Farm Tough Girl
Chapter 283 - 283 284 Capturing What_1

Chapter 283: Chapter 284 Capturing What_1 Chapter 283: Chapter 284 Capturing What_1 Muniang also pressed her lips together and smiled, “That’s right, Master Zeng, you must have some confidence. A good man like you, which girl wouldn’t fancy you? Maybe the girl doesn’t understand your feelings right now, but if she does find out, who’s to say she won’t accept you?”

These words were clearly meant to encourage Zeng Gang, and sure enough, Zeng Gang’s complexion improved a lot, “What you’re saying makes sense, I will do my best!”

Muniang couldn’t help but let out a snort of laughter; how could this man be so amusing?

Lin Kexin also couldn’t hold back her laughter. Initially, she had no particular feelings for Zeng Gang, and now she just wanted to find a husband. Besides, she hadn’t specifically mentioned who she was introducing to whom, so naturally, it wouldn’t be awkward. Moreover, she had an easy-going nature, and was thoroughly amused at this point, having completely forgotten the earlier issue.

While Muniang was laughing merrily, Yu Ze leaned close to her ear and whispered, “Would you really fancy someone like him?”

Muniang was taken aback; she realized that he was competing with the praise she had just given Zeng Gang. She was at a loss for words, thinking, why is this grown man so petty?

“That’s right! What’s wrong with Master Zeng? If it were me, I’d fancy him too.”

Yu Ze’s face darkened, and even though he knew Muniang was probably just trying to provoke him, he still felt unhappy and snorted, “You definitely wouldn’t fancy him.”

“Why not?”

“Because I’m better than him.”

Muniang almost fell off her chair. Young man, where did your confidence come from? Have you no shame?

The meal was quite enjoyable, and the hosts and guests were well entertained, with no adverse effects from Zeng Gang rejecting the marriage proposal. However, Mrs. Lin did feel a twinge of regret, still lamenting that such a good man already had someone in his heart.

Muniang, feeling helpless, could only comfort her, “There are plenty of good men out there, Mother, let’s not rush. We will find someone good in time.”

Mrs. Lin finally calmed down, nodding her head, “That’s true. Next time, you must remember to arrange something for your auntie, and make sure to pick a really good match!”

Lin Kexin, who was nearby, heard this and immediately felt doomed, “Muniang, do you see? Your mother seems to dislike my staying here, why is she always trying to push me out and set up a marriage for me?”

Mrs. Lin scolded, “You girl, I am doing this for your own good, and you’re still not pleased? You are already sixteen, yet unmarried. Just look at your niece, she has been married for nearly two years now. Why aren’t you in the least bit anxious?”

Muniang silently chuckled; now she had become a role model.

Lin Kexin stuck out her tongue at Muniang, and then sheepishly returned to her room amidst Mrs. Lin’s nagging.

The old residence was now desolate. Doctor Chen had already seen to Qiao Yuanzhen’s wounds; they were bandaged, and medicines were applied where necessary, but it was said that it was crucial to change the dressings regularly. Yet by now, late at night, not a single one of the Qiao Parents dared to come close to Qiao Yuanzhen, let alone attend to the dressings.

Madam Zhao could no longer contain herself and said, “Yuanzhen, even if you’re angry, you shouldn’t harm your own health. The silver may be lost now, but we’ve already reported it to the authorities, haven’t we? Surely there will be a result soon.”

Qiao Yuanzhen gave her a cold look, “Result? You still believe there will actually be a result, can’t you even tell when the Village Head’s words are clearly just a perfunctory response?” Her tone was full of disdain and contempt, clearly showing how little she thought of Madam Zhao.

Madam Zhao said sheepishly, “Then what if we go to Qiao Muniang and ask for another five hundred taels? After all, their family is wealthy and won’t miss that bit. They gave the money easily enough at first; an extra five hundred shouldn’t be a problem, right?”

Qiao Yuanzhen slammed a teacup onto the floor, shouting, “Qiao Muniang already has the papers to sever our father-daughter relationship; do you think she’ll just give us silver for nothing now? That’s utterly and completely fanciful!”

Madam Zhao was so frightened that she quickly jumped back. She had only spoken a few words and it had ignited such a fierce rage in Qiao Yuanzhen that she did not dare say another word and promptly shut her mouth.

Qiao Yuanzhen’s teeth were clenched so tightly that his expression became almost ferocious. If he had never had that five hundred taels, it would have been one thing, but to have finally gotten it and not even spent a penny before it was taken away, it felt like his heart was about to explode from the anguish.

But the outburst of rage seemed to have given him a clue—could this be a deliberate act by Qiao Muniang? She gave him the silver, only to steal it back later?

The Village Head said it was the work of outsiders, and Yu Ze came from outside the village. Could it be him?

Even with such suspicions, Qiao Yuanzhen couldn’t produce a shred of evidence at this moment. If he voiced these speculations, he would probably be scorned by the villagers. After all, his trying to extort the Li Family using his son had not given him any moral high ground to begin with. Now, even if their family had lost the silver, in the eyes of others, it would be seen as ill-gotten gains. There was probably no one in the village who truly wished for their silver to be found.

Thinking thus, Qiao Yuanzhen’s rage intensified, and he smashed everything within reach. Ignoring the pain from his wounds, he just wanted to vent his fury.

The Qiao Parents didn’t dare intervene; they could only let him vent. But in their hearts, a dark cloud of gloom had set in, realizing that their dearly pampered youngest son had been spoiled into acting like an imperious tyrant.

Since Qinghe was still in her confinement period and couldn’t move around, she continued to stay at the Muniang’s house.

“Muniang, now that I’ve safely given birth to my child, you should also hurry and prepare to return to the capital with your husband,” said Qinghe. “Dragging it out like this makes even me anxious.”

“So, you’re in a rush to get rid of me, huh?”

“I’m serious, don’t make jokes with me,” Qinghe said sternly, feeling rather embarrassed already that Muniang had stayed specifically to take care of her. Naturally, she couldn’t let Muniang stay much longer.

Muniang sighed, “I was already planning on that, but I just can’t stop worrying about my mother. Her health isn’t good, and traveling by boat and carriage would be too much for her. Yet, if I leave her in Tupo Village alone, even though she has many maids and manservants, I am still afraid she might feel lonely. My heart is a bit heavy thinking about it.”

“Hey, what are you worried about? Aren’t I still here? I consider your mother as my own. I’ll honor her while you’re gone, and besides, she has a granddaughter to play with. Having a child around will surely keep her days from becoming dull,” Qinghe said.

“Then you won’t return to the Li Family? You said before that only your brother and sister-in-law were at home, and when the farm work gets busy, they don’t have enough help. You even said that once the child is born, you’d go back and help out. I’d feel so guilty making you delay your return for my sake,” Muniang replied.