The county magistrate sat to one side, looking at the delicious food on the table, and his heart skipped a beat.
Old Mrs. Zhao seemed to have seen through her son's thoughts. She sat down next to the county magistrate and said softly, "Son, look, since your wife no longer has such thoughts, you shouldn't have any either. Put those thoughts aside. It would be good if you could work together and be good friends."
The magistrate's eyes darted around, then he nodded: "Mother, don't worry about your son. It's enough that I can do something for the people now. Besides, Zhao Heng is getting married soon, so it's not his place to think about me anymore, is it?"
After saying that, the magistrate placed a lion's head meatball into Old Lady Zhao's bowl.
Grandma Zhao laughed heartily: "That's right, in this way you and Ruren will be in-laws, but I still want to recognize her as my goddaughter. In this way, we will truly be a family. What do you say?"
"Mother, I wonder if Madam will agree to this?"
The magistrate put down his chopsticks, somewhat suspicious, but Old Lady Zhao shook her head: "Mother has already inquired about this matter. We're just waiting for Zhao Heng's wedding to invite the lady over, and then we can have a simple family recognition ceremony. At that time, we will truly be a family."
At this moment, Liang Shuyan came in carrying some pastries and said with a smile, "Old lady, please try some of my pastries. Today is a happy day for us moving into our new house, so please have some more."
"Good, good, I can tell it's your handiwork at a glance. These pastries look like good stuff."
The magistrate hesitated for a moment, then glanced at Liang Shuyan: "This epidemic is mainly thanks to you. I have already reported the whole story to the Emperor, and I believe it won't be long before the Emperor commends you."
When she thought of the Emperor, she thought of Niu Niu. If the Emperor could really remember her kindness this time, he would be lucky if he didn't send anyone to hunt them down. How could he possibly covet any reward?
She didn't say a word, but just smiled slightly: "These merits are not actually mine. The prescription was provided by my mother-in-law. As for the rest, it is all thanks to the unity of the villagers and the help of the county magistrate. I, a mere woman, dare not take credit."
The magistrate suddenly thought of Old Madam Jin and said in surprise, "What? Your mother-in-law? When did your mother-in-law learn medicine? This prescription is not something an ordinary person can produce. If it is your mother-in-law, I, as the magistrate, still need to keep track of this matter. In case the Emperor finds out, at least I will have something to explain, right?"
Liang Shuyan didn't want to be praised by the royal family anymore. She only hoped that the Empress wouldn't take Niu Niu's matter too seriously, and that it wouldn't bring any disaster to the Jin family. She would be grateful if that happened. Now that the county magistrate had brought it up again, she felt uneasy and didn't know how to deal with it.
"Forget it, the pandemic is over, and my mother-in-law isn't one to take credit. Let's not talk about the prescription anymore. Niu Niu has just returned to the palace, so it's best not to get involved with the royal family in some matters."
The county magistrate understood Liang Shuyan's feelings to some extent.
The courtyard was bustling with people. After finishing their meal, everyone slowly left. Liang Shuyan saw off the county magistrate and Old Lady Zhao and was just about to rest.
Shopkeeper Wu, accompanied by the matchmaker, arrived at Liang Shuyan's house. As soon as he entered, he said with a smile, "Madam, I am truly sorry. I forgot that today is your housewarming day. We are late. We rushed here as soon as we heard the news, firstly to congratulate you on your housewarming, and secondly to take this opportunity to propose marriage."
Liang Shuyan stepped forward to greet him: "You're too kind. It's not a housewarming celebration. It's just a lively gathering of relatives and friends. But as for the marriage proposal, where is Dazhu? If the child is not willing, I'm afraid this marriage will not be possible."
Manager Wu hurriedly explained, "No, it's like this. My son Dazhu is not feeling well and cannot come today, but as his father, I can make the decision about this marriage. Dazhu also agrees, so please rest assured, Madam Qing."
The matchmaker, with a smile, said, "This is not someone else's idea, it is Da Zhu's idea. It's just that he can't come today, but he has specially prepared some gifts for your Da Ya."
Grandma Jin pulled Jin Daya over and said to Manager Wu, "Manager Wu, I didn't expect you to come today. My Daya is right here. These are Daya's two children. Regardless of whether Dazhu is here or not, I want to talk to you, Manager Wu, today. In the future, if my Daya is ever wronged, I will come to you, Manager Wu, to talk to her."
Liang Shuyan coughed twice and said somewhat embarrassedly, "Mother, don't worry, I've already spoken with Manager Wu and we'll make sure Daya isn't treated unfairly. You can rest assured."
Shopkeeper Wu gave a simple, honest smile, and casually took out a basket of red eggs from his basket and handed them to Liang Shuyan, along with a piece of pork with two red chopsticks stuck in it.
Even though Da Zhu wasn't there, Manager Wu still prepared some jewelry, headdresses, and clothes, and handed them to Jin Daya. Jin Daya was about the same age as Da Zhu, and she politely accepted the things from Manager Wu's hands, bowing slightly.
Shopkeeper Wu called Jin Daya's two children to his side, dressed them in the new clothes he had prepared, and kissed them on the forehead with a smile.
"Don't worry, from now on, they will be my grandsons. Later, when Daya comes to our Wu family, she can give birth to one or two more children for our Wu family, but I will definitely treat these two children well."
According to custom, the woman's family was required to prepare a meal and a jar of wine. Coincidentally, Liang Shuyan had also brewed a jar of wine herself, which was made with floral aroma.
Upon opening the wine jar, a fragrant aroma wafted out. Liang Shuyan instructed Liu to prepare two bowls and poured two bowls of wine into them.
Zhang prepared a table full of dishes, which she made according to the recipes of a restaurant. For a local farming family, this was a very good engagement banquet.
Liang Shuyan briefly explained some things to Manager Wu, including Jin Daya's personality and abilities, as well as the two children, before she felt at ease.
"Don't worry, madam, leave this matter to our Wu family. We will definitely treat Jin Daya and the two children well from now on. To show our sincerity, how about we hold the wedding on the first day of next month?"
Liang Shuyan didn't think much of it and nodded in agreement.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com