Indeed, these things should not be coveted.
Otherwise, it would be a capital offense, punishable by beheading!
They watched helplessly as the generals loaded all the treasure onto the carts, and finally they said goodbye.
However, some rewards were still left for the villagers and the county magistrate, as well as an imperial edict written by the emperor himself.
"This imperial edict is enough to bless our town for a hundred years," the magistrate said, overjoyed.
Having served as a county magistrate for so many years, he had always been a minor official. It was a rare opportunity to receive an imperial edict, so he was naturally extremely excited.
"I never imagined that this imperial edict would fall into my hands in my lifetime."
The magistrate was most grateful to the Wan family. After much thought, he still felt that Baili Wanwan was a promising talent.
This little girl is so young, but she knows a lot.
The county magistrate specially hosted a dinner in the town, inviting Wan Suizhou and Baili Wanwan.
They also took Cao Chengye with them.
Both Baili Wanwan and Wan Suizhou were very familiar with Cao Chengye, the son of the county magistrate.
"Are all of these edible?"
Looking at the Manchu Han Imperial Feast laid out on the table, Baili Wanwan was filled with excitement. She took a deep breath and instantly felt the aroma wafting through the air, and she really wanted to pick up her chopsticks and feast.
But just as he held the chopsticks in his hand, they were knocked to the ground.
Wan Suizhou stared at her, his face full of displeasure: "How can you be so ill-mannered? How many times have I told you before that you should be polite in front of your elders? The elders haven't even touched their chopsticks, yet you've already started eating them without any regard for their own needs."
Baili Wanwan puffed out her cheeks, looking aggrieved, but the county magistrate personally brought her a plate of pastries.
"In the end, she's just a child, why bother arguing with her?"
Upon hearing this, Baili Wanwan nodded in agreement.
"Yes, yes, Wanwan isn't a greedy little girl, she's just too hungry."
Wan Suizhou realized he couldn't bear to say anything harsh again, so he could only follow Baili Wanwan.
Soon, the large plate of pastries was empty, but Baili Wanwan was still not satisfied. She wiped her mouth and smacked her lips.
Cao Chengye was amused by her appearance and couldn't help but tease her, "She really is worthy of being called Wanwan, every move she makes is so cute."
Baili Wanwan originally took this as a compliment, but for some reason she felt something was off, and even started to get goosebumps.
"Wanwan has always been adorable, that's obvious to everyone." Seeing that everyone else had started eating, Baili Wanwan finally mustered up the courage to pick up her chopsticks and ate a lot of dishes.
"The food here is really delicious. Wanwan will make a lot of money in the future, and then our family will come here to dine often."
In the heart of this winding village, the greatest happiness is being able to eat the most delicious food; nothing else matters.
Earning silver is all for eating!
"All you think about is food. You should focus on your studies instead."
Wan Suizhou patted Baili Wanwan's forehead: "Only by reading ten thousand books can one become a superior person."
But then I thought, Baili Wanwan isn't even human, so he probably doesn't need their hardships and rules.
However, once the words have been spoken, they cannot be taken back.
"Wanwan understands, but can we talk about it after Wanwan finishes her meal?"
Baili Wanwan can't control herself when it comes to food; all she thinks about is eating as much as possible.
Her stomach was like a bottomless pit, as if no amount of food could fill it!
"Actually, we have something else to discuss today."
After pondering for a long time, the magistrate finally revealed the main purpose of his visit: "My son has always felt that the girl Wanwan is very much to his liking. When he returned home, he couldn't eat or drink and kept thinking about Wanwan. My son is also a good person. I will raise him well in the future. Maybe he can also become the top scholar in the imperial examination. He and Wanwan are a match made in heaven."
Upon hearing this—
It was clear that they wanted to arrange a marriage between their children.
Before Wan Suizhou knew that Baili Wanwan was a mermaid, she could have considered it. After all, it was already very difficult for an ordinary family to marry into an official family.
Moreover, the county magistrate's family are of good character and are by no means arrogant or condescending.
"This matter is probably debatable. Wanwan is still young and doesn't understand what liking or disliking is. Let's wait until she's older before discussing it."
This was clearly a rejection, and the county magistrate was somewhat embarrassed.
Not just anyone can marry into the county magistrate's mansion. This little girl, Baili Wanwan, is really lovable and a lucky star, so it's perfect for her to marry into the family.
"Wanwan doesn't want an arranged marriage. Wanwan wants to stay with Auntie forever." Baili Wanwan raised her little face from the plate, her expression full of confusion.
Everyone couldn't help but chuckle at her appearance.
Cao Chengye was deeply moved and took out a jade hairpin from his sleeve.
“Little sister Wanwan, I don’t know what you like. I saw this hairpin in the jewelry shop in town last time and thought it suited you very well, so I bought it for you as a gift.”
Baili Wanwan wasn't interested in jewelry. She only glanced at the hairpin, and feeling embarrassed to refuse, she accepted it and thanked the person in a soft voice.
Grandpa Wan once said that one should be polite.
“Little sister Wanwan, you have accepted my token of love. From now on, you will be my wife.”
A rare blush appeared on Cao Chengye's delicate face. He lowered his head slightly, carefully clenched his fists, and waited for Baili Wanwan's answer.
However, when Baili Wanwan heard those words, she had already returned the hairpin.
"Wanwan doesn't want this hairpin anymore, Wanwan doesn't want to be your wife."
Upon hearing this, Cao Chengye's expression also turned sour.
"But since you have accepted my token of love, you are my wife, and there is no reason for you to go back on your word."
In an instant, the atmosphere became tense, and everyone held their breath, waiting for Baili Wanwan to continue.
Now Baili Wanwan was completely unhappy. She threw the hairpin at Cao Chengye and pouted.
"Wanwan wants to go home and doesn't want to stay here any longer."
Wan Suizhou saw through Baili Wanwan's thoughts and naturally let her do as she pleased.
He took a piece of silver from his sleeve and placed it on the table.
"Thank you for your hospitality today, Magistrate, but we are not fortunate enough to accept it. Please consider the money split equally."
Baili Wanwan skipped and hopped down from the restaurant, and the two went straight back to the village.
Upon entering the village, one could see Zhao Damei standing at the village entrance, looking disheveled and clearly having suffered some injustice.
Baili Wanwan lifted the carriage curtain, and then shouted, "Grandma Damei, move aside!"
"I don't want to live anymore. You can just run me over. There's no point in living anyway."
This is suicidal! The carriage can't stop at all. After all, stopping it at this crucial moment will only frighten the horse, and the consequences could be even more serious.
Zhao Damei, however, looked as if she were ready to die.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
