Chapter 80: Qiao Youfu’s Decision

With a little guidance from Qiao Jiangxin, the gossipy aunt spilled the beans.

Recalling Qin Xue’s character and her emotional outburst, Qiao Jiangxin could discern what was true and false.

No wonder she was eager to remarry last year and urgently asked her uncle for 100 yuan before the New Year; that was probably when Zhuzi had his accident.

The Xu family elders protected Qin Xue, indicating she was innocent; the problem was her cousin.

If that was the case, her insistence on bringing Zhuzi along made sense.

With that family constantly harassing them, the Xu family only had two elders and a child. Ergou’s wife was gone, Qin Xue hadn’t succeeded, and the three children hated her. If she ran away, they might direct their anger at Zhuzi. If Zhuzi were gone, the Xu elders probably wouldn’t survive.

No wonder she said earlier that even first marriages with biological children didn’t always work out well; she was remarrying and needed a way out.

Because of Ergou’s wife being beaten and drinking poison?

Seeing her husband’s wife, who had given birth to three children, driven to death, she was afraid.

Qiao Jiangxin sighed inwardly. As a woman herself, she understood Qin Xue’s concerns. She was afraid that escaping from Ergou’s family would lead to a worse outcome.

So, the 200 yuan dowry wasn’t for the Xu elders’ old age, but a way out for her and Zhuzi.

At least, if her husband turned against her and she reached the point of Ergou’s wife, she wouldn’t have to drink poison; she could return to the Xu family.

The gossipy aunt spoke excitedly, “Anyway, he’s not a good person.  Many wives in this village keep a close eye on their husbands, afraid of being seduced by her.”

Qiao Jiangxin showed a surprised expression, gave the gossipy aunt emotional validation, and then chased after her uncle.

This matter depended on her uncle. There were many unfortunate people in the world; she was also unfortunate, and couldn’t save everyone.

It’s easy for outsiders to judge, but when it comes to oneself, few people are willing to suffer losses.

Qiao Jiangxin didn’t hide anything and told her uncle everything she’d heard.

Qiao Youfu was stunned.  “No wonder the Xu family elders are so good to her. She has a son, hope, and is willing to remarry.”

After a pause, Qiao Youfu took a deep breath.  “Jiangxin, I… I still want to marry her.”

“Auntie Liao told me that they won’t be a burden on Qin Xue. Their house and land can be handled by the clan. Their only wish is to treat Zhuzi well.

She also said… she said they can still work, they will try to live longer, to help out, and to live until Zhuzi gets married and has children.

I think, since I’m marrying Qin Xue, raising Zhuzi is my responsibility.

She didn’t deceive me or force me; she told me everything clearly, and I’m willing.”

Qiao Youfu, uncomfortable under his niece’s gaze, turned his head.  “It’s not because I feel sorry for her, but I really like her. Last year, she didn’t reject me, and I don’t mind her burdens. I’m still young, I can work until sixty.

When I get older and can’t work anymore, we’ll talk about it then.

Even if Zhuzi doesn’t take my surname, he’ll be my children’s older brother. I’ll raise him, and when I can’t work anymore, he’ll take care of his younger siblings.

Even if he returns to Xujiadong and doesn’t care about the family, there are many biological sons who don’t care about their parents.

Besides, he’s already so big, he’s not eating for free. He can help with some work.”

Seeing Qiao Jiangxin remained silent, Qiao Youfu said, “I… I won’t be a burden on your father. After I marry Auntie Qin, we’ll split up, and I’ll support them mother and son.”

Qiao Jiangxin glared at her uncle.  “What are you saying? We would never think you’re a burden. Haven’t you been taking care of us all these years?

This is your marriage; you just need to think it through. You’re the one who will spend your life with her; no one can make the decision for you.”

Qiao Youfu nodded solemnly.  “I’ve thought it through. She said remarrying was a gamble, and I’m gambling that they won’t be so heartless.”

Qiao Jiangxin sighed and turned her head slightly.  “Then… shall we go back?”

“Yes, let’s go back,” Qiao Youfu’s voice held an unprecedented joy.

Qin Xue didn’t expect Qiao Youfu to return. She put down Zhuzi and stood up blankly.

Qiao Youfu seemed to see again the Qin Xue he’d seen at the end of last year, shivering in the cold wind, full of anticipation.

This time, he stood tall and said to her like a man, “I accept your conditions. The dowry will stay with the Xu family, Zhuzi will come with us, he won’t change his name or household registration, and when he grows up and becomes independent, he can return to Xujiadong.”

Qin Xue smiled, her eyes red.  “Brother Qiao, I’ve raised Zhuzi well; he’s not a heartless person. Thank you for thinking so highly of me. As long as you treat us mother and son sincerely, we will never let you down.”

Qiao Youfu knew she had a hard time in Xujiadong and said dryly, “Then, that’s settled. I’ll go home and prepare, and I’ll ask a matchmaker to come and get you tomorrow.”

Qin Xue hummed, whispering, “I’m a remarrying widow with a child; we don’t need a big wedding. Just a simple ceremony with our families.”

On the way back from Xujiadong, Qiao Youfu’s mouth never closed.

Qiao Jiangxin felt her uncle’s joy and couldn’t help but smile.

In both this life and the last, this was the first time she had seen her uncle so happy.

It’s hard to buy happiness with money. Since her uncle was willing, she wouldn’t be the villain. If Widow Qin caused trouble, she had ways to deal with her.

Moreover, everything has two sides. Her uncle was introverted and honest; a shrewd and calculating Qin Xue might not be a bad match.

They didn’t go home but went straight to the supply and marketing cooperative in town to buy wedding supplies.

Her uncle was an old bachelor nearing forty; it was rare for him to marry a wife, so Qiao Jiangxin didn’t hold back.  She bought a thermos, ceramic basin, towels, pillows, and even a new bedsheet.

When the bullock cart arrived home, Liu Afang and Qiao Youcai saw the things they bought and knew it was settled.

Both looked at Qiao Youfu with joy.

Qiao Youfu blushed and instinctively scratched his head.

Qiao Jiangxin smiled, “Uncle, the doctor said you can’t scratch. Don’t smile foolishly; quickly bring the things inside.

We still need to tidy up the house to prepare for your new wife.”

Liu Afang leaned against the doorway, smiling from ear to ear.  “We need to choose a date and ask Aunt Niu to be the matchmaker.”

Qiao Jiangxin nodded.  “I’ll ask Old Man Cheng to choose a date later.  His family has a calendar. I’ll check it. Aunt Niu has a good relationship with my grandmother; asking her to be the matchmaker is fine.”

After unloading the things, Qiao Jiangxin drove the bullock cart to Old Man Cheng’s house.  The cart carried three cans of fruit and half a scoop of dried corn kernels.

The fruit was a thank-you gift for borrowing the bullock cart; she’d need to borrow it again to pick up Qin Xue.

The corn was feed for the water buffalo.