Doubts

On the way back from Baligou, Zhang Cai couldn't stop thinking about what Mr. Liu had said. "I agreed to let Qianqian take care of Xiaolong to repay a debt of gratitude. A hero saving a beauty, and the beauty reciprocating with her hand in marriage – that's a legend. I never actually thought that. Now that Xiaolong's injuries have mostly healed, I want to bring Qianqian back in a few days. It's not really appropriate for her to stay at Old Brother Zhang's place indefinitely."

What could Zhang Cai say? There was already a gap between his family and Mr. Liu's. Xiaolong was just a farmer. Compared to Liu Qian, a well-educated young lady, he truly wasn't a good match. In the eyes of the Zhang family, Liu Qian was a golden phoenix, but the Zhang family had no phoenix tree to attract her. Although Liu Qian genuinely liked Zhang Xiaolong and was willing to live with his family, who knew what real married life would be like? It was better not to get together now than to face trouble later. Alas, what a shame for Liu Qian to be such a good potential daughter-in-law, and what a shame for Xiaolong's devoted affection.

Zhang Cai sighed as he walked, continuing to sigh all the way to Guo Village, his brow never relaxing.

Back home, Zhang Xiaolong and the others were eagerly awaiting Zhang Cai's return, hoping he'd bring good news. But seeing Zhang Cai enter with a grim expression, they knew things hadn't gone smoothly. Zhang Cai sat down heavily in a chair after entering the house. Zhang Xiaolong quickly poured him some water. After drinking, Zhang Cai rested for a moment before recounting the events at Mr. Liu's. The anxious crowd fell silent. Guo Sufi asked Zhang Cai, "Should we tell Mother about this?"

Zhang Cai thought for a moment and said, "Let's not tell her for now. Mother knows we went to Baligou. If there was good news, she'd be the first to know. Since we're not telling her, she can probably guess it's not good news. By the way, where is Liu Qian?"

Guo Sufi pointed towards the inner room and said, "When she saw you return, the child got shy and hid. I'll call her out now and tell her what her father said, so she can pack her things in advance."

Zhang Xiaolong said from the side, "Mother, I'll go call her. I don't think Qianqian will go back, so there's no need to pack yet."

Guo Sufi looked lovingly at the smitten Zhang Xiaolong and said, "Alright, you go. Perhaps Qianqian can persuade her father."

Not long after, Liu Qian emerged from the inner room with Zhang Xiaolong. Her face was a little pale. She glanced at everyone, said nothing, and quietly sat down in a chair in the corner. Everyone else also sat down, quietly watching Liu Qian. In Liu Qian's heart, a storm was raging. She couldn't understand her father's intentions. Since childhood, her father had always indulged her, never going against her wishes. When it came to choosing a husband, it was entirely her decision. Countless suitors had come to their door, but her father had never voiced his opinion, leaving the choice entirely to her preferences. This time, it was truly strange. She had made her decision, and he was opposing it. Could it be that he was afraid Uncle Zhang would deceive him? But that shouldn't be the case. Was it possible he really wanted her brother to marry first before considering her? Thinking this, Liu Qian felt a wave of annoyance. Liu Kai's standards were also exceptionally high; he looked down on girls from nearby villages. If she had to wait for him to get engaged first, wouldn't she become an old maid?

Liu Qian looked up, seeing everyone's expectant gazes. She forced a smile and said, "I don't quite understand my father's intentions either. I'll ask him properly when he comes to pick me up in a few days."

Then she looked at Zhang Xiaolong and nodded at him. Only then did a faint smile appear on Zhang Xiaolong's face.

This night was destined to be a somber one. No one ate well at dinner, quickly finishing their meals before tidying up. When Guo Sufi brought food to her mother, her mother asked if Zhang Cai had brought back good news. As Guo Sufi was about to stammer an excuse, her mother said, "It's alright, Sufi. I know our family's situation well. The children are outstanding, but our financial circumstances are what they are. It's normal for others to look down on us. Let the children follow their fate. If they are meant to be, they will become family eventually."

Guo Sufi felt a mix of joy and worry upon hearing this. She was happy that her mother saw things more clearly than she did, realizing her own concern was clouding her judgment. She was worried, however, that her mother's last wish might not be fulfilled, making her feel somewhat unfilial.

After dinner, everyone was too preoccupied to do any work. They chatted for a while before going to bed. Only Zhang Cai and Guo Sufi continued to discuss matters in low voices in the main hall for a long time before returning to their room.

The inner room was not lit by an oil lamp. Guo Sufi got onto the kang in the dark. Lying there, she was still thinking about the conversation she had just had with Zhang Cai. At that moment, she heard Liu Qian tossing and turning, unable to sleep. She asked, "Are you thinking about what your father said?"

"Yes, Auntie," Liu Qian replied vaguely.

Guo Sufi said, "Qianqian, your father actually means well. After all, you are still young and haven't experienced much. Your father has his own ideas and hopes you will live a happy life. We all understand that. Our family, as it is, cannot offer you much. When your father was young, it was precisely because of his financial situation that your mother couldn't properly care for her health, leading to his lifelong regret. That's why he values this so much. Moreover, the most crucial thing is that he probably wants to find a scholar for you. You and your brother are scholars, so naturally, he hopes your husband will also be a scholar, so you can compose poetry and couplets together. That kind of life is what you deserve. As for Xiaolong, he is my son, and of course, I think he is very good. But our family's financial situation was indeed poor back then, which is why he didn't get to study. These are all the pressures of life. Who wouldn't want their child to be successful?"

"I understand, Auntie. I'm starting to vaguely grasp my father's intentions. However, I still feel that while composing poetry and appreciating the moon are forms of happiness, a life where you fetch water and I water the garden, you plow the fields and I weave cloth, is also a kind of happiness. If the two people in the family have a deep connection, mutual respect, and love, even if it's a bit poor, they can change it through their own hard work! I grew up in the countryside. Unlike my mother's delicate health, I am very strong. Although I've never done farm work, I believe if I did, I wouldn't be worse than anyone else," Liu Qian said with some defiance.

Guo Sufi smiled and said, "Qianqian, you truly are a child who refuses to admit defeat. In fact, marriage is often not just about two people. You have to integrate into a new family, adapt to their way of life, and also let them accept you. It's not enough for just your husband to accept you. Moreover, there are many trivial matters in a household, like oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar. Any small thing can make your life unhappy."

Liu Qian said, "I know all these things, Auntie. When I was at home, neither Father nor my brother understood household chores. I did everything. I believe I am fully prepared for these things. Besides... besides, during my stay here, I've felt that the atmosphere in the house is very good and harmonious. I feel a sense of belonging here that I never felt at home. I think I can integrate into this family very well."

Her voice grew softer, as if she were feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Also, most importantly, I think Xiaolong is very good, good in every aspect. I don't want to lose the opportunity for a lifetime of happiness because of our family's financial situation. I've actually hesitated before, thinking that since Xiaolong is illiterate, we might not have much to talk about. But I've thought about it, I can teach Xiaolong to read and write, and he's agreed. I think we'll live a good life and won't worry you." By the end of her speech, Liu Qian's voice had become barely audible. Fortunately, it was dark, so no one could see her blushing face, which allowed her to say these words.

Guo Sufi felt very gratified. She also comforted Liu Qian, "Qianqian, I'm very happy you've said all this today. You've seen that our family likes you very much. Not only Xiaolong, but your Uncle and I sometimes see you as our daughter-in-law. Xiaohua and Xiaohu even want to call you sister-in-law. We will do our best to marry you into our family. Do you remember when that hooligan in Lu Town had to compensate us with money last time?"

Liu Qian said, "Oh, yes. If you hadn't mentioned it, I would have almost forgotten. That was quite a sum of money."

Guo Sufi said, "Your Uncle and I just discussed it. If your father truly feels we are too poor to provide you with a good life, we plan to exchange those banknotes. I believe that amount will surely satisfy your father."

Liu Qian immediately stopped her and said, "Auntie, please don't use those banknotes now. What if the hooligan has set a trap at the bank in Lu Town? Wouldn't we be walking right into it? Without absolute certainty, please don't do this. Otherwise, we won't even be able to live our normal lives, let alone reassure my father. Besides, my father isn't someone who is solely driven by money. He probably has other ideas. Let's wait until he arrives before making any decisions."

Guo Sufi also said, "Exactly, that's what I told your Uncle. But your Uncle seems to have gotten stuck in a rut, afraid your father will take you away, which is why he thought of this plan. When your father arrives, you can ask him his true intentions. Anyway, I think if Xiaolong doesn't marry you, he won't be interested in any other girl, and he might remain unmarried his whole life!"

Liu Qian giggled charmingly and said, "Auntie, how can you say that? I'm not that great. Meeting Xiaolong is also our fate."

Guo Sufi said, "Yes, it's fate, but fate is determined by heaven. Turning fate into a real family depends on people. Heaven doesn't interfere with that. Let's get some sleep early, get enough rest, and take good care of our home."

Liu Qian said, "Okay, Auntie. You should get some sleep too."

After confiding in Guo Sufi, Liu Qian felt immensely relieved and fell asleep shortly after. Hearing Liu Qian's soft snores, Guo Sufi was also happy. Even if such a girl couldn't become her daughter-in-law, she would still wish her happiness. Thinking this, she too drifted off to sleep.

Only in the small room opposite, Zhang Cai and Zhang Xiaolong found it difficult to fall asleep, and they didn't know when they finally did.