Tian Cuifen pulled back the curtain to see a strange woman standing in the yard. “Who are you?” She sized her up from head to toe neat, clean clothes without a single patch, clearly no local villager.
The matchmaker smiled gently. “Good day, madam. Is this the home of Su Ying?”
“It is. What do you want?” Tian Cuifen’s face hardened; she made no move to invite her inside.
The matchmaker’s smile faltered. Is this really his future mother‑in‑law? Like mother, like daughter if she lacks all courtesy, the girl likely will too. What does he see in this family? Reluctant as she was, she had given her word.
“Madam, I’m the commune matchmaker. I’ve come because a fine young man has taken a liking to your daughter Su Ying.”
A match? The girl’s luck was unbelievable one engagement barely ended, another suitor already at the door! She nearly said Su Ying was spoken for, then hesitated… gossip would spread. “Not interested. Go.”
The matchmaker stood her ground. “Hear me out. This young man serves in the army an officer, earning sixty to seventy yuan a month. Handsome, capable. Your daughter would want for nothing. Think it over.”
Army service? Seventy yuan a month? That was nearly eight hundred a year! How could such fortune fall to that girl? But the girl was being sold away in two nights… why not let her daughter take her place instead? It was heaven‑sent.
“Very well,” Tian Cuifen said smoothly. “But shouldn’t they meet first?”
“Absolutely he awaits your word. If you agree, I’ll bring him in person in a few days. He’s truly exceptional if I had a daughter, I’d want her to marry him myself.”
Tian Cuifen was skeptical. “Don’t exaggerate. I’ll agree but if he doesn’t measure up, the match is off.”
“Agreed! You’ll be delighted.”
“Leave the gifts then.”
The matchmaker lingered hoping for a drink of water none was offered. In all her years, she’d never met such inhospitality. She set the gifts down. “Anything else?” Tian Cuifen snapped. “Why are you still standing there?”
The matchmaker inwardly sighed. Has he misjudged things? I must warn him. “Farewell then.”
She hadn’t reached the gate before Tian Cuifen snatched up the tobacco and liquor. Fine brand three or four yuan a bottle! The matchmaker shook her head. If this is the family… trouble lies ahead.
Outside, she spotted a girl approaching with a basket. “Excuse me could you direct me to the village clinic?”
Su Ying paused. “Past the threshing ground, the clinic is in the administration building just beyond it.”
“Thank you, dear such a lovely girl.”
“You’re welcome.” Su Ying walked on, her basket holding a bright new red coat.
The matchmaker watched her go bright, lively, full of life. She’d be a beauty when fully grown. She’s the one who suits him… strong and vibrant together. If only he’d chosen her instead.
At the clinic, Lu Dongsheng saw her return empty‑handed and brightened. “How did it go?”
She pulled him aside, holding her counsel until they were alone. “Dongsheng… I don’t trust that family.”
“Tell me he’s one of us.”
She sighed. “Find someone else, son. That woman is sharp as a knife. A mother like that raises no good daughter. Trust my experience I know what I see.”
Lu Dongsheng’s resolve hardened. That was exactly why he must claim her quickly she needed saving from them. “Did she refuse?”
“Consented fast enough eyes lit up like lanterns when she heard your pay. Wants you to meet first, to be sure you’re real.”
He nodded. He would go let her see exactly who he was. “Thank you. Take this yuan for your fare. I’ll call with you in a few days.”
“Very well but take my warning to heart. A bad reputation will ruin my work too.”