TIPS – Chapter 4

If the marriage proposal was to happen the next day, all preparations had to be completed today. The first task was to find a matchmaker. Yang Shi, having lived for over forty years, had never arranged such an important event before and was afraid of making mistakes. So, she went to visit Aunt Liu, a close acquaintance, for advice.

Aunt Liu’s son had just married last year, and coincidentally, he had also married a male bride. It was said that the bride was expecting a child earlier this year, which had put Aunt Liu in a very good mood lately.

When Yang Shi asked about the process of arranging a marriage, Aunt Liu was more than willing to share everything she knew. She eagerly pulled Yang Shi aside and explained things in great detail.

As women often do, their conversation soon expanded beyond the topic at hand. Yang Shi, being a straightforward person without much guile, answered every question honestly, explaining the entire situation to Aunt Liu.

Now, Aunt Liu had a particular trait—she loved to gossip. She could take the smallest bit of news and spread it far and wide. The matter concerning the Shen family’s eldest son was no small affair—it was a huge event.

So, no sooner had Yang Shi left than Aunt Liu also stepped out. By the time Yang Shi had finished making all the necessary preparations for the betrothal, the entire Chashan Village had already heard the news: The Shen family’s eldest son was about to strike it rich.

Some villagers envied Shen Junxi’s luck. First, he had narrowly avoided marrying Xue Lan, and now, he was set to marry the young master of the prestigious Song family. How lucky could one person get?

Others, however, were skeptical. Shen Junxi’s circumstances were well known—his family was poor, and he was mute. Would someone from a wealthy, distinguished family really take a liking to him? Could this truly be a stroke of good fortune, or was there something else going on behind the scenes?

Anyone with sharp eyes could tell that this marriage was not as simple as it seemed. But so what? This was the Song family, the wealthiest in Lihua Town. If such an opportunity landed on your doorstep, would you dare refuse?

Previously, when Shen Junxi’s engagement with the Xue family had been called off, the Shen family’s matriarch had paid little attention, as it didn’t directly affect the main family’s interests. But this time, things were different. Now that Shen Junxi was connected to the wealthiest family in Lihua Town, the matter could no longer be ignored.

Third Madam Wang Shi, a straightforward woman, bluntly told the Shen family’s matriarch, “Your eldest grandson is really something—he’s about to make something of himself.” Previously, they had worried he wouldn’t be able to find a wife, but in the blink of an eye, he had secured a match with the powerful Song family. “Ah, if only my own son had that kind of luck! The young master of the Song family, of all people…”

The Song family was the wealthiest household in Lihua Town. That was no small matter.

The Shen matriarch snorted. “We wouldn’t want that kind of luck for our He’er.”

Wang was puzzled. “What do you mean by that, Mother? I’m not being sarcastic—I’m genuinely envious of Junxi.” Their branch of the family was not as financially successful as the second branch, so she truly admired those who had wealth.

The Shen matriarch scoffed. “There’s nothing to be envious of. Think about Junxi’s situation —why would a young master from the Song family be willing to marry him?”

Hearing that, Wang Shi suddenly understood. Perhaps something had happened to the Song family’s young master, and they were using Junxi as a scapegoat—a poor fool to take the fall. She sighed. “I thought Junxi had really caught a lucky break. Turns out, it’s not that simple.”

As they chatted, their conversation happened to be overheard by Old Master Shen, who had been out for a stroll. He furrowed his brows and asked, “What are you two talking about? What’s this about Junxi and the Song family?”

Wang quickly replied, “I only heard about it through gossip. Aunt Liu swore it was true—Junxi is supposedly engaged to the young master of the Song family.”

The Shen matriarch sneered. “And it’s the Song family’s young master who is marrying Junxi.”

Old Master Shen’s face darkened. He had a naturally imposing presence, and without raising his voice, he exuded an air of authority. “The Song family only has one son. Either Old Master Song has lost his mind, or the young master of the Song family is no longer a suitable groom.”

Having lived for so many years, he understood the ways of the world. More than likely, the Song family’s young master had encountered some misfortune and was using Junxi as a convenient solution.

“Old Master, this concerns the Shen family’s reputation—we can’t ignore it,” the Shen matriarch urged.

Old Master Shen nodded. “Don’t worry. I’ll have someone bring Shen Dongming here so we can get to the bottom of this.”

While the main Shen family was discussing the situation, the eldest branch of the Shen family was still caught up in the excitement and frantic preparations. Even lunch had been hastily eaten.

Although no amount of cleaning could make their home look luxurious, Yang Shi still rolled up her sleeves and tidied up once more.

Shen Dongming sat at the doorway, smoking his pipe, his eyes half-closed in contentment. His son, Junxi, had gone to town, as there were some items that couldn’t be procured in the village.

From afar, he spotted Xu Da, one of the laborers from the main Shen family, approaching. Shen Dongming waved and called out, “Brother Xu Da, where are you headed?”

Xu Da replied, “Nowhere in particular. The old master wants to see you—you’d better come along quickly.”

Shen Dongming paused, tapping the mouthpiece of his pipe against his palm. “The old master? What for?” It wasn’t a festival or special occasion—why would the main family suddenly want to see him?

“You’ll find out when you get there,” Xu Da said. “Come on, let’s go.”

Though they had separated from the main family, Old Master Shen was still his father, so Shen Dongming couldn’t refuse. “Alright, alright. Let me tell my wife, and I’ll be right with you.”

After quickly informing Yang Shi, he left with Xu Da.

The last time Shen Dongming had seen his father was during the Qingming Festival, and he had assumed their next meeting wouldn’t be until the Mid-Autumn Festival. But now, they were meeting sooner than expected.

As expected, Old Master Shen looked the same as ever—stern and expressionless. In fact, today, his face was even colder than usual.

“Father, did you need to see me?” Shen Dongming knew he wasn’t well-liked and had long since accepted his fate. Whatever happened, he would just deal with it.

Old Master Shen looked him up and down, growing more and more displeased. There was not a trace of refinement in him—just the appearance of an ordinary farmer. He asked, “What is this engagement of Xi’er about? How did you get involved with the Song family?”

Shen Dongming opened his mouth but wasn’t surprised—of course, it was about this matter. Otherwise, why would his father suddenly remember him? He answered, “Xi’er met him himself. His mother and I don’t know much about it.”

“Nonsense! Engaging without a matchmaker—how could you let this happen?” Old Master Shen slammed the table.

“Father, they’re both men. In the countryside, we don’t follow such strict formalities,” Shen Dongming argued. He didn’t see anything wrong with what Xi’er had done. Wasn’t this a good thing? Otherwise, how would they have such a good match?

“Can our family be compared to just any other?” Old Master Shen was furious. “Are you getting more foolish with age? Use your brain—how could the Song family be within your reach? What do you have to offer in marriage to the Song family? And why would their only son marry Xi’er?”

Every word was belittling his family, and Shen Dongming felt indignant. He retorted, “Why can’t my Xi’er marry into the Song family? As long as the young master of the Song family likes my Xi’er, that’s all that matters!”

“You shameless fool! Are you saying you’re willing to raise another man’s child?” Old Master Shen scolded angrily.

“What? What child?” Shen Dongming was confused by his father’s words.

Old Master Shen, maintaining his dignity, found it improper to speak of such sordid matters, so it was Old Madam Shen who spoke instead.

“The whole village knows—why is the Song family rushing to send their young master to your worthless home for marriage? What’s the reason?”

Shen Dongming stood frozen, his face ashen. His own mother had just called his family “a worthless home.” He struggled to address her, but he still said, “Mother.”

Old Madam Shen sat with an air of superiority, not even sparing him a glance. She sneered, “Xi’er is so successful now, I dare not claim to be his grandmother. Our Shen family cannot afford to marry into such a high-status family, nor do we want to raise another man’s child.”

“Who said anything about a child? There’s no proof of this! My Xi’er and the young master of the Song family are in love—Xi’er personally admitted it!” Shen Dongming was furious. His future daughter-in-law hadn’t even entered the household yet and was already the target of such slander. He couldn’t allow this to continue.

“Hmph! Does he need to say it himself? If that weren’t the case, why would he be in such a rush to marry? And why would he choose Xi’er?” Old Madam Shen scoffed. If the young master of the Song family were truly well and capable, even her best grandson, He’er, wouldn’t be able to marry him, let alone Xi’er.

“If there’s no proof, why do you insist on tarnishing his reputation? He is your own grandson’s future spouse!” Shen Dongming looked at his mother with resentment. He didn’t care about being looked down upon himself, but Xi’er shouldn’t have to suffer this treatment.

“Shut your mouth! I never agreed to this marriage!” Old Madam Shen shot a glance at Old Master Shen and said, “Old man, give a final word—this marriage cannot happen.”

Old Master Shen declared, “It cannot.”

Shen Dongming was shaken. He asked, “Why? Why not?” He truly didn’t understand—what was so wrong about Xi’er marrying a good spouse?

Old Madam Shen sneered, “Everyone knows your family is just being used. Marrying the young master of the Song family is only about wealth. Are you really willing to be gossiped about just for riches? Our Shen family doesn’t raise such disgraceful descendants.”

Old Master Shen agreed. “That’s right. The young master of the Song family cannot be married into this household. If he is, it will only bring disaster.” Their family’s century-old reputation would be ruined.

“Not marrying? Then what about my Xi’er?” Shen Dongming’s heart grew cold as he looked at the two elders.

Old Master and Old Madam Shen both felt a bit guilty when they thought about how Xi’er was already twenty-four and still unmarried. Old Madam Shen said, “It was his own fault—how did he end up mute?”

At least Wang Shi had some conscience. She suggested, “How about this? I’ll have my sister-in-law keep an eye out for a match for Xi’er. Maybe he’ll be able to marry within the year.”

Both Shen elders agreed. As long as he didn’t marry the Song family’s young master, anything else was acceptable.

“No.” Shen Dongming stubbornly lifted his head. “My Xi’er doesn’t need your interference. He will marry the young master of the Song family! Even if you disapprove, it won’t change anything!” This time, no matter what, he wouldn’t let the family control his decisions. This was Xi’er’s good fortune, and no one could take it away.

“Oldest son, are you so blinded by greed that you dare to disobey your own father?” Old Madam Shen scolded, displeased.

“This has nothing to do with greed. Xi’er and the Song family’s young master have already pledged themselves to each other. We have no right to interfere, and neither do you.” Shen Dongming stated firmly.

“Hmph! So they’ve privately decided their marriage? That just proves the Song family’s young master is unreliable. Even if he’s married, he’ll bring misfortune.” Old Madam Shen scoffed coldly.

Shen Dongming was struggling to contain his anger. His son’s future spouse hadn’t even entered the door yet, and his mother was already calling him a curse. Gritting his teeth, he declared, “I don’t care—Xi’er’s marriage is settled, and nothing will change that.”

“You! You unfilial son! Are you trying to anger me to death?” Old Master Shen pointed at his eldest son. When had he become so defiant, to the point of ignoring his own father’s words?

Shen Dongming spoke with bitterness and sadness, “In your heart, I have always been an unfilial son. I’ve never pleased you. This time, for Xi’er’s sake, I absolutely won’t back down. You can scold me however you like.”

“What are you trying to do? Your family cannot take in that disaster! We do not approve!” Old Madam Shen shouted angrily when she saw him about to leave.

“Father, Mother, consider me an unfilial son then. Please, don’t stop me anymore.” With that, Shen Dongming left the main household as if fleeing. He didn’t need their support—he hadn’t needed it since splitting from the family, because even if he did, they wouldn’t give it.

“He truly is an unfilial son. I said long ago that he wouldn’t turn out well,” Old Madam Shen remarked as she watched his retreating figure.

“If he insists on this path, let him be,” Old Master Shen sighed in disappointment. Their family had upheld the values of farming and education for generations. Although they were still a farming household, their traditions had always been upright. Never had there been a fool as disgraceful as Shen Dongming. The only saving grace in his branch of the family was Xi’er, who had once been bright and clever—until he lost his voice, ruining his future.

To Old Master Shen, Shen Dongming was already a stain on the family, and now, even Xi’er was someone he preferred not to mention.

“We cannot allow this. If rumors spread through the village and tarnish our family’s reputation, how will we face others?” Old Madam Shen objected.

Old Master Shen said, “Then have our third daughter-in-law make a public statement. Let it be known that our family does not support this marriage. If he truly goes through with it, it will have nothing to do with us.”

Old Madam Shen found this acceptable and instructed their third daughter-in-law, Wang Shi, “Did you hear that? Go on behalf of the Shen family and make it clear where we stand.”

Wang Shi responded, “I heard the eldest family is going to propose tomorrow. I’d better act quickly.”

Old Madam Shen patted her hand. “Go ahead. He’er should be finishing his studies soon—you might run into him.”

Wang Shi left the Shen household and sought out influential villagers, including the village head. Although the Shen family did not manage village affairs, they were still a well-regarded family, and when they spoke, people listened.

Many had already speculated about the engagement between the Shen family’s eldest branch and the Song family, but without evidence, they could only gossip in private. Now, with the Shen family openly opposing the marriage, the villagers couldn’t help but wonder—why?

The shrewd villagers began to speculate among themselves, and the rumors took an even darker turn, whispering about indecent matters.

People tried to pry information from Wang Shi, but she only relayed the message from the Shen elders. In her heart, she wouldn’t have gone this far, but the family elders had never gotten along with the eldest branch, and the Song family’s young master was indeed a peculiar case. In the end, for the sake of her own son, He’er, Wang Shi yielded—she had to be the villain this time.

Chashan Village was abuzz with gossip. By noon, people were spreading rumors that the Shen family’s eldest branch was about to become rich. By afternoon, the Shen elders had issued their official disapproval. With this turn of events, the speculation shifted—who was truly the father of the child in the Song family’s young master’s belly? What dark secrets were hidden in the Song household?

By the time the Shen family’s eldest branch learned of these rumors, they had escalated to discussions about how many children the Song family’s young master had already birthed.

Shen Dongming paced back and forth inside his home, seething. Grinding his teeth, he declared, “We’ll send the betrothal gifts! The day after tomorrow, we’ll make it official! Let them talk nonsense all they want—Xi’er, don’t you agree?”

Shen Junxi, distressed by the vile rumors, saw his father’s resolute stance and finally felt a bit reassured. His furrowed brows relaxed slightly as he nodded and signed, “Let’s go!”