Do Older Women All Love Playing Matchmaker?

The two brothers did not have much to pack—just a few changes of clothes, some bedding, and pots, bowls, ladles, and the like.

The grain in the cellar did not need to be moved. They only needed to come collect it every so often.

By the time Zhong Lin and the other two arrived at No. A6, Locust Flower Lane, the house had already been cleaned from top to bottom and was ready to move into at any time.

"Shi Tou."

"Xiu Ge'er."

The moment they entered the courtyard, the two children ran together, their faces brimming with joy and excitement.

For the past month, Zhong Lin had kept Little Shi shut at home. Even when Zhong Lin went out to buy supplies, he made Little Shi stay home alone. The boy had nearly been stifled sick. Now that he had finally met someone his own age—and his classmate at that—the excitement on his face was beyond words.

Old Man Xu's youngest grandson was named Xu Xiu, with Xiu Ge'er as his pet name. He had likely received the same treatment, and he too was exceptionally excited at this moment.

Ignoring the two children's chattering, Old Man Xu said with some dissatisfaction, "Zhong Lin, if you still hadn't come, I would've moved over there myself."

"Didn't I come? So this is Xiu Ge'er, huh? Bright-eyed and sturdy, what a clever little lad. Old Man Xu, you've got someone to carry on your line." Zhong Lin praised.

Whenever his grandson was mentioned, Old Man Xu's face immediately broke into a smile. Ever since his son and daughter-in-law had died, his grandson had been the apple of his eye. Otherwise, at his age, with one foot already in the grave, why would he have partnered with Zhong Lin to sell medicine? Wasn't it all to save up a nest egg for Xiu Ge'er's future wife?

Old Man Xu said proudly, "Not at all, not at all. He's clever enough, but far too mischievous. Your little brother isn't bad either. He looks as sturdy as a little calf. Once he's older and starts training in martial arts with you, he'll surely become a Ranked Martial Artist."

After the two exchanged a round of mutual compliments, an old woman came out of the room.

Her hair was streaked with white, her frame somewhat short, and her face kind and benevolent.

"This must be young Master Zhong! You truly are a fine-looking young man."

Old Man Xu introduced her from the side. "This is my wife."

Zhong Lin hurriedly cupped his hands in salute. "Greetings, Old Madam."

Old Madam Xu stepped forward, took Zhong Lin's hand, and examined him carefully. The more she looked, the more satisfied she became. Full of expectation, she said, "Young Master Zhong, you're not married yet, are you? Do you have someone you fancy? If not, this old woman can find one for you."

The smile on Zhong Lin's face froze. He had only just escaped Aunt Jiang's clutches, yet it felt like he had entered another den of ghosts. Did every older woman love playing matchmaker?

Xu Lewu saw Zhong Lin's awkwardness as well and interrupted, "Old woman, stop pairing up mandarin ducks at random. Zhong Lin has his own plans."

"What do you mean, pairing up mandarin ducks at random? Young Master Zhong has no parents to support him, and he's a grown man raising his younger brother. How can a home do without a woman? With a woman around, at least there'd be someone to mend and patch, wash and scrub, and care whether you're cold or warm."

Old Madam Xu cast her husband a sidelong glance.

Though she had never met Zhong Lin before, she had already learned quite a bit about him from her husband.

An official at the yamen, the Three-Dimensional Paintings that had swept through Black Mountain County, a Ranked Martial Artist...

He was practically a golden turtle son-in-law!

It was only because she had no daughters. Otherwise, she would definitely have done everything she could to bring them together.

Zhong Lin said somewhat awkwardly, "Thank you, Old Madam, but I'm still young. I'd like to wait a few years before looking."

"That's such a pity."

"Not a pity, not a pity. Shi Tou, stop chatting and hurry up with the things. Take them into the rooms."

Zhong Lin called out to Shi Tou in the distance, swiftly changing the subject.

That evening.

At Old Man Xu's home.

Little Shi and Xiu Ge'er were playing hide-and-seek in the courtyard.

Zhong Lin and Old Man Xu sat at the table drinking together. Three dishes had already been set out, while Old Madam Xu was still busy in the kitchen.

"The County Town's Reserve Army has been defeated again. They were almost completely wiped out. The Rebel Army is nearly at the County Town."

"What?"

Old Man Xu's expression changed drastically.

Zhong Lin raised his cup and drained it in one gulp, his face grave. "I saw the news when I went to the yamen this morning. It's reliable. The Reserve Army suffered a crushing defeat, and the bandits' momentum is immense now. They've already closed in on the County Town. Otherwise, I wouldn't have moved here in such a hurry."

Old Man Xu's face was filled with panic as he muttered, "This is a catastrophe that could bring heaven and earth crashing down. They've lost twice in a row. There aren't many troops left in Black Mountain County Town. If the city gates are breached..."

At that thought, Old Man Xu sucked in a sharp breath and pleaded with Zhong Lin, "Zhong Lin, I'm old. I can't walk far anymore. Could you take Xiu Ge'er out of the city? I'll give you all my silver. I only ask that you protect Xiu Ge'er and let him live."

"Calm yourself." Zhong Lin remained composed. "Things haven't reached that point yet. Black Mountain County may be dangerous, but leaving the city isn't any safer. If we run into the Rebel Army, that would be truly dangerous. There's still basic order within the city, and with my strength, I can protect you all."

"Really?"

"Yes. In three days at most, I'll reach the Seventh-Rank Bone Forging Realm. You know how powerful the Bone Forging Realm is. Even if the city falls, I won't fear the most chaotic period."

At this point, Zhong Lin paused and gave Old Man Xu a deep look.

"Of course, if something exceptional truly happens and there is no way forward, I will protect myself and Little Shi first."

Old Man Xu was not angered by this. He nodded. "That's only right. The Seventh-Rank Bone Forging Realm is enough. As long as we don't draw attention to ourselves, we can surely weather this crisis. And the Prefecture City won't stand by and watch Black Mountain County fall to the Rebel Army. Once we hold out until reinforcements arrive, we'll be safe."

"In the next few days, I'll dig a cellar at home, then move all the grain hidden in Sweet Water Alley here. The moment there's the slightest stir outside, bring Old Madam Xu and Xiu Ge'er over to my place to hide."

Seeing that Zhong Lin had already arranged everything, Old Man Xu finally showed an expression of relief. He raised his wine cup.

"Zhong Lin, there's nothing more to say. It's all in this cup of wine. From now on, if you have any orders, this old man will never refuse. So long as Xiu Ge'er can be protected, this old life of mine is yours."

Old Man Xu's gaze was exceptionally resolute—the resolve of a man willing to stake his life for his grandson.

Zhong Lin smiled as well, raised his cup, and drained it in one gulp.

The reason he was willing to help Old Man Xu's family was to return a peach for a plum. Though they were only partners, he had indeed gained enough benefits through Old Man Xu. Whether it was the Blood Replenishment Pill or the Bone Strengthening Pill, if he had relied on painting alone, who knew what year it would take to earn enough.

Moreover, after learning that Zhong Lin was studying medicine, Old Man Xu had even brought out his family heirloom, the Xu Family Medical Book. It was also this medical book that had caused Zhong Lin's medical skills to advance by leaps and bounds.

Though Zhong Lin knew Old Man Xu definitely had ulterior motives, such matters were judged by deeds, not by the heart. Zhong Lin was also willing to return a peach for a plum and protect their family within his means.

But just as Zhong Lin had said, if they truly encountered a situation where nothing could be done, he would still prioritize protecting himself and Little Shi.

Zhong Lin was not generous enough to sacrifice himself to save others.

He was selfish too.