TSWRLM -Chapter 11 A Marriage Candidate

Afraid of running into Wei Lingze at the Jingzhao Mansion, Chun Xi went straight to the Qingyuan Marquis’ residence.

She had planned to wait in a nearby alley, but luck was on her side—two streets away, she unexpectedly ran into Qing Shu.

Besides the portion for Shen Qingyuan, Chun Xi had also packed a small bowl for Qing Shu. After tasting it, Qing Shu praised it endlessly and didn’t hesitate to take the food box.

Back at the Wenxin Courtyard, Shen Qingyuan was reading again.

The moment Qing Shu entered, he cheerfully announced: “Miss Chun Xi brought rabbit meat for you, sir. It’s delicious! You must try it.”

As he spoke, he opened the box and placed a large plate of rabbit meat before him.

Though the meat had cooled, it was coated in red oil, sprinkled with sesame, and looked exquisite. The moment the box opened, a fragrant, spicy aroma wafted up, making one’s appetite stir instantly.

Shen Qingyuan didn’t rush to taste it, instead looking up at Qing Shu: “You didn’t tell her I was resting at home today?”

Qing Shu nodded: “Sir, you dislike being disturbed while resting, so I just brought it in for you.”

Previously, when townsfolk sent gifts of gratitude, Shen Qingyuan always let Qing Shu handle it himself. Qing Shu felt proud of his thoughtful act, and Shen Qingyuan praised him: “Yes, you did very well.”

Then he took out the small bowl of rabbit meat that Chun Xi had prepared for Qing Shu.

Qing Shu quickly protested: “Sir, that small bowl is for me, from Miss Chun Xi!”

He had only tasted a small piece and was eager to enjoy it himself later with some peanuts and a jug of wine.

But Shen Qingyuan calmly speared a piece with the bamboo skewer and put it in his mouth, asserting: “So what? I can’t eat what’s given to you?”

Qing Shu shook his head repeatedly. Of course, the food belonged to his lord—there was nothing a lord couldn’t eat. But Shen Qingyuan already had a whole plate, why was he taking his piece?

——

Matchmaker Zhang had not exaggerated. Just two days later, she arrived at Chun Xi’s home, smiling, to propose a match.

“Master Li owns a shop in the eastern part of the city, an orchard in the suburbs, and over ten acres of fertile farmland. The rental income alone covers living expenses. He’s willing to offer a betrothal gift of 100 taels. Chun Xi, if you marry into this family, you’ll live a comfortable life!”

Master Li’s family was respectable, wealthy, and generous. Madam Wang almost tried to keep up appearances, but couldn’t help letting a smile creep across her face.

If she became Master Li’s mother-in-law, her status would be enhanced when she went out.

Chun Xi remained calm, showing no excitement. When Matchmaker Zhang grew thirsty from praising her, Chun Xi asked: “How old is this Master Li?”

The matchmaker choked slightly, then laughed: “Not very old, and with wealth, he’s well cared for—he looks young.”

Chun Xi stayed silent, staring at her. The matchmaker awkwardly added: “Really, he just turned thirty-five after Mid-Autumn.”

Whoa! He could easily be Chun Xi’s father.

Madam Wang’s smile faded. Chun Xi asked again: “Master Li is thirty-five and has never married—does he have some hidden problem?”

Madam Wang glared at Chun Xi—what sort of question was that for a young lady?

Matchmaker Zhang didn’t mind, patting her chest: “Master Li may not have married, but he has taken several concubines, with sons running around everywhere. His health is perfectly fine.”

A house full of concubines, each with a son—if Chun Xi entered as the legitimate wife, wouldn’t they tear her apart?

Madam Wang’s smile disappeared entirely. Chun Xi, however, still smiled gently: “Auntie, I’m young and not strong enough to control others. I don’t have the fate to enjoy wealth at Master Li’s. I know my situation. You don’t need to find me a rich household—just one with a simple, honest family is enough.”

Her tone was soft and polite. Matchmaker Zhang felt pleased and praised her: “You’re quite sensible. I happen to know a suitable candidate for you—a young scholar, only twenty-five, teaching at the local academy. Your brother A-Wen should know him too.”

Chun Xi understood—this was the matchmaker’s real recommendation.

That evening, just as Matchmaker Zhang left, the young scholar, Zhou Qin, accompanied Cao Wen home.

“The child was careless while playing and fell. I took him to the clinic; it’s just a sprain, no broken bones. He’ll recover in a few days.”

The Zhou family’s wealth was modest compared to Master Li, but Zhou Qin earned two taels a month teaching at the academy. Extra work proofreading books brought in some income, so life wasn’t too difficult.

Moreover, Zhou Qin had a fair appearance and a simple, scholarly aura in his blue-gray robe.

Madam Wang wanted to repay the medical fees, but Zhou Qin refused: “A-Wen was injured at the academy. I didn’t watch him properly as his teacher, so you don’t need to repay me. He has difficulty walking these few days; I’ll escort him to and from school.”

“Wouldn’t that be too troublesome for you, sir?”

“Not at all.”

Once Zhou Qin left, Madam Wang eagerly asked Cao Wen about him.

Without hesitation, Cao Wen replied: “Mr. Zhou is kind, meticulous in teaching, and we all like him. He’s also very filial to his parents.”

Hearing “filial,” Madam Wang’s eyes lit up.

Though Master Li’s family was wealthy, supporting several concubines and sons, being his mother-in-law would bring prestige but little practical gain. Zhou Qin, however, was kind and respectful—Madam Wang could maintain control over Chun Xi.

Madam Wang was immediately very satisfied. She pulled Chun Xi aside: “This Mr. Zhou has good character and is talented. Tomorrow I’ll give Matchmaker Zhang a response. But the Zhou family isn’t rich—don’t foolishly give them all your hidden savings. Keep some for yourself.”

Chun Xi, now headstrong, ignored her mother’s subtle warning. Madam Wang could only plant the idea for the future and hope Chun Xi would hand over her money later.

Madam Wang was already planning for Chun Xi’s marriage, but Chun Xi responded coldly: “This is just our first meeting. How do I know his character? I need to investigate further.”

“Didn’t Matchmaker Zhang already explain clearly? His parents are alive, he has only one younger sister, has maintained virtue, never married, and A-Wen said he’s good. What more do you need to find out?”

Madam Wang was displeased. Marriage matters were usually decided by parents and matchmakers, yet Chun Xi was being picky.

Chun Xi didn’t argue but said coldly: “This concerns my whole life. I must be cautious. If you promise him without my consent, I won’t mind gaining a stepfather.”

Hearing this, Madam Wang left in anger.

The next morning, Zhou Qin came to escort Cao Wen to the academy. Chun Xi accompanied him: “I heard other children were injured too. I’ll go with A-Wen to the academy to see what happened. If it was A-Wen’s fault, I’ll apologize properly.”

Zhou Qin’s eyes brightened, praising her: “You truly understand things.”

Zhou Qin carried Cao Wen, walking shoulder to shoulder with Chun Xi toward the academy.

Along the way, they ran into Shen Qingyuan’s carriage.

After losing that bowl of rabbit meat, Qing Shu had been pondering and finally realized that his lord seemed different toward Chun Xi. Seeing her on the roadside, Qing Shu immediately pulled the carriage to a stop.

“Miss Chun Xi, where are you headed?”