Relatives and friends of the Zhou Family saw that Mother Zhou had been seized by leverage and immediately stepped forward to smooth things over. At the beginning, it was always the women who fought; once things were settled, it ended there. If it could not be settled, only then would the men step in.
This was strategy—also the rule of fighting in the countryside.
When women fought, men did not intervene.
At times, women argued over trivial matters, but when men met, they still spoke to each other as usual. Husbands might side with their own wives, as they slept under the same quilt, but after all, they lived in the same village. They saw each other when looking up or down, and many were even relatives upon relatives. It was best not to make things too distant.
The elders of the clan naturally understood this, so they did not step forward. They only stood aside, putting on an imposing presence. After all, ruining a marriage proposal was no small matter.
Though the two families were currently cursing each other harshly, in the end they would still become in-laws. No one was foolish—they all knew what was most beneficial for their own family and clan.
The Village Head also saw this clearly and had been watching the commotion from the side. Only after both sides had vented their anger did he step forward to preside over the situation.
The Village Head held great prestige in the village. As soon as he appeared, the women immediately fell silent.
Old Master Zhou quickly instructed his sons and grandsons to bring chairs and invited the Village Head and clan elders to take seats.
“For the misconduct of my unworthy descendants, I have caused trouble for you all.” he said cheerfully, as if nothing serious had happened in his own household.
Zhou Qingling could see that he was a man of great wisdom. No wonder Mother Zhou—despite her sharp temper and profit-driven nature—showed him and his wife deep respect from the heart.
Whenever there was something good at home, they would always set aside a portion to honor the old couple. Whether it was for appearances or sincerity, over time it became genuine. When this incident occurred, the couple immediately came to the old residence to seek guidance from the patriarch.
Once everyone had taken their seats, Grandfather Zhou stroked his beard and spoke slowly to Lin Dayou.
“Lao Er of the Lin Family, I once drank your wedding wine when you got married. In the blink of an eye, so many years have passed, and now you are about to become someone else’s father-in-law.” he laughed.
With another stroke of his goat-beard, he continued: “I have always believed that village girls should marry within the village. It is close, and families can help each other. These two children clearly have feelings for each other. This should have been a good match, yet things have turned out like this… However, fate is already decided by heaven; it cannot be separated. The eldest daughter of the Lin Family is already meant to be part of the Zhou Family.”
“What is this called?” he turned to the Village Head and clan elders. “This is what the operas call: good things after many twists.”
Grandfather Zhou had once been a traveling peddler in his youth and had seen much of the world.
The Village Head and clan elders naturally nodded in agreement.
“Lao Er of the Lin Family.” he continued: “let us take this opportunity, with the Village Head and elders as witnesses, for the Zhou Family to formally propose marriage today and take Lin Guihua as a bride.”
“In our village, the customary betrothal gift is two taels of silver. However, I am particularly fond of this girl Guihua, so I am willing to offer five taels of silver. What do you think?”
Zhou Qingling deeply admired the old man. His words were beautifully crafted. With just a few sentences, he not only calmed the chaos but also cleverly cleaned up the situation—turning it into a case of mutual affection between young people rather than secret impropriety, thereby preserving Lin Guihua’s reputation.
From this moment on, Lin Guihua would be part of the Zhou Family. Her reputation as a future daughter-in-law was preserved, and the Lin Family was given a dignified way down.
Five taels of silver was already a high price in the village.
Lin Dayou, though unwilling in his heart, had no choice.
Though he was rough and unruly, he still understood that this was the best solution.
He did not care about the girl’s fate, but this concerned the honor of his uncles, cousins, and the entire clan.
If he refused today, even his own relatives would not spare him. These people had followed him to the Zhou residence seemingly to demand justice, but in truth they were only here for a resolution. If this matter was mishandled and damaged their reputation, it would affect the marriages of all clan children.
This was how things worked in this era. If you brought honor, the clan might not all benefit, but if you brought disgrace, everyone would be implicated.
Thus, the farce came to an end.
As for the two people in town, Lin Guihua had already awakened on the road. The injury on her head looked frightening, but it was not serious.
She had gambled, but she had never intended to lose her life. Without life, all schemes would be meaningless.
She knew this action would damage her reputation and invite gossip, and that even after marriage she might not live peacefully. But she had no choice. Butcher Wu had already beaten three wives to death; there was no guarantee she would not be the next.
She could only choose the path most beneficial to her. As long as she secured the man before her, she could secure a lifetime of stability. Forced to the edge, Lin Guihua had only been able to gamble.
A doctor treated her wounds, but neither of them had money. Zhou Guanghai had no choice but to return to Yangliu Village. He did not dare go home, and instead borrowed half a string of copper coins from his cousins.
From them, he also learned what had happened after he left. Though his cousin lectured him, saying he should not have acted that way, when he heard that the Lin Family had agreed to the marriage, the dark clouds above his head vanished instantly.
He had not expected his mother to resolve everything. Now he could openly marry Guihua.
He no longer listened to his cousin’s nagging and rushed to town with the money to tell Guihua the good news.
The Lin Family marriage was set for half a month later, on the same day as Zhou Qingcha’s wedding. One marriage and one wedding made for an auspicious coincidence.
Zhou Guanghai would have preferred to marry her the next day, but there was no house available.
After returning home, he was thoroughly beaten by Father Zhou. Even now, he walked with a limp.
At the dinner table, Mother Zhou declared: “After the eldest son marries, he will move into the room of the second and third children. The third will set up a bed in the kitchen.”
Naturally, everyone agreed. Zhou Qingcha was also about to marry, so it did not matter.
The greatest victim, Zhou Qingling, simply sat aside and listened. It was not that she would not resist—it was just that resistance was useless. Would Father Zhou and Mother Zhou build an extra room just for an unmarried daughter who would eventually marry out? Even in daylight, she did not dare think in that direction.
She could only take advantage of the busy days ahead to continue stockpiling supplies.
Two days later, Zhou Qingling went to town again. She intended to buy men’s clothing. Since her second elder sister was marrying into town, it would be dangerous if they met and she was exposed.
She already knew the identity of her second sister’s fiancé, so she went to another cloth shop. Fortunately, there was more than one in town. She spent 65 copper coins on a men’s long robe.
To be honest, she should have bought clothes for herself—her current garments were already patch upon patch. She did not even dare wash them forcefully for fear they would fall apart.
But even if she bought new clothes, she would not be able to wear them outside. Moreover, this body was still growing, so they would not last long anyway.
The body was underdeveloped, and once she tied up her hair and wore men’s clothing, she looked no different from a half-grown boy.
She went to the town’s only bookshop and immediately noticed candles displayed at the counter.
The shopkeeper appeared to be in his thirties. His dark-blue robe had slightly faded, but it was clean and carried the refined aura of a scholar.
After some conversation, the shopkeeper proved to be polite and did not display arrogance.
“These candles are newly arrived goods. Take a look at their quality—they are excellent.” he said.
The candles varied in length and thickness. She asked about the price: between 100 and 150 copper coins, mostly beeswax candles. Pine-resin candles were cheaper, at 80 copper coins each.
Through conversation, Zhou Qingling learned that candles were not without demand—the problem was unstable supply. Sometimes they were available; other times they were out of stock for unknown periods.
She then took out the candles from her basket and said: “Shopkeeper, please take a look. Would candles of this quality be acceptable to you?”
The shopkeeper was slightly surprised and examined her carefully, not expecting such an ordinary-looking youth to produce candles.
He picked up one pine-resin candle, sniffed it, and inspected it closely.
The pine fragrance was rich, the surface smooth and even, and the color uniform with no impurities.
He had never seen such pure resin candles before.
Slight excitement rose in his heart, though his expression remained calm.
“Where did these come from?” he asked.
She casually lied: “My father has relatives in the county. I make a bit of money to support the family.”
The shopkeeper nodded and did not press further. Everyone had their own means of earning money, and anyone who could produce candles was not ordinary.
“How many do you intend to sell?” he asked.
She handed over the entire basket.
Inside, the candles lay quietly on straw, emitting a stronger pine scent.
He tested one with a fire starter. The flame burned brighter and more steadily than oil lamps, though it produced a bit of smoke—unavoidable given the lower price compared to beeswax.
After extinguishing it, he tapped the table lightly in thought.
After a moment, he smiled gently. “What price are you hoping for?”
She smiled calmly. “Please decide, Shopkeeper. If the price is suitable, I can supply more in the future.”
He inwardly thought she was quite cunning, then said: “We cannot sell at the same price as we buy. How about 70 copper coins per candle?”
Zhou Qingling understood the value of candles, but she had not expected such profit. Thinking of the pine resin in the mountains—this was practically free money. The business was worth doing.
Seeing her silent, the shopkeeper added: “There are not many people in town who can afford candles. If we stock too many and cannot sell them, it will be a loss for both of us. My price is fair.”
She considered it briefly and agreed.
She had made thirty-five candles in total. After settlement, she received 2,450 copper coins.
Before leaving, she promised to deliver future candles here as well, securing a stable buyer.
After leaving the shop, she changed back into her own clothes.
She bought a basket of eggs from a woman, planning to eat one a day to nourish herself.
She also bought rice, meat, pastries, steamed buns—ten each of meat buns and plain buns. Since she had secretly slipped out and time was limited, she had to return quickly.
Soon, the day of the Zhou Family wedding arrived—eighteenth day of the eighth month, an auspicious day for marriage, building, and relocation. Even the weather cooperated, clearing after days of rain.
Because the Zhang Family was coming later from town, Zhou Guanghai went first to fetch Lin Guihua.
In the countryside, weddings were simple. If possible, they used ox or donkey carts; otherwise, they walked. Fortunately, many relatives attended, so it was not lonely.
Zhou Guanghai brought the bride home surrounded by a crowd—but she wore the same patched clothes she had come with and carried no dowry at all.
Mother Zhou was so angry she nearly fainted. Father Zhou quickly stepped in to smooth things over, and only then did Lin Guihua successfully enter the Zhou household.
Soon after, the Zhang Family arrived with a donkey cart. At the gate, they scattered handfuls of candy, pushing the festive atmosphere to its peak.
The children were the happiest; Zhou Qingling also received two pieces.
Zhou Qingcha wore brand-new fine cotton clothes, far more presentable than Lin Guihua. Amid laughter and congratulations, she left her home to face her new battlefield.
Mother Zhou even shed a few tears as her daughter departed.
Then came the banquet. The main dish was stewed meat, though it was not all meat—mostly vegetables with a few slices of meat so everyone could at least taste some.
Guests did not complain. This was normal in the village; a contribution of ten or twenty copper coins meant one should not expect a lavish feast.
Zhou Qingling helped in the kitchen. The cook was Aunt Liu, her eldest uncle’s wife. Seeing that things were almost done, Aunt Liu smiled and quietly served two bowls of food, giving one to Zhou Qingling with a few pieces of meat on top.
Zhou Qingling showed her small tiger teeth in a bright smile and happily accepted it. The two of them then slipped aside to eat their “extra meal” in secret.