Chapter 3

Chapter 3: The Huo Family’s Matchmaking Visit Early the next morning, Madam Su fed the chickens, cleaned the kitchen, and, without even having time to eat more than a couple of bites of breakfast, tucked ten copper cash into her pocket and hurried out. Su Xue was sitting by the main-room doorway, combing her hair. When she saw her mother rushing off, the corners of her lips curled upward. She knew her mother was going to find Matchmaker Wang. As long as Matchmaker Wang made a trip to the Huo Family and switched the bride to Su Wan, this marriage would have nothing to do with her. Then she could go after Xu Xiuzhi without a worry. In her previous life, Su Wan had relied on Xu Xiuzhi to become an imperially titled lady. In this life, she could do the same. No—she would live even better than Su Wan. Su Wan was washing clothes beside the well, her sleeves rolled up to her elbows. The water in the wooden basin had been rubbed cloudy. She did not look at Su Xue, but she could sense the smugness radiating from her. That girl was shallow, lazy, and incapable of hiding anything. Whenever she was happy, she practically wanted to write her thoughts across her face. Su Wan lowered her head, wrung out the clothes, and hung them on the bamboo pole. Her heart was calm. If the Huo Family was willing, she would marry into it. If the Huo Family was not willing, she was in no hurry. She was not worried about finding a husband. Madam Su soon arrived at Matchmaker Wang’s home. Matchmaker Wang was sitting in the courtyard, sorting vegetables. When she saw her arrive, her face immediately broke into a smile. “Oh, Sister Su, you’re here so early? Has that girl Xue finally come around?” Madam Su looked a little embarrassed. After sitting down, she pulled ten copper cash from her bosom and placed them in front of Matchmaker Wang. “Sister Wang, I won’t hide it from you. That girl Xiaoxue has been spoiled by me. Yesterday, she made a fuss and refused to marry into the Huo Family no matter what.” Matchmaker Wang’s hand paused, and the smile on her face faded somewhat. “That’s an unpleasant thing to say. How many girls long for a marriage like the Huo Family’s and can’t get one? She actually refuses?” Madam Su sighed. “Exactly! She’s nearly driven me to death. But the child was threatening to kill herself, and I was afraid something might really happen.” She leaned closer and lowered her voice. “However, I have another daughter, Xiaowan. You’ve seen her before too. She’s capable, sensible, and not bad-looking either. If the Huo Family doesn’t mind, could we switch the bride to Xiaowan?” Matchmaker Wang did not answer immediately. She had been a matchmaker for many years, and nothing frightened her more than changing brides halfway through the process. If things went wrong, she would offend both families. But Madam Su had given her money, and the Su Family’s eldest daughter truly was not bad. After considering it, she slipped the copper cash into her sleeve. “All right. I’ll go sound them out for you. But let me make this clear first: if the Huo Family gets angry, you can’t blame me.” “Of course not, of course not.” Madam Su hurriedly said, “Sister Wang, you’re so good with words. This matter will have to depend on you.” Matchmaker Wang stood up and shook the vegetable leaves from her hands. “Fine, I’ll go now. Wait for my news at home.” Huo Family Village was not far from Wang Family Village. After crossing two field ridges and walking along a stretch of dirt road, one would arrive. The Huo Family’s courtyard was spacious, enclosed by gray brick walls, and a yellow ox was tethered in the middle of it. As soon as Matchmaker Wang reached the gate, she called out in a loud voice, “Sister Guo, are you home?” Before long, the courtyard gate opened. Madam Huo-Guo stepped out. She was in her early forties, with a round face and a neat appearance. Her hair was combed perfectly smooth. When she saw Matchmaker Wang, she smiled first. “Sister Wang, you’ve come? Hurry and come in.” Matchmaker Wang entered the courtyard and glanced around. The Huo Family was indeed better off than many families in the village. The courtyard was clean, the firewood was stacked neatly, and bran had even been scattered beside the chicken coop. With a household like this, Su Xue still looked down on them. She really had eyes set too high. Madam Huo-Guo poured her a bowl of water and asked with a smile, “Has the Su Family made a definite decision?” Holding the bowl, Matchmaker Wang did not hurry to drink. “They have made a decision, but this matter… I’ll have to explain it to you slowly.” The smile on Madam Huo-Guo’s face faded somewhat. “What? The Su Family is unwilling?” “How could that be?” Matchmaker Wang quickly waved her hands. “The Su Family wishes they could marry into your Huo Family. It’s just that Miss Xue has no fortune and refuses no matter what.” Madam Huo-Guo’s face darkened on the spot. She placed the handkerchief in her hand on the table. “Refuses? What’s wrong with my Shian? He’s still young, yet he’s already a Banner Officer. We have enough farmland, and we have a house. In what way is he not good enough for her?” Matchmaker Wang’s heart gave a thump, and she hurriedly tried to steer the conversation back. “Sister Guo, don’t be angry. Let me say something fair: this isn’t your Huo Family’s fault. It’s that girl Xue who’s being thoughtless. She’s young and spoiled by her family, and all day long she dreams of marrying a scholar, chasing after fantasies that have nothing to do with reality.” Madam Huo-Guo still looked displeased. Back when she had encountered Su Xue in the county town, she had seen that the girl had a fair, clean face and a good figure. She had looked lively, too. After returning home, she had wanted to arrange the marriage for her son. Her Shian spent the entire year at the military camp. It had taken great difficulty for him to come home for a while, and she had hoped to settle his marriage as soon as possible. Who could have known that Su Xue would actually refuse? If word got out, where would that leave the Huo Family’s reputation? Seeing her displeasure, Matchmaker Wang hurriedly continued, “However, the Su Family isn’t without sincerity. Sister Su said that her eldest daughter, Su Wan, is willing.” Madam Huo-Guo’s brows shifted. “Su Wan?” “Yes, the Su Family’s eldest daughter.” Matchmaker Wang set down her bowl, her voice becoming steadier. “Sister Guo, you should know that girl. Within ten li of the surrounding villages, who doesn’t know about the Su Family’s two daughters? Miss Xue is indeed pretty, but when it comes to running a household, she truly can’t compare to her older sister.” Madam Huo-Guo did not argue. She naturally knew of Su Wan, since the girl’s good reputation had spread far and wide, though she had never seen her herself. Watching the silent woman, Matchmaker Wang knew she had made progress. “I’ve been a matchmaker for so many years. What kind of girl haven’t I seen? That Su Wan is diligent, attentive, and capable of handling everything inside and outside the home. The Su Family’s courtyard is kept so clean largely because of her.” Madam Huo-Guo lifted her bowl and took a sip without saying anything. Matchmaker Wang continued, “And then there’s her temperament. Su Wan knows how to be considerate and won’t be the sort who marries into a family only to cause endless trouble. Your Huo Family has few people in it, so the last thing you need is to bring home a wife who will disrupt the household. Su Wan won’t do that.” Madam Huo-Guo’s expression softened somewhat. She truly was afraid of that. The Huo Family had few descendants, and the household had always been quiet. She did not ask for her daughter-in-law to be especially talented. She only wanted someone who would live a steady life and give the Huo Family a child as soon as possible. Matchmaker Wang lowered her voice, speaking with a hint of earnestness. “There’s one more thing I shouldn’t say too plainly. But we’re both women, and we both understand. Anyone can tell at a glance that Su Wan has a strong constitution. She can work, she has plenty of strength, and she should have no trouble bearing children.” This time, Madam Huo-Guo was moved. She put down her bowl and leaned forward slightly. “Really?” Matchmaker Wang patted her chest. “Would I ruin my own reputation by talking nonsense? If I sent an unsuitable girl into your family, who would ever dare come to me for matchmaking again?” Madam Huo-Guo fell silent. Most of the Huo Family had been single sons carrying on the family line. She had only Shian as a son, and because he spent the entire year at the military camp, he rarely came home. He was already twenty-one and still unmarried, while the companions he had played with since childhood already had several children each. It was enough to make her frantic. For the past two years, she had heard that the Border City was unsettled, and she was afraid something might happen to him. That was why she had made up her mind: whether her son agreed or not, she had to find him a wife. She could not delay any longer. When she had taken a liking to Su Xue, it had been because of that face, of course, but also because of her good figure. She looked like she would have no trouble bearing children, and her son might like her. But if Su Xue’s heart was not with the Huo Family and marrying her would only turn the household upside down, that would not be a blessing either. If Su Wan was truly as Matchmaker Wang described, she would actually be more suitable than Su Xue. After thinking for a while, Madam Huo-Guo asked, “Is the Su Family’s eldest daughter willing herself?” “She is.” Matchmaker Wang nodded. “Sister Su told me so herself. That girl listens to her parents’ arrangements and is extremely sensible.” Madam Huo-Guo relaxed a little more. “I have to see her with my own eyes.” “Of course, of course.” Matchmaker Wang immediately smiled. “This is a major matter—choosing a daughter-in-law. How could you rely on nothing but what I say?” Madam Huo-Guo asked, “Then how should we meet?” Matchmaker Wang had already thought of a plan. “Go to my house tomorrow. I’ll have Sister Su send Su Wan over as well. We’ll say that I have some work at home and asked her to help. You can watch her from the side and exchange a few words with her. Whether you find her pleasing or not, you’ll know in your heart.” Madam Huo-Guo nodded. “All right.” Matchmaker Wang’s smile grew even warmer. “Then it’s settled. If she seems suitable to you, I’ll pass word between both families and we can discuss a wedding date.” Madam Huo-Guo said, “All right, but don’t spread this around yet. Otherwise, it won’t be good for either family’s reputation.” “Don’t worry,” Matchmaker Wang quickly assured her. “I’m very good at keeping my mouth shut.” After leaving the Huo Family, Matchmaker Wang’s footsteps felt light. If the marriage succeeded, she would receive matchmaker’s gifts from both families. Instead of going straight home, she first went to Su Family Village. Madam Su was standing at the courtyard gate, looking into the distance. When she saw Matchmaker Wang arrive, she quickly pulled her into the courtyard. “Sister Wang, how did it go?” Matchmaker Wang looked around and lowered her voice. “Madam Huo-Guo was unhappy at first. Her face turned completely dark. But I told her all about the merits of your eldest daughter, and she was moved.” Madam Su’s eyes lit up. “Really?” “Would I lie about this?” Matchmaker Wang said, “But she wants to see her with her own eyes. Tomorrow, send Xiaowan to my house. Tell her I asked her to help me dry some medicinal herbs. Madam Huo-Guo will be there too.” Madam Su nodded repeatedly. “All right, all right. I understand.” She went inside, took out another ten large copper coins, and stuffed them into Matchmaker Wang’s hand. “Sister Wang, we truly owe this all to you. Once the matter is settled, your matchmaker’s gift won’t be lacking.” Matchmaker Wang accepted the money, her smile wrinkling the corners of her eyes. “Then I’ll wait for your good news. And don’t be too nervous. Your eldest daughter is perfectly presentable as she is.” After seeing Matchmaker Wang off, the weight in Madam Su’s heart finally lifted. When she returned home, she saw Su Wan chopping pig fodder and cleared her throat. “Xiaowan, go to Matchmaker Wang’s house tomorrow.” Su Wan did not stop what she was doing. “What for?” “Matchmaker Wang said she has some medicinal herbs at home that need drying and asked you to lend her a hand.” Madam Su hesitated, then added, “Huo Shian’s mother will be going too. She wants to take a look at you.” Only then did Su Wan raise her head. “A matchmaking visit?” Madam Su looked somewhat uncomfortable. “It doesn’t really count as a formal matchmaking visit. You’re just meeting and exchanging a few words. Don’t be nervous either. Wear something clean and comb your hair neatly. Don’t give them anything to criticize.” Su Wan nodded. “Understood.” She answered far too calmly, which instead made Madam Su feel somewhat guilty. The marriage had originally been arranged for her younger daughter. Now that it had been transferred to her eldest daughter, it did not sound very good. Yet Madam Su also felt that this might not be a bad thing. It was better for her eldest daughter to marry into the Huo Family than to marry a man from some family so poor they could barely keep food on the table. Su Xue walked out of the west room and happened to hear this. She could not hold back a derisive laugh. “She still has to go let them look her over?” Madam Su frowned. “What are you trying to say now?” Leaning against the doorframe, Su Xue spoke in a pointed tone. “I just think it’s interesting. Sister, you’d better put on a good performance tomorrow. Don’t let them think our Su Family’s eldest daughter isn’t presentable.” Su Wan set down the cleaver and looked up at her. “Don’t worry. Whether I’m presentable has nothing to do with that mouth of yours.” Su Xue’s expression changed. “I was kindly reminding you. How can you turn around and take a jab at me?” “Kindly?” Su Wan smiled. “If you were truly being kind, you wouldn’t be speaking in such a sarcastic tone. Su Xue, you really are something.” Having her thoughts exposed, Su Xue’s face flushed bright red. She gave a huff and went back inside. The courtyard fell silent in an instant. Madam Li entered from outside carrying a basin of washed vegetables. She had heard the tail end of the exchange, and her opinion of Su Xue fell even further. This sister-in-law had truly been spoiled rotten. She had refused the marriage herself, yet she still had to step on someone else. Su Wan acted as though nothing had happened and lowered her head to continue chopping the pig fodder. The cleaver struck the chopping block with a crisp sound. Inside the west room, Su Xue opened a drawer and took out the letter she had written the night before. In it, she had written that she greatly admired scholars and that there were several passages of poetry and prose on which she wished to ask for his guidance. As she looked at those lines, her heart began to burn again. So what if Su Wan had the Huo Family? No matter how wealthy the Huo Family was, they were still merely a well-off rural household. Xu Xiuzhi was the one who could take her to the capital. She had to win Xu Xiuzhi’s heart as soon as possible. That evening, Madam Su rummaged through the chests and found Su Wan a blue cotton garment that had been washed pale but did not have a single patch. “Wear this tomorrow. It’s a little old, but it’s clean. Don’t put on any silly ornaments—keep it plain. A household like the Huo Family’s prefers a practical girl.” Su Wan accepted the garment. “Mm.” Seeing how obedient she looked, Madam Su’s heart softened a little. “If this marriage succeeds, I’ll add two new quilt covers to your dowry.” Su Wan smiled. “Thank you, Mother.” Su Xue, listening nearby, could not help rolling her eyes. Two quilt covers were enough to placate her. What a lack of ambition. At dawn the following day, Su Wan got up. She fed the chickens, put the pig feed on to boil, and swept the courtyard clean before returning to her room to change. The blue cotton garment looked neat and trim on her. She combed her hair and fixed it with a single wooden hairpin. She wore no powder or rouge. Madam Su looked her over twice and was satisfied. “This is good.” Su Xue came out of the room holding a new handkerchief. When she saw Su Wan, she could not help laughing. “Sister, you’re going dressed like that? The Huo Family is wealthy. What if they find you too shabby?” Su Wan looked at her. “If the Huo Family only cares about clothing, then it’s just as well if this marriage doesn’t work out.” Su Xue was left speechless. Su Wan continued, “Besides, if you look down on the Huo Family, stop keeping such a close eye on them. You’re watching them so intently that people might think you regret refusing the marriage.” Su Xue’s face turned green. “Who regrets it?” Su Wan picked up her small basket and walked toward the door. “That’s good, then.” Madam Su stood at the doorway, listening to her two daughters trade one remark after another. Her lips moved, but in the end, she said nothing. What she wanted most now was for Madam Huo-Guo to take a liking to Su Wan. As long as this matter was settled, there would be one less major problem in the household. Su Wan left the house. The morning breeze brushed her face, and dewdrops still clung to the grass along the field ridge. She did not walk quickly. Matchmaker Wang’s home was in Wang Family Village, right next to their village. When Su Wan arrived, she saw that the courtyard gate was half open, and a woman’s voice came from inside. “Sister Wang, has the girl arrived yet?” Matchmaker Wang replied with a laugh, “Soon, soon. Sit for now, Sister Guo. I’m telling you, once you see this girl, you’re sure to be pleased.” Su Wan stopped in her tracks. The woman inside should be Madam Huo-Guo. She lowered her head and straightened her sleeves before knocking on the door. “Aunt Wang, I’m here.”