Chapter Two, The Branch Daughter

Tears continued to flow; if there had not been anyone in the room, Sun Dan would have likely burst into loud cries.

The so-called "chongxi" is actually an ancient custom here, where if the parents of the bride's fiancé are ill, the fiancée temporarily returns to her husband's family or marries him. Due to the husband's illness, a symbolic wedding is held in the form of a celebratory event to dispel misfortune

Only a ghost knows whether that marriage certificate is real or fake; in the future, I must find a way to get to the bottom of this matter. As for whether the shop can be reclaimed, that is secondary; I cannot simply allow myself to be bullied like this.

Over the past three years, Zhi Niang has relied on her needlework to painstakingly support this family, using her own hands to provide for her fiancé, Sun Dan, who is even a year younger than she is

"It's up to you." Sun Dan forced a smile; his mood was already bleak, and he had no desire to speak further. After consuming some liquid food, he closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep.

Seeing the concern in Zhi Niang's eyes, Sun Dan suddenly felt a pang of compassion. If he was not mistaken, this woman was merely a victim in his father's scheme, and the previous Sun Dan likely realized he had fallen into someone else's trap. Zhi Niang would never receive her fiancé's forgiveness in this lifetime, and happiness was out of the question.

Originally, Sun Dan could rely on the rental income from the family shop to make a living. However, after the shop was seized by Zhi Niang's father, he lost his source of livelihood and could only survive on his father's savings and by selling off family possessions. Over the course of three years, he sold everything in the house, and now only a dilapidated wooden bed remains. The old residence left by his father has also been sold off, turning into a rickety wooden shack that is on the verge of collapse and drafty from all sides

However, when it comes to this matter, Zhi Niang is merely a puppet in her father's hands, and over the past three years, she has endured considerable hardship in the Sun family. It can be said that she had deep feelings and strong ties with Sun Dan in the past. But why does she receive the understanding of her fiancé?

Logically speaking, having been subjected to such great bullying, the former Sun Dan also harbored a deep hatred for Zhi Niang, this inexplicable fiancée who had suddenly appeared, and usually did not pay her much attention.

A moment of sorrow cannot be severed

However, since both the matchmaker and the local official unanimously confirmed the truth of this matter, and at that time, Sun Dan was just an honest child who had no idea how to respond, he could only allow the father and elder brother of the branch daughter to take over the shop like a puppet being manipulated by strings

However, as a modern youth, he inherently harbors a strong aversion to this kind of arranged marriage devoid of love. The idea of two strangers living together and being bound to each other for eternity seems utterly inconceivable. While he certainly feels nothing for this bride, it appears that the memories in his mind also evoke a strong sense of resistance towards this woman. This perplexes Sun Dan; as a modern individual, it is not surprising for him to have opinions about such feudal marriages. What is strange is that the host also seems to regard this woman with disdain. While he feels nothing for this bride, the memories in his mind seem to reflect a strong aversion towards her as well. This leaves Sun Dan bewildered; as a modern person, it is not unusual for him to have views on such feudal marriages, yet it is curious that the host also holds this woman in such low regard.

After delivering Zhi Niang to the Sun family, Wan the butcher, under pressure from his wife, despite the Sun family's poverty and the hardships faced by his own daughter, dared not come to take a look even once

At the age of thirteen, one could be considered an adult in the Ming Dynasty, and naturally, one must take on family responsibilities. As long as he is not lazy and finds a job outside, along with the rental income from the shop, it would not be a problem for him to survive. After a few more years, he could marry, have a bunch of children, and that would be considered a fulfilling life

"Sun Lang ... ... Zhi Niang," why does this title sound so awkward when pronounced

Then came a soft sigh: "Sun Lang, you haven't eaten anything for a day. You should eat a little... Your health is important..." It was the voice of a young girl, sounding gentle yet carrying an indescribable sadness.

Suddenly, the lights brightened, and a light footstep approached. A coarse burlap cloth reached over and wiped at the corner of his eye

This point aligns with ancient customs and also conforms to feudal rites and laws

Although he did not feel despondent as if he were dead, being cared for in such a manner still warmed Sun Dan's heart. People are not like grass and trees; who can be without feelings? He forced a smile and said, "Mother... you can rest assured, I will no longer seek death... it is better to live poorly than to die well..."

However, this matter has seemed somewhat suspicious from beginning to end. Sun Dan's father was an illiterate man who could not read or write, and there was no signature on that marriage certificate, only a seal. Who knows who put it there

The individuals who arrived were indeed Zhi Niang's father and elder brother, accompanied by a matchmaker and the local land steward. Zhi Niang's father waved a marriage certificate in his hand, stating that a day prior, Sun Dan's father had sent someone to Zhi Niang's home to propose marriage, seeking to marry Zhi Niang as a means of bringing good fortune, and offering the Sun family's shop as a betrothal gift, with both parties having signed a contract.

However, he is unwilling to acknowledge this marriage devoid of love, even though the three-year mourning period has ended. Moreover, having just traversed to this place, survival itself is a challenge, leaving him with no inclination to ponder such matters

A wooden spoon was inserted into Sun Dan's mouth, and a warm, slightly salty liquid flowed in.

As she wiped away her tears with a piece of burlap, the world before her became brighter. With the oil lamp held aloft by the girl, Sun Danding gazed into the flickering light. She was a girl of about sixteen or seventeen years old; although not particularly striking in appearance, she exuded an extraordinary grace. Her fair skin, sharply contrasting black and white eyes, and slightly thin oval face made her resemble a schoolgirl from a past life. One couldn't help but feel an urge to reach out and pat her on the head. Her fair skin, sharply contrasting black and white eyes, and slightly thin oval face made her resemble a schoolgirl from a past life. One couldn't help but feel an urge to reach out and pat her on the head

According to the fundamental laws of the Great Ming, after the death of their parents, ordinary citizens are required to observe a mourning period of three years. During these three years, they are prohibited from participating in the imperial examination, holding official positions, or engaging in production activities

If this matter were to involve Sun Dan, who has already been possessed, he would likely expose this conspiracy right to their faces

However, Sun Dan is currently not in the mood to tease this little girl, as she is not his preferred type. He favors tall, leggy, sunny beauties. The body that Sun Dan has possessed is merely that of a sixteen-year-old youth, and women in ancient times generally matured early. Perhaps, in her eyes, he is just an immature child.

After struggling in bed for three days and nights, Sun Dan's father finally kicked his legs and left behind his thirteen-year-old child, Sun Dan

He was extremely hungry, yet Sun Dan had no appetite at all; he merely swallowed mechanically, sensing the unique aroma of the wild vegetable porridge

Thus, on the night of Sun Dan's father's passing, Zhi Niang officially became the mistress of the Sun family. She only awaited the end of the mourning period to formally hold the wedding ceremony.

A day ago, when he had just crossed over to this place, he saw a rather attractive woman alone with him in a room. From the remnants of the original owner's memories in his mind, he learned that this woman was his fiancée, who had not yet been married to him, named Wan Mingzhi, and she was one year older than him

Just as Sun Dan was kneeling in mourning attire in the mourning hall to thank the relatives and friends who came to pay their respects, a loud music sound of blowing and beating came from outside, and a large group of people rushed in carrying a flower palanquin

What kind of days have these three years been!

A concubine's children inherently hold no status, and with the butcher's wife being a well-known shrew from Hedong, she treats the concubine's daughter as a mere servant.

Traversing through time and space is already enough to drive one to the brink of mental collapse, and now I have an fiancée who is even a year older than me. My heavens, I truly do not know whether this is my fortune or misfortune! Sun Dan let out a bitter laugh

On that day, the day of Sun Dan's father's passing, Zhi Niang, dressed in plain mourning clothes, was forcibly sent to the Sun family by her father and elder brother

This matter is quite simple to explain. Sun Dan's mother passed away early in this world. After her death, his father never remarried, and the family had a small shop. Relying on the rent from this shop, the father and son managed to get by.

Sun Dan sighed and could only comfort her by saying that he would not attempt suicide again

However, the situation took a sudden turn on the day of my father's funeral

Speaking of which, Zhi Niang's background is not very good either. Her father, surnamed Wan, was originally a butcher from the eastern part of the city. Zhi Niang's mother, fleeing from disaster, came here and married the butcher Wan as a concubine. After giving birth to Zhi Niang, she passed away.

In modern times, Sun Dan comes from a farming family and has faced poverty. While his classmates were busy dating and socializing, he often locked himself in his dormitory, diligently studying to earn scholarships and alleviate his parents' financial burden. Moreover, the beautiful and fashionable girls at school looked down on him as a rustic country boy. Once he entered the workforce, his parents had aged and could no longer work in the fields. His monthly salary was largely used to support the household, leaving him with no spare money to pursue a romantic relationship. Consequently, his personal issues were put on hold.

However, just three years ago, Sun Dan's father suddenly fell ill with intestinal colic. The so-called intestinal colic is what later generations referred to as appendicitis. If this illness were to occur in modern times, it would only require a minor surgery to remove the inflamed appendix, and recovery would take about half a month. However, in the technologically underdeveloped Ming Dynasty, contracting such a disease was tantamount to a death sentence

Now, Sun Dan's father has suddenly passed away, and the marriage cannot be completed. However, as the未过门的 daughter-in-law, Zhi Niang is left to observe the mourning period, waiting for the three years to pass before the wedding can be held again

Now, although Sun Dan's father has passed away, this marriage must still take place, and the shop must also be handed over

Sun Dan felt a wave of frustration in her heart

"Why do you think this way? Life ends like a extinguished lamp. Since I came to your family, I have regarded you as my only relative in this world... Please promise me, never consider taking your own life again." The woman's voice was very soft, yet filled with concern. As soon as she finished speaking, tears shimmered in the girl's eyes.

After taking possession of this specific body, Sun Dan also fully inherited the memories of the original owner

It is said that having such a woman as one's wife is quite good. However, from beginning to end, this matter is permeated with a strong sense of conspiracy, which explains why the previous Sun Dan never regarded Zhi Niang with any respect.

In this day and age, to traverse back to the Ming Dynasty and effortlessly have such a beautiful wife can be considered a stroke of divine favor

Upon hearing Sun Dan's promise to live well, Zhi Niang's eyes sparkled with joyful tears: "Where in the world are there insurmountable obstacles? Just grit your teeth and you can get through it. If it really doesn't work... I will muster the courage to plead tomorrow morning... plead with my father. I hope that, considering our families are related, he can lend me two taels of silver to help us get over this hurdle..."