My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 36 Part 2

Ji Yangzong’s anger was rising to his throat. "Third Sister, all your talk makes it sound like our Xiao Taozi is the problem, while your Yuan Fei is some prized catch graciously offering to marry him. Yuan Fei has had matchmakers turned away multiple times, what does that say about him? Putting on airs for outsiders is one thing, but among family, who are you trying to fool?"  

"If Yuan Fei can’t find anyone, that’s his problem. Our Xiao Taozi has plenty of suitors!"  

"Hey! Xiao Liu, that’s going too far!"  

Ji Wanglan slammed the table and stood up. "What do you mean ‘Yuan Fei can’t find anyone’ while ‘your Xiao Taozi has plenty of suitors’? Who’s putting on airs now?"  

"Yuan Fei is a man, even if he waits till thirty, there’ll still be brides. But your Ji Taoyu? Once he’s past twenty, let’s see if anyone wants him!"  

"At this point, you’re still being picky, looking down on our Yuan Fei? Do you think your Ji Taoyu is some nobleman’s son, that even if he were a widower, people would be lining up for him?"  

"Let’s see if any matchmakers come knocking on the Ji family’s door this year!"  

Huang Manjing and Ji Taoyu saw that the argument was getting heated, with insults flying, and hurried out to mediate.  

Daniu, however, rushed in first, slurring his words: "Qiu fulang is here!"  

Ji Yangzong immediately stood up upon hearing this: "The matchmaker is here?!"  

What perfect timing!  

Daniu didn’t mention that he had seen Qiu fulang on the path outside while sweeping the yard, nor that Yuan Huiru and Huo Shu were following along - clearly heading here, so he quickly nodded.  

Upon hearing this, Ji Taoyu pressed his lips together, both happy and trying not to show it too obviously. He gripped his mother’s hand and shook it excitedly, his eyes shining.  

The heated quarrel was abruptly cut short.  

Ji Wanglan was momentarily stunned. The matchmaker had arrived neither early nor late, but precisely at this moment, as if deliberately timing it to interrupt her.  

Had it been anyone else, it might not have mattered, but this was the best matchmaker in the village. Even with her thick skin, she felt a bit embarrassed.  

To make matters worse, Ji Yangzong patted his sleeves, looking pleased. "Third Sister, I must attend to the matchmaker now. If you’re busy, you may leave first."  

Ji Wanglan stiffened her neck. "What’s there to be busy with in the dead of winter? The only thing to be busy with is arranging a child’s marriage. As Tao ger’s elder, I should also sit in and vet the suitor who’s come to propose."  

Ji Yangzong couldn’t be bothered with her. "Suit yourself. I must attend to our guests now."  

With that, he left Ji Taoyu inside and went out with Huang Manjing.  

Ji Wanglan looked at Ji Taoyu, who couldn’t hide his joy, and said, "Look at you, so desperate to marry. Aren’t you afraid the matchmaker will laugh at you?"  

Ji Taoyu ignored her. Ji Wanglan tucked her hands into her sleeves and hurried after Ji Yangzong and his wife, determined to see who would dare propose to the Ji family.  

As soon as she stepped outside, she saw Qiu fulang, beaming with joy, followed by a stern-faced man.  

Though she hadn’t interacted much with this man, anyone who had seen him once in the village would never mistake him for someone else. Without even glancing at Yuan Huiru beside him, she immediately recognized him as the adopted son of the Zhao family.  

Seeing that he had brought a matchmaker and even confidently carried a goose as a betrothal gift, she couldn’t help but scoff.  

Her sixth brother was putting on airs, but now, with a man of unknown means daring to propose, and acting so sure of himself, it was clear how lowly Ji Taoyu was regarded.  

She couldn’t wait to see her proud brother’s face fall.  

"It’s freezing outside, and the rain’s drizzling. Come inside and warm up."  

Ji Yangzong looked at Huo Shu, dressed in a dark blue robe with an outer vest, carrying the goose, standing straighter than anyone else despite wearing fewer layers.  

He was deeply pleased, this showed sincerity. Today, Huo Shu had even swapped out his usual rough hemp clothes, which seemed permanently welded to his body.  

"Daniu, fetch some charcoal for the brazier in the main hall to warm the room, and bring out some pastries and fruits."  

Huang Manjing added, "I’ll prepare some hot tea to ward off the chill."  

"Village Head, Huang niangzi, you’re too kind," Yuan Huiru said with a smile.  

The group chatted cheerfully as they headed to the main hall, leaving Ji Wanglan, who had hoped to watch the drama, dumbfounded.  

Seeing that no one paid her any further attention, she awkwardly pinched her nose and followed them inside.  

"Knowing that the Village Head’s ger is of marriageable age, dignified and virtuous, I’ve come today on behalf of the Zhao family’s son, bearing gifts to propose a lifelong union."  

Qiu fulang could tell from the Ji family’s attitude that the marriage was 80% settled, but formalities still had to be observed, and praises still had to be given.  

Ji Yangzong, seated in the host’s position, waved cheerfully. "We’re fellow villagers and know each other’s character well. Today, Yuan niangzi and Huo Shu have brought a matchmaker to propose, which is an honor for our Ji family."  

"Since we’re familiar, let’s skip the empty pleasantries and speak plainly."  

"Exactly. Fancy words mean nothing compared to a solid acre of land."  

Ji Wanglan seized the moment to assert her authority as an elder. "My brother is too polite to say it, so I, as his third sister, will be blunt. Yuan niangzi’s adopted son, what property does he own, and how much betrothal gifts can he offer?"