Chapter 229: Confidence
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Some individuals even claimed that Qian Shanmin paid a visit to his Second Aunt-in-law’s residence within the county, where his Second Aunt-in-law introduced him to a young woman.
The general consensus was that, upon discovering the truth about his potential match, Qian Shanmin had seemingly relinquished his pursuit of their sister.
Upon observing their sister’s unchanged expression in response to the rumors, they surmised that she held no particular interest in Brother Shanmin.
Little did they anticipate their sister’s forthcoming statement:
“What if it were true that Brother Shanmin found a spouse at his aunt’s place?
The shame I would endure.”
The first to inquire was Su Ning. “Sister, are the rumors accurate?”
With unwavering conviction, Su Lan replied, “They are false.”
Su Ning remained perplexed. “Sister, how can you be so sure?”
“Qian Xiaohua’s grandmother’s residence lies close to the home of Brother Shanmin’s Third Aunt-in-law. Brother Shanmin’s Third Aunt-in-law requested that Qian Xiaohua’s mother relay a message to him.”
“I candidly informed him, through the letter, that I intended to play the role of matchmaker.”
Su Lan’s composure endured.
“Allow me to disclose the truth. On the third day following Brother Shanmin’s return, he earnestly revealed his feelings for me. At that moment, I hadn’t yet contemplated this possibility, and thus, I advised him of my need for consideration. I suggested that I’d also discuss the matter with my siblings.”
“I had intended to confer with all of you once I made a decision. However, Aunt harbored intentions of introducing her niece to Brother Shanmin.
Consequently, she brought her directly to Brother Shanmin’s residence, a fact that became known throughout the entire village.”
“After Brother Shanmin declined both Aunt and her niece’s proposal, Aunt approached me. She voiced her opinion that I wasn’t a suitable match for Brother Shanmin. Furthermore, she insinuated that should Brother Shanmin and I unite, rumors would circulate, asserting that we had been involved before my marriage.”
“Aunt asserts that if this rumor spreads, Wang Yi’s family could lodge a complaint with the authorities, accusing us of adultery. They might demand compensation, and even seek the return of Xiaoyu. In the worst scenario, Brother Shanmin might face legal consequences.”
“While I don’t entirely subscribe to everything Aunt claims, the potential repercussions do give me pause. After all, the fallout would be detrimental for me, Xiaoyu, and Brother Shanmin. Our names would be tarnished by idle chatter. ”
“I initially began distancing myself from Brother Shanmin, yet he remained resolute. He communicated, in his own determined manner, the sincerity of his feelings for me. He demonstrated that his limp didn’t hinder him significantly. Should I choose to marry him, he vowed to shield me from adversity.”
“During that period, I found myself trapped in a state of anguish and indecision.”
“Brother Shanmin assured me that if I genuinely feared gossip, he would patiently await my decision. He made it clear that even if I never married, he would continue to wait.”
“After our true identities were revealed, we had one encounter. He said,
‘Lanlan, your days of happiness have arrived. I wish you eternal joy.’”
“He refrained from prying into my choice, and I withheld my decision from him. Yet, I recognized that he wouldn’t relinquish hope easily.”
“Upon hearing Su Lan’s words, a hush fell over the gathering.
For a fleeting moment, Su Lan bore the countenance of a girl immersed in the throes of newfound affection.
Her faith in Brother Shanmin radiated unwaveringly.
But what if Qian Shanmin’s sense of inferiority prevailed, causing him to embrace the girl recommended by his great-aunt..
Turning to Su Lan, Qin Zhenzhen inquired, “Upon marrying Brother Shanmin, do you envision remaining in Qian Village, or do you entertain other prospects?”
It hadn’t occurred to her that she hailed from the prestigious Marquis Mansion. Even in remarriage, financial prosperity was likely a paramount consideration.
Su Lan said, “I plan to continue living at the Qian Village..”