Xiao Jingcheng guessed right. This man's surname was Zhou and his given name was Wang. He was the second son of the Zhou family that Matchmaker Zhang had come to propose a marriage for yesterday.
Ye Wanmian had only met Zhou Wang once at Doctor Wang's clinic. That time, Zhou Wang had brought Aunt Zhou to the clinic for treatment, and she happened to be delivering a batch of medicinal herbs.
It was spring at that time. There were quite a few patients in the clinic, and Doctor Wang was too busy to attend to everyone. So she lent a hand, pouring a cup of hot water for Aunt Zhou to warm herself up and giving her a hot water bottle. Zhou Wang was extremely grateful and thanked her repeatedly.
It was just a small favor, and Ye Wanmian didn't take it to heart. Who would have thought that not long after, Matchmaker Wang would come to propose a marriage.
Matchmaker Wang boasted about her to the skies, saying that she was kind - hearted and filial, and clearly a good and dutiful wife who would take good care of the family. The Zhou family didn't mind that she had been married before. As long as she was willing to marry into their family, they would treat her well.
Ye Wanmian had rejected Matchmaker Wang yesterday, thinking that the Zhou family would give up after knowing her decision. But unexpectedly, the Zhou family actually came to find her directly.
Ye Wanmian felt that her luck had been a bit bad recently. She thought that bringing up her "deceased husband" would bring her some peace, but as soon as she went out, someone blocked her way.
Why hadn't she noticed so many people paying attention to her before?
After Zhou Wang blocked Ye Wanmian's way, seeing the wary and cold look on her face, he also felt that his behavior was a bit inappropriate. He lowered his head and scratched the back of his head, and apologized first.
"Sorry, Mrs. Jiang. I have no ill intentions. I just want to have a few words with you. Could we talk somewhere private?"
Although the social atmosphere in this dynasty was open, and it was not a big deal for men and women to meet and talk, the problem was that one of them was a "widow" and the other was unmarried. Standing together and talking would inevitably make people think too much.
Moreover, Ye Wanmian had already made her position clear to Matchmaker Zhang. She had no interest in Zhou Wang and didn't want to waste time on this. So she politely declined.
"Sorry, it might not be convenient. I have some urgent matters, so I'll leave first."
After saying that, she intended to bypass Zhou Wang and continue walking forward. But unexpectedly, the other man chased after her. "Mrs. Jiang, please wait!"
Xiao Jingcheng could tell that Ye Wanmian didn't want to talk to this man. When Zhou Wang chased after them, he deliberately made a pouncing and biting gesture, forcing the man to take a step back.
Not daring to get closer, Zhou Wang followed from a distance and whispered, "Mrs. Jiang, I really just want to say a few words. I won't bother you. Could you give me a chance?"
It wasn't a good idea to let him keep following like this. If this continued, who knew what kind of gossips would spread outside.
She just wanted to keep a low - key profile and didn't want to attract attention!
Frowning tightly, she stopped and turned around. "Fine."
Zhou Wang's face lit up with joy and he quickly replied, "Mrs. Jiang, this way please."
Seeing Zhou Wang grinning from ear to ear and showing his teeth, Xiao Jingcheng somehow felt a strange sense of unease in his heart.
Was this the kind of guy she liked?! Was she so desperate that she would take just anyone?
A moment later, under the shade of a tree, Ye Wanmian and Zhou Wang stood about three steps apart. She said, "It's cool here. If you have anything to say, just say it."
Zhou Wang composed himself and stood up straighter. "Yesterday, Matchmaker Zhang came to our house and conveyed your message, Mrs. Jiang."
"Normally, since you have no intention of remarrying, I shouldn't pester you anymore. But I still want to fight for myself."
"Some time ago, I found a very good job. As long as I work hard, I can earn five taels of silver every month."
Ye Wanmian had been thinking about how to completely dispel Zhou Wang's thoughts. Hearing this, she suddenly looked up at him.
"Five taels of silver?"
Seeing her reaction, Zhou Wang felt there was hope and was secretly excited. "Yes! Five taels of silver every month. Such a job is unique in our town. As long as I work hard, I can provide for the whole family and we can live a well - off life."
"Since that time at the clinic, Mrs. Jiang..."
Zhou Wang rambled on, telling Ye Wanmian about his admiration for her after that encounter at the clinic, while Ye Wanmian felt a twinge of doubt in her heart.
Dongli Town was neither very big nor very small. There were rich merchants and gentry in the town, and it was under the jurisdiction of Tianyuan County.
Even a yamen runner working in the county government couldn't earn five taels of silver a month.
There was something strange about this.
Not only Ye Wanmian, but even Xiao Jingcheng sensed something odd.
He had been a privileged and noble crown prince since childhood and never lacked money. But it didn't mean that he didn't know about the circulation of money and prices in the common people's lives.
In the Sheng Kingdom, one tael of silver could be exchanged for eight hundred copper coins, which was eight strings of cash. For an ordinary family, half a string of cash could support the whole family's food and clothing, but they would live a poor life with little meat.
With one string of cash, they could buy some meat from time to time.
Five taels of silver meant having fish and meat every day and new clothes to wear. But this was not the capital city, nor a prosperous city in the south of the Yangtze River. How could it not be strange?
Zhou Wang didn't notice Ye Wanmian's silence. He finished his speech on his own and then whispered, "Mrs. Jiang, if you change your mind, go and find Matchmaker Wang. I will definitely..."
"Brother Zhou, where did you find this job?" Ye Wanmian interrupted him, looking extremely curious. "Who in the town would offer such a good job?"
She then added, "If it's inconvenient, you don't have to say. I understand the rules."
Zhou Wang looked around to make sure there was no one around, then lowered his voice and said to Ye Wanmian, "It's at the residence of员外 Chen. His youngest son is said to be possessed by evil spirits. He has been in a coma during the day and goes crazy at night. This has scared away many guards, and gradually no one is willing to work in that courtyard."
"I'm acquainted with the son of the steward of员外 Chen's family. We had a drink together some time ago, and he mentioned this. I got interested and asked him to recommend me. I have a strong fate and I'm not afraid of such supernatural things. I tried working there for two days, and员外 Chen was very satisfied with me, so he kept me on."
员外 Chen's youngest son was possessed by evil spirits?
Xiao Jingcheng's heart skipped a beat. He seemed to have faintly grasped a clue.
Could this matter be related to him?
Ye Wanmian didn't notice the yellow dog's expression. After hearing this, she just looked thoughtful.
She had heard of员外 Chen. Many years ago, he had passed the provincial examination and obtained the title of juren, but failed in the metropolitan examination.
The Sheng Kingdom respected scholars. Even if one didn't pass the metropolitan examination, having the title of juren would entitle them to many privileges. They could be exempt from taxes and corvée, and didn't have to kneel when seeing an official. In addition, the family had fields and shops in operation, so员外 Chen had quite a bit of influence in Dongli Town.
Spending five taels of silver to hire a guard for his son seemed reasonable, but Ye Wanmian always felt that something was off.