Chapter 4, no further entanglements

The subsequent matters are quite simple. The Song family, father and son, are eager to withdraw from this marriage arrangement. If Zhou Chong insists on not going to the authorities to report them, according to the laws of the Ming Dynasty, a single complaint would suffice. Now that Zhou Chong has clearly stated his position, demanding that they waive the debt of two hundred taels, although two hundred taels is not a small sum, being able to cancel the marriage without future repercussions is still a significant advantage for the Song family.

Observing Zhou Chong's impudent demeanor, coupled with his words that were in stark contrast to his expression, both the Song father and son felt a sense of unease, unable to comprehend the true intentions of this young master from the Zhou family

Zhou Chong, indifferent to whether the recliner was damaged or not, strode over, sat down heavily on the chair, crossed his legs, and looked up at the Song family, saying: "Master Song, I agree to the withdrawal of the engagement. Given our current situation, the Zhou family truly does not match the Song family. Furthermore, according to custom, we will also return the betrothal gifts and marriage certificate from your Song family."

Certainly, although Zhou Chong does not resort to extreme measures for revenge now, it does not mean he is weak. Zhou Chong, who has learned to conceal his anger, is undoubtedly far more formidable than the hot-tempered Zhou Chong of his past life. As for his decision to absolve the Song family of their debts, it was merely a small interest he collected effortlessly.

Seeing Zhou Chong's shameless demeanor, the Song father and son were quite furious. However, they were also puzzled; Zhou Chong had previously been refined and cultured, even somewhat dull and perplexed in his studies. How could it be that, just after the Zhou family encountered a change, Zhou Chong had transformed into a ruffian like those on the streets?

The Song family father and son also sensed a change in Zhou Chong's demeanor; the previously desperate and bankrupt young master had suddenly vanished. In his place stood a young master Zhou, wearing a faint smile on his face, and even exuding a hint of roguish charm.

"Are you being too unreasonable?" Zhou Zhong raised his head and glanced at the young Master Song Er across from him, a smirk appearing on his face as he said, "Young Master Song Er, where does this statement come from? Your Song family proposed to break off the engagement, and I, Zhou Zhong, agreed without a second thought. Moreover, I am willing to return the betrothal gifts to you. How has it now turned into me, the young master, being too unreasonable?"

Seeing that the other party did not seem angry, Zhou Chong felt a bit disappointed. Soon, Butler Xu brought the marriage contract, and Zhou Chong exchanged the contract for the IOU with Old Master Song. Then, both of them almost simultaneously tore up the documents in their hands, severing all ties between the two families. However, as Zhou Chong tore up the IOU, he did not notice that Butler Xu's expression beside him was somewhat strange.

Zhou Chong, sitting in the reclining chair, was not angry at all after listening. Instead, he felt a bit nostalgic for the cigarettes of the future. If he could now hold a cigarette between his fingers, take a deep puff, and then blow out a smoke ring, it would be even more impressive

Upon hearing his son's words, Old Master Song revealed a mysterious smile and said, "Did I not already mention that our Song family can only temporarily afford to offend Lord Wang? However, now that Lord Liu is in his prime, it was Lord Wang and a group of others who once submitted a memorial to impeach Lord Liu, which ultimately led to his dismissal. Although Lord Liu himself may not remember this 'insignificant person' Lord Wang, those under Lord Liu have not forgotten him. I have received reliable information that someone intends to use the heads of Lord Wang and his associates to curry favor with Lord Liu. It is likely that Lord Wang's good days are numbered. If we still have ties with the Zhou family by then, wouldn't that lead us straight to ruin?"

Master Song has been in the business world for many years, and he is quite adept at keeping accounts. Therefore, he suppressed the anger in his heart, took out the Zhou family's promissory note from his bosom, and said: "Alright! Young Master Zhou has said this, so I, Song, will be straightforward. Here is your Zhou family's promissory note. You will return my son's marriage certificate, and our two families will settle this matter once and for all, with no further entanglements thereafter"

Seeing such a significant change in Zhou Zhong right before their eyes, both Old Master Song and Second Young Master Song were somewhat taken aback. However, Old Master Song, being a well-experienced businessman, quickly regained his composure and said with a smile: "As for the betrothal gifts, let's forget about them. Just return the marriage certificate to us. Given the current situation of the Zhou family, it would truly be hard for me to accept any betrothal gifts."

At this moment, Zhou Chong continued, "However, the current situation of the Zhou family is such that we truly cannot come up with the money to pay off the debt all at once. But rest assured, I, Zhou Chong, am definitely not someone who defaults on debts. I plan to repay a portion each year; this is called installment repayment. I estimate that it will take about ten to eight years to settle the debt, and by then, the marriage certificate will be returned to you!"

Butler Xu was momentarily taken aback upon hearing Zhou Chong's instructions, but he quickly regained his composure and hurried outside to bring in a worn-out recliner. This recliner was dear to Butler Xu, as he usually enjoyed lying on it to bask in the sun. Due to its poor condition, it had not been sold, but it could now barely serve as a place for Zhou Chong to rest.

However, after experiencing a brush with death, Zhou Chong's temperament became much more composed. He understood that some matters cannot be resolved solely through brute force. Therefore, although he was seething with anger inside, he did not show it at all.

After tearing up the marriage certificate, the Song father and son turned and exited the Zhou family mansion. However, just as they stepped out the door, the second young master of the Song family could no longer contain his grievances towards his father: "Father, why did you stop me just now? Zhou Chong is nothing more than a spendthrift at best. Given the current financial situation of the Zhou family, they actually want to marry off my sister? I estimate she would end up marrying a peasant at most. I do not want a woman of such low status!"

Hearing the sarcasm in Zhou Chong's words, Young Master Song Er gritted his teeth in anger. He initially wanted to mock Zhou Chong a few times, but was stopped by Old Master Song's hand. In contrast, Old Master Song, with his dark expression, appeared much more composed. He seemed not at all angered by Zhou Chong's remarks and simply said in a calm tone: "The marriage of the young one is a matter for the Song family, and does not require the concern of Master Zhou."

Seeing this fat man Song finally bring up the matter of breaking off the engagement, although Zhou Chong was already prepared, he still felt an urge to punch that chubby face in front of him. In the context of the Ming Dynasty, if an engaged woman has her engagement called off, it is essentially no different from being divorced for her. It would be difficult for her to find a better family to marry into in the future. In other words, if the Song family breaks off the engagement this time, barring any unforeseen circumstances, it would almost ruin Zhuo'er’s entire life. How could Zhou Chong, as her elder brother, not feel hatred?

Moreover, Young Master Song Er suddenly thought that since his father had confided such a secret to him, it must also mean that his father trusted him even more. Although he had an elder brother, that brother was honest and dull, completely lacking the aptitude for business. If he were to inherit the family business in the future, wouldn't the Song family be doomed to suffer losses?

With a sense of longing for cigarettes, Zhou Zhong cast another sidelong glance at the Song family father and son, then tapped the armrest of his chair and smiled, "That won't do. If we are to break off the engagement, it must be done properly. The betrothal gifts must certainly be returned by our Zhou family, and in addition, there are the debts owed by the Song family, which will be repaid together with the betrothal gifts at that time"

Unfortunately, the Song father and son are unaware that in his previous life, Zhou Chong was far more ruthless than a mere thug. However, he cherishes this rare opportunity of rebirth and does not wish to tread the same path as in his past life. Therefore, he employs some 'refined' tactics with them. Otherwise, based on his previous temperament, he would likely have infiltrated the Song family mansion tonight, leaving the father and son with a lesson they would never forget.

In fact, Master Song did not truly wish to forfeit the betrothal gifts. At the time of their engagement, a considerable sum had been paid as betrothal gifts. However, the recent changes in Zhou Chong left him feeling quite uneasy, which is why he so generously chose to relinquish the gifts, and even shamelessly sought to embellish his own dark and plump face.

Young Master Song Er, upon hearing his father's explanation, immediately turned pale and said: "Father, since we cannot afford to offend Lord Wang, why then do we still cancel the marriage with the Zhou family? If Zhou Chong were to leverage Lord Wang's influence to make a comeback, wouldn't our family be in danger?"

Young Master Song Er originally wanted to argue a bit more, but was stopped by Old Master Song. Then, this stout and dark-skinned Song suddenly smiled and said: "I understand what Young Master Zhou means. How about this: we will not require the debts owed to us by the Zhou family, and there is no need to return the betrothal gifts. Our Song family only needs the marriage certificate!"

Upon hearing his father's words, Young Master Song Er was utterly shocked. He had not anticipated that a mere annulment of engagement could involve the power struggles within the court, and even be related to the prominent Liu Gonggong. This was truly beyond his imagination. At the same time, Young Master Song Er felt even more admiration for his father. No wonder everyone says, 'The older the ginger, the spicier it is.' The Song family could do without anyone, but they absolutely could not do without this father of his.

Upon this thought, Young Master Song Er felt a surge of passion in his heart, simultaneously reinforcing his determination to marry the daughter of the wealthy merchant from Huating County. As long as this connection exists, his standing within the family would be significantly different.

Upon hearing Lord Song's words, Zhou Chong turned his head, spat, and suddenly broke into a smile as he stood up and said: "Indeed, the older the ginger, the spicier it is. If Lord Song had just set off with the * map * and * book *, wouldn't there have been so much unnecessary talk?"

This time, Zhou Zhong did not rush to respond, nor did he feel like continuing to act with Song the Fatty. Instead, he raised his eyebrows, relaxed completely, and turned to Xu, the steward beside him, saying: "Steward Xu, I am a bit tired; please help me bring something to sit on."

Zhou Chong, do not be too overbearing! The second young master of the Song family, being young and impetuous, had his fair face flushed with anger as he stepped forward to point at Zhou Chong and scold him, yet he did not consider who was truly being overbearing

Hearing his son's complaints, Old Master Zhou's expression began to darken. However, he ultimately suppressed his anger and said, "Do you think I want to endure the grievances caused by that spendthrift? Although our Song family is wealthy, our backing is not solid. Don't be fooled by the Zhou family's current downfall; Zhou Chong is still the prospective son-in-law of Lord Wang Lun. That Lord Wang has served as a Grand Inspector, and although he was dismissed for offending Liu Gonggong, the leader of the Eight Tigers, he still has many friends in the court. Given our Song family's strength, we cannot afford to offend that Lord Wang for the time being"

Zhou Chong saw the promissory note in the other party's hand, and after instructing Butler Xu to verify its authenticity, he then signaled him to go to the back to retrieve the marriage certificate. He then spoke in a tone that was utterly disgusting and reckless: "Uncle Song is indeed a generous man, truly a model for us younger generations. However, if that young lady from the wealthy Huating merchant family finds your son unsatisfactory, it could be a bit troublesome for the Song family if they wish to marry my younger sister again. Who knows, by then my sister might even have children. I hope Uncle Song will not hold it against us at that time!"

Upon hearing Zhou Chong's almost rogue remark, both the Song family father and son were nearly infuriated. Not to mention, Young Master Song, who is of a similar age to Zhou Chong, was originally planning to marry Zhuo Er in the coming year. If they were to wait another ten or eight years to annul the engagement, who would he marry then