Chapter 007: The Suffering Ones

I have heard people say that person bullies men and oppresses women, being a tyrant in this county. Mother, are you not pushing me into the fire pit like this? Moreover, I have already married into the Wu family, which is not permissible

Although just now Yun Ge performed quite well, almost forming a brotherly bond with Wu Dalang, to be honest, Ximen Qing is a significant benefactor of mine. The fruits and vegetables I grow are sent to the Ximen residence, which barely supports my elderly mother at home. If I were to offend Ximen Qing in this way, not only would I suffer the consequences, but I would also cut off my own means of livelihood

Yun Ge's mouth is so wide that an entire pancake can fit inside it

Seeing Pan Jinlian lost in thought, Wang Po covered her mouth and laughed, saying: "Liu Niang, what do you think of Lord Ximen today?"

This ... ...

At this point, of course, Brother Yun also knew that this marriage proposal referred to Pan Jinlian, also known as Pan Liuniang. He secretly swallowed a mouthful of saliva, feeling a surge of wicked desire rising within him, and quickly took a sip of wine to suppress it. Ever since he first laid eyes on Pan Jinlian, he had been unable to extricate himself; her figure, her curves, he had fantasized about her countless times in his dreams.

Pan Jinlian feigned anger, yet forgot her tears: "If my stepmother continues to mock me, do not blame Liu Niang for turning against you"

Wu Dalang's head shook like a rattle drum: "Today, I called you out, my brother, because there is actually something I need your help with. I just don't know if you are willing to assist me"

Wu Dalang wore a苦 face, and it was not easy for him to squeeze out these words from between his teeth. Yun Ge was quite surprised to hear this and was left speechless.

Wang Po persisted relentlessly, continuing to speak

Wang Po laughed again: "The old woman sees that Lord Ximen is indeed looking at Liu Niang with special attention! Liu Niang accidentally dropped the bamboo pole and hit the nobleman, yet it seems he is not angry at all. On the contrary, he wants you to stay as far away from him as possible. I fear he has secretly taken a liking to you, unable to extricate himself..."

How could my brother speak so tragically about such a fortunate event as this windfall?

Yun Ge accompanied by laughter filled the wine for Wu Dalang: "Brother Dalang, do not blame me for speaking harshly. This Ximen Daqin is quite close to the county magistrate. Brother, do not act impulsively; it is better to wait for Brother Erlang to discuss this further. Brother Erlang has the ability to defeat fierce tigers, and even the county magistrate would regard him with a different perspective."

No one expected that from the same womb, two such different individuals could emerge. The elder brother is as small as a three-inch tall tree bark, while the younger brother is tall and imposing. Naturally, Wu Dalang was filled with excitement, rubbing his hands together as he introduced his brother upon entering the door, while Pan Jinlian's heart was in turmoil, nearly fainting from happiness.

Upon hearing this, Brother Yun took a large gulp of wine and, emboldened by the drink, patted his still undeveloped chest: "Brother has something to say, but feel free to speak! As long as it is within my capability, there will be no second thoughts!"

Seeing that Yun Ge looked troubled, Wu Dalang could guess part of the reason. He raised his hand and poured a bowl of wine for Yun Ge: "Before Erlang returns, I do not expect to deal with that Ximen Qing in any significant way, but at least we should frighten them a little, so that the woman can restrain herself somewhat. If it is truly difficult for you, then just consider that I have not said these words."

Yun Ge hesitated and said: "Brother, please heed my advice. We cannot afford to provoke Xi Menqing, but we can avoid him. At worst, starting tomorrow, we can close the pancake stall and lock our own door, not allowing Sister-in-law to go out."

Pan Jinlian's charming face flushed even more, as if the sensation of being touched on her chest had not yet faded away

Alright, since that is the case, I will agree to my brother.

The two empty bowls fell back onto the table, and Wu Dalang said: "Brother, I know you often go to the Ximen residence to buy some fruits. You are familiar with the place and have made acquaintance with a few servants. Starting tomorrow, help me keep an eye on the main gate of the Ximen residence. As soon as that scoundrel Ximen Qing steps out, come find me at the crossroads. I want to catch him in the act!"

Uh ... ...

As soon as the pie was thrown out, Yun Ge's eyes lit up: "Brother, are you serious about this?"

This Wu Dalang is truly unaware of the blessings he possesses

She clearly belongs to another man, so why has she obtained this fortune stick? Every time Pan Jinlian looks at the stick, she wishes she could rush downstairs and go to the Jade Emperor Temple to ask Master Wu for clarification

Young Master Ximen is still quite young, yet he has such a large herbal medicine shop at home, and business is thriving. He has one wife and one concubine; the legitimate wife’s surname is Wu and her health is not very good. Recently, the concubine just fell ill and passed away. All the matchmakers in Qinghe County are keeping a close eye on him, and it is hard to say how many are planning to propose marriage to Young Master Ximen. The old woman also acts as a matchmaker; would you like me to go to the Ximen residence tomorrow to introduce some candidates to you?

Good

How could Pan Jinlian forget? That stick was secretly clenched in her hand, hidden in her sleeve, and she managed to keep it from Wu Daoguan when she brought it back. It is still tucked under the mattress. When Pan Jinlian feels bored, she secretly takes out that stick and looks at it repeatedly.

Pan Jinlian's face was slightly flushed. That day, when the tiger was paraded through the streets, she had also gone to watch the commotion. Wu Song, dressed in his vigorous attire, was quite the eye-catcher.

No way! Every day, facing that promiscuous woman, my mind is filled with her schemes of stealing men. Before my brother returns, I am going to lose my mind!

Do not mock me, my godmother

Oh?

Before he could finish his words, tears were already welling up in Wu Dalang's eyes. Yun Ge quickly advised, "Brother, is there anything that can't be overcome? Why not share it with your brother? Drinking alone in silence is not the way to go"

As Ximen Qing and the other two were drinking a decade-old brew, in an unknown tavern on the front street, Wu Dalang and Yun Ge sat face to face at a rickety small table. On the table were a plate of peanuts and a plate of spiced broad beans, which served as their snacks, while they were drinking the cheapest village brew.

Brother, how should this be said? Hasn't brother already married Liu Niang after moving to Qinghe County a few years ago?

When Wang Po smiles, she resembles an old fox: "Liu Niang, do you still remember the last time we went to the Jade Emperor Temple to pray? The old woman asked Wu Daoguan to draw a fortune for you, didn't she?"

There is absolutely no falsehood

Pan Jinlian took a deep breath to calm herself, thought for a moment, and bit her lip, saying: "Ximen Daqingren leaves quickly. Tomorrow, I will return to the Ximen residence to seek an audience and apologize in person"

Pan Jinlian looked at the comforting Wang Po with tearful eyes: "Ever since I was bought by the wealthy Zhang to be a maid, I have not had a single good day. Marrying this useless man, I often wish I could find a rope and hang myself."

Ah? Sir Ximen?

Good

Wu Dalang, lost in his own thoughts, first lifted the coarse earthenware bowl and took a gulp: "Brother, since I came to Qinghe County, there are hardly a few who can converse with me. My life, oh, it is so bitter..."

"Godmother, my life is so miserable..."

Wu Dalang sighed and said: "Brother! I understand all these principles, but this resentment is truly hard to swallow. Look at that woman; today she is relentless, and tomorrow she will drag me to the Ximen government office to apologize! Tell me, in this world, where is there a man who has to apologize to his wife's lover? How can one endure such a situation!"

Wu Dalang wiped his hot tears with his dirty sleeve, sighed, and said in a self-deprecating tone: "Brother, others say that Liu Niang married me, a three-inch man, and that it is like a beautiful flower inserted into cow dung, or a piece of good meat falling into a dog's mouth. Little do they know that this beautiful flower was forcibly given to me by someone else"

Wu Dalang decisively replied

That wealthy man was quite reluctant, and after discussing for a long time with his wife, she was certainly unwilling to let Pan Jinlian stay in the Zhang residence for even half a day. It was only then that he deliberately pulled me in from the street, offered a dowry of twenty guan, and forcefully handed Pan Jinlian over...

Alas, brother! You know I originally lived in Yanggu County near Jingyang Ridge. Unexpectedly, when Erlang got into trouble and fled, I had no choice but to make a living selling pancakes, just to get by. Who would have thought that one day while doing business on the street, I was called over by the wealthy Zhang from Yanggu County, who said he felt sorry for my loneliness and wanted to arrange a marriage for me

In the pleasant month of March, a good marriage is destined

Isn't this still your spring heart stirring?

Ah ... ...

Pan Jinlian anxiously interrupted Wang Po

Godmother

Yun Ge weighed the options, and neither agreeing nor disagreeing seemed right. Wu Dalang sighed again and said, "Brother, I know you have an elderly mother at home to support, and selling fruits is not a proper way to make a living. When Erlang returns, I will take charge and have him provide some funds for you to start a small business. It wouldn't be difficult to even get you a position in the government office."

Wu Dalang struck the table with great force, causing it to shake: "Brother, let us finish this bowl of wine before we continue!"

Hehehe, no more words, no more words

The elder brother originally had a disability, which made him the subject of ridicule. He thought that if he could have a wife to carry on the family line, he would not mind it so much. However, he did not expect that things would still be unsettled. Every time he wanted to go out to sell steamed buns and books, there were always some dubious men loitering at the door. This prompted him to simply move to Qinghe County to live.

Wu Dalang could not discern the envy evident on Yun Ge's face at all. He took another swig of wine, and the frown on his face deepened with more wrinkles: "A pie falling from the sky? Where is such good fortune? Once this woman matures, Zhang Dahu will be circling around, eager to take her for himself. When his wife catches wind of it, she will strip her of her adornments and drive her out!"

Yun Ge readily agreed with a straightforwardness that was quite admirable. Since Wu Dalang could alleviate his concerns, there was naturally nothing more to discuss. After all, it was merely a matter of delivering a message, and Yun Ge was confident that he could accomplish it.

Wu Dalang, upon reaching this point, downed the wine in his bowl in one go and tossed the coarse earthenware bowl onto the table: "These peaceful days haven't lasted long; just look at today, and you've already gotten involved with Ximen Qing! And that Wang Po, she's just like a horse-faced woman!"

"Liu Niang, do not speak such disheartening words. Why seek a drastic solution when everything is fine?"

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What a sin

Wang Po, resembling a fox spirit that has attained sentience, saw through Pan Jinlian's thoughts at a glance: "If only this tiger-slaying hero were not your little uncle."

Yun Ge is only around 14 years old, has not drunk much alcohol, and merely took a light sip, not understanding the matter.

Pan Jinlian categorically denied it, but Wang Po's words inadvertently seemed to strike a chord deep within her heart, causing her feelings to become tumultuous.

Wang Po earnestly advised: "I see that Da Lang is a person who lives a simple and honest life. Women suffer throughout their lives; it doesn't matter who they marry. Moreover, you have a little brother-in-law who is a headman and a hero known for hunting tigers, someone many people admire. You also saw how, on the day the tiger was paraded through the streets, so many women in Qinghe County were watching Wu Erlang with envy."

The godmother only knows how to talk nonsense