stingy landlady

Chapter 285 Guihong's Marriage (8)

Dazhu sighed:

"Alas! What can anyone do when disaster strikes? We all depend on the heavens for our livelihood. If the heavens don't favor us, we have no choice but to flee! If we escape, we survive. If we can't, we can only accept our fate!"

If you count back from here, how many of the people here are refugees who fled famine? How many are truly native-born locals? Have you ever noticed that although our village is small, everyone's voice is different?

The people from inside the pass speak in a very halting, slurred way; if he didn't speak slowly, I wouldn't understand a word he was saying.

Guizhi and the others had never heard of so many stories in the village before, and they listened with great interest.

Dazhu continued:

"Your mother is talking about those who are willing to work hard to earn a living, but there are also bad ones! They use fortune telling to swindle money, and when the male head of the household isn't home, they steal and rob!"

It's strange! It seems that all those who fled famine and came to our area are young men.

I rarely hear of women begging here! It's mostly men, fathers and sons, brothers! I guess women can't travel this far.

Han Xuewen was older and had heard more, so she said:

"Father, Mother! Sisters! I heard that in some places people are starving and are killing and eating children, the elderly, and even women! Those strong young men must be fast and have strong legs to travel far when fleeing famine!"

To cross the border and reach the outside world, one must traverse mountains and valleys. The mountains are teeming with wild beasts; only strong, able-bodied men dare to flee towards us. Alas! Life is hard!

Du Huaichuan also said:

"Those who managed to escape were all young and strong, a mixed bag. We must be extra careful, and not let our kindness harm our own family members again."

However, it doesn't mean that the poor person should be denied a way out. Human nature is unpredictable; discerning the truth requires careful consideration.

Du Huaichuan then thought of the border crisis and the unknown enemy, and was even more worried about Gui Hong, a woman living alone in the county town. He became even more uneasy!

Guizhi was also worried, fearing that Guihong was too stubborn. After all, how could someone who had never experienced or heard of danger understand this feeling of being surrounded by peril?

"Gui Hong! Let's go out for a bit, I have something to tell you."

Du Huaichuan grabbed Gui Hong's hand and tried to lead her outside. Gui Hong struggled for a moment but couldn't break free. She smiled at Dazhu and Li Shi and said:

“Father, Mother! Young Master Du must have some private matters that he is not at liberty to discuss. I will go out with him for a while and will be back in a short time.”

The two walked to a quiet place, and Gui Hong finally shook off Du Huaichuan, angrily saying:

"Young Master Du, what is the meaning of this? How dare you disrespect me in front of my parents! I wonder what it is that you insist on speaking to me privately, Young Master Du!"

If you can't come up with a suitable reason, you shouldn't eat this meal! I can't afford to lose face like that!

Du Huaichuan said calmly:

"Wang Guihong! When have I ever disrespected you? This is just a sudden incident! Didn't you hear what your third sister and your parents were saying?"

This is not a time of peace. Refugees fleeing famine may arrive soon, causing unrest. Guihong! It's too dangerous for you to live alone! Besides!

Gui Hong! And things haven't been peaceful on the border! Gui Hong! I know you, I know you've always been strong and independent. But when it comes to your safety, I miss your parents and sisters!

And I won't turn a blind eye to this! Guihong! Let's get married! So I can rightfully take care of you! And so those who care about you can go about their own business with peace of mind!

Gui Hong was stunned after hearing this, but immediately reacted and shouted:

"Du Huaichuan! Are you crazy? Or am I dreaming? Who proposes marriage on their own? Aren't you a young master from a prominent family? Don't you know that a betrothed woman becomes a wife and a runaway woman becomes a concubine?"

What nonsense are you spouting? Who do you think I, Wang Guihong, am?

"I'm sorry, Guihong! I didn't explain clearly! I was too anxious!"

Gui Hong's face turned cold:

"Speak! If you can't give a reasonable explanation, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

Du Huaichuan gathered his thoughts before slowly speaking:

"Guihong! I hope you can agree to my marriage proposal first. If you agree, I will immediately ask the matchmaker to propose to Uncle Wang and Aunt Wang again!"

If Uncle Wang and Aunt Wang agree, we can get married as soon as possible after setting a date. I will definitely have to go through the proper betrothal and wedding ceremonies, and a grand sedan chair carried by eight men, to bring Guihong into my house.

Gui Hong! I'm also worried about your safety. Now that we're together, your parents and relatives will know you have someone to protect you, and they'll definitely feel much more at ease!

I don't need to worry about you all the time! We're going through a very special time right now, I hope you can understand!

Gui Hong was always understanding; she glanced at Du Huaichuan and said:

"Young Master Du! First of all, I must thank you for your concern for me! But I don't want to get married so early! I like my free and easy life now."

Even though it can't last forever, I still hope my Lirenfang (丽人坊) can stay open longer. It's the culmination of all my hard work. I know that once I'm married, I can't be so selfish.

I always have to consider my husband's reputation and my in-laws' face. But while I'm at my parents' house, they spoil me! So I'll be selfish for a couple more years!

"Let's wait a few more years before considering marriage! Young Master Du! I'm truly sorry, but it would be best if we could go our separate ways after marriage!"

Du Huaichuan was getting anxious; why was he unable to explain himself clearly?

"Guihong! What I mean is, after we get married, you can still do whatever you want, just like you do now! If you want to be the manager of your beauty salon, no one will dare to stop you!"

With me by your side, Du Huaichuan will care about you even more and protect your safety! I will rightfully send people to protect you! Gui Hong! Your life will continue to be as free and unrestrained as ever.

Don't worry, after the wedding, there won't be any in-laws to control you; it will just bring us closer! Guihong! Just say yes!

Gui Hong finally understood, and her heart was filled with joy, her face turning red instantly.

"You! Du Huaichuan! Go propose to my parents! What's the point of coming to me? If you're so willing, just convince my parents! It's a marriage arranged by parents and matchmakers! What do I have to say!"

As Gui Hong spoke, she went inside. Du Huaichuan immediately sensed a glimmer of hope. This was tantamount to him agreeing!

The two entered the house one after the other. Guizhi saw Guihong's blushing face. Du Huaichuan had a beaming smile on his face, and Guizhi teased him:

"Du Huaichuan, you're smiling so happily, there must be good news coming your way!"

Du Huaichuan nodded, and Guihong pretended it was none of her business, casually going into the inner room. Dazhu frowned slightly; another daughter was about to be married off! Li Shi beamed:

"Huaichuan, when are you going to send a matchmaker to propose again? Why don't we take advantage of the fact that we're both in the county town and get the formalities done here?"

Du Huaichuan exclaimed happily:

"Aunt Wang! Tomorrow! Tomorrow I'll send a matchmaker to propose marriage at the place where Uncle Wang and Aunt Wang are currently living. I wonder if Uncle Wang and Aunt Wang think this backyard of Guihong Lirenfang is not careful enough?"