Travel Through The countryside

Chapter 6

The union between the Song estate and the villagers of Chashan was already an unusual affair. The Song estate lacked nothing, and when Song Man married off his only son, Song Jingwei, it involved many complex reasons. His only request was not to tarnish the Song family's reputation and preferably gain a good name from it.

So, after some contemplation, Song Man spoke, "I have no demands regarding this marriage, just treat Jingwei well. But your family has a good reputation, and I trust you."

Shen Dongming once again felt that Mr. Song was truly the best in-laws one could have. He hastily assured, "Of course, please rest assured, we will treat our son-in-law well and not let him suffer." Even if their own life wasn't good, they couldn't let their daughter-in-law suffer; that was only natural.

"Well, in that case, I am relieved," nodded Song Man.

Shen Dongming asked again, "Is there anything else you require?" He couldn't afford to be careless; he wanted to understand more about his future daughter-in-law.

"Not for now..." Song Man's thoughts revolved around gaining a good reputation; he didn't pay much attention to the marriage itself. Since Song Jingwei had done such a thing, he quickly thought of a way out and felt it was better to have another son like him.

A clear voice rang out, "Father, we do have a requirement." Song Jinmei entered with two maids and two male servants, looking at the three people seated. "The Song family is a prominent family in Lihua Town, highly valuing its reputation. Although my father is kind, some people are malicious and spread rumors. When my brother marries into your family, he will certainly be gossiped about. At that time, what will you do?"

Shen Dongming, hearing that this young lady was the future sister-in-law, immediately regarded her differently and earnestly replied, "We cannot lose our composure against rumors. It's our family who's marrying off our son; it's none of others' business. Let them say what they want."

"No! We cannot just let them say what they want. You must refute the rumors, prove them false, and not damage our Song family's reputation in the slightest," asserted Song Jinmei.

Shen Dongming was intimidated by Song Jinmei's momentum. He nodded earnestly, "Yes, we must refute them, prove them false, not believe them." Coming back to his senses, he quickly assured Mr. Song, "Please rest assured, Mr. Song, we won't let anyone spread rumors about the Song estate. You're such a good person; you deserve everyone's praise."

Song Man nodded in satisfaction; naturally, he wanted to be praised by everyone.

"Besides, you must ensure there's no divorce or separation. Otherwise, where will our Song family's face go?" asked Song Jinmei.

The Shen family naturally promised; they wanted their son and daughter-in-law to stay together for life. Before coming, they were afraid that the young master of the Song family couldn't bear the life of a farmer and wouldn't want to be with their son.

"We definitely won't divorce or separate; we'll live in harmony," said Shen Dongming and Mrs. Yang together, even Shen Junxi nodded vigorously.

Song Jinmei then seriously examined her brother's future husband. She felt puzzled. She hadn't carefully looked before, thinking he was just an ordinary peasant, but he was young and neatly dressed. Then she glanced at the dark-skinned Shen family couple and the mess on the ground... and those two weird things. She showed a disdainful look, saying, "Our Song family doesn't bully others. If my brother doesn't do well in your family, just guide him. After all, it was his choice, and no one forced him."

Shen Junxi lowered his eyes slightly. He remembered Song Jinmei's voice; she was the girl who ordered him to be sent to Song Jingwei that day. He felt a little gratitude towards her and more of an aversion, like to a snake.