Embroidered Phoenix Chronicle

What a perfect marriage fell through. They say good things never come in pairs, but misfortunes never come singly—how true!

Liu Ma sat in the main room of the Huo family as a guest. Ostensibly there to deliver zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), she was actually there to sound out someone: Liu Ma was no longer the same as before and wanted to make Liu Ye'er one of her own. Old Man Huo pondered for a long time before asking Liu Ma, "Is this your idea or yours?" Liu Ma became anxious, "Don't you trust me, sir? I was afraid you wouldn't approve of our family, so I asked a matchmaker, which put you in a difficult position. If you don't mind us, I'll ask a matchmaker immediately. Shui Sheng's father won't say a word!"

“Aunt Liu, it’s not that I don’t trust you. You’re practically Qiqi’s own mother! Shuisheng is a good person too! It’s Qiqi’s good fortune to have her as your daughter-in-law! Go back and discuss it. As long as you send a matchmaker, I won’t say a word!” As he spoke, he coughed. Old Mrs. Huo patted his back and scolded, “Why are you in such a hurry? Can’t Aunt Liu sound him out first?”

Liu Ma blushed and stood up, saying, "I was mainly afraid that you wouldn't approve of my family, so I asked a matchmaker to come first. If things don't work out, it'll just be a laughing stock! I'll go back and discuss it now. We'll do whatever we need to do. Please don't be angry about this. I'm a rough man..." Old Man Huo waved his hand, stopping Liu Ma from speaking. Old Mrs. Huo quickly saw Liu Ma out.

Faced with the old lady's questions, the old man remained calm: "The He family is new here; their business is doing well, but they don't have many members. They'll definitely find a family that can help them through marriage. Liu Ye'er has no father or brothers to rely on, so she also needs to marry into a family that can protect her. They're all good children, what a pity!"

The old lady was skeptical. In the end, no matchmaker came to her door.

Liu Lian was unaware of these matters. When the old lady introduced Ruiqian to her, she was told to call him Third Brother. Master Liu instructed his son, "She is your Uncle Changsheng's daughter. You must treat her like Xiu Luan, like your own sister. Protect them when they go out to play!" Liu Lian's brows furrowed imperceptibly. She understood Master Liu's unspoken meaning, but she couldn't quite believe it: she was only twelve or thirteen years old, how could she possibly have any designs on the Third Young Master? Had he even asked for her opinion? A sense of unease arose in her heart, and she considered returning to the Huo family, becoming extra cautious around the Third Young Master. The Third Young Master wasn't stupid; he understood his father's words immediately.

If we understood things clearly, there wouldn't be so much turmoil in the world! Although Liulian wears the skin of an ancient girl, she is still a modern person at heart—an independent and outstanding modern professional woman. Her temperament cannot be hidden, and coupled with the beauty of a young girl in her prime, such a bright, poised, and intelligent girl's charm cannot be concealed by her large feet. Xiu Luan is the same age as her; she seems alright most of the time, but compared to her, she's practically a silly girl, wasting her good looks. Her second sister-in-law, compared to her, is rather vulgar, practically a silly old woman. Her eldest sister-in-law, compared to her, is rather too prim and proper, making her rather boring. Leaving aside her jet-black hair, her long, arched eyebrows, her bright, sparkling eyes, her fluttering eyelashes, her rosy lips, her pearly white teeth, her rosy cheeks, and her slender figure, just look at those big feet! They can walk and jump as they please, so lively and agile! They could even embroider a few more flowers on their shoes. My little sister's feet could never match that agility; even Fu Hui couldn't keep up. Although this girl doesn't give him a second glance—she's from a respectable family, after all!—she asks the old farmers all sorts of interesting stories, isn't it all for him? She leads those mischievous children to catch fish, shrimp, and loaches, isn't it all for him to eat? She wanders around, isn't it all so she can see him—what's there to play with a baby like Fu Hui! What a charming girl! The Third Young Master secretly glanced at Liu Ye'er's slightly protruding breasts and was completely captivated!

Ruiqian has completely fallen for him.

Liu Lian was taken aback, thinking to herself, "That guy is too easily tempted! I haven't even made a move yet!" Liu Lian had absolutely no feelings for Rui Qian, not even the slightest thought of him. Who knew she would unintentionally win over the Third Young Master? How did this happen?! It was somewhat laughable! Some people are destined for each other at first sight. Speechless, and it's only been a few days!

Ruiqian's upbringing allowed him to remain composed in front of his grandmother and father. Liu Ye'er stopped going out for leisurely strolls and stopped watching dragon boat practice. The old lady kindly advised her not to be so rigid; in the countryside, one could be a little more unrestrained, otherwise, wouldn't staying at home all year round be incredibly boring! Liu Lian was both amused and exasperated. Xiu Luan stared wide-eyed in surprise, as she was astonished to find that her grandmother wasn't as shrewd as she had imagined.

Xiu Luan's bound feet and delicate face had lost their former power, but she was not disappointed. She discovered a new world: her third brother, who used to be so domineering and would scold her, had actually been humiliated. Not only was he humiliated, but he also refused to leave with a sullen face and even tried to bribe her to bring Liu Ye'er out. Xiu Luan suddenly felt much closer to her third brother! As for whether Liu Ye'er would be a good sister-in-law, she hadn't considered it.

Happy days always fly by.

The wheat harvest was about to begin, so they had to go to the market. Du stayed behind to watch the house, while everyone else got into the carriage—the Liu family was very down-to-earth and didn't use a sedan chair. The market was bustling with activity, but the little girl, naturally, wasn't interested in farm tools and livestock, and soon became separated from her family. Ruiqian followed behind them, quite pleased with himself, head held high, exuding the air of a half-grown rooster! Village rules weren't so strict; engaged young men and women could secretly meet, even exchange messages. Xiu Luan and Liu Ye'er were engrossed in browsing in a jewelry shop, and Ruiqian was also absorbed in looking around with affection, when suddenly there was a commotion behind them: a tall, plump girl was tightly gripping a richly dressed, frivolous man. The girl was crying uncontrollably, a pitiful sight, while the man was hurling vulgar insults. The two were tearing at each other, but they were fighting over a purse. Liu Ye'er's heart skipped a beat. She had overheard the gossip of the peasant women that the fat girl Xiangxiang, the daughter of the butcher Zheng family, was probably going to be seduced by Waimao. She wondered if it was this couple!

The man was strong enough to snatch the purse and walk out cursing. The fat girl fell to the ground, clutching the man's robe tightly, accusing him of stealing her purse. The onlookers just watched the spectacle with great interest, laughing at anyone who dared to intervene.

Liu Lian, filled with rage, tripped the man with her foot. The man, equally shameless, fell flat on his face, winning a round of applause!