Casting Nets to Catch a Husband

Chapter 37: Hook up

Wu Shi hurried all the way to the town, her mind haunted by the words of that woman. She needed to confirm whether Aunt Chen’s sister was genuinely visiting or if Liu Yu had indeed come to town to find a suitable husband for herself.

The Chen family could be considered wealthy, at least in Wu Shi’s eyes. However, she was willing to marry Liu Yu off to a wealthy county household as a concubine, but she was not willing to have Liu Yu marry into a moderately prosperous family in town.

Wu Shi had a clear plan in mind. She had given birth to a precious son, and by selling Liu Yu, she could please her husband, Mr. Liu Kangsheng, and the couple could pocket the entire amount.

Marrying into a wealthy county household had its advantages, even if she couldn’t pocket the entire sum. There were endless benefits, and her husband might even find a lucrative job in the county. He could potentially become a steward or something similar in the future.

But what good would it do to marry into a small prosperous family in town? Take the Ji Xian Zhai, for example. Wu Shi knew about it because of her son’s schooling, and while it was wealthy, it had nothing to do with her. At most, she would attend a few ceremonies each year. After her son gained some advantages in terms of stationery and education materials, could the Chen family even spare half of the Ji Xian Zhai for her?

It was just wishful thinking!

Speaking of Lu Chengxiao and Chen Sheng, after Liu Yu left, Chen Sheng still had the persistent desire to catch up with her, but would Lu Chengxiao allow it? When Chen Sheng entered the town, Lu Chengxiao entered as well, with just three steps separating them. If he got too close, Lu Chengxiao would express disdain; if he stayed too far, Lu Chengxiao would not bother. Chen Sheng had no chance to disturb Liu Yu.

In Lu Chengxiao’s eyes, Madam Chen was obviously not a good person. Chen Sheng’s current behavior of entangling with Liu Yu was undoubtedly harassment. Liu Yu was already annoyed, and he coldly told everyone not to follow him. Could he let Chen Sheng catch up?

No, he couldn’t!

Even though he himself was also the one being disliked…

Under Lu Chengxiao’s watchful eyes, Chen Sheng felt uneasy. Having just made a move, and with Liu Yu absent, he and Lu Chengxiao didn’t want to say much to each other.

Neither of them was willing to yield to the other. Lu Chengxiao was wary of him, and he was also wary of Lu Chengxiao. In this way, they both restrained each other as they headed towards the town. It seemed that no one could meet Liu Yu.

So, when Wu Shi crossed the stone bridge, the bank of the Yushui River was calm and quiet, with not a single person in sight. Liu Yu had successfully avoided this encounter by a narrow margin.

Wu Shi had no idea that she had missed something, and without a specific goal in mind, she headed straight to the embroidery shop and the Ji Xian Zhai. On the side of the Ji Xian Zhai, Liu Yu was nowhere to be seen. When she arrived at the embroidery shop, she spotted Liu Yu from a distance, pretending to choose things while casually chatting with the female shopkeeper. At the same time, he stretched his neck, sneakily glancing at the embroidery maids working in the shop.

Did she really learn stealthily and peacefully?

Wu Shi couldn’t help but doubt the woman’s words. Could it be a misunderstanding that Aunt Chen’s sister had gone to check on Liu Yu?

She remained silent, quietly finding a hiding place. She stared for a moment or two, and it seemed that Liu Yu finally felt embarrassed to stay in the embroidery shop any longer, turning around and leaving.

Wu Shi followed her all the way, seeing her leave the town northward and head home calmly. She didn’t even take the road to the Ji Xian Zhai. Wu Shi felt a slight relief in her heart.

Wu Shi thought about turning back to the Ji Xian Zhai to inquire subtly but hesitated for a while. She didn’t dare because she didn’t know where to start asking. Moreover, in the Liu family, matters related to buying writing supplies and such were considered important affairs handled by the men of the house. There was no room for a woman to get involved. So, Wu Shi went through various shops, except the bookshop that only scholars dared to enter. She felt timid just thinking about it.

The two sisters-in-law walked all the way to the Liujiacun with a considerable distance between them. Liu Yu entered the Liu family courtyard and was pulled into the side of the woodshed by Wen Shi. Wen Shi lowered her voice and asked, “Younger sister, tell me the truth. Did you encounter some trouble?”

Liu Yu looked puzzled, and Wen Shi anxiously said, “This morning, the elder sister-in-law went to town again without any apparent reason. There’s nothing to buy at home, so why would she suddenly go to town? Did she spot something about you?”

The concern on Wen Shi’s face seemed genuine, and at this moment, Liu Yu truly appreciated Wen Shi’s kindness. In her previous life, there was clearly no such bond between sisters-in-law. However, in this life, thanks to embroidery, Liu Yu had received several gestures of goodwill from Wen Shi. Grateful in her heart, though not expressing it outwardly, Liu Yu smiled and said, “Thank you, Third Sister-in-law, but I don’t think there’s anything for her to be concerned about.”

“I find it strange too. Just be careful yourself,” Wen Shi said. Pausing for a moment, she added, “If there’s anything… you can tell me.”

Wen Shi’s statement caught Liu Yu off guard. Since her rebirth, she had always thought about solving her problems on her own and had never harbored even a hint of hope towards the Liu family. Suddenly hearing such words, she genuinely felt a momentary urge to seek help from Wen Shi. However, she quickly considered Liu Kangsheng’s authority in the family. Could Wen Shi really withstand that?

Eventually, Liu Yu made up her mind, pressing down the thoughts of seeking help. However, her gratitude towards Wen Shi deepened a bit more. After this decision, she resolved to put more effort into teaching her embroidery. In any case, Liu Kangsheng would only make a move in the next eight or nine days. If she slowed down the progress of embroidery teaching, Liu Kangsheng wouldn’t truly let her off.

The two sisters-in-law continued to gossip in one place. Wang Shi had come out after some time and stood at the entrance of the main hall. She called out to Liu Yu, “Come in with me.”

Liu Yu turned around, seeing Wang Shi’s stern expression. She first said goodbye to Wen Shi with a glance, then followed Wang Shi into the main hall.

Wang Shi’s steps were extremely fast. Once inside Liu Yu and Liu Yan’s room, where the men of the house were absent, Lin Shi and Wen Shi were selecting vegetables in the courtyard. Liu Yan and the other younger ones were off somewhere unknown. In the room, it was just Wang Shi and Liu Yu. Even so, as soon as Liu Yu entered, Wang Shi still turned and closed the door.

Liu Yu’s eyes subtly shifted as she waited to hear what Wang Shi had to say.

Wang Shi turned around, her lips tightly pressed together as she stared at Liu Yu with a strange expression. It didn’t look like a mother looking at her daughter; rather, it resembled someone scrutinizing an enemy or a nemesis.

Liu Yu’s hands tensed, and in that moment, she felt a chilling sensation.

However, this feeling quickly dissipated as Wang Shi’s gaze somewhat returned to normal. She continued to stare at Liu Yu and asked, “Tell the truth. Did you hook up with someone from the Chen family when you went to town?”

Hook up!

Liu Yu suddenly locked eyes with Wang Shi. “Mother, is that something a mother should say to her daughter?”

Wang Shi seemed to completely ignore Liu Yu’s almost questioning remark. She just continued to gaze at Liu Yu intensely and demanded, “Just answer, yes or no!”

Liu Yu’s gaze swept over Wang Shi’s hands hanging by her side—those hands, rough and thin like dry twigs, clenched into fists, uncontrollably trembling.

“No, I went to town to learn embroidery.”

“I don’t recognize anyone from the Chen family,” she said firmly, then looked at Wang Shi with a puzzled expression, “What are you talking about?”

Wang Shi’s profound gaze wandered back and forth on Liu Yu’s face. The tense expression finally softened a bit, and she asked Liu Yu, “Really none?”

Liu Yu didn’t confirm or deny, just furrowed her brows, looking at Wang Shi with great confusion, “Mother, what’s going on with you?”

Her reaction convinced Wang Shi completely; she believed Liu Yu genuinely didn’t know anything about the Chen family. Wang Shi’s shoulders slumped, and her entire demeanor relaxed.

This subtle change didn’t escape Liu Yu’s notice.

Wang Shi seemed to transform back into a mother, pulling Liu Yu to sit at the small square table by the window where Liu Yu often did her handwork. She chattered on, “Yu’er, you must listen. I know you’re born beautiful, but let’s not aim for wealthy and noble families. There’s nothing good inside those doors. Listen to your mother, earn a decent dowry for two years, and then find a good lad here in the countryside to marry. Don’t set your sights on those wealthy and noble households.”

Liu Yu felt that Wang Shi’s words were peculiar and not just a one-time occurrence; they happened periodically. Though she thought this, her demeanor outwardly resembled any fifteen-year-old girl hearing her mother talk about marriage, blushing with a hint of embarrassment. She lowered her head and said, “I haven’t thought about marrying so early, and besides, Mother, you decide on these matters. Why bring it up out of nowhere?”

Wang Shi felt reassured, not mentioning why she brought up the Chen family. She patted Liu Yu’s hand and said, “That’s right. Mother will take care of these things for you in the future. Have you learned enough embroidery? If you have, don’t go to town anymore. Embroider things at home, and when you finish, Mother will sell them for you. Young ladies shouldn’t be going out every day. If you get involved in trouble, trust Mother, Mother won’t harm you.”

As Wang Shi held Liu Yu’s hand, Liu Yu’s body momentarily stiffened. However, she maintained a smile on her face, feigning a shy expression, and lowered her eyes in a demure manner, obediently responding with a soft “yes.”

Outside, Wu Shi had already returned. Not seeing Liu Yu and Wang Shi, she casually asked Wen Shi. Wen Shi gestured with her mouth towards Liu Yu’s room. Wu Shi recalled that Wang Shi had overheard the woman’s gossip in the morning. Was she now inquiring about Liu Yu’s situation?

With this thought, Wu Shi nonchalantly walked towards the room, intending to eavesdrop and find out what was going on.

Before she could get close, Wen Shi had somehow entered the main hall, smiling, and called out, “Sister-in-law, are you looking for Ayu?”

Her voice was quite loud, making Wu Shi feel awkward. She explained, “What business could I have with Ayu? I just wanted to see if Mother is here or not.”

Inside the room, both Wang Shi and Liu Yu heard Wu Shi’s words. Wang Shi had already given the necessary instructions, so she stood up, opened the door, and walked out. She heard Wu Shi’s words and, harboring a deep dislike for her, responded with a cold expression, “I’m right here. What do you want? I haven’t seen you all morning. You don’t care about anything inside or outside the house. Your third sister-in-law is pregnant.”

Wu Shi was rarely so bluntly criticized. She felt a bit embarrassed and explained, “Today is market day. I thought of going to the market to see if there’s something delicious for Little Bao and buy a bit.”

In the past, Wang Shi would readily accept Wu Shi’s explanations, especially when she mentioned Little Bao. However, now that Wang Shi knew Wu Shi and Old Man Liu were scheming to marry Liu Yu off to someone in the county as a concubine, she found Wu Shi disagreeable in every aspect. With a derisive snort, she said, “Little Bao is precious, but he’s grown up. You don’t need to worry so much. Your third sister-in-law is carrying a child for our old Liu family. As the elder sister-in-law, you should take care of her and share some responsibilities.”

Wu Shi’s expression turned unpleasant, while Wen Shi had a subtle smile at the corner of her mouth.

One thought in her mind: Hmph, she hasn’t even given birth yet, but she’s acting like it’s a certainty.

Another silently prayed: Please let it be a son. From now on, Wu Shi won’t be able to suppress me.

Such were their current sentiments. This matter had kept Wu Shi uneasy throughout the afternoon, prompting her to become more vigilant. She wondered if, indeed, when Wen Shi gave birth to a son, the advantages in the family would still be exclusively enjoyed by the main branch.

What initially had been a relief upon seeing Liu Yu peacefully learning embroidery in town had turned into a lingering worry. Late at night, while speaking privately with Old Man Liu Dalang, she brought up the matter, saying, “Regarding Liu Yu’s situation, it’s better to act sooner than later. Don’t wait until your third sister-in-law gives birth to a son. By then, we won’t have the opportunity to seize the advantage.”

Grinding her teeth, she said, “I don’t care. Tomorrow morning, go find my brother. Also, keep an eye on another option. Let’s keep this matter hidden from the old man for now!”

Liu Dalang didn’t refuse this time and agreed, “Fine, I’ll make a trip tomorrow.”

This is a story for another time.

~

Two flowers blossom, each showing its own brilliance.

In Changfeng Town, Lu Chengxiao kept a close eye on Chen Sheng for the entire morning. When Chen Sheng returned to Ji Xian Zhai, Lu Chengxiao boldly followed him inside. Chen Sheng felt aggrieved but had no way to deal with him. It wasn’t until nearly noon, calculating that Liu Yu must have returned to Liujiacun, that Lu Chengxiao finally left.

Before leaving, he warned Chen Sheng that if he dared to go to the river again like he did this morning to find Liu Yu and tarnish her reputation, he wouldn’t be forgiven easily.

Chen Sheng only learned that Lu Chengxiao had been around since early morning. Frustrated and with no outlet for his grievances, he could only think about whether the news about Liu Yu had spread today. As long as he could have an encounter with Zhou Ruyi tomorrow and force her mother to propose marriage to the Liu family the day after, he wouldn’t lose out compared to today or yesterday.

Once Liu Yu became his, he wanted Lu Chengxiao to envy and resent him for a lifetime!

After leaving Ji Xian Zhai, Lu Chengxiao’s arrogance in front of Chen Sheng disappeared. Witnessing Liu Yu’s cold demeanor and her turning away upon seeing him today left him feeling frustrated. He felt that Liu Yu was avoiding him, and his future seemed bleak and dim. With nowhere else to go, he returned home.

Babao had been anxiously waiting at home for him since early in the morning. The longer he waited, the more impatient he became. Deciding to sit on the threshold of Lu’s house and wait.

From afar, he spotted Lu Chengxiao, and his excitement shot through the roof. Shouting “Third Young Master,” he took a few steps forward to greet him. However, when he saw the expression on Lu Chengxiao’s face, the joy on his own face quickly faded.

It seemed like another failure.

He hesitated, wanting to say something comforting but didn’t know how to start.

Lu Chengxiao, seeing his expression, smiled and said, “Alright, don’t bother with the excuses. I understand. It’s only the second time, after all.”

He could continue crashing into the southern wall countless times if that meant getting another chance to see her turn around, with a heart as resilient as iron, ready to replace her pensive smile.

Sansukini: They all have their own selfish agenda regarding Liu Yu’s marriage. For Wu Shi and Liu Dalang, it’s greed. But for Wang Shi and Liu Kangsheng, it’s fear. That’s why Wang Shi doesn’t want her to be married to a prominent family, and Liu Kangsheng just wants her to be far away. We’re getting close to the scene where Lu Chengxiao saved her from drowning in the summary. Maybe next week, we’ll have it. I just noticed that Christmas is on a Monday, so maybe I’ll greet you all with a double release.

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