CHAPTER 1322: CHAPTER 1322: IS XIUNIANG DOING WELL?

Quan Xiuniang, however, had her own firm stance and refused to relent: "I fancy Jindou because of his sincerity toward me. With my background, marrying him is already aiming high. If I have to resort to such demeaning methods just to marry into his family, what kind of person would that make me? Regardless of whether it could succeed, even if it does, would I still have the face to meet anyone from the Wang Family afterward?"

"If Jindou truly cares for me, it wouldn’t matter if his uncle is the County Magistrate or even if his father is. I would still be in his heart."

"If Jindou looked down on me because of his family’s official position and wanted to marry a girl from a good family, why should I demean myself and risk being looked upon with disdain?"

"Let’s not discuss this matter again. Whether it’s right or wrong, sincere or insincere, time will reveal the truth! I’d rather be unmarried for life, shave my head and become a nun, than do such a thing!"

With that, she went off to embroider.

The relative, seeing Quan Xiuniang’s determination, hesitated to say anything more.

By the time Jinhoo rushed home, it was already dark. In the countryside, families weren’t wealthy, and lamp oil was precious, so not many could afford it.

People would usually finish eating early before it got dark and go to bed as soon as night fell.

At this time, in the vast village, only a few households had tiny beams of light shining through the cracks of their doors.

The Wang Family’s courtyard, however, was brightly lit and stood out prominently in the night.

When Jindou reached his own door and pushed it, he found it unexpectedly bolted from the inside.

He pushed it a few times but couldn’t open it, so he turned his ear toward the courtyard and faintly heard laughter and chatter from the backyard.

He quickly shouted into the yard, "Jinguan, open the door! I’m back!"

After shouting until his throat was hoarse, he finally heard footsteps approaching from inside. The door creaked open, revealing Jinhoo’s head.

Jindou was instantly overjoyed and rushed forward to hug Jinhoo: "Jinhoo? You’re back! When did you come back?"

While speaking, he vigorously patted Jinhoo’s back a few times.

Jindou, now at an age to manage family affairs in the countryside, had quite a bit of strength, and his pats made Jinhoo’s eyes roll back.

Jinhoo pushed Jindou away with difficulty and playfully punched him in the chest: "I came back with Granny and our aunt and uncle! Where did you go? I heard you went to see your fiancée?"

He winked at Jindou as he spoke.

Jindou laughingly kicked Jinhoo, and the two brothers warmly embraced as they walked inside.

Jindou asked, "I heard on the way that our uncle has become the County Magistrate? Is it true?"

Jinhoo nodded, "Brother, it’s a long story. Not only did our uncle become a Scholar, but did you know our granny also found her relatives?"

"What? Weren’t Granny’s relatives the Zhang Family? How come there are more relatives?" Jindou felt his mind was spinning.

Jinhoo, leading the bewildered Jindou to the backyard, saw two large, fierce-looking men guarding the entrance.

Upon seeing Jindou, they stared at him intently with intimidating eyes.

Jindou, never having seen such a display before, froze in place and dared not move forward.

Jinhoo smiled and said, "These are my elder brother. He went out earlier today and has just returned!"

Only then did the two men step aside, gesturing for them to enter.

Jindou cautiously followed Jinhoo into the courtyard, whispering, "Who are these people?"

Jinhoo whispered back, "They’re guards sent by Uncle’s biological father to protect him and his family. I heard these men are battle-hardened, having seen blood on the battlefield, so you’d better not provoke them. Just keep your distance!"

Jindou nodded repeatedly, sneaking a glance back at the two hulking figures at the door.

The two seemed to sense it and turned to look, causing Jindou to break into a cold sweat. He quickly turned away, almost straining his neck with a loud snap!

The pain brought tears to his eyes.

Jinhoo quickly dragged Jindou into the inner room.

Inside, laughter from the two men outside could still be faintly heard.

In the room, the Wang Family members were gathered around a large table brimming with various dishes, more lavish than even during New Year’s.

Jindou, who had left early in the morning to see Quan Xiuniang, had only eaten a small amount before leaving.

His relative’s family wasn’t wealthy, and since it wasn’t a busy farming season, they ate only twice a day. When Jindou arrived at noon, they had made him a bowl of mixed noodles with sorghum flour.

Even with just one bowl of noodles, Jindou hadn’t the heart to finish it, giving half to Xiuniang, while the children in that family watched hungrily, eagerly licking their lips. He felt too embarrassed to eat the rest and offered the noodles to the children, who quickly devoured it, leaving nothing.

By now, Jindou was so hungry that his stomach was practically touching his back, and the aroma of the food made him swallow his saliva.

Yet he restrained himself, greeting Old Granny Zhang, Song Chongjin, and Wang Yongzhu before finding a place to sit.

He filled a big bowl with rice and devoured it quickly to quell his hunger, only then lifting his head to see everyone at the table staring at him.

Old Granny Zhang couldn’t help but frown and asked, "Didn’t you go to your betrothed’s home? How come you look as starved as a ghost reincarnate? Didn’t you get a chance to eat during the day?"

According to rural customs, a fiancé is a guest of honor. A well-off family would serve chicken or fish when he visits, and at the very least, a bowl of white noodles with two eggs would be fitting.

Even in poorer households, they’d ensure he’s well fed, showing respect to the future son-in-law.

Only those extremely inconsiderate or uninterested wouldn’t prepare a meal.

Old Granny Zhang had a decent impression of Quan Xiuniang and had inquired about the host family, finding them honest. Though they had initially taken in Xiuniang because the Wang Family sent gifts quarterly, helping them support Xiuniang.

It hadn’t been long. Could they be changing their minds?

When Jindou heard this, he shyly lowered his head: "They prepared just one bowl of noodles for me. I felt sorry for Xiuniang and gave her some. With so many children watching, I couldn’t just eat it all, so I shared with them instead."

"That family isn’t well off, and they have many children. Why take from their rations when we have more than enough? I thought I could wait and eat my fill at home..."

Wang Yongzhu, hearing this, raised an eyebrow: "Jindou, is Xiuniang doing well?"

Jindou blushed: "Aunt, Xiuniang’s doing well. I went to tell her I was heading to the county town and asked if she wanted anything. She said she didn’t want anything, only asked for embroidery patterns from the county."

"She said she wants to embroider more, save money for a dowry, and avoid giving people reasons to gossip—"