The journey of the only child of a peasant family to take the imperial examination

When Liu Ya's marriage was settled, the whole family, not just Xu, breathed a sigh of relief.

Zhang Laoer now had a new source of income and could make money. In addition, considering that his family's status had changed and he still had several pieces of satin at home, he instructed Xu to prepare a few satin quilts in the dowry of the fifth and sixth daughters, which would also look good.

Zhang Pingan also agreed.

Xu originally wanted to object, but after thinking about it, she swallowed her words back.

It was a sunny day when the Yu family proposed marriage. The weather in October was gradually getting cooler, neither too cold nor too hot, and the temperature was just right, which was very suitable for holding a wedding.

In addition to Yu Shiqi himself, he was also accompanied by his eldest brother and several cousins.

The Yu family members all look very well dressed, and you can tell at a glance that they are from a well-off family.

The betrothal gift was similar to that given by Wu Ya at that time, and it also included a full set of silver jewelry, which was considered quite decent.

The people who came were very polite in their words and deeds, and with the matchmaker there to liven up the atmosphere, the engagement party went very smoothly.

Yu Shiqi was just like what Zhang Ping'an had seen at the beginning, a person who was very methodical and had his own code of conduct.

When others talk to him, he must put down his chopsticks and respond politely, speaking at a moderate pace.

He would seriously refute what was said if it was wrong. He was not very good at dealing with people and was even dumber than his elder brother-in-law Liu Sanlang.

But when he spoke, his eyes were very serious.

A perfect example of a good kid.

Zhang Laoer and Xu were very satisfied and thought this was a good idea. Such a man was upright and down-to-earth, and Liu Ya would not suffer any loss by marrying him.

Zhang Lao Da and Zhang Lao San’s family came to have dinner again today.

Seeing that the people Zhang Laoer's family made friends with were of higher and higher status, Zhang Laoda and Zhang Laosan gradually realized that the second branch was really different now.

There will be many areas in the future where the second wife will be needed to provide support.

Zhang Lao Da and Zhang Lao San both worked very hard when they came to the banquet to entertain the guests. Li and Ma also helped attentively, especially Ma, who no longer said sour words.

This made Xu look at him with new eyes.

Liu Ya quietly looked at her future husband in the room and was very satisfied.

She felt that her mother was right. A lid fits a pot. Living a down-to-earth life is better than anything else. She is already much luckier than her sisters.

After a trip to the palace, I saw a lot of things clearly, and now all the random thoughts in my mind are gone.

The wedding date was finally set for a month later. This is also an established rule. Getting married too quickly will make people think that the girl is not reserved. One month is the minimum time.

After the Yu family left, Xu distributed the leftovers to several families in the eldest branch and prepared some wedding cakes as return gifts.

Today's engagement banquet is over.

In five days it will be Wu Ya's wedding day, and I will be busy then.

The next day, Zhang Ping'an was on vacation, but an unexpected person came to his home in the morning.

Xu was very puzzled. It was only after Zhang Ping'an reminded her that she quickly invited everyone to sit in the main hall and went to boil water and make tea.

"Matchmaker Song, please have some tea. I wonder why you came here today..." Xu was very puzzled and asked tactfully after serving the tea.

She was so surprised, not for any other reason, but because the matchmaker Song who came was an official matchmaker. Unlike ordinary folk matchmakers, she received a salary from the government office.

Not to mention Xu, Zhang Pingan was also puzzled.

Official media usually only talk about relatives with officials, including royal relatives and wealthy families, and official media are also invited to discuss marriages.

"How can I cut a tree? Without an axe, I can't do it. How can I marry a wife? Without a matchmaker, I can't do it."

This shows the importance of official media.

Marriages between high-ranking officials and nobles cannot be separated from them.

The matchmaker Song didn't exchange many pleasantries. She just smiled and got straight to the point: "I'm a matchmaker. I'm here today to find a good marriage for your son."

Xu and her son looked at each other. There was no joy in their eyes at being hit by the pie, but instead there was a look of surprise and doubt.

"Your son is already sixteen years old and has achieved the title of Juren. Now is a good time for you to get married. As far as I know, your two unmarried sisters are also engaged and will be getting married soon. It is more appropriate for your son to get engaged now," Matchmaker Song continued happily.

Just pretend not to see the quarrel between the two Xus.

She was also entrusted by someone, otherwise she would never come to the house of this unknown scholar to propose marriage.

Xu asked anxiously, "I wonder whose daughter you're talking about?"

Zhang Ping'an also asked with a questioning look.

Matchmaker Song stroked her temples, still smiling cheerfully, "She's the fifteen-year-old second daughter of the third branch of the Qian family in the east of the city. The Qian family is a well-known and prestigious family in Lin'an City. I'm sure Mr. Zhang has heard of her. Miss Qian has had a special nanny to teach her since she was a child. She is well-educated, gentle and virtuous. A talented man and a beautiful woman are a perfect match, a perfect match!"

Zhang Ping'an frowned and asked, "Could it be the Qian family on Gongchen Street?"

"Haha, that's right," Matchmaker Song said with a smile.

Mrs. Xu didn't know the origins of the Qian family. Seeing that her son knew them, she couldn't help but ask, "Son, do you know this family?"

"Mom, the Qian family is a truly famous and prestigious family with a long history. Our family is far behind them," Zhang Pingan shook his head.

Then he said to the matchmaker in a serious tone, "I wonder why Matchmaker Song came to our house today. You must be aware of the disparity in social status, right?"

Song the matchmaker had been walking among the rich and powerful for many years, and had long since mastered the skill of concealing her emotions. She was also thick-skinned, and had been prepared for Zhang Ping'an's words. She picked up the teacup and drank half a cup of tea before slowly saying, "Of course I have a reason to come to your house. I won't hide anything from you about Miss Qian."

Zhang Ping'an made a gesture to show that he was all ears.

Matchmaker Song continued, "Miss Qian was originally chosen by the Qian family to go to the palace for the imperial selection, but due to poor health, she wasn't chosen. She has now returned from the palace. Her blooming period is short, so we can't delay. Master Qian asked me to find a husband for her as soon as possible. He also heard that you, Mr. Zhang, are of outstanding character and appearance, have a clean family background, and are of the right age, so I came here to make a visit!"

"Even if Miss Qian is in poor health, it should be easy for the Qian family to find a good son-in-law. How come this good thing that fell from the sky fell on my head?" Zhang Pingan wondered.

"It shows that you, Mr. Zhang, are very lucky. Others don't have this luck," matchmaker Song smiled meaningfully when she heard this.

She said she was experienced in matchmaking and knew that her first visit today would not produce results so quickly.

He stood up and said, "Think about it carefully. The Qian family is so rich that many people can't even dream of marrying into it. If your family marries into the Qian family, you won't have to worry about anything in the future. It's not long before Mr. Zhang makes further progress in his studies. I'll be waiting for your letter and come back the day after tomorrow."

Although Xu was still confused, she did not dare to delay the matchmaker when she saw her leaving, and hurriedly saw her out.

"Please stay, Madam Zhang," said Matchmaker Song with a smile.

Then he went out and got into his own carriage.

"Wow, even a matchmaker is sitting in the carriage," Xu muttered as she closed the door.

Then he asked his son, "Son, what is the origin of the Qian family?"