Chapter 39: Has Someone Been Chosen?
“Father, Mother, I’m telling you, it’s better to split the family!” Yang’s daughter-in-law, Wang Shi, chattered away, her words flowing smoothly.
The old man, Wang Lao, let out a long sigh and said, “Fine, let’s split the family!” He was firm in his decision, but as a father, he didn’t want to get involved in the quarrels between his daughters-in-law.
Wang Shi comforted her parents, “Don’t worry, I’ll help take care of Second Brother. You can rely on me, and I’ll make sure you live a good life!” She took out a wicker basket and revealed the chicken eggs and meat inside.
Wang Lao was shocked and quickly stood up. “How did you bring back so many things?” He was worried that if his son-in-law found out, it would be a big trouble. A married daughter was like spilled water, and it was considered taboo for her to bring back things from her husband’s family to her own family.
Wang Shi laughed and said, “Father, it’s what my father-in-law told me to bring back!” Yang Zhengshan had indeed asked her to bring some things back to her parents. In his eyes, it was a natural thing for a daughter-in-law to bring gifts to her parents.
However, Wang Shi only brought back some pork and eggs, which Yang Zhengshan had not specifically instructed her to do. Wang Lao was relieved to hear that Yang Zhengshan had agreed to it.
“Oh, by the way, my father-in-law is going to the Heavy Mountain Fortress, and he’s going to take the official examination for the Hundred Households!” Wang Shi continued to chat.
Wang Lao was first shocked and then delighted. “You must be filial to your father-in-law and don’t make him angry!” He was worried that Yang Zhengshan would look down on his daughter.
After chatting for a while, Wang Shi bid farewell to her parents and went to find Old Lady Wang. Old Lady Wang was a kind-hearted old woman in her fifties, with silver hair and a gentle face. She was the one who had helped mediate the marriage between Yang and Wang families.
“Are you here to propose a marriage?” Old Lady Wang asked as soon as Wang Shi arrived.
Wang Shi was surprised, “How did you know?”
Old Lady Wang smiled, “I have had many people come to me requesting to propose to Yang’s third son!”
Wang Shi explained that there was someone she was interested in, and Old Lady Wang’s eyes lit up. “Let me go and find out more about the situation!” She was eager to get involved in the matchmaking business.
Wang Shi mentioned that the girl was from Liang’s Cloth Shop in the county town. Old Lady Wang thought for a moment and said, “I don’t know much about the Liang family, but I can go and find out more.”
The next two days, Yang Zhengshan was busy preparing for the ancestral worship and the banquet. He invited many friends and relatives, including Lu Zhang from the ironworks in the county town, Lu Zhaoqi from Qinghe Town, Jiang Jia from Jiang Family Village, and Li Jia from Li Family Village. He also had to hire chefs and buy ingredients for the banquet.
As he was busy with the preparations, Yang Zhengshan saw Yang Mingcheng walking out of the east wing with a dark face, followed by Wang Shi with tears in her eyes.
“What’s going on?” Yang Zhengshan wondered, seeing the unhappy faces of the young couple.
Previous Chapter | TOC | Next Chapter