Chapter 617: Hidden Agenda
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
The young butler walked towards the inner courtyard anxiously. “Madam, the two famous matchmakers from the capital are here.”
Li Qingyu was dumbfounded.
Seeing Li Qingyu a bit puzzled, the butler explained, “One matchmaker is from the east side of the city and the other from the west. They’ve been in this profession for over twenty years, having brought together thousands of couples. They are very renowned. Their sudden visit must be to propose a match for one of the young ladies in our house. Madam, they have many talented young men in their hands; you should choose carefully.”
Li Qingyu came back to her senses and thought for a moment. “Let’s go see what this is about.”
“The matchmakers are waiting in the guest hall,” the butler said. The simultaneous visit of two famous matchmakers was quite rare, and he was curious about which daughter they had their eyes on.
In the guest hall.
The matchmaker from the west, known as ‘A Thread of Fate.” She was a petite middle-aged woman who sat with Cai Yuting’s wife.
The matchmaker from the east, known as ‘A Thousand Miles Matchmaker,’ was a taller, robust woman sitting with Madam Zhang.
The two matchmakers sat opposite each other, each exuding an air of rivalry.
‘A Thread of Fate’ eyed ‘A Thousand Miles Matchmaker’ somewhat critically, “1 haven’t seen you for a few days, sister, and you seem to have put on quite a bit of weight.”
Matchmakers are known for their quick wit, and ‘A Thousand Miles Matchmaker’ retorted, “Indeed, I’ve been quite successful lately, facilitating several matches and receiving substantial rewards. I thought 1 might as well treat myself well. Unlike you, sister, who seems to have slimmed down. Business not going so well?”
‘A Thread of Fate’ chuckled, “The doctor advised me that being too heavy is unhealthy, so I’ve been eating lighter. Besides, I just arranged a great match for the daughter of Lord Xia. He was generous with the reward.”
‘A Thousand Miles Matchmaker’ felt a bit displeased as Lord Xia’s business was initially hers but had been snatched away by her rival. She forced a smile, “Then congratulations, sister.”
‘A Thread of Fate’ flicked her red handkerchief, “Same to you.”
‘A Thousand Miles Matchmaker’ clenched her teeth hatefully.
Li Qingyu entered the guest hall, immediately sensing the tension like a hidden needle in cotton.
She felt unsure how to handle the situation, but she was soon deafened by the matchmakers’ voices.
“Sister Qingyu, the Zhang family has excellent young men, a perfect match for your Qingshuang. Consider it?”
“Sister Qingyu, I think Cai family’s young master is a better match for your Qingshuang. You should choose him.”
Li Qingyu felt like her head was buzzing with bees from their chatter. She stepped back, “One at a time, please. I can’t make out what you’re saying with both of you talking at once.”
The matchmakers glanced at each other and simultaneously scoffed, each refusing to give in.
“I’ll speak first,”
“No, I’ll speak first.”
Li Qingyu was dumbfounded.
The butler intervened to defuse the tension, “Matchmakers, if you continue arguing, Madam will get angry.”
‘A Thread of Fate’ spoke first, “I came first, so I should speak first.”
‘A Thousand Miles Matchmaker’ glanced at Madam Zhang sitting next to her and stepped back, “It’s not like whoever says it first can succeed.”
Rolling her eyes, she returned to her seat.
‘A Thread of Fate’ pulled Li Qingyu to sit down and began, “Sister Qingyu, 1 am here on behalf of the Cai family’s young master to propose a match with your daughter, Chu Qingshuang.”
“I am talking about Young Master Cai Jun’an of the Cai family, their most promising young man, sixteen years old, gentle in character, and handsome. You might have seen him at the porcelain competition. He is a suitable match for Qingshuang in terms of age. What do you think?”
Li Qingyu was somewhat tempted. The Cai family was a prestigious merchant family, and a marriage into such a family would be very fortunate for Qingshuang.
However, Qingshuang was the disciple of Li Zhenzong, a renowned porcelain master. Marrying into the Cai family, who were also in the porcelain business, might seem like a betrayal.
Thinking of this, Li Qingyu slowly calmed down.
“Thank you for telling me. I want to think about it.”
‘A Thread of Fate’ understood. Given the presence of her rival, it was normal for a sought-after bride’s family to weigh their options, “Take your time, Sister Qingyu.”
It was now ‘A Thousand Miles Matchmaker’s turn, “Sister Qingyu, I am ‘A Thousand Aviles Matchmaker’, here to speak on behalf of the Zhang family’s two young masters.”
“One is Young Master Zishan of the second branch’s family, and the other is Young Master Zijun of the third branch’s family. They are one or two years older than Qingshuang, good-looking and well-mannered. A marriage to a Zhang family young master would bring a generous dowry.”
Li Qingyu wondered why everyone seemed so eager to marry Qingshuang. Could there be some hidden agenda?
This thought made her more cautious, “Thank you for your suggestions. I’d like to discuss with Qingshuang before giving you a response. How does that sound?”
‘A Thousand Miles Matchmaker’ disagreed, “Sister Qingyu, marriage is traditionally arranged by parents. How can you ask Qingshuang?”
‘A Thread of Fate’ concurred, “Exactly. If she says she doesn’t want to marry, will you really agree?”
Li Qingyu replied calmly, “It’s her life she will be living. It’s harmless to ask for her opinion. As mothers, you must also wish for your children’s happiness, right?”
“True, but Qingshuang is young and might be whimsical. Sister Qingyu, you mustn’t let her be reckless.”
“We understand your feelings, but reality speaks for itself. Missing a chance with families like the Zhang or the Cai might mean losing a great opportunity forever.”
Li Qingyu nodded, “I understand.”
Seeing Li Qingyu resolute, the matchmakers didn’t want to make her unhappy and left after some more words.
Granny Chu came into the front hall, “Qingyu, what do you think?”
Li Qingyu shook her head and couldn’t make up her mind. “Let’s ask Qingshuang first.”
“That’s good. But why are these prestigious families interested in Qingshuang?”
“I don’t know. We’ll discuss it when everyone’s back tonight.”
“Ok.”
On the road, Madam Cai said, “This Li Qingyu seems different from typical mothers who eagerly marry off their daughters.”
‘A Thread of Fate’ nodded, “Usually, mothers jump at the chance to marry their daughters into good families, but Qingyu is quite calm.”
Madam Cai expressed concern, “That’s my feeling too. And I sense this marriage proposal won’t be easy to settle.”
“Don’t worry, Madam Cai. I’ll do my best to facilitate this match.”
“Thank you.”
‘A Thousand Miles Matchmaker’ was puzzled, “Does Li Qingyu really not favor any of them?”
Madam Zhang was worried, “Li Qingyu is different from those who use their daughters to climb the social ladder. It’s tricky, and I wonder who Qingshuang will eventually choose.”
Til do my best to make this match happen,” the matchmaker assured.
Madam Zhang nodded, “Let’s hope everything goes smoothly..”