The skilled widow is busy farming

Chapter 76
It was rare to be able to live and reunite with her parents and relatives, so Xiu Niang was also very happy. She stayed at home to do whatever work she could for her parents, so as to fulfill her filial duty.

Grandpa and the others have been following Li Heng to visit the shops in the surrounding streets these past few days. It’s not easy to come here and go shopping to broaden your horizons and try the snacks in the capital.

Xiu Niang wanted to buy a shop and a house, and they wanted a big one, so Zhou Yi asked the housekeeper to find out.

The other party has also started to get busy with the matter of engagement. If the other party has this intention, the woman needs the man to take the initiative to propose marriage. This is the proper etiquette.

My mother-in-law was a little timid, fearing that officials would look down on peasants, so she had to take Xiuniang with her.

After I handed someone the post, they quickly sent a sedan to pick me up, and they were very kind and approachable.

"I'll take my daughter-in-law with me. She's a widow. I'm afraid I don't understand the etiquette of the capital."

The mother-in-law took the initiative to speak out for fear of being misunderstood. Generally, widows cannot go out at all, and widows face difficulties everywhere.

"Of course. I have long heard that the daughter of the Zhou family is very talented. My old lady said she wants to meet you. Please take a seat."

The person who came to pick me up was an old woman with a very respectful attitude.

"I'll give you a hard time."

Xiu Niang took out the purse she had prepared a long time ago and rewarded him. She said thanks and returned the gift.

"You're welcome."

When we arrived at the Zhang family, this was the daughter of the Zhang family who was married to Li Heng.

The mother-in-law was inevitably a little nervous, so Xiu Niang supported her and gently squeezed her hand to comfort her.

After passing through the verandah and entering the hall, I met the two Mrs. Zhang and the old Mrs. Zhang.

When an old person is present, the mother-in-law and Xiu Niang should be the first to salute. They are second-rate women, so you will not feel wronged in saluting.

"The common people say hello to the old lady and wish you good health. Say hello to Madam Zhang, and say hello to Mrs. Zhang Er."

"Get up quickly, a distinguished guest is coming to the house. Let's serve some good tea. This year's new green tea."

Mrs. Zhang greeted her warmly, and Mrs. Zhang and the second wife immediately stood up and helped them sit down.

"I'm making you laugh. We are farmers coming back to the capital. We have been playing in the streets these past few days. There are so many fun things to see, and we are dazzled. I only dared to post for you on an auspicious day, for fear of disturbing your peace."

Xiu Niang taught these words in advance, and her mother-in-law just needs to memorize them.

"I've been waiting for you to come. Don't disturb me. This must be Zhou Yi's sister."

"Hello, madam, I am Mrs. Li Zhou. I am a widow at home now. Excuse me for disturbing you today. I am coming with my mother-in-law to say hello to you."

Xiu Niang saluted respectfully.

"Good boy, my wife is happy that you are here. Come and take a seat."

Mrs. Zhang looked her up and down, and sighed, what a pity, with such a dignified and dignified demeanor, it was so wrong to be a widow.

Mrs. Zhang opened the conversation first and asked about the situation in Lijia Village, its customs, and whether there were any interesting things.

These mothers-in-law were able to answer the questions, and they were no longer nervous. Instead, they dealt with it very well.

Basically, the situation at home has been reported clearly.

Finally, the mother-in-law spoke up, "Old madam, to be honest, we are here for Brother Heng's marriage. Good girls come from all over the world. We thought it would be polite to come in person. I don't know if you can do it." I have taken a fancy to my brat, and my family’s conditions are not as good as yours. In the final analysis, it’s us who have taken advantage of us, but we have our own advantages. His father and I will eventually stay in our hometown to retire, and my daughter-in-law here has a miserable life.” "I want to stay with her and let Xiuniang support us in old age. I can't let anyone bully my daughter-in-law even if I live. Brother Heng will fly out of his hometown in the future, so I won't hold him back."

This has two meanings. One is that if you don’t live with Brother Heng in old age, at most you will visit the capital in the future, which will be a short-term stay, not a long-term stay.

Second, the peasants are honest people. In the future, Xiuniang and Li Mao will be able to take care of themselves in old age without Li Heng having to worry too much. Let them live a small life alone. The peasants will not participate in this.

Although the conditions are not as good as those of the Zhang family, they still have the advantages of the Li family, and a clean life is rare.

"We will go back after we finish Brother Heng's affairs."

It means that if you believe that if it is not suitable for us, we will find another one and we will not harass you.

"It's a rare trip to the capital. It's time to wander around a lot. Don't be in a hurry to go back. Come back often in the future."

The old lady wanted us to think about it. We also wanted to get married, but we had to discuss it again.

After sitting for a while, the mother-in-law and Xiuniang got up and complained, politely declining the Zhang family's request to stay for a meal.

This set of things was all instructed by Xiu Niang behind her back, and all her mother-in-law had to do was follow it.

After everyone left, the old lady asked: "What do you think?"

"The family status is indeed low, but there are advantages to being low. This mother-in-law is not difficult to get along with. She is not a kind-faced and cruel person. It is easy to see through at a glance, but she is easy to get along with. The Li family has a clean family tradition and a clean family background. She is the best for us. The choice was made.”

"That's true. From now on, if we live a small life behind closed doors, and the Zhou family can take care of the Buddha, it won't be difficult for this widowed sister-in-law to provide money and help. Besides, she stays in Lijia Village, so she doesn't have to deal with much. This is a big deal. the benefits of."

"That's right. I'm very optimistic about this family. Li Heng is a stable boy. He's young and promising, but he just lacks a little experience. There's nothing to worry about. Age is here, so we can teach him. His family background is clean. It's simple and has no worries. It's great. Just wait a few days and send the message. Let's settle it and cut the knot quickly. Don't let others cut off the beard, which will be ugly."

"Yes, my wife will send a message in five days. Do you think it's appropriate?"

"Ah."

This matter is basically settled.

In the afternoon, Mrs. Zhang showed the old lady the gifts from the Li family. Mrs. Zhang nodded with satisfaction. The gifts were remarkable. They were not particularly valuable. They were some rare seafood and specialties. This showed her sense of propriety and etiquette. .

The first time you come to your door and you give me a big gift, they don’t dare to ask for it, and they don’t know how to return it to you. This is disrespectful and ignorant. You want to ask for something and ask too much. Otherwise, what are you going to do with such a big gift?

Five days later, the Zhang family sent someone to inform the Li family and Zhou Yi that they could ask someone to combine their horoscopes.

This betrothal ceremony must be carried out step by step, including three letters and six etiquettes, three matchmakers and six betrothals, none of which can be missing. This is to marry a married wife, which is very important.

Mrs. Zhou and Xiuniang were busy throughout the whole process, while the mother-in-law followed suit and followed suit, while Qing'er and Yingzi took care of trivial matters, writing posts to record bills, etc.

Qing'er and Yingzi are both well-educated and good children, straightforward and generous. Mrs. Zhou likes the two girls very much, and she often advises the two children on their interpersonal relationships. Qing'er and Yingzi are not shy about helping with work, and they have won the favor of Mrs. Zhou. My sister-in-law taught her well, no worse than the daughter of an official.

After more than a month of busy work, the official media finally came to the door and the marriage was finalized.

The Zhang family came to measure the house, and they said that the yard would also be repaired to the girl's liking, so that it would save the trouble of having to do the yard work.

Li Heng went out of his way to thank the Zhang family. They were looking for excuses to help him, fearing that he would lose face.

After finishing Li Heng's business, Xiu Niang instructed him to visit his father-in-law's house frequently and ask his brother-in-law to bring gifts for his future sister-in-law.

Only then was he free to prepare for the purchase of property. The housekeeper of the Zhou family came to report and said that he had found a good yard and it met Xiuniang's requirements.Xiu Niang said she wanted to see it in person. She was choosing a yard for her younger brother and son, so she had to take a look.

(End of this chapter)