Allure of a Country Maiden-Chapter 40 - 39 Engagement Party at Two Ends

Chapter 40: Chapter 39: Engagement Party at Two Ends

Chapter 40 -39: Engagement Party at Two Ends

Xiao’er found it strange during the meal.

The betrothal day was clearly the day after tomorrow, so why were today’s dishes so lavish?

It felt as if they were having the engagement party meal right then.

Men and women dined at separate tables.

Shen Chengguang stood up, raising his cup to say, “In two days, our Bao’er will be engaged to the second son of the County Magistrate.

Though it could be said that this is a tremendous step up for our family.”

“What are you talking about, eldest brother?

Our Jingwen is the reincarnation of Wenquxing.

One day, he will become the top scorer, a high-ranking official.

It is not certain who is marrying whom.” Shen Chengzu spoke out of turn, exaggerating greatly.

Shen Chengguang liked what he heard.

His daughter had been carefully nurtured since childhood.

Her beauty and talent made her outstanding.

If she were not of marriageable age, he would have wanted to wait for Wen’er to succeed and then arrange a better marriage for her.

But now, it was quite satisfactory.

Initially, Mrs.

Lan wanted to ask the matchmaker to inquire about the second son of the Lai family, but they refused to acknowledge them.

Thankfully, the current option isn’t bad.

Although he is a second son and born to a concubine, his mother is favored and he is treated equivalently to legitimate children in the family, loved dearly by the County Magistrate.

It’s also said that this second son has done well in his studies.

“It’s traditional for men to marry down and women to marry up.

Our Bao’er is a clever and lovely girl, the most outstanding woman in our ten-mile radius.

She’s even beautiful enough for princes and nobles.” Mrs.

Li said, also singing her praises.

The main family was different now, they were related to a county magistrate.

They could walk proudly in the county, she had to be firmly attached to the main family.

“Auntie, don’t give me absurd praise.

I think Young Master Ma is very good.

We shouldn’t joke about princes and nobles.” Shen Bao’er was not too satisfied with her current engagement.

But one time when she was shopping for a rabbit to keep as a pet, she overheard someone saying that the second son of the county magistrate was in town.

She then noticed him; he was handsome and gentlemanly.

She conceived a plan, deliberately holding the rabbit while passing him by.

She loosened her grip, allowing the rabbit to jump out.

Then she performed her most elegant and attractive demeanor, calling out in a soft voice, “Ah, don’t run, little rabbit.”

As expected, it attracted his attention and he helped her catch the rabbit.

When he returned the rabbit, she thanked him with her most beautiful smile, then quickly lowered her head in feigned shyness.

Upon seeing her, he was stunned for quite some time.

Thinking about it, Shen Bao’er couldn’t help but show a proud smile.

“The truth is, I think our Bao’er could marry into any noble family.”

“True, Bao’er has grown up; otherwise, she could have more choices in the future.” Mrs.

Lan felt like her daughter was an angel, and it was a bit of a shame that she had to marry the second son of the County Magistrate.

“Indeed, Bao’er is good-looking, well-behaved, and talented.” Mrs.

Liu praised her lavishly, genuinely feeling that this niece was good.

“Yes, I met the second son of the County Magistrate once.

He’s also said to be good.

Such a perfect match of talent and beauty.” Mrs.

Lu also praised.

The second son of the County Magistrate was indeed good, at least upright in character, kind-hearted, and soft.

Regrettably, he had a weak constitution and not in good health from time to time, that is a rumor circulated by many people.

After everyone finished praising, Shen Chengzong said, “Because the shop in the town is too small in the backyard, I wanted to come back today and treat my brothers to the engagement meal.”

The second Shen Chengguang finished speaking, everyone in the room became silent.

Even Master Shen was looking at his eldest son with disbelief.

They would not attend Xiao’er’s engagement?

Xiao’er wasn’t surprised.

After the main family had been in the town for a long time, they had forgotten that they were also countrymen, looking down upon them who were living in the village.

Even when they came back usually, they would be ill-at-ease.

Perhaps they were worried that they would embarrass themselves.

Shen Chengguang met Master Shen’s gaze, quickly piled up a smile and said, “Father and mother will definitely go.”

“But your brothers …”

“We are all family and would understand.

It’s a known fact that shop’s backyard can’t accommodate so many people at once!”

“On the wedding day, everyone will go to the restaurant in town for the wedding banquet.” Mrs.

Lan explained timely, “Now it’s just a small betrothal ceremony.”

“The betrothal can take place here.

This is home after all.” Mrs.

Li grumbled.

Master Shen brightened at the words “Indeed, we can go home.” Holding the betrothal at the village, letting fellow villagers see his granddaughter being betrothed to the second son of County Magistrate, that would indeed bring great honour.

Having heard this, Mrs.

Lan lowered her head and suppressed the fire in her heart.

That Mrs.

Li was truly good at sabotaging others.

“But …” Shen Chengguang wanted to refuse again.

“There’s nothing to ‘but’.

I, your father, know what you’re worried about.

But since a grand County Magistrate is willing to become in-laws with us, he should know our family’s situation.

Maybe if you’re willing to hold the betrothal here, he might even appreciate you for not forgetting your roots.”

“Father, it’s not that we don’t want to come back, it’s just, a representative from the County Magistrate has said that the second son’s health is fragile.

He has just recovered but insists on delivering the betrothal gifts personally.

If it gets too lively, we fear that his health couldn’t withstand it.” Mrs.

Lan thought of an excuse to reject the idea and was secretly pleased, although she pretended to be troubled.

“There’s really no other way.

Father, we’re getting married, not making enemies.

If we make the second son feel unwell because of this, then we can forget about this marriage.” Shen Chengguang came to his senses and put on a disappointed face.

Upon hearing this, Master Shen’s expression softened.

He thought that just after family division, the main family did not want to have anything to do with his brothers from the countryside.

This was absolutely unacceptable.

Otherwise, when his eldest grandson passed the examination and became an official, he would be criticized by others.

“If that’s the case, we should have the engagement meal today in advance.

On the day of the betrothal, your mother, your sister, and I will go.”

“There must be a lot of things to do on the betrothal day.

Your wife may not be able to cope with it all on her own.

I will go to town to help out.”

“There’s no need to trouble you, sister-in-law.

The banquet will be catered by the restaurant, so with my mother there it’s enough.” Mrs.

Lan despised Mrs.

Li’s lack of tact.

Did she really believe that she couldn’t see her real motive!

Whenever there was work to do, she would avoid it as much as possible!

“Father, since we don’t have to go to town the day after tomorrow, I want to go out and work for a few days.” Shen Chengyao wanted to go to the neighboring county as soon as possible.

“Hmm, go ahead.

Now that you are in charge, you need to earn silver diligently.”

“Father, I also don’t need to request leave then.” Shen Chengzu worked at the iron shop; he had four rest days per month.

If there was something else, he had to request leave in advance.

“No need to request.

Just take it on the day of Bao’er’s wedding.”

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Lan sighed with relief at this point.

She was really afraid of losing face.

When it came time for the wedding, she would need to find a private room for them to sit separately.