Song Dingxiang [Completed]

C5. Pink Marriage.

Chapter 5

Zhou Tiezhu handed over the over 100 taels of silver earned from selling the tiger to Song Zhiyuan, asking him to use the money to build a better courtyard and buy a couple more acres of land after he left in the spring.

"I'm afraid I won't be able to come back for a few years once I join the army. If Uncle is willing to marry Dingxiang to me, I can't let her suffer." The two sat on the yoke of the cart, with Zhou Tiezhu watching Song Zhiyuan drive the cart.

In his hand, he held a silver hairpin engraved with a pattern of prosperity and wealth, intended for Song Dingxiang.

"Where did you hear that from?" Song Zhiyuan said as he drove the cart. "She can live at home once you're leave. No one will mistreat her. You need to be careful and cautious outside, don't get hurt. Coming back safely is what matters."

Zhou Tiezhu hummed in response. He was not one for many words, and Song Zhiyuan too had a reserved nature. For a while, all they could hear was the sound of the cart wheels rolling.

Feeling like the elder, Song Zhiyuan felt he needed to break the awkward silence. He added, "I've entrusted Wang Dama to handle the betrothal gifts. She's the village head's wife and half a matchmaker - she'll take care of everything properly. Don't worry."

"I'm not worried," Zhou Tiezhu said, rubbing his hands and wiping the bloody mud off, uncertain of what to say next.

Glancing around to ensure they were alone on the road, Song Zhiyuan lowered his voice and said to Zhou Tiezhu, "My daughter is still young, only fourteen. Even if you two get married, you can't... well, you know, right? Her body hasn't fully developed yet, it's too risky to have children. You're only seventeen now, and in a couple of years when you come back, you'll only be in your twenties. There's no rush for children, you understand?"

Zhou Tiezhu's dark face suddenly turned red, and he stuttered, "I, I understand, Uncle, you can rest assured, I won't... won't do that."

Song Zhiyuan huffed and said, "I'm not trying to make things difficult for you. Let's make everything clear between us. I'm just afraid that if you do something foolish and don't come back, my daughter will have to raise a child alone, and life will be hard. So, think about yourself more and think about my daughter. I know it's selfish of me, but if something happens to you and my daughter is left alone. But Dingxiang was also raised with care at home..."

"Uncle, I understand..." Zhou Tiezhu looked embarrassed, using colloquial language.

Song Zhiyuan chuckled and glanced at the embarrassed Zhou Tiezhu, saying, "It's your good fortune that my daughter married you. Dingxiang may look delicate, but she is also very capable."

Zhou Tiezhu nodded vigorously and said, "I know, marrying Dingxiang was a good deal for me. If I don't come back, everything will be left to Dingxiang."

"Don't talk nonsense. I don't care about your possessions. What's important is that you come back safe and sound and live a good life. Understand?" Song Zhiyuan's face darkened.

"I got it." Zhou Tiezhu wiped his forehead, feeling like he had broken out in a cold sweat.

As the ox cart entered the village, they saw people coming and going in front of the Old Third Song San's house, dressed in red and green, creating a lively atmosphere.

"Oh, is Third Uncle's family celebrating something?" Song Zhiyuan wondered.

When the ox cart returned home and he saw Fang Shi beating and drying quilts in the yard while muttering to herself, he couldn't help but ask, "Hey, what's the happy occasion at Third Uncle's house?"