sinovels Chapter 347 - 184: New In-laws
Chapter 347 - 184: New In-laws
Mrs. Zhang smiled and said, "Alright! I’ll take you. The kitchen is full of smoke and fumes. Just have a quick look and come right back out, or you’ll get your clothes dirty."
Liu Yunlan was busy in the kitchen when she saw Juhua come in. She hurried over and asked, "Ma, why did you bring Juhua into the kitchen? She’ll get covered in soot."
Juhua laughed. "I asked to come. I wanted to chat with Sister Yunlan for a bit. It’s all grown-ups outside, and their conversation is no fun for me."
She saw that Liu Yunlan had a cloth wrapped around her head. Her big, round eyes shone with joy, and a deep blush colored her cheeks. It was hard to tell if it was from the heat of her work or from shyness.
Mrs. Zhang brought a small stool over for Juhua to sit on. Instead of leaving, she stayed to help her daughter.
Liu Yunlan said to Juhua, a little sheepishly, "I’m sorry we don’t have more dishes to offer, even though we invited you all for a meal."
Juhua laughed. "We’re all the same, aren’t we? None of our families are wealthy lords. We all just eat simple, home-cooked meals. What are you making, sister? It smells amazing."
Liu Yunlan’s face lit up and she smiled happily. "It’s braised duck. Later, I’ll make you some duck blood soup with Shanyu vermicelli to try."
Juhua nodded with a smile. ’The Liu Family is certainly taking this marriage seriously,’ she thought. ’Most families would have a decent spread for the New Year, but they went out of their way to slaughter both a duck and a chicken. They’ve really spared no expense.’
As she chatted with Liu Yunlan, she glanced around and suddenly spotted Liu Yungen sitting before the mouth of the stove, feeding the fire. He tried to shrink back behind the stove, hoping Juhua wouldn’t notice him, but there was nowhere to hide.
When he saw Juhua look his way, he quickly ducked his head. ’So I’m really going to be related to this ugly girl,’ he grumbled to himself. ’From now on, whenever I visit my sister, my life is going to be miserable. Whatever. I’m the boy here. I’ll just let her have the upper hand. No point in arguing with her.’
If Juhua could have heard his thoughts, she would have burst out laughing.
Amidst all the chatter and bustling, it was soon time to eat. The men sat at a table in the main hall, while the women sat at another in the kitchen. Both tables were boisterous, and the atmosphere was lively.
Juhua pricked up her ears, listening to the commotion outside. She heard her maternal uncle and Liu Fugui discussing hiring a matchmaker, the betrothal gifts, and even potential wedding dates.
In the kitchen, Mrs. Wang was also speaking to Mrs. Zhang. "Qingmu wants to have the engagement first and then marry in a couple of years. That way, he can build up his assets and give Yunlan a grand wedding when he brings her into the family."
Mrs. Zhang had felt the same way as Gou Dan’s mother—she wanted to keep her daughter at home for a couple more years, but she was also afraid that a delay might prevent Yunlan from finding a good family to marry into. Mrs. Wang’s proposal made her beam. She said repeatedly that this was an excellent idea. Once they were engaged, neither family would be in a rush, and she could focus on putting together a larger dowry for her daughter.
Liu Yunlan’s face was flushed, and she didn’t join the conversation. She just attended to Juhua, putting food on her plate. The two listened to their elders’ discussion, occasionally glancing at each other with a smile. They got along so well, it was as if they had been good friends for years.
’So this is what marriage was like in the old days,’ Juhua mused. ’Even though my brother chose her himself, the elders still arrange all the details. That’s fine, I guess, but after this whole day, I bet my brother and Liu Yunlan haven’t even had a chance to speak to each other.’
Her mind started racing, trying to figure out how to get the two of them to meet, even just for a quick chat. ’They’re country folk, not young ladies from prominent families. There aren’t that many strict rules. Once they’re engaged, it’s official, and it’ll be easier for them to meet.’
She whispered to Liu Yunlan, "Sister Yunlan, my sewing is pretty terrible. Why don’t you come over to my uncle’s house this afternoon to teach me a few things? You can keep me company, too. I have to go back home tomorrow morning." She gave Yunlan a little wink as she finished.
Liu Yunlan looked at her future sister-in-law. The girl seemed quiet, but she was actually as clever as a whip. ’She’s trying to give me a chance to meet with Qingmu alone and talk.’
Her face reddened at the thought. But, in her heart, she wanted to see Qingmu too. He had come all this way today, and she hadn’t gotten a single chance to speak with him. ’We’re about to be engaged anyway,’ she reasoned. ’It’s no big deal to meet and exchange a few words. Besides, Mrs. Wang and Juhua will surely be watching from the side, and Qingmu would never be improper.’
And so, she gave Juhua a shy nod, agreeing to go over and teach her embroidery once her afternoon chores were done.
Only then did Juhua relax and start to eat her meal.
To Juhua’s delight, Liu Yunlan was an excellent cook. The braised duck was tender, fragrant, and melted in her mouth, and the duck blood soup with vermicelli was light and refreshing.
They say food always tastes better when someone else makes it, and Juhua found that to be true. She ate a generous amount of duck and drank a large bowl of the soup. Seeing this, Liu Yunlan was overjoyed. She had heard from Mrs. Wang that Juhua herself was a good cook, so her obvious enjoyment meant she truly liked the food. ’If she likes it,’ Liu Yunlan thought happily, ’then her family probably will, too.’