Chapter 056 Chapter 56

According to the custom in Shangjing, when two people who are going to have a blind date meet, if the man likes the woman, he will leave a gold hairpin for her. If he doesn't like the woman, he will leave a piece of cloth. The two usually meet on a boat, and the man, the woman, and the elders of both parties are present.

When Qianniang went to see the bride, Yaoniang and Jie were not in the capital. When they came back, it was almost time for the engagement.

Now Yao Niang is going to see her. Originally, both Zhen and Ying Niang could go, but Zhen was not keen and did not mention it. Xie did not force it either. She came forward and set a date with Madam Gong and would take her daughters there.

Fortunately, Zhen herself said that she was not feeling well, but asked Jingzhang and his wife and Jingwen to come together.

This was probably the unspoken understanding between the two houses. They had never quarreled with each other. Although Zhen and Yingniang were unwilling to go, they would not show any hostility towards the third house, or have any rift with it.

Yao Niang also heard that Ying Niang's marriage had been settled. It was to the Xu family, the son of the Qiu official of the Ministry of Justice. It was said that this assistant minister of the Ministry of Justice was originally a son-in-law of a wealthy family. After passing the imperial examination, he changed his family name back to his original name. He was a student of Wen Shoufu. Now that Wen Shoufu has been reinstated, his disciple has been transferred from Nanjing to Beijing to serve as assistant minister.

Mr. Xu is one year older than Shen Linfeng. After he passed the imperial examination, he went to Beijing to borrow a permanent residence to prepare for the examination. This Minister Xu is from the same hometown as them, so it would be convenient for him to return to his parents' home even if he is not in Beijing in the future.

When she came to her senses, Aunt Wang had already done her makeup for Yao Niang. Aunt Wang was a specially hired hairdresser who knew how to do both southern and northern styles. If her husband had not been seriously ill, she would not have been willing to go out.

Yao Niang designated Qingdai and Hongxiu to learn from her. Qingdai was originally the one who helped Yao Niang comb her hair, but she was not as skilled as Mother Wang. However, Yao Niang privately gave Qingdai ten taels of silver and asked her to use the money to buy some gifts for Mother Wang. It would be best if she could learn the skill.

Today, Wang Mama combed Yao Niang's hair into a double-ring flying fairy bun. She didn't even need a fake bun because she had a lot of hair. A double-knotted ruyi hairpin with white jade and red coral beads was inserted from the lowest part of the flying fairy bun's waist. Expensive jewelry was inserted around it. She was wearing necklaces, armlets, and bracelets. Her hair looked even more fairy-like.

When she walked out of the door, even Yan Yingqi couldn't help but smile, and said to Xie: "My daughter is as pretty as you."

Xie also looked her daughter up and down and felt that her daughter was young and beautiful, and her appearance and demeanor were probably unmatched by many people in the world.

"Dad, Mom, please stop making fun of your daughter. She's just a weak and pretty girl. You think she's perfect in every way, but others may not think so." Yao Niang was a little embarrassed.

In fact, she knew that she looked good, but there were many people in the world who were better looking than her, and many who were more talented than her. It was just that she only looked okay at home.

After they had packed up, they set out from home, and the carriage soon left Anrenfang.

Along the way, Xie was worried that her daughter would mind Yan Ningxin. After all, Yan Ningxin had done the same thing last time. But when she hinted at that, her daughter didn't mind at all: "Mother, the last marriage was originally intended by both families. The Shen family wanted to marry our family. But now the relationship between the two families is not good. Shen Linfeng has passed the imperial examination and wants to marry my daughter. That means my status is different. Besides, mother, I am not at a disadvantage."

It is easy to marry a son of a noble family, but it is very difficult to marry a son of a noble family who has already achieved fame, talent and appearance, and who is also good to you.

Xie had never expected that her daughter would be so open-minded and not so entangled, so she felt relieved.

Yao Niang was afraid that her mother would think too much, so she said, "Mom, those people who say sour things and gossip, or even those who pretend to be disdainful, if I give them the chance, they will probably come to ask for marriage in person. If I was in Beijing when my elder sister's affair just came out, I would naturally not agree, it would be a real dilemma, but I went to Kaifeng, it was a coincidence of fate, he came to my house on his own and passed three levels."

"Okay, Mom is just worried that you will be wronged. Many people from the Shen family will be coming later." This is also what Xie is worried about.

Yao Niang smiled and said, "Where there are many people, there are many disputes. But I, the Goddess Yan, am not someone you can easily mess with. If you are not sure, you can give up at any time. If you are sure, I will not give up easily."

She has always been full of fighting spirit, so how could she admit defeat?

Soon the carriage arrived, and Yao Niang followed her mother in. When they entered the boathouse, they could hear someone laughing quietly inside. This was also the second time the Shen family came here. Mrs. Shen recalled the incident with Yan Ningxin, and it was like eating a fly. In addition, her son had repeatedly opposed her because of this third Miss Yan, so it was very difficult for her to accept this third Miss now.

But after looking at her son sitting next to her, she couldn't bear to lose face because it would hurt his reputation.

Next to Madam Shen sat another lady in a crimson robe. This lady was the second wife of the Shen family. Her husband was the director of the Imperial Academy and had once won the first place in the imperial examination. Madam Shen heard the noise outside and put down her teacup, "Sister-in-law, someone is coming."

"Sister-in-law, I'm sorry for taking care of you these days." Mrs. Shen felt a little unwell. She was an elderly woman. The death of her eldest son almost cost her her life, and her second son went back on his word, leaving her physically and mentally exhausted. This time, it was her sister-in-law who took care of everything.

Madam Shen Er smiled and said, "Feng Ge'er is the best of our younger generation. How can I get by without helping him? Even Bang Yan said that we will definitely be able to get along well this time."

Mrs. Shen was about to speak when she saw the girl from the Yan family arrive. Shen Linfeng, who had no idea what he was thinking just now, immediately sat up straight. Everyone in the Shen family had seen Yan Ningxin, who was also quite beautiful. However, this third girl Yan, also known as the Goddess Yan, was indeed as her name suggests. The Goddess Yan generally refers to a woman with unparalleled beauty, extraordinary wisdom, and outstanding abilities.

She walked in slowly, her manners were dignified, her eyes were straight ahead, and she had a smile in them. She was followed by a crowd of servants, making her look like the center of attention.

All mothers-in-law hope that their daughters-in-law will be more obedient, but Miss Yan San seems to be born with a kind of aura that stands out from the crowd, and she will never be submissive at any time.

"My daughter pays her respects to Madam Shen." Yao Niang bowed quickly.

Mrs. Shen quickly asked someone to help her up: "A distinguished guest has arrived. How can I teach you how to perform the formalities? Good boy, get up quickly."

Yan Jingzhao and his two brothers also hurried over to greet them, and Shen Linfeng also stood up and bowed respectfully to Xie. After this, everyone sat down.

Originally, both families had made the decision, so after a few pleasantries, Shen Linfeng was ready to come over and insert the gold hairpin. This was also a chance for the engaged couple to spend time together.

Normally, Yan Jingzhao and Yan Jingzhang would just do it casually, as it was just a formality. Unexpectedly, Shen Linfeng came over with a target mirror. He personally held the mirror and asked Yao Niang, "Where do you think I should do it?"

Mrs. Shen originally thought that Shen Linfeng was taking the photos himself with the target mirror. After all, her son went to study in a temple, and he would choose good-looking clothes when wearing cloth. He was very particular about beauty. Today, she was almost late because she was waiting for him. It was said that she changed eighteen sets of clothes before she could match this one.

The last time he did this with Yan Ningxin, it was completely different. At that time, she asked him to take care of himself more. Her son said that Yan Ningxin was a tomboy and didn't care about these things. It seems that her son is targeting the person, not the matter.