"Why worry so much? Times are hard, but we can’t just not marry or have kids. If everyone thought that way, our people would disappear!" Hua Elder’s words left Brother Hua speechless, all his worries vanished.
"Grandfather is right, I’ll go along with what you say." Brother Hua quickly expressed his stance.
After all, marriage is traditionally guided by a matchmaker’s words and was decided by the parents. They just needed to prepare to be grooms.
With the eldest brother having no objection, the second brother Hua dared not have any opinion either.
"Alright, your grandmother and I will keep an eye out for you. Rest assured, before any meetings, we’ll first let you have a look." Mrs. Qi felt relieved, genuinely worried that her two sons might stubbornly refuse to marry.
"We’ll listen to mother," expressed Brother Hua with no objection.
Although their parents often seemed to disdain them, Brother Hua knew their parents truly loved them. He trusted their parents’ and grandparents’ judgments, believing that the brides chosen by their grandmother and mother would be good.
Regarding appearance, Brother Hua didn’t have high demands; as long as she wasn’t ugly and looked pleasant, that was fine. Of course, everyone liked beauty, but he didn’t insist since someone as beautiful as his sister was rare.
"Alright, that’s settled then." Mrs. Qi was satisfied, thinking of soon having new additions to the family and felt even happier, drinking half a bowl more porridge than usual.
News was sent out, and they didn’t even have to worry; soon, there was so much commotion at their doorstep it almost collapsed.
Indeed, as expected, upon hearing that the village chief’s two grandsons were discussing marriage, families with similarly aged daughters became interested.
Whether it was those from Li Village that came later or the dozen or so families that arrived earlier, everyone said in Hua Village that, aside from Luo Song, there was no young man that could surpass the two grandsons of the village chief.
Their academic achievement was unquestionable. Both had passed the preliminary exams, putting even Luo Song to shame. Their looks were equally outstanding; they inherited all the good traits of their parents, unafraid to show off even in the city.
While they might not be extraordinarily handsome, they were certainly attractive. Especially the eldest, Hua Yunao, whose charm carried a strong scholarly aura blended with masculine vigor, emanating a unique charisma.
This handsome appearance naturally drew the attention of young girls, becoming the distant admiration of the village girls’ hearts, revered yet not to be sullied.
Contrasting with the cool Hua Yunao, the cheerful and smiling Hua Yunxiang was more approachable, attracting many young girls as well.
Being able to sneak a glance was already fulfilling for them.
Now their object of admiration is discussing marriage; it’s like a drop of water hitting a hot oil pan, causing excitement throughout Hua Village and the valley.
At the same time, Mrs. Sun’s house also became lively; within half a day, several families had approached her. She was the matchmaker of Hua Village, known for successful matches and not committing deeds that would be cursed by ancestors.
Thus, most young men and women in the village found spouses through her.
In Hua Village, while one couldn’t offend the village chief’s family, Mrs. Sun was also a notable figure that few would dare to offend.
Mrs. Sun found herself in a dilemma with so many families seeking matches so soon, particularly considering the village chief’s sons. She decided to personally visit their family to see what requirements they had for daughter-in-law prospects, to make suitable selections.
Before she could go, the next morning after breakfast, Mrs. Hua came over with her daughter-in-law, surprising Mrs. Sun.
"Ah, Sister Liu, what a coincidence! I was just thinking of coming to see you, and here you are. Wonderful! Please come in, please come in, Yunao’s mother, you too, look at you, soon to marry off your sons, still looking so young like the young girls. Sister Liu, you really have good taste, finding a daughter-in-law that makes people envious, giving you so many wonderful grandchildren."
Mrs. Sun, with her matchmaker skills, knew how to win people over with her words, calling out to the yard, "First Daughter-in-Law, quick, prepare some tea."
"Look at you, with words that can bring the dead to life," Mrs. Hua chuckled heartily, following Mrs. Sun into the yard.
Mrs. Qi smiled gently, "Auntie praises too much, I’m not that good; it’s all thanks to mother teaching well."
"Look, look, you say I talk well, but your daughter-in-law is even smoother," Mrs. Sun genuinely admired.
She had several sons, more than Mrs. Hua, yet each of her three daughters-in-law was like tight-lipped gourds, not speaking, each more reserved than the last.
Thinking back, she didn’t know what blinded her eyes back then, failing to choose a daughter-in-law who was talkative and knew how to cheer people up!
Not that her daughters-in-law were bad, aside from this aspect, truthfully she had no complaints about them.
Listening to their daughter-in-law’s words brings joy, she glanced at Mrs. Hua whose smile was wide.
"Indeed, Xiuniang is good, but your daughters-in-law are excellent too. Everyone in the village praises your eye for choosing capable and filial daughters-in-law, envying your luck. You shouldn’t envy others," Mrs. Hua and Mrs. Sun began praising each other.
Although truthful, some humility was necessary to avoid resentment.
The two elders, nearing a combined age of a hundred, laughed heartily, for Mrs. Sun revealing her missing front tooth now and then.
"Auntie, Yunao’s mother, have some tea," Mrs. Liu entered with two cups of tea.
"Tiger’s mother, don’t trouble yourself, we’re not thirsty."
"It’s no trouble, go ahead and chat!" With that, Mrs. Liu returned a slight smile and left the hall.
She didn’t have much to say, and would stay nearby, busy in the yard, ready in case her mother-in-law needed anything.
Today was her turn to handle chores at home; everyone else, including the children, was busy in the fields, leaving her and her mother-in-law to keep the house.
"Look at you, spending on us," pointed Mrs. Hua at the tea leaves in the bowls, something that might not mean much to wealthy folks but served as a good gesture among farming families, something many weren’t even willing to buy, even more now when it’s hard to find.
"Here, these are some home-grown vegetables and fresh eggs, don’t be offended." Speaking, Mrs. Hua took the basket from her daughter-in-law’s hands.
Sister Liu visiting is already delightful, why bring things, I can’t take them."
"What... you think it’s too little." Mrs. Hua raised an eyebrow challenging Mrs. Sun.
"You’re joking with me, how could I find it insufficient? We are good friends; let’s not engage in gift-giving formality."