Corpse Retriever.

Chapter 437

"To propose marriage for my granddaughter."

"Correct."

"The woman goes to the man's house to propose marriage?"

"Hehe, is that not allowed?"

"That's quite rare. Isn't the usual custom for the man to go to the woman's house to propose marriage first?"

"Generally, the rules are set on matching social status and following local customs. But in every industry, there's always one principle that applies:"
Good things are always hard to come by; you have to fight for them.

If everyone had always valued modesty, there wouldn't be so many stories of people vying for a husband after passing the imperial examinations.

"Hahaha, Daoist Master, what are you saying? You're even here to find a son-in-law after the imperial examination results are announced. What, so the grandson-in-law you've chosen is really a top scholar?"

"Hey hey hey."

Sun Yuanqing stroked his goatee again, quite pleased with himself. Indeed, it was true.

Although his status as the provincial champion cannot compare to that person's true identity, he at least possessed some of the refined and noble air of the God of Literature.

If our ancestors could know this in the afterlife, they would be pleased to have written a few lines to record the lineage of our sect.

After all, our ancestors didn't know the specific differences between today's top scorers in the college entrance examination and those of their time.

When Sun Yuanqing told Han Shuting about his intentions, Han Shuting thought he was talking nonsense.

Master Sun himself knew how difficult this matter was, but what if it happened?
Even if his marriage proposal failed, given the prestige of the Dragon King's family, he couldn't possibly spread the word and damage the reputation of his granddaughters.

The taxi passed Si'an Town and continued north.

Sun Yuanqing began changing clothes, combing his hair, and trimming his long beard in the car.

The taxi driver was only distracted for a moment while driving, and when he looked back in the rearview mirror, he was also stunned.

How did the old Taoist priest who was originally dressed in a shabby robe suddenly become so noble and otherworldly?
"Dao... Daoist Master?"

"What's the matter?"

"No...it's okay."

"Ah."

Master Sun closed his eyes to recuperate.

After a while, the taxi driver couldn't help but ask again:
"Master, could you please tell my fortune?"

"Which aspect?"

"It's all about luck."

"Fortune can be summed up in just two sentences."

Which two sentences?

One saying is to look at yourself first and then look at the sky; another saying is to look at the sky first and then look at yourself.

"Master, isn't what you're saying the same as saying nothing at all?"

"You've figured it out."

"I……"

"Just because I change my clothes, you think I'm more accomplished, and you become greedy when you see a rabbit. This is no different from releasing animals into the river or offering lamps in temples and monasteries. It's about seeking profit while abandoning the essential, putting the cart before the horse."

Cultivating oneself through righteous means shaping one's true self.

"You're making things more and more mysterious; I don't understand."

"The word 'true self' has two meanings: first, truth; second, 'I'."

Take you for example. When you picked me up, you didn't turn on the meter and quoted a fixed price. It's like having principles but not following them, going astray. That's not true.

I change my clothes and my image, and your attitude changes. It's not me who changes from you to you.

In this mundane world, we are all ordinary people. Those who are fortunate are few and far between throughout history. But those who are not true to themselves, even if they have good fortune, have no foundation to rely on.

Who knows, among your colleagues, there might be someone who uses the meter correctly, is considerate of others, and is genuinely self-disciplined, who, by bringing in just one customer, has already gained marriage, a home, children, and a peaceful and prosperous life.

"Master, I understand."

"Ah."

"So you're almost there and want to haggle, right?"

Master Sun paid the fare and got off at Shijiaqiao.

The taxi driver told him that if he walked a little further ahead and turned onto the village road on the right, he would reach Siyuan Village.

Instead of rushing into the village, Master Sun sat cross-legged by the bridge, laid out a Bagua cloth in front of him, with the Taoist ancestor standing in the center of the cloth, incense and candles lit on the left, and copper coins placed on the right. He began to chant scriptures and pray for blessings.

When visiting someone, there are certain rules to follow.

People are equal in dignity, but life is one's own.

Of course, you can just casually walk in, push open the gate without any formalities, and then wave your sleeve and call out, "This humble Taoist has come to visit; please open the door to welcome me quickly."

So if you're carried out lying down, don't complain.

It's not just you who has to lie down; your entire clan or faction has to lie down and rest with you.

These prayers can be recited for a very long time.

Master Sun showed no impatience and continued to maintain his ethereal and meditative state.

"Mom, look at the bridge over there."

Following her daughter Cuicui's directions, Li Juxiang turned her head and looked at Master Sun sitting there.

Because her family was in this business, Li Juxiang had a better understanding of the ins and outs of the trade. She herself was not skilled in the art, and even without her mother, she wouldn't be considered an expert. But at least she could sense that the Taoist priest in front of her was probably someone with real skills.

Li Juxiang stopped the car and gestured for Cui Cui in the back seat to get out.

Cui Cui didn't go to school today; instead, she was selected by the school to participate in the city's math Olympiad.

After picking up my daughter, she said the questions were too difficult and she couldn't do many of them. She said she might only get a third-place consolation prize, which was far worse than what her brother Yuanhou had done.

Li Juxiang comforted her the whole way.

In fact, Cui Cui was already very talented in school. As a student who skipped grades, she was able to participate in competitions through school selection.

Li Juxiang's method of comforting her daughter was also very simple:
“Cui Cui, it’s not your fault. It’s your mother’s brain that’s holding you back. Your brother Yuan Hou’s mother, your Aunt Lan Hou, was much smarter than your mother back then.”

Master Sun slowly opened his eyes and saw the woman standing in front of him.

With just one glance, Master Sun's gaze darkened. Although the woman's strong will to live had been neutralized, the marks were severe and could not be changed by anyone but a great master, and even if they could, it would seem pointless.

"Master, how much do you charge for a fortune telling?"

"This humble Taoist priest does not accept money."

"Then please calculate my daughter's fortune."

"it is good."

Master Sun looked at the little girl who had been pushed in front of him by the woman.

"hiss……"

Master Sun gasped.

Then he immediately became suspicious and asked in surprise:
Give me your birth date and time.

Li Juxiang immediately reported it.

Master Sun then gestured for Cuicui to open her palm.

Cui Cui obediently did as she was told.

Master Sun's gaze fell on Cui Cui's bracelet, and his eyes twitched immediately.

Who exactly is this great master who is helping her suppress her fate?
"Your daughter doesn't need to be accounted for."

“This…” Li Juxiang reached into her pocket to take out money, “Taoist priest, please name a price.”

"There's really no need to calculate it. If it's not meant to be, don't force it; if it's meant to be, it will eventually come."

Li Juxiang looked puzzled.

Cui Cui: "Taoist Master, does that mean it's in my destiny?"

Master Sun stroked his beard and smiled: "You are very intelligent."

If he hadn't seen the bracelet, Master Sun's next question would probably have been: "Would you be willing to become my disciple?"
Many who enter the Taoist path due to their unusual fate die young, but many also experience remarkable results.

Ultimately, it depends on whether the person has the innate talent or wisdom, and this girl does.

"Excuse me, do you live around here?"

Li Juxiang: "Yes, Taoist priest, we live over there, in Siyuan Village."

Master Sun opened his mouth, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped himself.

He could roughly guess which family had given him the bracelet.

Only that company could pull off such a lavish move.

He had intended to ask the other party to pass on a message, but fearing it might be impolite, he stopped himself, closed his eyes again, and continued chanting and praying for blessings.

Cui Cui opened her schoolbag, took out the small bread and milk that the school had given her for the competition, and placed them on the Taoist priest's Bagua cloth.

Master Sun said, "May the Heavenly Venerable grant boundless blessings."

Cui Cui got back into the car and left with her mother.

After entering the village road, Cuicui said, "Mom, it seems like Teacher Xu, who is leading our team this time, has a crush on you."

"You're just a kid, don't talk nonsense."

"I could tell."

Li Juxiang also noticed that every time she went to the school because of Cuicui, no matter which office she was in, Teacher Xu would appear. Even if he was teaching, he would let the students study on their own first, and then pretend to be passing by by chance while holding a water cup.

We're all adults; we know exactly what the other is thinking.

Furthermore, Teacher Xu had even asked villagers to inquire about the situation, but was refused.

However, Teacher Xu later asked someone else to come over, saying that he was a teacher and did not believe in the dregs of feudal superstition.

Whether he believed it or not, Li Juxiang didn't care; she had no intention of remarrying at all.

"Mom, Mr. Xu is a good person. It seems that our parents were in poor health before, and he had to support his younger siblings' schooling with his salary, so he never got married."

"Cuicui, are you really that eager to sell your mother off?"

"Mom, don't you also want to help your mom sell it?"

As Li Juxiang passed by Grandpa Sanjiang's house on the village road, she saw a group of people playing cards at a table set up on the dam in the distance, one of whom was her mother.

"Mom, I want to come see Sister Ali later. I copied down all the questions I didn't know on the test and I want Sister Ali to answer them for me."

"Can A-Li do these questions?"

"Yes, hehe. Sister A-Li not only teaches me to draw, but she also taught me math olympiad problems. She's really amazing."

"She... doesn't seem to have ever been to school, right?"

“Brother Yuanhou didn’t go to school for very long, and before he knew it, he was a college student.”

"Sigh, if only she could talk better and wasn't so withdrawn, what a pity."

"Sister A-Li can talk."

"She can talk? Can she talk to you?"

"No, but I can understand some of what Sister A-Li means most of the time. Brother Yuan-Hou is even more amazing; he and Sister A-Li can communicate with just their eyes."

Li Juxiang almost couldn't help but laugh, but then her expression turned to envy and warmth.

“Your grandma said that Uncle Sanjiang has been trying to negotiate the bride price with Grandma Liu. Your grandma said that Uncle Sanjiang is completely baffled by this. The three sisters at the mahjong table have long known that ‘Sister Liu’ could not possibly be short of money. It’s just that Uncle Sanjiang, who lives so close to her every day, has never been able to figure it out and is still confused.”

At the card table.

Liu Jinxia just shared the story of the teacher from Shigang Middle School who asked someone to visit his home to sound him out.

Old Woman Hua: "You have sick parents to take care of, and you also have to support your younger siblings? With these conditions, you still need to consider it? You'd be running away as fast as you can!"

Liu Jinxia: "My parents have both passed away, my younger brother got a job at the power supply bureau, and my younger sister is a primary school teacher. Now he has no burdens."

Wang Lian: "That's alright, and she's also a responsible and dependable person."

Flower Granny: "Indeed."

Liu Jinxia: "If Xianghou himself is unwilling, what can be done?"

Granny Hua: "That's easy."

Liu Jinxia: "What should we do?"

Granny Hua: "Why don't you set an example for her first?"

Liu Jinxia: "I'll tear your mouth apart!"

After one round, it was Liu Yumei's turn to skip a turn.

Liu Yumei picked up her teacup, glanced in the southwest direction, silently took a sip of tea, and then lightly flicked her fingertip against the cup.

On Shijia Bridge, the copper coin on Master Sun's right side suddenly trembled.

Master Sun was overjoyed and got up. He first tidied up his tools, then took out the visiting card, held it in both hands, and walked towards Siyuan Village.

Upon entering the village road, Master Sun's gaze swept around before settling on the peach orchard, which was invisible to the naked eye and shone brightly against the season.

Even if the old lady of the Liu family didn't live there, that place should still be the gate of her temporary residence.

In fact, Liu Yumei's tapping gave Sun Yuanqing a directional guide, and Sun Yuanqing could roughly figure out Liu Yumei's location through the copper coins.

But, what can you do when Sun Yuanqing is so polite?
Upon reaching the bearded man's house, Master Sun stopped, straightened his Taoist robe, and took the opportunity to take a deep breath to regulate his breathing.

Once everything was ready, he walked along the edge of the dam.

As soon as I stepped onto the dam, I met Benben in his crib, the old man and the baby staring at each other across the distance.

Benben: "Hmm..."

Master Sun: "Eh..."

Benben noticed that the old Taoist priest's body was very dark in color.

Master Sun could see that the child was overflowing with good fortune.

This good fortune is almost exaggerated. To put it bluntly, even if you threw this child into this house and set it on fire, the child would probably crawl out of the house unharmed.

However, it's perfectly normal to encounter strange things or unusual children here.

Because Li Zhuiyuan had taken A Li to see a movie in Shigang Town early in the morning, Benben, under the guise of keeping the young master and young lady company, got a rare day off.

Benben cherishes the fact that he can sit in his crib during the day, looking at the blue sky and peach blossoms, instead of hiding under the bed.

Master Sun pointed to the peach grove.

Benben shook his head.

Master Sun understood and did not enter the peach grove.

Benben was a little surprised; this was the first time he had successfully persuaded someone to come down.

Master Sun held the visiting card in both hands, facing the peach grove. He first bowed, then presented the card with both hands, sending it flying deep into the peach grove.

Qing'an is having tea with Su Luo.

A visiting card landed steadily on his coffee table.

Qing'an, holding the teacup, extended her little finger and pointed outside:
"Ha, yet another one who treats me like a doorman."

Su Luo stood up to pour tea and said, "This time, they're quite particular about etiquette."

Qing'an opened the visiting card and glanced at it while sipping tea.

Qing'an smiled when she saw the end.

"Hehehe..."

Su Luo was confused.

“Go and tell him that the visiting card has been received, and that he should go there to pay his respects.”

Su Luo asked:

"So, we don't need to drag him in and give him a beating this time?"

Qing'an shook his head:
"I'm tired of this constant slapping. Besides, this time, someone else will want to slap him even more than we do."

Su Luo got up and left, but soon returned and reported:
“I asked Yingying to lead the way for him.”

……

One of them collapsed, seemingly leading the way for itself.

Master Sun was not surprised by this.

There has always been a rumor in the martial arts world that Dragon King Qin and Dragon King Liu have different methods of suppressing evil spirits in their ancestral home compared to other Dragon King families and major powers.

And this distinction refers to...

Master Sun was taken to Li Sanjiang's house.

Uncle Qin went out to deliver goods, and Aunt Liu went to collect the letters.

Liu Yumei hadn't intended for the other party to wait so long by the bridge, but she happened to have no one around to run errands for her.

Liu Yumei gestured for her three older sisters to go first, saying she was tired and needed to rest, and then stood up.

When Master Sun saw Liu Yumei, he was about to bow solemnly when Liu Yumei lifted him up with her gaze.

Sun Yuanqing immediately realized that this was Bai Longyu disguised as a fish.

Taoists are also familiar with both worldly and otherworldly matters, so they immediately stepped forward, chanted their Taoist invocations, and said that they had come to ask for a bowl of water.

Liu Yumei pointed to the kitchen, indicating that he should go there.

Immediately afterwards, Liu Yumei walked into the hall, leaving ripples in her wake as she moved.

A few ripples appeared on Master Sun's body. He bowed and then followed him into the hall.

In Liu Jinxia's eyes, the elder sister of the Liu family went into the east room to rest, and the Taoist priest went to the kitchen to get water and then left.

In fact, the two have now arrived at the second-floor terrace.

An autumn afternoon has its own unique charm; the sun has tempered its summer fury and has not yet offered its gentleness to winter.

In this season, whether playing cards on the dam or enjoying the breeze on the terrace, it's an extremely pleasant experience.

Liu Yumei sat down in the rattan chair that A Li had been sitting in. Sun Yuanqing first formally bowed to the old lady of the Liu family, and then sincerely remarked:

"I came here feeling uneasy and dared not have too many expectations. Now that I have been received by you, it feels like a dream."

Liu Yumei: "Many of your family's ancestors stood up for justice in the martial arts world, and you have a long-standing relationship with the Qin and Liu families. We can be considered family friends."

This is a very high compliment. The old lady is really giving her face and elevating the status of her family's heritage.

In fact, many responded to the Dragon King's order, especially since the reputations of Dragon King Qin and Dragon King Liu were well-established. Even in times of trouble, both the Qin and Liu families would be determined to cover the rear and would never abandon their followers as human shields.

Master Sun said, "I don't deserve it, I don't deserve it. You're making me feel too bad."

Liu Yumei: "This wasn't directed at you, so what right do you have to make excuses for your own ancestors?"

Master Sun said, “To receive your affirmation, my ancestors in the afterlife must be overjoyed.”

Liu Yumei: "Since we're already here and have met, let's relax and talk. Otherwise, it'll be too tiring."

Master Sun: "Yes."

Liu Yumei: "Please sit down."

Master Sun glanced at the empty rattan chair next to Liu Yumei; he dared not sit side by side with Old Madam Liu.

Liu Yumei: "There's a bench over there. If I may be so bold as to sit a head higher than you."

Master Sun smiled, moved the stool over, and sat down next to the old lady. The old lady valued their ancestral relationship, and Sun Yuanqing had already received a great deal of courtesy today. In the past, if he had come to the Dragon King's gate to request an audience, it would have been a great honor for the old lady to even show her her face; he would never have been able to sit down and chat.

Liu Yumei: "How did you know I live here?"

Master Sun began to recount his experience of meeting Li Zhuiyuan.

He didn't know that Li Zhuiyuan was walking along the river with lanterns, partly because the boy was too young, and partly because he deliberately didn't think about it that way.

Therefore, at present, we can tell the story of what happened in Ji'an in its original form, without having to resort to innuendo like Tan Wenbin did.

Liu Yumei listened with great interest.

Even his close friends and family wouldn't believe that Li Zhuiyuan chose Haihe University because of its name, which sounded like a place where people would die from making a fortune.

Liu Yumei felt that Xiao Yuan's plan was far-sighted. From selecting teachers to selecting senior students to selecting schools, he relied on the continuous progress and efforts of his teachers and senior students to help himself rise in the official ranks.

See, it's already being used.

Master Sun's account was very detailed, and it was interspersed with a lot of praise and emotion for Li Zhuiyuan.

In Master Sun's eyes, this was a compliment to his future grandson-in-law.

Liu Yumei didn't find it repetitive or tedious at all, after all, she was praising her grandson-in-law.

After finishing his speech, Master Sun felt his mouth go dry.

Liu Yumei: "There is water in the back room. Go get it yourself. I'm sorry that no one is home."

Master Sun: "I dare not accept such praise. It is my turn to make you tea."

Sun Yuanqing stood up, pushed open the door, and went into the room.

He ignored the things on the desk and drawing table, and only picked up the thermos, only to find it was empty.

Finally, having no other choice, after searching around, all they could find was an opened case of Jianlibao.

He picked up two cans, hesitated for a moment, and then only took one.

He sat back down, opened his drink, and started drinking it by himself.

After finishing a can, Sun Yuanqing breathed a sigh of relief and remarked:

"Madam, you are truly magnanimous."

Liu Yumei: "Life goes on day by day, so why not choose the way that makes you feel most relaxed?"

Sun Yuanqing nodded in deep agreement, preparing to get to the final point: "You have taught the future of the Dragon King family."

Liu Yumei: "I didn't teach him anything, but he taught me a lot."

Master Sun said, "I really like this child, and I really think highly of him. He's extraordinary, truly extraordinary. He's outstanding, and his future will be full of upheavals in the martial arts world."

Liu Yumei didn't respond. The reason why things hadn't changed yet was because of her son Xiao Yuan's special habit of traveling along the river.

Master Sun said, "Therefore, Madam, I have a request that I cannot refuse."

Liu Yumei: "Speak."

Master Sun took out three portraits from his sleeve and handed them over.

With a flick of her finger, Liu Yumei sent three portraits flying up and displaying them before her.

The portrait depicts three young girls, about the same age as their beloved Ah Li.

When the artist was painting, the three girls were dressed in traditional attire, and all of them were very beautiful, with their features revealing both inner and outer beauty.

In the lower right corner of each painting, the birth date and time, and the type of destiny, are also marked.

Liu Yumei: "They are all excellent."

Master Sun breathed a sigh of relief; he was glad the old lady was satisfied.

Liu Yumei: "It's just that I didn't like noise back then, so I dismissed the outer disciples of both families early on. When to gather the disciples again in the future, and who to gather, is not up to me, nor is it under my control. It depends on my Xiaoyuan's wishes."

Master Sun said, "What the old lady said is absolutely right. In the end, it all depends on the person's own wishes."

Liu Yumei: "As you can see, the conditions here are simple. Every day it's just firewood, rice, oil, and salt. It's nothing like in the past, when we would take any pretty and pleasing girl we met and train her ourselves."

Master Sun said, “Madam, please rest assured, my three granddaughters are all well-educated and reasonable, and are by no means superficial or lazy people.”

Liu Yumei frowned slightly. She had made herself perfectly clear, but this guy seemed not to understand.

He himself said that he could no longer choose his favorite maids to enter his room to curry favor and promote him, so why is he still climbing the ranks here?
Liu Yumei had no choice but to emphasize her words: "But for impoverished families and unfortunate people, we shouldn't delay them."

Master Sun was overjoyed. Sure enough, no matter how high the status of a servant born into a family is, he is still a servant born into a family!
Even if she is incredibly important to the old lady, she doesn't insist on a marriage between people of equal social standing. I have an opportunity, an opportunity!

Master Sun pursed his lips, which had become dry again from excitement, and said:
"I ask myself honestly, am I trying to reach too high, or am I just indulging in wishful thinking? I am conflicted and hesitant, but I can't let go of this idea, so I thought I'd give it a try."

Liu Yumei rubbed her forehead. She was about to ask him to leave. She had only taken the time to see him out of respect for her elders, but this guy really seemed to be unable to understand human language.

But Sun Yuanqing's next words made Liu Yumei realize instantly where the problem lay.

Master Sun said, "If my granddaughter can be chosen by you, Madam, and be engaged to Xiao Yuan, it will be a blessing for me, a blessing for the sect, and a blessing for my little granddaughter."

Even if it's a small, insignificant family with meager resources and a shallow lineage, it will certainly be included entirely in the dowry without reservation!

After Master Sun finished speaking, in his mind, it was time to see how the old lady would choose a matchmaker.

As a result, he waited for a long time but the old lady did not respond.

Sitting on the bench, he mustered his courage, raised his head slightly, and then looked up again, trying to see which painting the old lady's gaze was specifically on.

But he found that the old lady wasn't looking at the painting; instead, she had turned her head to the side and was looking down at him.

"You, repeat what you just said."

"I... I mean, if my granddaughter can be married to Xiaoyuan, then it must be..."

"Marriage, what kind of marriage?"

"Madam, your concern is that the children are still young, so we should first arrange an engagement and then hold the wedding when they come of age."

"A grand wedding?"

"Of course, I see that you, Madam, have entered a state of returning to simplicity and carefree self-realization. Therefore, this wedding need not be extravagant. Just like an ordinary farmhouse, with a simple banquet and only the elders of the family as witnesses, it will also be a beautiful story."

"A beautiful story?"

"To be honest, Madam, I also yearn for the natural way and dislike grand displays. Seeking the Tao is like life; stripping away distractions, simplicity is the true essence..."

At this point, Sun Yuanqing suddenly realized that his Dao heart was becoming unstable, and a sense of alarm arose in his heart. The various tools inside his Daoist robe automatically deduced an ominous divination!
Like a flood bursting its banks, like a sudden roar of raging waves, like thunder that has been suppressed and accumulating for a long time, about to pour down with a deafening roar!

Sun Yuanqing subconsciously stood up, looked into the distance, and said solemnly:
"How dare you be so audacious! Who are you, you wicked villains, to harbor such murderous intent here, defiling the Dragon King's domain? Whoever you are, you'll have to step over my dead body first!"

Master Sun never expected that this terrifying and overwhelming killing intent did not actually come from outside, but from beside him.

Liu Yumei leaned back in the rattan chair, her hands placed in front of her abdomen, her fingertips lightly touching.

The old lady felt like she had been a fool today.

I made a special trip to see him, only to find out that he had come to propose marriage, and to propose to Xiao Yuan no less.

It's no exaggeration to say that even when that scoundrel from the Zhao family of Jiujiang hinted at a marriage alliance with A-Li in his invitation, Liu Yumei wasn't as furious as she is now.

She believes she has no class discrimination, no surname prejudice, and no bloodline obsession; she only recognizes the rise and fall of dynasties.

But who can refuse the chance to inherit and prosper while also having equal social standing, passing down the surname, and converging bloodlines?
She can do what she believes is right, but Liu Yumei is not a saint after all, and cannot be judged by both her actions and her intentions.

Ah Li and Xiao Yuan can make everything perfectly complete.

Liu Yumei always felt that she was the one who benefited. She didn't deliberately use her granddaughter to win over the other party. The two children just played together on their own and became a loving couple at the age when they should have been childhood sweethearts.

Sun Yuanqing's marriage proposal today initially angered Liu Yumei, but after this first wave of anger, she felt an even greater anger at the thought that her "hypocritical mask" had been torn off.

Everyone likes to feel good about themselves and loves to put on a nonchalant act in their free time.

So, this guy really deserves to die.

Having lived to this age, this guy still forced me to confront the "ugliness" within myself.

This made her realize that she really did want both, and that she was indeed the "mercenary old lady" that Li Sanjiang often muttered to himself.

At this moment, Sun Yuanqing, who was still guarding the Dragon King's gate, saw a tricycle coming from the village road in the distance.

He recognized the man riding the tricycle; it was his future grandson-in-law.

But there was a girl sitting in the back of the tricycle.

The girl had one arm around her future grandson-in-law's waist, her face resting on his back.

Although the children are still young, and it's perfectly normal for playmates to play like this, Sun Yuanqing was still jealous.

How could you do this to your future grandson-in-law!
Sun Yuanqing let out a heavy sigh, his gaze falling on the three portraits still suspended in mid-air, then on the girl being carried by his future grandson-in-law, then back to the portraits, then back to the girl…

For a moment, Master Sun actually understood.

After trying to understand, his emotions only intensified, because the feedback he received from Madam Liu was that she not only agreed, but also discussed the engagement and future marriage with him.

When people are extremely anxious about gains and losses, they are prone to losing their temper, not only losing their composure and manners, but also becoming slow-witted and extremely irrational.

Liu Yumei's voice came from behind:
"Is that Xiao Yuan back?"

"Yes, Xiao Yuan is back."

"Did you see the girl in Xiao Yuan's car?"

"Saw."

"how?"

"She is born with a very good appearance, but usually those who are good-looking are all show and no substance."

Madam, rest assured, my three granddaughters are all talented in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, talisman carving, and array formation.

This is the perfect match for the future, a divine couple that everyone in the martial arts world envies.

Instead of this, who is born with a beautiful exterior but has nothing inside but barren flesh.

"Ah."

"The old lady has keen insight and foresight; she certainly understands."

"This girl is also from the village and lives here."

"Oh? Hehe, I wonder whose children they are. It's quite rare to raise such outstanding children in this rural area."

"It's mine."

……

Li Zhuiyuan rode his bike to the dam, got off, and helped A Li off the bike.

Liu Jinxia: "Young Master Yuan, I heard you took A-Li out to the theater?"

Li Zhuiyuan: "Okay, let's go see a movie."

Liu Jinxia: "Was the movie good?"

Li Zhuiyuan: "It's beautiful."

Liu Jinxia: "What kind of movie is it?"

Li Zhuiyuan: "Martial arts films set in the martial arts world."

Granny Hua whispered, "Young Master Yuan, could you go into the east room and see if your Granny Liu has woken up yet?"

Li Zhuiyuan looked up at the terrace, then smiled and nodded at Granny Hua and the others:
"it is good."

After Li Zhuiyuan went into the east room, he came out and replied, "Grandma is still sleeping."

Liu Jinxia: "It's alright, it's alright. Let her rest. The three of us can keep fighting."

Li Zhuiyuan took A Li's hand, led her into the house, and went upstairs.

When I arrived at the terrace, I saw Liu Yumei sitting in a rattan chair, with no one else around.

Liu Yumei turned her head to look at the two children, a loving smile on her face:
"Grandma, please lend me your seats so I can get some fresh air."

"Grandma, please sit down. I'm going to the herb garden with Ah Li. By the way, where are Binbin and the others?"

"Zhuangzhuang went to Zhou Yunyun's house. He said that Zhou Yunyun's father was preparing to build a new pigsty, and he brought Ayou with him."

After retrieving the medicinal seeds from the room, Li Zhuiyuan and A Li went downstairs, carrying a tool basket, to the bearded man's house.

Not long after the two children left, Liu Yumei saw Li Sanjiang returning in the distance.

With a cigarette between his fingers, the other behind his back, and a pen tucked into his breast pocket, Li Sanjiang now looks more like the village secretary than the village secretary himself.

Liu Yumei waved her hand, removing the patterns that obstructed her view. At the same time, the rattan chair beneath her moved silently backward, changing the angle from which people on the dam could look up.

Li Sanjiang entered the house, went upstairs, and was somewhat surprised to see Liu Yumei.

In the past, this old lady would never have come up to this terrace.

Li Sanjiang: "Huh, what's this?"

Bending down, Li Sanjiang picked up the three paintings from the ground, carefully examined them, and exclaimed in admiration:
"Hey, I have to say, this New Year painting is quite beautiful."

Liu Yumei: "It's not a New Year's picture."

"What is it if not a New Year's picture?"

“Someone just came by, wanting to arrange a marriage between your son Xiaoyuan and his three granddaughters. The painting is almost indistinguishable from the photograph.”

Li Sanjiang rolled the three paintings together, casually placed them on the windowsill, clapped his hands, and said:

"Tch, isn't this just ridiculous? Did you send the person back for me?"

"Yes, we buried it back."

"That's it."

Li Sanjiang pushed open his room door, intending to go in, but seeing the shrewish old woman still lying in the wicker chair with no intention of leaving, he couldn't help but ask curiously:

"You waited here just to tell me this?"

Liu Yumei shook her head: "There's one more thing."

"You said."

"You said last time that you wanted to talk to me about the betrothal gifts."

"Huh? Right, right, you weren't paying attention to me, so, after a whole night, you've finally figured out a price?"

Li Sanjiang looked around the room and saw the cigarette box he had placed on his bedside table, which he hadn't yet opened.

"I'm telling you, I really like that girl, Ah Li."

So, you name your price, but let's make this clear: you can ask for an exorbitant amount, but you have to set a fixed price. Don't try to raise it later, especially not with those pretexts like "getting off the bus" or "entrance ceremony"—these are just annoying things.

Liu Yumei: "Let's put the betrothal gifts aside for now and talk about the dowry first."

Li Sanjiang was stunned for a moment upon hearing this, then seemed to realize that the old lady wanted to make sure that the betrothal gifts would not be taken to the young family and would be withheld.

"Alright, go ahead and tell me."

Liu Yumei: "Tell me, what kind of dowry do you want? It's up to you."

Li Sanjiang sighed. Well, this "casual" meant that they could only give him a little something, and he shouldn't have any expectations.

Liu Yumei looked up at the distant sky. People eventually become the kind of person they hate the most. In the past, she disregarded her family's objections and insisted on being with Lao Gou.

Now, she has become the one who created the feudalistic and outdated practice of arranged marriages between children.

The willfulness and carefree spirit of youth have all turned into slaps, landing hard on the face of my aging self.

But right now, she really needs some reassurance.

Good things are coveted by everyone. Xiao Yuan is still young and people are already proposing marriage to him. When Xiao Yuan grows up, the world is too big, and who knows, some saintess, witch, or enchantress might suddenly appear out of nowhere.

Liu Yumei was experienced in this. Normally you wouldn't know where these people were hiding, but at certain times they would often pop out as a group and show off their talents.

It's one thing to resort to crooked and unorthodox methods, but back then, Qin Laogou even had someone from the Ming family offer him their bed.

It wasn't that she didn't trust Xiao Yuan; she was afraid that as she got older, her heart wouldn't be able to withstand so much stimulation.

Sigh, so be it if he's mercenary. With Li Sanjiang around, he's still a safety net.

Li Sanjiang held up three fingers.

Liu Yumei: "Three main categories?"

"Pfft!"

Li Sanjiang burst out laughing, then gestured with three fingers again, saying:

Three quilts!

……

After returning from the herb garden with A-Li, Li Zhuiyuan went upstairs after dinner, and A-Li returned to the east room.

The grandfather and grandson were lying in bed.

The bright moonlight shone through the window, adding an extra layer of plain-colored blanket to the bed.

"Did our Ah Li have a lot of fun today?"

Liu Yumei's hand involuntarily stroked her granddaughter's soft hair. A few years ago, she would never have imagined that her granddaughter's condition could recover to this extent.

"It seems that Grandma will really be able to see the day when our Ah Li walks down the river."

Ah Li turned to the side and looked at her grandmother.

Liu Yumei's smile gradually froze, then slowly transformed into astonishment and disbelief:

"Does this mean that Xiaoyuan will take you with him in the next wave?"

Ah Li nodded.

A surge of worry and reluctance welled up in Liu Yumei's heart, but she immediately suppressed these emotions, a resolute look in her eyes. She pointed towards the altar in the living room and smiled gently.

“It’s alright. That river is nothing special. Your family has been walking along it for generations and is used to it.”

……

Aunt Liu came out of the kitchen, carrying a food box, and went to the rice paddy behind the house.

A head is sticking out of the ground.

Aunt Liu put down the food box and laid out the food, which included wine and meat.

Sun Yuanqing: "Miss, is this my last meal? Alas, it is my own fault, I have brought this upon myself."

“My grandmother said that she wouldn’t be able to vent her anger unless she gave you a good scolding; but your sect not only has a long history with our two families, but you yourself also have a long-standing friendship with my family head, so you should be treated well.”

You'll have to stay here for three days. After that, you'll be free.

Furthermore, the mistress said your foundation was damaged, and by personally burying you here, she can help you restore your original essence and heal your injuries.

"Master? But I never met Lord Qin back then..."

"Li Zhuiyuan is the current head of our Qin and Liu families."

Sun Yuanqing fell silent.

In that instant, he felt he should die.

Aunt Liu: "Can you feed yourself?"

Sun Yuanqing: "Yes, yes, just breathe in the air, no need for you to trouble yourself, young lady."

Aunt Liu nodded, stood up, and just as she was about to leave, Sun Yuanqing's voice came from behind her:

"Please wait, young lady. I have another matter to ask you to inform the old lady."

"You said."

“I have a little granddaughter at home, who has just turned one year old. She is naturally beautiful and like a piece of unpolished jade.”

"Daoist Master, you're getting more and more outrageous. Do you really want my mistress to tear you to pieces and leave you to fertile fields here?"

"No, no, no, this time it's not Patriarch Li."

"That is?"

"It's that child in the crib outside the peach grove, a perfect match for my granddaughter!"

(End of this chapter)