SGEIRS -Chapter 507 Choosing Miss Zhao

The matchmaker was skilled at reading expressions. Seeing that Old Madam Meng frowned, she immediately knew that Old Madam Meng was dissatisfied with both the girl from the Jin family and the girl from the Zhao family. A trace of disdain arose in her heart, and she secretly thought: It’s one thing that your son has no prospects, but he’s already been married three times, and now he’s even a grandfather and not young anymore. Any good girl willing to marry him is already lucky—yet you’re still picky?

Still, the matchmaker didn’t want to keep looking. These two girls were already ones she had spent a long time finding. Other girls were either from families unwilling to marry their daughters into the Meng household, or the girls themselves refused to marry Meng’s son. Finding two daughters from respectable, official families willing to remarry into a household with several grown children was already quite fortunate.

The matchmaker continued: “Madam, both the girl from the Jin family and the girl from the Zhao family are gentle and virtuous, and they are both quite attractive. If you want someone younger, then the Jin girl is suitable. If you want someone mature and steady, then the Zhao girl would be better. May I ask which you prefer?”

Old Madam Meng, dissatisfied with both, asked, “Matchmaker Zhang, besides these two, are there any other girls?”

The matchmaker spoke honestly: “Madam, to be frank, given Lord Meng’s current reputation, it’s rather difficult to find a better girl. Word is that his marriage prospects are thin, and many parents don’t want to marry their daughters to him, fearing they can’t grow old together in happiness.”

Old Madam Meng felt frustrated. Why is my son’s marriage luck considered thin? Thin marriage luck, yet he’s married three times? Neither of these two girls appealed to her. Marrying a woman with a child into the Meng household would mean raising someone else’s child as well.

The matchmaker glanced at her and said, “Madam, I think the girl from the Zhao family is quite suitable. The Zhao family is gentle, virtuous, and manages a household well. Her daughter is fourteen this year and can be married off next year. She’s not a child who needs constant attention. The Jin girl’s son is only five this year, which would likely require more care.”

Hearing this, Old Madam Meng paused, her mind racing, and her eyes brightened.

Compared to the Jin girl’s son who would divide the estate in the future, the Zhao girl’s fourteen-year-old daughter was acceptable. In a year, she could be married off, and daughters are meant for marriage alliances anyway.

If A-Yao married the Marquis of Changxing, even if her eldest brother-in-law couldn’t help the Meng family, their status would improve. If A-Yu married the wealthy merchant Deng Yuanqing of Yangzhou, the second brother-in-law couldn’t help in official matters, but could contribute some wealth. The Meng family was no longer as financially strained as last year. Another daughter from the Zhao family could be a well-leveraged marriage, bringing benefits to the Meng household.

Thinking this through, Old Madam Meng said, “A gentle and virtuous girl is truly a pity to miss. But being a stepfather is not easy. I worry that if the child has a bad temper and doesn’t obey, my son will be strict with her, and people will say he’s cruel to his stepchildren. If he doesn’t discipline her, he’d be negligent as a father.”

The matchmaker understood Old Madam Meng’s subtle hint—she wanted a graceful way to give her an excuse—and tactfully offered one: “Madam, don’t worry. I have met the Zhao girl’s daughter; she’s sensible. The Jin girl’s son is also well-behaved.”

Old Madam Meng pretended to contemplate for a moment, then said, “Then let it be Miss Zhao. She’s close in age to my son. The Jin girl is more than ten years younger than him and probably not as steady.”

The matchmaker, hearing this, understood Old Madam Meng’s plan: she didn’t want a girl with a child who would later claim part of the estate. A daughter who could be married off next year wouldn’t require a share of the estate, and leaving her at home for a year wouldn’t be a problem.

The matchmaker said, “Since Madam thinks Miss Zhao is suitable, shall I inform the Zhao family?”

Although Old Madam Meng had chosen Miss Zhao, it didn’t mean the marriage would be immediately confirmed. She replied, “No rush. I want to first send someone to investigate the Zhao family. If there are no issues, then the engagement can be confirmed.”

“That’s prudent.”

The matchmaker nodded, her smile more genuine. Her fee was almost secure. Though the Meng family had declined, with the Marquis of Changxing as eldest son-in-law, she wouldn’t dare recommend a family with serious problems. Minor issues might exist in the Zhao family, but nothing unacceptable.

Old Madam Meng spoke pleasantly: “Thank you, Matchmaker Zhang, for coming today.” She gave a subtle glance to her maid, who immediately understood and handed the matchmaker a prepared purse.

The matchmaker, seeing this, pretended to refuse before accepting, then took her leave.

By evening, Meng Dongyuan returned home and learned that the matchmaker had visited again. He felt frustrated. Earlier that day, he had run into Madam Dong in the street, but she didn’t even glance at him. No matter how he called after her, she didn’t look back.

He knew that the Meng family had hurt Madam Dong’s feelings long ago to protect Chengxing, yet he couldn’t let go. He hadn’t liked any woman this much for a long time—not even Madam Sun back then.

A servant, observing his expression, cautiously said, “My lord, I heard that Old Madam was very pleased today.”

Hearing this, Meng Dongyuan realized the marriage was likely about to be settled. He became even more agitated and hurried to Rongfu Hall.

Old Madam Meng saw him arrive, noting the slight resistance on his face, and preemptively said, “Son, today Matchmaker Zhang came. She has found two fine girls. From her description, your mother thinks they are quite suitable. We are preparing to settle your marriage this year, to be completed in the second half of the year.”

Meng Dongyuan resisted: “Mother, I still…”

Old Madam Meng’s expression darkened, her gaze sharp: “Don’t tell me you’re still thinking of Madam Dong, that woman who threw our family into chaos. Why are you still thinking of her? Do you know what people say about you because of her? They say your marriage luck is thin and you cannot grow old happily with her.”

Seeing this, Meng Dongyuan hesitated and instinctively swallowed his words. “Mother, I have already let go of Madam Dong. May I ask which girls the matchmaker has found for me?”

Old Madam Meng replied truthfully: “One is Miss Jin, daughter of the Vice Minister of the Honglu Temple. The other is Miss Zhao, daughter of a Guozi Jian instructor. Miss Jin is twenty-two, beautiful and gentle. She was married once; her husband died, and she returned to her family with her son seeking a new match. Miss Zhao is thirty-one, also widowed, bringing her daughter. Both require remarriage with their children.”

Meng Dongyuan was momentarily stunned but knew he could not make the decision himself. Since he had to choose, he thought a younger girl would be better. He said, “Mother, I think Miss Jin is suitable. Let’s choose her.”

Old Madam Meng frowned and shot him a glance: “You’re confused. Miss Jin may be younger, but she has a son who will later divide the estate. That won’t do. Marrying a wife should be about her virtue. Age and appearance are secondary. Managing the household well is what matters. If you want someone young and beautiful, you can take another concubine.”

Meng Dongyuan paid no mind: “Mother, our family has little estate left anyway. Why bother so much?”

Old Madam Meng was momentarily speechless, then said: “Our family is recovering. In time, we will regain our former glory. How could we let another’s son profit? Miss Zhao is perfect. Her daughter is fourteen and can be married off next year. If the marriage is well-managed, our Meng family gains additional leverage.”

Meng Dongyuan realized he could not oppose his mother. He stopped resisting. Marrying anyone is still marrying someone; might as well marry someone useful.

He obediently said, “Mother, I was careless earlier. You are right; indeed, Miss Zhao is better.”