Traveling Through Farmhouses: Taking the Baby on a Famine Escape

That's certainly how it is in this era; she always forgets that this is ancient times when feudal ideology prevailed.

"Even if we can't meet, we should at least ask Yu Jie what he thinks!"

"I asked him, and he said it's all up to you!"

Zhang Xixi pointed to herself and exclaimed in surprise, "Me!"

She would never consider a daughter-in-law, especially not her brother's wife!

She can't even handle her own marriage, how can she handle other people's?

Zhou Yuhao looked at Zhang Xixi and nodded.

"I have no experience! You should make the decision!"

Zhou Yuhao thought for a moment and said, "How about we ask my mother-in-law for help in making a decision?"

"All right!"

"Have you found out where she lives?"

"Her family runs a bookstore in an alley next to the academy, and she would help out during her days off because there were so many people buying books."

"Then we'll go in a few days."

Zhou Yuhao nodded.

Seven or eight days later, Zhang Xixi went to the Zhang family and told Chen about it.

"Mom, let's go tomorrow, what do you think!"

Chen hesitated for a moment, "Is it appropriate for me to go? After all, this is a matter for the Zhou family!"

"What's inappropriate about it? Are you afraid the Zhou family will say you're overstepping your bounds?"

Seeing Zhang Xixi's blank expression, Chen continued, "Daughter, the clan is the foundation of a person's life. We can't do anything without the clan. Why don't we let Da Wang Shi go with us? At least there will be a member of the Zhou family, so that you won't be troubled if problems arise later."

"Alright! I'll have Zhou Yuhao talk to your brother-in-law, and we'll come pick you up tomorrow, Mom! As for making pastries, I'll have Sister Xiu come and help; she's quite skilled."

Mrs. Chen quickly waved her hand, "No need, I plan to close the shop for two days. The rice at home also needs to be planted. Just lend me a few of your farmhands, and I'll pay them their wages."

"Okay, I'll make arrangements when I get back."

When Zhang Xixi got home, she asked Zhou Yuhao to talk to Zhou Dashan about the matchmaking.

"Have your sister-in-law help take a look too, it's better to have more people involved so you don't make a mistake!"

Zhou Yuhao thought that Chen must have said something to his wife, but it would be better to have his sister-in-law, the clan chief's wife, go along.

"okay, I get it!"

After Zhou Yuhao left, Zhang Xixi made arrangements for Zhou Fu's family.

"Zhou Fu, the rice at home is ready to be planted. Have Wang Daniu take charge of the arrangements. Arrange for a few people to help my family plant the rice. Also, make sure to prepare good meals for the next few days."

"Understood, boss!"

When Zhou Yuhao arrived at Zhou Dashan's house and explained the matter, Madam Wang readily agreed.

Her eldest grandson's wife is also from the county, and they are already engaged. They plan to hold a wedding for them this December.

When they go there, they can also ask around with the family of their future granddaughter-in-law and get a clearer picture of the situation.

The next day, Zhang Xixi and Zhou Yuhao picked up Chen Shi and Da Wang Shi and headed to the county town.

After arriving in the county town at noon, we stayed at the same teahouse as last time.

As Wang and Chen entered, they exclaimed in amazement, "You actually own a shop in the county! That's impressive!"

Zhou Yuhao chuckled, touching his nose, and made no attempt to hide it from them.

"I made some contributions and earned some money during those years in the Northwest. Thinking that I couldn't just sit around and do nothing, I set up a few shops."

Madam Chen and Madam Wang nodded, "That's right!"

"Mother-in-law, sister-in-law, please rest here for a while. I'll go buy some food."

“Okay, anything is fine. If there’s any food or cooking utensils here, we can cook for ourselves,” Chen replied with a smile.

Then, Madam Wang stood up and said, "There's a kitchen here, let me go take a look. Or we can make something to eat ourselves!"

Zhang Xixi quickly stopped him, saying, "Sister-in-law, that kitchen is just for show, it has nothing in it. Let him go out and buy it!"

Zhou Yuhao had already walked out of the backyard.

After a while, he returned carrying two food boxes.

Chen and Da Wang saw that there was both chicken and pork inside.

"You're going to spend too much money. We can just have some steamed buns or dumplings."

"Yes, everything must be expensive in this county town. Next time, just eat something simple to fill your stomach."

"understood!"

Zhou Yuhao nodded with a smile, but he didn't agree in his heart. He would still buy whatever he wanted next time.

Zhang Xixi had already arranged the dishes and Wan after they finished speaking.

"Mother, sister-in-law, come and eat! We'll need your help with the rest of the arrangements!"

After everyone finished eating, we rested for a while.

After leaving Zhou Yuhao at home, Zhang Xixi and her companions took their gifts to visit their future in-laws.

After arriving, they discovered that the family Zhou Zixuan was engaged to was actually their neighbor, and the heads of the two families were close friends.

One family is surnamed Xu, and the other is surnamed Xu. Zhang Xixi was wondering why arranged marriages were so common in ancient times.

Why aren't these two stores listed?

It turns out that the Xu family has two daughters and one son. The two daughters are twins, both in their late twenties, while the son is only five years old, having been born late in life. The eldest daughter, Xu Xingwen, is engaged to Zhou Zixuan.

The Xu family has a son and a daughter. The eldest son is twenty-five years old and has already married and had children, while the daughter is only fifteen years old. The daughter they are looking for this time is named Xu You.

She has a cheerful and lively personality. Although she has servants at home, she is very good at housekeeping and cooking.

Chen and Da Wang nodded in agreement. It wouldn't do for a woman not to know how to cook.

Finally, Zhang Xixi also gave a brief introduction to Zhou Yujie's situation.

"Mrs. Xu, could you please ask her what she thinks? If both families are interested, it would be best if the two families could meet!"

The eldest princess also looked at them expectantly.

Xu nodded and said, "Then I'll go and inquire for you."

"Thank you very much, Madam Xu!"

Zhang Xixi and the others quickly thanked them.

After a short while, Madam Xu returned.

Seeing that her expression was a little off, Zhang Xixi thought it hadn't worked out and quickly asked, "Is there a problem? Her family isn't willing to arrange the marriage! It's okay, it just means our two families aren't meant to be. We can look at other options."

Madam Xu smiled and waved her hand, "No, it was me. As soon as I told you your identities and the young man's name, Sister Xu agreed and even said that they would invite everyone to Qixuan Teahouse for tea tomorrow morning."

"It turns out I misunderstood!"

Chen looked at Zhang Xixi and scolded, "Still so impulsive, you!"

"Please don't take offense, Madam Xu!"

"it's okay no problem!"

Zhang Xixi thought to herself that the Xu family was so straightforward; it seemed that Master Xu had taken a liking to Yu Jie.

"Mrs. Xu, I'd appreciate it if you could take us there tomorrow!"

"Of course, of course! If this works out, I'll be the matchmaker for both of your families!" Madam Xu said with a smile.

The group then resumed their casual conversation with laughter.

The next day happened to be a day off, and Zhang Xixi thought she would bring Zhou Yujie along so that he could take a look at her.