Chapter 32 The Weeping Girl

The affection and appreciation for Lin Changning in Liu's eyes were almost overflowing as she watched the two of them ask and answer questions with a smile.

Ma Yanyan lowered her head and returned to Liu's side, her beautiful face downcast, glancing at Lin Changning from time to time.

Lin Changning naturally noticed the way Ma family's third sister was secretly looking at her, and she was a little surprised and a little amused.

If she were a man, it might have led to a wonderful marriage, but she is a woman.

Thinking of this, Lin Changning put away his smile and said with a slightly serious expression, "It's getting late, Aunt. Let me take you and Third Sister back. Although the Tartars haven't been bothering us much lately, traveling at night is still not very safe."

Liu glanced at the approaching evening sky and agreed. After thanking Lin Changning, she stood up with her daughter.

Lin Changning followed along, making Liu Shi giggle all the way, while Ma San Niang also chatted and laughed with Lin Changning.

As they approached the Ma family's door, Lin Changning stopped and looked at Liu: "Auntie, may I speak to you in private?"

Liu paused for a moment, then nodded and followed Lin Changning to the alley entrance.

"Changping, just say what you want to say. Why are you acting like you're hiding something?"

Looking at Liu's loving gaze, Lin Changning steeled his heart and bowed respectfully: "Auntie, I know that Brother Ma wants to form a marriage alliance with my family, but there are many inconveniences, so it is not appropriate to say it in front of others."

Liu's smile froze: "Changping? You?"

Lin Changning said solemnly, "My father arranged a marriage for me before he passed away. The young lady was willing to wait for me to return, so she has never married."

Changping understood her aunt's meaning. Third Sister was a good girl, but she was already betrothed and could not break her promise.

Changping had noticed the promotions of her uncle, aunt, and two brothers, but she couldn't bring it up because it involved the reputation of the two young ladies.

"Now that we're all alone, I'd like to speak clearly with your aunt to avoid misunderstanding Third Sister."

Liu's smile faded, and she sighed softly. Looking at the handsome young man in front of her, she felt that he was perfect in every way, but it was a pity that he was actually engaged.

They originally thought that even if the engagement was arranged, as long as Changping was willing, they would compensate the girl's family even if the engagement was called off, so that all three families would be in a good position.

Unexpectedly, this child is quite loyal and affectionate. Even with their promotions on the table, he was unwilling to give up the girl he was betrothed to.

He was a fine young man, but unfortunately, his mother didn't have the good fortune to see him.

Dalang once said that Lin Changping was literate, possessed great strength, was clear-headed yet ruthless, and was bound to rise to power sooner or later. If they couldn't get married, they shouldn't offend him.

Thinking of this, Liu paused for a moment and then smiled, "What are you doing, Changping? Our family has indeed been considering a marriage alliance."

But since you've already put it this way, and your family isn't the clingy type,

You are a loyal and kind child, which is excellent. Our family values ​​your sincerity.

Even if we don't get married, you're still my aunt's nephew. Does that mean you'll disown me just because we're not related by marriage?

Liu's words were well said, and Lin Changning breathed a sigh of relief: "Of course not. In the future, Brother Ma will be Brother Changping, and Third Sister will be like Changping's own sister."

"Who wants to be your brother or sister?"

A woman's clear voice suddenly came from the alley entrance. Liu and Lin Changning turned around and were surprised to see Ma Sanniang standing right there at the alley entrance, looking at them.

Under the moonlight, the tears in the little girl's eyes shimmered with silver light, like mermaids shedding tears, each drop a silvery pearl.

"Third Sister! Let's go back!"

"Mother, it's me~"

As soon as she opened her mouth, the little girl started sobbing again.

Liu felt sorry for her daughter, so she ran over, took her daughter's trembling hand, and patted her daughter's thin back.

"Third Sister, don't cry. It's not a bad thing to have another brother."

Third Sister Ma raised her head and sobbed, "Mother, I don't want to be siblings with Brother Lin."

At first, she was unwilling to marry Lin Changping. She had already been defiled, and Lin Changping had saved her, but she wanted to repay kindness with enmity. She knew that this was wrong.

But later, her father, mother, and brother all took her to see Lin Changping. He was different from the others. The others looked at her with more or less pity, pity, or even contempt and disdain.

Only Lin Changping looked at her with a peaceful and gentle gaze, without any other emotions mixed in, as if she were the same as any other innocent girl.

Later, when she came to help with the harvest season with her father and brother, some people were unwilling to say it outwardly, just to avoid offending her father. In reality, they all disliked her as an unclean person and refused to even drink the cup of water she brought them.

Only Lin Changping took the water from her, drank it in one gulp, and thanked her.

Only when he looked at her did she feel like she was still a human being, and not some kind of alien.

But now, even he is unwilling to marry her.

Those who are submerged in darkness always try to grasp that last glimmer of light.

Lin Changning watched the girl weep, the despair and repression in her eyes seeming to reach him even from several meters away. His heart skipped a beat, and he thought to himself, "This is bad."

This little girl was humiliated by that eunuch before, and she often couldn't think straight. She's only just gotten a little better these days. What she just said might have hurt someone's feelings.

Lin Changning pursed his lips, thinking that no matter what, he should appease her first. Judging from the girl's state, she was afraid she would try to kill herself again when she got back.

Thinking this, Lin Changning looked at Liu Shi and asked, "Auntie, may I speak with Third Sister alone?"

There was also some doubt and uncertainty in Liu's eyes. She knew her daughter's temperament best. If this matter was not resolved, she was afraid she would have to give up her life.

Liu looked at Lin Changning with a sudden pleading look: "Oh, Changping, you two should talk this out, talk this out."

Lin Changning nodded: "I know, Auntie."

After Liu left, Ma Yanyan choked up and raised her head again: "I only have one question for you."

"Is it because I've lost my virginity that you don't want to marry me?"

Lin Changning stepped forward and helped the person up from the ground. He shook his head, his gaze calm and gentle: "Third Sister, what does this have to do with your innocence?"

Ma Yanyan was helped up by Lin Changning, her voice still choked with sobs: "You know, I, I was..."

Lin Changning sighed and took out a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe away sweat, gently wiping away the girl's tears: "Third Sister, a woman's chastity is never beneath her skirt, do not belittle yourself."

Ma Yanyan suddenly threw herself into Lin Changning's arms, clutching his robe tightly: "Then why won't you marry me? Why? Father and brother said that if you were willing to marry me, they would give you a generous sum of money..."

Lin Changning sighed and patted Ma Yanyan's back to comfort her: "Third Sister, official positions and money cannot buy a good marriage. Using money and official positions as bargaining chips is a very bad choice."

If I were greedy, and after obtaining money and official position, I abandoned you, what should I do?

When choosing a husband, one should naturally look for someone with a responsible and good character.

Ma Yanyan raised her head, her eyes filled with determination: "But you are a responsible and virtuous person. My parents' judgment is correct. I was very happy to meet you, but you... but you don't want me!!!"

Lin Changning was completely bewildered. After a helpless sigh, he said, "My mother has already arranged a marriage between me and my wife. She is waiting for me to achieve success so that I can return to my hometown and marry her. You are very kind, but if I agree, what will happen to my fiancée back home?"

Ma Yanyan clutched Lin Changning's clothes, her voice choked with emotion yet firm: "If she didn't have you, I would give her money to find a better husband, as long as she's willing."

But if you don't want to marry me, then no one else will. Besides death, I... I don't know... I don't know what to do. I... I already..."