"What else is there to discuss with your mother-in-law?" Ms. Liu Juniorâs mother really didnât want her to go and speak with the Land Officerâs wife.
Since the Liu Family wasnât as wealthy as the Yang Family, she always felt inferior in front of the Land Officerâs wife, unable to lift her head high. Now, bringing up this matter again, she felt as if she could not save face.
"Mother, all the major and minor matters at home are decided by my mother-in-law. Besides, even if I donât tell my mother-in-law, sheâll find out eventually. If I go to the Ye Family myself, and if they agree, then all is well. But if they donât agree and it somehow offends both families, what if my mother-in-law gets to know? How could I continue living in this family?"
Upon hearing this, Ms. Liu Juniorâs mother realized she was right.
So Ms. Liu Junior went to find the Land Officerâs wife.
The Land Officerâs wife had, at best, a lukewarm feeling towards her in-laws. To be polite, she didnât really like them; the problem lay with the dowry Ms. Liu Junior brought over when she married. How stingy the family was, favoring sons over daughters, giving so much money and yet reluctant to bestow a proper dowry on their daughter.
When the Land Officerâs wife heard about the matter, she felt a headache coming on and found the idea preposterous. She knew there was no need to ask; judging by Xiaxiaâs personality, she would not agree.
But seeing her daughter-in-law looking so earnestly at her, she thought it over and decided to ask anyway, to save her daughter-in-law from losing face with her family.
She said, "I understand the situation. Iâll ask Xiaxia for you and see what she thinks. However, I canât guarantee that the marriage arrangement will definitely work out."
Upon hearing this, Ms. Liu Junior was extremely grateful.
The Land Officerâs wifeâs words were sensible, as thatâs just how marriage talks goâno one can guarantee a certain outcome.
Yet, unfortunately, Ms. Liu Juniorâs sister-in-law insisted on putting a tight leash on the Land Officerâs wife.
She heard her saying, "Auntie, what are you talking about? I have heard about itâMadam Ye is your granddaughter. In the past, the uncle and auntie supported them, which is why they have what they have today. If you bring up this matter, the Ye Family, out of respect for past kindness, will certainly give you some face, and it surely will work out. Once the matter is settled, Iâll make several pairs of shoes for you, to express my gratitude!"
The Land Officerâs wife was slightly displeased upon hearing this. It was almost as if she had been given a direct command, and she also sensed there was something provocative about it. In her mind, was she implying that if the other party disagreed, they were disrespecting her?
Thinking this, the Land Officerâs wife felt the matter becoming even more challenging. Xiaxia was set on her decision, but these people didnât understand that about her. If she were accused of not putting in enough effort on their behalf, that would be problematic.
After considering, she said, "Ms. Qingkang, this matter shouldnât hinge upon face. Marriage is about compatibility and fate, not saving face. I know my granddaughter well, and when it comes to her sonâs lifelong happiness, not even the Old Masterâs face may suffice. I understand you may not believe me, so how about thisâIâll take you to the Ye Family, and you can listen for yourselves?"
"Wouldnât that be inappropriate?" Ms. Liu Juniorâs mother was still concerned. If the Ye Family disagreed and word got out, it wasnât just the granddaughter who would lose face; she herself would be even more diminished before her in-laws.
The Land Officerâs wife then waved her hand dismissively and said, "Thereâs nothing inappropriate about it. When we go there, we wonât say weâre there to talk about marriage, but for another matter entirely. My granddaughterâs family are all tight-lippedâit wonât get out even if things donât work out." Then, turning to her daughter-in-law, she added, "Wrap Qingkang in a blanket and bring him with you. Weâll say weâre going to see Lele and Yangyang to play."