TIPS – Chapter 5

The matchmaker finally set off for Lihua Town the next day. The Shen family anxiously waited at home all day, so nervous they couldn’t even focus on their tasks, only hoping the matchmaker would return with good news.

Seeing the elders so worried, Shen Junxi reassured them, signing, “It will work out.”

Yang Shi also nodded. “That’s right. When someone takes the lead in arranging a marriage, they don’t just back out halfway. It will definitely succeed!”

Sitting on the doorstep, Shen Dongming stared down the yellow dirt road outside the courtyard, smoking his pipe so furiously that it puffed with smoke.

By midday, they had waited another two hours before the yellow-robed matchmaker finally appeared at their doorstep. She announced, “It’s done!”

The family, who had spent the entire day holding their breath, finally felt their hearts settle.

The Shen couple exchanged glances. “Tomorrow, we present the betrothal gifts?”

Shen Junxi nodded firmly. Yes, the betrothal gifts.

The next morning, before the sun had fully risen, Shen Dongming, Yang Shi, and Shen Junxi put on their best clothes—the most formal attire they owned—and set off in an ox cart borrowed from the village.

Shen Dongming drove the cart at the front, while Shen Junxi and Yang Shi sat in the back, surrounded by the betrothal gifts. Among them were a pair of wild geese that Shen Junxi had caught overnight, some carefully prepared local delicacies, and finally, five jin (about 2.5 kg) of the finest tea leaves.

That’s right—those tea leaves had originally been meant for sale, but Shen Dongming made the decision not to sell them. Instead, they would be sent as a gift to the in-laws.

To the Song family, five jin of tea leaves might not mean much. But to the Shen family’s eldest branch, it was a luxury that could have supported them for months if used sparingly.

At this moment, the three members of the Shen family were on the road, feeling both nervous and excited. Even though they were mainly after the Song family’s wealth, they couldn’t help but feel thrilled—after all, the Song family was the wealthiest in Lihua Town. Just being able to say they were in-laws with the Song family would be an immense source of pride.

As he thought about it, Shen Dongming grinned widely and laughed, “Our Xi’er really has a bright future, finding such a good wife.”

Yang Shi was also happy to hear this and agreed, “That’s right!” However, she still felt uneasy, worrying about the rumors circulating in the village. She asked anxiously, “I wonder what kind of temperament that young master of the Song family has. Will he be angry? Does he really think highly of our family?” Even though they were about to formally propose marriage today, she still felt as if it weren’t real.

Shen Dongming felt the same way. As he drove the ox cart, he had a strange feeling, as if he were floating on clouds. He said, “Why think so much? We’ll do our best.”

Only Shen Junxi truly understood that things were not as simple as his parents thought. When they looked at him, he smiled with curved brows, appearing calm, but his palms were already drenched with sweat inside his sleeves.

Seeing her son looking so composed, Yang Shi felt reassured and said, “If you two are at ease, then so am I. No matter the outcome…”

“Hey! It’s a great day—don’t say such discouraging things!” Shen Dongming cracked his whip to speed up the cart. Whether the proposal would be successful or not, they would soon find out.

At this time, in the Song family residence in Lihua Town, the masters of the house were still washing up, preparing to have breakfast.

Lychee went to fetch the morning meal, while Longan assisted Song Jingwei in washing his face. When the young master finished rinsing his mouth, Longan quickly wrung out a clean towel and handed it to him.

Song Jingwei paused for a moment before taking the towel. Instead of using it immediately, he washed his hands again, wrung the towel dry himself, and then used it.

Longan secretly felt dejected. Ever since their young master was borrowed by the eldest young lady and returned, he had changed. He no longer showed them any warmth, didn’t speak to them much, and even refused to let them serve him too closely. Both he and Lychee felt as if they were being pushed away. An entire day would pass without them having the chance to do much for their master.

After washing up, Song Jingwei sat down at the dining table. Before picking up his chopsticks, he told them, “Go eat your meals. I don’t need any assistance here.”

Summoning his courage, Lychee asked, “Young master… have we done something to displease you?”

Song Jingwei lifted his eyelids slightly and shook his head. He didn’t dislike Longan and Lychee —he simply said, “You can leave. I can manage on my own.” With that, he picked up his chopsticks and began eating at a slow and steady pace.

Once he started eating, he paid no attention to anything else. He didn’t even notice when Longan and Lychee quietly left the room. Typically, after breakfast, he would take a stroll around the courtyard to aid digestion before heading to the study next door. There, he would brew a pot of tea, pick out a book, and pass the morning in peace.

At noon, he would have a full meal, take another stroll, then nap. In the afternoon, he would wake up around the early hours of the Shen period (between 3–5 PM) and idle for a while. Dinner would be around the Xu period (between 7–9 PM), followed by another stroll before bathing and going to bed around the Hai period (between 9–11 PM).

This was a routine he had developed while staying in the hospital—back when he could still move around, this was how he spent his days. Having once been in poor health, he had always paid close attention to his well-being. Now that his body had recovered, he still maintained this healthy lifestyle.

Today’s breakfast included an extra serving of his favorite pastries, so he had one more than usual. After finishing his meal and washing his hands, he decided to take an extra lap around the courtyard.

Just as Longan entered to clear the table, Lychee followed him inside, hesitating before saying, “Young master, there are guests at the estate.”

Song Jingwei lifted his head slightly. If a guest at the estate had anything to do with him, there was only one possible reason. As he wiped his hands, he asked, “Did they call for me?”

Lychee shook his head. “Master Song hasn’t sent word yet.”

Song Jingwei nodded and said, “Then go wait outside. Let me know if there’s any news.” Lowering his gaze, he thought to himself—under normal circumstances, the two parties shouldn’t have to meet. However, knowing Song Jinmei’s personality, nothing was certain.

In the front hall, He San welcomed the three members of the Shen family inside. As he instructed the servants to serve tea, he warmly greeted them, “Please, have a seat.”

“Thank you, thank you, Steward He, you should sit too,” Shen Dongming and Yang Shi carefully sat down, placing their betrothal gifts neatly by their feet. The pair of live geese flapped their wings wildly, and they quickly pressed them down. These gifts would be presented directly to the master of the Song family when he arrived.

Shen Junxi sat below his parents. Before long, male servants of the Song household brought them tea. He San chuckled and said, “Please enjoy your tea. I’ll go inform the master.”

The Shen couple quickly nodded, “Alright, alright, take your time. We’re not in a hurry.”

Sitting in the Song family’s grand and luxurious hall, their hearts felt as if they were floating. There was indeed no rush—better to take their time, calm themselves down, and maintain composure.

Thinking this, Shen Dongming openly glanced around, admiring the carved wooden chairs and tables, the priceless calligraphy and paintings hanging in the hall, and the exquisite decorations—including the luxurious carpet underfoot.

Yang Shi tugged at her husband’s sleeve and whispered, “Look at that jade-carved cabbage. How much do you think that’s worth?”

On the opposite side of the room, on a display shelf, there were not only the jade cabbage carving but also many other valuable antiques. Shen Dongming shook his head, not daring to even breathe too hard. “I don’t know, but it must be worth a fortune.”

Yang Shi pulled at Shen Junxi’s sleeve again, gasping softly. “Xi’er, do you understand this?”

Shen Junxi shifted his gaze from a calligraphy painting and gently shook his head. The wealthiest family he had ever visited was their own Shen family’s main branch, which had a decent scholarly background, but it couldn’t compare to the grandeur of the Song family.

Yang Shi’s eyes swept over the servants in the Song residence, and she whispered, “They’re dressed so well.” Their clothes were made of fine cotton fabric, with beautifully dyed patterns. Their family wouldn’t usually wear such materials for fear of getting them dirty or wrinkled.

Today, Shen Junxi was dressed in a light blue cotton-linen outfit made last summer. It was considered new in his family, and he only wore it when he didn’t have to do farm work.

Shen Dongming sighed, “Our in-laws are truly wealthy. We can’t compare.”

Shen Junxi pursed his lips and thought to himself, It’s not just that we can’t compare—there’s simply no comparison.

After sitting for a while, Song Manor’s master, Song Man, entered with He San. Before coming in, He San had already briefed him on the Shen family’s background, but seeing these impoverished commoners sitting in his lavish hall still made Song Man feel somewhat uneasy.

The three members of the Shen family immediately stood up as soon as they saw Song Man, looking nervous—like school children waiting to be scolded.

“Ahem, Master, these are Master Shen, Madam Shen, and Young Master Shen,” He San subtly tugged at Song Man’s robe, introducing them.

Song Man quickly withdrew his gaze of dissatisfaction and replaced it with a warm smile. I must treat them equally, not look down on the poor and favor the rich. Yes, again—treat them equally. Smile, smile.

“Why are you all still standing? Please, sit down, no need to be so formal.” He took his seat at the head of the room and continued, “You’ve traveled far—must’ve been a tiring journey.”

The Shen family only sat down after seeing him take his seat. As the head of the household, Shen Dongming took the initiative to respond, waving his hand, “Not tiring at all, not at all! It’s our duty.”

Yang Shi nodded in agreement, but her forced smile was nearly stiff.

Shen Junxi remained as quiet as usual, his face carrying a gentle, warm smile. However, his gaze toward Master Song contained a hint of nervousness.

“This is the Shen family’s young master?” Song Man asked, shifting his gaze from Shen Dongming and Yang Shi to Shen Junxi.

Since his son couldn’t speak, Shen Dongming answered for him, “Yes, this is my son, Shen Junxi. He is twenty-four years old this year. Though he hasn’t accomplished much, he has earned the title of a scholar. But our Xi’er has a good temperament and is very filial to his parents—he’s a good child.” That was all a father could say for his son, and he was clearly nervous.

After his father finished speaking, Shen Junxi immediately smiled a little more noticeably, since Song Man was still looking at him.

“Hmm, he seems like a good child,” Song Man said nonchalantly. He then continued, “I only have one son, Jingwei, yet he is determined to be with your young master. I couldn’t stop him even if I wanted to. As parents, we only wish for our children’s happiness, don’t you agree?”

The Shen couple nodded in full agreement. “Exactly! Well said—it’s all for the sake of the children.” They were sincere, never considering that there were parents in the world who wouldn’t wish the best for their children.

“Hmm, I’ve agreed to let him marry into your family purely because I love him dearly, and also because I respect your family’s values.” Song Man continued, “Scholars have always been role models for people like us. Relationships between people should be based on virtue, not money or profit. I have always believed that wealth is merely a tool to do good deeds. A person should engage in charity and kindness to have a clear conscience.”

This speech successfully stunned all three members of the Shen family.

“Master Song, your words are so well-spoken! A person of your character is truly a role model for us all,” Shen Dongming praised, deeply moved. He had never imagined that the master of the Song family would be such a good person. A truly great man.

Shen Junxi hadn’t expected Song Man to be like this either. Unlike his father, who was overwhelmed with admiration, he was more puzzled. However, he still gazed at Song Man with bright, respectful eyes.

“Hahaha,” Song Man laughed heartily, waving his hand. “It’s simply what should be done—I’m no role model.” What he really cared about was how to spread this conversation. Would the Shen family help him spread his reputation?

Shen Dongming, still full of admiration, continued to praise him until Shen Junxi quietly tugged at his sleeve, bringing him back to the main topic. Scratching his head, he finally said, “Master Song, we’ve come unannounced today to discuss the marriage between our sons. Do you have any instructions for us?”