Mrs. Zhang recalled Liu Cuifang's appearance. In her opinion, her daughter-in-law only needed to do three things.
My first priority is to take good care of my son and manage the household chores.
If it were a girl from town, she wouldn't be so diligent, which is why Mrs. Zhang wanted a country girl.
Secondly, it's about carrying on the family line; country girls are easy to raise and are strong and healthy.
Thirdly, one's appearance must be presentable enough to be seen in public.
In Mrs. Zhang's opinion, Liu Cuifang was quite ideal, and she cooked very well.
"Didn't we agree yesterday that if I didn't like it, you couldn't force me?"
Zhang Hao looked at Madam Zhang, who had clearly said before that she wouldn't pressure him.
"I'm not forcing you, I'm just advising you, perhaps you could get to know Cuifang better."
For example, you two could go boating on the lake or attend a temple fair to learn more about it.
Mrs. Zhang was still unwilling to give up and wanted to persuade Zhang Hao and Cuifang to get to know each other better. However, the two of them hadn't even chatted or gotten to know each other today.
"Mother, there's no need to persuade me anymore. Don't ask a matchmaker to arrange anything for me anymore. I'm going back to my studies."
Zhang Hao didn't want to listen to Madam Zhang's advice anymore, so he waved his hand and went back to his room to read.
"Why…".
Madam Zhang frowned; she herself quite liked Cuifang.
"What's wrong, Hao'er?"
Mr. Zhang had just gone to make tea. When he returned, he saw his son hurriedly leaving.
“He said he didn’t like Cuifang. You tell me, isn’t Cuifang pretty good? She’s good-looking, she’s good at cooking, and she has a good personality.”
Madam Zhang pulled Mr. Zhang aside to discuss the matter.
"Hmm, Cuifang is indeed quite good. Didn't Hao'er say why he didn't like her?"
Although Master Zhang agreed that Cuifang would be a good daughter-in-law, it didn't matter if Hao'er didn't like her.
"He didn't say. He said he wouldn't let us make any more arrangements and that it was up to fate."
Mrs. Zhang was having a bit of a headache. She didn't know what kind of things her son liked, and she didn't dare to make any arrangements herself.
"Since he has said that, then you should stop making arrangements. He probably wants to focus on preparing for next year's college entrance exam. Let's talk about it after the college entrance exam next year."
When Master Zhang heard his son say this, it seemed that he really didn't think much of Cuifang, and he couldn't force him.
"I don't know where all the good girls will be next year; they'll all be taken."
Madam Zhang secretly regretted it.
"Then ask your son what kind of girl he likes in a few days, and introduce her to someone if you come across her."
Mr. Zhang didn't want to listen to Mrs. Zhang's nagging anymore, so he stood up and was about to leave.
The next day, the matchmaker arrived at the Zhang family's house on time.
"Matchmaker, have some tea."
Mrs. Zhang came out after brewing the tea.
"You're too kind, sister-in-law. You know why I'm here today."
The matchmaker got straight to the point.
"I know, but I'm sorry, matchmaker, my son said yesterday that he still needs to focus on his studies."
He will be taking the imperial examination next spring. He also said that Miss Cuifang is very nice, but not his type. Please go back and explain to Miss Cuifang.
Madam Zhang was a little embarrassed to say all this, fearing that Miss Cuifang would be heartbroken if she knew.
"Oh, is that so, sister-in-law? Cuifang is truly a rare find. It's rare to find someone in the countryside who is both beautiful and capable."
The matchmaker still has to struggle a bit.
"Matchmaker, to be honest, I am extremely satisfied with Cuifang, but it's a pity that Hao'er's mind is on his studies, not on this."
Mrs. Zhang explained.
"Alright then, it's fine, they'll understand. So, does your young master Zhang really not need to arrange for other girls?"
The matchmaker thought that if she didn't like Cuifang, there were other options.
"No need, he said we'll talk about it after the college entrance exam next year. I'll ask him what he thinks again in the second half of next year."
Madam Zhang decided to stop pressuring her son for the time being. If he passed the imperial examination next year, he might attract many girls, giving him more options to choose from.
"Alright then, I'll head back now."
Since Madam Zhang had said that, the matchmaker didn't say anything more and obediently went home.
When the matchmaker returned to the village, she went to the village chief's house first.
The village chief and his family are all waiting at home.
Upon seeing the matchmaker arrive, the village chief's wife and Liu Cuifang stood up excitedly, while the village chief remained unhurried, as if he had already figured something out.
"Sister-in-law, Cuifang, I went to the Zhang family today. Madam Zhang said that Young Master Zhang said he should focus on his studies now."
He'll be taking the provincial examination next year, and if he passes, he'll become a Xiucai (a scholar who has passed the lowest level of the imperial examinations).
Therefore, he didn't want to think about matters of the heart so early. Cuifang was a good person, but not suitable for him.
The matchmaker phrased her words tactfully.
"Sigh~".
The village chief's wife could only sigh; such a good son-in-law had actually run away.
"They actually look down on me."
Liu Cuifang originally had some goodwill towards Young Master Zhang, after all, he was handsome and well-read.
Unexpectedly, he challenged her, and Liu Cuifang was immediately filled with a competitive spirit, determined to win over this young master Zhang.
"Cuifang, don't be angry. Your aunt has many good young men here. I'll arrange a match for you."
The matchmaker advised Cuifang.
“Auntie, I’m not angry. He’s the one who looks down on me because he has no taste. What’s his name again? Zhang Hao.”
Liu Cuifang seemed to be deep in thought. Wasn't he going to open a bookstore? She would try to bump into him at his bookstore another day.
"Yes, his name is Zhang Hao. I didn't see him today either. It was Mrs. Zhang who told me that he is indeed focusing on his studies. I never see him when I go to his house."
The matchmaker explained.
"Auntie, you've worked so hard. They're the ones who don't appreciate it."
Cuifang simply went back to her room and took a nap; she was too bored.
"Matchmaker, don't worry about her. Cuifang is also proud. You should try harder to find her a good husband."
The village chief's wife could only pin her hopes on the matchmaker, otherwise her daughter's future would truly be ruined.
"Okay, I understand. I'll head back now."
The matchmaker, no longer wanting to make a fool of herself, hurried home.
A few days later~
Wei Yuyan had been thinking about walking, and after fifteen days, she gently placed her foot on the ground and took a small step.
"Ouch, it doesn't hurt~".
Wei Yuyan thought that the foot soaks and massages she had been doing these past few days were effective, because she could walk without pain now.
Wei Yuyan relaxed and started walking normally. It really didn't hurt much, just a little bloated.
As Sister-in-law Xiuhua and Doctor Qian were right, even after fifteen days, one should not do heavy work or travel long distances.
Before the children woke up, Wei Yuyan surprised them by running to the kitchen to fry eggs. They would have fried eggs with congee for breakfast.
After I finished cooking breakfast, the children got up.
"Sister-in-law, why did you make breakfast? You...you went to the fields?"
Xiao Lei was startled and jumped in fright.
"Oh, sister-in-law, does it hurt?"
Xiaoqian rubbed her eyes, thinking she was still half asleep.
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