong.
Next to her stood a Young Man who was pale and looked frail. The Young Man had clear and handsome features, was tall and thin, and wore a white brocade robe, giving off the air of a wealthy Young Master. His name was Zhong Zhouyi.
Next to him stood two Maidservants and two Servants.
There was also an Old woman who was using a key to open the door to the Zhong Family's old residence.
While waiting, Madam Zhong walked toward the Village Chief. "Brother, now that we have returned, we will not be leaving again. We will trouble you from now on."
The Village Chief politely asked, "May I presume to ask, Sister-in-law, why you have returned with only your grandson?"
The crevices on Madam Zhong's face were filled with sorrow, and she said sadly, "My grandson's Body is not very well, so I brought him back to recuperate."
The Doctor had asserted that her grandson would not live past half a year. The large residence was too noisy, and she wanted her eldest grandson to spend his remaining days peacefully and pass away quietly.
The Village Chief glanced at the frail Young Man beside her and thought it a pity. "The Village is quiet and the environment is good. Doctor Shen's medical skills are also high; perhaps he can take a look at Zhouyi, and he might recover."
Madam Zhong's eyes lit up. "Yes, I forgot about Doctor Shen. Once we settle in, I will immediately go find Doctor Shen to examine Zhouyi."
The Village Chief nodded. "We are all in the same Village. If you need any help, just say the word."
Madam Zhong nodded. "Thank you."
It was still better in the Village; the customs were simple, and people weren't overly complicated. She planned to stay in the Village to live out her old age as well.
While they were talking, the Old woman opened the door. "Old Madam, you may enter."
Madam Zhong nodded to the Village Chief and then led her people inside.
With no more excitement to watch, the villagers slowly dispersed.
Shen Wan Ni stood outside the crowd, watching the scene, secretly recalling her previous life—
Zhong Zhouyi was the Child of Old Master Zhong's eldest son, born to the principal wife. However, the principal wife did not survive the childbirth, leaving behind only one Child.
Six months later, the eldest son remarried and soon had a second Child, also a son.
Thus, this Zhong Zhouyi became a thorn in the side of the Stepmother, who wished he would disappear immediately.
Madam Zhong doted on Zhong Zhouyi and disliked this Stepmother, always protecting Zhong Zhouyi. This caused the Stepmother to hate Zhong Zhouyi even more, wishing him dead.
The Stepmother caused disturbances in the large residence every day, which greatly annoyed Madam Zhong. Later, when the Doctor determined Zhong Zhouyi would not live past half a year, Madam Zhong suddenly lost all her fighting spirit. She simply took her grandson back to the old residence, allowing Zhong Zhouyi to spend the rest of his life in peace.
Although Zhong Zhouyi was sickly, he was a scholar who had passed the three imperial examinations. It was precisely because he was striving for official rank that his illness worsened to an uncontrollable degree.
After Zhong Zhouyi returned to the Village, he indeed lived a peaceful period. Six months later, just as the Doctor had diagnosed, he passed away.
Madam Zhong could not bear the blow and passed away a month later.
From beginning to end, no one from the Zhong Family ever returned.
Thinking of this, a thought popped into Shen Wan Ni's mind: Shen Ruoxi in her past life also married a sickly man. That sickly man died half a year later, and then Shen Ruoxi was blamed, imprisoned in a room, and eventually died of severe illness.
Now Shen Ruoxi could not marry that person, but Zhong Zhouyi's situation was similar to that sickly man's. If Shen Ruoxi married him, the outcome would be the same. Madam Zhong was so fond of Zhong Zhouyi; if Shen Ruoxi caused her death, she certainly would not let Shen Ruoxi off easily. In this way, the diverted future could be corrected.
Thinking this, Shen Wan Ni quickly said to Matchmaker Zhang beside her, "Aunt Zhang, that Zhong Zhouyi doesn't seem to be married yet. Why don't you go and act as matchmaker for him? The Zhong Family is so wealthy; if you can find a good Wife for Zhong Zhouyi, the matchmaking fee will surely be substantial."
Matchmaker Zhang was moved upon hearing this. "You are right. After the Zhong Family settles in for a couple of days, I will visit them."
Seeing Matchmaker Zhang moved, Shen Wan Ni gently persuaded her, "Given Zhong Zhouyi's condition, it's best not to harm a good Young Lady. Finding him a girl who is resilient and can endure misfortune would be best."
Matchmaker Zhang thought this made sense. "Then who do you think is a good candidate?"
Shen Wan Ni smiled faintly and looked in one direction. "Isn't she right here, rather than far away?"
Matchmaker Zhang followed Shen Wan Ni's gaze and saw Shen Ruoxi walking home carrying a Cloth bag. The Young girl's Body was slender, and the Cloth bag bent her waist over.
Shen Ruoxi was panting after every few steps, truly unable to carry it any further. Seeing Shen Ruohao nearby, she put the Cloth bag down from her shoulder and called out, "Shen Ruohao, come here for a moment."
Shen Ruohao did not want to go over and pretended not to see Shen Ruoxi, turning to leave instead.
Seeing this, Shen Ruoxi pointed at Shen Ruohao's back and said angrily, "Shen Ruohao, do you believe I won't beat you?"
Although Shen Ruohao hated Shen Ruoxi, he was also afraid of her. He reluctantly stopped his footsteps and turned back, asking, "W-what do you want?"
Shen Ruoxi pointed at the Cloth bag. "This Cloth bag is too heavy; I can't carry it. Help me carry it for a bit."
Shen Ruohao grumbled internally, *You're so capable, yet you can't carry a Cloth bag? Useless!* Grumbling, he walked toward Shen Ruoxi. "What is in this Cloth bag?"
With so many people watching, Shen Ruoxi naturally would not say it was rice. She vaguely replied, "You'll know when you carry it back and open it."
Shen Ruohao asked no further questions, lifted the Cloth bag, hoisted it onto his shoulder, and headed home.
However, as he hoisted the Cloth bag onto his shoulder, he felt the rice inside, and a wave of surprise washed over him. Holding his confusion, he quickened his pace.
Shen Ruoxi watched Shen Ruohao walking ahead with a limp. His temper was somewhat similar to his younger brother's, but he became obedient when suppressed by force.
The others only recovered their senses after the two Siblings walked away. Shen Ruoxi hadn't caused trouble in the Village for a day and a half, and she was actually moving things home—was this really Shen Ruoxi?
Amidst the villagers' suspicion, the two Siblings returned to their home.
Shen Ruohao quickly closed the door and opened the Cloth bag, freezing instantly. Plump, white rice grains leaped into his sight, as if it were a hallucination. He had never seen so much rice in his life. "Refined—refined rice?"
Shen Ruoxi entered the Kitchen a step behind. "I went to the County Town today and happened upon an overturned Carriage. I helped out a bit, and the Owner gave me some rice as thanks."