The relationship between Fu Lan and Xia Wan-yu in the capital gradually shifted with each embroidered purse and every poem exchanged between them. Fu Lan’s attitude toward Xia Wan-yu was no longer one of mere novelty or amusement; he had begun to see her as the one person who truly understood and cared for him. At times, Fu Lan would even wish it were Xia Wan-yu to whom he was betrothed, lamenting that she was merely a concubine’s daughter—otherwise, he might have married her. But the reality was that Xia Wan-yu was a shunü (concubine’s daughter), making marriage impossible; at best, he could take her as a concubine. Yet, he was already engaged to Xia Wan-yu’s legitimate older sister, meaning taking the other as a concubine was utterly out of the question. Moreover, Xia Wan-yu seemed to be already engaged herself.

Contemplating this, Fu Lan felt he couldn't continue down this path. If he let things progress, the situation might spiral out of control. Xia Wan-yu had taken up too much space in his heart. To continue would inevitably damage the relationship between the Fu and Xia families. He knew that the mother of Xia Wan-ting, his fiancée, was the true mistress of the Xia household. Sacrificing the interests of the entire Fu family for a shunü was simply unacceptable. Consequently, Fu Lan decisively severed ties with Xia Wan-yu.

Previously, Fu Lan eagerly anticipated the purses Xia Wan-yu sent daily, inspecting them for words of encouragement or a small poem he could critique. Now, having resolved to break off contact, he forcibly purged these thoughts from his mind. He even strictly forbade his servants from delivering anything from Xia Wan-yu, hoping this action would clearly convey his stance.

However, Fu Lan was destined for disappointment. Upon learning that Fu Lan wished to end their connection, she exhibited none of the expected distress or tearful severing of affections; instead, she seemed subtly pleased. Xia Wan-yu's first reaction upon hearing the news was not sadness, but excitement. She understood this meant the position she held in Fu Lan’s mind had grown significant enough to force him to take their relationship seriously—hence his sudden decision to cut ties.

Prior to this, Xia Wan-yu had never imagined things would proceed so smoothly. She had already advanced a great distance toward her objective. Just a little more effort, and she would attain what she desired.

Consequently, Xia Wan-yu had been in excellent spirits for the past few days. Sharing this buoyant mood was Tian Shi, whose joy stemmed from the marriage prospects of her younger son, Wang Qing-tong.

Wang Qing-tong was a year older than Wang Qing-chen, making him fifteen this year. Previously, although Tian Shi was eager to find a suitable wife for her son, he stubbornly refused to agree, insisting he would only marry someone he liked. While Tian Shi greatly wished to disregard his wishes, the Old Master and Old Madam doted on Wang Qing-tong. Believing that since their grandson had an opinion and the matter was achievable, they indulged him, allowing him to find a match satisfactory to himself. Unable to argue, Tian Shi could only present prospective families and inquire about Wang Qing-tong’s approval.

The situation was different now. Wang Qing-tong had reached fifteen without finding anyone he fancied, a situation that unsettled even the Old Master and Old Madam, who had previously sided with their grandson. They could no longer indulge him; otherwise, how long would it be before he married and they held a grandchild? The elders summoned Tian Shi and granted her full authority over Wang Qing-tong’s marriage arrangements, insisting it be concluded swiftly with a good wife.

Tian Shi had earmarked many families before, but her efforts were stalled because the elders had previously deferred to their grandson. Now that she held complete control, unconstrained by others, how could she not be pleased?

Thus, in recent days, Tian Shi had been constantly rushing between matchmakers, determined to find a daughter-in-law that pleased her. Her requirements were strict. First, the girl’s family must be well-off. Her son now owned a successful shop and earned considerable money; they could certainly afford a family of better standing. Second, the girl absolutely had to be filial toward elders. Tian Shi had long yearned for the opportunity to act as the matriarch, hoping for an obedient daughter-in-law so she could finally enjoy life. Finally, the girl’s appearance should ideally be presentable; otherwise, if her son disliked her, he might blame his mother.

Upon hearing Tian Shi’s demands, the matchmakers were at a loss for words. Most of the matchmakers Tian Shi employed handled business for farming families; in their careers, they had never encountered such audacity. If Tian Shi’s family possessed vast wealth, demanding high standards for the bride would be understandable. But their own family’s standing wasn't superior, yet their demands were numerous, making the matchmakers' jobs incredibly difficult. Furthermore, if a girl’s qualifications truly matched Tian Shi’s description, would that family even consent to marry her into Tian Shi's household? Wouldn't they seek a much better match? As a result, several matchmakers, though agreeing smoothly to her face, made no effort behind the scenes. The remaining few were primarily motivated by the handsome bonuses Tian Shi offered. Whether they truly sought a match was debatable; if they happened upon a family meeting Tian Shi’s requirements, they would facilitate the union. If not, regretfully, they could do nothing.

After relaying her terms to the matchmakers, Tian Shi expected good news soon, given that she had mobilized so many people to help her search. However, Tian Shi did not intend to remain idle and actively began gathering intelligence on various young ladies.

Tian Shi's activities did not escape the notice of many in Wang Village. While laughing behind her back, the villagers also anticipated the ensuing drama. Recently, the village had lacked any fresh gossip, and Tian Shi’s endeavors provided the perfect diversion.

One day, Zhang Shi came to chat with Yang Shi.

“Have you heard anything about Big Sister-in-law’s affairs?” Zhang Shi inquired.

Yang Shi nodded. “I heard Sister Gui mention it once. Apparently, she’s been investigating the daughters of many families recently.”

Zhang Shi scoffed, “Isn’t that right? She’s been frantic about this lately, never seeming to have a moment to spare! You wouldn’t believe it—the families she’s investigating are all quite prominent, and she’s even asking about the daughters’ looks and temperaments. Isn't that too brazen? Who finds a daughter-in-law this way? Everyone does it secretly; only she seems desperate for the entire village to know her son is seeking a wife. Doesn't she fear damaging those girls' reputations? Isn't she afraid those families will come and lecture her?”

Yang Shi certainly knew Tian Shi’s methods were inappropriate, but she attributed it to her intense devotion to her son. Tian Shi surely intended to find a good wife for him, but her approach was flawed.

“Alas, she only wanted a good daughter-in-law, who would have thought it would turn out like this!” Yang Shi sighed.

“Hmph, doesn’t she realize how this affects the women? She knows perfectly well! She already has two married sons—after two such experiences, does she still not understand these matters? Let me tell you, it gets worse. Big Sister-in-law has already publicly declared in the village that given Qing-tong’s current status, it should be considered their daughters’ good fortune if he even favors them… Just listen to that arrogance!” Zhang Shi found Tian Shi’s pronouncements utterly unacceptable.

“Why would Big Sister-in-law be so foolish now? Won't those words earn her resentment? Marriage is meant to join two good families; with words like that, who would willingly marry Qing-tong?” Yang Shi expressed concern.

“Don't worry about those things. Big Sister-in-law is caught up in the moment; if you try to counsel her now, you’ll only receive the cold shoulder!” Zhang Shi advised against interference.

“But if Big Sister-in-law continues like this, what will become of Qing-tong? We can’t just stand by and let his matter be ruined, can we?” Yang Shi offered her justification.

“Just listen to me. We don’t need to manage this; someone else will handle it in due course. Rest assured!” Zhang Shi persuaded.

After hearing Zhang Shi, Yang Shi pondered for a moment and understood. Indeed, since this issue was now known by so many in the village, the Old Master and Old Madam would certainly hear rumors. At that point, whether out of love for their grandson or to protect the Wang family's reputation, they would intervene. Realizing this, Yang Shi stopped worrying.

Sure enough, within two days, the Old Master and Old Madam learned of the situation. However, they did not hear about it from the villagers, but from their daughter, Wang Gui-fang, who came to report it at the old residence.

Wang Gui-fang, since marrying Li Wu, frequently returned to visit the elders. This trip was partly prompted by the numerous improprieties she had heard her sister-in-law committing outside. Upon arriving, seeing that the Old Master and Old Madam seemed unaware, Wang Gui-fang cautiously inquired if they knew of Big Sister-in-law’s doings.

It goes without saying how furious the Old Master and Old Madam were upon hearing the news. That foolish woman—was she trying to find a wife for her son, or trying to provoke enmity for him?