Zhang Guihua had already recognized the visitor as Matchmaker Feng—the most reputable matchmaker from Chuiliu Town. Her heart had tightened for a moment, thinking some well-off family from the town had come to propose to the Zhong family. But when she heard that it was the Pei family from their own village, she relaxed immediately.
Of course—how could someone with such a ruined reputation be so lucky? Still, it was surprising that the Pei family would hire a town matchmaker… for that kind of young man?
Others clearly had the same thought, whispering among themselves.
One person said that Carpenter Pei’s family was well-off to begin with, so spending more on a marriage was normal. Another nodded, adding that Madam Tian doted on Pei Jin and must have spared no expense. Zhang Guihua rolled her eyes and sneered, “Are they out of their minds? Spending that much to marry into a family like that. Besides, that young man from the prefectural city might not even agree…”
The discussion was lively until someone in the crowd suddenly said, “Who says there’s only Carpenter Pei’s family? Isn’t there also Pei Mu at the western foot of the mountain?”
The crowd fell silent.
“Well… that’s hard to say. He’s already of marriageable age…”
Pei Mu had already turned nineteen. Others his age in the village already had children, yet he lived alone at the foot of the mountain. Naturally, people talked.
The most common rumor was that he had a “harsh fate”—that any woman or young man who married him would die without even knowing how.
When he first returned to the village, many assumed he had money. Some had even considered marrying their children to him for financial gain. But after seeing how cold and stingy he was even toward his own parents, they quickly gave up the idea.
Strangely enough, though he had been back for over a year, he still hadn’t married. In the villagers’ eyes, if he truly wanted to marry and had money, he could have done so long ago. Since he hadn’t, it must mean he couldn’t.
Over time, people stopped believing he had money. Poor and ill-famed, without even a piece of land, perhaps not even skilled at hunting—families with unmarried children avoided him like the plague.
Although by common sense Pei Mu shouldn’t be able to afford a town matchmaker… what if?
Matchmaker Feng had only said “the Pei family,” leaving everyone restless with curiosity. Suddenly, the argument at the Liu household lost its appeal. They exchanged glances and dispersed in small groups.
But if one looked closely, everyone was heading in the same direction—toward the Zhong family.
Zhang Guihua rushed ahead, eager to watch the spectacle. If it really was that ill-fated man, she could hardly hold back her laughter. The Zhong family’s young man would truly be doomed.
When they arrived, she looked carefully—and saw Pei Mu and Wang Ping’an with his spouse, each carrying red-cloth-wrapped boxes, entering the Zhong family courtyard alongside Matchmaker Feng.
“This…!”
The people behind her were stunned. They hadn’t expected the answer to be revealed so quickly. It really wasn’t Carpenter Pei’s family—it was Pei Mu!
And from the looks of it, Matchmaker Feng wasn’t here to propose—he was here to deliver the betrothal gifts. With elders and the groom present, this was clearly the formal offering of gifts!
There hadn’t even been news of a prior engagement—yet they had come straight to deliver the betrothal gifts. Such forceful action left no room for refusal.
Everything about it defied expectations. No one left. No matter how fierce Pei Mu was, he wouldn’t beat all of them. Missing such rare excitement would leave them restless for days.
Among the crowd were those gloating like Zhang Guihua, those simply curious, and those worried things might escalate—some even ran to inform the village head. It became a spectacle in itself.
Yet inside the Zhong family’s main hall, the atmosphere was entirely different.
Matchmaker Feng knew nothing of the village rumors. Seeing that Pei Mu was tall and handsome, generous with money when purchasing betrothal gifts, and even willing to spend heavily to arrange a match for his younger brother, Feng had a very favorable impression of him.
When Pei Mu mentioned delivering betrothal gifts right away, Feng naturally assumed the match had already been agreed upon.
With years of experience, he believed he could judge a person well. A man like Pei Mu was rare—someone others would struggle to find even with a lantern. Marriage should have been easy for him.
Thus, Feng thought today’s visit was just a formality.
Compared to Wang Ping’an and his spouse—who forced smiles while feeling uneasy—Feng’s cheerful demeanor was entirely genuine.
He warmly held Sun Yunniang’s hands, offering auspicious words. When he saw Zhong Yizhu, his eyes lit up—this match was truly well-suited.
No wonder Pei Mu had rushed to arrange this. Who wouldn’t covet such a beautiful young man?
Looking between the two, Feng felt this was the most pleasing pair he had ever matched.
Pei Mu lingered at the back. His gaze rested briefly on Zhong Yizhu, then withdrew before Zhong turned away.
Wang Ping’an and his spouse were seeing Zhong Yizhu for the first time. Upon seeing his appearance, they suddenly found Pei Mu’s impulsive behavior understandable. So that was why he hadn’t pursued marriage before—his standards were simply high.
Then they began to worry again—what if Zhong Yizhu didn’t like Pei Mu?
Seeing Pei Mu stand there cold and imposing without even a smile, Wang Ping’an felt the matter would likely fail.
Matchmaker Feng, unaware of their thoughts, assumed the stiffness came from unfamiliarity. He quickly invited everyone to sit.
After briefly appearing, Zhong Yizhu returned to his room as etiquette required. Feng smiled at Sun Yunniang.
“You only have this one child, yes? If I had such a lovely one, I’d find it hard to part with him too. But precisely because he’s precious, you must choose a reliable husband.”
Sun Yunniang looked at Pei Mu. She had heard many rumors, but this was her first time seeing him. He was striking and well-built—without his past, he would surely be very popular.
Over the past two years, she had considered many candidates: refined scholars, capable merchants, even the young escort master from Shunwu Escort Agency. Never had she imagined that in the end, her child’s future would rest in the hands of someone like this.
A complicated past, dangerous work, frightening rumors… and yet it was this man who had saved her child and dealt with the troublemakers.
She sighed inwardly at fate. Since she had agreed, she spoke without hesitation.
“That’s true. I had hoped to keep him at home a bit longer, but children grow up. As his mother, I can’t delay his marriage out of reluctance.”
Hearing her tone, Feng smiled even more broadly. Since both sides were willing, the matter could proceed quickly.
He efficiently listed the betrothal gifts and money, praising, “Madam, this is among the best in the village. His sincerity is undeniable. You can rest assured—your child will live well after marriage.”
Now it was Sun Yunniang’s turn to be surprised. She had assumed Pei Mu wouldn’t offer much.
According to village standards, betrothal money ranged from one to five taels. Pei Mu offered the full five taels, along with fine cloth and several boxes of pastries and fruits.
She didn’t even know yet that Feng was a town matchmaker, whose fee alone was higher.
With that, she had no grounds for objection. After a token refusal to show modesty, the marriage was settled.
Zhong Yizhu remained in his room, but the thin door couldn’t block the conversation. Sitting atop his clothes chest with his knees drawn up, he listened as his future was decided in just a few exchanges. His cheeks grew warm.
He had truly arranged his own marriage.
Thinking it was over, he stood up—only to hear Pei Mu suddenly speak:
“If you agree, Auntie, perhaps we could set the wedding date today?”
Everyone froze.
Wang Ping’an and his spouse turned sharply toward him, eyes wide.
Skipping the proposal stage was one thing—but rushing the wedding too? What if the Zhong family reconsidered?
Only Matchmaker Feng reacted quickly. After a brief pause, he laughed.
“I think that’s quite reasonable. The groom is nearly twenty, and the young man is almost eighteen. No need to wait months like early engagements.”
Paid by Pei Mu, Feng naturally supported him. He quickly checked auspicious dates.
“The nearest is in half a month—after the harvest, perfect for a wedding. If that’s too soon, then two months later, the twenty-ninth of the seventh month.”
Village families avoided harvest time for weddings, as everyone would be too busy to attend.
As expected, Pei Mu chose the earlier date. Feng looked to Sun Yunniang, who, after a brief hesitation, nodded.
With both sides agreeing, it was settled.
Matchmaker Feng left with light steps, showering them with auspicious blessings, as if this were a once-in-a-century match.
Pei Mu looked toward the distant mountains. He simply wanted to conclude this quickly and return to his own life. What others thought didn’t concern him.
As he left the courtyard, he glanced toward the west room. A flash of apricot-colored fabric passed by the window—like a startled bird.
Beautiful birds attract attention. They are caught and caged for display.
He could shelter this bird within his domain, giving it a place to rest safely.
But nothing more than that.