It would take Zheng Yu almost half an hour to go back to Huaishu Village from the town.

Zheng Xiu was a little worried. What if the old patriarch, under the instigation of Zhu, forced her grandfather and her father to agree to the marriage with the Feng family?

Fortunately, Xue Zhi arrived on time.

Zheng Yu and Xue Shao trotted into the house first to tell Zheng Xiu the news.

Zheng Xiu couldn't help but feel surprised and asked her brother, "How did you come back so quickly? Did you hire a car?"

Zheng Yu scratched the back of his head and said, "No, when I went there, Uncle Xue had already left the village and was heading to the town."

Zheng Xiu nodded. It was indeed a coincidence.

Of course, it was not a coincidence. It was because of what happened at the Zheng family yesterday. Xue Zhi could not sleep all night. He packed all the property in the house early in the morning and planned to propose marriage. He was afraid that Zheng Xiu would be pushed too much by the Feng family and wanted to become a nun.

Xue Zhi strode into the main hall, bowed to everyone in the room, and said to Zheng Ren: "Mr. Zheng, I am here to propose marriage."

Zheng Ren had just negotiated with the old patriarch for a while, and his body was a little tense. Although the old patriarch had not read any books, he had been in charge of the affairs of the clan for many years and was not the kind of person who could be easily fooled. After seeing Xue Zhi, Zheng Ren finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The old patriarch then asked: "This is..."

Before Zheng Ren and Old Man Zheng could answer, Zhu who was standing aside said with a look of disgust on his face: "This is the hunter who stayed in the mountains all night with Xiu Yatou. He just came to Huaishu Village. Less than half a year after settling down, he made a living by hunting, and he even took care of this child."

The old patriarch twirled his beard and nodded, then turned to ask Xue Zhi: "You said you came to propose marriage, but did you bring a betrothal gift?" After saying this, he looked up and down at Xue Zhi, who was empty-handed. He looked powerful and upright, but his clothes were a bit shabby.

Xue Zhi took out a small bundle from his pocket. Although it was only the size of a palm, when he opened it, he found several jade toys, including two white jade pendants, a jade ring, and a teardrop-shaped jasper pendant.

Although there were not many things, the quality was surprisingly good. Not to mention the others present, even Zheng Ren, who claimed to be well-informed, had only seen such things in the homes of dignitaries in the capital.

Zhu couldn't help but say in astonishment: "How did you get such a good thing? Did you steal it?"

Xue Zhi frowned and said calmly: "My ancestors worked for the nobles. These things were all awarded by the nobles. They were left by our ancestors and have been passed down to the present." Xue Zhi's demeanor really didn't seem like he came from a poor family. Since he said it was a family heirloom, it made sense.

Zhu really didn't know what to say at this moment. She wanted to beat Xue Zhi, a poor hunter, as worthless, but she didn't expect that he just took out a few jade pieces, which were all rare treasures in the world.

Zhu thought hard and said, "Well, that's not worth much money. Think about the Feng family in the town, they have business in the capital."

The old patriarch did not allow Zhu, a woman, to interrupt him. He glared at her and said, "Among the four classes of scholars, farmers, merchants and artisans, merchants are the lowest. What's there to compare? We men have the say, why should you, a woman, have the say?!"

Zhu was scolded and shut up.

The old patriarch looked at Old Man Zheng and Zheng Ren again, "Since you have already made the plan, why didn't you tell me just now?"

How could Old Man Zheng say that Zheng Ren was reluctant to marry Zheng Xiu to Xue Zhi, he just said: "Xue the hunter hasn't come to propose yet, and the two families still have many details to discuss, so I didn't want to tell anyone else." Although

the old patriarch felt that Old Man Zheng was not very happy that he was also treated as an outsider, he understood their approach. After all, Zheng Xiu had the reputation of being a 'husband-killer', and before the marriage was finalized, the other party might regret it, so it was normal to be more cautious.

"Now that it's settled, let's get married soon. Xiu's marriage can't be delayed, I think it's best to get married next month."

Although marriages in this era also emphasize the three books and six ceremonies, farm families are not so particular about it. Most people will get married after seeing each other and the parents of both sides are satisfied and the betrothal gift is paid.

Zheng Ren was naturally unwilling and said, "There are still many procedures to be arranged. Next month is too hasty."

The old patriarch gave him a deep look and said, "There are three girls in the clan who are fourteen years old and two who are thirteen years old this year. They have all been married and are going to get married this year. If your girl Xiu's problem is not resolved, how can they get married?"

Old man Zheng mediated and said, "Second uncle, once A month is indeed a bit too urgent, it would be better to give her more time. The eldest son only wants Xiu Yatou to marry a lady, so he naturally wants her to marry in a grand manner. "

The old patriarch said 'hmm' and said reluctantly: "Then two months will do. It's just that your family has so many rules. In our village, who needs so much time to prepare for a wedding."

Several people discussed some details of the marriage, and the old patriarch stood up and said goodbye.

Zhu was so regretful that she wanted to bite off her tongue. She wanted to instigate the old patriarch to force the marriage, but why did Xue Zhi come to propose marriage, and she just accepted it so easily? This old patriarch is also a fool. What's good about a poor hunter? How can he compare with the rich and powerful Feng Yuanwai family? But this old clan leader is just like the self-righteous Zheng Ren, and he looks down on the Feng family!

The old clan leader and the men in the clan were about to leave, and Zhu, with her neck shrunk and her head lowered, wanted to leave with them.

"You from the second brother's family, you stay for a while." Old man Zheng said.

Zhu had no choice but to stand still.

After the old clan leader and his men left, old man Zheng frowned and sneered, "I didn't know that you, the second brother's wife, were so capable that you could invite the clan leader over?"

Zhu said with a shameless smile, "I was also worried about Xiu, so I thought of asking my uncle to come and advise Xiu on her marriage."

Such nonsense, naturally, no one present believed it.

Old man Zheng snorted coldly, "The second son is not at home, and no one is watching over you. I think you have been living a comfortable life for too long, and you have even forgotten your last name!"

Zhu married into the Zheng family, so she naturally took her husband's last name. But looking at what she has done recently, for the red envelope promised by the Feng family, she has bent her elbow to who knows where.

Zhu stammered and didn't know what to say, but she felt cold sweat on her forehead and back.

"You go, don't come again in the future." Old man Zheng said coldly, "If you come again in the future, don't blame me for not considering our past friendship." Although he didn't want to let Zhu go so easily, he punished his daughter-in-law right after the old patriarch left. It would not be good if the news got out.

Zhu was as if she had been pardoned, and she quickly said goodbye.

Xue Zhi said, "I'll see Second Aunt off."

Zhu was almost scared to death by his punch, so she didn't dare to ask him to see her off. She quickly said, "No, no, I can walk by myself."

Xue Zhi obviously wouldn't listen to her, and followed her out of the hall slowly.

Zhu ran out of the house as fast as she could.

When she was out of the Zheng family's front door, she looked back with lingering fear. Xue Zhi stood not far away with his hands behind his back, staring at her intently, as if he wanted to tear her apart and eat her up.

Zhu was so scared that her legs went weak. She didn't dare to delay any longer and ran away without looking back.

They left in a clean manner, and the Zheng family finally returned to peace.

Zheng Xiu heard that there was no movement outside, so she went out of the house and went to the main hall.

"Grandpa, Dad, are all the great uncle gone?"

Old Man Zheng nodded, then looked at Zheng Ren who looked embarrassed, waved to Zheng Xiu, and asked her to sit down beside him, "Your great uncle is holding on to your marriage and won't let go. If we don't let go today, he will bring so many people here, and I'm afraid he won't let it go." Fortunately, the old patriarch still gave Zheng Ren some face. If something like this happened to other families in the clan, I'm afraid it wouldn't be so simple to sit together and talk. He would have asked someone to take the girl away first, locked her in the ancestral hall, and wait for her fate.

Zheng Xiu nodded in understanding, "I know, Grandpa."

Old man Zheng sighed, and just as Xue Zhi came back from seeing Zhu off, he asked Xue Zhi to sit down as well, saying, "The wedding date has been set for you, and it will be the month after next."

Although Zheng Xiu was mentally prepared, she was still shocked. Her father hadn't agreed to it the day before, and today the old patriarch and his men had made such a fuss, and in just half a morning, the wedding date between her and Xue Zhi had been set. Although she was the one who first brought up the matter with Xue Zhi, she just wanted to get engaged first to shut up outsiders and make it easier for her to take care of the Xue family father and son. As for the wedding date, she would wait a year or two before talking about it.

Zheng Ren sighed deeply, stood up and said, "I'll go back to the room and be quiet for a while. As for the rest, I'll trouble Dad to talk to them both."

However, after half a morning, Zheng Xiu felt that her father's back looked particularly tired.

After Zheng Ren left, old man Zheng relayed the words of the old patriarch to Zheng Xiu, so that she would know that it was not that the family did not want to keep her, but that the situation was really pressing, so they made such a hasty decision.

Compared to being forced to marry Mr. Feng, Xue Zhi was naturally a better choice. Zheng Xiu did not feel too uncomfortable in her heart, but she still felt that the wedding date was too soon, so soon that she could not accept it for a while.

After speaking, Zheng Xiu sent Xue Zhi and Xue Shao out.

She and Xue Zhi actually got engaged so quickly, and the wedding date was just around the corner. Zheng Xiu felt it was unreal, and Xue Zhi felt even more like he was dreaming. He felt that every step he took was like walking on clouds.

After sending her to the door, Xue Zhi asked Zheng Xiu to stay, "Just send her here, we will go back now. You...you don't have to feel burdened. I said that even after we get married, I will not force you to do anything. When the storm is over, if you want, we will divorce and give you freedom."

Zheng Xiu nodded. She saw Xue Zhi's character and knew that he was definitely not the kind of person who would force a woman or go back on his words.

The two said goodbye, and Xue Zhi took Xue Shao back.

Old man Zheng was a little tired after talking for half a morning, so he went back to the house to rest.

Zheng Xiu's mind was a little blank. She went to the stove and watched Aunt Qian prepare lunch.

She was absent-minded, and Aunt Qian saw it. When she came, the main hall of the Zheng family was full of people. She didn't dare to listen more and went straight into the stove. But she still heard a few words and roughly knew what happened. She couldn't help but feel sorry for Zheng Xiu. In her opinion, the eldest daughter of the Dong family was capable and good-looking. If she was her daughter, she would naturally love her to the core. It's just that her luck is really bad, and it's too difficult for her to get married. Although that Xue Hunter looked good, Aunt Qian also felt that he was still not worthy of Zheng Xiu. But she was a helper for others, so it was difficult for her to say anything.

Soon lunch was ready and served.

But the Zheng family was obviously in no mood to eat. Even Zheng Yu, who usually talked the most, felt the family atmosphere and shut up obediently.

Zheng Xiu still forced a smile and urged everyone, "Let's eat quickly. It will be bad if the food gets cold. There are still many things to plan after dinner. The wedding date is so tight, and I won't agree if other things are not to my liking."

Old Mrs. Zheng also said, "Yes, our girl Xiu is getting married, and there are so many things to prepare. Old man, big brother, how can you help her if you don't eat?" Old man