In the matter of Tang Yiren’s engagement to Wen Shuyu, her two elder brothers had put in a great deal of effort.
Ever since the marriage between the two families was settled, the Tang family had always helped the Wen family, and the two brothers had done quite a few things for them.
Seeing the displeasure on her brothers’ faces, Tang Yiren worried they might stir up trouble and cause further complications regarding her marriage arrangement.
In comparison, she would rather marry Song Lichuan than Wen Shuyu.
Therefore, she needed to properly reassure her two brothers and make them understand that changing the marriage arrangement was actually beneficial for them. They absolutely must not try to reclaim the engagement with the Wen family.
“Eldest Brother, Second Brother, don’t you think Song Lichuan is much better than Wen Shuyu?” Tang Yiren asked.
Tang Chunsheng and Tang Qiusheng exchanged a glance, both falling silent.
Whether in terms of family background or capability, Song Lichuan was far superior to Wen Shuyu. From that perspective, their younger sister was indeed not at a disadvantage.
“But Little Sister, didn’t you like Wen Shuyu?” Tang Chunsheng thought of another aspect. “From a man’s point of view, of course we prefer Song Lichuan. He’s a real man. If you marry him, not only can he provide for the family, but he can also protect you. Wen Shuyu is fair-skinned and delicate like a woman. The other day, when I passed by his house, I saw him get pecked by a chicken. He chased after that chicken, but instead of catching it, he tripped and fell flat on his face. It was utterly pathetic.”
Tang Yiren imagined the scene and suddenly felt a sense of shame.
“When did I ever say I liked him? Before, it was because Grandfather arranged this marriage for me. I thought since I’d have to marry into their family sooner or later, I might as well try to build a good relationship in advance. Now that the marriage has been changed, there’s no need to please them anymore. If you see them in the future, just ignore them directly; don’t bother with them.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
Hearing her say this and seeing that her expression didn’t seem feigned, Tang Chunsheng and Tang Qiusheng finally felt completely at ease.
Mrs. Tang returned carrying a vegetable basket with two large radishes inside.
“What are you siblings whispering about here?”
Tang Yiren stuffed the medicine bottle in her hand into Tang Chunsheng’s grasp, snatched the medicine packet for Tang Dahe from him, and said, “Brewing medicine requires a low flame. I’ll keep watch over it.”
Tang Chunsheng, holding the medicine bottle, understood her meaning and nodded at Tang Yiren. “Alright.”
Now that he knew his younger sister’s stance, there was no need to concern himself with the Wen family. What he needed to understand now was Song Lichuan’s thoughts.
Song Lichuan’s previous fiancée was Tang Linglong, and the two had been engaged for several years. Although he hadn’t shown any particular affection for Tang Linglong before, who knew what he was really thinking? He still had to ask him directly.
If Song Lichuan was unwilling to change the marriage arrangement and didn’t want to marry his sister, then they would make other plans in advance. They absolutely could not let their sister suffer.
He had saved his sister this time—that was a great favor. Given their family’s current difficulties, they could only show their concern by sending medicine for now and repay his kindness later.
Outside the Song family gate. Tang Chunsheng knocked on the courtyard door of the Song house. After knocking for a while, there was no response from inside.
He leaned close to the door crack to peer inside, muttering to himself, “Is no one home?”
“Looking for me?” Song Lichuan’s voice came from behind.
Tang Chunsheng was startled, stumbling on his feet. He scrambled up and saw Song Lichuan, who walked without a sound, standing before him carrying a fierce tiger on his shoulder.
His gaze lingered on the tiger.
Was this the tiger his younger sister had mentioned?
Good heavens, if he had encountered this beast, there would be no point in running—he might as well stretch out his neck and wait for it to bite, saving himself some effort.
Seeing Tang Chunsheng standing there silently without moving aside, Song Lichuan raised an eyebrow. “Is there something you need?”
Tang Chunsheng snapped out of his thoughts and quickly stepped aside. “You should put that thing down first. Carrying it must be tiring.”
Though the man looked as if he had endless strength to spare.
Tang Chunsheng had initially thought Song Lichuan would make a better brother-in-law than Wen Shuyu, but now he was having second thoughts.
Song Lichuan’s fists were powerful enough to kill a tiger. If such fists were to land on his younger sister, she probably wouldn’t survive two blows. More importantly, even if he and his brother tried to stand up for their sister, the two of them combined wouldn’t stand a chance against one of Song Lichuan’s hands. How could they possibly defend her then?
Song Lichuan opened the door and tossed the tiger onto the ground.
Turning around, he saw Tang Chunsheng’s conflicted expression, lost in thought as if wrestling with some inner turmoil.
“Do you have something to say or not?” Song Lichuan interrupted Tang Chunsheng’s brooding.
“Oh, right. My sister said you were injured by the tiger while saving her, so she asked me to bring you some medicine.” Tang Chunsheng pulled out a medicine bottle. “Our whole family is deeply grateful for your kindness. Right now, what little money we have is being saved to treat and nurse my father back to health, so we don’t have anything extra to offer as a reward. But rest assured, our family isn’t ungrateful. We’ll remember this great debt we owe you.”
“Hmm.” Song Lichuan glanced at the medicine bottle in his hand. “No need for the medicine. I’m used to it—these kinds of wounds heal in a couple of days. Keep it for your sister.”
“This is the task my sister gave me. I have to complete it, or she’ll cry over it when I get back, and I can’t stand her crying.” Tang Chunsheng shoved the bottle into his hand. “There’s one more thing. You already know about the arranged marriage swap among the four of you, right?”
“I know.”
“What do you think about it?” Tang Chunsheng watched Song Lichuan closely, not wanting to miss any change in his expression. “We’re from the same village. Even if we don’t interact much, you should know what my sister is like. She’s obedient, hardworking, gentle, and much better than Tang Linglong. Marrying her would be a great deal for you.”
Song Lichuan suddenly felt awkward.
When his engagement to Tang Linglong had been arranged, no one had asked for his opinion. The elders had simply informed him, and just like that, he had gained a nominal fiancée.
Though he hadn’t paid much attention to Tang Linglong himself, the villagers often brought up the engagement, and he had simply gone along with the elders’ arrangements.
Now that he was being asked what he thought, what was he supposed to say?
An image flashed through his mind—Tang Yiren, eyes closed, waiting for the tiger to pounce.
The young girl had trembled all over, biting her lips so hard they bled. She had been waiting for death, stubbornly refusing to cry out, just despairingly awaiting the end.
When he saved her, she had scrambled to her feet, somewhat disheveled from her injured leg. The look she gave him was filled with gratitude and a glimmer of admiration.
“Your sister is good. The marriage swap is fine,” Song Lichuan said calmly.
“You mean you agreed to the marriage exchange willingly? Then after my sister marries you, you must not mistreat her.” Tang Chunsheng looked earnestly into his eyes.
“A man who bullies women is no man at all. I never mistreat women.” Song Lichuan frowned. “Is she afraid of me?”
Could it be that she sent Tang Chunsheng to test him? Does she even want to marry him?
Come to think of it, she likes gentle scholars like Wen Shuyu, so she probably wouldn’t care for a hunter like him.