Chapter 20: Arranging Marriage
Yu Tang was also wary of Madam Tang, so she called Shuang Tao and instructed her, “Go and find out Madam Tang’s purpose for visiting.”
Shuang Tao nodded in response and left.
Yu Tang and Ma Xiuniang’s earlier playfulness had faded considerably. As both of them sat on the Luo Han couch, they ate their shaved ice and began discussing the recent happenings in the city. Often, the most compelling gossip will be about the Pei family.
“Have you heard?” Ma Xiuniang whispered, “The maternal aunt of Eldest young master Pei wants to take him to the capital to study. However, Third Master Pei called all the Pei family’s elders to the ancestral hall, and in front of everyone, he asked the Eldest Young Master if he wanted to stay to observe the mourning period or go to his maternal grandfather’s residence in the capital to study ……”
Yu Tang gasped in astonishment. “Third Master Pei laid out the matter so plainly, even if the eldest young master wants to go to his maternal grandfather’s residence to study, he wouldn’t dare to. If he were to do so, people would call him unfilial. How can he become an official in the future with an unfilial reputation?”
From her previous life, she knew that the Pei family’s eldest young master was forced to stay in the Pei Family’s residence by third master Pei, however she didn’t know it was done using this method.
“Exactly!” Ma Xiu Niang continued, “My father said that the Third Master Pei is really heartless. He also mentioned that if we encounter problems in the future, it’s best not to find the Pei family.”
Ma Xiuniang sighed: “There is also the matter of the first head steward’s family. I wonder how they are faring? My father said that ever since the death of the first head steward, no one in Lin’an has seen them again.”
Yu Tang was taken aback and answered hesitantly, “Perhaps, they were driven out of Lin’an City?”
Ma Xiuniang retorted, “But no one saw them leave the city!”
She was clearly implying that the whole family was murdered.
“That can’t be!” Yu Tang said, “The first head steward’s family is large and they have many family members.”
“Who knows for certain?” Ma Xiuniang shrugged. She obviously did not believe Third Master Pei was incapable of it, as she continued, saying, “Who would do something bad and admit it in public?”
Would he kill another person? Yutang pondered.
Yu Tang didn’t speak for a long time.
Shuang Tao ran in, panting. “Miss, Miss, Madam Tang came to matchmake for you!”
“What?!” Yu Tang and Ma Xiuniang exclaimed and both of them stood up in surprise.
Yu Tang frowned as Ma Xiuniang pulled Shuang Tao close to her and said excitedly, “Tell us quickly, which family is it?”
Shuang Tao smiled, “It’s the second young master of the Li family in the south of Lin’an city!”
“Li Jun!” Yu Tang said unintentionally in shock.
Ma Xiuniang revealed a sly smile, and pointed at Yu Tang, saying, “Ah Tang, tell me honestly, what is the story? I will definitely keep it secret. If not, I will tell your mother, saying that you are close with the second young master of the Li House in the south of Lin’an city ……”
“What are you saying?” Yu Tong’s heart was in turmoil and said, “How would I know Li Jun!”
She was really speaking the truth.
Although she married Li Jun in her previous life, she had never met him.
While the marriage was being arranged, she thought that Li Jun saw her before as it was said that he fell in love with her at first sight, so at least, it was better than having a loveless arranged marriage. Later, when she married into the Li family, Li Jun was already no longer alive.
Ma Xiuniang said disbelievingly, “Then how do you know that the second young master of the Li family is named Li Jun?”
Yu Tang vaguely answered her, “I heard it from someone.”
She asked Shuang Tao hurriedly, “What did my mother say?”
Shuangtao smiled, “Madam said that as they originally planned to find a son-in-law to marry into the Yu Family, so they have not thought of marrying you off. As this matter is important, so she has to discuss it with master before she can reply them.”
Yu Tang stilled.
Why did her mother answer Madam Tang in such a way?
She said, “What else did Madam Tang say?”
Shuang Tao smiled furtively and added in hushed tones. “Madam Tang said that the second young master of the Li family coincidentally met you. Apart from you, he wouldn’t marry anyone else. Because of this, the second young master made a huge fuss at home and that’s the reason why Mrs. Li requested Madam Tang to test the waters first. After receiving an unfavorable reply from Madam Tang, Mrs. Li decided to take matters into her own hands and directly asked Madam. However she too got a negative response. Once the second young master found out, not only did he not give up, he even said that he wanted to be a son-in-law and marry into the Yu family. Despite his family’s objections, he refused to change his mind. Mrs. Li had no choice but to ask Madam Tang to discuss again with Madam.”
No wonder her mother’s tone softened!
What her parents cared about the most were her feelings. If she could find happiness, it didn’t matter to them if they were able to find a son-in-law to marry into their family or not. At most, their family’s store will be managed by her eldest cousin Yu Yuan.
However, this matter is a little suspicious.
In her previous life, Madam Lin clearly said that Li Jun met her at the temple fair, but now her words have changed.
Yu Tang couldn’t help but murmur aloud, “How could this happen?”
Could it be that she still couldn’t escape the fate of marrying into the Li family?!
For a moment, Yu Tang’s expression became extremely ugly.
Ma Xiuniang and Shuang Tao looked at each other uncertainly.
Yu Tang asked Shuang Tao, “Has Madam Tang left?”
Shuang Tao replied, “She just left.”
Yu Tang was extremely anxious. She apologized to Ma Xiuniang and prepared to go out and find her mother.
Ma Xiuniang clearly saw that Yu Tang disliked this marriage, so she quickly pulled Yu Tang aside and said, “You have something urgent, so I’ll go back first. You don’t have to worry about me. I will visit again when things have settled.”
Yu Tang felt extremely apologetic and wanted to keep Ma Xiuniang a little longer to have dinner before leaving.
Ma Xiuniang said cheerfully and unconcernedly, “Aren’t we good sisters? If you recognize me as your older sister, then there’s no need for explanations. Let me greet Aunt Yu and inform her that I’m leaving first.”
Yu Tang hugged Ma Xiuniang and said gratefully, “Older Sister, I’m really sorry. Let’s arrange another time.”
Ma Xiuniang nodded and was accompanied by Yu Tang to say goodbye to Madam Chen.
The black lacquer table in the middle of the hall was piled full of gifts.
Madam Chen and Old Aunty Chen were taking inventory.
After hearing that Ma Xiuniang was leaving, Madam Chen gave some boxes filled with snacks to Ma Xiuniang and invited her to visit their home again.
As Ma Xiuniang left, Yutang helped her mother back to the main room.
She said plainly, without beating around the bush, “Mother, I want to stay at home.”
Madam Chen thought that as she was still young, there were many things she didn’t understand fully. She smiled kindly and explained. “Originally I wanted to keep you at home with me as I was afraid that you would suffer if you married out. However, if the other family is good, then it would be fine. Our family’s store can be managed by Ah Yuan.”
It was just as Yu Tang expected.
She replied. “Many at times, families arranged marriage harmoniously, but after marriage, things change for the worse. Don’t listen to Madam Tang’s cunning words. Mrs. Li has always belittled people. I don’t like to have a mother-in-law like her.”
Madam Chen laughed: “Silly child, you are not living with your mother-in-law for the rest of your life. Besides, if your husband is willing to protect you, then which mother-in-law would dare to bully their daughter-in-law?”
“That may not be true.” Yu Tang countered, “Filial piety is always said to be the most important thing. Which husband would contradict his mother for the sake of his wife?”
Madam Chen didn’t want to make her daughter unhappy, and besides, this matter was not even confirmed yet.
She assured her daughter and said dotingly, “Yes, I will listen to you. When your father comes back, our family will formally take a look at a few families and settle your marriage once and for all.”
Seeing that her mother did not seem to take her words to heart, Yutang desperately tried to think of how else she could persuade her parents to change their minds.
Early the next morning, Ma Xiuniang came to visit Yutang.
“Is there something wrong?” Yu Tang was startled.
Ma Xiuniang took several sips of tea before saying, “Ah tang, yesterday I specially asked…… ” She paused for a moment before stammering out “Gentleman Zhang ” and continued, ” to help to inquire about Li Jun,” as if words were stuck in her throat, she mumbled softly his name “Gentleman Zhang… said that although Li Jun was a little arrogant, but he is sincere, honest-hearted, full of integrity and is a person can be trusted to protect you. “
Yutang did not expect Li Jun to be described as such.
Even more unexpected was that Ma Xiuniang would help her out like this.
Yu Tang was touched and her eyes turned moist and she said sincerely, “Thank you, older sister! Help me convey my gratitude to brother-in-law too.”
When Ma Xiuniang heard this, her face turned red as she blushed hotly and said, “There’s no need for that. I’m happy that I can be of some help.” She then asked curiously, “Then you, do you still want to stay at home?”
“I want to.” Yu Tang said honestly, “I just feel that this marriage is not quite right.”
Ma Xiuniang tried to persuade her, “What’s wrong? He already said that as long as he can marry you, he is even willing to marry into your Yu Family. . What more do you want? He just really likes you, doesn’t he?”
Her words suddenly enlightened Yu Tang.
Exactly! What was the purpose for the Li family wanting to secure a marriage with their family?
Was it really because of her?
In her previous life, the Li family also warmly welcomed her to marry into their family, even as a widow. However, once married, Madam Lin didn’t treat her kindly.
Was it because of Li Jun’s death that Madam Lin’s anger was directed at her?
But Madam Lin didn’t treat Gu Xi(TL: Li Duan’s wife) that much better either!
Yu Tang grimaced in her heart.
She was determined to personally meet her “fiancé” whom she had never met in her former life.
“Is brother-in-law acquainted with the second young master of the Li family?” She asked Ma Xiuniang.
Ma Xiuniang said curiously, “What do you intend to do?”
“I want to meet the second young master of the Li family. At that time, I would like to ask brother-in-law and sister to accompany me.”
Ma Xiuniang thought that Yu Tang was afraid that Li Jun would be ugly and wanted to see him with her own eyes to confirm before she felt at ease, so she laughed and teased, “Don’t worry, the second young master of the Li family is definitely a brilliant, good-looking young man. There are many families who are eying him to be their son-in-law. I can guarantee that you won’t be disappointed.”
Yu Tang smiled politely.
She was not at all interested in how Li Jun looked like, she only wanted to know how much Li Jun really ‘loved’ her.
How exactly did she offend him? She minded her business at home and yet misfortune came like a bolt out of the blue, causing her misery for two lifetimes.
Ma Xiuniang was worried that if she did not agree to Yu Tang’s request, Yu Tang would find someone else instead and cause even more trouble.
She answered, “Then wait for me to ask …… G-gentleman Zhang……”
Yu Tang agreed with a smile.
After sending Ma Xiuniang away, she called Ah Cam and gave him a handful of copper coins. She instructed him, saying, “Take this to Ah Liu, who sells water at Little Plum Creek, and tell him to keep an eye on the second young master of the Li family and see what he does on a regular basis.”
There were only three servants in the Yu family, Old Aunty Chen, Shuang Tao and Ah Cam. Naturally, things could not be hidden from them. Ah Cam heard about the second young master of the Li family’s marriage proposal, and thought that Eldest Miss must be afraid that the second young master of the Li family wasn’t good-looking and is now checking it out. He was also afraid that the second young master of the Li family wasn’t good enough for their Eldest Miss, so he smiled and agreed, “Don’t worry, Eldest Miss, I won’t tell Madam.”
Yu Tang gave Ah Cam a few more copper coins as a token of appreciation.
Two days later, Ma Xiuniang sent her a letter, saying that Gentleman Zhang agreed to accompany them to see Li Jun.
During this time, Ah Liu also found out about Li Jun. He said “The second young master of the Li family has arranged with a friend to go to the Zhao Ming Temple for a vegetarian meal.”
Yu Tang informed Ma Xiuniang, and the two of them decided to have Gentleman Zhang and Ah Cam accompany them on a trip to Zhao Ming Temple to offer incense.
Chapter 20: Arranging Marriage
Yu Tang was also wary of Madam Tang, so she called Shuang Tao and instructed her, “Go and find out Madam Tang’s purpose for visiting.”
Shuang Tao nodded in response and left.
Yu Tang and Ma Xiuniang’s earlier playfulness had faded considerably. As both of them sat on the Luo Han couch, they ate their shaved ice and began discussing the recent happenings in the city. Often, the most compelling gossip will be about the Pei family.
“Have you heard?” Ma Xiuniang whispered, “The maternal aunt of Eldest young master Pei wants to take him to the capital to study. However, Third Master Pei called all the Pei family’s elders to the ancestral hall, and in front of everyone, he asked the Eldest Young Master if he wanted to stay to observe the mourning period or go to his maternal grandfather’s residence in the capital to study ……”
Yu Tang gasped in astonishment. “Third Master Pei laid out the matter so plainly, even if the eldest young master wants to go to his maternal grandfather’s residence to study, he wouldn’t dare to. If he were to do so, people would call him unfilial. How can he become an official in the future with an unfilial reputation?”
From her previous life, she knew that the Pei family’s eldest young master was forced to stay in the Pei Family’s residence by third master Pei, however she didn’t know it was done using this method.
“Exactly!” Ma Xiu Niang continued, “My father said that the Third Master Pei is really heartless. He also mentioned that if we encounter problems in the future, it’s best not to find the Pei family.”
Ma Xiuniang sighed: “There is also the matter of the first head steward’s family. I wonder how they are faring? My father said that ever since the death of the first head steward, no one in Lin’an has seen them again.”
Yu Tang was taken aback and answered hesitantly, “Perhaps, they were driven out of Lin’an City?”
Ma Xiuniang retorted, “But no one saw them leave the city!”
She was clearly implying that the whole family was murdered.
“That can’t be!” Yu Tang said, “The first head steward’s family is large and they have many family members.”
“Who knows for certain?” Ma Xiuniang shrugged. She obviously did not believe Third Master Pei was incapable of it, as she continued, saying, “Who would do something bad and admit it in public?”
Would he kill another person? Yutang pondered.
Yu Tang didn’t speak for a long time.
Shuang Tao ran in, panting. “Miss, Miss, Madam Tang came to matchmake for you!”
“What?!” Yu Tang and Ma Xiuniang exclaimed and both of them stood up in surprise.
Yu Tang frowned as Ma Xiuniang pulled Shuang Tao close to her and said excitedly, “Tell us quickly, which family is it?”
Shuang Tao smiled, “It’s the second young master of the Li family in the south of Lin’an city!”
“Li Jun!” Yu Tang said unintentionally in shock.
Ma Xiuniang revealed a sly smile, and pointed at Yu Tang, saying, “Ah Tang, tell me honestly, what is the story? I will definitely keep it secret. If not, I will tell your mother, saying that you are close with the second young master of the Li House in the south of Lin’an city ……”
“What are you saying?” Yu Tong’s heart was in turmoil and said, “How would I know Li Jun!”
She was really speaking the truth.
Although she married Li Jun in her previous life, she had never met him.
While the marriage was being arranged, she thought that Li Jun saw her before as it was said that he fell in love with her at first sight, so at least, it was better than having a loveless arranged marriage. Later, when she married into the Li family, Li Jun was already no longer alive.
Ma Xiuniang said disbelievingly, “Then how do you know that the second young master of the Li family is named Li Jun?”
Yu Tang vaguely answered her, “I heard it from someone.”
She asked Shuang Tao hurriedly, “What did my mother say?”
Shuangtao smiled, “Madam said that as they originally planned to find a son-in-law to marry into the Yu Family, so they have not thought of marrying you off. As this matter is important, so she has to discuss it with master before she can reply them.”
Yu Tang stilled.
Why did her mother answer Madam Tang in such a way?
She said, “What else did Madam Tang say?”
Shuang Tao smiled furtively and added in hushed tones. “Madam Tang said that the second young master of the Li family coincidentally met you. Apart from you, he wouldn’t marry anyone else. Because of this, the second young master made a huge fuss at home and that’s the reason why Mrs. Li requested Madam Tang to test the waters first. After receiving an unfavorable reply from Madam Tang, Mrs. Li decided to take matters into her own hands and directly asked Madam. However she too got a negative response. Once the second young master found out, not only did he not give up, he even said that he wanted to be a son-in-law and marry into the Yu family. Despite his family’s objections, he refused to change his mind. Mrs. Li had no choice but to ask Madam Tang to discuss again with Madam.”
No wonder her mother’s tone softened!
What her parents cared about the most were her feelings. If she could find happiness, it didn’t matter to them if they were able to find a son-in-law to marry into their family or not. At most, their family’s store will be managed by her eldest cousin Yu Yuan.
However, this matter is a little suspicious.
In her previous life, Madam Lin clearly said that Li Jun met her at the temple fair, but now her words have changed.
Yu Tang couldn’t help but murmur aloud, “How could this happen?”
Could it be that she still couldn’t escape the fate of marrying into the Li family?!
For a moment, Yu Tang’s expression became extremely ugly.
Ma Xiuniang and Shuang Tao looked at each other uncertainly.
Yu Tang asked Shuang Tao, “Has Madam Tang left?”
Shuang Tao replied, “She just left.”
Yu Tang was extremely anxious. She apologized to Ma Xiuniang and prepared to go out and find her mother.
Ma Xiuniang clearly saw that Yu Tang disliked this marriage, so she quickly pulled Yu Tang aside and said, “You have something urgent, so I’ll go back first. You don’t have to worry about me. I will visit again when things have settled.”
Yu Tang felt extremely apologetic and wanted to keep Ma Xiuniang a little longer to have dinner before leaving.
Ma Xiuniang said cheerfully and unconcernedly, “Aren’t we good sisters? If you recognize me as your older sister, then there’s no need for explanations. Let me greet Aunt Yu and inform her that I’m leaving first.”
Yu Tang hugged Ma Xiuniang and said gratefully, “Older Sister, I’m really sorry. Let’s arrange another time.”
Ma Xiuniang nodded and was accompanied by Yu Tang to say goodbye to Madam Chen.
The black lacquer table in the middle of the hall was piled full of gifts.
Madam Chen and Old Aunty Chen were taking inventory.
After hearing that Ma Xiuniang was leaving, Madam Chen gave some boxes filled with snacks to Ma Xiuniang and invited her to visit their home again.
As Ma Xiuniang left, Yutang helped her mother back to the main room.
She said plainly, without beating around the bush, “Mother, I want to stay at home.”
Madam Chen thought that as she was still young, there were many things she didn’t understand fully. She smiled kindly and explained. “Originally I wanted to keep you at home with me as I was afraid that you would suffer if you married out. However, if the other family is good, then it would be fine. Our family’s store can be managed by Ah Yuan.”
It was just as Yu Tang expected.
She replied. “Many at times, families arranged marriage harmoniously, but after marriage, things change for the worse. Don’t listen to Madam Tang’s cunning words. Mrs. Li has always belittled people. I don’t like to have a mother-in-law like her.”
Madam Chen laughed: “Silly child, you are not living with your mother-in-law for the rest of your life. Besides, if your husband is willing to protect you, then which mother-in-law would dare to bully their daughter-in-law?”
“That may not be true.” Yu Tang countered, “Filial piety is always said to be the most important thing. Which husband would contradict his mother for the sake of his wife?”
Madam Chen didn’t want to make her daughter unhappy, and besides, this matter was not even confirmed yet.
She assured her daughter and said dotingly, “Yes, I will listen to you. When your father comes back, our family will formally take a look at a few families and settle your marriage once and for all.”
Seeing that her mother did not seem to take her words to heart, Yutang desperately tried to think of how else she could persuade her parents to change their minds.
Early the next morning, Ma Xiuniang came to visit Yutang.
“Is there something wrong?” Yu Tang was startled.
Ma Xiuniang took several sips of tea before saying, “Ah tang, yesterday I specially asked…… ” She paused for a moment before stammering out “Gentleman Zhang ” and continued, ” to help to inquire about Li Jun,” as if words were stuck in her throat, she mumbled softly his name “Gentleman Zhang… said that although Li Jun was a little arrogant, but he is sincere, honest-hearted, full of integrity and is a person can be trusted to protect you. “
Yutang did not expect Li Jun to be described as such.
Even more unexpected was that Ma Xiuniang would help her out like this.
Yu Tang was touched and her eyes turned moist and she said sincerely, “Thank you, older sister! Help me convey my gratitude to brother-in-law too.”
When Ma Xiuniang heard this, her face turned red as she blushed hotly and said, “There’s no need for that. I’m happy that I can be of some help.” She then asked curiously, “Then you, do you still want to stay at home?”
“I want to.” Yu Tang said honestly, “I just feel that this marriage is not quite right.”
Ma Xiuniang tried to persuade her, “What’s wrong? He already said that as long as he can marry you, he is even willing to marry into your Yu Family. . What more do you want? He just really likes you, doesn’t he?”
Her words suddenly enlightened Yu Tang.
Exactly! What was the purpose for the Li family wanting to secure a marriage with their family?
Was it really because of her?
In her previous life, the Li family also warmly welcomed her to marry into their family, even as a widow. However, once married, Madam Lin didn’t treat her kindly.
Was it because of Li Jun’s death that Madam Lin’s anger was directed at her?
But Madam Lin didn’t treat Gu Xi(TL: Li Duan’s wife) that much better either!
Yu Tang grimaced in her heart.
She was determined to personally meet her “fiancé” whom she had never met in her former life.
“Is brother-in-law acquainted with the second young master of the Li family?” She asked Ma Xiuniang.
Ma Xiuniang said curiously, “What do you intend to do?”
“I want to meet the second young master of the Li family. At that time, I would like to ask brother-in-law and sister to accompany me.”
Ma Xiuniang thought that Yu Tang was afraid that Li Jun would be ugly and wanted to see him with her own eyes to confirm before she felt at ease, so she laughed and teased, “Don’t worry, the second young master of the Li family is definitely a brilliant, good-looking young man. There are many families who are eying him to be their son-in-law. I can guarantee that you won’t be disappointed.”
Yu Tang smiled politely.
She was not at all interested in how Li Jun looked like, she only wanted to know how much Li Jun really ‘loved’ her.
How exactly did she offend him? She minded her business at home and yet misfortune came like a bolt out of the blue, causing her misery for two lifetimes.
Ma Xiuniang was worried that if she did not agree to Yu Tang’s request, Yu Tang would find someone else instead and cause even more trouble.
She answered, “Then wait for me to ask …… G-gentleman Zhang……”
Yu Tang agreed with a smile.
After sending Ma Xiuniang away, she called Ah Cam and gave him a handful of copper coins. She instructed him, saying, “Take this to Ah Liu, who sells water at Little Plum Creek, and tell him to keep an eye on the second young master of the Li family and see what he does on a regular basis.”
There were only three servants in the Yu family, Old Aunty Chen, Shuang Tao and Ah Cam. Naturally, things could not be hidden from them. Ah Cam heard about the second young master of the Li family’s marriage proposal, and thought that Eldest Miss must be afraid that the second young master of the Li family wasn’t good-looking and is now checking it out. He was also afraid that the second young master of the Li family wasn’t good enough for their Eldest Miss, so he smiled and agreed, “Don’t worry, Eldest Miss, I won’t tell Madam.”
Yu Tang gave Ah Cam a few more copper coins as a token of appreciation.
Two days later, Ma Xiuniang sent her a letter, saying that Gentleman Zhang agreed to accompany them to see Li Jun.
During this time, Ah Liu also found out about Li Jun. He said “The second young master of the Li family has arranged with a friend to go to the Zhao Ming Temple for a vegetarian meal.”
Yu Tang informed Ma Xiuniang, and the two of them decided to have Gentleman Zhang and Ah Cam accompany them on a trip to Zhao Ming Temple to offer incense.
