Chapter 52 of 100

Chapter 52

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Chapter Fifty-Two: The Dilemma

The two characters “piāomiǎo” (ethereal) were written in an ancient and elegant style, exuding a graceful charm. Zhang Xiaohua’s smooth and continuous writing left the onlookers stunned. Mr. Liu, who was in the hall, hearing the sudden silence after the previous commotion, came out to see what was happening. When he saw the two characters on the stone slab, he fell silent, savoring them carefully, and was also captivated.

Speaking of the two characters “piāomiǎo,” they were originally from the token. After Zhang Xiaohua had someone identify them, he had repeatedly practiced and savored them in his mind. He could not write other characters, such as “Zhang Xiaohua” or “Zhang Xiaolong,” but these two characters were deeply etched in his heart, making them easy to write. Of course, given his lack of formal education, his calligraphy would normally be ridiculed, but using a mop, he didn’t have to worry about technique. The result was truly shocking.

Of course, there were those who didn’t appreciate it. The first to speak was Mr. Liu the Butcher: “Why is everyone so quiet? Is it good or bad? Give us some feedback!”

This remark woke everyone up. They all clapped and praised: “Good writing, good writing! The brushwork is fluid, and the ancient charm is profound. Truly remarkable!”

Even those with ulterior motives had to join in the praise, though they muttered to themselves: “This Mr. Liu, if his little brother is this talented, the older brother must be even more impressive. To call him a peasant is too modest. If this is the level of a peasant, what are we?”

Mr. Liu’s gaze shifted from the stone slab to Zhang Xiaohua. He knew Zhang Xiaolong’s abilities, but to see Zhang Xiaohua, at his young age, display such skill was truly surprising. He had underestimated him, thinking he was just a child. From now on, he would need to pay more attention to him.

Zhang Xiaolong was also surprised, but now was not the time for surprise. He still had to face the second question from the bridesmaid.

Sure enough, the second question was a literary one: Write a poem.

Zhang Xiaolong, Zhang Xiaohua, Liu Qian, and Mr. Liu were all sweating. Who was so shameless? Liu Yuanyuan was also innocent, her big eyes saying, “It’s the revenge of the disappointed ones. Sister, blame your charm.”

Zhang Xiaohua was about to step forward again, but Zhang Xiaolong held him back, saying, “Xiaohua, this time, let me handle it.”

Zhang Xiaolong lowered his head, deep in thought, pacing back and forth. After a moment, he looked up and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, I am just a farmer. I can’t compare to you, but I believe everyone has a role in this world. Scholars have their uses, and farmers have theirs. No one can be missing. Today, I will try to write a poem, and I hope you will correct me if I make mistakes.”

Then, he raised his voice: “I am a celestial being exiled to earth, wandering for decades. I await the right moment, when the dragon will rise to the heavens.”

The crowd was stunned again. The poem was not very rhythmic, and the number of characters seemed off, but the imagery was profound and the momentum was strong. No one knew how to evaluate it. Mr. Liu then said, “Nephew, the imagery of your poem is excellent, and the momentum is overwhelming. I hope you will continue to study and improve.”

Everyone agreed, saying, “Mr. Liu, it’s time to change the way you address him, isn’t it?”

The crowd was in an uproar, each person speaking their mind. The second question was passed, and Zhang Xiaohua gave Zhang Xiaolong a thumbs up. Zhang Xiaolong smiled and wiped his forehead, which was sweating.

When Zhang Xiaolong approached Liu Qian’s room again, the third question came: If the bride were an object, what would you hope she is?

This was a tricky question. Each person’s answer would be different, and any answer could be considered good. It was a question that seemed easy but was actually difficult to answer.

Many in the crowd were thinking about how they would answer if it were them. However, for Zhang Xiaolong, this question seemed too simple. Without hesitation, he replied, “I hope Qianqian is a mirror given to me by heaven, reminding me and correcting me when I make mistakes. I hope Qianqian is a twin lotus, symbolizing harmony and mutual respect forever. I hope Qianqian is a cane given to me by heaven, supporting me as we grow old together and live happily ever after.”

Zhang Xiaolong’s answer was so sincere and heartfelt that everyone was moved. Liu Qian had indeed chosen wisely, finding her true love. Even those who had been skeptical were now convinced of Zhang Xiaolong’s sincerity and applauded. Inside the room, Liu Yuanyuan’s eyes sparkled as she said to Liu Qian, who was blushing and looking down, “Sister, people call scholars pretentious, but this future brother-in-law, who hasn’t read much, is so pretentious. Could it be that a few days at the Zhangs’ have made him so pretentious? What kind of magic is this?”

Liu Qian laughed and scolded, “You naughty girl, always thinking the worst. I didn’t expect this from Xiaolong. His talent and character are not something I taught him. I only saw his potential before. It seems I didn’t misjudge him. Hehe, Yuanyuan, open the door quickly.” She then put on her red veil.

Liu Yuanyuan said, “As you wish, bride,” and opened the door.

Seeing the door open, the crowd outside knew the bride had approved, and they cheered. Zhang Xiaolong entered the room and, with Liu Yuanyuan’s help, carefully led the veiled Liu Qian out and into the Liu family’s main hall. Mr. Liu was already seated there. Zhang Xiaolong and Liu Qian knelt before him and bowed three times. After they finished, Mr. Liu quickly stood up and helped them up. At this moment, Liu Qian was sobbing, feeling the pain of leaving her home. She had always known this place as her home, but from today, it would no longer be. She couldn’t help but feel a sense of loss, thinking of her childhood and her mother, who couldn’t see this moment.

Mr. Liu walked to Zhang Xiaolong and said, “Xiaolong, I entrust Qianqian to you. Remember what you told me. Treat her well and don’t let her down.”

Zhang Xiaolong took Liu Qian’s hand and said solemnly, “Father-in-law, I will treat Qianqian with all my heart. You will see, I will not disappoint you.”

Then, Mr. Liu turned to Liu Qian, holding her hand and saying, “Qianqian, from now on, you are a member of the Zhang family. Take good care of your in-laws and live a happy life with Xiaolong. I have nothing else to say, except that I hope you will live happily ever after.”

Liu Qian, crying, said, “I know, Father. We will.”

Mr. Liu then said, “Alright, go now. They must be waiting for you.”

With that, Zhang Xiaolong led Liu Qian to the waiting sedan chair and then mounted his horse, with Zhang Xiaohua leading the horse and Liu Yuanyuan accompanying the sedan chair. The wedding procession slowly left the Liu family’s gate, heading towards the village entrance.

Mr. Liu watched the procession leave, tears streaming down his face. He had raised his daughter for so long, and now she was leaving. Even though she would still be close by, she would no longer be his little girl. She would be a Zhang. Thinking of his late wife, who couldn’t see this moment, he hoped she would protect their daughter and bless her with happiness.

Liu Kai came over, supporting his father and comforting him, “Father, Xiaolong is a good boy, and the Zhangs are reasonable people. Sister will be well taken care of. Besides, you will be living with them soon. You will be the first to know if anything happens. It won’t be much different from her living with you now.”

Mr. Liu sighed, nodded, and then shook his head before turning back into the house.

As for Zhang Xiaolong and the others, they left the village entrance of Bayili Gou. The sun was already high in the sky, and he said to Zhang Xiaohua and Liu Yuanyuan, “It’s getting late. We need to hurry. Xiaohua, ride with me, and Yuanyuan, you should sit in the sedan chair. It’s only fitting for the bridesmaid.”

They followed his instructions, one riding the horse and the other sitting in the sedan chair. The wedding procession quickened its pace, aiming to reach Guo Village before noon.

The others in the procession, who had been eating and drinking while Zhang Xiaolong and Zhang Xiaohua dealt with the bride’s family, were already well-fed. The horse Zhang Xiaolong rode had also been well-fed. They stopped making music and focused on the journey.

On the way back, the road was busy, and many people were interested in the wedding. They pointed and commented on the procession, especially on the new groom, Zhang Xiaolong, and speculated about the bride’s beauty. Unfortunately, the curtains of the sedan chair were closed, or everyone would have been trying to catch a glimpse of the bride.

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