"Old folks always say that a person is born with their own destiny, so our meeting must have been fated. I find you agreeable, and that too, must be fated. Of course, you and he are even more so. I imagine, even if you hadn't met me, if your parents wanted to sell you for money, you would have found a way, wouldn't you?" Qi Zhenzhen said with a smile.
Zhang Fangcao was taken aback and nodded. "We had thought of it. We would find an opportunity to escape. If successful, the silver Brother Sen earned over the years would be left for them, as repayment for raising me. If not successful... it would be the methods I mentioned. If they didn't sell me, Brother Li Sen would continue to work hard and then propose."
"He's a responsible one. You two will have a good life together," Qi Zhenzhen said softly. "As a woman, you must plan for yourself. You're doing very well."
Zhang Fangcao suddenly smiled, a faint smile, with tears still in her eyes.
She had heard so many words: they are your parents who gave birth to you and raised you; you must accept whatever they do; if you resist, it is unfilial; they are all for your own good. No one had ever spoken to her like Qi Zhenzhen, telling her to plan for herself, saying she was doing well.
Zhang Fangcao smiled and then cried. At first, it was suppressed, but then she let go a little and cried loudly.
Qi Zhenzhen understood. It was a cry of catharsis, the accumulated grievances in her heart suddenly finding someone who understood them.
Li Sen was a bit flustered. At first, he comforted her in a low voice, then he directly pulled her into his arms and gently patted her back.
After crying for about fifteen minutes, Zhang Fangcao gradually stopped, though she still sobbed a little. "I'll stay by your side. Let Brother Sen go to the capital too. He's sharp-minded and can make a living anywhere. If we stay here, my parents will find him before long. With me in between, it will be difficult for Brother Li Sen. If I stay by your side, they won't dare."
Qi Zhenzhen thought for a moment and nodded, ready to agree.
Gu Sinian, who had been silent, spoke up. "Can you guarantee that your family matters will not affect Zhenzhen in the future? People like your parents don't seem like they can be bought off with eighty taels."
"Honorable sir, rest assured, I will handle the future matters with your parents-in-law. Fangcao pities them, so I will give them the money I earn. If Fangcao doesn't pity them, then I will be the villain. She is marrying me, she is part of the Li family, why should the Zhang family come asking for favors? Especially since they cruelly sold Fangcao, how could they have the face?" Li Sen said. "In short, this matter will not disturb you, honorable sir."
Gu Sinian said no more, implicitly agreeing to Qi Zhenzhen taking the two of them to the capital.
When Zhang Fangcao returned to the carriage, Qi Zhenzhen asked Li Sen if he needed to go back and pack. Li Sen grinned and patted his bundle. "All my belongings are here. I've entrusted my house to the neighbor grandma. Besides Fangcao, I have no other worries."
Truly bold, Qi Zhenzhen gave Li Sen a thumbs-up and mounted her horse.
Li Sen jumped onto the carriage shaft and sat beside the driver.
They didn't travel fast, and by the time they reached the capital, it was almost evening.
Gu Sinian ordered someone to take Li Sen to the training grounds, while he returned to Changping Marquis Mansion with Qi Zhenzhen.
Qi Zhenzhen returned to the inner courtyard, and Gu Sinian went to find Qi Tianming.
As soon as he reached the decorative gate, he saw Granny Fang waiting there.
"The old madam has been eagerly awaiting the second young lady, waiting for her to have dinner together."
ps: I've been feeling dizzy and nauseous, and my body is extremely uncomfortable. After seeing a doctor, the diagnosis was anxiety. I suspect it's due to the accumulation of many events since the incident at the end of 2017. I am working hard to adjust, and I believe I will recover. Thank you to everyone who cares about me.