Free Web NovelChapter 1098: Chapter 971: Troublesome Younger Sister-in-Law
Ever since her husband left with the children, Mother Zhang felt uneasy.
She had her eldest granddaughter, Mai Miao, accompany her not-yet-sister-in-law to the study room on the left, which now serves as a guest room for rest, while she herself also left the courtyard.
On the kang bed in the study, Gong Xiaoya took out a shawl and handed it to her future sister-in-law, "Is it too red?"
Mai Miao pursed her lips and smiled, "Sister Xiao Ya, you shouldn’t have. I really like it, but next time don’t buy me anything, I’m still a student and it’s not necessary to waste money."
"What waste? Xi Zi has only one sister like you."
Mai Miao glanced at her, thinking it might be better to let her older brother hint at some things. Her family didn’t just have her; there were also Mai Sui and the others.
If her grandmother or her younger sisters heard this, they might feel uncomfortable. Especially Mai Sui, who would definitely give you a look.
They, as sisters, were not so easily amused by gifts; they’ve seen plenty of things and wouldn’t be bothered by these small tokens. It would be better to give them each a red hair ribbon.
Mai Miao then laughed self-deprecatingly. She was worrying too much, once the person marries in, they’ll naturally understand the family’s dealings.
"Is the room next door your uncle and aunt’s? I heard from Ming Yuan that the east houses of your three families have to be reserved for the elders, so why is this different?"
Upon hearing this, Mai Miao observed her expression carefully, seeing her calmness, she sighed in relief, but some things still needed clarification; otherwise, who knows what the other party might think.
If it were really someone causing trouble, even after marriage, she’d have to find a way to kick them out. Their family already had enough confusion with one muddle-headed person.
She feigned surprise and asked, "Didn’t my brother tell you that this was my aunt’s dowry?"
"Oh, no wonder."
Mai Miao laughed, "No wonder what? My grandmother always says that my aunt is like her own daughter. Do you know what that means? My aunt wanted them to live in the east house for a long time, but they refused themselves.
My aunt doesn’t like pushing and pulling. When the old house courtyard was built, she didn’t dare say to my grandpa to turn the new house into an elderly room in the west."
Gong Xiaoya nodded, "Your aunt is very filial."
"Of course." Seeing her interest, Mai Miao immediately took the opportunity to explain some public matters about Old Zhang’s family.
As for the inappropriate topics to mention, those were left out; even if she did marry in, it would depend on the person’s character. If it weren’t already an engagement, she wouldn’t bother.
After listening, Gong Xiaoya remained silent for a long time, then said, "Your uncle is very... how to put it, very manly. No wonder Ming Yuan says that among the people he knows, no one compares to his uncle."
Mai Miao proudly smiled and nodded, "That’s true. My uncle is not only good to family but also loyal to friends; he’s famous for his righteousness.
My second uncle often jokes that he’s a really good person, but he’s not unconditionally good to others. If it doesn’t involve a matter of principle, he’s agreeable, but for things like helping find a job or connections, he’s not interested. Look at how my mom and my second aunt are idle at home, you’ll know..."
After talking so much tonight, Mai Miao emphasized this point. She believed that a college student like her would understand and would not presumptuously try to gain benefits for her own family.
Unbeknownst to Mai Miao, while she was concerned about her future sister-in-law’s family, her grandmother was worrying about finding a family for her. Seeing the eldest granddaughter approaching twenty years and still not married was worrisome.
"Sister-in-law, shall we let the two kids meet? The young man only has one brother; marrying over means no worries about a sister-in-law causing trouble, and he’s quite spirited."
This proposition made Mother Zhang tempted, a simple family means fewer disputes, and the young man has a steady job...
"You know I don’t do matchmaking; this kid has come to my house twice, and he privately disclosed to me that in the future, his parents will live with the elder sibling, and he’ll just provide money."
Mother Zhang immediately shook her head, "Forget it, our Mai Miao has three older brothers, we’ll consider her only after their happy events are settled."
Initially tempted, Mother Zhang decisively dismissed this suggestion upon hearing the latter words. Even before getting married, saying he’d give money was concerning.
Someone with no regard for his parents, even if fond of her granddaughter, she couldn’t trust that. Now that Mai Miao is young and beautiful, what about when she gets old? Unreliable, absolutely unreliable.
"Alright, consider it some more. We know this kid well, and I think he’s pretty good."
"No need, no need, the grandfather said matches for the children are our business and we shouldn’t meddle. You go busy yourself, I’ll check on the kids."
Saying this, Mother Zhang hurriedly slipped away.
As she walked, she pondered whether to talk to a girl from Zhao’s? As the Women’s Federation director, her three children all chose outstanding partners, her judgment can’t be wrong.
"Granny, where are you going?"
Mother Zhang, following the voice, saw her husband and grandson as she shook her head, "Xi Zi, do Xiao Zuo and the others have partners?"
Xi Zi looked surprised, "What’s up, did someone say something?"
Mother Zhang shook her head.
"Oh, they mentioned having candidates but haven’t made a decision yet. Grandma, rest assured, we’ve agreed that you’d see them before finalizing anything."
Mother Zhang sighed, "I’m not worried about you boys, but shouldn’t Mai Miao be looking? Just now Granny Tian front of the courtyard told me about a candidate."
Mr. Zhang shook his head, "No need for Mai Miao to look now. Xi Zi, you should rest and visit your family with your partner to accompany your mom tomorrow."
"No need, she should accompany grandma."
"It’s bothersome, your grandma’s got enough on her hands taking care of guests. If she’s considerate, she can wait until she marries in." Mr. Zhang urged him to go first.
As she watched her grandson slowly leave, turning back with each step, Mother Zhang glanced at her husband, "What’s wrong? What did Xi Zi say to upset you?"
Mr. Zhang looked complexly at the disappearing figure, "They all listen to us, what’s there to be upset about?"
Mother Zhang was bewildered, what now?
Mr. Zhang didn’t wait for her response, muttering, "I remember when I fancied you, I couldn’t even speak a word to you, worried about affecting your reputation.
Our five kids were the same, once sure, they didn’t drag things out, what’s with all these stray thoughts? If a girl’s reputation is tarnished, how would she live?
Look at these kids, ’having candidates but not decided’? It’s unlike Old Zhang’s family, really unkind!"
Following behind, Mother Zhang found this amusing. While there was truth to it, what’s with complaining over something she doesn’t even know?
She figured it’s her husband finding a problem when there really wasn’t any!
