Madam Chu put on a compliant front in response, while turmoil churned within her. Her daughter-in-law was not only striking in appearance but also had a pleasant voice.
"Auntie, let me help you into the house to rest and check on your foot."
Seeing her daughter-in-law reaching out to support her towards the house, she immediately pulled back her hand, stammering, "No need, I’m dirty. I won’t go in."
"It’s fine, we can clean if it gets dirty. Let’s go in."
The radiant smile and caring words of her daughter-in-law made Madam Chu’s heart tremble. How could her son not like such a person?
Her foot had indeed twisted a little, so she no longer resisted and followed her inside. She had wanted to go in anyway.
"Shopkeeper." As soon as they entered the house, a young attendant greeted them, "Do you need any help?"
While helping Madam Chu, Wang Xiangxiang said, "You go on with your work, I can take care of it."
Wang Xiangxiang settled Madam Chu in the inner room, "Auntie, please sit here for a moment. I will go get some medicinal alcohol."
Madam Chu didn’t speak but looked around the room. The furnishings were simple, and even though it was cluttered with many clothes, everything was neat and clean.
She looked at her daughter-in-law; her dress and demeanor were appropriate, resembling that of a lady from a reputable family. Madam Chu grew more and more satisfied.
Wang Xiangxiang returned with the medicinal alcohol, crouching down, "Auntie, let me have a look at your foot and apply some alcohol."
Suddenly, Madam Chu pulled her foot back, "No, I’m dirty."
Her daughter-in-law was too kind-hearted, even intending to massage her feet. Yet, Madam Chu felt warmed inside; if Xiangxiang treated a beggar this well, she would likely treat her own family even better.
Raising her head with a smile, Wang Xiangxiang said, "It’s okay, we can wash away the dirt."
Madam Chu didn’t refuse any longer. She was preemptively enjoying the treatment of having her feet rubbed by her daughter-in-law.
While her daughter-in-law was massaging her feet, Madam Chu started a conversation.
"My dear, you are so kind. Have you already found a family to marry into?"
Wang Xiangxiang smiled awkwardly, "Not yet."
"With your kindness, how have you not found one? You seem to be of age."
"I observed a three-year mourning period for my parents. Now that I want to find someone, it’s not easy," Wang Xiangxiang said nonchalantly.
Yet, her words made Madam Chu feel a pang of pity. What a filial girl, having delayed her own marriage because of her devotion.
"My dear, with your good nature, you’re bound to find someone."
"Ha-ha, I hope your words are auspicious, auntie. I won’t lie to you; I’m actually looking for a matchmaker now."
Upon hearing this, Madam Chu frowned. Which matchmaker could be so blind? She resolved to investigate thoroughly upon her return.
"All right, auntie, when you go back later, take this medicinal alcohol with you."
Madam Chu put on her shoes and took the alcohol, ready to leave, when she heard her daughter-in-law say, "Auntie, where do you live? I can call for our carriage to take you home."
Madam Chu became anxious at the remark, quickly making up an excuse, "No need, my home is nearby, it’s a quick walk. I don’t want to trouble you."
Seeing her insist, Wang Xiangxiang could only relent and walked her to the door. Only after watching her leave did she go back inside.
Once she saw her daughter-in-law enter the house, Madam Chu hurriedly turned towards the alley and got onto her own family’s carriage, feeling very pleased because her daughter-in-law had passed the test of character and heart.
Back inside, Wang Xiangxiang couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something odd about the beggar; dressed in rags, yet not a speck of dirt on her, and her skin was remarkably fair.
Nevertheless, she couldn’t dwell on it too much. The most troubling thing for her was that the Chu Family’s marriage proposal procession had come again that morning, and she had to find a way to resolve the matter.