The ongoing drought has somewhat affected young men's ability to find wives.
Li Qiusui blamed the drought for her brother's inability to find a wife.
Li Changshan is eighteen years old. At this age, the marriage should have been decided long ago.
The current conditions of Li Sanzhu's family are no worse than those of ordinary wealthy households in the county. Li Changshan is the eldest son of the family and has gone to the town to study for several years. When Liu chose his eldest daughter-in-law, she asked Li Changshan's opinion, whether it was for the family's long-term plan. They are still a well-matched couple, and they both prefer reading and literacy.
Reading and writing requires a lot of money for books and ink. Most families are willing to spend all their family efforts to send their sons to study in the hope of getting ahead, shining brightly, and supporting the family in the future. As for a girl's family, in most people's minds, one will get married sooner or later, and one who can eat well and drink well without being treated harshly is considered a good family.
Wouldn't it be a problem to find a wife for Li Changshan who can read and write?
Girls in the countryside have no conditions to study, and there are many girls studying in towns and counties. But in the eyes of others, people like Li Sanzhu are considered to be a nouveau riche with weak legs. Isn’t this embarrassing?
Li Qiusui saw Mr. Liu closing the door and chatting with the matchmaker in the room for a long time, and then politely sent him outside the door.
When Mrs. Liu entered her yard, Li Qiusui finally couldn't help but persuaded: "Mom, my eldest brother is only eighteen years old, so you can't be too anxious about marrying a wife!"
Ms. Liu glared at her, "Go to the village and see which 18-year-old boy hasn't married yet? They are so nimble that their children can run around to help pick up chickens. That's why they haven't married yet. The person who wants to marry a daughter-in-law has already been decided, and you can get her if you ask for it. As for your eldest brother in our family, the candidate has not been decided yet. He has a gentle temper and is not in a hurry. You girl is just making sarcastic remarks. How can I ever hold her in my arms? Great grandson..."
This is really speechless.
Li Qiu Sui was afraid that her mother would never stop her, so she hurriedly grabbed Li Changshan, who Liu said was "mellow", "Brother, Aunt Hua hasn't gone far yet, you should quickly find someone to say good things to, so that you can marry a sister-in-law and go home. We don’t have to be picky, it doesn’t matter if she is blind or lame, as long as she can give birth to grandchildren for my mother.”
Liu was so angry that she wanted to slap someone with her palm.
Li Changshan blocked Mr. Liu, and he had no choice. He heard that another matchmaker came to visit, so he rushed over to take a look, "Mom, you and dad can decide the marriage. As long as you like it, the girl has a good heart, but she is illiterate. Let's It’s not too late to get married and study again.”
His mother was not illiterate at first, but after only a few years of learning, she could now read an account book. In his opinion, as long as the girl's family had good character, everything else was not that important.
Mrs. Liu felt comfortable as her son spoke, and she couldn't help but have new worries, "Changshan, are you in a hurry to get a wife?"
The little girl's words are irritating, but she also wants to find a good wife to match her son. Mrs. Liu does not admit that she is high-spirited. Not to mention, the little girls who serve the two girls at home are all pretty and well-educated. By the way, when looking for a daughter-in-law, don’t choose her appearance first. You can’t be any less knowledgeable than them.
Mrs. Liu was afraid that her son would make a mistake when he went on an errand, so she warned: "I tell you Li Changshan, our family does not want to have a concubine in the same house! Don't just rely on the two coppers in your pocket to follow the tricks of the young men in the city." !”
Li Qiusui saw that Liu's posture was unstoppable, so she quickly winked at her brother and slipped away against the wall.
Li Changshan glared at her. He was really not in a hurry to get a wife, but if he and his mother kept bothering each other, the topic would be endless today.
"Mom, where are you thinking? My son is a man. It doesn't matter if it's a little later. My eldest sister Xia He is also a 13-year-old girl. If there's a suitable one, we'll make a decision first."
This is why Mrs. Liu is so anxious to get angry. The children below are next to each other...
After using his eldest sister as an excuse and finally distracting his mother's attention, Li Changshan felt relieved and followed Li Qiu Sui out.
Li Qiu Sui walked slowly, Li Changshan caught up with him, and the brother and sister walked out side by side.
Li Qiusui took a look at the sky and said, "Brother, the heavy rain is about to fall. There is nothing to worry about at home. The fourth brother is still in the county. Let's go and pick him up tomorrow."
Li Changan's school has a holiday the day after tomorrow, and he will probably go home the day after tomorrow. The heavy rain will start to fall tomorrow night. Li Qiusui didn't say anything. It's not that Li Changan in the county is in danger in the city, but the rain will not be light. At this time, the family Li Qiusui felt at ease only when people were together.
The weather is getting hotter and hotter, and Li Changan is the only one outside the house. Li Changshan is also worried about his younger brother, "Then let's pick him up later tomorrow."
…
The next day, the weather became even hotter. After noon, the brother and sister drove a carriage to the city.
Li Changan said he was studying in a school in the county town, but it was actually his husband's home. The teacher has more than just one student. When there are more people, a special room must be opened. The knowledge of the students is uneven, so separate teaching is required, so an additional room must be opened.
As time went by, more and more students were admitted, and some were admitted to the scholar examination.
With a great reputation, there are more students, thus forming a school.
Li Changshan stopped studying in the town two years ago. He would come here from time to time to give Li Changan something, and Li Qiu Sui also came here a few times.
Most of the county towns are made of bricks and tiles, and the school here is no exception. The doors and windows are larger than those at home, and the windows are covered with white paper, which makes them look much cleaner and brighter.
The brother and sister found Li Changan and explained their intention. Li Changan pondered for a moment, saying that it was going to rain heavily in the county and it was worse than what was reported in Lijiacun.
Knowing that his family was worried and that he would go home to study without any further delay, Li Changan said, "Brother and Suisui will wait for me for a moment. My husband is taking a rest in the front yard. I'll go over and say something."
Naturally, if you ask for leave, you need to inform your husband. Li Changshan urged, "Then you go over and take a look. If you are taking a break, we can talk later. It doesn't matter if we wait for a while."
They also said they were waiting outside. There was a woman leading two girls by. Li Changan had his back to the visitor, and Li Changshan and Li Qiu Sui were standing opposite him.
Li Changshan had seen the woman and knew that she was Li Changan's wife. He quickly saluted and said, "I have seen the woman sir."
In fact, it would be more appropriate for Li Changshan to call the woman "ma'am" because Li Changan's mistress was quite knowledgeable and had excellent calligraphy and painting, including the Four Books and Five Classics. As for Li Changan's husband, he valued his daughter-in-law very highly. When introduced by outsiders, including students in the school, he would call his daughter-in-law sir.
The woman had a gentle face, and her movements revealed a free and easy spirit.
She could see the three siblings from a distance. Li Changan was her husband's favorite disciple. She had naturally seen the eldest brother in the family, and the little girl next to her should also be the younger sister in the family.
"He must be Chang'an's brother! Why are you standing at the gate of the courtyard? Hurry up and talk inside."
Li Changshan still wanted to refuse.
"The gentleman from Chang'an has gone out for something, and it will take a while to get home. It's a hot and muggy day! Come inside with me and have a cup of herbal tea!"
(End of chapter)
