Chapter 10: Elopement

Li Chongjiu was momentarily taken aback, then knowingly asked, "Who is the bride?"

When the Son of Heaven is enraged, a hundred thousand corpses lie in the wake; how much more so when his daughter is involved

However, seeing that Li Chongjiu still appeared worried, Wang Mahan could not help but ask at that moment: "Young Master, what is the matter? Are you not happy?"

"Marrying a daughter-in-law!" Li Chongjiu's expression changed suddenly as he realized that this was indeed a remote and impoverished area. The claims that public safety relied mainly on dogs and that warmth depended on shivering were mere fabrications. However, the notion that wealth fundamentally relies on thought, that sexual life primarily depends on hands, and that marriage essentially hinges on seizing opportunities had become stark realities.

Sun Erniang slapped Su Su's thigh and laughed heartily, saying: "That's right, it's just forceful, a tyrant's imposition. Xiao Jiu, back then you dared to think and act, with audacity that knows no bounds; this is the true essence of a man. As your fifth aunt, I still hold great admiration for you."

In front of the assembly hall stood only one bandit, standing alone by the door. Li Chongjiu said nothing and walked straight inside

Li Chongjiu came to his senses, shook his head, and said, "For a moment, I do not know what to say"

Su Su understood and said: "It is not about robbing, but rather seeking elsewhere. However, now it is convenient, as we have a ready-made opportunity; we can take this woman, who has a connection with you. By the way, we cannot let her suffer in vain. Now everything has come together naturally."

At that time, Su Su was in a state of decline and did not mind too much. However, after the two were married, Sun Erniang began to roar like a lion from the east, while Su Su retreated step by step. Previously, when Li Chongjiu was in a coma, the wild ginseng that Su Su had bought from the Mohe was exaggeratedly claimed by Sun Erniang to be a thousand-year-old wild ginseng.

"Come here, the head of the household, and explain it to our little Jiu," said Sun Erniang, pointing towards the door.

Wang Mahan said to Li Chongjiu, who looked hesitant: "Young master, I know this girl has a fiery temperament, like a rouge horse, difficult to ride. However, once a strong-willed woman is tamed, she will be obedient. When I first took my wife, she cried, made a scene, and even threatened to hang herself, but now she can't even be moved from her palanquin."

Li Chongjiu listened to Sun Erniang's words and, with an expressionless face, humbly replied: "Aunt Wu's praise is too much; I, as a nephew, feel unworthy."

At this moment, Sun Erniang could no longer contain herself and exclaimed like a lion from Hedong: "You, with your jealousy, speak utter nonsense. In short, tonight you must take care of this woman and make her the little wife of our Qiqian Village."

After speaking in the assembly hall, several leaders began to chuckle, clearly accustomed to such matters. Even the usually stern Wang Junkuo exchanged a knowing glance with Li Chongjiu.

I only heard someone outside the assembly hall shouting that the auspicious time has arrived

Su Su lowered her head slightly and quickly changed the subject, saying: "According to the rules, if one wishes to marry, one must abduct a woman from a prominent family..."

In Li Chongjiu's mind, a fleeting image suddenly passed by, recalling the moment he caught a glimpse of Li Sanniang on the carriage. That stunning woman, marrying her as a wife, is indeed a rare and beautiful affair for a man. Li Yuan belonged to the gentry of Longxi, while he was a mountain bandit; the two were as different as clouds and mud. This was essentially a case of an underdog triumphing over a wealthy beauty.

Note 1: A derogatory term for scholars, also referred to as "Cuo Da," which has been in use since the Tang Dynasty

"Return to me in confusion!" Sun Eryiang attempted to poke Li Chongjiu on the head with her hand, but he subtly evaded her.

Hmm? I heard Sun Eryang let out an angry grunt

The results finally proved that hard work pays off. At the inn on the way, we managed to intercept them. It is said that the young lady and her companions were quite formidable. At that time, the fifth master secretly administered some medicine in their food. By the time those individuals woke up after a night, they had all become prisoners of our Qiqian stronghold.

Li Chongjiu could only respond, "Thank you, Fifth Aunt"

Su Su was from Longmen in Hedong County, possessing both literary and martial skills. He had studied for a year under the renowned scholar Wang Tong. Later, when the court sought to conscript troops for Liaodong, he planned to escape military service by following a merchant caravan to seek refuge in the northern desert. However, that caravan heading to the northern desert encountered a robbery by the bandits of Qiqianzhai.

For mountain bandits, seizing women is not a big deal, but consider what kind of woman they are seizing: the daughter of Li Yuan, risking their lives for her

Su Su sighed after seeing Sun Erniang making faces and explained to Li Chongjiu, saying: "Li Chongjiu, you are not young anymore, and it is only reasonable for you to get married. Originally, in the stronghold, there are not many women, and some of those rough-looking ones with unkempt hair and big hands and feet, you certainly do not find appealing..."

Li Hu said earnestly: "One must not force a woman; it is imperative to be gentle. In short... after tonight, this girl will be utterly devoted to you, and you won't be able to drive her away even if you try."

Not to mention the loss of face, especially since the heads of the Qiqianzha regard Li Chongjiu as if he were their own nephew, how could they swallow this humiliation? Seeing the Fourth and Fifth Heads capturing their opponent and regaining their honor, the morale within the stronghold was instantly uplifted

Father, this is not acceptable..." Li Chongjiu was just about to speak

Li Chongjiu let out a sigh of relief; it seems that Li Huming understands the situation. The underdog triumphing over the wealthy beauty, forcefully pursuing what one desires—it's better to just forget about it. In reality, where does such a thing happen

On the five armchairs of Qiqianzha, Li Hu and Wang Junkuo were seated. They were laughing and chatting, clearly discussing the spoils of this raid, and deliberating on how to distribute the items among the brothers of Qiqianzha.

Li Chongjiu, without saying a word, directly walked towards the Hall of Brotherhood

"Fourth Uncle and the library, Fifth Aunt, isn't this a bit forceful?" Li Chongjiu said at that moment

No wonder the mountain bandits looked at him with a mix of envy and jealousy. However, Li Chongjiu was secretly imagining the fury of Li Tang and Li Yuan upon discovering that a mere mountain bandit had entangled with their daughter

Wang Mahuan spoke with great enthusiasm, clearly displaying a look of resentment. It is understandable, as on that occasion, three opponents, including a woman, drove away over twenty skilled fighters from Qishanzhai and severely injured the young master. This grievance has been bottled up in everyone's hearts.

After that person entered, Li Chongjiu felt a tickle in his nose; the overpowering scent of perfume from the other party was reminiscent of a certain kind of cheap flesh trade. The individual was Sun Erniang, the fifth leader of the mountain bandits, not the Mother Nightshade of the Liangshan heroes, but a female bandit from the Qiqian stronghold.

Father, Second Uncle

Sun Erniang smiled at once, feeling very happy. She nudged with her elbow and said, "Xiao Jiu, you will be the groom tonight"

From today's events, it is evident that the virtues of the Chinese nation have a truly long-standing heritage

A tall and slender man slowly walked in, appearing quite frail, resembling a handsome scholar. In fact, the individual was Su Su, the fourth leader of the bandit group.

Hearing Li Chongjiu's inquiry, Wang Mahuan smiled, resembling the expression of those mountain bandits from earlier, as if he were suffering from constipation. Wang Mahuan then played coy and first invited Li Chongjiu into the house.

At that moment, Wang Mahuan's wife was inside packing things and also heard Wang Mahuan talking to Li Chongjiu outside. She interjected, "Congratulations to the young master, you are about to get a bride soon"

After Li Chongji put down the golden pheasant and the muntjac, Wang Mahan, instead of hurrying, leisurely scooped a ladle of water to drink, letting out steam before slowly saying: "Of course, it is to injure the young master Shao and that blind little lady from the library!"

At this moment, Li Chongjiu saw that a considerable amount of goods was piled up in the training ground, clearly the spoils brought back by the Fourth and Fifth Elders from their recent raid. Many bandits were gathered around the goods, counting them, and at this moment, everyone was beaming with joy

Once again, there was a sound of angry snorting

"Xiao Jiu, what brings you here?" Li Hu inquired.

The other party slapped Li Chongjiu on the shoulder and said loudly: "Xiao Jiu, Fifth Aunt is here to stand up for you. When it comes to dealing with women, Aunt Sun has plenty of tricks up her sleeve"

Just as Li Chongjiu was about to respond, a voice came from outside the assembly hall, as if carried by the wind before the person arrived: "Xiao Jiu, I, your fifth aunt, have captured the little girl who injured you."

After Li Chongjiu entered, he first paid his respects to Li Hu and Wang Junkuo. This courteous gesture caused both Li Hu and Wang Junkuo, seated at the head of the table, to nod repeatedly.

The distribution of spoils among thieves and the joy of a bountiful harvest for farmers are quite similar

Sun Erniang, in her thirties, has a rough demeanor, resembling a man. She is skilled in the use of seven flying knives, capable of severing willow strands within ten paces

"Exactly, that is the meaning." Su Su echoed.

"I have seen this young lady; she is quite charming. However, her temperament is a bit fiery. But she has a generous figure, which not only makes her good for childbearing in the future, but she will surely also bear you a son." Upon hearing Sun Erniang say this, the heads of the households burst into laughter.

Wang Mahān laughed heartily and said: "It is indeed the case that, although you seem like a different person after your recovery from this illness, with your demeanor and attitude greatly changed, it must be a result of the aftereffects of the illness."

Upon hearing this sound, Li Hu seemed to instantly become ten years younger. He stroked his short beard with his hand and, feeling quite moved, said to Li Chongjiu: "My son, the auspicious time has arrived"

Sun Eryang, who was standing nearby, interrupted and said to Tu Shuyan: "Oh, Xiao Jiu, matters of marriage are dictated by the orders of one's parents. If your father has made the decision, then it is settled."

"You deadbeat, I'll deal with you tonight." Hearing Wang Mahan's wife teasing him, Li Chongjiu couldn't help but smile wryly, realizing that Wang Mahan originally thought I was worried about this

Just as Li Chongjiu was about to speak and reveal the origins of these four individuals, a rhythmic, folk-inspired melody suddenly resonated from outside, echoing with a distinct cultural flair.

The leader of the merchant convoy was indecisive and dared not step forward, while Su Su took the initiative to present herself, unexpectedly falling into a trap. At that moment, Sun Erniang immediately took a liking to Su Su, the handsome scholar. Noticing Sun Erniang's intentions, the leader of the merchant convoy, in order to avoid being plundered, facilitated their union and voluntarily offered Su Su to Sun Erniang, the female chieftain

Wang Mahan originally thought that after delivering this news, Li Chongjiu would display a look of joy. However, at that moment, Li Chongjiu suddenly furrowed his brows and asked, "What is going on?"

Wang Mahuan immediately said: "Young Master, this is also something I heard through the grapevine, and I cannot ascertain the details. This time, the Fourth Master and the Fifth Master, along with many brothers, went to the northern desert path to plunder, while simultaneously inquiring through acquaintances about the whereabouts of that young lady who injured Young Master."

At this moment, Li Hu, seated at the head of the table, finally spoke, rubbing his calloused hands and said: "Xiao Jiu, the words of the Third and Fourth Masters are no longer to be considered"

Upon seeing Li Chongjiu enter, a faint smile appeared on Li Hu's face. Ever since the last incident, it seems that this son has suddenly become much more sensible overnight, showing significant progress, which brings him great comfort

At this moment, it is evening. According to custom, weddings are held in the evening, also known as the "Huan Li" or evening ceremony. It is said that the so-called Huan Li is a remnant of the primitive practice of bride kidnapping, where the groom, accompanied by family and brothers, would abduct the woman he desired, rendering her unconscious before forcibly taking her into a cave to consummate their union