Chapter 6, The First Encounter

Scholar Ruan expressed his profound gratitude and took his leave.

In fact, that person is merely of a delicate and handsome appearance; one could say they are indeed attractive. Upon closer inspection, there are two ear piercings on the earlobes, and the chest is slightly prominent, which immediately reveals that this is a woman disguised as a man. ... Even though he has encountered women disguised as men before, this person, this person ...

Please wait a moment, we should not rush. If Xiuer enters too hastily, she may be looked down upon.

Rest assured, sir, if I cannot handle such a trivial matter, I am unworthy to run errands for you

Ruan Xiucai was able to set aside his pride and relinquish certain things that many men hold dear, personally seeking out Qin Fengyi, which demonstrates his genuine feelings for Xiao Xiuer. Ruan Xiucai said, "In terms of appearance and wealth, I cannot compare to Young Master Qin. If there is anything to commend, it should be my good fortune in encountering a girl like Sister Xiuer, who is steadfast and unwavering."

Lan Yue nodded in agreement

Li Caitou cheerfully enjoyed a small drink, thinking about visiting his daughter later to have a good talk with her about right and wrong. Li Caitou said to his wife, "It's not all for our family; not to mention others, just look at Young Master Qin's appearance. I’m not exaggerating when I say our daughter is truly fortunate. Young Master Qin is still young and hasn't seen much of the world, and the two of them have this connection. Otherwise, based on Young Master Qin's wealth and looks, there would be countless people eager to be his second wife, even those who wouldn't mind being without a title."

Qin Fengyi was quite willing to meet Yuan Xiucai, as he wanted to see what kind of sour scholar could make Xiao Xiuer unwilling to accept someone as handsome and wealthy as himself, and instead settle for such a sour and poor wretched scholar. Upon a glance, Qin Fengyi candidly remarked, "Not much to speak of." With a tall and thin figure, dressed in a faded blue cloth robe, he was completely unrelated to handsomeness.

Ruan Xiucai's expression was not very pleasant, but Qin Fengyi did not care; after all, he had never been one to pay much attention to others' expressions. Qin Fengyi said, "It's all because of you, Xiao Xiuer. Even if I offered her a mountain of gold, she wouldn't agree. Come, tell me, what makes you so special?"

"She should be made to understand clearly," Li Caitou said, "Marrying into that poor scholar's family, how can it compare to enjoying a life of luxury at the Qin family! Just yesterday, I delivered a basket of eggs, and Master Qin rewarded me with a complete set of writing implements. I inquired about that set when I was at the bookstore, and it costs at least three taels of silver! She is fortunate to have caught Master Qin's eye; she will have plenty of days filled with fine clothes and sumptuous food in the future! She needs to realize that once she leaves this village, there won't be another opportunity like this!"

Alright, I will go check on her in a little while

When it comes to this daughter, Mrs. Li is quite displeased, "That silly girl, still holding a grudge against me!"

"Just her! She is impervious to both soft and hard approaches! You have no idea, in my opinion, that girl is simply destined for a life of poverty! No fortune!" Mrs. Li discussed with her husband, "What do you think, should we consider canceling the engagement with the Ruan family?"

Qin Fengyi asked, "What brings you here?"

You certainly have a way with words, Qin Fengyi thought

They all call him Phoenix. Li Caitou smacked his lips and said, "There is a term used by learned people to praise someone's good looks, what is it? Hmm, it's 'a dragon among men and a phoenix among women.' Yes, that's how one praises someone. One can imagine how handsome Young Master Qin is. The first time I saw him, I didn't even dare to speak; he looked almost unreal.

Qin Fengyi let out a strange cry and turned to rush downstairs. In her haste, she nearly stumbled and fell down the stairs, landing in a most undignified manner.

"Oh dear, what great benevolence and righteousness!" Lan Yue flattered, "I am not exaggerating, in the entire city of Yangzhou, young master, there are not many kind-hearted people like you!" He raised his thumb, wearing a face full of sycophancy

Young Master Qin summoned Lan Yue and said to her, "You must go to Li Caitou's house and quietly take care of the matter. Do not make a fuss, as this is not a good thing and concerns the reputation of Xiao Xiu'er. Just tell the Li family that Scholar Ruan has a title, and my heart has already grown indifferent. Urgently ask them to arrange the wedding with the Ruan family. Let the Li family give up hope and say, 'I am about to propose.'"

Mrs. Li instructed the young girl to bring the warmed dishes from the kitchen and personally poured wine for her husband. Li Cai-tou asked, "Is Xiu'er doing well?"

After Qin Fengyi awoke from her "dream," the first person she saw was Xiao Xiuer. The "dream" had been too terrifying, and Qin Fengyi felt the need to resolve this matter of cause and effect. Qin Fengyi straightforwardly said, "One matter should not trouble two masters. Since you are here, do not speak of whether you are disturbing or not. This is also my fault; in my youth, I loved to converse with my elder sisters and younger sisters. I will take care of this matter for you."

It is Ruan Xiucai, who personally entered the city to find Qin Fengyi for his fiancée

Qin Fengyi instructed Lanyue, asking her in a somewhat self-satisfied manner, "How is it, my dear? How well did I accomplish this task?"

Qin Fengyi hurriedly helped Ruan Xiucai to his feet, feeling quite pleased with herself, thinking that her reputation had been half redeemed. However, she put on a sincere expression and said, "Please don't say that. In the past, when Xiao Xiuer and Li Caitou brought vegetables to my house, I was young and often spoke with her. She would call me 'Ruan family brother' and shared quite a bit about you two. I regarded her as a sister and hoped that you would have a smooth journey together and grow old together. Xiao Xiuer is not young anymore, and since you have come to me to discuss this matter, you shouldn't delay your engagement. It would be best to find an auspicious day soon to hold the wedding, wouldn't it?"

Mrs. Li inquired, "Is he really that handsome?"

This time, everything is going well

Oh my, that is truly handsome

Oh dear, this really leaves one at a loss!

Isn't that so? I don't know how this girl has such beautiful eyes, so stunning that the wealthy look down on her. How did she end up hanging on this crooked tree of the old Ruan family

That is. Qin Fengyi has done a great deed, and she is so pleased that her tail is raised high. She said, "You must handle this matter well for me, otherwise, if someone scolds you, they will be scolding me."

Ancient people placed great importance on oaths, and individuals like Qin Fengyi, who swore oaths spontaneously, were truly rare. Upon hearing someone make a thunderous and venomous oath, Scholar Ruan quickly interjected, "Please do not do this, please do not do this." With a face full of shame, he stood up and deeply bowed to Qin Fengyi, saying, "I have misunderstood Young Master Qin, and I offer my apologies to Young Master Qin."

What is this fate! Just after making a false vow to Scholar Ruan that he would never take a concubine after marrying, he encounters the wife from his "dream"! Moreover, upon further reflection, it seems that the wife in his "dream" came out from the next private room. Goodness, he usually speaks quite loudly; could it be that his words were overheard by his wife!

As a result, when Qin Fengyi looked up, she was taken aback. The one who bumped into her was a servant, and that servant was hastily apologizing. However, Qin Fengyi did not pay much attention to this servant; the key point was the person behind him.

Of course, this does not mean that Xiao Xiuer hanged herself

Qin Fengyi said, "I have already instructed people to stop the vegetables from Li Caitou's family, so why is he still pressuring Xiaoxiuer?"

"Hey, you old thing!" Qin Fengyi glanced at Ruan Xiucai and said, "Don't think that I conspired with Li Caitou. At first, I thought Xiao Xiuer was quite nice. But I only thought she was innocent and lovely, treating her like a sister. You know, I don't have any siblings at home. Who would have known that Li Caitou had ulterior motives? Let me tell you, only Xiao Xiuer has her own opinions. If it were another girl, even if she was unwilling, with her parents pressuring her like that, she would probably have no choice but to nod in agreement. But I only thought she was innocent and lovely, treating her like a sister. You know, I don't have any siblings at home. Who would have known that Li Caitou had ulterior motives? Let me tell you, only Xiao Xiuer has her own opinions. If it were another girl, even if she was unwilling, with her parents pressuring her like that, she would probably have no choice but to nod in agreement. I must say, the Li family has really misunderstood me. Although my family is not considered a prominent household, you can ask around. My father has no concubines by his side, and in the future, I will only marry one wife and will not take any concubines. Li Caitou is purely imagining things; I am not that kind of person!" Of course, Qin Fengyi also wanted to clarify her earlier "Golden Mountain Theory," saying, "I was just teasing Xiao Xiuer." Glancing at Ruan Xiucai, Qin Fengyi said, "Don't think that I am just brushing you off with words. I can swear right now that no matter what kind of wife I marry in the future, I will be devoted for my entire life. If I have any second thoughts, may heaven strike me down!"

Scholar Ruan spoke earnestly yet with a hint of pleading, "Young Master Qin, I kindly ask you to consider the strong bond between me and Sister Xiu'er, and grant us this favor."

Li Caitou wore a joyful expression and whispered, "Rest assured, I am watching; the young master's heart is still with our Xiuer."

Li Cai-tou originally thought that after delivering eggs to Young Master Qin twice, Young Master Qin would reward him with a set of writing implements. Moreover, seeing that Young Master Qin did not seem truly angry, and importantly, he was still thinking about his little Xiuer! Late at night, when Li Cai-tou returned home, Mrs. Li came forward to attend to him. After Li Cai-tou washed his face, Mrs. Li quietly asked, "How did it go?"

Scholar Ruan showed an awkward expression but still nodded his head

Lan Yue Dao, "It is settled, young master, it is getting late today, I will go first thing tomorrow morning."

Scholar Ruan said, "How could I not wish to arrange a marriage soon? It was indeed set for this September. In the past, whenever I visited the Yue family to see Sister Xiu'er, they always welcomed me with joy. But now, when I go, my mother-in-law makes many excuses, preventing us from meeting. I, I have thus taken the liberty to disturb Young Master Qin."

Li Caitou took a sip of liquor and said, "You should really persuade her. Tomorrow, I will scare him a bit; this is called playing the good cop and the bad cop. With this combination of soft and hard approaches, she will surely agree."

"What a condescending attitude! As long as we step through the door, after a year and a half, we can add a big, chubby boy to the Qin family. Not only will Xiuer have a secure future for her entire life, but our family will also be able to change this house and courtyard." Li Caitou thought of the good days to come, and couldn't help but smile with joy.

That is it! He is quite handsome, do you know how the people of Yangzhou refer to him

Once Scholar Ruan left, Qin Fengyi indulged in a moment of vanity, realizing that the feeling of doing good deeds was indeed like this, especially the appearance of Scholar Ruan expressing endless gratitude, which greatly pleased Young Master Qin

As the master and servant exchanged a few banterous remarks, Qin Fengyi stood up, took Lan Yue with her, and prepared to head home. Just as she stepped outside, she was bumped into by someone. In that moment, Qin Fengyi, forgetting her intention to be a good person, blurted out, "Do you have no eyes!"

How should I address you

I said the same, but that girl does not know how to appreciate it

I have indeed advised against this, yet your daughter truly does not appear to be one blessed with fortune Mrs. Li wore a face full of misfortune, only lamenting her daughter's foolishness

If it were not for Xiao Xiuer, Ruan Xiucai would truly not come to seek Qin Fengyi. As a man, if it were not for the significant disparity between the two families, Ruan Xiucai would be able to compete with him over the matters that Qin Fengyi has done

"No, no, although I have entrusted Brother Lanyue with the Qin family, I still have not received the approval from Young Master Qin. If I were to withdraw from the marriage with the Ruan family now, wouldn't that leave me with no way out?" Li Caitou asked, "Are there still eggs at home? If not, I can go deliver eggs to Young Master Qin again tomorrow."

To speak of Xiao Xiuer, although the Ruan family is like an old crooked tree, Xiao Xiuer has not wasted a single opportunity

When you go, look for your sister Qionghua, and prepare two pieces of fabric, just say they are for Xiaoxiu's wedding attire