Ms. Doctor Divine

Jiang Caixiu’s mother held straightforward views. She believed Yan Danqiu’s reluctance to the engagement was likely due to her being alone when it was broken off, and perhaps she held her breath during that time. Furthermore, the improved status of the Yan family led her to think that Yan Danqiu believed she could secure a better match. She attributed these considerations to the impulsive nature of young people who lacked practicality in their thinking.

She considered it more sensible to discuss the matter with Yan Danqiu’s mother, Ms. Wang. She felt there was no need for her son to face the ridicule by personally confronting the situation. Unwilling to endure such circumstances herself, she decided to handle the matter independently.

Jiang Caixiu’s mother had already formulated a plan of action. “The Jiang family is forgiving and does not hold grudges against the Yan family for your son’s injury. However, when it comes to her future marriage, we must address this matter properly. Yan Danqiu’s behavior has been excessively difficult,” she declared, revealing her lingering dissatisfaction with the situation. Despite her frustration, she acknowledged her current inability to settle the score and resigned herself to voicing her complaints while vowing to address the matter in the future.

Feeling indignant when thinking about Yan Danqiu, she contemplated that perhaps her son should still marry her.

Jiang Caixiu nodded in agreement, finding his mother’s perspective reasonable. He decided that if he were to approach Yan Danqiu, he would do so through their families, ensuring that she had no reason for discontent.

Reflecting on the role of parental matchmakers, Jiang Caixiu’s mother believed that women typically adhered to decisions made for them. She thought that with proper guidance, any dissatisfaction could be addressed in the future.

As a scholar, Jiang Caixiu had never experienced such physical adversity. The pain from the beating was intense, requiring a brief period of recuperation. He couldn’t help but feel unlucky in the face of these unexpected challenges.

Once fearless in his outings, Jiang Caixiu now found himself confined indoors. His mother, contemplating their situation, resolved to seek out Ms. Wang the following day.

Knowing Ms. Wang’s routine of washing clothes by the river, Jiang Caixiu’s mother saw an opportunity to approach her then. With determination, she even prepared the clothes she intended to wash—something she seldom did in the past.

The next day arrived, and in the early morning, Jiang Caixiu’s mother ventured out to wash her clothes. Along the way, she greeted everyone she encountered with a bright smile, as if nothing had happened to her son. The villagers couldn’t help but wonder.

Someone with a mix of curiosity and mockery asked, “Caixiu’s mother, hasn’t your son failed? Why are you still smiling so happily? Do you not know about this news?”

The question carried a hint of derision. Besides those who were close to the Jiang family, there were others with the surname Jiang in the North Village. None of them expected Jiang Caixiu to succeed in the county-level examination.

No one wished for it.

If it were true, they feared they would be subject to Jiang Caixiu’s mother’s taunts in the northern village. Moreover, the prospect of someone leading a prosperous life was unsettling to many.

Despite any inner turmoil, Jiang Caixiu’s mother maintained her composure. Still wearing a smile, she replied, “It’s just a setback. Caixiu is still young, unmarried. It’s normal for him to face failure. Look at those who have achieved scholarly honors—they are already quite old. Scholarly success is just a matter of time. There’s no need to be impatient; it will happen eventually.”

Her words were an attempt to stabilize the Jiang family’s standing in the northern village and uphold her son’s reputation. The onlookers felt a tinge of awkwardness and refrained from further comments.