The next day, the Xie family’s second son indeed visited the Shen Family.
The Xie family came with five people in total. According to Auntie Xue’s earlier tip-off, they were the second son himself, his father, his second uncle, Second Aunt, and a cousin.
Following the usual custom, the male guests from the Xie family were received by Shen’s Father and Eldest Brother Shen Shao in the outer hall for tea, while the female guests were welcomed by Mother Zhang and Sister-in-law Qiao to the rear courtyard for conversation.
To avoid potential awkwardness if the prospective couple found each other unsuitable, the young man and woman did not meet directly. Their appearances and temperaments were conveyed entirely by their respective family members.
Second Aunt Lady Feng of the Xie family sat in the main hall of the rear courtyard, sipping tea while surveying this small-town household.
The front had two storefronts for the wool shop, while the back consisted of two small courtyards. One served as the outer guest area, and the other as the inner living quarters, separated by a row of decorative flower walls—clean and elegant.
She pondered inwardly: how could such a modest family be a match for a prominent household like the Xie family! Fortunately, this was the marriage matter for the second son of the main branch; she was merely standing on the sidelines, watching the spectacle.
With this thought, she cleared her throat and began boasting about her own family’s wealth and status to Zhang and Qiao.
“Starting from the second son’s grandfather’s generation, they built the family fortune we have today. Now that the old master has passed, only Old Madam remains at home, being cared for. My elder sister-in-law from the main branch passed away ten years ago, leaving behind a son and two daughters. The eldest daughter married into the He family in the county and moved to the provincial capital a few years ago. The younger daughter is only eleven or twelve this year, still young and naive.
Although our branch is the Second Branch, my son is the eldest grandson of the family! He’s the most capable, married early to the only daughter of the southern rice shop in the county. We also have a sixteen-year-old daughter, exceptionally beautiful…”
Seeing that Lady Feng’s words were increasingly shifting toward her own family, Zhang smiled and gently pushed the teacup forward, naturally interrupting her.
“And what has the second son been doing for his livelihood lately?”
Lady Feng paused, took a sip of tea to moisten her throat.
“Nothing much. He fooled around in the shop as a child. When he grew up, he followed his father on a couple of trips south to learn about buying medicinal herbs. Later, his father injured his leg and couldn’t travel far, so he went on his own. Oh, he’s never home! It’s my eldest son who manages the shop alone…”
The atmosphere grew somewhat awkward.
Shen’s Mother and her daughter-in-law Qiao exchanged a glance. It was the first time they had encountered an elder speaking of her own family’s child in such a manner. Was the second son truly so unimpressive, or was there some conflict between him and his Second Aunt’s family?
Qiao quietly stood up, walked to the back, and gestured outside. Shen Qi nodded in understanding and entered with the little maid Si’er carrying a tea tray.
Lady Feng, who had been rambling on, suddenly noticed Shen Qi entering with the maid to serve tea. Only then did she remember the real purpose of her visit today. She stopped talking and scrutinized the family’s daughter.
This young lady of the Shen family was indeed beautiful—tall and slender, with skin as fair and pink as peach blossoms, complementing an elegant and refined face. Her eyebrows were like willow leaves, her eyes like apricots, and she had a head of thick, dark hair, shining like a bright pearl that caught the eye.
Noticing Lady Feng’s gaze, Shen Qi slightly lowered her eyes, steadily held the teapot, leaned forward to refill the tea, and softly greeted her, a gentle smile in her eyes.
Lady Feng thought to herself: No wonder the main branch attaches such importance to this meeting, even calling their own family to accompany them. She is so stunningly beautiful and poised.
Not to mention the girls from small towns, even the young ladies from wealthy families in the county couldn't compare.
Lady Feng remained silent as she sipped her tea, but her mind was racing with a hundred calculations.
Her own daughter was naturally perfect in every way, and even her disappointing daughter-in-law, Sun Shi, was a rare beauty from the city who had captivated her son as if he had eaten honey.
But if this outstanding young woman before her were to enter the household, not to mention her dignified and graceful demeanor, just her striking appearance alone would overshadow both of them.
Though inwardly displeased, as the elder here for the matchmaking visit, Second Aunt set down her teacup and cheerfully took Shen Qi's hand, asking her name, age, and what she usually did at home.
Lady Zhang gently chimed in from the side.
Her daughter was born on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, so her childhood name was Yue'er. Her formal name, Shen Qi, was chosen alongside her brother's. In two months, she would turn eighteen. She had always helped her parents and sister-in-law with household chores at home and could also manage the shop—truly capable.
Lady Qiao added a few words as well, saying her younger sister was the most amiable at home, not only the apple of her parents' eyes but also dearly cherished by her and her eldest brother.
Second Aunt took the opportunity to feel Shen Qi's hand and indeed found a thin layer of calluses, evidence that she had done plenty of work at home. She thought to herself, if she were truly the apple of her parents' eyes, they would have spoiled her endlessly—why would they let her do such tasks?
In her mind, being pampered meant never stepping out of the inner quarters, doing nothing, caring for nothing, and simply being a young lady secluded in the depths of the household.
But the Shen Family's idea of pampering was allowing Shen Qi to study and read alongside her brother if she wished. If she wanted to learn accounting or cooking, her parents would teach her patiently.
The Shen Family raised boys and girls equally, without distinction. Even their youngest son, Shen Ji, after returning from school, had to help his sister and sister-in-law with tasks like picking vegetables and washing dishes, and he also assisted his father and brother with carrying and moving things.
Only by supporting one another could the family thrive and prosper.
Second Aunt couldn't possibly understand this. With a cheerful smile on her face, she thought to herself that a girl from such a modest family in this small town, if married into the Xie Family, would surely be at her beck and call, giving her another person to order around and making her life easier.
It was only at this moment that a genuine smile finally appeared on Lady Feng's face.
After pouring the tea, Shen Qi took the tea tray and slipped out through the back door with Si'er.
Si'er was the fourth daughter of a neighbor living on Back Street, only twelve or thirteen years old. With many children in her family, her parents had sent her out to work, and she came to the Shen Family daily to help with household chores.
Once out the back door, both of them breathed a sigh of relief.
That aunt inside was so unpleasant, always looking down her nose at others and clearly full of schemes.
Shen Qi and Si'er chatted and laughed as they walked ahead, just in time to see her eight-year-old brother, Shen Ji, sneakily perched on the peach tree by the flower wall.
Si'er immediately gave him a slap.
"The peaches aren't ripe yet, and you're stealing them again!"
Shen Qi noticed her father and brother leading the male guests from the Xie Family out of the main hall and tried to stop her, but it was too late.
Shen Ji, engrossed in his spying, was startled by the slap and let out a yelp.
Sure enough, the group heard the commotion and turned to look.
It was customary for the young man and woman meeting for the first time not to see each other.
But now that they were looking over, she herself didn't mind, but she feared it might embarrass her parents.
In her haste, Shen Qi used a tea tray to shield her face while pulling Si'er along, and they dashed away like the wind.
The others didn't notice Shen Qi and Si'er, only seeing Shen Ji fall from the tree. Shen Shao hurried over to pick him up and casually patted his bottom, making everyone laugh.
Only Xie Yuduo didn't smile.
As soon as they stepped outside, he had noticed a rustling sound nearby. While no one else paid attention, he quietly glanced over.
At first glance, he saw the two girls sneaking out.
A little chatterbox was babbling something, but it was too far to hear. The other girl, upon hearing it, burst into a radiant, blooming smile.
It was truly a beautiful smile.
His very soul seemed to fly away with that smile, leaving behind an empty chest.
He remained dazed until the girl also noticed them and fled like the wind.
The child fell from the tree and was helped up.
He was still in a trance.
It wasn't until his cousin nudged his arm that he snapped back to reality, bowed in farewell, and took his leave.
At the Shen family's gate, the Xie family bid farewell to Father Shen. Cousin Xie Yuming went to fetch two black horses and had the groom bring the carriage.
This time, the two brothers rode their own family-raised horses.
Father Xie Yan, Second Uncle Xie Ang, and Second Aunt Lady Feng rode in a large hired carriage.
In this small Baihe Town, a family owning even a mule was considered quite well-off. For the Xie family to raise two horses, they were truly a wealthy household, the kind usually found only in the county seat.
Sure enough, as soon as the Xie family stepped out, curious neighbors began peering over, whispering in hushed tones.
"Look, the Shen family's eldest daughter has another suitor coming to see her."
"Of course, such a lovely young lady naturally attracts many suitors."
"Hmph, there have been plenty of suitors, but this time, it'll probably be difficult to succeed too."
"That's true. Ever since Dr. Xu's family broke off the engagement, everyone says this girl has a harsh fate, afraid she'll bring misfortune to her husband if married. Didn't young Dr. Xu almost die from it? Luckily, they were only engaged, and once the engagement was broken off, he recovered. If she had actually been married into the family, who knows what would have happened!"
Someone nearby overheard and couldn't help chiming in.
"What harsh fate? Life, aging, sickness, and death are common occurrences. Which family's men or children don't fall ill sometimes? How can you blame the girl?"
"Hey, others might not be sure, but what Dr. Xu's family says carries some weight! They treat patients every day—how could they not understand their own son's illness? If even after all the treatments he didn't recover, they must have had no choice but to break off the engagement. Look, as soon as the engagement was broken, didn't he get better?"
"Exactly! Speaking of which, little Yue'er has been lovely since childhood, diligent, sensible, and sweet-tongued. Right after the engagement was broken off, so many families came to propose, nearly wearing out the doorstep. None were dissatisfied after meeting the girl, but as soon as they heard about her reputation for bringing misfortune to her husband, there was never any follow-up…"
"That's right, what a waste of these two years…"
Everyone chattered for a while until the Shen family's eldest son came out to open the shop, and they casually dispersed.
Meanwhile, the Xie family, on their way back to the city, were also discussing the matter.
The two brothers rode their horses, one each, while the three elders sat in a large blue-cloth carriage. When they reached a deserted stretch of countryside, they lifted the carriage curtain to speak more easily with the brothers riding on either side.
In the small county town, there were never strict boundaries between men and women to begin with, especially among family members who saw each other daily. Father sat on one side, while Second Uncle and Second Aunt sat on the other—this was considered quite proper.
Eldest Brother Xie Yuming, who socialized outside every day and gathered the most information, was currently telling the elders about the Shen Family.
"That Shen Family father was originally an outsider, a cloth peddler who traveled from street to alley. When he was young, he came to Baihe Town and settled down. The couple endured wind and sun for years selling cloth, finally earning enough to buy these two small houses facing the street."
Upon hearing Xie Yuming's words, Second Aunt couldn't help but curl her lip.
The Xie family residence had existed since their grandfather's generation, with five front-facing rooms and four courtyards in total. Although the family had indeed declined in recent years, they were still considered one of the notable wealthy households in the county.
A girl from such a humble family, even if she looked like a heavenly fairy, would truly be marrying above her station.
As Xie Yuming spoke, he also mentioned the rumors about "jinxing husbands," but since it concerned a young lady's reputation, he lowered his voice so only the family could hear.
Lady Feng immediately perked up upon hearing this—
If she really did jinx husbands, there would be quite a show to watch once she married into the eldest branch! If something unfortunate happened because of it, then their own Yuming would be the sole heir…
Just as Lady Feng was about to speak, Xie Yan, the long-silent eldest of the Xie family, spoke up.
"Don't spread such superstitious nonsense. She's a perfectly fine young lady—no need to tarnish her with such filthy talk."
Hearing his uncle speak, Xie Yuming wisely fell silent, but Lady Feng seized the opportunity.
"Speaking of which, coming from such a humble background, she's somewhat unworthy…"
Xie Ang, hearing his wife speak, chimed in.
"If everyone thinks this family isn't suitable, we can just look for another match. This is only the first one we've considered…"
Lady Feng immediately shot him a glare.
Xie Yan said, "It's actually not so bad. Their family has a business that can earn money, though it's small-scale—smaller than ours, but they're not a poor family."
Second Aunt then picked up the conversation, smiling as she addressed Eldest Brother.
"Exactly! Our Yuduo isn't young anymore, and the girl is five or six years younger than him. If we delay any further…"
Hearing this, Xie Yan didn't respond. After a long pause, he sighed.
His son, who should have been discussing marriage at seventeen or eighteen, had been away for five or six years purchasing medicinal herbs, rarely home, and thus his marriage had been delayed until now.
But with so many people in the family, why was a young man of seventeen or eighteen sent on long journeys?
It turned out that ever since Xie Yan and Xie Ang came of age, they took turns traveling to purchase goods, each trip lasting one or two years. When Xie Yuming and Xie Yuduo grew up, they each took their sons along to gain experience.
But Xie Yuming, who always considered himself the eldest grandson, couldn't endure the hardship. As soon as he married, he said that to ensure the family line continued quickly, he wouldn't travel again until he had a child.
Coupled with Second Uncle Xie Ang's muddle-headedness and Father Xie Yan injuring his leg on the road, only Xie Yuduo was left to shoulder the responsibility of traveling for purchases alone.
For six or seven years in a row, he spent less than twenty days total at home, which was why his marriage had been delayed.
As it happened, the Shen Family girl was the first match Xie Yuduo had been introduced to.
At this point, Second Aunt started chattering again.
"I've said all along, my cousin's third daughter—we know her background well, the families are close, and she's also very pretty…"
Second Aunt had said this many times, always praising Third Miss Zhao as "such a beautiful girl." But this time, suddenly recalling the appearance of the Shen family's young lady today, she felt somewhat embarrassed to call her "beautiful."
Xie Yan glanced at his son, who had remained silent throughout the journey.
Ever since his wife passed away, his son had spoken less and less to him.
Over the years, his son had accomplished so much on his own, and without him realizing it, he had grown into such a man—broad-shouldered, upright in posture, sitting straight and tall on horseback, looking exceptionally handsome and dignified.
Xie Yan felt a pang of heartache, sighed, and interrupted his sister-in-law's incessant chatter.
"Yuduo, what are your thoughts?"
Xie Yuduo gazed at the sparse trees lining the official road and the vast fields stretching into the distance, feeling immensely content.
"The Shen family's young lady is very good. If her family is willing, I would like to arrange the betrothal as soon as possible."