Chapter 6, South of the City (6)

I can hardly wait! Zhu Dushi placed one hand on her waist and waved the other hand up and down in front of her. This left the old scholar Zhu Wanzhang feeling dizzy and unable to come up with any response. Since Xing'er has promised you, whether she wears silk or eats simple meals, it is her fate and cannot be blamed on others. As parents, we cannot hold her back from getting married. The day before yesterday, I went to the house of Old Wu next door; his son-in-law is about the same age as you, yet he married off his daughter early, eagerly waiting to hold his grandson. Hehe, that son-in-law looked timid and seemed to be a man who knows how to treat his wife well.

Cheng Xiaojiu smiled and nodded, yet was unwilling to comply with the other person's intentions. "I understand, Aunt. However, I am still not accomplished enough at the moment, and I do not want to let Sister Xinghua down! Let's wait for a couple of years; I will revitalize the Cheng family and surely carry Sister Xinghua into the house in a sedan chair!"

"Well, well, you are reluctant to part with your nephew, aren't you? He is good, has good character, excels in martial arts, and possesses commendable knowledge!" Zhu Dushi continued to sneer, "But he is simply unfortunate. He has a father who schemes for rebellion and a mother who is plagued by misfortune. No matter how good his knowledge is, can it put food on the table? In any case, don't expect any regrets; I have made my position clear today. Either he brings twenty guan of copper coins by the end of the year, or he voluntarily proposes to break off the engagement. In any case, don't expect Xing'er to go and suffer with him!"

Thanks to my uncle's recent guidance!" Cheng Xiaojiu gritted her teeth and responded in a low voice

"You child, you are always in such a hurry, leaving before the stool is even warm!" Zhu Dushi blocked her husband, stepping hard on his foot with her seven-inch embroidered shoes, her face full of regret. "Xing'er mentioned a few days ago that she would make you a piece of clothing. I thought it was hot, so I told her to wait until autumn to start. After all, you won't be able to wear it in the summer anyway"

Isn't that Xiao Jiu from the Lao Cheng family, the one who just moved to the Donkey Dung Alley? Someone with sharp eyes immediately recognized the identity of the one disturbing the peace with loud howls

Cheng Xiaojiu felt skeptical in her heart, yet she couldn't help but admire her uncle's eloquence. She raised her head and responded with a smile: "No wonder ever since we moved there, my nephew has felt increasingly invigorated in his studies. Many areas that once seemed difficult have become smooth as he reads on. It turns out this is due to the silent protection of our wise ancestors. I will definitely tell my mother about this when I return, so she can understand my uncle's intentions as well"

He knew that his maternal uncle and father-in-law would not appreciate his mother's affection. Although his mother was a close relative, being his uncle's sister, things were different when his father was still alive. Back then, his uncle Zhu Wanzhang was not so cold-hearted. Cheng Xiaojiu remembered that his uncle would bring his cousin, Xiao Xinghua, to visit the capital almost every year, traveling thousands of miles. Each time they stayed at his home, it would be for three or four months. Even though he was thoroughly annoyed by having to play with a whiny little girl, his uncle insisted on exchanging auspicious dates with his father and promised Xiao Xinghua to him.

Far away from the gaze of the Zhu couple, Cheng Xiaojiu could not help but let out a long howl towards the sky. That lonely and desolate howl startled many neighbors, who stood by their doorsteps, pointing and whispering about him from a distance

Lost in thought, he was unexpectedly bumped into by a figure approaching from the front. "I apologize!" He instinctively clasped his fists and bowed slightly to the person he had collided with, offering his apologies. However, he heard a crisp and delicate voice complaining in his ear: "Little Jiu Ge, why don't you watch where you're walking? I've called out to you several times!"

Zhu Wanzhang also realized that from this moment on, he and his cousin's family would likely be completely estranged. Reflecting on the help he received from his brother-in-law during his difficult times, he felt a mix of relief and a tinge of guilt. However, having only one beloved daughter, marrying her into the Cheng family was indeed akin to jumping into a fire pit. Therefore, regardless of the guilt he felt, he had to resolve this inappropriate engagement as soon as possible

Your father-in-law does this to encourage you to strive for improvement. Always think positively and do not assume the worst of others. Cheng Zhu handed the rice bag to his son, giving him a series of reminders. This year, Xinghua is also not young anymore; after next year, she will reach the age suitable for marriage. Make sure to speak to her properly and do not ignore her. She is a good child and has come to visit me several times when you were not around.

So that's how it is! The expressions of the neighbors immediately became clear. The Taoist practices Qi, isn't that just a bit mystical? This child, Cheng Xiaojiu, looks quite intelligent; perhaps he could be enlightened by an immortal. With his kind heart, he would certainly be a benevolent deity who grants every wish.

However, he could not refuse this marriage. Although he knew that if he proposed to break off the engagement, the elder Zhu Wanzhang would certainly agree without hesitation. In fact, he would even return the betrothal gifts intact, as he would be relieved of the burden of having a poor family like his. The latter had hinted at this more than once, and the implications had become increasingly clear. Yet, Cheng Xiaojiu dared not agree, fearing that his mother would be saddened by it. The nonexistent assistance from the Zhu family was his mother's hope for survival. If this last glimmer of hope were to be extinguished, he did not know if his mother's health could endure the next harsh winter.

Regret is too late! Zhu Dushi slammed her hand on the table, saying, "What I have said is as solid as nails, and it will not change. What is that delightful smell!" She sniffed the air and quickly ran to the door, picking up the bag of fine rice sent by Cheng Xiaojiu. She opened the string and deftly scooped out a handful, examining it closely against the setting sun. "Wow, this is high-quality fine rice, and it's from this year's new harvest. Tonight, we will make porridge, and I guarantee it will turn out to be a pot of rich, oily rice porridge!"

You child! Zhu Dushi switched to step on her husband with the other foot, forcefully pushing his polite words back down his throat. "Why are you still calling me 'aunt'? If someone didn't know better, they might think you and Xing'er aren't engaged yet! It's time to change how you address me; both of you are no longer young! We should strengthen our ties; this was agreed upon over a decade ago!

It took Cheng Xiaojiu a full half an hour to walk from the south of the city to the north. During this half hour, he finally forced his smile to appear less stiff, in order to match the identity of a future son-in-law. However, just after meeting his father-in-law, all his efforts collapsed in an instant. Perhaps the greatest skill of Master Zhu was to provoke anger. Although he always managed to maintain a courteous demeanor in front of those of higher status than himself, just after meeting his father-in-law, all his efforts collapsed in an instant. Perhaps the greatest skill of Master Zhu was to provoke anger. Although he always managed to maintain a courteous demeanor in front of those of higher status than himself.

Donkey Dung Alley is located in the most dilapidated area of the southern part of the city, while the Zhu family's main entrance is situated on Chengxian Street in the north, adjacent to the bustling Confucius Temple. It is said that those who live on this street will have their descendants pass the imperial examinations and become high-ranking officials. Although Zhu Wanzhang has lived here for over thirty years, he has not even managed to pass the first round of selections in the county.

It is not necessarily the case; repairing bridges and roads while being blind in both eyes, digging holes in the main road makes one a good person! Some continued to object. Their gaze turned to Cheng Xiaojiu, filled with pity and sympathy.

I am not regretting it! Zhu Wanzhang said with resentment. Twenty guan of copper coins is no small amount. A few years ago, fine rice was only worth five wen per dou. With the twenty guan of copper coins earned by Cheng Xiaojiu working hard at the dock, there is no hope of ever having it in this lifetime. My backbone has been pinned down by others, but for the sake of Xinghua, it is worth being pinned down again!

"Twenty guan, if the old Cheng family can produce more than two hundred coins by the end of the year, then I will not bear the surname Du!" The couple entered the house, and Zhu Dushi clapped her hands in triumph. Their daughter had blossomed into a beautiful flower, attracting countless wealthy and influential families seeking her hand. Would they, as parents, be crazy enough to marry their daughter off to a poor boy from the Cheng family?

I will not go crazy, and I will not let you see a joke! I want to live well and live like a person. Cheng Xiaojiu muttered silently in her heart as she walked. The warmth and coldness of human relationships, today is not the first time she has witnessed it. Just consider those two dou of rice as food for the dog; what a pity, that was her one and a half days' wages

Well, when heaven intends to bestow great responsibilities upon a person, it must first exhaust their muscles and bones, and torment their mind and spirit. Being able to go out and work to support the family and contribute to the household expenses is also a good thing! Zhu Wanzhang slightly moved the stool away from the young man to avoid the suffocating air of poverty surrounding him, and pondered as he spoke. Out of consideration for the rice bag placed at the foot of the room, he did not want to drive the other away immediately, but he also could not muster much interest in conversation, so he could only engage in aimless chatter.

Just by hearing the sounds behind her, Cheng Xiaojiu knew that it was her aunt, Zhu Dushi, who was speaking. She quickly smiled, turned around, and performed a respectful gesture, carefully responding: "I won't sit down; my uncle is very busy. I also need to go home to study. If I stay any longer, the sun will set."

Cheng Xiaojiu felt a clarity in her heart, and even the last trace of goodwill towards the Zhu family vanished completely. Smiling, she nodded and calmly replied, "Of course, I cannot let Sister Xinghua wait until she becomes an old maid. Uncle, Aunt, you can rest assured, I will definitely give you a definite answer by the end of this year!"

"Why aren't you speaking? Is my method not good?" After boasting for a long time without receiving her husband's agreement, Madam Zhu, feeling somewhat annoyed, pressed for an answer.

Since my father was implicated by General He Ruolao, stripped of his position as a Cavalry Commander, and exiled to the frontier, my uncle has not visited our home again. Although at that time my family had moved back to Ping'en County from the capital, my uncle's family lived in Guantao, and the distance between Ping'en and Guantao was less than one hundred miles.

Hmm! Just as Zhu Wanzhang was about to speak, he felt a sharp pain in his foot, grimacing in discomfort

"Be gentler, give me some face in front of others!" Zhu Wanzhang frowned and protested softly. In this household, his protests had always been ineffective. After receiving a few more blows to his waist, he could only lower his head and return home.

"There is no need to say these things to your mother. We are all family, so there is no need for formalities!" Zhu Wanzhang was quite pleased with Cheng Xiaojiu's flattery, stroking his beard, his already small eyes squinting even more with a smile. "You should study hard; your uncle has high hopes for you. Once the day comes when you leap over the dragon gate, it will not be in vain for your mother’s years of hard work!"

Um! Cheng Xiaojiu responded helplessly. When it came to the arranged marriage with Xiao Xinghua, he was completely at a loss. Logically, he should be satisfied with this match. Xiao Xinghua was not as materialistic as her father, and her appearance had transformed significantly; she no longer resembled the snot-nosed child of years past. She had blossomed like a bud in spring, ready to burst into vibrant colors with the warm breeze. However, deep down, Cheng Xiaojiu could not find any sense of closeness towards Xiao Xinghua. Perhaps it was due to her father's influence, a case of hating the house and the crow. Perhaps their personalities simply did not match, or for some other reason. In any case, he did not have a pressing desire to marry Xiao Xinghua, regardless of whether his family was affluent or struggling. Even in countless splendid daydreams about the future, there was no trace of her presence.

The villain Zhang Jincheng broke into Ping'en, and he and his mother went to Guantao to seek refuge with their closest relative, their maternal uncle. As a result, apart from a cracked iron pot and a few old garments, they found nothing else. Even the dilapidated courtyard in Donkey Dung Alley was rented by his mother with her last savings from their uncle's family, and the rent was for a full three years, costing no less than that of others.

I will not go crazy! Cheng Xiaojiu gritted his teeth and said to himself, then forced a bland smile, cupping his fists towards the crowd, "I was just fooling around practicing Taoist breathing techniques, please don't blame me, everyone!" After saying this, he shook his sleeves and swaggered towards the south of the city

In fact, you are most suited to serve as a valiant warrior. Unfortunately, when the court was mustering troops, Ping En was besieged by bandits, and you did not see the official report! Zhu Wanzhang noticed that Cheng Xiaojiu was completely silent on the matter of marriage, and he secretly hoped that the other party had forgotten about it, thus steering the conversation further away.

Zhu Wanzhang first sighed, then nodded seriously. "Good. Of course, it's good. There are some things I cannot conveniently say; you should say them. But I always feel that this child, Xiao Jiu, does not seem to have a fate of poverty and hardship. I personally taught him when he was young, and no matter how difficult the characters I taught him were, he learned them immediately, never needing me to repeat them a second time"

He raised his head in surprise and saw his fiancée, whom he was destined to lose, standing before him with a bright smile, her brow slightly furrowed and her eyes shimmering.

Indeed, I also feel that it is a pity to miss an opportunity" Cheng Xiaojiu smiled and responded, following Zhu Wanzhang's lead.

"There is no need for guidance; it is enough for you to understand my good intentions towards you!" Zhu Wanzhang smiled and waved his hand, unceremoniously taking the flattery as gratitude. "The alley where you and your son currently reside was originally named Lishi Alley, which conveys the meaning of respecting the worthy and lowering oneself to the humble. It is the ignorance of the idle people in the community who fail to grasp the ancient wisdom of encouraging the younger generation to strive for progress, and they have mistakenly interpreted the term 'Lishi' as 'donkey dung.' This is truly an insult to culture, an insult to culture!" It is the ignorance of the idle people in the community who fail to grasp the ancient wisdom of encouraging the younger generation to strive for progress, and they have mistakenly interpreted the term 'Lishi' as 'donkey dung.' This is truly an insult to culture, an insult to culture!

What is that smell on you!" Old Master Zi twitched his nostrils, questioning with dissatisfaction. Since Cheng Xiaojiu entered the room, he had not even ordered the servant to bring a cup of tea, but instead, he was unabashedly critiquing his future son-in-law.

Before Zhu Wanzhang and Cheng Xiaojiu could speak, she stomped her foot again with force. "However, that old Wu couple is quite interesting; they actually demanded twenty guan as the bride price from the groom's side. The neighbors laugh at them for selling their daughter, yet they defend themselves vehemently. They claim that if the bride price is too low, it won't reflect their daughter's status, and it will lead to her being looked down upon by her in-laws and the neighbors. Bah! Bah! Just look at their daughter He Ye's appearance; how dare they even talk about status!

The other neighbors exchanged glances and whispered, "Isn't he just soaked in the rain and gone a bit crazy? Or maybe he was struck by lightning. The scarred man on the street has gone mad from the rain today, and even a few strong men couldn't hold him down!"

Such a dry and uninteresting topic naturally could not last for long. After managing to exchange a few more words, Zhu Wanzhang stood up to see the guests off. Cheng Xiaojiu had no intention of overstaying her welcome, and with a smile, she bid farewell to her uncle. Just before stepping out, she carefully checked the soles of her boots, ensuring that she had not taken away any of her uncle's wealth, before finally taking her leave.

Zhu Wanzhang observed every little movement of his future son-in-law, yet he could not find any incriminating evidence against him, leaving him unable to act. Just as he was seething with frustration, a robust figure abruptly emerged from the main house, quickly catching up to Cheng Xiaojiu in just a few strides. With great enthusiasm, he greeted her: "Ah, it's Xiaojiu. It's rare for you to come; why not stay a little longer? Xing'er has taken her personal maid to her good friend's house and is expected to return shortly!"

Note 1: Twenty guan, equivalent to twenty thousand copper coins. According to the purchasing power during the Sui Dynasty, this is approximately equivalent to around one hundred thousand RMB today

"No, Xiao Jiu is a good child, unlike that scarred head who has done all sorts of wicked things." Someone shook their head in disapproval. In everyone's impression, the newly moved-in Cheng Xiao Jiu was steady in his work, polite in his dealings, and had a fair and clean appearance that suggested wealth. Such a good child should be blessed with longevity and would definitely not be struck by misfortune from heaven

Thank you, Sister Xinghua. And thank you, Aunt! Cheng Xiaojiu once again clasped his fists, "I came in a hurry this time and did not bring any gifts for Sister Xinghua. Aunt, please do not hold my oversight against me!"

"Yes, uncle, rest assured!" Cheng Xiaojiu smiled and cupped his hands. "As long as the court resumes the imperial examination, I will definitely try my luck in the county."

"That's good, that's good. I'm waiting for you to change your mind, you stubborn child!" Under the evening sun, Madam Zhu waved her hand incessantly, much like a successful madam who had just closed a deal. It was only when Cheng Xiaojiu's figure disappeared at the end of the street that she turned around, pinched her husband hard, and whispered, "Useless old man, watching our daughter about to fall into a fire pit, and you can't even utter a single serious word. Let's go home and shut the door; we will settle the score then"

The person who carried heavy bags on the dock for half a day naturally carried a strong smell of sweat, which would not easily wash away no matter how much one tried. Cheng Xiaojiu felt embarrassed when asked, lowered her head, and suppressed her anger to respond, "To be honest, Uncle, I did some labor today, which is why I earned some white rice. My mother asked me to bring some over; it’s nothing much, but at least it’s fresh"