Chapter 159 Preparing for Marriage
In August, good news about the opening of spring imperial exam next year spread from the capital. Liu Zhuo Ting, Yue Wen Sheng, Fourth Wei and other students who had studied hard for many years were naturally overjoyed when they heard the news. All of them wanted to go to the capital to take the exam and realize their ambitions.
Now there were only less than seven months until the imperial exam in March next year. There were many students in Luohe Prefecture who were going to the capital for the exam. After the news of the imperial exam spread to Luohe Prefecture, the bookstores in Luohe Prefecture made big money.
"These were the papers that Gentleman Xiao asked someone to bring back from the previous exams. He also asked a colleague who was the chief examiner in the court for copies of a few answer papers from back then. Although the three of you excel in this area, this help is icing on the cake." Sitting at the head, You Jin motioned for Qiu Fen and the others to distribute the papers in their hands to Liu Zhuo Ting, Fourth Wei, and Yue Wen Sheng.
"You Jin, how is the icing on the cake? It’s obviously charcoal in the snow." As Liu Zhuo Ting’s glowing eyes glanced through the real past questions that were hard to find in the market even with thousand golds, he was both shocked and overjoyed.
Fourth Wei also carefully read the previous policy theory. His eyes fixated without blinking while his mouth kept sighing: "The people's livelihood and state affairs, every word was a pearl. It’s really an excellent policy theory." Although he conceitedly proclaimed to have some talent , he had no experience of going to the capital to attend for the exam. Although his grandfather was an official in the court, he had never been involved with examinations. He can only tell him about his own experience in examinations thirty years ago, which was of little practical significance. Just as he was feeling uneasy that Wife’s Elder Sister had prepared this. His gratitude to Wife’s Elder Sister increased even more.
You Jin saw that the three of them looked like they had found a treasure and the smile on her face increased a little. She spoke: "It’s good if you find it useful."
Thinking of the things mentioned in Xiao Lin Yu's letter, she stated: " Nowadays, his Majesty pays attention to the state affairs and the people's livelihood. He is extremely wise and wants to follow up and below to follow his example. The examiners and graders will naturally prefer to be more pragmatic."
The three of them listened attentively to You Jin's words and secretly made a note in their minds that they must not make flowery articles when answering the questions. After all, You Jin's ability to find this information was enough to prove that what she said was true.
Although You Jin had never participated in the examination, she knew the importance of the examination to the students. She had finished what he had to say and naturally no longer kept the three: "If there is any news from my side, I will invite you over. Now is the critical time, so I won't waste your time."
It went without saying that the three of them were all grateful. They all mentally promised they must repay Su Family well in the future when they become famous for this kindness.
As for Fourth Wei, who was Su Family’s son-in-law. He was taken care of by in-law family from the start. Now he had such golden words and secret scrolls, Fourth Wei naturally felt more grateful toward Su Family.
Second Madam Wei knew that her son had this opportunity, and said: "Who blamed me for this marriage at the beginning? Now you only remember to in-law family’s goodness, but not me. Truly have a daughter-in-law and forget mother!”
However, these words were only meant to irk her son. As for three months pregnant You bao, she treated her more and more like pearls and jade.
Time passed day by day. Although Xiao Lin Yu wasn't in Luohe Prefecture, his heart never left. Almost every second day, he sent a letter to relieve the pain of lovesickness. He also sent people to bring golds, silvers, pearls, treasures, silks, satins, and other things back to Xiao's house as a backup gift.
Mrs. Yu looked at the box with at least a hundred pearls sent back by her son this time. All of them were round, plump and lustrous. She felt her brows twitch slightly: "Before marrying, he’s already this biased. When he marries, won’t pick off the stars in the sky and give them to her?"
"Look at what you’re saying. If You Jin knows, what will she think?" Xiao Hai Ru just finished soaking his feet and came in from the outside, when he heard his wife complaining while sitting on the couch. On the small table on the couch was that exact box of pearl.
Sitting next to Mrs. Yu, he closed the lid of the box, poured a cup of hot tea for himself, and said, "Lin Yu was finally getting married after so much difficulty. You as a mother don't hope for the couple to be harmonious. Instead, you start blaming. What will the others think when they know about it?"
If Xiao Hai knew that she had mingled a lot in the circle of noble ladies in Luohe Prefecture during these days and also met many officials' wives. Maybe she felt a little unjust. So he said: "You only see how beautiful the ladies are on the outside. But think carefully about those officials’ wives and misses who were friends with you when you were in trouble. Did anyone offer a helping hand?"
Being beaten by her husband like this, Mrs. Yu wanted to defend herself, but she couldn't open her mouth. After pondering about it, her thoughts had really gone astray. Still, her face felt unable to stay in place. So she said, "I just said one sentence and you have ten for me. Which shows that you are like your son, have a crooked heart."
"You're talking more and more petty. Then when the time comes, won't they call you Mother? From what I see You Jin is a very good child and Lin Yu likes her too. Why do you worry so much about the children's affairs?" Xiao Hai Ru leaned on the couch, closed his eyes slightly, and sighed: "When a child grows up, he will always have his own world. If we as elders intervene too much, we will inevitably alienate the child. If you want to hold a grandchild as soon as possible, don't think too much about it."
Mrs. Yu wasn't an ignorant person. But after listening to the remarks of some noble ladies in Luohe Prefecture, she felt for a while that her son was now a commandery duke and was worthy of a better family daughter. It was only at this moment when she heard her husband say this that she remembered the past matter of becoming more and more estranged from her son because of her meddling in her son's marriage a few years ago. She no longer dared to think about it.
Xiao Family's betrothal was generous. Su Family's dowry wasn't much less.
Originally, Mrs. Su led You Yin, You Zhu, and You Bao on making arrangements together. But You Yin was further along her pregnancy now and You Bao had only just turned three months long. Mrs. Su wished she could keep the two of them in the room to protect the baby. How could she be willing to let them worry about this? Therefore, she, You Zhu, Mrs. Han, and Third Master Huang were all involved. After half a year, they were mostly done.
"Beside the brocade that was brought up from the south of the Yangtze River and the yellow rosewood from the south and will be ready in ten days, everything is all set." Third Master Huang had a wide range of connections. Those items that cannot be found in Luohe Prefecture were sorted through him and those merchants who came from south and north. In June, he entrusted people to bring back 30 bolts of silk and satin from Jiangnan, as well as dozens of Su Prefecture embroidery fabrics unique to Jiangnan. There were 70 pieces of fine cotton, quilted silk, Huanhua brocade, Liuguang brocade and other materials. A total of 100 bolts of material.
Mrs. Su nodded and put this amount into the dowry list, and said: "Now it seems that it was almost done. But if there’s still a shortage, Third Master, you can come for the money to pay for it. We must make sure You Jin's wedding is done beautifully.”
"Don't worry, Madam. When the yellow rosewood arrives, I'll look for the best craftsman in Luohe Prefecture. They will definitely make a complete set of furniture before November." How could he not agree? Although he didn't sell his body to Su Family for these years, Eldest Miss fully trusted and valued him. Now that Eldest Miss was getting married with his original master, he jumped out early to help buy the dowry. Even if Mrs. Su didn’t ask, he would put his whole heart in.
Mrs. Su put down the brush in her hand and said with a smile: "I never knew that a dowry would be such a hassle. Must have Third Master help out a bit."
You Jin knew that she was going to get married soon.Even if the family's business could still be taken care of, the trivial matters at home must be left to Mrs. Su. So from May onwards, she began to gradually hand over all the big and small matters of the family to Mrs. Su. Although she was still worse than Mrs. Yu, who had been doing this for more than 20 years, she barely managed it.
Back to You Zhu. She had considered there wasn’t a house watcher who could help Mother since Eldest Sister was getting married and You Ling will get married next year, and You Luo and the two younger ones were still young. Therefore, even though she still had some affection for Xu Mao Lin in her heart, she still refused to nod and accept the marriage.
Mrs. Su didn't know this. She only thought that her personality hadn’t settled down yet. Afraid that she would waste her time in vain and miss her marriage with Xu Mao Lin, she sought You Zhu for a heartfelt persuasion after You Jin's dowry was almost done.
"Mother finished worrying about Eldest Sister's marriage. Next year, it’s You Ling. So why do you still have time to meddle in my affairs?" You Zhu listened to her mother's persuasion. Although she felt a little impatient, she didn't quarrel with Mrs. Su. She only made a grievance expression which amused Mrs. Su: "Mother finds me an eyesore at home? If that's the case, I won't leave."
"What are you saying, kid?" Irked and amused, Mrs. Su poked her forehead, "Mother is doing this for your own good. Mother knows their child. Mother knows your feeling toward Lieutenant Xu. Lieutenant is a good person. Mother is afraid of you missing this good marriage and you will regret it for the rest of your life in the future!"
Hearing Mrs. Su's heartfelt words, You Zhu felt her eyes were hot for no reason. Still, she was more determined in her heart to help Mrs. Su for a few more years: "Don't talk about it, Mother. If it’s mine, it’ll still be mine after another two years. If it’s not mine, what’s the point of rushing up?”
Seeing her attitude of not budging despite soft and hard method, clueless of her thoughts Mrs. Su was truly pissed off by this old third. She knew that Third Daughter had the most stubborn temper. If she really want to fight out a win or lose with her, their heart would become distant. So she can only suppress the thoughts in her heart and just say: "Forget it. Mother won’t force you. It’s a life-long matter. You just have to think about it more clearly.”
After returning from a business trip to Chaxiang for a few days, You Jin discovered Mrs. Su was ‘delusioned’ into brainwashing Third Younger Sister again. So she couldn't help but laugh: "Mother, you know Third Younger Sister’s temperament. Didn’t the doctor come last time and told you to relax? Mother, why bother finding anger for yourself? "
Although Mrs. Su's foundation was great, she had one child a year like laying an egg in the past several years, Her body was already exhausted. In the past six or seven years, since You Jin earned the first money, she had been working on nourishing Mrs. Su's body. Now there were bird's nests and ginseng supplementing every day. Various nourishing soups and supplements consumption were never stopped. Although Mrs. Su's body wasn't plump, it was still much better than a few years ago.
"I’m just anxious for your younger sister? Even You Ling is engaged now. She’s already sixteen and not in a hurry at all. If Lieutenant Xu's family becomes impatient, what will happen to your younger sister in the future?" Mrs. Su was very satisfied with the match to Xu Family. She had seen Xu Mao Lin a few times. He was full of military expertise and handsome in appearance. He was a fifth-rank lieutenant. The important thing was that You Zhu liked him. If such a young talent was missed, where else can she find a better marriage for You Zhu?
You Jin refilled half a cup of flower dew for Mrs. Su, and said with a smile: "As the so-called children and grandchildren have their own blessings. Mother, don't worry. If it really doesn't work, I'll go to You Zhu to ask."
"Yes, yes. It’ll work as long as you go. You Zhu has always listened to you." When Mrs. Su heard what Eldest Daughter said, her eyes lit up. She wished Eldest Daughter could go to find You Zhu and talk to her right away.
In August, good news about the opening of spring imperial exam next year spread from the capital. Liu Zhuo Ting, Yue Wen Sheng, Fourth Wei and other students who had studied hard for many years were naturally overjoyed when they heard the news. All of them wanted to go to the capital to take the exam and realize their ambitions.
Now there were only less than seven months until the imperial exam in March next year. There were many students in Luohe Prefecture who were going to the capital for the exam. After the news of the imperial exam spread to Luohe Prefecture, the bookstores in Luohe Prefecture made big money.
"These were the papers that Gentleman Xiao asked someone to bring back from the previous exams. He also asked a colleague who was the chief examiner in the court for copies of a few answer papers from back then. Although the three of you excel in this area, this help is icing on the cake." Sitting at the head, You Jin motioned for Qiu Fen and the others to distribute the papers in their hands to Liu Zhuo Ting, Fourth Wei, and Yue Wen Sheng.
"You Jin, how is the icing on the cake? It’s obviously charcoal in the snow." As Liu Zhuo Ting’s glowing eyes glanced through the real past questions that were hard to find in the market even with thousand golds, he was both shocked and overjoyed.
Fourth Wei also carefully read the previous policy theory. His eyes fixated without blinking while his mouth kept sighing: "The people's livelihood and state affairs, every word was a pearl. It’s really an excellent policy theory." Although he conceitedly proclaimed to have some talent , he had no experience of going to the capital to attend for the exam. Although his grandfather was an official in the court, he had never been involved with examinations. He can only tell him about his own experience in examinations thirty years ago, which was of little practical significance. Just as he was feeling uneasy that Wife’s Elder Sister had prepared this. His gratitude to Wife’s Elder Sister increased even more.
You Jin saw that the three of them looked like they had found a treasure and the smile on her face increased a little. She spoke: "It’s good if you find it useful."
Thinking of the things mentioned in Xiao Lin Yu's letter, she stated: " Nowadays, his Majesty pays attention to the state affairs and the people's livelihood. He is extremely wise and wants to follow up and below to follow his example. The examiners and graders will naturally prefer to be more pragmatic."
The three of them listened attentively to You Jin's words and secretly made a note in their minds that they must not make flowery articles when answering the questions. After all, You Jin's ability to find this information was enough to prove that what she said was true.
Although You Jin had never participated in the examination, she knew the importance of the examination to the students. She had finished what he had to say and naturally no longer kept the three: "If there is any news from my side, I will invite you over. Now is the critical time, so I won't waste your time."
It went without saying that the three of them were all grateful. They all mentally promised they must repay Su Family well in the future when they become famous for this kindness.
As for Fourth Wei, who was Su Family’s son-in-law. He was taken care of by in-law family from the start. Now he had such golden words and secret scrolls, Fourth Wei naturally felt more grateful toward Su Family.
Second Madam Wei knew that her son had this opportunity, and said: "Who blamed me for this marriage at the beginning? Now you only remember to in-law family’s goodness, but not me. Truly have a daughter-in-law and forget mother!”
However, these words were only meant to irk her son. As for three months pregnant You bao, she treated her more and more like pearls and jade.
Time passed day by day. Although Xiao Lin Yu wasn't in Luohe Prefecture, his heart never left. Almost every second day, he sent a letter to relieve the pain of lovesickness. He also sent people to bring golds, silvers, pearls, treasures, silks, satins, and other things back to Xiao's house as a backup gift.
Mrs. Yu looked at the box with at least a hundred pearls sent back by her son this time. All of them were round, plump and lustrous. She felt her brows twitch slightly: "Before marrying, he’s already this biased. When he marries, won’t pick off the stars in the sky and give them to her?"
"Look at what you’re saying. If You Jin knows, what will she think?" Xiao Hai Ru just finished soaking his feet and came in from the outside, when he heard his wife complaining while sitting on the couch. On the small table on the couch was that exact box of pearl.
Sitting next to Mrs. Yu, he closed the lid of the box, poured a cup of hot tea for himself, and said, "Lin Yu was finally getting married after so much difficulty. You as a mother don't hope for the couple to be harmonious. Instead, you start blaming. What will the others think when they know about it?"
If Xiao Hai knew that she had mingled a lot in the circle of noble ladies in Luohe Prefecture during these days and also met many officials' wives. Maybe she felt a little unjust. So he said: "You only see how beautiful the ladies are on the outside. But think carefully about those officials’ wives and misses who were friends with you when you were in trouble. Did anyone offer a helping hand?"
Being beaten by her husband like this, Mrs. Yu wanted to defend herself, but she couldn't open her mouth. After pondering about it, her thoughts had really gone astray. Still, her face felt unable to stay in place. So she said, "I just said one sentence and you have ten for me. Which shows that you are like your son, have a crooked heart."
"You're talking more and more petty. Then when the time comes, won't they call you Mother? From what I see You Jin is a very good child and Lin Yu likes her too. Why do you worry so much about the children's affairs?" Xiao Hai Ru leaned on the couch, closed his eyes slightly, and sighed: "When a child grows up, he will always have his own world. If we as elders intervene too much, we will inevitably alienate the child. If you want to hold a grandchild as soon as possible, don't think too much about it."
Mrs. Yu wasn't an ignorant person. But after listening to the remarks of some noble ladies in Luohe Prefecture, she felt for a while that her son was now a commandery duke and was worthy of a better family daughter. It was only at this moment when she heard her husband say this that she remembered the past matter of becoming more and more estranged from her son because of her meddling in her son's marriage a few years ago. She no longer dared to think about it.
Xiao Family's betrothal was generous. Su Family's dowry wasn't much less.
Originally, Mrs. Su led You Yin, You Zhu, and You Bao on making arrangements together. But You Yin was further along her pregnancy now and You Bao had only just turned three months long. Mrs. Su wished she could keep the two of them in the room to protect the baby. How could she be willing to let them worry about this? Therefore, she, You Zhu, Mrs. Han, and Third Master Huang were all involved. After half a year, they were mostly done.
"Beside the brocade that was brought up from the south of the Yangtze River and the yellow rosewood from the south and will be ready in ten days, everything is all set." Third Master Huang had a wide range of connections. Those items that cannot be found in Luohe Prefecture were sorted through him and those merchants who came from south and north. In June, he entrusted people to bring back 30 bolts of silk and satin from Jiangnan, as well as dozens of Su Prefecture embroidery fabrics unique to Jiangnan. There were 70 pieces of fine cotton, quilted silk, Huanhua brocade, Liuguang brocade and other materials. A total of 100 bolts of material.
Mrs. Su nodded and put this amount into the dowry list, and said: "Now it seems that it was almost done. But if there’s still a shortage, Third Master, you can come for the money to pay for it. We must make sure You Jin's wedding is done beautifully.”
"Don't worry, Madam. When the yellow rosewood arrives, I'll look for the best craftsman in Luohe Prefecture. They will definitely make a complete set of furniture before November." How could he not agree? Although he didn't sell his body to Su Family for these years, Eldest Miss fully trusted and valued him. Now that Eldest Miss was getting married with his original master, he jumped out early to help buy the dowry. Even if Mrs. Su didn’t ask, he would put his whole heart in.
Mrs. Su put down the brush in her hand and said with a smile: "I never knew that a dowry would be such a hassle. Must have Third Master help out a bit."
You Jin knew that she was going to get married soon.Even if the family's business could still be taken care of, the trivial matters at home must be left to Mrs. Su. So from May onwards, she began to gradually hand over all the big and small matters of the family to Mrs. Su. Although she was still worse than Mrs. Yu, who had been doing this for more than 20 years, she barely managed it.
Back to You Zhu. She had considered there wasn’t a house watcher who could help Mother since Eldest Sister was getting married and You Ling will get married next year, and You Luo and the two younger ones were still young. Therefore, even though she still had some affection for Xu Mao Lin in her heart, she still refused to nod and accept the marriage.
Mrs. Su didn't know this. She only thought that her personality hadn’t settled down yet. Afraid that she would waste her time in vain and miss her marriage with Xu Mao Lin, she sought You Zhu for a heartfelt persuasion after You Jin's dowry was almost done.
"Mother finished worrying about Eldest Sister's marriage. Next year, it’s You Ling. So why do you still have time to meddle in my affairs?" You Zhu listened to her mother's persuasion. Although she felt a little impatient, she didn't quarrel with Mrs. Su. She only made a grievance expression which amused Mrs. Su: "Mother finds me an eyesore at home? If that's the case, I won't leave."
"What are you saying, kid?" Irked and amused, Mrs. Su poked her forehead, "Mother is doing this for your own good. Mother knows their child. Mother knows your feeling toward Lieutenant Xu. Lieutenant is a good person. Mother is afraid of you missing this good marriage and you will regret it for the rest of your life in the future!"
Hearing Mrs. Su's heartfelt words, You Zhu felt her eyes were hot for no reason. Still, she was more determined in her heart to help Mrs. Su for a few more years: "Don't talk about it, Mother. If it’s mine, it’ll still be mine after another two years. If it’s not mine, what’s the point of rushing up?”
Seeing her attitude of not budging despite soft and hard method, clueless of her thoughts Mrs. Su was truly pissed off by this old third. She knew that Third Daughter had the most stubborn temper. If she really want to fight out a win or lose with her, their heart would become distant. So she can only suppress the thoughts in her heart and just say: "Forget it. Mother won’t force you. It’s a life-long matter. You just have to think about it more clearly.”
After returning from a business trip to Chaxiang for a few days, You Jin discovered Mrs. Su was ‘delusioned’ into brainwashing Third Younger Sister again. So she couldn't help but laugh: "Mother, you know Third Younger Sister’s temperament. Didn’t the doctor come last time and told you to relax? Mother, why bother finding anger for yourself? "
Although Mrs. Su's foundation was great, she had one child a year like laying an egg in the past several years, Her body was already exhausted. In the past six or seven years, since You Jin earned the first money, she had been working on nourishing Mrs. Su's body. Now there were bird's nests and ginseng supplementing every day. Various nourishing soups and supplements consumption were never stopped. Although Mrs. Su's body wasn't plump, it was still much better than a few years ago.
"I’m just anxious for your younger sister? Even You Ling is engaged now. She’s already sixteen and not in a hurry at all. If Lieutenant Xu's family becomes impatient, what will happen to your younger sister in the future?" Mrs. Su was very satisfied with the match to Xu Family. She had seen Xu Mao Lin a few times. He was full of military expertise and handsome in appearance. He was a fifth-rank lieutenant. The important thing was that You Zhu liked him. If such a young talent was missed, where else can she find a better marriage for You Zhu?
You Jin refilled half a cup of flower dew for Mrs. Su, and said with a smile: "As the so-called children and grandchildren have their own blessings. Mother, don't worry. If it really doesn't work, I'll go to You Zhu to ask."
"Yes, yes. It’ll work as long as you go. You Zhu has always listened to you." When Mrs. Su heard what Eldest Daughter said, her eyes lit up. She wished Eldest Daughter could go to find You Zhu and talk to her right away.
Now that You Jin's marriage is coming I feel like the end of this novel is near T_T I wonder how far we are now?
ReplyDelete5 chapters left
DeleteI hope Lin Yu's mom doesn't overthink again. I think Lin Yu would give up the Xiao family name to be with You Jin! Mrs. Su is letting her little girls fly out of the house one by one. Thank you for the chapter!
ReplyDeleteIf this is from our generation, those girls once married, either in their own courtyard not in their in-laws or stay with their mother esp in Asian community with such kind of dwelling. Daughter' mother wont let their children(female) stay away from her.
DeleteClicking Next button still end up on this chapter, 159. Odk why & what's wrong
ReplyDeleteFixed
DeleteHow did Author-nim manage to almost destroy all the character growth MLs mother has had so far??
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of fair-weather bitch is this mrs. Yu? You Jin saved her and her family's life. Fed them. Clothed them. Housed them. Treated them like family when they were by right slaves. Risked her life to let them speak with their imprisoned family. All those things and more.
ReplyDeleteAnd yet, a few choice words from a couple of shrews is enough to make her heart waver on accepting You Jin as a daughter in law?