The Life of a Son-in-Law in a Courtyard House

Upon hearing this, Sha Zhu realized that it was indeed true; since he had no parents to handle things, he really needed to step in.

It would seem disrespectful to Aunt Qi if I didn't go to her in person.

Sha Zhu understood and nodded, saying, "Yes, brother, you're right. Let's go to your house now, but please say a few words for me later, I'm afraid I won't be able to explain myself clearly."

Seeing Sha Zhu's expression, Yang Dalin chuckled and said, "Alright, I'll add some details for you later."

Let's go.

Sha Zhu, carrying the things, followed behind Yang Dalin and soon arrived at the Qi family's house.

He Yushui is still playing at Qi's house right now.

Qi Yulan also saw Sha Zhu carrying things over.

Xiaoning first poured tea for Shazhu, then asked him to sit down, "Zhuzi, you brought a gift with you to our house, what brings you here?"

Sha Zhu glanced at Qi Yanhua, Qi Xiaoning, and his own younger sister He Yushui. Seeing that the three of them were looking at him curiously, he didn't bring it up directly.

Sha Zhu said, "It's nothing, Auntie, I just came to see you."

Qi Yulan laughed too. "You used to come here often, but I've never seen you like this before. You even brought a gift today. There must be something on your mind."

It's something I'm too embarrassed to say.

Sha Zhu looked around for a while, but didn't get to the point.

Yang Dalin was getting anxious and coughed, trying to speak up for him.

Sha Zhu gave Yang Dalin a look and said, "Yu Shui, if you have nothing to do, go home and rest early. You have to go to school early tomorrow morning."

Sha Zhu is thinking of getting rid of his younger sister first.

His look seemed to say, "Dalinzi, could you please send your sister Yanhua and sister Xiaoning back inside as well?"

He Yushui also wanted to know what her brother had come to the Qi family for, and was thinking of staying to see what was going on.

Seeing that Sha Zhu was trying to scare her with a long face, she could only say, "Auntie, Sister Yanhua, Xiaoning, I'm going back to sleep now."

Yang Dalin would never help Sha Zhu chase away Sister Yan and Xiao Ning.

Aunt Qi noticed it and said to her two daughters, "You two should go back to your room and get some sleep. You have school tomorrow."

The Qi sisters then left reluctantly.

However, once inside, Qi Xiaoning hid behind the door, eavesdropping on the gossip.

Sha Zhu saw that there was finally no one else in the living room.

He took a sip of water, cleared his throat, and said, "Auntie, I've come to ask you for a favor."

Qi Yulan smiled and said, "I knew you had something on your mind. Just say it. You even brought things with you; were you worried your auntie wouldn't help you?"

Sha Zhu scratched his head, a little embarrassed, and said, "Auntie, I didn't follow the proper rules."

I'm asking you to help me find a partner. I can't come to you empty-handed.

That makes sense. No matter how difficult it is, if you find someone to help you find a wife, even if they're not a professional matchmaker, you should at least prepare some gifts for them, even if you don't pay them.

Who would come empty-handed and ask someone to do such an important thing for them?

If someone comes empty-handed, even if others don't like the items, they'll still say that the person is incompetent.

Whether or not someone accepts a gift is their business, but whether or not you prepare one is yours.

Qi Yulan was surprised to hear that this was the matter.

He seemed relaxed, thinking it was something else entirely.

"Is this what Zhu Zi is talking about? I thought it was some serious, difficult matter."

Okay, your aunt has taken care of this for you. Take the gift back with you later.

You and your siblings aren't wealthy either, but your kind intentions are enough.

Sha Zhu is never stingy with those who genuinely help him.

Besides, there's no reason to take back a gift you brought, so she quickly said, "Auntie, I've prepared the gift, so I definitely can't take it back."

I'll have to trouble you to take care of things, Auntie. I'll be 26 after the New Year, and I am indeed getting a little anxious.

Please, Auntie, take the time to see if there's a chance to get things done before the New Year.

Aunt Qi smiled and said, "You're in a hurry. Okay, I'll start looking for one for you tomorrow."

By the way, what are your requirements?

Tell your aunt what kind of person you're looking for!

Sha Zhu was a little embarrassed and glanced at Yang Dalin.

That means, Dalinzi, it's time for you to help.

Yang Dalin glanced at the good-for-nothing Sha Zhu and said, "Auntie, Brother Zhu, you want to find someone beautiful, virtuous, and preferably a little educated."

He doesn't mind the family's financial situation; he's capable of supporting his family.

Qi Xiaoning, who was hiding behind the door of the south room, heard Yang Dalin's words.

I chuckled. Brother Zhu has pretty high standards. She has to be beautiful, virtuous, and preferably cultured.

Aunt Qi and the others all heard the laughter coming from behind the south house.

Sha Zhu felt a little ashamed. Qi Yulan heard Qi Xiaoning's laughter and shouted, "Qi Xiaoning, are you asking for trouble? Why aren't you asleep yet?"

Qi Xiaoning quickly said, "I'll go to sleep now, I'll go to sleep now."

Qi Yulan turned back to Sha Zhu and said, "Zhu Zi, don't worry about it. It's normal for you to have this thought."

Although my aunt had never acted as a matchmaker, she still wanted to be upfront about the unpleasant things.

When choosing a wife, it's important to select one who is virtuous. A wife who is too beautiful may not be easy to find. You can only do your best.

"Is this your understanding?"

Sha Zhu nodded repeatedly: "Yes, Auntie, I know this, and I understand these principles."

I just hope you can find me a virtuous woman who can help me take care of the rain and manage the household well. She should be somewhat educated, not too ugly, but better looking than average.

I don't mind your family's financial situation; I'm fine even if you're poor.

Sha Zhu's words were quite sensible; he first mentioned the importance of being virtuous, which might be a comparison to Qin Huairu.

Besides, it's best if you can read and write and have some education, so at least you're not completely illiterate.

Also, he should be a little more handsome than the average person, but not too ugly, or not good-looking enough to disappoint readers.

Qi Yulan realized that since Sha Zhu had redefined Yang Dalin's words, things would be much easier.

However, Qi Yulan asked another question: "Zhuzi, if you're a refugee who came here, would you be willing to stay, or do you have to be a resident of Beijing with a job?"

Sha Zhu didn't have parents to teach him, so he certainly wouldn't care about these conditions first.

If his parents were around, they would definitely say, "Those with local residency and jobs will be given priority, and appearance will be the next consideration."

That's the difference between having someone to care and not having anyone to care.

Parents would definitely want their son to marry someone with a job, so that he could have better financial conditions.

It won't be a problem if my children fall behind in school later.

They all meant well, but sometimes when children are rebellious, they judge them by their appearance first.

Sha Zhu hadn't thought that far ahead, nor had he considered issues like his child's future schooling.

He said directly, "Auntie, I'm not that picky. As long as the person is good, everything else is negotiable."

Once Qi Yulan saw that Sha Zhu had expressed his opinion, things became much easier.

However, since they were from the same department, he still mentioned a few more things to Sha Zhu.

"Zhu Zi, your parents aren't here. If you call me 'Auntie,' I'll say a few more words to you."

First, I'll try my best to find you a good job with a local household registration.

There are still many things you don't understand now, but after you get married, your children will have to register their household registration and go to school, and there will be quotas and other major issues.

Even if no one tells you these things, your auntie will explain them to you.

Otherwise, what if you encounter difficulties in the future...?

Sha Zhu quickly waved his hand and said, "Auntie, since it's the one I've chosen, no matter how things turn out, I definitely won't blame you."

Aunt Qi interrupted him: "Let me finish speaking first."

Secondly, I will help you choose a few more according to your request.

You should meet them and talk to them yourself when the time comes.

See which one you like, but if you really fall for someone, you can't bully them. Even after you get married, you can't hit or scold them. You need to be caring and treat them well, and don't act like a domineering man.