Chapter 10: Proposal Again

Turning to Boss Zhang, I said: "This morning, I returned to inform Old Master Qian about the situation on our side, and Old Master Qian immediately instructed to prepare a bride price of one thousand guan. Now, we are just waiting for your word."

Speaking, Old Lady Xu turned to Boss Zhang, "I think the second son of the Qian family is quite good. Boss Zhang, you are well aware of the Qian family's strength, marrying Fourth Miss into that family would indeed be a blessing."

Tang Yi, recognizing the situation, nodded in apology to Boss Zhang, returned to his seat, and refrained from further conversation

However, Aunt Xu's words may be rough, but they are not without reason. Ultimately, the Ma family is merely a servant household, with no land or property. Even if I value the character of the young man from the Ma family, I cannot possibly send my daughter there to suffer. I hope my esteemed nephew can forgive me for this.

Fan Zhongyan, Fan Xiwen, has become his disciple in such a muddled way? Just based on this, it will surely be recorded in the annals of history in the future

For now, the only option is to send Tang Yixian away; as for the Qian family, let him ponder that in detail later

He never expected that Tang Yi would produce such an item

Tang Yi let out a sneer, "Young Master Qian Er is quite impressive? You really have the audacity to say that."

With just a glance, Boss Zhang's gaze suddenly focused, and he looked up in shock at Tang Yi.

Tang Yi had been observing Boss Zhang's expression. As soon as he opened his mouth, Tang Yi guessed a thing or two and quickly interrupted Boss Zhang's words

Does Xu Yapo know how to read? Tang Yi's indifferent remark caused Xu Pofu to retreat in disappointment

"Lower class?" Tang Yi tilted his head to look at Xu Pozi, "Which law or regulation from the Song Dynasty distinguishes between the upper class and the lower class?"

Just as I was thinking about how to tease Yi with a couple of remarks, Boss Zhang spoke up

Tang Yi smiled calmly and said, "Please take a closer look."

Indeed. Aunt Xu has become quite spirited. Fourth Young Lady is certainly one of the most virtuous young women in Dengzhou; what kind of young gentleman could she not find? Following Ma Dawei and living on meager rations, isn't Da Lang pushing her into a pit of fire?

Boss Zhang slowly shifted his gaze back to the paper, reading every word without missing a single one. He held the document in his hands for a long time without moving.

... ...

The old woman Xu returned with the intention of striking while the iron is hot, preparing to make a decisive move to bring about the union between Young Master Qian Er and Zhang Si Niang.

The character and appearance of the young man from the Ma family are noted by me, and I acknowledge them in my heart. Boss Zhang intends to first praise before criticizing, starting with the positive aspects.

Xu Pozi was taken aback, "What is going on? Just a moment ago, I was still trying to drive Tang Dalang away, and in the blink of an eye, it has turned into me being the one in trouble?"

Ultimately, Brother Ma is merely at a disadvantage due to his humble origins and lack of wealth. You should take a look at this before making a decision. Moreover, this concerns the lifelong happiness of the Fourth Sister; even if the final decision rests with you, it is only right to consider the Fourth Sister's opinion, isn't it

Esteemed nephew, please return...

But it is of no consequence

Before Tang Yi could speak, he heard Xu Pozi's strange voice, neither warm nor cold, saying: "Could it be that you have come for the marriage of the Ma family's young man? Your master is truly enthusiastic, taking such an interest in the affairs of the servants"

After the downfall of the Tang family and the death of his father, Tang Yi, compelled by circumstances, began to manage the household at the age of fourteen, successfully running the Tang Ji food shop with considerable reputation, becoming somewhat well-known in Dengzhou, and naturally, Aunt Xu recognized this young man

This ... ... is ?

Young Master Qian Er is a well-known dandy in Dengzhou, relying on the influence of the Qian family in the area to bully the common people and dominate the market, committing all sorts of misdeeds. Who in Dengzhou city is unaware of this? Only a meddlesome and shameless woman like you would dare to boast about it.

Looking up at the sign of the Fulong General Store on the street, Tang Yi finally remembered why he had come out. Suppressing the excitement within him, he took a deep breath and stepped inside.

Seeing that the two had stopped arguing, Boss Zhang also secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He thought to himself, this is not a proposal visit at all, but rather resembles a grand hall in the provincial government.

That is still better than the Ma family

What do you mean? You young man are here to visit Boss Zhang. Who do you think you are in relation to the Zhang family? Boss Zhang hasn't even spoken yet, yet I can hear you making such a fuss.

Oh! Xu Pozi, with her face full of wrinkles, pretended to be surprised and said, "I wondered who it was, turns out to be the young master of the Tang family."

Old Zhang found himself in a difficult position at this moment, as he was well aware of the character of Young Master Qian. However, since Fourth Daughter would be marrying into the family as the legitimate wife, and given the strength of the Qian family, even if Young Master Qian were not a good person, it could be expected that Fourth Daughter would be able to live a life free from worries about food and clothing in the Qian household.

Aunt Xu, please return for now; I will consider this matter carefully and provide you with a response as soon as possible

Until he got off the carriage, Tang Yi was still in an exceptionally excited state

Aunt Xu looked at Boss Zhang with suspicion, noticing that his expression changed when he saw what Tang Dalang had handed over. Unable to understand what was going on, she slowly moved closer, wanting to see what was written on it.

Please forgive my bluntness! Boss Zhang sighed, but for the lifelong happiness of his daughter, he felt compelled to speak even the harshest of words

How many young masters are seeking to marry the Fourth Young Lady to make her their young mistress, only a fool would send their daughter into a pit of suffering

Hmph! Xu Pozi let out a cold snort. "It's easy to say nice things, but since we are all one family, why don't you change your Tang Ji to Ma Ji?"

Um ... ...

Tang Yi bowed respectfully to Boss Zhang and said, "I have come to see you, Boss Zhang. I apologize for my sudden visit and any inconvenience it may cause."

"Indeed." Tang Yi replied with neither humility nor arrogance

"May I ask what brings you here, esteemed nephew?" In truth, Boss Zhang had already guessed a thing or two, but out of consideration for appearances, he had to pose this question.

He has come to propose, not to quarrel with this shrew; it is sufficient to suppress her arrogance.

I am afraid that only someone like you, who looks down on others with such a narrow perspective, could deliver such a tasteless remark with such audacity

Aunt Xu wished she could lure Tang Yi out of the hall... She thought to herself, how can this child be so annoying, much more difficult to deal with than that Sixth Aunt.

At this time, close to noon, Boss Zhang would most likely be attending to matters in the shop. However, unexpectedly, Tang Yi found nothing; Boss Zhang did not come to the shop at all today

She really cannot read

Helpless, Tang Yi had no choice but to leave the shop and head straight to the Zhang residence

You! Xu Pozi was scolded by Tang Yi to the point where she couldn't retort, and the thick layer of makeup could not conceal her face's pig liver color

Boss Zhang said with a smile, "Dear nephew, do not stand on ceremony!"

Alright, alright! Boss Zhang, seeing that the argument would escalate into a fight, reassured them: "Both of you are guests, please give the old man some face and do not quarrel any further"

Old Lady Xu did not dare to say much, as she too had her life at stake. It was not wise to be overly assertive in front of the Zhang family, so she had no choice but to suffer in silence.

Madam Xu was quite surprised to see Tang Yi

Upon arriving at the Zhang residence, things went smoothly. The servants reported to the host family and then led Tang Yi inside. However, as soon as he entered the living room of the Zhang family, Tang Yi couldn't help but frown; there were other guests present. Moreover, this guest was none other than Xu Yapo, whom he had encountered with Aunt Liu in the morning.

As he spoke, he offered his seat to Tang Yi

Is it true that you have come for the matters of the Ma family?

Do not be in a hurry to refuse said Tang Yi as he took out the document that Aunt Liu had brought over in the morning and presented it to Boss Zhang

Aunt Xu cast a sidelong glance at Tang Yi, secretly sizing him up, and then, with a sense of boredom, found a seat to sit down.

"Si Fu, please escort Aunt Xu for me." Boss Zhang, without allowing for any doubt, directly instructed the servant to see the guest off.

Seeing Fan Da Shen disdainfully coax him down from the carriage and throw out a remark to seek him at Tang Ji tomorrow, the hurriedly retreating figure back into the carriage made Tang Yi unable to help but chuckle foolishly

Tang Yilian did not even glance at the shrew, but instead walked directly to Boss Zhang. Xu Pozi felt embarrassed and her face turned a shade of green.

Old Lady Xu was momentarily taken aback and insisted, "Isn't a servant just a lower-class person?"

Tang Yi is a person who seeks revenge for the slightest grievance. This Xu woman, who is greedy for money, even wants to drag Ma Dawei down with her. Naturally, Tang Yi has nothing good to say about her

At a loss for words to refute, Old Lady Xu could only resort to the age-old argument, once again bringing up the disparity between the rich and the poor. To put it bluntly, Ma Dawei could not escape the label of being poor.

The Ma family has bestowed upon me a great favor; not to mention that the Song Dynasty does not categorize people into ranks of high and low, even if it did, the Ma family would still be considered my kin, rather than mere subordinates

Furthermore, whether or not the Qian family agrees is another matter, but the Ma family absolutely cannot comply

Boss Zhang had already made up his mind to reject the proposal from the Ma family. He casually accepted the item handed to him by Tang Yi and glanced at it without much concern

Tang Yi, filled with rage, laughed sarcastically, "You truly worry without fear of ruining your lungs, meddling in matters that do not concern you."