A Maid's Survival Story in a Noble Family Mansion? Rich Landlords Are More Appealing.

Thinking of this, Aunt Peach Blossom's face lit up with a warm smile again as she looked at Chen Wanxing and said in a particularly gentle tone, "Wanxing is such a capable girl."

You're so young, you have a long life ahead of you, you should have some plans, right? I'm an experienced woman, and I know a lot of people.

Although your situation is somewhat special, if you relax your requirements and lower your standards a bit, there are still suitable options. A woman, after all, needs a sense of belonging and someone to rely on when she's old, right?

As she spoke, she went around to the unmarried families in the neighborhood, saying, "The third son of the Zhao family in Xiaozhao Village to the south is nineteen this year. His parents have passed away, and his family has had a tough time these past few years. Their house is cramped, and they don't have much land, but if you marry into the family, you can be the head of the household."

Moreover, he is honest, tall and strong, and a good worker. He has four brothers, all of whom are strong laborers. After a few years, the younger ones will have moved out, and you will be able to make a living, right?

There's also Li the stonemason's nephew from our town. He's learning the trade from his uncle in town, and he's an honest man. The only problem is that his elderly mother is bedridden and needs someone to take care of her, so it's a bit of a burden. But if you're willing to work hard, the two of you can put in the effort together..."

Aunt Peach Blossom spoke earnestly; in her view, these were all genuine candidates worth considering.

These young men came from poor families, but they were not disabled, were hardworking, and were a good match for someone like Chen Wanxing, after both sides lowered their standards.

What else is there to gain from getting married? It's just about having someone to share life with, and being able to have children is the proper destination.

But these words sounded particularly harsh to Chen's mother and Hui Niang, and the smiles on their faces faded.

They naturally knew that Wanxing was getting on in years, and outsiders, unaware of the inside story, might gossip.

But they know their own child well. What's wrong with Wanxing's appearance and temperament? She's more capable, has her own opinions, and owns a family business.

The people Aunt Peach Blossom was talking about were either destitute and burdened with heavy debts, or had various shortcomings, making it sound as if Wanxing was only suited to these undesirable men.

Before Aunt Peach Blossom could give a third example, Mother Chen interrupted her, "Auntie, we appreciate your kindness. But Wanxing's matter isn't urgent."

This child has been away from home for so many years and has just come back. Her father and I want to stay a little longer and get closer to her. Besides, she's grown up now and has her own ideas. As her parents, we need to listen to her thoughts.

Aunt Peach Blossom was getting into her story when Chen's mother stopped her, causing her eagerness to freeze, revealing a hint of surprise and grievance.

She was genuinely trying to help Chen Wanxing, so why wasn't Chen's wife grateful?

"Oh dear, my silly sister," Aunt Peach Blossom slapped her thigh, her tone carrying the urgency of someone who's been through it all, "Your eldest daughter isn't worried about this?"

She's twenty-one. Others her age already have kids running around. If she keeps putting it off, she'll never get a good family to marry into.

I'm only trying to find her a suitable husband because I think Wanxing is capable.

And Wanxing, your auntie is only telling you these heartfelt words because she sees you as a sensible girl.

"This woman's prime is short, you can't afford to waste her time. You have some now, so you can still pick and choose, but as the year goes by, I'm afraid even women like these won't be around anymore..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but her meaning was clear. Her eyes, looking at Chen's mother and Chen Wanxing, were full of admonition: "Don't make a foolish mistake."

After listening, Chen Wanxing finished picking the last bunch of locust flowers and gently put them into the winnowing basket.

She brushed off non-existent dust from her hands, looked up, and said, "Thank you for thinking of me."

She thanked him first, being very polite, and then calmly changed the subject, "But I really have no intention of considering what you've said right now. I've just settled in, and I have a plan for how to live my life."

Marriage is a major life event, it depends on fate, you can't force it, and there's no need to force it. I'm perfectly happy with how things are now.

Aunt Peach Blossom opened her mouth, her grievances and confusion growing stronger, mixed with a hint of annoyance at being slighted. But seeing Chen Wanxing's smiling face, she couldn't bring herself to lash out.

"...You, you child..." Aunt Peach Blossom could only mutter awkwardly in the end, her enthusiasm fading and her smile faltering.

Aunt Peach Blossom offered a few more dry words of advice, but seeing that Chen Wanxing was unmoved, she changed the subject and fell silent.

However, she was clearly unwilling to give up so easily. If she delayed for another year or two, all the options she could find now would definitely be gone.

Even after she left, I was still thinking that when I had some free time, I would go and have a good talk with Grandma Chen.

Even with the courtyard gate closed, the sweet fragrance of locust blossoms lingered.

None of the three people in the courtyard took the matter to heart. Chen Wanxing even picked up another bunch of locust flowers with a normal expression, as if the incident had never happened.

If it were when Chen Wanxing first returned, Chen's mother would have been anxious, but in the past few months, Chen Wanxing has handled everything perfectly, from buying land and building houses to opening shops in partnership with others.

With money in hand and a plan in mind, Chen's mother is now completely at ease about her daughter's situation.

Moreover, there's also the young master Wang who's preparing for the imperial examinations in the prefectural city, whom her daughter occasionally mentions. Although Wanxing hasn't explicitly said it at home, how could she, as his mother, not sense the interactions between the two?

Moreover, that young master Wang is a scholar, and he seems to have feelings for his daughter. His daughter is also literate, so the two of them would be a better match. Although young master Wang's future is uncertain, he is still a hundred times better than the ones Aunt Peach Blossom mentioned.

With this in mind, Chen's mother was even less anxious.

That's right, her Wanxing isn't some ignorant girl who can be easily manipulated, so why rush into marriage?

How could a rough, poor boy from the village be worthy of her? As for that young master Wang, although Chen's mother had never met him, she trusted her daughter's judgment and sense of propriety.

Children know what's going on, so parents can worry less and offer more support.

"Mom, the locust flowers are picked, shouldn't we wash them? I want to eat locust flower cakes tonight," Chen Wanxing said casually, bringing the topic back to the most ordinary daily routine.

Hui Niang quickly chimed in with a smile, "Yes, yes, wash them thoroughly, drain the water, mix them with flour, I'm best at making pancakes."

"Okay, then I'll have your sister-in-law make you locust flower pancakes tonight. Wanxing, you also like steamed tender elm leaves, saying they're chewy. Tomorrow, I'll have your brother go and pick some more tender ones."

"Mmm!" Chen Wanxing responded loudly, and the courtyard was once again filled with relaxed laughter and the sweet fragrance of locust blossoms. The slight unpleasantness was quickly dispelled by the aroma of food and the laughter of her family.

Chen Wanxing lowered her eyes, her mind clear. She understood Aunt Taohua's thoughts perfectly, but she didn't agree with them. However, she wouldn't waste her time arguing with her about such deeply ingrained ideas.

She is a bit older than the girls here when they get married, but so what?