Chapter 7 Failed to pass the examination for Imperial Scholar
"Look at that boy from the Zhou family. Each time he visits our house, isn't he always acting high and mighty, never laying a respectful eye on our Sangsang? If Sangsang were to marry into the Zhou family, would she be able to live a comfortable life? I'm afraid she'd become a scapegoat for their hardships instead, and besides..."
He paused, staring thoughtfully at the bowl of rice in his hand.
"Wife, do you really think that today's incident was orchestrated by only one member of Baiyi's family?"
"What... what do you mean?!"
Upon hearing his words, Ms. Lu's expression darkened, and her aged eyes narrowed in consternation.
"That scoundrel scheme was to snatch Sangsang's hand in marriage!"
"Ah."
Lin Laogeng shook his head at Ms. Lu, sighing deeply.
I blame myself for raising such a disobedient son and ironically naming him Baiyi, implying respect for one's parents. Isn't his name the biggest mockery of his actions?
"I suspect Sangsang knows about all this too, but, being a dutiful child herself, she didn't want to create conflicts for Second within our family, and so, she didn't dare to say it out loud in front of you. Therefore, we should call off this marriage proposal for Sangsang."
"No, we can't just call it off like this."
Ms. Lu gritted her teeth, the bitter taste of resentment heavy in her mouth.
"They dared to scheme against Sangsang and almost caused her harm ... I won't let them get what they want. We can't just let things slide this time!"
"And, what do you propose we do?"
Lin Laogeng calmly asked his wife.
"Dragging this engagement will only be detrimental to our Sangsang. Wife, don't forget, that youth from the Zhou family is soon going to participate in the provincial examinations. He could potentially become an entry-level official."
"Precisely because he is going to take the exam and is planning to simply step over our Sangsang to reach his goals. We cannot allow them to have their way!" Ms. Lu replied, her voice seething with anger.
"Does he really have it his way?"
Lin Laogeng didn't rebut Ms. Lu's words but spoke in a contemplative voice.
"What if we call off the engagement ourselves, and without Sangsang's celestial star of fortune and wealth to protect him, if by any misfortune, he fails to pass the examination..."
It must be said, even though Lin Laogeng might seem mild and honest, he could be quite sly when the occasion demanded it.
Ms. Lu: "..."
That might indeed be possible. Wasn't Zhou Liang just an average scholar before he was betrothed to their Sangsang? It could very well be Sangsang's good fortune that helped him pass the imperial examination to become a scholar.
"He acted high and mighty only because of our Sangsang's blessing. And now, he plays the ingrate with such impunity! Alright, it's settled then. Once the weather clears, I'll personally take the gifts to the Zhou family to call off the engagement!"
Even if they are calling off the engagement, it should be initiated by the Zhou family. They will not let the Zhou family disrespect them. This time, they won't let Zhou Liang get away with anything!
...
The next day was sunny. Their yard was still muddy, and one had to wear straw shoes to step outside. In this lingering winter season, the chill could freeze one's toes off.
On this day, Lin Changhong took Ling Baiyi, who had a sulky face due to not having any work the previous day, and left early in the morning, after greeting a drowsy Ms. Lu.
Lin Caisang had slept well the previous night.
She heard every sound in the courtyard clearly. Her eldest brother, Lin Changhong, was extremely fond of her. He trusted her words completely, regardless of whether they were right or wrong.
So, he left early in the morning with someone.
If her guess is not wrong, the Zhou family must have heard about her alleged curse of widowhood from Liu Rumei yesterday.