Chapter 354: Chapter 354: Originally
Zhang Minghua’s expression finally eased, but her tone was still a bit harsh. "We were actually considering this too. The Yu Family’s mannerisms are too lofty for us, and Yingzi is still young. We wanted to give her more time. However, I am quite curious; did Second Aunt Yang go into town yesterday, especially to the Yu Family?"
Second Aunt Yang’s eyes flickered at the mention, thinking of the extra pounds of caramel candy she had taken. "I did go there to convey your thoughts, and while I was at it, I asked about their opinion on Yingzi. Unexpectedly, they said it wasn’t quite suitable. I got a bit upset and asked what exactly was unsuitable. They turned the question on me, saying we’re sisters from the same mother, how come our appearances differ so much..."
Zhang Minghua quickly interrupted her, "All right, I get it. Don’t talk about this minor reason anymore." She knew what her unfinished words were. Wasn’t it just disapproval of her daughter’s looks? Even if it wasn’t said directly, the implication was the same. It seemed this was also Yu Aiguo’s intention. However, she knew this was secondary. The main reason was because she, along with her husband and daughter-in-law, had put on an act.
Thinking this, Zhang Minghua was furious. Her youngest daughter, Minmin from Shenyang, might not be as pretty as her eldest, but it wasn’t to the extent that she’d be disdained like this, right? She considered her family’s circumstances rather decent; her husband was the production team leader, holding some minor power. Their family had more advantages than most with some grains and tickets. Plus, since they started making caramel, they had saved a little. They initially thought that since they had been unfair with the dowry for the eldest daughter before, they definitely had to make it impressive for the youngest one. There wouldn’t be a problem with the big dowry items, and even the girls in town wouldn’t be able to match such generosity. They also weren’t opposed to passing the caramel recipe to Yingzi. Still, the couple didn’t like it being the first topic brought up. Both considered their children equal; if any child wasn’t doing well, they hoped those that were well-off would support their siblings in need. So now, Zhang Minghua was infuriated and blurted out, "I think their main rejection is a major reason, isn’t it, Second Aunt? Is it because we aren’t planning to include the caramel recipe in the dowry that they don’t want to marry into our family?"
Second Aunt Yang was taken aback and quickly realized the crux of the matter. With an epiphanic expression, she pointed at Zhang Minghua angrily, "So it turns out the play was performed for me to see! I was wondering why it was so coincidental that you began discussing this matter as soon as I left. You really are being too unscrupulous!"
"Who’s being unscrupulous? You even have the nerve to say that—someone who conspires with outsiders against your own niece! How can you have the face to show up?"
"Elder sister-in-law, you should speak with evidence. When have I ever done such a thing? I admit I mentioned before that Yingzi is hardworking and capable, helping the family sell caramel candies. Isn’t that also boosting my niece’s worth, to make Yingzi stand taller? Did I do anything wrong?"
Second Aunt Yang looked pitifully at Yang Dahai, "Big brother, do you think the same way? Others may not understand, but don’t you know what kind of person your sister is? Even if I had the will to deceive, I lack the audacity!"
Yang Dahai looked at her sternly and asked, "Xiuyu, is everything you said true?"
Second Aunt Yang slapped her thigh and exclaimed, "Big brother, can’t you trust me? At the beginning, it was Xiao Yun’s in-laws who mentioned it to them, and I should probably give a rough outline of Yingzi’s situation. Then, one time when I went into town—you know how I am—every time I go to town, I have to check on my daughter. They happened to be there too and started asking about Yingzi’s detailed situation. I was happy that my niece might marry into town like her cousin. Of course, I only mentioned the good points, saying that the caramel sold in the county and town department stores was made by our family. They seemed very pleased and then asked if Yingzi was also involved in making it."
"I said yes and praised Yingzi profusely. Then they started asking about both of you, how you treated your sons and daughters. I told them you were as fair as could be—parents like you are hard to find. Everyone has equal shares; take your eldest daughter who got married. She was sent off with ’three turns and a buzz,’ causing quite a stir in the village at the time..."
"We didn’t give Minmin ’three turns and a buzz’ when she got married!" Zhang Minghua corrected.
Second Aunt Yang smiled sheepishly, "I was just using a metaphor. It was also to raise Yingzi’s worth. But let’s get back to the Yu family. They seemed very interested after hearing all this. Later on, I was elated when they asked if Yingzi would continue making caramel after marrying into their family. I carelessly said yes... I didn’t know they had that intention then... And then didn’t they come over for the matchmaking visit? I heard what you three ladies were saying, went home to think about it, and felt it should be made known to the Yu Family..."
"If that’s the case, why did you have to be so sneaky? Couldn’t you have just told us directly? Instead, you caused all this trouble. Tell me, did you take any advantage from the Yu Family?"
Second Aunt Yang stumbled over her words, "Where would I have accepted any advantage? It was just a little matchmaker’s fee."
"Oh, so the Yu Family asked you to find out about Yingzi’s dowry, and if our family refused, they wanted you to convince us. If your persuasion worked, they’d give you the matchmaker’s money, right?"
Second Aunt Yang’s eyes widened as she looked at Yang PeiMin, nearly letting slip, ’How did you know?’
But even without saying it, everyone could see the situation.
In the end, Second Aunt Yang stubbornly said, "I didn’t agree, did I? And I didn’t try to convince you all."
With that understanding, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
"Although you didn’t conspire with them against us, Second Aunt, what you did was still not quite honorable. After all, you hid from us the Yu Family’s ulterior motives." This was from Yang Peijun.
Second Aunt Yang, knowing she was in the wrong, waved her hand dismissively, "Let’s drop it, I wasn’t thoughtful enough. Next time, I’ll bring a piece of cloth over for Yingzi as compensation."
With that said, she stood up, "Since everything is out in the open, I’ll go see how mother is doing." Though her words were casual, she bolted from the room as if propelled by wheels on her feet.