The county magistrate came and went in a hurry, not giving them a chance to speak.
"I don't know what the magistrate means. Oh dear, this is quite worrying." Seeing his attitude, Madam Fu was worried that the magistrate did not want to get too involved.
"Mother, let's wait for news from the county magistrate's wife before deciding on our next move. Don't worry."
Fortunately, the county magistrate's wife acted quickly and within two days she had received the news and informed Madam Fu that the county magistrate's daughter was not yet engaged.
“In that case, why don’t we hire a matchmaker to propose marriage? I think Changjin likes the girl too. If we can settle this matter sooner, we can finally relax,” Madam Fu and Master Fu said.
"Alright, then we'll send a matchmaker tomorrow to sound out the magistrate's opinion. If he agrees, our family can make preparations as soon as possible." Master Fu had also seen his son's performance and was naturally pleased.
The matchmaker soon arrived at the county magistrate's residence. Normally, this matter would be handled by the county magistrate's wife, but she didn't come, so the matchmaker had to talk to the county magistrate in person.
"Congratulations, sir! The Fu family has invited me to propose marriage to you today. We've heard that you have a beautiful, unmarried daughter." The matchmaker was quite shrewd and diplomatic.
"Which Fu family?" When the county magistrate heard his servant report the arrival of the matchmaker and then heard that it was the Fu family, he felt a little uneasy.
"It's the Fu family on East Street. Their eldest son, Changjin, passed the imperial examination last year but is still unmarried. Hearing that you have a daughter, the Fu family asked me to act as matchmaker for the two of them."
"My daughter wants to stay at home for another two years. Go and tell them to give up on that idea."
"This." The matchmaker was about to say something more, but seeing the adult's unwilling expression, she understood his intention.
"Miss, the Fu family just sent a matchmaker, but Master has already refused." Lu's daughter Qiuqin's maid ran over and told her the news.
"Oh, why would Father refuse? Isn't the Fu family the one that saved us before?" Lu Qiuqin became anxious when she heard the maid say this.
"I don't know. Anyway, the adults told them to give up on this idea and said they wanted to keep you here for another two years."
"I'm going to find my father right now." Lu Qiuqin had already developed feelings for Fu Changjin that day, and now that his father had ruined it, she was naturally unhappy.
"Father, I heard someone came to propose marriage today?" Lu Qiuqin didn't immediately question him, but instead asked out of curiosity.
"Yes, it's the Fu family who saved you a few days ago. Today they sent a matchmaker to propose marriage, but I already refused. I thanked them for saving you that day, so do they want to take advantage of my kindness?"
"Father, what are you saying? How could they be taking advantage of a favor? Could it be that they have their eye on your daughter?"
"Hmph, that brat probably set this up on purpose. A mere student wants to marry my daughter. At least a scholar should be worthy of her." Lord Lu was still somewhat displeased, feeling that Fu Changjin's status was too high for him.
"What use is a scholar or a graduate if he wants to break off an engagement? Does he care if you're a county magistrate? To tell you the truth, I like him too. That day was just a coincidence, not something intentional. Besides, he's very polite and never oversteps his bounds when he sees a woman. I think good character is better than academic knowledge. Anyway, I like his family. There are fewer people in the family, so life will be much more peaceful."
It turned out that Lu Qiuqin had been engaged to someone before, but that person was a scholar who later became involved with a woman from a higher social class. That's why he found a reason to break off the engagement with Lu Qiuqin.
It just so happened that Lord Lu's three-year term was about to end, and he was waiting for a transfer. He was not at home, which allowed that family to succeed. After hearing the real reason why that family broke off the engagement, Lu Qiuqin decisively agreed.
"Oh, really, really... well, then I'll go find someone to talk to the matchmaker." Thinking of his daughter's sad story, Lord Lu couldn't help but sigh. In his eyes, his daughter was certainly worthy of a better husband.
Unfortunately, he misjudged people back then, which allowed those people to harm his own daughter. Qiuqin's mother died when she was very young, and his second wife was also a carefree person, otherwise Qiuqin wouldn't have suffered in this matter.
Before the matchmaker even reached the Fu family's residence, a servant sent by the county magistrate caught up with her and informed her that the magistrate had changed his mind and that the Fu family could now propose marriage.
"Oh my, is it true? Then this old lady will go and tell the Fu family the good news right away." The matchmaker, who had initially been a little unsure how to tell the Fu family and had a worried look on her face, now had a big smile on her face.
"Master Fu, Madam Fu, great news! Great news! The magistrate has agreed! He has agreed!" The matchmaker walked in with a smile. Madam Fu, who had been a little nervous, instantly smiled upon hearing this.
"Go quickly and tell the eldest young master, the second young master, and the second young mistress," she instructed the maid beside her.
"yes."
"Someone, quickly serve tea to Matchmaker Zhang."
"Hehe, tell me, I was a little worried at first. When the county magistrate heard what I said, he told the Fu family to give up on that idea. I was thinking about how to reply to you. But as soon as I left the house, the servant came and told me that your family should go and propose marriage. I think it's obvious that the county magistrate has also taken a liking to your family. But when it comes to marrying off a daughter, how can you just agree to it as soon as someone mentions it? You have to act a little reserved."
Anyway, the deal is done. If you trust me, I'll choose an auspicious day another day and go to propose marriage on your behalf.
When Xichun came in, she overheard the matchmaker recounting the dramatic events surrounding the marriage proposal. As expected of a matchmaker, she was quite the smooth talker.
"Hehe, thank you, Sister Zhang. It's kind of you to make this trip today. I'll definitely need your help with the rest of the arrangements. Please make sure you get this sorted out for me."
"Oh, Madam Fu, don't worry, I will definitely handle it well for you."
With both families expressing their interest, the matter was quickly settled. Before the third day of the third lunar month, the two families successfully finalized the marriage agreement. However, due to Madam Lu's absence, a date was chosen to be postponed until August of this year.
With her eldest son's wedding proceeding smoothly, Madam Fu finally breathed a sigh of relief.
This year's March 3rd festival was even more lively than in previous years, because it wasn't just Taoyuan Village that was holding activities; other towns were also starting to promote them. The scale of the event was even bigger than that of the Lunar New Year. The village chief had to ask Xichun for help again. This year, Taoyuan Village had the natural advantage of the Yue Lao Temple, so naturally, the majority of the visitors came from there.
Many sponsors no longer need Xichun to personally invite them; instead, they come directly to him, vying for his sponsorship.
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