Chapter 186
Wen Shi had no real relationship with these uncles.
They used to fawn over their eldest brother, but after he became successful, he didn't stay at home; he was mostly out and about.
They had many ideas, but Old Man Wen had always kept it to himself. He hadn't given Liu's family any chance to arrange Xiao Wu's marriage.
Wen Shi kept his distance from his relatives; being too close wouldn't be good. He wasn't stupid; he knew exactly what those people were thinking.
His sister-in-law's family is now also eyeing his family. Wen Shi isn't too worried about this, since they're far away. If they really do something improper, they won't hold back.
It was impossible for him to seduce his son.
Trying to seduce him is even less likely to succeed.
He thought that, to be on the safe side, he should find an opportunity to get rid of that woman as soon as possible; that would be the safest option.
Right now, Xiuyu is busy with her youngest son's wedding; she doesn't want to delay the children any further.
This time, she absolutely refused to marry a merchant's daughter. Since an official was out of the question, she would look for a scholar's family. Outsiders flattered her family, saying they were a family of scholars, and that finding someone of equal social standing wouldn't be bad.
Fortunately, a matchmaker suggested a suitable match. Her second son was a scholar, so finding a wife wouldn't be difficult if he wasn't trying to marry above his station.
“Scholar’s wife, I’m telling you, don’t hesitate anymore. This is a rare opportunity. Think about it, this family has more than seventy acres of fertile land. When their daughter marries into the family, the dowry will definitely be substantial.”
"She has two older brothers, one is a businessman and the other is a scholar. Although he has injured his leg, he is also learned and works as a teacher in a school. He can support himself without any problem."
"It's great to have a marriage exchange, you don't even have to prepare a bride price."
Outside, the wind howled and the world was covered in ice and snow. Xiuyu sat inside. Her home wasn't very warm, but it wasn't cold either, and they could still afford to use charcoal.
"But I don't have a daughter."
This is what puzzled Xiuyu. She only has two sons, and the matchmaker should know that.
The matchmaker smiled and then said, "It's not like you have to have your own daughter. Your niece isn't with you, but she comes to visit you from her hometown. As her aunt, you're here to find her a good marriage. That's how you show your love for her."
A scholar with a broken leg is destined to have no future; even if he has official rank, at most he will not have to worry about food and drink.
On the surface, Lianniang was looking at her with admiration, but in reality, she knew exactly what was going on. She didn't dare to take her to Lao San's house rashly. If things didn't work out, she would offend Lao San's wife to death, making it even more difficult for her to face others in the future.
Upon closer reflection, if Lianniang were to return, she would simply find someone in the village and wouldn't be able to marry into a very good family.
But since she was her brother's daughter, Xiuyu didn't dare to make the decision directly. She moved her lips and said, "His family isn't poor, so why insist on an arranged marriage? It's not like they can't afford the bride price."
She wanted to spend money to marry a wife, but exchanging wives is not considered a bargain.
"You don't understand. That scholar doesn't just take any village woman. If he wanted to spend money, he could marry several wives."
“I visited your home before and saw that your niece was quite beautiful. I praised her a lot at their home before they reluctantly agreed to the marriage between your family and yours. Your family has relatives who are officials, but that is still a step away. Your family is mostly composed of scholars, and their family is about the same, but they are also richer than yours.”
As the matchmaker finished speaking, she picked up a half-cup of tea to relieve the dryness in her mouth, and after drinking it, she continued.
"Scholar's wife, please think it over carefully. This is the daughter of the scholar and the sister of the scholar. Do you want her or not? Give me a definite answer. If you don't want her, then forget it and I'll go talk to someone else."
“If someone is willing to exchange wives, there must be conditions. This family doesn’t want to wrong their youngest son and has high requirements for a wife, so they thought of marrying off one of their daughters in exchange for a better wife.”
"Her father is dead."
"She's gone, but her uncles and aunts are still here."
Xiuyu hesitated. In the kitchen, Lianniang was preparing food. Wen Chuanzong and his wife used her with great ease and without any embarrassment.
She understood what her family meant, but there was no opportunity right now.
Xiuyu didn't take her to Wen Laosan's house this time. On the way back, she barely exchanged a few words with Wen Leqian.
She had never done this at home. She cooked breakfast and dinner, did laundry, and cleaned up all sorts of things. The weather was also cold, and after a while, her hands became rough.
"We should at least tell her parents first."
Xiuyu thought for a moment. If she could hide the fact that the scholar was lame, her brother and sister-in-law would definitely be willing.
But this girl.
That night, Xiuyu began to mentally prepare herself with Lianniang.
This is a wealthy family. The man has a slight limp, but he has servants and doesn't need her to take care of him after he marries into the family. He has no worries about food or clothing. The family owns dozens of acres of land worth several hundred taels of silver. The mother-in-law is kind, and so on. She first spoke many good words about this family.
She was secretly quite happy that she could find a decent wife for her son without paying a bride price.
This family was willing to exchange their younger sister for a marriage with them, partly because their family was well-off, and it would also solve their younger son's marriage problem.
Wen Chuanzong has recently started a primary school.
Her eldest son started a business and made money, while her second son continued his studies and may well have a bright future.
There is no family property at present, but it is hard to say what will happen in the future.
After hearing what her aunt had to say, Lianniang felt a chill in her heart.
However, one thing is undeniable: being a legal wife is definitely better than being a concubine, as the children are legitimate offspring, which gives one an advantage.
"Your aunt loves you too. Your parents want you to curry favor with the third son's family, but your aunt has been married into the family for so many years. How could she not know that couple? You've met Le Qian from the third son's family. They're from a prominent family. Are you sure you'll have a good life after you marry into the family? That woman's family is powerful. You're not young anymore. You should understand that when a woman's family is powerful, her status in her husband's family is only higher, never lower."
“You’re my niece, and I won’t lie to you. She was introduced by the third brother’s boss. Her family background is such that ordinary people can’t afford to offend her. Even the third brother and his wife don’t dare to give her a hard time.”
"The third son's wife seems kind, but she has a bad temper. She is his wife who has been through thick and thin with him, so the third son can't divorce her. If you marry the third son, not to mention that he is older than your father, his wife alone can ruin you. Moreover, you probably won't be able to have children in the future."
"He's getting old, and all these years he's only had two sons. What are you going to do then?"
“Your parents are in the countryside and have no experience. They only think you are good-looking and have a lot of ideas, but it’s not easy to build relationships. A concubine is called a concubine, but she is almost like a servant. If someone doesn’t like you, they can sell you off, and you will have no one to complain to.”
“Even if you’re married into the family, you’re just a concubine. Your parents are farmers, so my connections won’t be of much use. My in-laws are here right now, and they’re all on the side of the third son’s family.”
“You said that you might have been tortured to death in a few years. Rather than that, you might as well find a stable family. Life there is not so bad.”
When Lianniang heard the last part, she was a little scared, but she was more moved than anything else.
Xiuyu, having heard Wen Shi's description of his home as a dangerous place, naturally had her own thoughts.
The third son's wife is not the second son's wife or the fourth son's wife.
She felt the consequences of a falling out would be too great, and frankly, she didn't want to take the risk.
The son is a member of the Wen family. If he becomes successful, his uncle Wen Shi will definitely help him. Back then, the family wasn't very good to Wen Shi, but he didn't forget his family after he became successful. He still cherishes family ties.
Xiuyu trusted her third son's character. She felt that taking shortcuts would most likely backfire, so why bother? Her family hadn't been in contact for years. If her son hadn't gone back this time, she wouldn't have known she had a little niece.
Lianniang didn't have much experience to begin with, and after listening to Xiuyu's words, she felt that some of what she said was true. If she went back to get married, it might not be as good as it was here.
Although this man's future was ruined, he was still far better than those peasants in the countryside.
Her only advantage was her appearance, but that was still inferior to that of country girls and couldn't compare to those in the city.
Besides, his family is doing well.
Looking at the Wen family, it's better, but the price is too high. Xiuyu is her aunt, she wouldn't lie to her.
"You're right to listen to your aunt. I'll have someone write to your parents and arrange your marriage. If you ever suffer any injustice in the future, come to me. I'll definitely come to your door to help you. You're not alone here now; you have your brothers to help you."
Lianniang nodded and agreed.
"I'll listen to my aunt."
“That’s right. Don’t be fooled by great wealth; we may not be able to enjoy it. Let’s focus on what we have now first. Your aunt is doing this for your own good.”
Xiuyu smiled, watched her niece leave, and couldn't wait to go and write a letter to Wen Chuanzong.
Wen Chuanzong frowned after hearing her words, but his youngest son was indeed not young, and the marriage seemed quite suitable. In the end, following Xiuyu's wishes, he wrote a letter to her family. As long as his brother and sister-in-law replied and agreed, they could immediately begin the process.
To expedite the delivery of the letter, Xiuyu spent extra money to have the messenger return it quickly.
A few days later, she went to the Wen family.
Every time, they say they're visiting the old couple, but in reality, they just keep talking to Yingxiang. Yingxiang usually doesn't refuse, since the weather is cold, there aren't any banquets, and she's bored at home.
Sometimes it's nice to listen to this older sister-in-law gossip.
When Lianniang was mentioned, Yingxiang was taken aback.
"A marriage exchange?"
Of course, she had heard in the village before that poor families would exchange their daughters for wives to save on dowry money, but a wedding banquet would still be held, and it was up to each family to decide how much to spend.
"Yes, the girl is quite willing, and the scholar won't wrong her. If it weren't for me, this marriage wouldn't have happened. It's better than her going back and marrying some peasant."
After Xiuyu finished speaking, she seemed to remember something and began to reassure Yingxiang.
"Sister-in-law, don't overthink it. My sister-in-law isn't someone who lacks sense of propriety. We're family. She's been married before, so she's a member of the Wen family."
Yingxiang knew what she was talking about, and she picked up a piece of cake and nodded.
There's nothing wrong with that; it's a matter of mutual consent.
“My sister-in-law stayed at a temple for a while before, praying every day for our children to do well in their exams. Now Leqian is doing well too, it’s great.”
Upon hearing this, Yingxiang subtly moved the pastries in front of her toward Xiuyu, gesturing for her to eat.
This person really knows how to take credit.
“On the first day of the Lunar New Year, sister-in-law, let’s go to the temple together to pray to the Bodhisattva as a way of fulfilling our vows.”
Yingxiang didn't refuse, and indeed she should go.
The matter of Lianniang has been resolved just like that, which is good. There's no need to worry about anything else in the future.
Actually, Lian Niang couldn't even enter their house.
In the neighboring courtyard, Chen Chu had just finished her needlework. She picked up a piece of hibiscus cake, but before she could put it in her mouth, she smelled the cake and suddenly felt nauseous.
She instinctively covered her mouth with a handkerchief, and the maid beside her immediately became worried.
"Miss, what's wrong?"
"fine."
Shen Chu calmly put down the handkerchief. Outside, snow was falling heavily, and it was getting late. She should find a doctor to take a look tomorrow.
That's what she thought. Afterwards, she had the plate of pastries removed, drank some warm water, and immediately felt much better.
Before Xiuyu left, Yingxiang led her to visit the old couple and told them about the matter. Old Man Wen did not object after hearing what Xiuyu said.
Liu was unable to leave her home and was in a bad mood. The marriage wasn't bad, but it wasn't her family who had been replaced anyway.
However, she was in a bad mood and picked a fight with Xiuyu, secretly cursing her a few times.
Xiuyu didn't really pay attention to her and didn't care about it at all.
Later that evening, Wen Shi returned. He took off his cloak and listened to Ying Xiang's story without much surprise.
That's just how Wen Chuanzong and his wife are; they can lie, but just don't cause them any trouble.
With the end of the year fast approaching, Leqian is currently studying very diligently, as there are two more exams next year, and these two exams are crucial.
The following morning, after the doctor arrived, Shen Chu held out her hand. After the examination, she learned that she was pregnant. She was somewhat surprised, but mostly happy.
"Congratulations, Madam, it's a happy pulse."
"Those reward money were given to the doctor."
Despite her pleasant surprise, Chen Chu did not forget her important matters.
"It has been more than a month now, and Madam will need to take good care of herself from now on."
Shen Chu nodded.
After the doctor left, Yingxiang found out. She should have done something to show her appreciation, the most direct way being to give him money, but her daughter-in-law didn't seem to be short of money.
Finally, she picked out some things from the storeroom and had them delivered to her.
Later, when the whole family found out, Wen Shi was visibly happy, and Le Qian, needless to say, was also very happy at the thought of becoming a father.
After that, Chen Chu began to rest during her pregnancy. From then on, Ying Xiang also kept her indoors on the first and fifteenth of the lunar month, where she was safe and not cold in the freezing weather.
Some time later, Wen Shi received a letter from Xiao Wu. He sent some money to his parents and also sent his greetings.
Liu tucked the thirty taels of silver into her bosom, and Old Man Wen did the same.
Although the two were very old and sometimes felt powerless, they still loved money as much as ever.
They are now not interfering with each other.
Liu rarely went out and had nowhere to spend her money, besides, the things she had done before were all unreliable.
Before the New Year, Wen Shi received his annual reward as usual.
He gave the money to his wife, put the items down, and Yingxiang looked at them. Since she didn't like anything, she put them all into the storeroom.
This year's New Year was not as lively as before.
News spread from the palace that Emperor Jingyuan was not in good health. Everyone was afraid of being caught doing something wrong, so all kinds of banquets in the palace were canceled, for fear of being impeached by the censors. Even among the common people, the New Year atmosphere was not as good as in previous years.
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, Yingxiang went to the mountains with several of her sisters-in-law.
On the second day of the Lunar New Year, Leqian went back to her parents' home with Shen Shi again.
Shen Chu seemed to be in good health and her pregnancy was stable. She was sitting in the carriage without any discomfort, and it wouldn't make sense for her not to go back.
Master Shen is not taking his son-in-law Leqian lightly. The Shen family now has two sons-in-law and one daughter-in-law. The daughter-in-law is one thing, but the two sons-in-law have a big difference in status and ability.
Compared to Le Qian, Shen Chu's brother-in-law was rather absurd.
A few days ago, while he was still keeping a mistress, the Duchess went to the Duke's mansion, and the two families had a rather unpleasant argument.
Shen Chu could understand this stepmother; after all, she was her biological daughter.
"Speaking of which, my brother-in-law is both handsome and virtuous. My sister is the one who married well."
"Now that you're pregnant, you look great."
Of the three sisters, only the youngest sister is still unmarried and a sheltered young lady. On her wedding day, the second sister, Chen Chu, was incredibly proud, but now she is heartbroken by her promiscuity. She has many concubines in her family, her mother-in-law doesn't like her that much, and there is a lot of unrest and trouble in the inner quarters.
She hadn't been married long, but she was visibly haggard.
Compared to the initial stage, the changes are significant.
"She is pregnant and should take good care of herself. However, the young master cannot be without servants. If people find out, they will say that the Shen family has no manners."
The front hall was where the men talked, while the backyard was where the women stayed.
Madam Bo was clearly not in a good mood either; she looked at Chen Chu, her words carrying a hidden meaning.
“Mother, I spoke with you before, and you said that the most important thing is my husband’s path to the imperial examinations. After he finishes the exams, everything else will depend on his wishes. My husband usually focuses on his studies and only comes to my courtyard on the first and fifteenth of the month.”
Shen Chu wasn't lying about that last sentence; Le Qian was like that when he was busy.
Madam Bo nodded. In that case, it couldn't be said that Shen Chu was wrong. She was going to listen to her husband after she married him. Madam Wen was probably afraid that her son would be tempted by a beautiful woman. However, Le Qian himself seemed like a good person and was very polite.
The Wen family had no wealth and had only recently risen to prominence, but they had raised their children very well. Although she disciplined her son strictly, he wasn't particularly successful.
If Wen Leqian can pass the imperial examination and become a Jinshi this year, that would be truly remarkable.
The two families are now related by marriage, that's an indisputable fact.
"You are pregnant now, so you should take good care of yourself. Although it is still early, you should start preparing. You need to find a good midwife and wet nurse."
"Thank you for your concern, Mother."
"Second daughter, you too, having offspring is very important."
"The third girl is still young, let's keep her for another two years."
When Aunt Bo married into the Shen family, it was considered a good match in terms of social standing. Now that her second daughter's marriage is not going well, she is not in a good mood and feels terrible just thinking about it.
Unexpectedly, that person turned out to be a hypocrite, quite adept at pretense before marriage.
It's a bit late to realize this now. The Earl's Mansion doesn't need to be a Marquis's Mansion. Although the second son-in-law is not the eldest son and will not inherit the title, he can still find a job by relying on the family.
We still have to follow the right path, but the old lady of the Marquis's mansion spoils this grandson rotten, which is just upsetting.
"The banquet will begin soon. You must be careful this year and absolutely no alcohol."
"Don't worry, Mother."
Let's go.
The second day of the Lunar New Year is the day when women return to their parents' home. Today, Madam Luo also returned. Now that she is the head of the household, she naturally brought many gifts for the children.
She was less than four months pregnant at the beginning, and because she was dressed warmly, her belly wasn't very noticeable.
She was visibly happy, and her enthusiasm for Leqian increased as a result.
She treated her other two nieces equally, giving them the same gifts.
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