RWNEFE -Chapter 509 Shen Lanxi Personally Attends the Matchmaking Event!

When Shen Lanxi received the report, there were already five hundred women and one hundred men registered.

“Tomorrow, we will hold the event on the platform where the Li Prince was executed!”

That high platform had once been used to execute the descendant of the Li Prince, to see off the Great Zhou army, and now it would once again save countless women from suffering. Truly, it was a fitting place.

Orders were issued, and the Ministries of Rites, Personnel, and War immediately began arranging the venue, preparing in advance, clearing the area, and setting up security.

That day, Shen Lanxi appeared dressed in a python-embroidered robe, her bearing imposing.

Ban Sicao loved lively occasions like this and had been waiting since early morning to set out together with Shen Lanxi.

Five hundred women and one hundred men stood separately on two sides.

Che Mingyuan took out a scroll. Before opening it, he explained:

“We are arranging marriages first for soldiers stationed in Dongchuan and the northwest. The reason is simple: most of these soldiers have no relatives at home. Since enlisting, they have remained in the army, and their commanders know their character well.”

“As for the one hundred men here, although you have already reported your native places, our offices are short of manpower. Only part of the information has been verified so far; much remains unchecked.”

“The court is holding this matchmaking event to create good marriages, not unhappy ones. Therefore, in matters of character, the court will investigate carefully, so that the women may feel reassured.”

Most of the five hundred women had been forced into desperate situations or had nowhere left to stay in their hometowns. Hearing Che Mingyuan’s words, many were deeply moved.

As he unrolled the scroll, he continued:

“Let us proceed this way: one soldier, paired with one man whose background has already been verified. Does everyone agree?”

Some among the women and men nodded; others voiced their willingness.

Shen Lanxi said, “Begin.”

Che Mingyuan read:

“First: Sun Er, shield-bearer in Dongchuan. He has only one parent, his father, who works as a cook earning two taels of silver a month, and has not remarried. Sun Er has earned many military merits and currently has savings of three hundred taels, as well as a house with a courtyard. His monthly pay is also two taels. He is twenty-six years old, eight chi tall, with an ordinary appearance. He bears a scar on his face from battle and is missing one finger. Aside from that, he has no other problems.”

“Sun Er’s requirement is to find a wife not too young—twenty-five or twenty-six is fine, even a few years older is acceptable. Preferably without children, with ordinary looks, and able to live frugally and manage a household steadily.”

At first, when the women heard that Sun Er had physical injuries, some hesitated. But after hearing his requirements, many became interested.

“My lord, I am willing.”

“I am willing too.”

“And I am willing!”

Seeing more than a dozen women practically rushing forward, Shen Lanxi laughed lightly.

“So when the conditions are good, everyone charges forward.”

Ban Sicao covered his mouth, laughing; Che Mingyuan was also trying hard not to laugh, his eyes nearly bulging from the effort.

Hearing Shen Lanxi’s remark, the women blushed and retreated shyly.

Shen Lanxi raised her voice: “This is only temporary. If, after you arrive there, you do not like the person, just say so. They will continue arranging introductions. No one will force you to marry.”

The women’s eyes lit up at once.

They had already resigned themselves, thinking only of finding a place where they could eat and stay warm. As for what the man looked like, they had thought that as long as he was not missing limbs, it would be enough.

After all, this man only had a scar and was missing a finger—not a leg. If he could work, earn money, and support a family, that was enough.

Moreover, his conditions were truly good: a house and considerable savings.

Che Mingyuan cleared his throat.

“This is only the first person; there are many more to come. No need to hurry.”

Even so, no one was willing to withdraw.

The chatter grew noisy, and Shen Lanxi could not stand it any longer.

“Draw lots. Whoever draws the marked one will be chosen.”

Che Mingyuan smiled in relief and wiped his sweat. “That’s a good idea.”

In the end, the winning lot was drawn by a woman with a child.

After drawing, she hurriedly explained: “This is not my child, but my younger sister. After our parents died, our uncle and aunt drove us out. If I hadn’t threatened to kill myself, they would have sold me to an old hunter in the deep mountains.”

Che Mingyuan nodded. “Very well, it’s you. Wait to one side. Next.”

A man whose family background had been verified stepped forward.

“I have five brothers; I am the third. I am twenty-five this year. My father never cared for me, and my mother didn’t love me either. They treated me like an old ox, making me work but never arranging a marriage. Last year I overheard them plotting to keep me unmarried for life so I could earn money to support them. After I quarreled with them, I moved out.”

“When I left home, I took nothing but the clothes on my back. I’ve saved a little money now, but after my parents and brothers learned of it, they constantly came to demand money from me. If I refused, they caused trouble so I couldn’t even work in peace. I’ve grown tired of it and want to go far away from them.”

“I have saved ten taels of silver. If I enlist, there will be an additional subsidy of fifteen taels. I’ve heard that over there, land and housing will also be provided. I ask for nothing more than someone who can live an honest, steady life with me.”

The man nodded toward Che Mingyuan; that was all he could think to say.

Che Mingyuan added:

“If a married couple goes to the northwest or Dongchuan, they will be allocated a small courtyard and ten mu of farmland.”

“Farming tools and seeds will also be provided. Once you arrive, you can begin living immediately.”

As soon as he finished speaking, someone stepped forward.

“I am a widow. Do you want me? I have no children. I had just married when my husband was conscripted, and half a year later news came of his death,” said a thin, emaciated woman in her early twenties.

The man looked at her rough hands and nodded without hesitation. “Yes.”

Che Mingyuan smiled sincerely. “Congratulations.”

The man said awkwardly, “I’m just afraid that before I leave, my family will come to cause trouble.”

Che Mingyuan understood.

“The authorities will go with you shortly and have them sign a document severing family ties. After that, you will have no relationship with them. If they still come looking for you, take the document to your commanding officer and say this was ordered by the Regent King: anyone who continues to harass you will have their entire family conscripted as slaves.”

The man immediately turned, dropped to his knees with a thud, and kowtowed three times to Shen Lanxi.

“Thank you, Regent King! You are like a second parent to me!”

The woman also knelt and kowtowed.

“Thank you, Regent King. Without you, I might have been sold someday.”

Shen Lanxi smiled.

“Go pack your things and wait at the relay station. All your food and expenses on the journey will be paid by the court, and carriages will be sent to take you there.”

The man and woman glanced at each other shyly and withdrew.

Che Mingyuan continued reading:

“Next: Zhang Daniu, a scout. Twenty-eight years old, six chi tall, ordinary appearance, repeatedly distinguished in battle, quick-witted. Personal property: six hundred taels, plus various rewards; owns a small courtyard. He has a younger sister two years younger, now a medical aide in the army, already married, with a monthly stipend of six taels. His post is somewhat more dangerous than other units, but he has no physical injuries.”