Chapter 274: Closeness and Distance
Daohua has always been very resistant to getting married.
Even though she had lived in ancient times for twelve years and had long been accustomed to and familiar with the rules of this era, there were still some concepts that she could not accept.
In ancient times, marriages were based on the arrangements of parents and matchmakers. The most important thing was the matching of family backgrounds and the exchange of family interests. Whether the man and woman had feelings for each other was not considered at all.
Many people may not even have met their spouse when they get married.
Daohua couldn't help but shudder at the thought of living most of her life with a complete stranger.
In ancient times, families who doted on their children would at most allow the man and woman to meet each other when proposing marriage. Her pursuit of having similar values and personalities was simply a daydream.
Moreover, she has no sense of dedication. It is impossible for her to discipline concubines and educate illegitimate children for the sake of her so-called husband.
Not to mention, there is the unavoidable relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.
Can she live a good married life like this?
My fifteen-year-old cousin Zixuan has already started looking for marriage. She is twelve this year. Doesn’t that mean that she will face the same situation in three years?
In modern times, people have autonomy in marriage and can choose to marry late, choose their marriage partner, or choose to live alone. But in ancient times, if she dared to say that she didn't want to get married, even the old lady Yan, who doted on her the most, would jump out and strongly oppose it.
Daohua became restless and felt confused and uneasy about her future life. She didn't want to compromise, but she didn't know where to find a way out.
Madam Li was still rambling on beside her. Suddenly, she glanced over and noticed that her daughter was distracted. She was immediately helpless: "Are you listening to what I'm saying?"
Daohua turned her head and nodded somewhat confusedly.
Seeing this, Mrs. Li had a headache. She found that every time her daughter mentioned things like marriage, she seemed to be in a detached state. She was not like other girls who would either shyly avoid the question or reveal their aspirations for the future. Her daughter seemed to be avoiding the issue as much as possible.
Well, my daughter is still young, so I’ll talk to her slowly later.
Daohua then asked, "Mom, is cousin Zixuan getting married next year?"
Madam Li smiled and said, "Not so fast. Your second uncle and second aunt love their children very much. This matchmaking will probably take quite some time. After the engagement, there will be six rituals to go through. It will probably take at least a year or two before you can go out."
Daohua's expression relaxed a little: "I must let my second uncle and second aunt take a good look at each other, and make sure they don't make the wrong choice."
In ancient times, marriage was truly a second life for women. If their husbands were good, their lives would be smooth and happy. If their husbands were not good, it would not be an exaggeration to say that it was like water and fire.
Although divorce is possible in this era, the procedures are very complicated. Even if the divorce is successful in the end, the woman will have a bad reputation, which will not only make it difficult for her to remarry, but will also bring trouble to the family.
Seeing her daughter's worried look, Madam Li couldn't help but laugh: "Your second uncle is so smart, why does he need a girl like you to worry about him?"
Daohua sighed. Her second uncle was smart, but how could she be so sure about judging people?
After a moment's silence, Daohua continued, "I've invited my two cousins to our house before, but my aunt and uncle didn't agree. This time, we agreed to let my two cousins stay at our house for a while because my cousin Zixuan is getting engaged, right?"
Madam Li nodded. "Your eldest and second uncles are afraid of causing trouble for Mother. This time, they also want your cousin Zixuan to relax before she leaves. After all, you won't have such freedom after you get married."
Daohua pondered for a moment and asked, "Are you asking me to bring my two cousins to the party so that the ladies of each family can see them?"
Madam Li shook her head. "Your second uncle and his family are quite self-aware. They know that officials and noble families look down on merchants. They only attend these gatherings to show your two cousins more worldly knowledge, so that they won't be too nervous or make fools of themselves when they meet the wives of officials in the future."
Daohua nodded. "I understand. However, I still won't go to the Zhu family. Zhu Xiuyun and I really have nothing to say to each other. Anyway, it's almost the end of the year, and there will be many family gatherings. I'll take my two cousins out with me then."
Madam Li did not say much. For them, the Zhu family just needed to save face. There was no need to let their daughter suffer.
Since receiving instructions from Madam Li, Daohua attended almost every family gathering at the end of the year, and shuttled among the young ladies of each family with her two cousins.
No matter what they think in private, everyone appears to be in harmony on the surface.
Even if they occasionally encounter a few sarcastic remarks, Li Zixuan and Li Zixin can take it easy. They know in their hearts that it is difficult for them to really make friends with these young ladies from official families and aristocratic families.
Daohua did not interfere much in the social interactions of the Li sisters. After introducing people to them, she often let them move freely.
Whether it's being looked down upon or being ridiculed, it's not a bad thing to have more of these experiences.
Only with a strong heart can you calmly deal with everything that happens in life.
Zhou Jingwan saw Daohua sitting alone in the pavilion drinking tea, so she walked in with a smile. Looking at the Li sisters chatting and laughing with other ladies in the garden, she said with a smile, "You are so cruel. You are not afraid that your two cousins will be bullied."
Daohua smiled faintly: "When your family holds a banquet, the guests are all from wealthy and powerful families. These families value reputation the most, so I think they are also very strict in the education of their children."
As he spoke, he looked at the girls in the garden.
"Even if those girls have some thoughts in their hearts, they won't show it on their faces. Knowing that the two cousins are my relatives, they won't make it too difficult."
Zhou Jingwan burst out laughing: "You think it through clearly. It's true. Nowadays, the noble families in Xingzhou City have to give your father some face."
Everyone knows that Lord Yan will go to Beijing to report on his work at the beginning of next year. Who would not give face to the Yan family at this time?
"Oh, right, my brother wrote back saying that the academy will be closed on the 17th day of the twelfth lunar month this year. He also said that the Laba porridge you sent was delicious, but the quantity was a little small, which made Brother Su call you partial."
Daohua was puzzled: "Why am I biased?"
Zhou Jingwan: "Of course you are partial to the little prince. My brother and the others only got a bowl of Laba porridge, while the little prince got a whole bowl. Naturally, they can't stand it."
Daohua was speechless: "It's just a little food. You are already adults, and you are still fighting over things." She didn't seem to take the matter to heart at all.
Zhou Jingwan also felt the same way: "That's true. It's okay for girls like us to fight over food and clothing, but for men to do this, it's a bit petty."
Daohua agreed with him. "That's right. Big Brother Su is the same. He always likes to compare himself with Xiao Yeyang. My relationship with Xiao Yeyang is better than others. What's wrong with giving him more? Everyone has their own close relationships!"
Zhou Jingwan felt that this was absolutely true. She also sent things to her brother and would also bring some for other people every time, but she would give more to Third Brother Yan than to others.
The reason is simple: Third Brother Yan treats her better than others. Isn't this what he should do?
(End of this chapter)
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