Chapter 413: Chapter 235

Mrs. Xu’s heart tensed upon hearing the matchmaker Ye’s words, feeling a chill inside, though she didn’t show it on her face.

The Li family truly lacks decorum, just how calculating can they be?

Or was it their idea to save trouble that led them to have matchmaker Ye handle this proposal?

The eldest and third sons of the Li family are seeking to marry daughters from the Xiao family’s main and third branches.

“The one from the main branch is the second legitimate son, already awarded the title of Scholar, and without a doubt, he will achieve further success in the future. Our family’s girl was born to be an official’s wife.”

“The one from the third branch is the first legitimate son, seventeen years old, handsome, and he follows Mr. Li in business…”

Before Mrs. Xu could say anything, Mrs. Huang was already criticizing in her heart: truly, a fallen phoenix is not as good as a chicken! Since when did the girls of the Xiao family become so lowly?

Is it that they are to be married off in batches to a mere merchant family?

Mrs. Xu also felt a bit uncomfortable: It’s not even about what titles the sons of the Li family possess, their attitude alone makes one reluctant to engage.

“Thank you for going to such lengths.” Mrs. Xu smiled slightly, “Although we have been in Shu City for five years, our family mostly consists of women and children, so we lack understanding of Changzhou’s customs. Marriage is a matter concerning the happiness of a girl’s life; as an elder, I must consider it carefully.”

“This pouch is for you to have tea; you’ve worked hard.”

Mrs. Xu instructed Nanny Wu to hand over a pouch containing two taels of broken silver.

Indeed, the current conduct of the Xiao family has reverted to that of a grand household. Though it feels like putting up a facade, this presentation is necessary externally.

Nowadays, the Xiao family is not just a mere Xiao family but also the maiden family of General Xia’s wife.

Being overly stingy and petty in dealing would only invite ridicule.

Moreover, offending a matchmaker is a perilous matter.

The mouth of a matchmaker could craft persuasive tales!

Offending one could make matchmaking for the family’s sons and daughters exceptionally difficult.

“Madam is too kind.”

Matchmaker Ye squeezed the pouch and nodded, feeling pleased that her trip was not in vain.

In truth, she is a well-known matchmaker in Changzhou and has seen many madams from various families there.

Upon first meeting Mrs. Xu, she was filled with admiration: A lady from the Capital is indeed different.

The appearance, bearing, and etiquette… well, for a family like the Xiao’s, even in times of decline, they are still beyond the Li family’s reach.

Mrs. Li truly is… well, it seems I was a bit foolish to come here so eagerly, potentially damaging my own reputation.

As she left the Xiao family, matchmaker Ye pondered in her mind which family’s son could truly be a match for a family like the Xiao’s. She decided she must handle this proposal herself.

By the way, she heard the Xiao family also has a son who’s sixteen. Hmm, while the daughters’ marriages aren’t urgent, she should help find a wife for the Xiao family’s son. Judging by the madam’s generosity, there would certainly be a substantial matchmaker fee.

Ha, she really is clever!

As for explaining to Mrs. Li, isn’t that just a matter of a few words?

Considering her expertise, what could matchmaker Ye possibly not manage?

The Xiao family, Mrs. Huang and Mrs. Xu watched their sister-in-law remain silent for a long time.

“If you have questions, just ask.”

When did these two sisters-in-law become so taciturn?

Keeping concerns to oneself is not good, she didn’t want Mrs. Huang to get sick from holding things in as before.

“Sister-in-law…” This time, Mrs. Huang didn’t hold back, as it concerned her daughter’s happiness: “The children’s marriage…”

Years ago she wanted to send her daughter back to the Capital, to the Huang family, but was harshly reprimanded by her sister-in-law, leaving her daughter resentful towards her.

Now, the relationship between mother and daughter still isn’t close.

She regretted ever having such a thought.

But thinking now, sending her daughter back to the Huang family is still better than marrying into the unknown Li family in Changzhou, at least ensuring her daughter a life without want.

“The Xiao family has fallen, but my mind hasn’t become muddled.”

The conduct of the Li family really put Mrs. Xu off, how could an ill-mannered family be considered?

“I’ve told you, regardless of the daughter, we must not be careless with their marriages.”

Back then, Chunyu’s marriage was mishandled, causing her so much suffering and missteps.

Chunyu’s current life was fought for with great effort by her.

The other girls in the Xiao family may not have such luck.

Once bitten by a snake, for ten years afraid of the well rope, Mrs. Xu naturally approached her children’s marriages with utmost caution.

“Sister-in-law, I rely on you for the children’s marriages.”

Mrs. Xu thought about her son Chun Ning, who was also of marrying age and felt anxious considering the current state of the Xiao family.

If the marriage choice isn’t good, it could affect three generations.

Her expectations aren’t high, someone like Mrs. Zhu would suffice for a daughter-in-law.

Not too strong-willed, but definitely not weak, only then can she maintain a household.

The Xiao family hasn’t split yet, but the third branch will eventually.

Chun Ning’s wife must be someone capable.

Too soft, she would only drag Chun Ning down.

“No worries, sister-in-law, I also keep Chun Ning’s marriage in mind,” said Mrs. Xu. “But we are somewhat uninformed, so I will have people inquire.”

Whom should she ask?

Mrs. Xu thought over and over: Mrs. Zhao, Chun Nuan.

Ahem, she didn’t even consider the neighbor Sister-in-law Luo.

Truly, Sister-in-law Luo only knows farm families. It’s not that Mrs. Xu is overly conscious of social standing, but farm girls typically can’t even read. How would Chun Ning communicate with such a wife?

Living where one talks east and the other west, unable to comprehend after a few words, would be very distressing.

Being literate and sensible must be the most basic requirement.

Chun Nuan felt a headache upon receiving the letter from her aunt.

She is someone who pursues simplicity; aside from being skilled in diagnosis, concocting medicines, and making pills, she’s rather clueless in other matters.

Where could she find a wife for Chun Ning?

Zhao Minghua saw her frown and was immediately concerned about what had spoiled her mood.

Upon learning the reason, he laughed.

“Don’t worry, a marriage is a matter where Chun Ning himself must have the right feeling.” Zhao Minghua said with experience, “I will teach him later.”

Chun Nuan… what is he talking about?

Is this something that can be taught?

“Moreover, if you don’t know, you could ask your mother, right? She’s been helping find a wife for our second brother, and she knows the girls in Changzhou like the back of her hand.”

Appearance, temperament, age, she knows them all clearly.

“What kind of sister-in-law is mother looking for?”

Chun Nuan was very curious; could it be that the whole of Changzhou doesn’t have a suitable match, making it harder than a prince’s selection of talented young ladies?

“Mother has favored two girls from different families, but my bookish brother is unwilling to discuss them.”

Chun Nuan… is it polite to talk about your brother this way?

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep