Chapter 532: Chapter 532: The Zhang Family Faces Reality

The feeble Mrs. Zhang saw Yang Ye and Qiao Xiaomai get off the carriage together, instantly perking up and rushing over to pay respects.

Yang Ye was distant and indifferent in his demeanor, “This prince is just here to look around.”

“Please do, feel free to look around.” Mrs. Zhang responded with an obsequious smile on her face.

There wasn’t much to see. The courtyard looked the same. The room he used to live in was converted into a shop with a simple layout that could be seen at a glance.

After taking a look, Yang Ye turned around and left, he and Qiao Xiaomai got back into the carriage together.

Mrs. Zhang watched this unfold, her heart a boiling cauldron of mixed feelings.

Of course, annoyance and envy were predominant.

She had always thought Qiao Xiaomai was acquainted with some nobleman from the academy. Now it seemed that Qiao Xiaomai had drawn the attention of Prince Wei.

Looking at the pair standing together, though Qiao Xiaomai was a village girl, her captivating foxy face surprisingly matched well with Yang Ye.

Disturbed by Yang Ye’s action, Mrs. Zhang felt upset. She lost interest in running her shop, locked it up and stormed home under the glaring sun.

When she got home, Tong Sanlang was studying.

Everyone else had gone to plant beans in the fields.

Seeing Tong Sanlang studying with diligence, she stomped her foot, but kept her frustration to herself.

But when Zhu Hongyun and others returned in the evening, she immediately pulled Zhu Hongyun aside for a private talk.

She recounted Yang Ye’s purposeless stroll, and asked, “Hongyun, do you think if we propose a match with Qiao family now, Qiao Xiaomai will accept?”

She had always thought their small family businesses, especially the bean sprouts, would bring in a considerable income.

Living conditions at home were bound to improve.

But she never expected such a turn of events, which led to the downfall of their businesses.

Making just a penny or two a day, what was the use of running this store?

The goods were all about to spoil!

With dashed hopes and despair following close on the heels of her initial aspiration, Mrs. Zhang had been incredibly stressed these past few days.

Poked and prodded by Qiao Xiaomai’s behavior today, the wavering in her heart finally saw clearly the reality.

The fastest way to wealth and fortune for their family now was only one: marry Qiao Xiaomai.

Wishing to live well as before, free from worry about food and clothes, this was the quickest way.

Marry Qiao Xiaomai, have a well-to-do daughter-in-law, and their family wouldn’t get the scornful gazes of others.

A sure bet for safety and peace.

After hearing Mrs. Zhang, Zhu Hongyun hesitated before responding, “I doubt it?”

Given their prior attitude towards Qiao Xiaomai, it would be a miracle if she did accept. Now that she’s associated with a prince, even an idiot would know which choice to make.

“Think of a solution. Qiao Xiaomai is our lifesaver now!” urged Mrs. Zhang.

“What solution could there be?” Zhu Hongyun frowned, “Apart from buying some gifts, and politely proposing, there are no other solutions.”

Qiao Xiaomai was about to soar high. Given their current conditions, this was the only way to stop her.

“Let Grandpa and Sanlang go when the time comes. After all, they have helped her a lot.”

“What should we buy?” asked Mrs. Zhang.

“We have to show her our sincerity.”

At this, Mrs. Zhang immediately felt the pinch, “She’s hobnobbing with the prince, what good things hasn’t she seen.”

Even if they drained all their family savings, it wouldn’t catch Qiao Xiaomai’s eye.

“No pain, no gain, mother. Think about her dowry. We just have to buy it!”

This was an investment, and Qiao Xiaomai would give them substantial returns.