Every time he recalled this scene, he could remember the heartbroken look in Zhang Qiuyue's eyes, wishing he could slap himself.
His wife was meant to be with him for life, and such a choice should be made with great care. He wasn't sure if he felt guilt, pity, or affection for her.
One day, as soon as he stepped out, he overheard people saying that the Zhang family's daughter was finally getting married.
"Who would spend three thousand taels of silver to marry such a woman? Are they crazy!"
"Everyone thought of what you thought. I heard the other party is a merchant, with some money. However, that young master is already half in the grave, hoping to recover his health through this marriage."
"If that young master truly recovers, she might have a better life. After all, even if he dislikes her status after his recovery, it would be acceptable on the surface. But if he passes away, her hard times will truly begin."
...
Upon hearing this, Liu Xiangjun rushed towards them, his eyes red with urgency, and asked, "Did the Zhang family agree?"
"N-no... I don't know." The ferocity in his gaze startled the bystanders, and they stammered.
They then watched in stunned silence as the man frantically ran towards the Zhang family's residence. At that moment, Liu Xiangjun paid no mind to what others thought; all he knew was that he absolutely could not let her marry someone else.
Zhang Qiuyue was disheartened, having resigned herself to her fate recently. She felt that despite her best efforts, she couldn't change her destiny, and perhaps her life was meant for suffering. When she heard someone was proposing, she harbored no expectations. However, upon truly receiving the news, she couldn't help but break into tears.
Today, the other party was formally presenting the betrothal gifts. She had inquired yesterday and learned that the young master's illness was worsening, and she would likely become a widow shortly after marriage, spending her life confined to a small courtyard, enduring mockery and sarcasm. The thought of it made her life seem hopeless.
They had oppressed her for so many years and were now selling her off for a good price. The thought of her spending nights weeping while her parents happily lived off the money from her sale filled her with resentment, compelling her to seek revenge.
Zhang's mother was boasting with the matchmaker. After a long conversation, they finally got to the point. "We have brought the betrothal gifts. Please provide your daughter's birth date and time so I can register it with the yamen and obtain the marriage certificate."
Zhang's mother immediately reacted and quickly went into the inner room, returning shortly with a piece of paper.
Just as she was about to hand it to the matchmaker, she found the paper had vanished from her grasp. "Who are you? How did you get in?"
The person who had taken Zhang Qiuyue's birth details was none other than Liu Xiangjun. Knowing they were presenting the betrothal gifts, he had impatiently scaled the wall. As he leaped over, he twisted his ankle but, disregarding the pain, unleashed a surge of potential, finally snatching the birth details.
"Who I am is not important. What matters is that Zhang Qiuyue and I are in love, and under my persuasion, she has agreed to marry me. Your trip today was in vain," Liu Xiangjun stated, his gaze fixed on the matchmaker.
Seeing Zhang's mother's surprised expression, the matchmaker knew they hadn't discussed this beforehand. Gaining confidence, she put her hands on her hips and said dismissively, "Since ancient times, marriage has been a matter of parental command and a matchmaker's word. You can't just say my trip was in vain and try to scare me."
Normally, faced with such a situation, the matchmaker would have backed down. After all, she was there to arrange a marriage, not to make enemies. Any major issues with the families' future marriages would affect her reputation.
However, the silver offered was too substantial, and the Zhang family's reputation was already in tatters. Whatever happened in the future would be expected. She couldn't give up so easily today.
"Do you have three thousand taels of silver?" Zhang's mother appraised him from head to toe. Seeing his plain attire, her tone was unconsciously mocking.
"I not only have three thousand taels, but I have four thousand. Yes, I am willing to offer four thousand taels of silver as the betrothal gift," Liu Xiangjun declared, feigning composure. Although he felt a pang of guilt for promising four thousand taels without his mother's or sister's consent, he was determined to make this mistake today. He couldn't bear to see her fall into a pit of fire. At worst, he and Zhang Qiuyue would work hard for his sister to repay the debt.
As he spoke, Zhang's mother hesitated. She was aware of the gossip behind her back, labeling her a wicked stepmother who cared nothing for her daughter's well-being and was determined to exchange her for money. She knew that future matchmaking attempts would likely avoid their family. Now, someone was willing to pay four thousand taels for her daughter. Seeing his vibrant appearance, he didn't seem like someone on his deathbed, and he was certainly better than that young master.
"You say you have four thousand taels, but do you? I need to see the money," Zhang's mother's heart was swayed, but she feared he was tricking her to marry Zhang Qiuyue. If she offended the matchmaker, she might not find another suitor willing to pay three thousand taels for her daughter.
"The money is here." Liu Xiangjun, who was feeling frustrated, suddenly heard what sounded like heavenly music. He turned his head and indeed saw his sister.
Liu Xiangjun shook his head helplessly. Fortunately, he had heard from a servant that his brother had been seen rushing through the streets and, concerned, had followed him, thus encountering this scene.
"Here is five thousand taels of silver, which you can have. But I have a condition: I need to meet Miss Zhang and speak with her personally." Wu Caiwei dangled the five thousand taels in front of Zhang's mother, letting her see it clearly.
Zhang's mother's eyes lit up with delight and she took the money. Wu Caiwei quickly retracted it and said with an awkward smile, "I'll go call her now."
While others could privately increase the silver amount, the matchmaker dared not. After all, the money wasn't hers. The reason she hadn't left yet was to see if a marriage could be arranged. Perhaps if they couldn't agree, she could still salvage the situation.
Suddenly, they heard a scream and rushed towards the source of the sound. Liu Xiangjun saw the situation in the room and almost lost his footing. Wu Caiwei, quick and precise, threw a dagger, severing the rope.
The matchmaker, seeing that Miss Zhang's tongue was already hanging out and she was likely beyond saving, quietly retreated.
Zhang's mother was stunned. She never expected that the usually obedient Zhang Qiuyue would resort to such extreme measures. She had seen people who had hanged themselves, and Zhang Qiuyue's condition was the same as the corpse she had seen before. The thought of it made her heart ache. Perhaps this time, her efforts would be in vain.
"Madam Zhang, your daughter has been driven to her death by you. I'll be saving the five thousand taels," Wu Caiwei said, looking at her with a sympathetic gaze.
"Doesn't your brother like her? Perhaps there's still hope. If you offer two thousand taels, I'll hand her over to you." Zhang's mother gritted her teeth, uttering words that pained her. It wasn't that she was unwilling to call a doctor to see if her daughter could be saved, but because so many people had witnessed this disaster today, she knew without a doubt that the incident would soon spread throughout the city like wildfire. The Zhang family would be drowned in scorn, and she had no choice but to make a painful sacrifice.