The Comeback of the Charming Farmer's Wife

"What else is there to discuss with your mother-in-law?" Ms. Liu Junior’s mother really didn’t want her to go and speak with the Land Officer’s wife.

Since the Liu Family wasn’t as wealthy as the Yang Family, she always felt inferior in front of the Land Officer’s 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 don’t tell my mother-in-law, she’ll find out eventually. If I go to the Ye Family myself, and if they agree, then all is well. But if they don’t 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 Junior’s mother realized she was right.

So Ms. Liu Junior went to find the Land Officer’s wife.

The Land Officer’s wife had, at best, a lukewarm feeling towards her in-laws. To be polite, she didn’t 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 Officer’s 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 Xiaxia’s 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. I’ll ask Xiaxia for you and see what she thinks. However, I can’t guarantee that the marriage arrangement will definitely work out."

Upon hearing this, Ms. Liu Junior was extremely grateful.

The Land Officer’s wife’s words were sensible, as that’s just how marriage talks go—no one can guarantee a certain outcome.

Yet, unfortunately, Ms. Liu Junior’s sister-in-law insisted on putting a tight leash on the Land Officer’s wife.

She heard her saying, "Auntie, what are you talking about? I have heard about it—Madam 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, I’ll make several pairs of shoes for you, to express my gratitude!"

The Land Officer’s 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 Officer’s wife felt the matter becoming even more challenging. Xiaxia was set on her decision, but these people didn’t 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 shouldn’t hinge upon face. Marriage is about compatibility and fate, not saving face. I know my granddaughter well, and when it comes to her son’s lifelong happiness, not even the Old Master’s face may suffice. I understand you may not believe me, so how about this—I’ll take you to the Ye Family, and you can listen for yourselves?"

"Wouldn’t that be inappropriate?" Ms. Liu Junior’s mother was still concerned. If the Ye Family disagreed and word got out, it wasn’t just the granddaughter who would lose face; she herself would be even more diminished before her in-laws.

The Land Officer’s wife then waved her hand dismissively and said, "There’s nothing inappropriate about it. When we go there, we won’t say we’re there to talk about marriage, but for another matter entirely. My granddaughter’s family are all tight-lipped—it won’t get out even if things don’t work out." Then, turning to her daughter-in-law, she added, "Wrap Qingkang in a blanket and bring him with you. We’ll say we’re going to see Lele and Yangyang to play."