Chapter 8: The Thieving Woman

It is not good to be in the same place as this troublesome woman; it would be better to retreat in order to advance, waiting for her to leave before she returns.

If one does not speak, it does not matter, yet it still provokes a great deal of anger

This cunning woman intends to play both sides, taking the proposals from Ma Dawei and Qian Er Gongzi to approach the Zhang family for a marriage proposal. At that time, she will belittle one and praise the other. By comparing the two, Boss Zhang might just be persuaded by her.

Aunt Xu spoke eloquently, and with Ma Dawei as a comparison, it was only natural that she portrayed the second son of the Qian family as someone who had everything, both in heaven and on earth. For a moment, Boss Zhang was indeed a bit tempted

Enough

Tang Family's Eldest Son

Why did I end up encountering this old woman?

With ease, he let the two women in, exchanged a few pleasantries, and then Boss Zhang pretended to be serious as he prepared to watch the two women perform

Since we have come all this way, how can Sixth Sister just leave without going in? She forcibly pulled Sixth Aunt into the Zhang family.

Everyone was taken aback, and Aunt Liu questioned, "What does this mean? Is Da Lang still not giving up? I must make it clear from the outset, I will not endure this kind of anger any longer!"

The old man spoke in a disjointed manner, leaving Tang Yi completely baffled

What document is this

In fact, it is not a performance by two old women, but rather a one-sided monologue by Xu Yapo.

Aunt Liu rolled her eyes and said resentfully: "If it were just that old man, I wouldn't be angry with him given my temperament. Unfortunately, I happened to run into Mrs. Xu from the south of the city who also came to propose a match."

Moreover, it is evident without much thought that the Qian family operates a pawnshop, which is incomparable to a servant like Ma Dawei. Xu Pozi intends to elevate the status of Young Master Qian Er by stepping on Ma Dawei, thus significantly increasing the chances of success.

How could Aunt Xu allow Aunt Liu to leave just like that

Tang Yi almost choked. Isn't this old man a bit too adorable? Just yesterday, he was chatting with me endlessly, leaving me dizzy, and today he wants to take me as his disciple?

Upon entering the store, Aunt Liu immediately pointed at Old Man Ma's nose and began to scold him

Aunt Liu was already fuming, and upon hearing that Aunt Ma had sought out Old Woman Xu yesterday, her anger intensified. She pointed at Aunt Ma and berated her relentlessly

The old man is indeed not joking. Yesterday, Tang Yi's astonishing remarks left the old man bewildered for the entire day, and Tang Yi's emphatic words have been ringing in his ears.

Tang Yi also hated that Xu Yapo to the core, but this was not the time to dwell on such thoughts

Tang Yi took the document and asked, "Has Boss Zhang agreed to the marriage proposal from the Qian family?"

"Wuna, you old rascal!" Aunt Liu shouted sharply as she rushed into the shop, her face flushed red.

Aunt Liu naturally returned in defeat

Isn't this Xu Yapo the same one who asked for a red envelope and a thank-you gift yesterday? How is it that just a day later, someone is looking for Xu Yapo to propose to Zhang Jia's young lady?

It is good that there was no response!" Tang Yi let out a sigh of relief

His aunt also came to the Zhang family to propose? However, it is quite coincidental, as I am also here at someone else's request, intending to discuss the lifelong union of Zhang Si Niang. Yet, I do not know which young gentleman Sixth Sister is proposing for

At this moment, Tang Yi was also a bit bewildered, and for a time, his mind was somewhat unable to process the situation.

"Aunt, please do not be upset. First, have a sip of water to soothe your throat." Tang Yi brought a teacup and personally poured water for Aunt Liu.

Tang Yidao said: "How could I trouble Aunt Liu again? This time, I will go myself. I simply do not believe that I cannot get that Fourth Lady to take the surname Ma!"

His sixth aunt said this... Ma Laosan was taken aback by the scolding. "What happened?"

What is enough

This Xu woman is well-known in Dengzhou for her notorious reputation, being famous for her greed for money. Moreover, to achieve her goals, she has never shied away from using unscrupulous means. Not only do the townspeople disapprove of some of her actions, but even her peers harbor deep resentment towards her.

Such insight is more than sufficient! The old man’s eyes sparkled with brilliance, as if he had obtained some extraordinary treasure.

The excessive number of officials and soldiers is draining the treasury of the court. Although the common people in the Song Dynasty still appear to be thriving, the court is burdened by this situation and is already feeling the strain, facing a deficit.

Tang Yi finished speaking in one breath and then stared unblinkingly at the old man. He thought to himself, are you testing me? In my previous life, during an era of information explosion, just grabbing anyone from a forum could articulate the matters of the Song Dynasty with great clarity

When two families come to propose marriage at the same time, it is only natural to make a comparison between the two sides. Even if Boss Zhang is not a mercenary person who values wealth above all, he cannot escape this custom

"I didn't check the almanac before going out today. I will come back another day." Aunt Liu shot a glare at Aunt Xu and was about to leave

... ...

It was not until the evening that the old man realized that, compared to those remarks, what was even more precious was the person of Tang Yi. A fourteen-year-old boy, who has not yet studied Confucius and Mencius, but is able to comprehend national affairs; such talent, if refined, would be remarkable

Even a fool knows now what Xu Yapo was thinking yesterday, and why she insisted that Aunt Ma take the red envelope as a thank-you gift first

Tang Yi was momentarily taken aback and did not respond immediately. The old man, however, was not in a hurry and fixed his gaze on Tang Yi, observing his reaction

Can Aunt Liu show that document to Uncle Zhang

At this moment

"Wine! Wine! Bring the wine!" Tang Yi responded hurriedly.

Oh... Aunt Liu suddenly remembered and took out the paper that Tang Yi had given her earlier, saying: "Are you referring to this? That wicked woman mocked me coldly, and I could hardly speak, let alone worry about any documents"

At the sight of two tooth fairies coming together, Mr. Zhang was already accustomed to it. Not to mention two, there have been occasions in the past when three or four matchmakers met together.

On one hand, Aunt Liu was oppressed by that Mrs. Xu to the point where she couldn't lift her head. On the other hand, the Ma family's conditions were indeed too poor. No matter how unambitious Mr. Zhang was, he didn't want to send his daughter over to suffer.

Aunt Liu pushed the teacup aside and said, "What tea? Bring me some wine!"

Seeing Aunt Liu appearing somewhat calm, Tang Yi calmly asked, "Auntie, what happened? Did the Zhang family treat you poorly?"

But how can we compare? Xu Pozhi suggested Qian Jia's second son who holds the title of Shengping, while Liu Shen suggested Ma Jia's poor boy who works as a servant. Qian Jia has been running a pawnshop business in Dengzhou for decades and has accumulated enormous wealth. Even the Tang family, before their downfall, couldn't compare to them, let alone the Ma family who are just servants.

A bowl of light wine was presented before Aunt Liu, who took it and downed it in one gulp, her heaving chest and abdomen gradually calming down.

As it turned out, before Aunt Liu could enter the Zhang family home, she saw an old woman dressed in red and green walking from the south, carrying a live goose towards the Zhang family.

Sixth Aunt said, "I didn't agree, but judging from the old man's hesitant appearance, if Mrs. Xu goes to persuade him a couple more times, it's quite possible that it will happen!"

Ms. Ma lowered her head, knowing that she had trusted the wrong person, and silently shed tears. Originally, the marriage between Dawei and Zhang Siniang was not well-regarded, and now, because of her momentary mistake, it was even more hopeless.

What's wrong? Six Auntie waved her silk handkerchief and said, "You tell me, which girl in your family is not good enough for your brother Dawei? Why does he insist on going to Zhang's house to find this unlucky person?"

How coincidental! I was just thinking about how this would happen. It seems that the cunning woman knew in advance that we would come today to make a request, so she deliberately crossed paths with me.

The old man has really been unlucky for eight generations to have taken on this rotten matter from you!

This thief woman!" Tang Yi listened and couldn't help but curse angrily.

Ms. Xu, with her heavily powdered old face, smiled so hard that it twisted into a lump, causing the powder to fall off in chunks, which made Aunt Liu feel a bit disgusted.

At a glance, it was unmistakably someone else; it was indeed Old Lady Xu from the east of the city. Sixth Aunt's heart sank, secretly exclaiming that it was not good

"Who is Xu Yapo?" Tang Yi was taken aback and couldn't help but exchange a glance with Ma Bo and Ma Shen.

The old man's expression became solemn, and he said in a serious tone, "I come to ask you, are you willing to give up business and pursue literature, to become my disciple and learn the ways of governing the world from the sages?"

Ga ... ...

Ms. Xu seemed unsurprised when she saw Mrs. Liu.

As for the method of seeking change... Tang Yi pondered, "That is not something a rough person like this young man can come up with."

You said, why did you have to ask that Xu old lady when you could have found someone better? That wicked woman only cares about money and has no conscience. Even if you pay her a lot, can you really trust her to do a good job?

Since Tang Yi's sixth aunt entered the door, judging from her expression, it was clear that things were not going smoothly. Now, hearing her say this, I am even more certain. I quickly apologized to the elderly and went to comfort the sixth aunt.