Chapter 5: Passionate Affection

The cargo of the two large carts was in urgent need of delivery, and Ma Dawei was exhausted, panting like an ox and drenched in sweat. Seeing that his robe was completely soaked and that he had even torn two holes in it out of anxiety, Zhang's wife couldn't help but feel even more respect for him. She developed a fondness for this straightforward man and couldn't resist expressing her concern and care, engaging him in a few heartfelt words. A couple of days later, under the pretext of compensating for his robe, she sent him a new set of clothes.

Since the beginning of summer this year, Dengzhou has experienced a considerable amount of rainfall, and it is unclear which cloud has drifted over to bring about this rain

In this household, although Tang Yi is the youngest, his status is the highest, as he established the rules with just a few words

Tang Yi instructed Duo Xu to prepare a generous gift of flowers and thanks, and to find the best matchmaker, ensuring that this matter is handled properly

Oh no! Tang Yi exclaimed. "You still say it is not a token of love? Has this already been a private engagement for life?"

The daughter-in-law of Zhangjia then said, "Just compensate me for the ruined robe"

Is this... ... possible?

It is not to such an extent either, just occasionally chatting about trivial matters. A few days ago during the Dragon Boat Festival, she gave me a pouch

By coincidence, it just so happened that Ma Dawei was at Fulong for shopping. Seeing Zhang's family in a difficult situation, without a second thought, he went up to help. Just in time before the heavy rain fell, he assisted Boss Zhang in moving the goods into the store

No, no! Ma Dawei's face turned red as he denied it in a choked voice, repeating only the words "no" over and over, unable to say anything else

A single remark left Ma Dawei blushing, while Tang Yi burst into laughter and ran away

Under the half-hearted guessing and half-hearted pressure from Tang Yi, Ma Dawei indeed revealed a piece of gossip. The two were indeed a case of a male thief and a female advocate, ah, no, it was a matter of romantic affection between a couple.

Tang Yibai shot him a glance and said, "Aren't we brothers? If we are brothers, then don't say these useless things"

On this day, the sky was still clear and bright in the morning, but shortly after noon, it suddenly turned overcast, with rolling thunderclouds, and it seemed that a heavy downpour was imminent

Even if Ma Dawei is a fool, he still understands the intentions of this young lady from the Zhang family

What do you want to ask me

In contrast to Ma Laosan's indecisiveness, Aunt Ma was more straightforward; once the matter was settled, she immediately went out to find the tooth fairy.

There is a story in this

From what you are saying, isn't this just your one-sided wishful thinking? You and that woman are not very pure, are you?

Thank you, Da Lang! Only Tang Yi and Ma Dawei remained in the store

The Zhang family of Fulong General Store is affluent, and Old Man Zhang cherishes his daughter dearly. Relying on his daughter's beauty, he believes that not only can she marry into a wealthy family as a young mistress, but at the very least, she can find a well-to-do husband who can provide her with a life free from financial worries.

However, fate is sometimes such a wondrous thing

Even Tang Yi couldn't help but smile wryly, "Hehe... Big Brother really..."

In later generations, accustomed to the beauties seen on the internet and television, Tang Yi could not help but say that this young lady from the Zhang family was indeed a delicate beauty

Is that young lady only sixteen years old?

It is settled! Tang Yi declared. Therefore, we will close for business today. In the afternoon, Ma Bo and Ma Shen will go to the market to prepare some betrothal gifts, and tomorrow we will go to the Zhang family to propose.

Ma Dawei's eyes were red, "The child knows, the child also dares not to think, Old Zhang would never agree to us being together."

The general store in Fulong is just in time for today's shipment, with two full trucks of various goods piled up at the store entrance, yet to be moved, as the rain is about to arrive

Isn't it too rushed to go tomorrow? We should find a matchmaker and choose an auspicious date, right

In a moment, they were unable to hire laborers for the transportation, and the Zhang father and daughter were anxiously pacing back and forth. If a heavy rain were to come, more than half of the two truckloads of goods would be ruined.

Since the opening of Tang Ji, Ma Dawei has been responsible for purchasing in the store. He has had frequent interactions with Fu Long General Store, and through these exchanges, he became acquainted with Zhang Xiaoniang, who often helped her father manage the business in the store

You foolish fool! Old Ma San was so angry that he blew his beard and glared. You poor man, do you think you are worthy of the Zhang family's daughter?

... ...

The daughter of the Zhang family, at the age of eighteen, possesses fair skin and beauty, gentle and pure in nature. In Dengzhou City, she is somewhat well-known as a young lady awaiting marriage, with countless families keeping a close watch on her. The suitors have nearly worn down the threshold of the Zhang family with their frequent visits, and Ma Dawei truly dares to dream.

This is quite remarkable. If it were said that the new robe was compensated by Boss Zhang, it would be understandable. However, the fact that it was compensated by Miss Zhang carries a rather unusual significance

Sure! This brother from the Ma family, without any hesitation or pretense, managed to win over the most sought-after young lady in the entire city

Did Zhang Jia's young lady send you something? Isn't this a token of affection?" Tang Yi gaped, his face filled with disbelief

Tsk tsk tsk... At only sixteen, and you are already in your twenties, how could you be so ruthless!

Just knowing is enough, just knowing is enough... Aunt Ma also had red-rimmed eyes

However..." Old Man Ma San wanted to say, "But we are poor!"

Sigh... Ma Laosan let out a long sigh, extinguishing Tang Yi's playful spirit

No, no!

"You shouldn't say that!" Tang Yi waved his hand. "What's wrong with my elder brother? He has the looks, is kind-hearted and hardworking, and marrying Zhang Xiaoniang is not a disgrace to her!"

Ma Laosan closed the door halfway and hung out a sign indicating that the business was temporarily closed. He then went out to the street to look for hunters, hoping to find some ready-to-catch live geese.

Old Man Ma San still hesitated, after all, the two families were not well-matched in terms of social status

I ... ...

At that time, Ma Jiazong's loyal servant remained devoted to the orphaned child of his former master, which is widely known in Dengzhou. Those with a sense of conscience all speak highly of this family of three

Son, are you confused? That boss would never agree to marry his daughter into our family; in the end, we would only end up with more troubles.

Old Man Ma sighed, harboring little hope for this marriage. However, since Tang Yi had spoken up and his own wife was also quite invested, he could only adopt a mindset of trying his luck.

What about you? I still want to ask you.

What does it mean? Ma Laosan was also taken aback. ... It was only then that he realized that Ma Dawei was referring to "the two of us," and he did not say that Si Niang disagreed, but rather that it was a matter of not being able to get past her father.

That Zhang family woman, Tang Yi has seen before

Complete sixteen

While Miss Zhang greatly admires the integrity and kindness of the Ma family, she is also quite curious about the handsome young man of this household. However, due to her modesty as a young woman, she refrains from having too much interaction beyond their business dealings

What is impossible? One must try to know whether it is possible or not! Tang Yishuang said.

How can we know it won't work if we don't try? That boss is not a person of great influence; I believe this matter can be accomplished

Aunt Ma was not as hot-tempered as Old Third Ma, but she also understood that with their family's circumstances, it was utterly impossible to marry a daughter from the Zhang family. She gently advised, "My child, we cannot afford to aspire to the Zhang daughter; it is better to marry someone who is good for raising a family and living a stable life."

It is important to note that in ancient times, regardless of the dynasty, it was not permissible for young women to casually give gifts to men, let alone for a young lady who was still in her boudoir.

The two of them treated each other with utmost respect, yet they could not spark any chemistry.

"So to what extent have you developed?" The flames of gossip burned brightly in Tang Yi.

There is still more than half a day left; finding a matchmaker should be a piece of cake

Thus

At first, the two were merely acquaintances. Although Ma Dawei admired Zhang Xiaoniang's exquisite beauty, he did not dare to overstep his bounds

Moreover, this young lady from the Zhang family has extremely high standards and generally does not look favorably upon ordinary suitors. Otherwise, there would not be so many marriage proposals, yet not a single one has been successful.

Wait! Tang Yi stared with wide eyes at Ma Dawei