No matter how much Erniang and Aunt Yang teased Qixi, he resolutely refused to reveal who the girl was.
He only said that the girl was still young and that there was no hurry in the next year or two. He also ntioned using this ti to develop his career well.
As for who the girl was and her exact age this year, he didn’t say a word.
However, Erniang speculated that it couldn’t be a girl from Fu’an Village. They had followed Uncle Liu back to Cheng County a couple of years ago, and Qixi showed no interest.
But last year they were with them in Xiangmu Village, and this year he ntioned having a girl he liked.
In the village, girls are usually engaged by thirteen or fourteen and married by fifteen or sixteen, with poorer families doing so even earlier.
Looking at Qixi’s deanor, the girl probably cos from a family doing well, unlikely to marry too early, yet he said waiting two more years to propose won’t be late, indicating the girl is likely twelve or thirteen, or thirteen or fourteen now.
But Erniang and Aunt Yang went through all the suitable girls in Xiangmu Village, yet couldn’t detect any clue from Qixi’s expression, still unsure of her identity.
He indeed keeps his cool, true to being with Uncle Liu for several years.
After the two finished talking, the vegetables were nearly sorted, and Qixi breathed a sigh of relief.
Just as they were about to leave, Qixi suddenly said, "Aunt Yang, once the master gives us the indenture, I’ll ask you to be my godmother and promise to take care of you in your old age."
Qixi’s sudden statent caught Erniang and Aunt Yang off guard, leaving them stunned.
Qixi continued, "I also have no parents, and over the years, Auntie, you’ve taken great care of , making clothes for and washing them. From the bottom of my heart, I see you as an elder."
"I know you’ve lost your husband and children. If you’re not opposed, let be your son. In the future, my children will call you grandma."
Qixi spoke sincerely, leaving Aunt Yang both excited and incredulous.
Erniang was the first to react, patting Aunt Yang to bring her back to her senses, and said proactively, "This is a wonderful thing! We’re all honest people, quite familiar with each other, so living together later won’t cause any conflicts."
"Aunt Yang is living alone, having a son ans having support in old age. For Qixi, marrying and having children with an elder under the sa roof will ease life for them both."
"Later, ask Uncle Liu to be your witness. After you acknowledge each other as godmother and godson, you’ll officially be a family."
If it were soone else, Erniang wouldn’t speak much without knowing their nature.
But she knows Aunt Yang and Qixi well, having interacted for years, and if they beco a family, it would be a marvelous thing.
Aunt Yang finally regained her composure, nodding her head with trembling voice, "Good, good, good."
Qixi also breathed a sigh of relief, smiling as he said, "Let’s head back first. Once the master gives us the indenture, we’ll discuss the matter with Grandpa; have him be our witness."
To be honest, while they carried the vegetables back, the steward ca, asking the followers to load the items onto the wagon, then called Qixi and Aunt Yang aside for a talk.
Erniang didn’t approach because Yang Zhangshi, who went to find Uncle Liu, finally returned.
It’s true, it took quite a while, more than an hour before and after.
Earlier, when they were heading to the vegetable patch, they saw Yang Zhangshi kneeling beside Uncle Liu, nodding and shaking her head at intervals, unsure what precisely they were discussing.
Nonetheless, the situation didn’t escape the notice of the villagers; even those erecting duck sheds saw it when they rely lifted their heads.
Erniang harbored so thoughts.
Uncle Liu might deliberately act so; advising Yang Zhangshi indoors might invite others to say it’s a plan concocted by the Jiang family.
If indeed Yang Zhangshi’s in-laws caused troubles and aid at the Jiang family, the Jiang family would inevitably face many problems.
But Uncle Liu’s actions plainly signaled to others that he’s the one advising, preventing Yang’s family’s troubles from involving the Jiang family.
Uncle Liu’s identity is different; who wouldn’t know in Xiangmu Village that he’s a senior mber of a wealthy rchant family in the city, rely staying with the Jiang family temporarily?
This distinct identity ans the Yang family will think twice before causing trouble.
Erniang’s speculation hits the mark; Uncle Liu indeed intended this, deliberately delaying ti, having Yang Zhangshi kneel close to him asking for guidance, all because of this reason.
He’s willing to help but avoids the nuisance.
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