d avenge the loss of his elite troops inflicted by Xiangyi who had abandoned him years ago. After suppressing the internal turmoil, he began laying the groundwork for war early on, gradually provoking...Win Jiahong's words were overheard by Liàn Yī, who was bringing food with her. So she directly spoke up and asked.

Wen Jiahong turned his head and saw Miss Su stepping into the room. He immediately stood up from his chair, bowed respectfully, and then explained the reason for his visit.

"I'm here to bring some food for Brother Zhao Ming and his sister."

"My heart is touched, I happen to be giving Ming'er some food today as well."

Liàn Yī waved his hand, and Su Wu led the two tenants into the kitchen with four sacks of grain.

Liàn Yī sat at the head of the main hall and asked about Wēn Jiāihóng's words just now.

Wen Jia Hong originally wanted to first ask Ming Ge'er's opinion, then casually inquire with Miss Su. As a result, she ran into them, so she simply said it directly.

Miss Su, there have been rumors in the village recently that after you finished your filial period, you had no intention of getting married and were planning to drag it out until it ultimately ended.

"I see. You're worried that I'll let Mingge down, so you came to me"

Liàn Yī also didn't get angry, she just smiled and asked.

"I think if rumors are spreading, it means someone has been watching you. In that case, I might as well ask for clarification. If Miss Su has other intentions, please don't waste our Ming's time."

After all, if one breaks off the engagement, one can still remarry. However, if one divorces after marriage, it would damage both Mr. Ming's and Miss Su's reputation.

When faced with ripples, Wen Jiahong was a bit nervous, but she still clenched her fists and made her intentions clear.

"I understand, what you said makes sense. There are rumors in Qingshan County, even more specific than what you've heard. They say I've found another family with a powerful background and am preparing to break off the engagement with Ming Ge'er."

The ripples didn't care and directly stated the rumors circulating in Qingshan County. Although she had a hand in spreading them, she would resolutely deny it.

"Well, what do you mean, Miss Yisou"

After a slight cough, Wen JiaHong asked.

"I'm preparing to marry Ming'er before the provincial exam. Tomorrow, ask the village head to come to Sujiazhuang on behalf of Ming'er's elders to discuss the marriage."

Ripples said crisply and concisely.

"Good, with Miss Su's words, I feel reassured. Our Ming has chosen the right person."

Wen Jiahong finally let out a sigh of relief and chatted casually for two more sentences before hurriedly returning to Wenjia Village to relay Miss Su's words.

The ripples effect is to have An He run a trip to the Su family, giving a letter to both the current clan leader and the retired elder. The letter explains the reason for her upcoming marriage.

An He set out the day she received Lian Yi's letter. Wen Jia Hong, who had returned to her village, also told her mother what Miss Su had said.

"Well, hearing you say that, Miss Su probably doesn't intend to go back on her word. In that case, I'll take the village elders to Sujiazhuang tomorrow."

The village head nodded in satisfaction.

Ming'er has received all the betrothal gifts. If Miss Su were to go back on her word at this point, while it would affect Ming'er, it would have a much greater impact on her own reputation. After all, she is preparing for the imperial examinations. If news of her rejecting him because he is poor spreads, the examiners will surely view her unfavorably.

When the current head of the Su family on the other side received Lian Yi's letter, she smiled. She thought Lian Yi was independent and decisive, and from this point, it could be seen that Lian Yi was very satisfied with the man she had chosen. Because of the rumors, she didn't want her fiance to suffer any grievances, so she moved up their wedding date.

"Believe me, I received it. Tell your young lady that everything is as before. If the clan needs to lend a hand, just send us a letter."

"Yes, thank you Chief for your understanding of my young lady's situation."

An He immediately said.

Then he went to see the previous village elder again and handed him another letter. This one was written by Ripple specifically for the elder.

The elder patriarch indeed disapproved of Ripple marrying the farmer's son now, but because the rumors in the county were growing more and more outlandish, they had become a story about Miss Su favoring a young master from a wealthy family and wanting to abandon her fiancé. It was quite scandalous.

If the wedding is postponed until after the township exam, rumors will only spread further. It's better to get married now, make a big spectacle of it, and shut those who speak ill of us up. This way, we can prevent them from affecting Lian'er's upcoming township exam.

Upon hearing An He's reply, Lian Yi nodded in satisfaction. It was worth her effort to find someone to spread rumors and hasten the marriage.

The county official media again made an appearance, this time representing Miss Su to propose marriage and ask for a favorable date at the Wen's village.

By this point, Wen Zhaoming knew he couldn't stay at Su Jiazhuang any longer. He needed to take his sister home early. The day before they were leaving, Lian Yi went to see Wen Zhaoming alone.

"Little brother, I appreciate your hard work these past few days. Go back home and rest for a while. I'll ask the matchmaker to expedite things, handle the betrothal and wedding preparations simultaneously, and then you can just wait for me to come pick you up."

Ripple smiled sweetly.

"Well, I'll wait for you."

Wen Zhaoming was still a little unconvinced, but he just blushed and agreed.

Ripples searched her bosom for a long time, finally pulling out a palm-sized purple sandalwood box and handing it to Wen Zhaoming.

Wen Zhaoming was taken aback and asked:

This

"Have a look."

Wen Zhaoming seemed to understand the other party's meaning. A flash of joy crossed his eyes, then he opened the box. Inside lay a purple jade bracelet. The jade was warm and smooth, the lavender color had a dreamy and ethereal feeling.

"How do you like it"

"It looks nice."

"Then I'll put it on you."

"This is too precious!"

Wen Zhao Ming just wanted to take the bracelet back and hide it, he didn't dare to wear it. If it got bumped or scratched, he would be heartbroken.

"This is the first real gift I've ever given you. Don't just put it away when you get home. You have to wear this bracelet for it to work its magic."

Liàn Yī said as she passed her hand over his, directly slipping the bangle onto Wēn Zhāo Ming's left wrist.

Wen Zhaoming felt the warmth of jade, gently touched it with his hand, and showed a smile. He softly thanked her again.

The ripples nodded in satisfaction, then pulled a silver note from her sleeve and handed it to Wen Zhaoming.

"Ripples, what are you doing"

Wen Zhaoming looked at the over a thousand taels of silver, and asked in surprise.

These are private payments I've made for you, consider them your dowry. When we get married, you'll still be bringing things back home anyway.

The ripples spoke lightly.

"Ripple, this is different."

Wen Zhaoming looked at the ripples in her eyes with some complexity.

The silver tickets, once in his hands, would become his dowry. Even though he would bring them back to the Su family, if one day they couldn't make it work, these silver tickets as his dowry would allow him to leave with them rightfully.

"Just consider it as me being by your side, a woman with too much money isn't good either."

Ripple smiled and said.

Wen Zhaoming rejected it twice, but ultimately accepted the silver note. He thought that if one day Lianyi encountered difficulties, he could take it out again. It would just be temporarily kept by him.

The next day, Wen Zhaoming took his sister back to Wenjia Village. The matchmaker arrived the following day. going out onto the street, she first went to the small market in the civilian district and bought herself a canvas bag, a floral dress, and a pair of well-fitting cloth shoes. She found a place to ch...