Chapter 80 p1
Ye Qingzhi opened the letter. First was Auntie Ye’s usual concern, then she said that Ye Qingsong had something urgent to find her for, and it was about Ye Qinglan.
The second page was written by Ye Qingsong. He said that a man with the surname Zhang from the city had come to propose. His family’s conditions were very good, his father was an official, and he was willing to give the four major items and a bride price of six hundred and sixty yuan. After Ye Qinglan married over, he could even arrange a job for her.
Ding Aixian and Ye Qingshan and the others were already tempted when they heard about such a large bride price. Knowing that the man was twenty-four this year and in good health, they immediately agreed.
In their opinion, for a man with sound limbs, good health, not too old, and willing to give such a high bride price, it was already a blessing from Ye Shuiping in heaven. It was normal for him to have some other shortcomings.
Ye Qingsong was not at ease. With such a good family background and a willingness to give such a high bride price, what kind of woman couldn’t he find? Why would he look for a little-known and not-so-good-looking country girl like Ye Qinglan?
He had secretly gone to the city to inquire and had found that the man’s father was a small leader in the Revolutionary Committee. He was a tyrant in the local area, and many people cursed him behind his back. The son was no good either, bullying men and women, and fighting were common occurrences.
Ye Qingsong suspected that the Zhang family wanted to marry Ye Qinglan because of He Qiming’s relationship. He probably wanted to be He Qiming’s brother-in-law. Otherwise, how could they have found Ye Qinglan so accurately?
Ye Qingsong was worried that it would affect He Qiming and Ye Qingzhi, and also worried that his younger sister would be wronged if she married into such a family. After thinking it over and over, he could only ask Auntie Ye to help him send a letter.
After reading the letter, Ye Qingzhi and Ye Qingsong had the same judgment. The Zhang family would marry Ye Qinglan because of He Qiming.
Sometimes, they didn’t even need He Qiming to really do anything for them. Just a name, and they could make a lot of fuss.
And He Qiming was thousands of miles away. By the time he found out, it would probably be a long time later. At that time, he would have already been dragged into the water, and there would be no way to get out.
“Wife, honey,” He Qiming said, hugging Ye Qingzhi from behind. “What are you thinking about? I didn’t even notice you when I came back.”
Ye Qingzhi looked back at He Qiming and handed him the letter.
“See for yourself.”
After reading the letter, He Qiming pondered for a moment. “What are your plans?”
Ye Qinglan certainly could not marry into the Zhang family. But with the Ye family’s character, to have them give up such a large bride price was harder than climbing to the sky.
“Qinglan is twenty-two this year. Without the Zhang family, there’s still the Zhao family, the Li family. Ding Aixian and the others will definitely sell her for a good price,” Ye Qingzhi sneered.
Like Ye Qingsong, Ye Qinglan had been raised on the original host’s back. The original host had always doted on this pair of younger siblings. Before she had gotten married, her relationship with them had also been the best.
After the original host had married into Houxicun, Ye Qingsong and Ye Qinglan had gone once. She didn’t know what Wei Youliang had said, but the siblings had never gone again.
Later, when there was no contact from Wei Jiancheng, and her child was sick once, the original host had had no choice but to go back to her parents’ home to borrow money. But not only had Ye Shuiping not lent her money, but he had also scolded her and told her not to come back to her parents’ home again.
At that time, Ye Qingsong had given Ye Qingzhi the fifty cents he had saved for a long time and had also helped to carry Anmin, walking them all the way to the entrance of Houxicun.
In her memory, both Ye Qingsong and Ye Qinglan were good children. When she had gone back this time, her impression of this pair of siblings was also not bad.
The main thing was that Ye Qinglan’s marriage involved He Qiming. Whether it was because of the sisterly affection between the original host and Ye Qinglan, or the interests involved, she would definitely interfere in Ye Qinglan’s matter.
“Have your younger sister come to the base,” He Qiming said, hugging Ye Qingzhi and sitting down. “It just so happens that she’s of age. We’ll help her find a partner and have her marry here. That way, no one can scheme against us through your younger sister. And with you to check, we can also find her a good family.”
Ye Qingzhi actually had the same idea. Of course, if Ye Qinglan was like Ye Qinghe, a “demon who helps her brother,” then she would definitely not let her come to the base.
That day at home, although they had only spoken a few words, Ye Qingzhi could see that she also wanted to escape from that family.
As soon as she thought of it, she did it. He Qiming called the leaders of Daye Village that day, found two granduncles, and explained the stakes.
The Zhang family had offended many people these few years, and their reputation was very bad. If Ye Qinglan married into the Zhang family, it would also tarnish the reputation of Daye Village.
The bride price was for Ding Aixian and the others. The village and the granduncles would not get any of it. So after hearing He Qiming’s analysis, they all chose to help him.
It just so happened that Ye Qingsong was training with the militia not far away. Second Granduncle called him over, told him about He Qiming’s decision, and had him have a good talk with Ye Qinglan. This was a good thing. If she missed this opportunity, she wouldn’t get another one.
“What did my fourth sister say?” Ye Qingsong’s eyes lit up. He had not expected his fourth sister to be willing to take care of his younger sister.
“Since Regiment Commander He has spoken, it must be the result of a discussion with your fourth sister. Qingsong, you also know the situation of your family. For Qingzhi to be able to take care of Qinglan is the best thing that could happen. If Qinglan can marry a military officer, she will have endless blessings in the future,” Second Granduncle said, patting Ye Qingsong’s arm and whispering in his ear, “Qinglan is closest to you. If she’s well, won’t you be well?”
Ye Qingsong pursed his lips. “Granduncle, I’m not thinking of these things. I just want her to live a good life in the future.”
He did not expect Qinglan to marry a military officer and bring him any benefits. He only hoped that his fourth sister could find a man for his younger sister who would be considerate and dote on her for the rest of her life.
This matter could not be told to the family. With such a large bride price, Ding Aixian and her older brothers and sisters-in-law would definitely not let go.
It just so happened that Second Granduncle had the same idea, which was why he had secretly called Ye Qingsong out, preparing to have Ye Qinglan leave quietly. At that time, it would be useless even if Ding Aixian came to make a fuss.
“Thank you, Second Granduncle. I’ll tell Qinglan in a bit. I believe she will be very happy,” Ye Qingsong said with a faint smile.
Ye Qinglan had said more than once that she wanted to marry a soldier, join the army like her fourth sister, and be far away from her mother and her older brothers and sisters-in-law, so that they would not interfere in her small family.
When he got home from work, Ye Qingsong saw that Ye Qinglan and his older sister-in-law were cooking together, so he did not go over.
When they were cleaning up the dishes, Ye Qinglan was with her second sister-in-law again, and he did not find a chance to speak.
After washing the dishes, Ye Qinglan had to go and feed the chickens, ducks, and pigs. This time, she was alone, and Ye Qingsong finally had a chance to speak to her.
“Brother, what do you want?” Ye Qinglan asked, looking at him in confusion.