Chapter 10: The Nagging Matchmaker's Persistent Shadow

A few pieces of tofu and several small crucian carp were enough to have everyone in the Du family smacking their lips in delight. Even Third Aunt, who was usually the sharpest-tongued among them, seemed to shed her prickly armor and became noticeably softer. Du Yun, too, ate to her heart’s content—this was the first time in two days she’d been truly full. Hugging her satisfied belly and basking in the warm sunlight, she felt so comfortable that she nearly dozed off.

Yet she didn’t actually fall asleep. With her eyes closed, Du Yun searched her mind, trying to figure out how she could quickly earn some money and bring prosperity to her family. Only with her own money could she stand tall and refuse to marry into the Dong family, only then could she ensure happiness for her loved ones, and only then would she have the confidence and means to insist on marrying for true love.

But Du Yun knew well that in the countryside of this era, making money was no easy feat. Every family was struggling; they would save every penny, and when forced to spend, they’d stretch every coin as far as it would go.

As for going to the city, the location of Lianhua River village was such that one would have to cross three mountain ranges and walk dozens of miles to reach the nearest provincial capital, Fengtian. On foot, the journey would take a full two days and nights; by bus, the fare alone would cost several yuan—a sum that seemed out of reach for Du Yun with her empty pockets.

“It seems I’ll have to find another way nearby…” Du Yun sighed, turning over. If she didn’t want to marry that scoundrel Dong Yuejin, she had to come up with a plan. The provincial capital was out of the question for now, and there weren’t any wealthy families in Lianhua River village. The only prosperous household was the Dong family, whom she was desperate to cut ties with. That left the town or the nearby county-level city as the only places where she might find an opportunity.

While Du Yun was wracking her brains for a way to earn money, the neighbor’s dog suddenly began barking outside. She glanced out the window and felt her head throb—who else could it be but the ever-persistent Aunt Dong?

“Aunt Du, are you home?” Aunt Dong, still wearing the same clothes as yesterday, was already shouting from the courtyard gate as if afraid the whole village wouldn’t know she was there.

“Oh my, look at my timing! Are you about to eat?” Aunt Dong, not even through the door yet, had already caught a whiff of the crucian carp stewed with tofu. The aroma was so tantalizing that her eyes instantly lit up.

Aunt Dong’s spirits soared. The Du family had clearly cooked the fish, and she’d arrived just in time—surely they wouldn’t have the nerve to turn her away now? As a guest, she was bound to get her share of fish. Her mouth almost watered at the thought; after all, her own family wasn’t well-off either, and having any meat was a rare treat.

“Oh, Sister-in-law, you’re here! No trouble at all, we ate early today and have already cleared the table—come on in and have a seat!” Third Aunt lifted the curtain with a beaming smile, secretly grateful they’d eaten early. Otherwise, that big pot of mouthwatering fish would surely have to be shared with Aunt Dong.

Normally, the Du family would be eating around this time, but today the meal was too delicious for anyone to wait, so they’d started an hour early. Although Third Aunt disapproved of Aunt Dong showing up at mealtime to sponge a meal, she still greeted her with a smile. After all, Aunt Dong was one of the most sought-after matchmakers in the village. If they offended her, it would be difficult to find a suitable marriage prospect for her own young daughter someday.

“What? You’ve already finished?” Aunt Dong, who’d hurried over, hoping for a good meal, was crestfallen at Third Aunt’s words. Her face fell, her mouth twitched several times, and then she mumbled, “I was rushing about and haven’t eaten yet. Is there any rice soup left? Just a bowl to quench my thirst would do.”

“Sister-in-law, you know how it is in our house—we never have leftovers!” Third Aunt turned away and pursed her lips, but still lifted the lid of the iron pot on the stove. Inside, there was nothing but a thin layer of hot water—everything else was gone.

“Well, never mind then. Times are hard for everyone.” Aunt Dong was deeply disappointed. Having seen Du Yun catch fish and the Du children trade for tofu, she’d made up her mind to use the matchmaking as an excuse to finagle a meal. She’d skipped her own lunch to rush over, only to arrive too late.

“Yes, yes, it’s not easy for anyone. Come inside and have a seat.” Third Aunt ushered Aunt Dong into the house. Du Yun’s grandmother greeted her with delight, invited her to sit on the kang, and poured her a bowl of sugar water.

Meanwhile, Third Aunt, full of gossip, pulled Du Yun’s mother into the kitchen to eavesdrop. Just yesterday, Du Fang had whispered to her that the Dong family—the wealthiest in the area—was interested in marrying Du Yun. If that came true, her own family might benefit by association.

As Du Yun moved from the west room to the east, she saw her mother and Third Aunt peeking through the east room doorway. She brushed past them, lifted the curtain, and entered, only to find Aunt Dong warmly grasping her grandmother’s hand.

“Aunt Du, I’m doing everything I can as your matchmaker! The Dong family has just agreed to raise the bride price to three hundred yuan, and they’ll even buy Du Yun a sewing machine! With such a generous dowry, not just here in Lianhua River, but in all the surrounding villages, you won’t find another family so willing!”

“Tsk, tsk, I’m not exaggerating—old Dong’s family truly values your Du Yun. With three hundred yuan, you could marry five daughters-in-law, not just one!” Aunt Dong smacked her lips in admiration. As a matchmaker who’d arranged dozens of marriages, she’d never heard of such a lavish dowry and couldn’t help but envy them.

“Three hundred yuan? And a sewing machine on top of the three essentials?” Du Yun’s grandmother, already eager for the match, was now beside herself. For ordinary families, having any one of the three essentials—a watch, a radio, or a bicycle—was a mark of status, and the bride price was usually no more than twenty yuan, fifty at most. If Du Yun could receive three hundred yuan and a sewing machine, it would be more than most girls could dream of in several marriages.

“It’s true, truly true! If you don’t settle this now, Aunt Du, someone else might snatch the opportunity!” Aunt Dong was being honest. If the Dong family weren’t so determined to marry Du Yun, she’d have sent her own daughter there. With such a dowry and a wealthy family, even if Dong Yuejin himself wasn’t much, the family’s wealth made up for it.

“Yes, yes, we’ll settle it. Such a good family—if we miss this chance…” Du Yun’s grandmother hesitated only a moment and was about to agree, when Du Yun lifted the curtain and came in. Meeting her granddaughter’s sharp gaze, the old woman suddenly faltered, the words dying on her lips. Instead, she looked at Du Yun for her opinion.

“Settle what? Aunt Dong, didn’t you hear what I said yesterday? If the Dong family is so wonderful, you can marry into it yourself. As for me, I absolutely will not!” Du Yun declared, her voice ringing with conviction.