A Poor Man's Son-in-Law: He Picks Up the Daughter of a Duke's Mansion at the Start

The Wang family hosted a banquet to express their gratitude, and Wang Xiu had returned to her parents' home two days earlier to help with the arrangements. Her husband, Lu Tiechuan, was also supposed to come, but his shop had a last-minute order to be received, so he only sent a message through Wang Xiu: "Tell my parents-in-law not to spend any money; we're all family."

The banquet was held in the main room of the Wang family home. When the Lu family arrived, Old Master Wang was already seated in the head seat. Wang Xiu came out to greet them, first saying to Lu Tiezhu and Zhao Shi, "Second brother, sister-in-law has arrived." Then she smiled and patted Tao Hua and Shun Hua on the head, "Come in quickly."

Inside, there was an eight-immortal table. Shopkeeper Wang and his wife were with Old Master Wang, and there was an empty seat next to them—reserved for Lu Tiechuan. Seeing the Lu family enter, Old Master Wang stood up: "Tiezhu's here, please sit down."

Lu Tiezhu hurriedly stepped forward: "Greetings, Uncle Wang." He then turned to Manager Wang and his wife, "Brother, sister-in-law."

Zhao also greeted them with a smile. Tao Hua and Shun Hua obediently followed suit, calling out "Grandpa Wang," "Uncle Wang," and "Aunt Wang."

Yunniang came out from the back room, dressed in a light blue dress, her hair neatly combed. Her face was still a little pale, but her eyes were bright. When she saw the Lu family, she bowed slightly and said softly, "Second Uncle Lu, Second Aunt Lu, Cousin Qingyan, Brother Dashan, Brother Xiaoshan."

The voice was soft and pleasant to listen to.

Everyone took their seats. Wang Xiu busied herself setting out the dishes, saying as she did so, "Father, Mother, you don't know, that day in court, Qingyan..." She vividly recounted how Lu Qingyan argued his case so vehemently and how he cited classical texts.

Old Master Wang nodded repeatedly, saying, "The younger generation is truly formidable." He looked at Lu Qingyan and said, "Your uncle came back and said that every word you said in court was reasonable, neither humble nor arrogant, which is rare."

Lu Qingyan stood up: "You flatter me, sir. I was merely stating the facts."

"Sit down, sit down," Old Master Wang waved his hand. "Your uncle often praises you, saying you are studious and promising. Seeing you today, it's true."

Manager Wang poured wine for Lu Tiezhu: "Tiezhu, all your children are doing well."

Lu Tiezhu chuckled, "Brother, you flatter me. We're just ordinary kids."

There was a lot of conversation during the meal. Old Master Wang asked Lu Dashan about the harvest from his fields and how Lu Xiaoshan was doing with his bonsai. He listened attentively to each question. Lu Dashan was a man of few words, answering only one question at a time, but he was very honest. When Lu Xiaoshan talked about bonsai, his eyes lit up, and he became more talkative.

Yunniang rarely spoke, simply sitting quietly. But she was attentive, refilling anyone's bowl when it was empty and replenishing their tea when it was low. Taohua and Shunhua sat next to her, and she served the two children food, softly telling them which dishes were the best.

Zhao Shi observed this and was pleased. She whispered to Wang Xiu, "Yunniang is such a thoughtful child."

Wang Xiu smiled: "This child has been sensible since he was little."

Halfway through the meal, Grandpa Wang suddenly asked, "Tiezhu, how old is Dashan this year?"

"I'm twenty-five."

"Has the marriage proposal been made?"

Lu Tiezhu paused for a moment: "Not yet. My family's financial situation is poor, so it's been delayed."

Grandpa Wang nodded and didn't ask any more questions.

After the banquet, the men drank tea and chatted in the main room, while the women went to the backyard. Wang Xiu took Zhao's hand and asked, "Sister-in-law, what do you think of Yunniang?"

Zhao looked into the courtyard—Yunniang was showing Taohua and Shunhua the flowers, explaining in a soft voice what each flower was called.

"She's a good girl," Zhao said sincerely. "She's beautiful, kind-hearted, and skillful."

Wang Xiu lowered her voice: "After this incident, it will probably be difficult for her to find a husband in town. Although the judgment cleared her name, there will always be people who love to gossip."

Madam Zhao sighed softly, "What a pity for such a good girl."

In the main room at the front, Old Master Wang was talking to Lu Tiezhu.

"Tiezhu," Old Master Wang put down his teacup, "Qingyan is a promising child. You should support his studies."

"Yes, yes."

"Dashan is good too, honest and reliable." Old Master Wang paused for a moment, "It won't be difficult to find a husband for a boy like that."

Lu Tiezhu smiled wryly: "It's not that it's difficult, it's just... my family can't afford a decent dowry."

"The bride price is just a formality," Old Master Wang shook his head. "A good person is what truly matters."

After sitting for a while longer, the Lu family took their leave. The Wang family saw them to the door, and Old Master Wang said to Lu Tiezhu, "Keep in touch."

"must."

After seeing off the Lu family, in the main room of the Wang family, Old Master Wang called over his son, daughter-in-law, and daughter.

Lu Tiechuan arrived at this time—he had finished his work at the shop and rushed over. He greeted his parents-in-law as soon as he entered: "Dad, Mom, I'm late."

"It's not late, have a seat," said Old Master Wang. "Perfect timing, let's discuss something."

Wang Xiu poured tea for her husband and whispered about what had happened at the banquet.

Old Master Wang looked at his son-in-law: "Tiechuan, what do you think of the Lu family?"

Lu Tiechuan said solemnly, "Father, my second brother's family is honest and united. Although they are not well-off now, their children are all successful."

"Yes." Old Master Wang nodded. "I saw it today, and the Lu family has a good family tradition."

Yunniang's mother suddenly spoke up: "Father, look... that child Qingyan, he's with our Yunniang..."

The words were left unsaid, but the meaning was clear.

Wang Xiu immediately said, "Sister-in-law, that's not a proper thing to say."

"What's wrong with it?" Yunniang's mother said. "Qingyan saved Yunniang; it's fate. Besides, Qingyan is promising..."

"It's Qingyan's own business if he becomes successful." Wang Xiu interrupted her, glanced at her husband, and continued, "Qingyan will take the provincial examination in August. If he passes and becomes a scholar, his future will be bright. He's focused on his studies right now, why would he think about these things? Besides, Yunniang has just gone through this ordeal. If we arrange a marriage right away, outsiders will say we're taking advantage of her kindness."

Lu Tiechuan nodded: "Xiuer is right. Qingyan's ambitions don't lie in this."

Old Master Wang pondered for a moment: "You are right. Qingyan is no ordinary child. We cannot ruin his future."

Yunniang's mother's eyes reddened: "What will happen to Yunniang? After this incident, what decent family would dare to take her in..."

"Who says there aren't good families?" Wang Xiu said, this time looking at her husband, "Tiechuan, what do you think of Dashan?"

Lu Tiechuan was taken aback: "Dashan? My second brother's eldest son?"

"That's right," Wang Xiu said. "Dashan is twenty-five and still unmarried because his family is poor and can't afford the bride price. But he's honest, hardworking, and a master at farming. Most importantly—my second brother's family has a good reputation, the brothers are harmonious, and their parents are reasonable. If Yunniang marries into that family, she won't be able to endure any hardship."

She explained to her family one by one: "Dashan is the eldest son, and he will take care of our parents in their old age. He won't mistreat his wife. My second brother's family isn't well-off right now, but Qingyan is promising, and Xiaoshan has a skill. Their lives will get better and better. Yunniang will live close to home, so we can take care of her. And..."

She paused for a moment: "After this incident, if Yunniang married into a family in town, she would inevitably be gossiped about. If she married into a family in the village, no one would know about these things, and she could live a peaceful life."

Yunniang's mother hesitated, "But Dashan is, after all, a farmer..."

"What's wrong with farmers?" Old Master Wang asked. "They honestly farm the land and support their wives and children. They're much better off than those who are outwardly respectable but inwardly despicable."

He looked at his son-in-law: "Tiechuan, you are the eldest son of the Lu family, what do you say?"

Lu Tiechuan pondered for a moment and said, "Father, I watched Dashan grow up. He's honest, hardworking, and doesn't have any ulterior motives. My second brother and sister-in-law are also reasonable people and won't make things difficult for their wives. It's just..." He paused, "It's just that the family is indeed not well-off, and I'm afraid it will make Yunniang feel wronged."

"What's there to be afraid of if we're not well-off?" Wang Xiu said. "We'll give a generous dowry and help each other out, and we'll be able to make ends meet. Besides, Qingyan and Xiaoshan are both capable, and things will only get better for the family in the future."

Shopkeeper Wang thought for a moment and nodded: "Xiuer is right. The Lu family is indeed kind."

Yunniang's mother looked at her daughter, but Yunniang remained seated with her head down, saying nothing.

Grandpa Wang concluded, "There's no rush. Let the two families get to know each other better first, and then we can discuss it further. If it's a good match, then we can ask a matchmaker to make it happen."

That night, Lu Tiechuan and Wang Xiu returned to their own home. On the way, Lu Tiechuan asked, "Were those things you said at your parents' house today sincere?"

"I truly mean it." Wang Xiu took her husband's arm. "I'm the eldest daughter-in-law of the Lu family, and also a daughter of the Wang family. Both sides are family, and I want them to be happy. Da Shan is a good match for Yun Niang."

Lu Tiechuan nodded: "If it really works out, it's a good thing."

Under the moonlight, the couple walked slowly.

Wang Xiu breathed a sigh of relief, recalling Da Shan's honest smile at the banquet and Yun Niang's quiet gaze.

I hope everything goes well.