Chapter 205 – Determined to Marry Tian Dazhuang
Long Yu was in an exceptionally good mood after swiftly settling the marriage between Tian Dazhuang and Yan Shuqin. The aroma of the roasted whole sheep instantly whetted his appetite. “The lamb is ready. Everyone come sit and eat. There’s no need for formalities in the wilderness.”
The lamb, roasted to a perfect golden brown with a crispy exterior and tender interior, exuded a delicious aroma. However, Yan Xiaosi found it tasteless, and Tian Dazhuang even more so. Ms. Zhong and Yan Shuqin, feeling nervous, couldn’t enjoy the meal either. Only Long Yu and Murong Qinjian savored it with relish.
As dusk approached, the War King dusted off his robe and stood up, addressing Ms. Zhong, “The roasted lamb was delicious. Thank you for your generous hospitality, Mrs. Yan. It’s getting late, so I will take my leave now. I’ll visit again another day.”
Hearing the word “again” made Yan Xiaosi’s brows furrow. He’s coming back? With the barbarian armies stirring at the border, shouldn’t the War King be fully occupied with training his soldiers every day?
“War King, you bear the heavy responsibility of guarding the vast lands of the Great Chu. How could we dare to take up more of your precious time? You are busy with countless duties and military affairs; there really is no need for another visit.”
Her words were beautifully put, but Long Yu obviously knew she actually hoped he wouldn’t come again. He, however, wasn’t about to let her have her way. “Today’s warm reception from Mrs. Yan merits my gratitude. Since Tongluo Plain is not far from here, it won’t take much of my time.”
Yan Xiaosi watched his departing figure, clenching her fists. She had hunted today’s goat, so if anyone deserved thanks, it was her.
“Aunt Yan, Xiaosi, it’s getting late. I should be heading back,” Tian Dazhuang finally said, his expression somewhat dejected.
Yan Xiaosi then turned her attention to Tian Dazhuang, noticing his mood. “Big sister, Brother Dazhuang is leaving, and it’s quite dark. You should prepare a torch for him.”
Yan Shuqin glanced at Tian Dazhuang and shyly spoke, “Brother Dazhuang, please wait a moment.”
Making a torch was simple: take a dry stick, pour some oil on it, and light it. She quickly ran into the cave and came back out just as swiftly, handing a torch to Tian Dazhuang. “The mountain paths are treacherous. Be careful, Brother Dazhuang.”
Tian Dazhuang gratefully accepted the torch. “Thank you, Sister Shuqin.”
Yan Shuqin felt a warmth in her heart. “Brother Dazhuang, you can just call me Shuqin.”
Tian Dazhuang nodded at her and left with the torch in hand. It wasn’t until his figure had vanished into the darkness that Yan Shuqin withdrew her gaze.
“Big sister, he’s gone far away. Let’s head back to the cave,” Yan Xiaosi said, standing behind her and startling her.
She patted her chest and frowned playfully at Yan Xiaosi, “You little rascal, when did you sneak up behind me?”
As Yan Xiaosi took her hand and they walked back into the cave, she asked, “Big sister, do you really want to marry Brother Dazhuang?”
Before Yan Shuqin could answer, they saw Ms. Zhong waving them over. Yan Shuxue and Yan Shuyun were cleaning up the dishes and utensils, while Ms. Zhong, sitting on the bed with a furrowed brow and a serious expression, beckoned Yan Shuqin closer.
“Qin’er, come here next to me,” she said, prompting Yan Shuqin and Yan Xiaosi to sit down around her.
Seeing Ms. Zhong, full of concerns, Yan Shuqin nervously asked, “Mom, do you have something you wish to say to your daughter?”
Ms. Zhong sighed softly and took Yan Shuqin’s hand, “Shuqin, your mother has been through life and understands. It seems to me that Dazhuang does not harbor romantic feelings for you. Are you truly willing to marry into the Tian family? A woman who marries a man who does not love her might face a life of hardship. If you are unwilling, I will speak to the War King and ask him to call off your marriage to Dazhuang.”
Given Tian Dazhuang’s honest and straightforward nature, he wouldn’t mistreat her eldest daughter. However, without love, it would be hard for her to find true happiness. Thinking of this made Ms. Zhong uneasy.
She had decided that if her daughter was unwilling, even at the cost of disappointing the War King, she would help her reject this marriage proposal.
“Mom, don’t go, I am willing. I am willing to marry into the Tian family,” Yan Shuqin confidently answered.
“I know Brother Dazhuang doesn’t have feelings for me now, but I can wait. One day, he will have me in his heart.”
With such a reply, Ms. Zhong didn’t know what to say next and looked towards Yan Xiaosi, hoping she would persuade her sister.
Knowing her mother wanted Xiaosi to persuade her, Yan Shuqin quickly said, “Xiaosi, didn’t you tell me before that ‘a woman chasing a man is separated only by a thin veil’? Xiaosi, you support me, right?”
Yan Xiaosi seriously asked, “Big sister, have you decided?”
“Yes, I have decided. In this life, I only want to marry Brother Dazhuang.”
For one, she had liked only Tian Dazhuang growing up. Secondly, marrying into a household in Shaoyao Village would make it convenient to look after her family.
Seeing her sister’s determined and resolute demeanor, Yan Xiaosi said, “Since big sister has decided, I naturally have nothing against it. Big sister, I will find a way to win Brother Dazhuang’s heart for you.”
“Xiaosi, you…”
Ms. Zhong looked somewhat angrily at Yan Xiaosi.
She had wanted Yan Xiaosi to persuade Yan Shuqin, but instead, Yan Xiaosi supported her.
Yan Xiaosi took Ms. Zhong’s hand, “Mother, you think big sister won’t be happy marrying Brother Dazhuang. But marrying someone else doesn’t guarantee happiness either. Since that’s the case, it’s better to support big sister marrying Brother Dazhuang. At least we all live in Shaoyao Village, and we can see big sister often. If Brother Dazhuang dares to mistreat her, I’ll deal with him. It’s better than marrying big sister into another village, where we wouldn’t know if she’s being bullied, isn’t that right?”
Ms. Zhong thought it over and found her analysis quite reasonable. “It’s just your twisted logic.”
Hearing the implication in Ms. Zhong’s words, Yan Shuqin felt overjoyed, “Mother, does this mean you agree?”
Ms. Zhong responded, “The War King has already arranged your marriage, and you insist on marrying into the Tian family. What can I disagree with? Since it’s a match made by the War King, after you marry over, Dazhuang’s mother wouldn’t dare to bully you too blatantly.”
The scene shifts to the Tian family in Shaoyao Village.
Ms. Wang was fuming and waiting at the entrance of the main hall for Tian Dazhuang.
As it grew dark, every household had shut their doors. Her anger slowly turned into worry while waiting for Tian Dazhuang to return,.
“That damn boy. He left in the morning and hasn’t come back yet. Wait till you return, I’ll break your legs.”
Tian Dazhuang walked into the yard, just in time to hear his mother furiously cursing him, which scared him and immediately changed his expression.
