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Chapter 866: Chapter 869 The Wise Old Lady
Feng Clan said, "You’ve come to see your Uncle Tie, haven’t you? He’s gone to Scholar Lu’s again, but since you’re here, have a seat!"
Qiao Duo’er happily sat down. After all, she had nothing else to do when she got back home, and here she could chat with someone.
The Feng Clan brought over some pastries and tea, and the three of them ate and talked together.
"How have you been lately?"
The elderly lady asked with concern, though judging by Duo’er’s complexion, she seemed to be doing just fine.
Qiao Duo’er nodded, "I feel the same as before, but now with a bigger belly, I feel tired."
"That’s easy to solve. I’ve made something for you that can support your belly. Wear it when you go out, and you won’t have back pain when you grow older."
The elderly lady said with a smile, knowing from experience to think of this early.
If Duo’er hadn’t come today, she would have sent her daughter-in-law to deliver it within the next couple of days.
When Feng Clan brought it over, Qiao Duo’er discovered it was a belly band.
The elderly lady’s craftsmanship was excellent; every part was meticulously made, including adjustable elastic bands for size— it was sure to be comfortable to wear.
Embroidered on it were lotus flowers, symbolizing good fortune and wishes coming true.
"Thank you, Grandma!" Qiao Duo’er beamed, finding it very pretty and to her satisfaction.
The elderly lady said with a sly grin, "I’m not giving this for nothing. You have to tell me how things are going with the big girl."
"What?" Qiao Duo’er feigned ignorance.
She had promised the big girl she’d keep it a secret, so now was not the time to betray her.
Otherwise, the big girl would definitely feel upset.
The elderly lady said with a chuckle, "Even if you don’t tell me, I know. The Zhang Family Boy has gone on a study tour, and it will be several months before he returns, right?"
"If the big girl asks, you can’t blame me." Qiao Duo’er said playfully.
The elderly lady had eaten more salt than they had eaten rice. It wasn’t easy to deceive her.
Otherwise, why do they say having an elder at home is like having a treasured resource?
The elderly lady immediately nodded, "Actually, I don’t know anything. I just want you to help me see what Father Zhang’s attitude is like."
Marriage relies on the parents’ orders and the matchmaker’s words; if Father Zhang’s attitude is clear, this matter will be easy to handle.
If Father Zhang wants an in-law from a high-ranking family, then it would be better for her to start looking for another match for the big girl early.
The big girl was of age by now; even if she couldn’t marry soon, she should settle the matter.
"It just so happens that Father Zhang will come over to my place to settle the tofu money in a few days. I’ll test the waters then," Qiao Duo’er agreed.
Indeed, getting through the approval of the parents could save them a lot of detours.
"Mom, how come I didn’t notice?"
Feng Clan wasn’t as perceptive as the elderly lady in the family; she only understood when the matter was laid bare before her.
The elderly lady said helplessly, "The big girl was back, and you kept bustling about in the kitchen, only wanting to feed her well. How could you notice anything else? I only figured it out recently myself."
Feng Clan finally didn’t feel so foolish, but her realization was followed by deep concern.
"Ah, I’m just worried that if that boy becomes an Advanced Scholar and gets an official position, the big girl will suffer," Feng Clan sighed.
Her big girl was neither adept at socializing nor backed by a powerful maternal family. If Zi Wen made a name for himself, she feared the big girl would end up a discarded wife.
It might be better to find a farmer in the village, where her family could still look after her a bit.
"Actually, it all depends on the two children. If they have affection, they will cherish and dote on each other. If there’s no love, even living with the parents will lead to quarrels and disputes," the elderly lady said with broad-mindedness, advising Feng Clan.
She just hoped her own children could support each other like Duo’er and Ah Hong, with love and affection.
