Farm Tough Girl
Chapter 439 - 439 440 Better Be Gentle_1

Chapter 439: Chapter 440: Better Be Gentle_1 Chapter 439: Chapter 440: Better Be Gentle_1 Muniang finally came to a realization, “I heard you once worked as an Attendant Student in a well-off family. Could it be the Zhao Family?”

Zhao Ziming wrapped an arm around Gao Zhuang’s shoulder, declaring like a brother, “Isn’t that so? The man I personally taught is absolutely faithful to his wife. You see how love-struck I am; you should know what kind of influence he’s been under after being around me for so long!”

Muniang tugged at the corner of her mouth, “If he’s been under your influence, then I really need to reconsider the viability of this marriage arrangement.”

Zhao Ziming was half to death with irritation.

After carefully inquiring about Gao Zhuang’s circumstances, Muniang learned that due to his family’s poverty, he had been sold to the Zhao Family since he was a child. By chance, Zhao Ziming took a liking to him and chose him to be his Attendant Student. Since Zhao Ziming acted without the airs of a master, Gao Zhuang’s life was naturally much more comfortable. Having grown up together since childhood, their friendship was naturally good. However, for helping Zhao Ziming cover up his truancy and fighting, Gao Zhuang often took beatings from Old Mr. Zhao.

“Last year, I emancipated him from his servitude; now he’s just an ordinary citizen. After all, his old mother at home is not in the best of health. It’s time for him to come back and fulfill his filial duties,” said Zhao Ziming.

Muniang arched an eyebrow, surprised at his kind-heartedness.

Gao Zhuang explained, “This shop was started with the silver coins I saved up after over a decade as an Attendant Student in the Zhao Family. Originally, I just wanted to do some small business to provide for my elderly mother. But recently, my mother fell ill, and she kept mentioning her lack of a daughter-in-law. That’s why I thought of finding a wife, to fulfill one of her wishes and perhaps bring some good fortune that might help with her illness.”

Listensing to this, Muniang nodded repeatedly. The man spoke sincerely and was filial; clearly, Mrs. Qiao hadn’t just introduced her to someone casually.

“Then you must have also heard from Mrs. Qiao about my sister Qingmei. Do you have any requirements?” Muniang still had to ask to be sure.

“I don’t really have requirements. The key is that she’s a good person. But it would be best, best…” Gao Zhuang stammered for a long time, seemingly afraid to speak and even sneaking a glance at Zhao Ziming before mustering the courage to say, “Best if she could be gentle.”

Muniang almost spat out her tea, holding back laughter. She suspected that Gao Zhuang, seeing how Lu Qi’er constantly tormented Zhao Ziming, had become apprehensive.

Unfortunately, Zhao Ziming hadn’t realized Gao Zhuang’s words were directed at him and chimed in nonstop, “That’s a must! Of course, one must find a gentle wife. Qi’er is just that; my judgment is truly infallible.”

Gao Zhuang’s mouth twitched, knowing well that Zhao Ziming had gotten used to being browbeaten.

Muniang didn’t bother to entertain Zhao Ziming anymore and turned to Gao Zhuang, “I think this marriage could be a good match. You have such a connection with the Zhao Family, and I happen to be acquainted with Ziming. We’re all somewhat close. My sister Qingmei is gentle and a bit shy, but she has a very good temperament. If you agree, I’ll arrange a meeting for you two sometime. If things feel right, there’s no harm in setting this match.”

Gao Zhuang was stunned, “We can meet before getting married?”

Muniang laughed, “We don’t have so many formalities here. A secret meeting won’t let outsiders know.”

Muniang knew that in ancient times, matchmaking normally meant that the man and the woman couldn’t meet, and it would be the parents or the matchmakers who met to settle the arrangement. People like Lu Qi’er and Zhao Ziming, who were betrothed from childhood and whose families were close, were actually more the exception than the norm. Many couples would meet for the first time on their wedding night.

Every time she thought about this custom, Muniang felt deeply that the ancients were actually quite liberal; getting married without ever seeing each other’s faces, while in modern times, at the very least, one would have a tea or watch a movie together!

She couldn’t control others, but Qingmei’s future happiness was something she must decide for herself. Muniang, by vetting on her behalf, also picked someone of good character to avoid her sister being wronged. Qingmei had suffered enough in her lifetime, and Muniang truly hoped for a better future for her.

Moreover, Gao Zhuang had a decent appearance and a good temper, so Qingmei probably would not dislike him. It would be even better to meet and learn about each other ahead of time.

Gao Zhuang actually wanted to meet as well, after all, she was his future wife. At the very least, he needed to know what kind of person she was, but he still had his reservations, saying, “That doesn’t seem proper, though. If by any chance outsiders come to know of it, I’m afraid it might tarnish the young lady’s reputation.”

A girl who hadn’t come out yet meeting with a man was bound to be criticized.

Muniang thought of this and felt somewhat concerned.

Zhao Ziming, however, suggested, “Why not come to my place? We don’t have to say it’s for matchmaking. Gao Zhuang and I are already good friends, and it’s quite normal for him to visit my home. Next time, Mu, just bring your younger sister along when you visit my place. Wouldn’t that allow them to meet? Anyway, everyone knows they are coming to see me, who knows what they’ll actually be doing?”

Muniang smiled, “That is indeed a good idea.”

Gao Zhuang heard this and agreed. Though he was a man of ancient times, he was still a young man full of vigor. Besides, having been influenced by Zhao Ziming for so many years, he wasn’t one to adhere strictly to old customs. He was more keen on seeing what his future wife looked like.

So it was settled. Muniang also went to see Mrs. Gao, who, although ill, showed joy in her brows upon seeing the prospective match for her son, speaking words that naturally praised Gao Zhuang.

When Muniang and Yu Ze were about to leave, Gao Zhuang originally wanted to invite them for dinner, but thinking of his own cooking skills, he ended up scratching his head and saw them out.

“I think Gao Zhuang is quite good, honest and simple, without any crooked thoughts, the kind suitable for daily life, don’t you think?” Muniang said as she walked beside Yu Ze.

“My thoughts are similar to yours, but this matter still depends on Qingmei’s wishes. You should go talk to her first,” replied Yu Ze.

As they were talking, a government officer came running over, and upon reaching them, he saluted, “You were not easy to find, but finally, I have caught up. Hero, could you please come to the County Government Office for a moment?”

Muniang was startled, “What do you need him for at the County Government Office?”

“Lady, do not misunderstand. Old Mr. Yu previously assisted the County Government Office in capturing a bandit, and the County Chief is particularly grateful. He personally sent me to find this hero to the County Government Office; the County Chief would like to offer his thanks in person.”

Yu Ze was about to decline, but Muniang said, “Then let’s pay a visit.”

She then tugged at Yu Ze’s sleeve, “Let’s not refuse Lord Lu’s courtesy; he’s also helped me a lot on ordinary days.”

Yu Ze squeezed Muniang’s palm, “As you wish.”

The two of them got on the carriage, initially intending to have the government officer brother join them, but he firmly declined and ran off instead.

Muniang and Yu Ze then went directly by carriage to the County Government Office.