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Li Shi, typically composed, seemed like an impetuous young man when it came to the matter of marriage. Upon hearing Liu Siniang’s agreement to marry him, he joyfully began planning to bring a matchmaker for the formal proposal and inquired with Su Zhi about the appropriate betrothal gifts for Liu Siniang.
Observing Li Shi’s excitement, Su Zhi felt happy for Liu Siniang. She realized that Li Shi genuinely cared for her. This time, she had truly encountered a good man, and she believed they would have a bright future together.
“Brother Shitou, consider the betrothal gifts as you see fit. You know that both of Liu Siniang’s parents have passed away, and she is in a difficult situation with her uncle’s family. Ultimately, the betrothal gifts should return to your hands. However, considering Zhao Daliang’s upcoming grand wedding, we shouldn’t let Liu Siniang feel slighted,” Su Zhi advised.
“Exactly!” Li Shi was well aware of the rumors spread by the Zhao family and the events at the cemetery. He felt genuine discontent towards the Zhao family for the humiliation they caused Liu Siniang and himself. Determined to lead a happy life with Liu Siniang and make the Zhao family regret their actions.
“Sister, rest assured, I will prepare ample betrothal gifts to ensure a radiant smile on Liu Siniang’s face. I’ll go to town to buy the finest jewelry and fabrics, making others envy her. As for the matchmaker, I’d rather not hire the local one; I’ll invite a matchmaker from town.”
“It’s better to hire the local matchmaker; she’s well-connected in the village, and you know the power of her words,” Su Zhi suggested.
Su Zhi, although not fond of the local matchmaker, understood the importance of maintaining peace in the village. She realized that not hiring the matchmaker might lead to unnecessary trouble in the future, especially considering the local matchmaker’s influence and ability to hold grudges. It was better to avoid potential conflicts for the sake of a small fee.
“Brother, Sister, you’re right. Let’s go ahead and invite her”.
Li Shi also saw the wisdom in Su Zhi’s words. He didn’t want Liu Siniang to face further harassment from the matchmaker in the future, especially given the existing rumors about them. He wanted to shield Liu Siniang from any additional distress.
Upon learning about Li Shi’s intention to marry Liu Siniang, the matchmaker was surprised. She had expected them to keep their distance after facing gossip, but their decision to marry caught her off guard. Nonetheless, being a professional, she put on a smile as bright as a chrysanthemum, offering congratulations and arranging for her son, Niu Dabao, to accompany Li Shi in buying the betrothal gifts.
Li Shi didn’t have a good relationship with the local matchmaker but got along well with Niu Dabao. However, for the betrothal gifts, he chose to involve Shen Zi’an instead of Niu Dabao, only requesting Niu Dabao’s help during the wedding ceremony.
As the news spread to the local matchmaker, it quickly became common knowledge in Riverside Village. This led to villagers who had previously gossiped about the couple behind closed doors now openly discussing the matter.
“I knew it! These two were involved long ago! Why else would Liu Siniang agree to divorce? She’s clearly looking to remarry! Disgraceful woman! I used to be her sister-in-law, what a shameful sight! I’ll avoid her in the future, so filthy!” exclaimed Dazhu’s wife, spewing venomous words with disdain. Previously compared unfavorably to Liu Siniang for being lazy and gluttonous, she now felt vindicated, viewing Liu Siniang as unchaste and unworthy of comparison.
Some women who sympathized with Liu Siniang left, while the remaining two or three stayed behind, continuing to gossip about Liu Siniang and Li Shi.
As Wang Huazhi passed by and overheard the gossip, she furrowed her brow and walked over, catching the attention of Dazhu’s wife, who promptly called out to her.
“Wang Huazhi! You’ve heard about Liu Siniang’s situation, haven’t you? You used to work closely with them. You knew about this, didn’t you? You didn’t speak up. Are you also thinking of remarrying? Too bad you won’t find someone like Li Shi. You should cozy up to Shen Zi’an’s wife; if it weren’t for her help, Liu Siniang wouldn’t have gotten involved with Li Shi. Get closer to her, maybe she’ll find you a good match.”
“M-Mom…”
Tietou stood close to Wang Huazhi, still young and not fully grasping the conversation but understanding that his mother remarrying might greatly impact their future. He felt fearful.
Wang Huazhi snorted, then spat at a nearby dog, scolding, “Where did this stray dog come from, causing chaos here! Your own home is a mess, yet you want to drag others into the filth, thinking people don’t know what’s decent and what’s foul! Shameless! Tietou, remember, you can’t behave like that.”
Though Tietou didn’t fully comprehend why his mother scolded the dog, he nodded in agreement.
Wang Huazhi led Tie Tou away, leaving behind the echoes of Dazhu’s wife’s angry words, realizing she was being called a dog by Wang Huazhi.
Meanwhile, Dazhu’s wife scolded a few more times, then stomped back to her courtyard, bringing Tiedan and calling for Zhao Dazhu to leave the house. She knew Zhang Qingniang was wealthy, and now that they were eating white rice and flour every day, she intended to take her men and children to enjoy such meals. She doubted Zhang Qingniang would dare to kick her out; after all, Zhang Qingniang hadn’t even married in yet and needed to please her. Additionally, she aimed to improve relations with Zhang Qingniang to gain some advantages in the future.
Dazhu’s wife embellished the news of Liu Siniang’s impending marriage to Li Shi, provoking a furious response from Aunt Li and a darkened expression on Zhao Daliang’s face. He felt Li Shi had deceived him in the past, suspecting he had set his sights on his wife. Zhao Xiaohua, though less concerned about Li Shi now, was once interested in him. He disregarded her feelings, preferring the withered Liu Siniang over her, much to their dismay.
Upon hearing the news, Zhang Qingniang felt relieved. She believed Liu Siniang remarrying would shift the focus away from herself and Zhao Daliang, easing any potential criticism.
Li Shi, efficient as ever, promptly prepared the betrothal gifts.
After Li Shi brought back the betrothal gifts, Li Shi’s father paid a visit, creating a commotion with the family and almost got driven out by Li Shi, claiming his marriage was none of his concern. He even remarked that his absence during the wedding wouldn’t matter, frustrating Li Shi’s father to the point of near collapse. He accused Li Shi of being unfilial, insisting that even if his mother were alive, she would never approve of him marrying Liu Siniang. He threatened that if Li Shi proceeded, his mother would rise from her grave to scold him.
Su Zhi, present during the confrontation, suggested that Li Shi take Liu Siniang to pay respects at his mother’s grave.
“If you, Li Shi’s father, believe that Li Shi’s mother wouldn’t approve and would even rise from her grave to forbid him, then it’s best for Li Shi and Liu Siniang to visit the grave. If they can marry smoothly after that, it would mean Li Shi’s mother approves. If she doesn’t, as you say, their union won’t proceed so smoothly,” Su Zhi proposed, recognizing the importance of addressing the negative rumors surrounding the couple.
Li Shi agreed, realizing the significance of informing his mother about his upcoming marriage.
In that moment, Su Zhi called for Liu Siniang to join them in paying respects at Li Shi’s mother’s grave.
Liu Siniang disregarded the onlookers’ judgmental gazes; after enduring suffering at the Zhao family for years, she had faced all kinds of scrutiny. Her past was filled with darkness, but now she knew that as long as she kept moving forward, brighter days awaited. Unfazed by the stares or even physical harm, she remained resolute. Yet, meeting Li Shi still made her feel a bit shy, realizing that this man would be her husband in the future.
Accompanied by a curious crowd, Li Shi and Liu Siniang arrived at the grave site. They knelt together before Li Shi’s mother’s grave, where Li Shi spoke of his intention to marry Liu Siniang and expressed other sentiments. Liu Siniang also shared her thoughts.
“Siniang, come, as you will be part of the Li family, you shouldn’t come empty-handed. Offer a cup of wine to your future mother-in-law.”
When Su Zhi went to fetch Liu Siniang, she brought out a small basket containing a jar of wine. She presented it to Liu Siniang upon arrival.
Accepting the basket, Liu Siniang respectfully opened the jar, releasing a fragrant aroma that caught the attention of those present, especially the wine enthusiasts who praised its quality, speculating it must have been purchased from a local vendor. At the grave site, there was a small platform designated for offerings, still intact from the recent Qingming festival. Liu Siniang poured the wine onto the platform.
After the wine offering, Li Shi helped Liu Siniang to her feet.
“Our marriage is now settled. You have no say in this matter. As long as my mother sees me happy, she will be satisfied with you. Don’t use my mother to pressure me in the future. Liu Siniang and my union is confirmed. Whether you attend our wedding is up to you,” Li Shi firmly addressed his father, casting a disdainful glance at his stepmother and two brothers, realizing that without their interference, things wouldn’t have escalated to this point.
Li Shi’s father, infuriated and with his vision clouded by anger, found himself powerless against his son. Despite wanting to scold Li Shi, a mere glare from his son was enough to silence him, leaving him no choice but to keep quiet.
Onlookers observed the scene, realizing that Li Shi had indeed confirmed his intention to marry Liu Siniang. While some had gossiped and entertained doubts due to the Zhao family’s accusations, most were good-natured and understood the nature of the Zhao family’s character. Therefore, they weren’t overly concerned about whether there was any truth to the rumors of an affair between the two. Some even believed that Li Shi and Liu Siniang seemed well-suited for each other.
“Oh my! What’s in front of this grave?”