Despite this misunderstanding, the overall situation was relatively harmonious, and the two families paid their money and left.
According to previous regulations, a portion of the money handed over was allocated to the public fund, and the rest was all given to Lotus.
This time, Lianhua accepted it without hesitation, because it was what she deserved. No matter how she refused, the adults in her family would make her accept it.
Just as her family was about to start a new business, Lianhua planned to invest all the money in it so that she could get a larger share of the profits.
Lei Zi watched, genuinely happy for her. He himself had accomplished nothing, but Lianhua was already so outstanding that she had started taking on apprentices. Moreover, these two had come specifically because of her reputation, which showed that Lianhua's strength was recognized.
He needs to work harder, otherwise, whether in the eyes of outsiders or his own family, he won't be worthy of Lotus.
On the way back, Liu Yuexiang was distracted and her mind kept replaying the news from the Lu family that Lu Zilei was going to get engaged to Lianhua. She felt that the matter was too hasty and she couldn't accept that such an excellent and wonderful person like Lianhua was going to get married.
"What's wrong with you, girl? Have you really fallen for that young master of the Lu family?"
Seeing her absent-minded appearance, Zhang was anxious. If she really had such thoughts, she had to straighten her mind. Her elder brother was right. Their families were not worthy of such a relationship. She shouldn't have such unrealistic dreams. It would be more reliable to take each step steadily.
Before Liu Yuexiang could speak, she continued, "I advise you to give up on that idea as soon as possible. The Lu family is not one we can afford to offend. You either follow Lianhua and learn how to do business properly, or you go home and wait to be married. But you mustn't cause any scandals, or your father and uncle won't be able to save you."
Both were minor county magistrates, seventh-rank officials. Although they had some influence in the county, they were not even worthy of carrying shoes for those important figures.
One should have self-awareness. They were just exposed for trying to take shortcuts in the matter of becoming an apprentice, so there's no point in talking about anything else.
"Mother, what are you saying? Who likes the young master of the Lu family? Didn't I just say that I was just surprised that Lianhua is engaged to the young master of the Lu family at such a young age?"
Liu Yuexiang snapped out of her daze and glanced at her mother with some disdain. Why was she thinking about men all the time?
Madam Zhang couldn't help but glare at her daughter and said, "She's not young anymore, it's time to arrange a marriage. What's so strange about that? Besides, the girl is so wonderful, it's normal for the Lu family to want to settle things as soon as possible."
Logically speaking, her daughter should be engaged by now. She had previously been interested in that kind of relationship, and it seemed that she had taken a liking to the young master of the Li family. This year, she came to her uncle's house for the New Year to try to get closer to him and settle the marriage. Who would have thought that after only a few days, this brat would change her mind and now look down on the young master Li completely.
If he weren't her own son, she would have cursed him under her breath. And with what happened tonight, people thought she had taken a liking to Lu Zilei. Her change of heart was really fast.
Liu Yuexiang had no idea what her mother was thinking, and she replied seriously, "I just think it's a pity that such a good girl like Lianhua is engaged so early. There are many people who are better than the young master of the Lu family."
Zhang didn't want to talk to her anymore. She felt that her daughter might not be very bright. She was nothing herself, yet she was worrying about other people. How come she hadn't noticed how much trouble her daughter had caused before?
"Mind your own business and just focus on doing your own thing."
Magistrate Liu, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. He was very pleased that his daughter had managed to get on the Lu family's good side after just one trip here, and he hoped that she would continue her efforts and build a good relationship with the Lu family.
As for the others, it's best not to think about them; we can't afford to mess with them.
The repair costs are not cheap; his salary as a county magistrate is far from enough, and he still needs to rely on other income from his family. This is a major investment.
He also hoped that his daughter would return after completing her studies and take good care of the family's businesses so that they could earn some money, and that he, as an official, wouldn't be so strapped for cash.
"I understand, Father."
Liu Yuexiang dared not say that her goal was Lu Xiaoyang, because her parents would definitely not agree to that. But she had her own ideas, knew what she liked and what she wanted, and she wanted to get it herself.
On the Lu family's side, the engagement date for Lei Zi and Lian Hua was indeed set too hastily. They originally wanted to wait a while longer, but considering that everyone would be separated on the eighth day of the lunar new year and they didn't know when they would meet again, it was better to get it done in advance to avoid the hassle of going back and forth later.
After asking the village chief's wife to act as matchmaker and going through a simple procedure, the Lu family's eldest branch began preparing betrothal gifts for Lianhua.
Although time was short, everything that needed to be included was there. A total of sixty-four loads of betrothal gifts were displayed, which amazed everyone in the village. It was quite a grand affair!
On the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, the Lu family held an even grander feast, inviting the entire village to a banquet, as well as the officials who had come to pay their respects earlier.
However, none of them brought their own children this time. They had mostly been interested in Lei Zi and Lian Hua before, and their hearts were just beginning to blossom when they learned that the two of them were engaged. This was quite a blow, and they were in no mood to come.
This suited the Lu family perfectly; if those people didn't come, there would be no trouble, and the celebration could proceed more smoothly.
It wasn't that the Lu family was afraid of them, but they just didn't want to bring bad luck to Lianhua and Leizi on this joyous day.
Today, He Jiuniang personally did Lianhua's makeup. She wore a light red jacket and skirt, and was adorned with a set of pearl jewelry, making Lianhua look stunningly beautiful.
"Oh my, I just realized that Lotus has really grown into a beautiful young woman! Look how pretty she is!"
Today is Lotus's big day. Madam Qin got up and personally combed Lotus's hair. Looking at Lotus's beautiful appearance, Madam Qin's eyes were filled with tears.
Fortunately, Lianhua was engaged to Leizi, so no matter who she married, she would be in the Lu family; otherwise, she would have cried her eyes out.
Lianhua, who was initially quite shy, couldn't help but tear up when she saw Qin Shi like this. She said, "Aunt, I will always treat you well and take good care of you!"
"Your aunt doesn't need your filial piety. As long as you are doing well, your aunt will be at ease."
Qin was on the verge of tears, but He Jiu Niang quickly comforted her, "This is only the engagement, save your tears for the wedding!"
One sentence made the two of them laugh. Qin wiped away her tears and said, "Yes, yes, we can't cry on such a joyous day. It's bad luck. The guests have all arrived. Let's go out."
Lianhua nodded and followed the others out. As soon as she stepped outside, she saw Leizi already waiting there in a formal robe. When he saw Lianhua come out, a smile clearly appeared in his eyes.
"Hey, look how happy Lei Zi is!"
He Jiuniang has this habit: whenever she sees a young couple, she wants to make a few teasing remarks. The more embarrassed the couple is, the more excited she gets.
Both of them blushed, which made the adults laugh uncontrollably.
"Stop grinning like an idiot! Miss Liu and her family are here, bringing lots of gifts. Come with me to see them!"
When Sun saw her disrespectful behavior as an elderly woman, she got angry and grabbed her, regardless of whether she was happy or not.
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