The atmosphere around Wei Zhao, who had damaged his brain, was very heavy.
He was really annoyed.
But Wei Shouzhong was by his side, still rambling on.
"Do you remember? When you were six, you got into a fight with kids your age, didn't win, and chipped a tooth, crying all the way home."
Wei Zhao: ...
That was truly pathetic.
He stared unblinkingly at the ceiling.
Wei Shouzhong: "You were such a crybaby."
Wei Zhao: ...
Ever since his father passed away, tears had become foreign to him.
No matter what Wei Shouzhong said, he remained unresponsive.
Old Man Qian came in from outside carrying a bowl of medicine.
"Drink this. Aren't you from the Wei Family Army? Once you get better, when General Wei's coffin passes through Ze County, you can still go and pay your respects."
Hmm.
He'd pay respects to himself.
Old Man Qian often sold herbs picked from the mountains to the county and town, gathering plenty of news along the way.
"That General Wei was the sole heir of the Duke Shun Mansion. I heard that when the news of his death reached Shangjing, the Duchess Shun fell ill immediately."
Wei Zhao's eyes were vacant.
"The Holy Emperor, devastated at the loss of his beloved general, canceled morning courts for several days."
Wei Zhao remained vacant.
"The Heir of Marquis Zhongyong couldn't believe it and, with red eyes, beat up the soldier who delivered the funeral news, saying General Wei hadn't yet returned the silver he borrowed."
Wei Zhao remained vacant...
His eyeballs moved slightly.
Rubbish!
Wei Shouzhong was taken aback: "Would General Wei, of all people, need to borrow money outside? Now that he's dead and can't defend himself, that heir can say whatever he wants."
Old Man Qian: "After the news spread, many prominent people who admired General Wei sought out the Heir of Marquis Zhongyong for justice, refusing to let him defame General Wei."
"But the heir said the money was used to improve the Wei Family Army's meals."
"Those who went after him were moved, saying that General Wei was indeed selfless and it's something he would do. Before long, many homes started visiting to repay the money in General Wei's name."
Wei Zhao: ...
He could guess without being told.
Xiao Huaian was accepting everyone and would make a fortune.
Making money off the dead.
A faint cold smile finally broke on Wei Zhao's lips.
————
After settling in the old house, Yu Tingwan didn't recall any memories from her past life.
When the wound on her leg scarred, Li Lian brought some good news.
"Wan Niang, get ready to come with me, Butcher Wu is at my place now."
Yu Tingwan's eyes lit up, needing little preparation, merely smoothing down her hair a bit.
"Mother-in-law, I'm ready."
Li Lian saw her wearing every possible garment against the cold, appearing somewhat bulky, with many patches on her clothes, and frowned a bit.
But she knew it wasn't because Yu Tingwan didn't care; the outermost must be her best garment.
Still, the young girl was beautiful, even draped in rags she couldn't hide her looks.
The Village Chief's home wasn't far from there, and Li Lian spoke to her as they walked.
"Why are you trembling?"
Was it still cold?
Yu Tingwan whispered: "Nervous."
Li Lian: "He seems really interested. He agreed right after I mentioned it."
"Things should work out between you two."
"He won't look down on you."
Yu Tingwan nodded and turned serious: "What if I look down on him?"
She would have to start looking again.
The thought alone was worrisome.
Li Lian choked: ...
A woman heading to the vegetable garden stumbled upon them and asked with a smile, "Where are you headed?"
Li Lian didn't mention the match, smiling back, "Just taking Wan Niang to sit at my place."
The Village Chief's home was the grandest in Linxi Village, with lots of chickens pecking in the yard.
Everyone in the household was sent away by Li Lian, fearing too many people would make them uncomfortable.
Butcher Wu sat restlessly, glancing outside every so often.
The Village Chief originally found this match quite promising. However, seeing Yu Tingwan's calm demeanor last night, it now seemed that Butcher Wu was unworthy of her.
He shook his head silently: "You're not as steady as the young lady."
"Your wife's explained Wan Niang's situation to you, hasn't she?"
"She has."
In front of him, Li Lian lavishly praised Yu Tingwan.
Saying the girl was thoughtful and beautiful.
Such matches always involved a bit of exaggeration.
Butcher Wu didn't take it to heart.
Until Li Lian brought in the graceful young lady, he was stunned, unable to respond for a moment.
Yu Tingwan was also sizing him up.
!!!
Dark-skinned, not really good-looking, but not ugly either.
His clothes were neat and seemingly new—maybe newly bought—indicating he valued this meeting.
Tall, his fists looked sturdy at a glance.
The Village Chief kicked Butcher Wu: "Why are you standing dumbfounded? Useless."
Butcher Wu snapped back, hurriedly hiding his finger-missing hand beneath the table: "I... I..."
Yu Tingwan flashed him a radiant smile.
Seeing the situation, Li Lian got the hint.
"Everyone, have a seat."
She poured warm water for Yu Tingwan to warm up.
"No need for formal introductions. Everyone here is honest, and you're of marrying age; no need for pretenses."
She deliberately encouraged them to chat: "Old man, the clothes outside haven't been hung yet after washing, come help me."
She wasn't worried about leaving the two alone in the room, as the door was open, and she was watching from the yard.
Her arrangements were quite thoughtful.
Before leaving, she added, "Xiao Wu, many in the village saw you come. After what happened last night, I can't keep Wan Niang too long."
This was clear enough for them to speak quickly.
Li Lian could actually hear their conversation inside.
It should have been for the man to speak first, but she heard Yu Tingwan's fearless voice asking.
"Can you cook?"
Butcher Wu nodded quickly.
Yu Tingwan gently stated, "I'm not very good at cooking."
Butcher Wu, originally thinking if the girl was decent he'd settle it, both accepting each other.
Having a wife at home would mean meals were taken care of.
But now...
Butcher Wu dared not look at Yu Tingwan, unable to hide the joy in his eyes. He declared, "I lost my parents early, so I'm used to these things."
Yu Tingwan: "How much dowry are you planning to give?"
"How much do you want?"
Butcher Wu: "I brought three taels of silver out this time, do you think that's enough?"
In Xilin Village, three taels was quite respectable.
Still, he regretted not bringing more.
"I have no relatives, nor do I mingle with neighbors. There are three rooms and a kitchen at home, with a well in the yard for easy water access. I make a living butchering pigs, without fields, so you won't need to work the land."
"I've saved a bit over the years, after the dowry, maybe it'll be around six taels left, and I'll hand it all over to you."
"..."
He babbled until his mouth went dry, revealing everything. Finally, he cautiously asked.
"What do you think of me?"
Yu Tingwan took a sip of water: "Let's find a date before the year's end and settle things."
Butcher Wu was overjoyed, trying to ask.
"Okay, should I go to your aunt's place now?"
Yu Tingwan paused slightly.
"I'm now living in the vacant house in the village."
"I've heard."
Butcher Wu: "The dowry should go to the elders."
"Just give it to me, Mrs. Wang won't prepare any dowry for me."
"It's alright, home is where peace is. Consider it a loss."
He said: "I know she's not good to you, but you shouldn't hold grudges against elders."
"After all, cutting off ties completely isn't an option; your maiden family is your backup."
He spoke genuinely.
But Yu Tingwan's expression completely cooled down.
She never dragged things out unnecessarily.
She stood up: "I think we're not suitable for each other."