Chapter 3 Trouble
"Master, when will you come to my house to propose marriage?"
"Liu Yang, you are still young, study hard and don't think too much."
"But Master, Daddy said you spent the night with my sister, you have to take responsibility."
"Daddy also said that he doesn't want your money, as long as you treat your sister well."
Liu Yang remembered what his father said when his sister came back this morning, and he couldn't help but repeat it to his teacher. He was very happy that the teacher was his brother-in-law, and he felt very proud just thinking about it.
Only then did Gu Wan realize that it was that girl who took care of him last night. However, this girl from the Liu family did not know how to avoid suspicion. What would he do if this got out? He couldn't help but feel resentful in his heart!
She couldn't help but feel irritated. She was a cold person who didn't like trouble. She had been in this ancient place for eighteen years. Although she had adapted to the local customs, she still couldn't help but complain about this crappy feudal tradition.
In the past, there were matchmakers in the mansion, but she turned them down all the time, saying that she just wanted to concentrate on her studies. She really couldn't avoid them, and had no other choice, so she came to this remote mountain village, just to live a quiet life. What's more, she was a girl, and didn't want to accept her fate and get married. She just wanted to be free as the wind and live alone.
Now I have gotten into this trouble for no reason. I really wish I hadn't meddled in other people's business. It seems I must visit the Liu family this time!
So after school that day, Gu Wan took Liu Yang to his house. When they arrived, they felt hopeless and wondered what kind of luck they had.
It turned out that another group of people had gathered in Old Man Liu's yard. Gu Wan walked over reluctantly and saw that it was the town's official matchmaker, Wu Matchmaker. When everyone saw her coming, they quickly gave way.
"Brother Gu, you are here!"
"Master Gu, I've been waiting for you to come."
"Butcher Zheng has invited someone here, tell us quickly."
"I can't let Yin'er marry someone like that."
Everyone was talking at once, and Gu Wan also got a general idea of what was going on. It turned out that Zheng the butcher had not given up after returning. He thought that the tax payment period was approaching, and the Liu family would definitely not have any spare money. Why not help them in their time of need and find someone to talk to them? Was he afraid that Liu Yin'er would run away?
So he spent a lot of money to hire the official matchmaker from the county government to propose marriage. Mrs. Wu was also greedy for money. She thought that the farmer's family was small and she could just fool them, so she came to find him.
Who knew that this young lady from the Liu family was so stubborn and wouldn't agree no matter what she was told. It turned out that she had a lover in her heart. Seeing how handsome this young man was, she couldn't help but come up with a plan.
"Oh, young master, you are very handsome. Why don't you come with me to the town? The daughter of Mr. Liu in this town is as beautiful as a flower. He has been looking for a husband these days. He has looked at many in the surrounding villages but none of them look as good as you. You are well-mannered and you will definitely be accepted. Mr. Liu said that as long as the husband's family is reliable, a dowry of 100 taels is not a problem."
The crowd suddenly fell silent. A hundred taels! Everyone knew that Mr. Liu was a wealthy man in town. If they could marry him, they would be overjoyed. Even though Mr. Gu was a scholar, he might not be able to resist temptation.
Liu Yiner felt ashamed to raise her head. She couldn't afford a penny. The young lady was also very beautiful, so she was afraid that she would lose without even having to compete.
Gu Wan's feet trembled, and she couldn't help clenching and unclenching her fists, but her heart was shaking with anger. Who had she offended? She absolutely couldn't do anything about it.
"Everyone, I'm just sending Liu Yang home and I'll be leaving now." After saying that, Gu Wan turned around and left, fearing that he would be left without a trace.
Everyone was dumbfounded and saw her walk away quickly.
"That's it, I'm leaving now."
"This little brother Gu is too unmanly"
"Exactly, why is she so timid? I thought she had some courage."
The crowd started talking again, which made Mrs. Wu happy. She had wanted to bribe the boy, but she didn't expect it to be so useless. He really had a good-looking appearance but nothing.
"Miss Liu, this young lover is so heartless and disloyal, why do you still miss him? In my opinion, Mr. Zheng is more reliable. Marry him and you will have food and clothing without worries, and meat every meal. Moreover, Mr. Zheng said that as long as you agree today, he is willing to offer ten taels of silver as a betrothal gift."
Everyone couldn't help but curse the butcher in their hearts after hearing this. He had clearly taken Brother Gu's money that day. This was simply a scam. But when they thought of Brother Gu's behavior just now, they were speechless.
"I won't marry." Liu Yin'er stared at the direction where Gu Wanyuan was leaving, but the man had already disappeared.
"My dear, your father is ill now. If the family has no income, I'm afraid we won't be able to pay the taxes. If you don't agree, you will be imprisoned. I'm afraid your father won't survive before he even goes to jail. I advise you to agree. Mr. Zheng is not as handsome as your lover, but what's the use of being handsome? Can it make you eat? Just listen to your aunt. I won't harm you."
Mrs. Wu originally thought that she could easily get such a poor family to agree with just a few words, but who knew it would take so much effort? No wonder that damn butcher was willing to spend money to invite her over.
When the crowd heard this, they were speechless. The harvest was poor this year, and every family was struggling to make ends meet. They also had to worry about taxes. Who had the time to help others?
It seems that the girl from the Liu family is going to get married. What a pity. She is so beautiful. She and that young man Gu seem like a good match, but she can't help but be reluctant. It seems that this matter is almost certain. Seeing that it is almost done, everyone dispersed. After all, they still have to be busy at home.
Liu Yin'er seemed to be unable to hear anyone talking. She just stared blankly in the direction of Gu Wan's house. Her heart was filled with despair. What else could a woman like her do? What else could she do? Thinking of this, tears flowed silently.
Mrs. Wu was just thinking that the matter was about to be settled, so she quickly said, "Mr. Zheng misses you very much. If you accept, the betrothal gifts will be sent to you tomorrow. You can pick an auspicious day to hold the wedding in the next few days. He can at least help you take care of the land. You can marry him without worry."
I think that young master is not capable of farm work. With my family in this situation, I am afraid I will have to take care of everything by myself in the future. Even if that man is willing to marry me, it will only bring trouble to both of us.
It would be better for her to marry the butcher and return the betrothal gift to her. She would not be able to live well anyway. She only hoped that the butcher would treat her father and Liu Yang well. Liu Yiner thought so, the words of promise were on the tip of her tongue, but her mouth felt like it weighed a thousand pounds and she could not open it. The resentment in her heart was nowhere to be found.
"I, I'll write to you tomorrow." Liu Yin'er couldn't help but delay for another day. What if God favored her? What if, what if she could find another way? What if there was an accident?
Gu Wan hurried home as if running for his life. When he reached the intersection and turned a corner, he could no longer move his feet. The tear-stained face of Liu Yiner flashed through his mind, and he felt sick all over. He hardened his heart, lowered his head and walked forward. After taking a few steps, he quickly turned around and ran.
When she arrived at the Liu family, she couldn't see a single person. Gu Wan couldn't help but feel panicked. Could it be that she was too late? She didn't care about being rude and walked straight into the room.
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I'm a newbie in online writing, so I'm slow in updating. Please don't blame me, classmates.
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