CFRSIO Chapter 14

Father Zhang was so angry he almost laughed, and Zhang Qing’an found it absurd. Their family had made it clear they wanted to break the engagement. Even if they didn’t get back anything they had given for the betrothal, they were determined to end the contract.

They had never expected things to turn out this way.

“Did you hit your head? How can you say something so impossible!” Mother Zhang pulled Zhang Qing’an behind her and continued, “We already said it! The engagement is off, and we sent the marriage contract back.”

“Besides, it’s already generous of us not to demand back what we gave for the betrothal! What kind of madness is this!”

“I’m mad?” Third Aunt Tao sneered.

The near-death experience of her son last night had made her realize that Zhang Qing’an was definitely involved in this. She knew her son well; how could he do such a disgraceful thing? He must have been instigated by someone.

Who could that person be? It could only be Zhang Qing’an. Third Aunt Tao could only think of Zhang Qing’an!

Therefore, the Zhang family must be held responsible for her son! She wouldn’t let the Zhang family have an easy time!

“How am I mad! I know how much my son likes Zhang Qing’an!” Third Aunt Tao continued to spout nonsense.

She hadn’t slept all night, crying and making a scene for a long time. Now, she looked haggard and disheveled. If you didn’t look closely, you might really think she was a vengeful spirit.

“Besides, my son is going to be a scholar. How could he have time to go to some Apricot Blossom Festival! Zhang Qing’an must have instigated it!”

“Zhang Qing’an! Come out! Don’t think you can get away with hiding behind there!”

“Hurry up and come out! This is your future husband! I am your future mother-in-law! Is this how you act?”

“You have no manners!”

“Get out here!! Get out!”

“Hmph. You have manners, bringing your son, who just had intimate contact with others and was seen by countless people in intimate contact, to argue with his fiancé who wants to break the engagement. Is this the upbringing of the people in Tao Village?”

Lin Yunliang, who was in the crowd but not showing his face, was once again shocked.

This matter was indeed related to Zhang Qing’an’s family and him, but if Tao Zhiyuan were truly kind, would he have fallen for the trap so easily?

In the end, he was no more law-abiding than Tao Wenyu.

“Apricot Blossom Festival?” Zhang Qing’an stepped out as Third Aunt Tao wished, “I’ve never been. I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”

“It was… it was you!” Tao Zhiyuan had indeed recovered.

Or rather, he had woken up long ago and had heard everything Third Aunt Tao had said. In fact, he agreed with it in his heart. Otherwise, he could have continued to play dumb.

“You were the one who sent someone to deliver a message to me! You said you wanted to go to the Apricot Blossom Festival with me!”

Zhang Qing’an didn’t rush and retorted, “I sent someone to deliver a message to you?”

“Where is that person? Do you have any proof?”

Tao Zhiyuan struggled to sit up, and Third Aunt Tao immediately came to help him. He originally felt he was in the right, but upon hearing this, he was stunned. He… didn’t actually know who that person was.

If Tao Zhiyuan hadn’t gotten so agitated upon hearing Zhang Qing’an’s name, he would have realized that he didn’t recognize the person who came to find him at all. In fact, that person wasn’t even from Tao Village.

“I…”

“Can’t say anymore?” Zhang Qing’an continued, looking at Tao Zhiyuan with pity. He went on to say:

“I didn’t want to say it before because this was a matter between our two families, and I didn’t want to drag others into it unnecessarily. But now, it seems pointless.”

“What happened to you at the Apricot Blossom Festival?”

“I had already seen you privately interacting with Tao Wenyu before. I asked you what was going on.”

“You became angry out of embarrassment, remember?”

With every word Zhang Qing’an spoke, Tao Zhiyuan’s face grew more unsightly. He could feel everyone around him looking at him with strange eyes, making him even more embarrassed, and his head grew heavy again. He then fainted.

“Yuan’er!”

Soon, only Third Aunt Tao’s hoarse cries remained. Third Aunt Tao looked like a madwoman, and some people even felt a pang of sympathy.

“Zhang family, the Tong Sheng meeting like this is because you care about your Shuang’er. Why are you so unfeeling?”

That was a nice thing to say, but why didn’t he do the good deed himself?

“Oh,” Mother Zhang said, having seen enough of these faces, she let out a scoff, “You’re so generous, then why don’t you marry your daughter off? Why should my son suffer like this?”

“Third Aunt Tao, you dote on your son, and I dote on my son.” Mother Zhang walked forward, took out the marriage contract again, and casually threw it over.

“We in the Zhang family are not fortunate enough to be in-laws. Please find someone who is fortunate.”

Finally, Father Zhang said, “Third Tao, if you continue to pester us, I will report you to the authorities.”

“We will then carefully discuss who was right and who was wrong in this matter.”

“No! You can’t report us!” Third Aunt Tao instantly panicked. Her panic seemed somewhat out of place, as if… it wasn’t just her son who would be arrested if they reported it to the authorities.

Lin Yunliang, watching from the crowd, understood what A Quan had said earlier. He suspected that A Quan was telling the truth, that Tao Zhiyuan was not the child of Third Aunt Tao and the late Third Uncle. It was likely that Third Aunt Tao had an affair and gave birth to the child.

With the situation escalating like this, if the Tao Zhiyuan family continued to pester them, it would only bring more shame.

When Tao Wenyu woke up, he found himself at home. Seeing his parents’ expressions, he understood. He felt a little smug. He wanted to marry Tao Zhiyuan. Now that the two of them had a connection, his family would have to marry him off.

Seeing his expression, Tao Shuda was furious. He immediately slapped him, followed by a rain of punches and kicks.

Tao Shuda was a strong young man, and his blows were naturally incomparable to those of Third Aunt Tao.

But Tao Wenyu didn’t know why.

“Brother! Brother! Why are you hitting me!”

“Brother! Stop! If you kill me!”

“I’m going to beat you to death!” Tao Shuda said angrily, “How could our Tao family raise a shameless Shuang’er like you!”

“Do you know! You were seen by others that day! And you still want to marry Tao Zhiyuan? Tong Sheng Tao probably wouldn’t want a worn-out shoe like you!”

“Wh-what!?” Tao Wenyu was, after all, still a young man, unlike the Tao Wenyu Lin Yunliang had seen in the plot, who had experienced many things. Naturally, he was completely flustered.

His eyes reddened, and his face was full of shame. He wanted to ask Tao Shuda for advice. “Brother! Brother! I didn’t want this either!”

“This wasn’t my plan! What happened!”

“Brother! You have to help me. I can only marry Tong Sheng Tao now! And I’ve always liked him!”

“Moreover, he is a Tong Sheng! He will be a scholar in the future!”

“This is something that brings honor to the entire Tao Village!”

How could Tao Shuda not know? But if this were before they had any engagement, it would be fine. Now, not only did they each have an engagement, but they were also witnessed by a group of people! Let alone bringing honor, they had already lost all their face and dignity!

At the same time, He Jun also came to return the marriage contract.

It was their fault. Even if the village chief of Tao Village and his wife wanted to say some nice words, it was useless. However, He Jun himself proposed to meet Tao Wenyu.

Tao Village Chief, his wife, and Tao Shuda were all a little surprised but agreed.

Now that things had escalated to this point, they could no longer suggest that He Jun marry Tao Wenyu. After all, doing something like being a cuckold was something men hated the most.

After being disciplined and going hungry for several days, Tao Wenyu was covered in bruises and looked pitiful, huddled in a corner of the bed.

Seeing He Jun enter, he was surprised, “You… why are you here?”

“Yu’er,” He Jun felt a little heartache, but he couldn’t be a cuckold. At the same time, he had some questions he wanted to clarify. “Did you ever like me?”

Seeing Tao Wenyu now, He Jun couldn’t help but recall their private interactions. At that time, Tao Wenyu was pure and charming, with a cute demeanor, and had even said a few sweet words to him.

Now, it seemed it was all fake?

Whether it was true or false, he needed a definite answer to put his mind at ease.

“Like you?” Tao Wenyu sneered. After all this, this person still cared about this? Tao Wenyu’s favorite person in this life was himself. How could he like anyone else?

“I don’t like you. I never liked you.”

He Jun, who already knew the answer, wasn’t too sad. “Then who saved me that day?”

“I don’t know. When I found you, you had already been rescued.”

He Jun returned the marriage contract and left. He no longer had the face to see Lin Yunliang. Lin Yunliang had told him many things, but he was still stubbornly insistent on being with Tao Wenyu.

He Jun soon left the town and continued his merchant business, perhaps never to return.

But what did that have to do with them? Lin Yunliang didn’t care.

Soon, good news came from the Zhang family. Tao Zhiyuan agreed to the annulment of the engagement.

When Siam, the Siamese cat, skillfully and smoothly jumped into the courtyard again, Mother Zhang was stunned and pretended not to see, then walked away.

Siam went to Zhang Qing’an’s room. Their family had already decided to leave. They had bought a house in town and were now packing their belongings.

Seeing the little creature who had barged in, Zhang Qing’an was not surprised, but… he wanted to see his master.

“Siam~” He picked up the cat excitedly, affectionately tapping its nose, “Why did you run over by yourself?”

“Does your master know you run here every day?”

It was indeed every day. Since Zhang Qing’an returned here, Lin Yunliang had asked Siam to accompany Zhang Qing’an to the Zhang family every day.

Siam had some complaints. He was a noble guide! He was asked to accompany someone else every day for so long! However, Zhang Qing’an’s hands were warm, and the little cat couldn’t bear to leave.

What made the little cat like him even more was that the little cat even thought, “What if this person were my contractor?”

Then, he meowed sweetly in a high-pitched voice, as if responding to Zhang Qing’an’s question.

Siam the little cat seemed a little different today. There was a piece of paper tied to the collar around his neck.

Knowing who had written the note for him, Zhang Qing’an was a little at a loss. His petting of the cat was slightly uncontrolled, causing the little cat to meow several times.

Zhang Qing’an then came back to his senses. He didn’t need to look in the mirror to know how red his face was now.

Did he want to see Lin Yunliang? Zhang Qing’an thought he was probably looking forward to it.

“Then let me see what the note says.”

West Mountain:

Stepping onto this place again, Lin Yunliang felt a bit emotional. After all, everything that had happened during this time was different from his previous life.

He went to the exact spot where he and Zhang Qing’an had roasted rabbits before. He quickly cleaned the rabbits, set up a campfire, and began roasting them.

He heard a movement. Without turning his head, he knew who it was. He opened his mouth without looking up, “Wait a moment, it will be ready soon.”

The person who arrived was Zhang Qing’an, holding the little cat Siam.

Looking at the person in front of him, he seemed unchanged. He was nothing like the mysterious Master Lin rumored in town. Father Zhang had told Zhang Qing’an about his cooperation with Lin Yunliang after Tao Zhiyuan returned the marriage contract. It was then that Zhang Qing’an realized how capable Lin Yunliang was.

Now, seeing Lin Yunliang, he still couldn’t connect him with the “Master Lin” his father had spoken of.

“Eat more later.” Lin Yunliang looked up and saw Zhang Qing’an sizing him up, feeling confused. Although he hadn’t done this for a while, he shouldn’t have made himself look so disheveled.

Why was he looking at me like this?

Meeting the eyes of the two people in front of him, Lin Yunliang continued, “We should celebrate.”

Celebrate what? Zhang Qing’an quickly understood.

“Thank you.” Zhang Qing’an said, sitting down on a rock on the other side. He placed the little cat on his lap, petting it lightly.

He was trying to alleviate his nervousness. His touch was not heavy, but it was different from the way he usually petted the cat comfortably. Therefore, Siam wanted to cry out, but Lin Yunliang stopped him.

As a result, the cat, deprived of its rights, could only lie helplessly on Zhang Qing’an’s lap.

Zhang Qing’an, being restless due to his emotions, didn’t notice.

[Fine, as long as you’re happy.]

Then, he was unilaterally blocked by Lin Yunliang.

Siam: [……] Alright, boss, I can’t afford to offend you.

Hearing Zhang Qing’an’s thanks, Lin Yunliang’s eyes rolled. He guessed that Father Zhang must have told Zhang Qing’an everything, but Zhang Qing’an himself was also very smart, so it wasn’t surprising that he would connect the dots.

“You’re welcome,” Lin Yunliang said, then handed him the roasted rabbit. “If you really want to thank me, then eat more.”

Zhang Qing’an took it. His family was not short of meat. Now, holding the roasted meat from Lin Yunliang, Zhang Qing’an felt the rich fragrance invade his nostrils, making his previously unfed stomach grow hungry, and his mouth began to secrete saliva.

He took a big bite. Delicious! Just as delicious as before!

“How is it? Is it delicious?” Lin Yunliang said, putting another rabbit on the fire. “I haven’t had roasted rabbit in a long time either. I hope my skills haven’t regressed.”

“No, it’s still very delicious!!”

“That’s good.”

The two fell silent again for a moment. Lin Yunliang used the roasted rabbit to mask his emotions, while Zhang Qing’an buried his head in eating the rabbit, hiding his emotions.

“This,” Lin Yunliang once again broke the silence.

He could finally give away that jade hairpin.

“For you. To celebrate you, and to wish you a new life ahead.”

It was a very, very beautiful jade hairpin, and it was the most valuable gift Zhang Qing’an had ever received in his life.

……

The people of Tao Village looked enviously at the Zhang family’s carriage. But other than envy, they could do nothing. The Zhang family had already settled everything. From now on, the Zhang family had no further connection with Tao Village.

Moving into their new home, Zhang Qing’an saw a plaque hanging on the neighboring house that read “Lin Residence.”

Something inexplicably struck him in the heart. He seemed to have understood something.

However, Zhang Qing’an soon had no more time to consider those things. This was because Father Zhang had hired a tutor for him. It wasn’t for Zhang Qing’an to learn to write poems or couplets, but rather to make him more knowledgeable.

In addition, Father Zhang also opened a new shop in town and started other businesses, occasionally taking Zhang Qing’an along to do business.

Zhang Qing’an showed considerable talent in this regard. Soon, the reputation of the Zhang family’s young master spread. Many people in town were aware of the Zhang family’s situation.

No one dared to offend them.

Zhang Qing’an had a new life. Everything was no longer the same as before.

Of course, there were also some things that remained the same, such as the little cat Siam, who always ran over in the middle of the night.

Zhang Quan, who was previously the beggar A Quan, was now working as a small steward at the Zhang family’s residence, thus gaining a name.

But when he saw the little cat in his young master’s arms, he was stunned.

“Young master, this cat?”

“Oh, this is my friend’s cat.” Whether it was his family’s or not, Zhang Qing’an still had some regrets.

“I see.” Zhang Quan looked understanding, with some surprise in his heart.

He had wondered why Master Lin had sent such a valuable gift before.

Zhang Quan was referring to a month ago, on Zhang Qing’an’s birthday. The current Zhang Qing’an was no longer the unloved little Shuang’er from Tao Village.

People in town knew that the Shuang’er of Master Zhang of the Zhang family was not only beautiful but also capable. Many young masters and young noblemen had secretly fallen for him, but Master Zhang did not consider them. Master Zhang seemed to plan to recruit a son-in-law for his Shuang’er later.

This situation also made many people envious, and at the same time, it made those young masters and noblemen give up their hopes. After all, if they dared to become live-in sons-in-law, their parents would beat them to death.

On the Zhang family’s Shuang’er’s birthday, many people sent generous gifts. The most valuable among them was the gift sent by the mysterious Master Lin from town.

It was a double-sided embroidered screen with carved flowers. Those present with discerning eyes recognized that this screen could only be made by the Xu family, imperial merchants. It did not usually appear in ordinary people’s homes.

Now it appeared here, which showed the extraordinary nature of the Zhang family.

Zhang Qing’an liked it very much, and since it was given to him, he placed it in his room.

Others might not know, but Zhang Quan, as Master Lin’s former subordinate, knew that Master Lin had been having the Xu family work overtime to produce that screen half a year ago.

Now, seeing the little cat in Zhang Qing’an’s arms, he understood. He felt that he understood even more.

However, Zhang Quan was much more composed now than before, so he didn’t show anything on his face.

Siam had not come for some time recently. Seeing Siam today, he couldn’t help but pet him more. He took the little creature back to his room. He planned to skip work today.

This term was taught to him by Lin Yunliang.

They occasionally met privately, but some things remained unspoken.

“Little guy, did you go out with your master? You haven’t come to see me in a long time.” Zhang Qing’an said, not knowing who he was complaining about.

“Meow meow meow.” Siam continued to meow, specifically showing his neck.

There was a note tied to his neck again.

The content of the note was also very simple, “Do you like it?”

Like what? Zhang Qing’an could guess, but this time he mischievously refused to reply with a note. Instead, he grabbed the little cat and kissed, petted, and hugged it, speaking sweet words to the cute little cat.

However, perhaps the little cat was not the audience he hoped for.

During this period, news from Tao Village also arrived – many people knew they were from Tao Village, so they specifically went to tell them.

Tao Zhiyuan did get married to Tao Wenyu, and Tao Wenyu got his wish. However, not long after, a more jaw-dropping event was reported: Tao Zhiyuan was not the child of Third Aunt Tao and Third Uncle.

In fact, Third Aunt Tao had an affair with a lover while Third Uncle was still alive! This lover was the village chief of Xinghua Village.

After such a scandal was exposed, both villages were in an uproar, especially Xinghua Village. The village chief of Xinghua Village had always had a good reputation. He had a wife and children, and even grandchildren, but such a scandal occurred.

The two villages almost came to blows.

The final outcome was that the Tao Zhiyuan family was driven out. Why do I say “family”? Because a wife follows her husband, whether he’s alive or dead. Since Tao Wenyu had married as he wished, he could no longer stay in Tao Village.

Tao Wenyu was naturally unwilling. His constant crying and begging did not earn him any forgiveness. He could only move out with Tao Zhiyuan.

Third Aunt Tao also did not expect such a thing to happen. Her family’s days had already worsened. If things improved later, it was because Tao Wenyu, as the son-in-law of the village chief’s son, was there.

But in the end, they were driven out. Third Aunt Tao’s lifelong worry was revealed. It was wrong for her to have an affair with the village chief of Xinghua Village, but she also regretted it afterward. Otherwise, why would she have been so focused on cultivating Tao Zhiyuan?

The people of Tao Village were heartless. Third Aunt Tao, without regard for her reputation, went to Xinghua Village to cause trouble and demand money.

Unfortunately, no one paid attention to her.

As for Tao Zhiyuan, he had already suffered a significant blow. The affair with Tao Wenyu had been witnessed by many people, which was enough to ruin his reputation. He had originally planned to continue studying diligently and pass the scholar examination.

But then? Such a thing happened again. He couldn’t withstand the blow and became mentally retarded.

And Tao Wenyu, he had finally married Tao Zhiyuan, almost falling out with his family, but then? Tao Zhiyuan was not from Tao Village! And then, Tao Zhiyuan became mentally retarded!

These successive blows pushed Tao Wenyu to the brink of collapse. He had returned to Tao Village to beg his parents to let him come back.

How could that be possible? Mother Tao, as a woman, had to earn money, take care of her mentally retarded son, and deal with the contempt and hostility from people in other villages. Her life was so difficult, how could she let Tao Wenyu have an easy time?

Moreover, Mother Tao felt that it was because of this slut Tao Wenyu that her originally stable life had gradually collapsed into this state. Therefore, she would definitely not let him off.

As for the Tao Village Chief, he also harbored some resentment towards his younger son. His son had done such shameless things, making the entire Tao Village a laughingstock. It was impossible for him to continue to be re-elected as village chief.

They had earned a lot of money over the years by leveraging their position as village chief, but in the end? They were also being attacked by everyone.

Naturally, they would not let Zhang Qing’an return.

Lin Yunliang did not receive a reply and was worried that he would be angry, so he asked him out for fishing.

Seeing Zhang Quan, who followed them, looking gossipy, Lin Yunliang pretended not to see him.

He walked up to Zhang Qing’an and helplessly grabbed the little cat by the scruff of its neck. “You’ve eaten a lot lately and gotten fatter. I’ll hold it.”

Only then did they walk side by side.

[Host, what nonsense are you talking about? I haven’t gotten fat at all!] You’re just jealous! Of course, Siam didn’t dare to say it out loud.

“Siam, my mission is considered complete, right?”

Although the original plot had gone completely awry, the two protagonists were still together, so how could it not be considered a completed mission?

Lin Yunliang thought to himself, stroking the cat’s neck.

[Completed.] Siam was unwilling to admit that this was a completed mission in his heart, but it was indeed a completed mission. The protagonists were together, and the contractor, who was a cannon fodder, lived his own life without experiencing the misfortunes described in the plot.

“Then when will this mission end?”

[Don’t worry about that~ You can wait until this body naturally dies, and the guide will lead you to start a new mission.]

“Okay, then it’s settled.”

Zhang Qing’an noticed the person beside him smiling but didn’t know why he was smiling. “What are you smiling about?”

“How about I make you fish soup with the fish we catch later?”

“Okay!”

Siam watched the two of them, feeling inexplicably pleased, but he had to admit that this contractor was still quite formidable.

[Universe Wish Bureau wishes you a happy life and the fulfillment of your wishes.]