Chapter 462 Are you going to marry him, or take his place?
Tang Shan paused slightly, but before he could speak, Old Man Qi said nitpickingly, "Based on your three dilapidated tile-roofed houses, or on the fact that you have no official rank, no military merit, and no family property!"
"father!"
Qi Meng's face darkened. Could it be that her father was deliberately trying to prevent her from getting married?
Upon realizing this possibility, Qi Meng instantly felt unwell.
"What father? Go play somewhere else!" Old Man Qi glared at his good-for-nothing daughter.
"I didn't ask you, but aren't you ashamed, you're a young lady? Go play with the flowers somewhere else!" Old Man Qi muttered irritably.
Qi Meng almost rolled up her sleeves and started fighting with her own father.
She only has a few days left to live, so why can't her father...?
“I know my daughter’s personality; she’s not someone to be trifled with. If you’re willing to be with her, I agree. I can disregard your social standing and your background…”
"All I want is for my daughter to continue living a life of luxury, that's all!"
Qi Meng paused, opened her mouth as if to say something, but looking at her father's aged face and the worried look in his eyes, she didn't know what to say.
Tang Shan, who was standing to the side, remained silent for a moment, her brows slightly furrowed.
At that moment, he suddenly realized what Old Master Qi was worried about.
Madam Qian fell silent. She looked at Xiao Su Bao and wondered what she would do if Xiao Su Bao were to get married.
Perhaps he'll end up like Old Man Qi!
She also wanted Xiaosubao to have a good life and didn't want Xiaosubao to have to put up with her in-laws' attitude.
most……
It would be best to find a son-in-law who lives with the woman's family.
Madam Qian raised her eyes and looked at Tang Shan. The third son was usually quite impulsive, and among her children, she was always the one she worried about the most.
If he can be well in the future, with General Qi taking care of him...
The Qian family had actually already made a slight compromise.
But at that moment, Tang Shan spoke up!
"I don't have much money on me right now..."
"Su Bao has money, Third Brother, all of Su Bao's money is yours, take it all!"
Little Su Bao said anxiously.
The little dumpling knew that their fate was predetermined, and that if Qi Meng and Tang Shan didn't end up together, both of them would be in great pain.
"I have a lot of silver, I'll use it all to help my third brother get married!" Little Su Bao said nervously.
General Qi, who was speaking, had already seen Xiao Su Bao and Madam Qian.
He was actually waiting for the Qian family to speak.
He arrived earlier than Tang Bugui and had already stayed in Tangjia Village for several days.
But he never brought up the matter of marriage.
General Qi was very fond of Xiao Su Bao, especially when he saw the little dumpling calling him, it immediately reminded him of his own daughter when she was little.
"Little sister..." Tang Shan's heart softened slightly when she saw Xiao Su Bao's anxious look.
"Third Brother, don't worry, Su Bao has money..." Little Su Bao's eyes were bright.
At this moment, Madam Qian also spoke up: "Master Qi, if..."
Madam Qian took a deep breath, glanced at her son, and then looked at General Qi, saying, "If you are worried that the two of them will not have a good life in the future... I can agree..."
"mother!"
Tang Shan's expression changed slightly, and he turned around and knelt down directly in front of Madam Qian.
He had no father from childhood, and he had even forgotten what his biological father looked like.
Their mother raised them brothers with great care and love.
Mother devoted almost all her energy to her and her younger brother.
Now that I'm finally able to earn money to repay my widowed mother, how could I possibly do something like marrying into her family?
He likes Qi Meng, but he cares more about his family.
"Don't you want San'er anymore?" Tang Shan's eyes reddened, and her gaze held a hint of sadness.
Qi Meng paused, then clenched her fist.
The little girl didn't say anything, but turned to her father and said, "Father, if it's not possible, then let's just forget about it!"
She spoke very casually. Fortunately, she only had some feelings for Tang Shan, but... she felt that she should marry him!
But if it makes her father sad, she can choose not to marry for the rest of her life!
General Qi was taken aback, and he subconsciously looked at his daughter.
The little girl had a smile in her eyes, but her father noticed the sadness in her gaze.
General Qi paused, "He just wanted his daughter to have a good life!"
In this village, in this small Tang family, they had nothing.
Marrying someone of equal social standing is not just about matching social status, but also about your knowledge and experience.
His daughter didn't understand, but he, as her father, did.
"Father... let's go home!" Qi Meng took General Qi's arm and was about to lead her elderly father away.
At that moment, Tang Bugui, who was standing inside the Tang family's gate, came out.
Tang Bugui said softly, "Wait!"
General Qi thought he had misheard and subconsciously looked over.
Sure enough, they saw it on Tang Bugui.
Suddenly remembering something, General Qi paused, then clasped his hands in a fist salute to Tang Bugui: "General Tang!"
"General Qi!" Tang Bugui returned the greeting.
"Let's talk inside. What kind of behavior are you displaying outside? Besides... His Majesty has issued an imperial decree regarding this marriage!"
Tang Bugui spoke calmly to General Qi, his expression seemingly unchanged.
But upon closer inspection, one might notice a strange protectiveness emanating from him at that moment…
Tang Shan was also slightly taken aback, a hint of surprise in her eyes.
Their younger brother doesn't usually like to meddle in other people's business...
"You..." General Qi opened his mouth as if to say something, but in the end he didn't say anything.
Has this guy already received the imperial decree?
Thinking of the letter his daughter had written to him, General Qi couldn't help but feel a little worried.
Just then, Madam Qian said, "No matter what, let's go inside first and then talk!"
General Qi paused, but finally went inside, though the light in his eyes still shifted slightly.
Upon arriving at the main hall of the Tang family home, everyone took their seats.
General Qi's gaze kept falling on Tang Bugui.
This guy actually has a daughter...
The main thing is that this daughter is so beautiful!
Putting that aside, how come he, who was supposed to be a cursed lone star, suddenly has so many relatives around him?
General Qi had something on his mind, so he remained silent, and Madam Qian didn't know how to start the conversation.
However, Qi Meng and Tang Shan would occasionally steal glances at each other, seemingly developing a strange affection for one another.
Just then, Tang Bugui, holding Xiao Su Bao, fed the little girl some water before raising his eyes to look at General Qi.
"General Qi, you should know that this is my hometown, and Tang Shan is my nephew!"
Tang Bugui looked at General Qi, his gaze calm and steady.
Little Su Bao's eyes lit up a bit when she saw her father looking like this.
Madam Qian, who was standing to the side, also looked over. She clenched her fists slightly, knowing in her heart that her uncle was supporting her and the children!
"But that's just your nephew. Even your own son might not get your title, let alone a nephew. General Tang, you also have a daughter. You should understand how I feel!"
General Qi glanced at Tang Bugui, then at Xiao Subao, a hint of something unreadable in his eyes.
They're both fathers, he should be able to understand how I feel... right?
Tang Bugui was fine just now, but after hearing General Qi's words, and thinking about how Xiao Su Bao would get married in the future, and might be mistreated by her mother-in-law, or that her husband might be a disappointment...
Tang Bugui's face instantly darkened, and he was completely distraught!
Who should she marry... The first condition for wanting to marry his daughter is that she must marry into his family!
Upon thinking of this, Tang Bugui's eyelids twitched instantly!
As expected, General Qi is quite cunning!
He actually knew that this was General Qi's doing.
Moreover, the Tang family did not actually suffer any loss in this matter!
Tang Bugui was silent for a moment, then shook his head: "It's different!"
"My sister-in-law raised several children single-handedly and raised them very well..." Before Tang Bugui could finish speaking, General Qi became displeased.
He rolled his eyes and interrupted, "Who says no one raises their own child with painstaking care? My daughter was also pampered and spoiled growing up. She's also physically weak and has a bad temper, so she's bound to accidentally upset everyone!"
“If she stays at home, I can keep an eye on her and not let anyone bully her. But if she's far away and marries that brat, what am I supposed to do if he doesn't treat my daughter well?”
"I only have one precious daughter, Tang Bugui. Put your hand on your heart and tell me, are you willing to marry your daughter off to a distant place?"
"If you're not willing, why should my daughter marry someone from so far away!" General Qi said, standing up as he finished speaking.
He pointed angrily at Tang Bugui, as if he were looking at his mortal enemy.
Tang Bugui fell silent, realizing that he might share the same thoughts as General Qi.
This has led to a stalemate!
Little Su Bao looked at Tang Bugui, then at General Qi.
The little dumpling became anxious.
"What should I do! What should I do!" the little dumpling muttered anxiously to himself.
For a moment, I didn't know who to look at.
Finally, Madam Qian spoke up: "Third son, I'll only ask you one question: are you truly willing to marry Miss Qi and treat her well for the rest of your life?"
Tang Shan paused for a moment, then nodded firmly: "Yes, I love Sister Meng... Miss Qi, I only want to be with her in this life, but you are my mother, I cannot fail to fulfill my filial duty to you, you have suffered alone..."
"General Qi is right, no one's child is born of thin air... Mother has four sons, but Miss Qi is an only child..."
Mrs. Qian took a deep breath and looked at her son with loving eyes.
Parents who love their children will surely have far-reaching plans. She wants her son to have a better life and, more importantly, she wants him to have no regrets in the future.
When the child grows up, let him go!
"When a woman marries a man, she also leaves her familiar home. They also have fathers, daughters, and brothers!"
"Besides, in the future, Mother will still separate you all. After Mother is gone, you will still have to live your own lives..."
"Mother!" Instantly, Tang Cheng and the others all looked at Madam Qian and knelt down in front of her.
Ms. Qian wore a smile.
She used to be a female bandit, and her personality was similar to that of a man.
At this moment, she had a change of heart.
"You and Miss Qi are both good children. I know you both want to make a good life for each other. From now on, just live your own little lives well. As long as you are happy, whether you marry her or she marries you, you can both be happy!"
Tang Shan and Qi Meng both looked at Madam Qian. This time, even General Qi, who was standing next to her, looked at Madam Qian with new respect.
Having secretly overheard many things about Madam Qian before, General Qi now felt a greater sense of admiration for this widow.
If they were in Kyoto, I might not care about marriage, but not now!
General Qi couldn't bear to see his daughter leave him; he couldn't stand it!
"Qi Meng is a good girl, but her health isn't very good. From now on, you two should go to the capital and live a good life. Your mother is here with your older and younger brothers!"
Tang Shan immediately knelt down and walked towards Qian Shi!
He was at a loss for words. He didn't want to leave his mother, he didn't want to leave Tangjia Village!
"mother!"
Tang Shan opened his mouth to say something, but Qian Shi interrupted her son.
"Alright, we're all big kids now, let's not say those things!"
With a gentle look in her eyes, Madam Qian reached out and touched her son's head before saying to General Qi, "From now on, this child is in your care!"
General Qi's complexion improved considerably. With such a sensible mother-in-law, her daughter's life would be much easier.
He was about to speak when Qi Meng and Tang Shan knelt down together.
"Auntie, don't worry, I will definitely treat Lao San well in the future!"
Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions immediately changed.
Especially the Qian family!
If she remembered correctly, she had said the same thing a long time ago!
Madam Qian chuckled, paused for a moment, and then said, "Yes, Auntie believes you!"
Tang Shan was about to speak when Qian interrupted him.
"Alright, stop being so fussy. Miss Qi isn't feeling well, Third Brother, help her up!"
Madam Qian turned to General Qi and said, "General Qi, Miss Qi has a special health condition, so it may be too late for her to get married in the capital. I'd like to shamelessly ask you if we could let the children get married in the village first, and then hold another ceremony for them when they get to the capital!"
As she spoke, Ms. Qian stood up!
General Qi also quickly stood up, his eyes filled with a sense of admiration and respect.
This woman, Qian, is no ordinary person!
This is something that would be impossible for almost anyone.
"Of course!" General Qi wasn't the kind of person to be unreasonable. Seeing that Madam Qian had backed down so much, he understood that she truly valued her daughter.
General Qi smiled, his eyes showing more approval as he looked at Tang Shan.
A child who abandons his family without seeing any benefit is still someone a daughter should entrust her life to.
And the Qian family is all good!
Tang Bugui touched his nose and subconsciously glanced at the little dumpling in his arms with its bright, sparkling eyes.
The little girl's lips curved into a smile, and her eyes were full of laughter.
It's clear she was genuinely happy for her third brother.
Tang Bugui smiled and agreed, showing that he was happy to see the marriage happen.
After all, General Qi only has one daughter!
Having General Qi as his father-in-law is quite good for Tang Shan.
Tang Shan pursed her lips, feeling very sad.
He suddenly understood why women cry when they get married.
He feels like crying right now!
"Okay, I'll take care of you from now on, don't be afraid!"
Qi Meng chuckled and patted Tang Shan on the shoulder.
Tang Shan didn't speak, standing quietly to the side.
The matter was urgent, so Madam Qian and General Qi went to discuss the marriage arrangements.
Tang Shan's brothers pulled him outside.
Little Su Bao watched them leave, glanced at her father, and tugged at his sleeve with her little hand: "Daddy, can we go and take a look too?"
Third Brother is a little sad right now, and Little Su Bao wants to comfort him.
Tang Bugui nodded, picked up Xiao Su Bao, and followed them over.
There are only a few elders left in the Tang family now, so Tang Cheng didn't say anything when he saw Tang Bugui coming over.
"Uncle, thank you for today!" Tang Cheng clasped his hands in a respectful bow to Tang Bugui.
The others who witnessed this scene also had a slight change in their expressions.
If Tang Bugui hadn't called General Qi back, the marriage between the third son and Qi Meng probably wouldn't have happened.
Tang Shan had mixed feelings. On one hand, he liked Qi Meng, but on the other hand, he felt that he had let his mother down.
"No need, I am your elder, it is only right that I do so!"
Tang Bugui said calmly, "Actually, in terms of age, he and Tang Cheng are about the same."
Tang Cheng didn't say much. As the eldest brother, he also acted as a father figure in many ways.
"Third brother, don't think so much. Mother is right. We are still here at home. You just need to live a good life with Miss Qi!" Tang Shan said seriously.
Tang Qi patted Tang Shan on the shoulder, chuckled, and said with a grin, "Don't think too much about it. Mother won't blame you, and neither will we. Just be happy being your bride now!"
"And me!" Tang Si paused, his gaze towards his third brother filled with reluctance.
Little Su Bao is no longer the clueless little girl she used to be.
She patted her third brother's shoulder with her little hand.
"Third brother will definitely get better and better in the future!" Xiao Su Bao's words were like a stabilizing force, making everyone feel more at ease.
On the other side, Qi Meng looked at her father's dark face and cautiously moved closer.
"Father~" she called out sweetly, then saw General Qi take a step back and look at his daughter with disdain.
"Alright, be normal for once!"
General Qi snorted, then said irritably, "What are you doing running around like this? I almost found you a new fiancé, and here you are, this brat!"
Qi Meng helplessly shrugged: "Dad, think long-term. Trust your daughter, the third son is a good person!"
"nonsense!"
General Qi glared at his daughter, feeling both moved and heartbroken.
He was aware of his daughter's situation; otherwise, he wouldn't have arranged so many marriages for her.
"Tell your father the truth, is it because he can cure your illness, or do you really like him?"
General Qi had a stern face, with a hint of tension in his eyes.
If my daughter is unhappy...
General Qi clenched his fists; as an elderly father, he was filled with worry.
Qi Meng paused, and Tang Shan's simple and honest face appeared in her mind.
"I like his face! I like him as a person, and I like him even more for being able to help me cure my illness!"
Qi Meng turned to look at her dumbfounded father, and then said with utmost solemnity, "Father, do you remember the dream I told you about?"
General Qi was stunned and stared blankly at his daughter.
Then Qi Meng spoke up, saying, "I think he's the one from my dreams!"
General Qi clenched his fist, then released it.
"So, do you want to marry him, or take his place..."
General Qi's eyes became unusually tense this time.
Qi Meng laughed when she saw her father acting like a child.
"Father has done so much for his daughter, how could his daughter have let him down?"
Qi Meng's eyes lit up.
Seeing that his daughter hadn't blamed him, General Qi finally smiled with relief.
The wedding date was determined by an unnamed old Taoist priest, who also checked the compatibility of the couple's birth dates.
Finally, they set their date for October 1st, which is said to be the best day of the year.
Their birth charts are also a perfect match.
Two major events occurred in the village at the end of September!
The first thing is, the corn is ripe!
I don't know if it's the effect of the hot spring water, but the corn in Tangjia Village is growing exceptionally well. The corn is large and tastes great, and now the leaves have turned completely yellow.
The corncobs had also become hard as rocks.
Everyone worked tirelessly in the fields.
Meanwhile, Xiao Su Bao and his friends had a bumper harvest of sweet potatoes, meaning the village will not only have no shortage of food this year, but will also have more grain stored up.
In just a few days, every household in the village was extremely busy.
Upon hearing about this, Zhao Ziyun immediately brought the villagers over to help.
When he saw Xiao Su Bao, the little girl was helping with the work in the field.
Little Su Bao was seen pulling down two corn cobs, one in each hand.
The little dumpling had a blue veil on its head and wore long clothes and pants, completely covering its face and neck.
If Zhao Ziyun hadn't seen Tang Bugui next to the little girl, he probably would have doubted his own eyes.
"Little Su Bao!" He carried a pot of honey water and jogged over to little Su Bao, his eyes filled with tenderness.
Zhao Ziyun was slightly taken aback when he saw the young girl who had become much fairer.
He needs to be more diligent in the future, otherwise he will miss too much of the little girl's growth.
"Brother Zhao Yun!" Little Su Bao was also very happy to see Zhao Ziyun.
"Are you tired? Let me do it. You drink the honey water!" Zhao Ziyun said to Xiao Su Bao.
As he spoke, he began to peel the corn, mimicking the little girl's earlier actions.
The corn, which was easily handled by the little girl, was inexplicably a bit difficult for Zhao Ziyun.
Xiao Su Bao handed the honey water to Tang Bu Gui, who was standing next to her.
Tang Bugui, who had just been very dissatisfied with Zhao Ziyun, was instantly pleased by his daughter's actions.
He took a sip of the honey water and handed it to Xiao Mobao, who was standing next to him.
He couldn't give the honey water to his daughter, so he handed his own water bag to Xiao Su Bao.
Little Su Bao didn't mind; Daddy's water was hot spring water, which tasted better.
Little Su Bao gulped down two mouthfuls.
Little Mo Bao glanced at Little Su Bao, then at Zhao Ziyun, and finished the honey water in one gulp…
After finishing his drink, he glanced at Zhao Ziyun and frowned slightly.
This honey water is too sweet; Su Bao definitely won't like drinking it!
And Aunt Qian said that Xiao Su Bao shouldn't eat too many sweets!
He definitely didn't get together with Guang because he was even slightly unhappy.
Zhao Ziyun glanced at the boy in front of him, his lips twitching slightly.
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