Early the next morning, just after Chunfu had gotten up, she heard the matchmaker shouting loudly outside the courtyard. Judging by the tone, it seemed the matter was settled. Chunfu absentmindedly fastened her buttons wrong—last night, she had brought in a basin of water, and now the temperature was just right for washing her face. The well water was too cold, and she doubted anyone would bother heating water for her.
Over on the other side, Li Xiu’e squinted with a smile and hurried forward to greet the matchmaker, ingratiatingly saying, “Have you eaten breakfast yet, elder sister? I just made some porridge—have a bowl.”
The matchmaker waved her hand dismissively, grabbing Li Xiu’e’s hand and saying, “Chunmu’s wife, good fortune has come to your household. Yesterday, I spoke to Jicheng, and as soon as he heard your Chunfu was lively and healthy, he agreed right away. He said he’d come to propose in the next couple of days. Poor man, he’s had it rough—living alone with no one to arrange these things for him. Chunfu will need his care and attention, so why not be accommodating? Their life together might even turn out better than yours.”
Li Xiu’e immediately understood the matchmaker’s implication—she was trying to help Jicheng reduce the betrothal gifts. Though displeased, Li Xiu’e knew keeping a fool at home wasn’t a solution either. If she married Chunfu off to some old widower, the villagers of Dongpo would drown her in scorn. Gritting her teeth, she said, “Fine. As long as he treats Chunfu well, it’s no issue if our side takes a loss. But for Jicheng to haggle over a wife—does that mean future interactions between our families will be…?”
The matchmaker’s face darkened instantly. “What kind of talk is that? I see that young man as honest and willing to bend the rules for this. If you’re not happy, there are other families who wouldn’t mind.”
Li Xiu’e lightly slapped her own mouth twice in apology. “My words came out wrong. I’ll leave everything to you, elder sister.” She knew offending the matchmaker could lead to Chunfu being slandered, making even widowers turn up their noses.
“Is she cleaned up yet? I haven’t seen what she looks like—call her out for me to take a look.”
Li Xiu’e went to the main room and knocked on the door, raising her voice. “Chunfu, stop sleeping. Come out and meet someone.”
Chunfu had overheard their conversation inside. With a soft laugh, she opened the door and stepped out. Her damp hair clung to her face, making her delicate features appear even smaller. Her eyes, timid and watery, resembled those of a startled rabbit.
The matchmaker’s eyes lit up at the sight. She scrutinized Chunfu carefully. “Such a pretty face hidden in the dust all these years! With a bit more plumpness and color, she’d be a stunning beauty. This match is truly a blessing for both of them. Well then, just wait for the proposal to come.”
Only after the matchmaker had left did Li Xiu’e drop her smile and scold, “What are you standing there for? Useless thing. After eating free food all these years, you still can’t fetch a decent price. Don’t let me see you again—you’re nothing but a headache.”
Chunfu’s eldest brother had left for the fields at dawn, taking his two sons with him. Li Xiu’e packed breakfast into the family’s only presentable bamboo basket and ordered Chunfu to deliver it. Eager to escape her sister-in-law’s nagging, Chunfu hung the basket on her arm, pressing it against her waist as she shuffled toward the fields, careful not to spill the hot porridge.
Today, an unusually large crowd had gathered under the big locust tree, chattering animatedly. Chunfu pricked up her ears and soon realized they were discussing how Liansheng had fallen from the scaffolding the day before.
After Jicheng had carried Liansheng to Dr. Han’s house, he’d rushed back to inform Liansheng’s wife. He paid no mind to what others said, finishing his tasks before returning to lay bricks. The once-bustling worksite had fallen silent except for the sounds of moving materials. Cenniu kept glancing at Jicheng—earlier, in his panic, he’d foolishly blamed Jicheng, only to expose his own guilt. The others’ gazes toward him had shifted unmistakably.
Before Cenniu could figure out how to salvage the situation, Liansheng’s wife arrived, wiping tears but radiating fury. Known as the village’s most formidable shrew, no one dared cross her. Now, hands on hips, she pointed at Cenniu on the scaffolding and cursed, “You heartless, childless wretch! Just because Liansheng’s cow nibbled a few crops from your field the other day, you pushed him off in revenge? How vile can you be? And then you pinned it on Brother Jicheng? How could Aunt Luo have raised such a shameless son?”
Cenniu avoided her gaze, stubbornly denying it. “How can you accuse me, sister-in-law? Who saw me push Liansheng? Since when is Jicheng’s word trustworthy?” He’d only meant to take advantage when Liansheng was jostling with others, venting his earlier frustration. He hadn’t expected to shove him right off.
Liansheng’s wife snorted. “Who said so? Liansheng did! Thankfully, he didn’t land on his head, and Brother Jicheng got him to the doctor in time. Otherwise… Today, my whole family would’ve moved into your house until you made amends.” She made to climb the scaffolding to confront him, but others quickly held her back. “Don’t go up, sister-in-law—it’s unstable. Liansheng needs you now.”
The onlookers sighed in relief. If not for Jicheng’s quick thinking, none of them would’ve had peace. Everyone had seen Cenniu push Liansheng, but in a small village where people crossed paths daily, no one wanted to point fingers openly. Jicheng, with no ties to bind him, had spoken plainly. For once, they found him somewhat admirable.
Amid the chaos below, Jicheng kept working without looking up. When the homeowner returned from Dr. Han’s and saw the commotion, he trembled with anger.
Jicheng paused his work, dusted himself off, and climbed down the ladder. Frowning slightly, he said, “Uncle Xiangcheng, could I collect this month’s wages early? It’s only a day or two until month-end, and I need the money urgently.”
Xiangcheng had always admired Jicheng. His son ran a prosperous business in the city, so money wasn’t an issue. He nodded. “Come find me after work, and I’ll give it to you.” Jicheng acknowledged this and returned to his tasks.
Chunfu listened as people praised Jicheng for his clear-headedness—how he hadn’t disregarded a life despite being shunned by others. “He’s a good lad,” they said. As for Cenniu, his pettiness had nearly cost a life. “Someone like that is terrifying—best to steer clear.” Remembering Jicheng’s handsome face and those deep, dark eyes, Chunfu’s heart fluttered again before she turned toward the fields.
Zhang Yan spotted her from afar and ran over, taking the basket from her hands while muttering, “Auntie’s so clumsy—don’t spill it and get scolded.”
Warmth spread through Chunfu’s chest. This child, neglected by his mother and burdened with chores yet never hearing a kind word, suffered too. Perhaps if her own life improved, she could offer him some comfort.
As the sun began to set, the matchmaker visited the Ji household. In the quiet little courtyard, Jicheng was washing up. Hearing footsteps, he hastily dressed and managed a rare smile. “You’ve come.”
The matchmaker sat on the stool Jicheng brought out, eyeing the young man with growing fondness. “I saw Chunfu today. The girl’s a bit simple, but her face is quite lovely. I spoke with her sister-in-law—we’ll reduce the betrothal gifts. Times are hard for you.”
Jicheng shook his head, stood, and fetched a clean handkerchief from inside, pressing it into the matchmaker’s hand. “I’m already grateful you’ve taken my matter to heart. Let’s follow the customs. Chunfu’s condition doesn’t matter—I’ll teach her patiently. She’s no less than anyone else; no need to lower her standing. This is a token of thanks—take it for your children’s treats.”
The matchmaker hesitated, having already accepted money earlier. After a pause, she asked earnestly, “If you’re unwilling about Chunfu, I can find someone else for you.”
Jicheng waved his hand. “I’m willing. I appreciate your efforts. A little patience is all it takes. She doesn’t hide her thoughts—having some noise around is what makes a home.”
Seeing his resolve, the matchmaker stopped persuading. “Meeting you is her good fortune. Such a pretty girl would’ve been wasted in lesser hands. Life is what you make of it—ignore the gossip. A happy household is all that matters.”
She advised him to be warm and welcoming when visiting the next day to win them over. Jicheng nodded shyly.
Over the years, Jicheng had worked odd jobs everywhere, raised two pigs, and saved enough to marry. He’d calculated carefully—after expenses, the remainder would sustain them comfortably. With the burden of providing ahead, he’d need more work. Village jobs were scarce; once things settled, he’d head to town.
After seeing the matchmaker off, he retrieved his newest set of clothes from the chest, refolded them, and laid them by the bed. He prepared everything for the next day before cooking.
The only valuables in his yard were the two egg-laying hens. He planned to bring them tomorrow and buy a couple of chicks later—Chunfu would have companions after marrying in.
By the time he finished, night had fallen, stars glittering brilliantly across the sky. Exhausted from the day’s labor, Jicheng fell asleep as soon as his head touched the pillow. Clueless but hopeful not to embarrass himself, he thought of how, soon, someone would share this quiet courtyard with him—whether she understood or not, the loneliness would end.
That night, Chunfu slept poorly. Her brother had returned home delighted at the news of Jicheng’s impending proposal, openly saying their household would ease up once she married, as if her departure would lift a dark cloud. But what had Chunfu ever cost them? She ate leftovers and wore the best clothes she’d had in two years.
“The betrothal gifts from Jicheng aren’t much,” Li Xiu’e had said. “We’re too poor for a dowry—I’ll give her the wedding dress from when we married. Saves buying fabric.”
“Fine, but adjust it to Chunfu’s size. Our house is near the village entrance—too many eyes to embarrass us.”
“I know, don’t worry. Once the date’s set, hurry and book the feast master before others do, or we’ll have no way to host.”
Chunmu had simply said, “I know,” then walked over to pat Chunfu’s head. Chunfu bared her teeth in a grimace, though inwardly, she felt like retching.
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