Chapter 595 - 367: Marrying Off a Son

Chapter 595: Chapter 367: Marrying Off a Son

Liu Ze wants to open a school in Xiangmu Village to teach the children from nearby mountain villages. The tuition is cheap, even less than half the cost of the cheapest school in the city.

This is of course a good thing. Jiang Hu is very aware of the importance of education; he even feels Liu Ze is simply doing a philanthropic act!

How could he not agree? He wholeheartedly supports it, doesn’t he?

He hadn’t thought about these things before, but today Liu Hongcai reminded him, and he suddenly realized that Liu Ze’s health doesn’t allow him to travel far.

Of course, he has no objection even if Liu Ze stays at their home for a lifetime.

Moreover, the Liu family is wealthy and influential, and Liu Ze doesn’t have a lavish lifestyle. Supporting him for a lifetime is completely manageable.

But despite this, Liu Ze doesn’t want to stay home for a lifetime; he wants to venture out and accomplish something on his own.

Especially considering he’s not even fourteen years old!

At just fourteen, it’s astonishing he can think of so much—it’s simply satisfying, isn’t it?

Although Jiang Hu doesn’t understand why he’s being asked if he’s satisfied.

Given that his father, the County Magistrate, and his mother, the town’s wealthiest woman, are satisfied, how could an outsider like him have any dissatisfaction?

Though he truly is quite satisfied.

"Since Brother Jiang says so, I’m relieved."

Liu Hongcai stroked his beard, his face gleaming with satisfaction.

As for Jiang Hu, he was even more confused.

But Liu Hongcai clearly didn’t intend to explain and instead started talking about something else.

Until nearly an hour passed and his wife and second wife came out, he finally said,

"Brother Jiang, it’s getting late. If we’re hosting a feast tomorrow, today will definitely be busy, so I won’t keep you any longer."

Jiang Hu indeed had intentions of leaving, so he said, "Brother Liu, remember to bring your wife and nieces over tomorrow."

"Rest assured, we’ll definitely come."

The children were gradually called over, and as the Jiang family left, Liu Ze naturally followed along.

Liu Yajing hurriedly stopped him, "Third Brother, after months away, Grandpa and Mom and Dad miss you. Let’s go together tomorrow."

Liu Ze’s movement momentarily stiffened, then he turned and smiled at Liu Yajing, "Second Sister, I’ll see Uncle Jiang off to their carriage and then come back."

As for almost forgetting that this was his own home, he’ll just pretend it never happened.

Madam Liu shook her head helplessly, "They say a married daughter is like water thrown away. Ze’er hasn’t even been engaged, yet he’s like a son-in-law to the Jiang family."

Liu Yajing covered her mouth with her fan to stifle laughter, "Mom, just consider it as having one more daughter. Relax a bit."

Beside them, Liu Hongcai lightly coughed twice, reminding his wife and daughter, "Xinghe is still here, watch what you’re saying."

Wang Xinghe, Liu Yajing’s fiancé, with the wedding date approaching, was visiting the Liu family increasingly often.

Upon being mentioned, he merely smiled, not feeling embarrassed at all. But his gaze remained glued to his fiancée, unable to tear away.

Madam Liu glanced at her husband, "There’s nothing improper to talk about in front of Xinghe. Anyway, he runs over every day now. Once Jing’er marries into the Wang family, when will there be time to come back?"

"But look at Ze’er; Jing’er’s right. If this works out, it’s like he’s marrying into the Jiang family too."

"How could it be ’like’ that? We’re not incapable of setting Ze’er up with his own estate. How could it be considered marrying into the family?"

Liu Hongcai was frustrated. He could support one son or an entire family. He didn’t need any arrangements, right?

As the head of the family, he was somewhat displeased with the topic of his son marrying into another family.

However, Madam Liu cast him a glance, "Then let me ask you, if Yu’er becomes an official in the future, it’s likely the Jiang family will develop along with him. Then, will Ze’er stay in the city or move together?"

"Ah? This..." Liu Hongcai was dumbfounded; he hadn’t considered this question.

Just at this moment, the carriage left, and Liu Ze returned. Seeing everyone standing at the gate, he asked puzzledly, "Mom, Dad, why are you all still here?"

Liu Hongcai shook his head, stroking his beard a few times, "I’m just looking at you. If I don’t take the chance to see you now, it’ll be hard to see my son in the future."

Liu Ze was baffled, completely unaware of what illness suddenly afflicted his father.

But after speaking, Liu Hongcai turned and left, with Madam Liu following suit.

Only his second sister and future brother-in-law remained, smiling as they explained his parents’ earlier conversation.

Liu Ze was helpless. What was all this? Besides, his older brother wanting to participate in the provincial exam would have to wait at least six more years.

"By the way, Second Sister, your wedding is approaching. Aren’t you busy? How come you have the leisure to watch the commotion here?"

The second sister was already sixteen, and her future brother-in-law eighteen, having passed the scholar exams three years ago, waiting another three years for the next provincial exam.

The two got engaged at twelve and fourteen, respectively, and it’s been four years to date.

Liu Yajing lightly shook her fan, her eyes full of laughter.

"Whatever needed doing was done early. My wedding attire is finished, and now I’m just waiting to watch your commotion."

Though men and women should avoid too much contact, being an engaged couple, they shop together, dine together, attend gatherings together, and exchange gifts without overstepping any boundaries.

Even if seen by others, they’d only feel this engaged couple is affectionate and will remain in love, without worrying about gossip.

Of course, all of this is based on the fact that they were properly engaged long ago, only waiting for the right age and time to marry.

Thus, Liu Yajing is quite at ease, not feeling shy or anything like that.

Liu Ze looked at his future brother-in-law helplessly, silently asking, can’t you do anything?

Wang Xinghe shrugged, indicating he was powerless.

Liu Ze sighed, then happily brought up another matter, "Second Sister, did you inquire for me today?"

Liu Yajing was about to speak when Wang Xinghe nudged her arm.

"Jing’er, we should go back home to discuss this. It’s not appropriate to talk about such things at the gate."

The siblings realized they were still at the gate, and although there was no one at the moment, people would surely pass by later.

They quickly moved to the inner courtyard, and the maid soon brought tea over.

Despite the jokes, Liu Yajing was seriously concerned about her brother’s marriage.

Moreover, they’d interacted with the Jiang family for years. Although there’s a slight status difference, they’re satisfied with each other’s family values and upbringing.

Additionally, in recent years, their mother occasionally invited Aunt Jiang and Sister Xiaoxue to some flower-viewing events to strengthen ties between the families.

On such occasions, she would accompany them, taking Sister Xiaoxue along to meet other girls like them.

Naturally, Liu Yajing is very fond of Xiaoxue.

Even though Xiaoxue doesn’t have any significant family background, her younger brother has significant shortcomings. In this aspect, they’re not marrying beneath their station at all.

All things considered, they’re well matched.

On the contrary, if the Jiang family were to be particular about health, it’s likely her second brother wouldn’t even be able to marry Sister Xiaoxue.