Chapter 1884: Chapter 960: Mindful vs. Unmindful (Part 2)
"Where’s the girl from, how old is she, and who are in her family..." Lady Zhang asked a series of questions.
Luo Xiaoying was at an age where marriage should be discussed. Furthermore, Lady Zhang certainly wouldn’t forget that once Luo Xiaoying got married, Luo Xiaoyan would be fully devoted to her life with Erlang, handing over the Luo Family matters to Luo Xiaoying and his wife. So, Lady Zhang was particularly concerned about Luo Xiaoying’s marriage discussions.
Lian Manman was also a bit curious about what kind of marriage was being discussed for Luo Xiaoying this time. Over the past couple of years, the Luo family’s life had gradually improved, and everyone noticed their close relationship with Lian Shouxin, so matchmakers had come to discuss marriage for Luo Xiaoying.
However, out of three or four proposals, none succeeded. Lady Zhang found out only after inquiring that it was because Luo Xiaoying had somewhat high standards, preferring good-looking girls. And as the future sole daughter-in-law of the Luo family, the elder Luo parents had high expectations for their future daughter-in-law.
As for Luo Xiaoyan, although she didn’t explicitly say so, her words clearly showed that she held Luo Xiaoying in high regard and wanted someone "well-matched" in all respects for him.
"The girl is from the same village as my aunt, her surname is Wang, and her maiden name is Xuemei. She’ll be sixteen by the end of the year. She has parents and siblings, and they say they have two or three acres of land. Usually, they do some small business in town, and their life is pretty decent," said Luo Xiaoyan. "They say she’s a good girl, clever and skillful, quite capable."
"A capable girl from a proper family is good," said Lady Zhang, then asked, "Second brother’s wife, have you gone to meet her?"
"Last month, I went to the city with my mother, met my aunt, and stayed at her home for half a day. I saw the girl there; her looks and manner of speaking are both top-notch. My aunt later found out my brother hadn’t settled on a marriage yet and suggested her. My aunt has been close to my mom since childhood, and she and the girl live as neighbors, so she knows everything, and we consider her quite reliable," Luo Xiaoyan said. "My brother is not young, and my parents are anxious. So we called my brother back, hoping to settle this within a few days."
"You and your mother have both seen the girl. Haven’t you looked her over again? Has your brother met her?" Lady Li asked.
"Hmm... a few days ago, my brother passed through Shili Village, went to see my aunt, and saw her while he was there," replied Luo Xiaoyan.
"Does your brother like her as well?" Lady Zhang asked.
"My brother nodded," Luo Xiaoyan said.
This means Luo Xiaoying liked her too, which is why they want to settle this marriage. Lian Manman, hearing this, couldn’t help but look carefully at Luo Xiaoyan. Earlier, Luo Xiaoyan said she and her mother met Miss Wang but didn’t mention that Luo Xiaoying also saw her until Lady Li asked. Was it a slip of the mind, or was she concealing it?
"This is a good thing. It seems suitable, so hurry and arrange the engagement. Once your brother marries, your parents will have someone to take care of them, and it’ll put their minds at ease," said Lady Zhang.
Though concerned, Lady Zhang couldn’t say much about the marriage since it wasn’t a matter concerning her own family.
"We also want to settle it soon. My mother calculated my brother’s fate and said there would be difficulties in marriage. We proposed a few matches earlier, but they didn’t work out, so it’s fate. This time, everyone finds it suitable, and we’re afraid to miss out, which would make it harder to find another match... The girl is great in every way, and her family likes the idea too. Just one thing..." Luo Xiaoyan stopped here, sighed, and carefully glanced at Lady Zhang and Lian Manman.
"Is there still something not agreed upon?" Lady Zhang asked.
"My brother works as an attendant in a large carriage house in the city, and the girl’s family is a bit reluctant because of the distance, and sometimes he has to work night shifts..." Luo Xiaoyan replied.
Lian Manman looked at Luo Xiaoyan, feeling a stir in her heart.
"Didn’t they know about these things when the proposal was first made?" Lady Zhang asked.
"Oh..." Luo Xiaoyan was about to answer when a young maid came in to report that Wu Yugui and his family had arrived.
As dusk was approaching, it was time for the guests to arrive, and since the Wu family was particularly close to the Lian family, they were the first to arrive.
"Second sister-in-law, it’s getting late. Let’s talk about this tomorrow. You and Brother Erlang should stay here for dinner," said Lian Manman.
Luo Xiaoyan also knew that with the Wu family coming, they were sure to stay for dinner, and it was almost mealtime. Despite Lian Manman’s invitation, she had no reason to stay. Besides, Lian Shouyi and Lady He had already gone back to the Luo Family Village, and she and Erlang should return too, instead of staying for dinner.
"Aunt, I’ll be heading back now. We haven’t cooked at home yet, and I need to hurry back to take care of my in-laws," Luo Xiaoyan stood up and said her goodbyes to Lady Zhang.
"With your in-laws, I won’t insist on you staying today. Come by tomorrow when you have the time, and we’ll have a good chat," said Lady Zhang.
Just as Luo Xiaoyan stood up, Lady Wu Wang and Lian Zhizhi had arrived in the courtyard, and Lady Zhang first heard Dabao’s voice.
"Second brother’s wife, you and Erlang should have a child soon!" Lady Zhang’s gaze fell naturally on Luo Xiaoyan’s waist, and she said this without thinking.
Luo Xiaoyan was immediately flustered, mumbled a response, and quickly walked out.
"Second brother’s wife suddenly changed her expression," Lady Zhang muttered to herself, and then saw the maid lift the curtain as Lady Wu Wang and Lian Zhizhi came in with Dabao, making her forget everything else.
"Mom, you were impressive today," Lian Manman stood up to welcome Lady Wu Wang and Lian Zhizhi, softly whispering to Lady Zhang.
...
Here’s a late-night update. Thanks for everyone’s support. Feeling the motivation to keep writing. Continuing to ask for pink votes, aiming for 800 pink votes O(∩_∩)O
There will still be plenty of updates tomorrow. Let’s work hard together, clench our fists! (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for recommendations and monthly votes at Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my biggest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)
