The man to the county magistrate’s left regarded the old woman with increased disdain as he saw her shamelessness.
Pah! Sycophant!
Nian Jiaojiao’s lips twitched.
Hey, hey, hey, you’re overdoing it with the act...
After the two were seated, the county magistrate began to introduce them:
“To my left is my daughter, Cheng Shanshui. My little girl is not very talented; she only obtained her Xiucai degree two years ago. You are both scholars, so you will have many opportunities to exchange ideas in the future.”
Nian Jiaojiao looked at the woman named Cheng Shanshui. She had bright eyes and white teeth, truly possessing a beautiful appearance. She was likely the “belle” of this world.
As Nian Jiaojiao was lost in thought, Cheng Shanshui smiled and nodded at her, a gesture of goodwill.
Magistrate Cheng then gestured towards the red-lipped and white-toothed man on her right to introduce him:
“This is my son, Cheng Xu, he is 16 years old this year.”
Just as Nian Jiaojiao was wondering why Magistrate Cheng had only mentioned her son’s age, Magistrate Cheng, with maternal affection, said to Cheng Xu:
“Xu’er, aren’t you going to greet her?”
Cheng Xu, unwillingly and perfunctorily, gave a casual nod towards Nian Jiaojiao.
This indifferent demeanor irked Magistrate Cheng, but he was, after all, her only son, whom she had always doted on and was unwilling to chide. She then turned to Nian Jiaojiao and said:
“Our only son is a bit spoiled.”
Even though she said this, her expression and tone showed no hint of blame towards her son.
Magistrate Cheng was rare in that she only married two husbands, who bore her a daughter and a son.
Her daughter was 24 years old. Although she obtained her Xiucai degree at 22, it was to accumulate strength and achieve a breakthrough, securing a top-ranked Xiucai.
Her son, Cheng Xu, her only precious son, she wished to keep by her side for a few more years. He was now 16, so Magistrate Cheng had begun to look for a wife for her son.
As the county magistrate of Shanshui Town, she was practically the most powerful person here. Whoever became her son’s wife would ascend to the heavens in one step.
In the past two years, countless women had sought to marry into her family, but Magistrate Cheng had rejected them all.
Wealthy merchants, profit-driven, cold-hearted, and of low social standing, Magistrate Cheng certainly looked down upon them.
As for those with academic titles, a regular Xiucai, she disdained them, as their careers had likely reached their peak. A top-ranked Xiucai was not someone she could easily control, and they usually had family backing. Moreover, Shanshui Town was just this big, and apart from her own daughter, all other top-ranked Xiucai were over 30.
Therefore, Magistrate Cheng could only set her sights on the “Tong Sheng Top Scholar.”
Firstly, her family had formed a kinship with the other party when they were in humble circumstances, which would benefit Cheng Xu’s status within the family.
Secondly, it would be even better if the family was poor, as she could provide ample support and bestow favors upon them.
Finally, and most importantly, the Tong Sheng Top Scholar, especially a young one, was a solid potential asset!
She didn’t know how far the other party would go, but if she bet on the right horse, not only her son but also her daughter and herself would benefit in the future.
Returning to Nian Jiaojiao.
She paid no mind to Cheng Xu’s attitude. After all, the head of the county had invited her for a meal. If she were to become angry simply because the other party’s son had shown her displeasure, there would be no need for it.
Thus, she replied gracefully:
“Magistrate Cheng need not blame your young son. I actually find him frank and endearing.”
However, Nian Jiaojiao did not expect that what she considered a polite remark would be misunderstood by the other party.
Magistrate Cheng’s eyes lit up.
Good, good. To face the county magistrate with such composure—that was steady.
To tolerate a young man’s tantrum—that was magnanimous.
Thus, Magistrate Cheng, as if appraising a prospective daughter-in-law, became more and more pleased!
Nian Jiaojiao did not understand the underlying nuances, but Nian’s mother, who had been observing, was overjoyed.
So, the magistrate favored her Jiaojiao and wanted her to be her daughter-in-law!
What great fortune!
Unimaginable good fortune!
Nian’s mother quickly praised Cheng Xu:
“Oh my! Yes! How could our Jiaojiao possibly get angry at a young man! Besides, the young master is so pure and lovable, Jiaojiao couldn’t possibly be angry even if she wanted to be!”
Nian’s mother’s words caused Cheng Xu to pout.
He was truly fed up. How much longer did he have to sit at the same table with this village woman?
The thought that the other person’s chopsticks might pick up the same dish as his instantly made him lose his appetite.
In contrast to Cheng Xu’s reaction, the originally somewhat stern Magistrate Cheng suddenly became warm and enthusiastic.