FIMA Ch44: Marriage Exchange

“Mother, in all my years married into the Gu family, I have never disobeyed you or Father. But this time, it concerns Zhen-er’s future. Zhen-er is the future of our Gu family; this marriage absolutely cannot go through,” Li Xiangtao said, her expression anxious.

Old Madam Gu frowned: “I know what you mean, but the Xie family is currently unwilling to break off the engagement. Furthermore, this marriage was initiated by your father back then. Are you asking him to go back on his word now? Your father is the village chief; how would the villagers look at him in the future?”

Li Xiangtao stuttered for a moment: “But… Mother, you know that Zhen-er has been close to Xiao Huan since childhood. Now that Xiao Huan has returned to the Suining Earl’s Mansion, if Zhen-er could continue his relationship with Xiao Huan, then in the future…”

Old Madam Gu sighed: “When our two families formed the marriage alliance back then, who could have known things would take such a turn? To think that Xiao Huan is actually a Ger from a capital Earl’s Mansion?”

Speaking of the capital’s Earl’s Mansion, Li Xiangtao’s eyes couldn’t help but light up.

She tugged at her mother-in-law’s sleeve and said: “Zhen-er went to the Shen family’s manor just this morning. He said Xiao Huan had something to discuss with him. Even though Xiao Huan has returned to the Suining Earl’s Mansion, he still keeps Zhen-er in his thoughts.”

Old Madam Gu shot her a glance: “How dare you casually spout such frivolous words? Zhen-er is a scholar, and the Earl’s Mansion is a top-tier noble household. Don’t ruin their reputations.”

Li Xiangtao immediately shut her mouth in embarrassment.

But soon after, she unwillingly added: “Mother, even if we don’t mention Xiao Huan, we still can’t let Zhen-er marry that Changyue who was kicked back here. Who knows what the Earl’s Mansion’s attitude toward him is? We can’t let him drag Zhen-er down when the time comes.”

Hearing this, Old Madam Gu pondered for a long time, then irritably waved her hand: “We still need to wait for your father to come back and make a decision. Going through with this marriage isn’t right, and breaking it off isn’t right either. It’s all that blasted old man’s fault for arranging an engagement for Zhen-er so early for no reason.”

Having finished complaining about her husband, she looked up and saw her second son’s Ger wife standing blankly under the eaves, looking completely devoid of any tact. She couldn’t help but feel even more annoyed and was just about to voice a reprimand.

Right at that moment, a tall figure appeared beside Mu Xia and said in a calm voice: “Grandmother, I have a way to solve this.”

Old Madam Gu was someone who cared about propriety and rarely scolded her sons’ spouses in front of her grandsons, so she immediately restrained her expression.

Then, she asked rather doubtfully: “Yang-er, what were you just saying?”

Gu Siyuan’s expression remained unchanged: “I said, I have a way to resolve the matter of the marriage contract with the Xie family. Eldest Cousin won’t have to marry the Xie family’s Ger.”

Hearing this, before Old Madam Gu could even speak, Eldest Aunt Li Xiangtao rushed to ask: “A’Yang, what did you say? What way do you have?”

Gu Siyuan glanced at everyone in the courtyard, his tone as calm as if he were announcing it was time to eat: “Since Cousin is unwilling to marry the Xie family’s Ger, then why not give the marriage contract to me? I will marry him.”

As soon as these words came out, the several people were first taken aback.

Then very quickly, Eldest Aunt Li Xiangtao excitedly widened her eyes, clapped her hands together, and said: “Right, right! Wouldn’t this work perfectly? Outsiders only know that our family is forming a marriage alliance with the Xie family anyway. Since their family can swap out a Ger, why can’t our family swap out a son? No one could say a word against it.”

Saying this, she joyfully stepped forward to grab Gu Siyuan’s arm: “A’Yang, A’Yang, your Eldest Aunt must thank you properly. It’s truly wonderful that you’re willing to marry that Changyue Ger from the Xie family. When your older cousin rises to prominence in the future, he definitely won’t forget you.”

Mu Xia, however, stared blankly at his son’s completely unfazed figure, feeling that his son’s changes seemed a bit drastic. Moreover, this marriage… was it really going to be handled this casually?

When Old Madam Gu first heard this, her eyes also lit up slightly, instantly realizing the feasibility of this plan. Their family had always focused all their attention on Gu Zhen, unexpectedly overlooking the fact that Gu Yang was only a few months younger than Gu Zhen and had also reached the age of marriage.

But afterward, she quickly restrained her emotions.

Her eyelids lowered slightly, and she looked straight at Gu Siyuan: “A’Yang, are you truly willing to marry Ger Changyue? Although Zhen-er is quite promising, our family would never do something like sacrificing another brother for the sake of his future prospects.”

“Mother, you…” Li Xiangtao grew anxious and grabbed onto Old Madam Gu’s sleeve.

Old Madam Gu shot her a sideways glance and discreetly pressed down her hand.

Gu Siyuan pretended not to see the exchange between the two and nodded earnestly: “Naturally, it is sincere. Just now outside the courtyard, your grandson already caught a glimpse of Ger Changyue; his appearance is extremely beautiful.”

This was the result of Gu Siyuan’s careful deliberation.

The mission in this world was to save Xie Changyue and bring him happiness.

If this were the modern world, he could just help him solve his problems and then give him a large sum of money.

But in this feudal era, a Ger like him would inevitably have to marry; otherwise, the gossip of others would be unbearable, let alone talking about happiness.

And if he did marry out, even if he were the Emperor’s daughter, there was no guarantee he would definitely live happily.

Therefore, having him marry himself was actually the best solution.

Even if he couldn’t fall deeply in love with him, he could guarantee that he would be his only one in this lifetime, always placing him in the primary position. He would absolutely never abandon him for any reason. No matter what he wanted, as long as it didn’t violate morals or conscience, he would definitely try his best to satisfy him.

Old Madam Gu’s lips curled up slightly.

Then, as if testing the waters, she praised: “If you truly like him, then that is indeed a wonderful thing. I have seen Ger Changyue a few times as well; he is beautiful and gentle.”

Li Xiangtao also chimed in with a smile: “Yes, exactly. After all, he was raised in a prominent household. Let alone in our Huangyang Village, even in the entire Wuqing County, I’m afraid you couldn’t find a more outstanding Ger than Changyue.”

Hearing this, Mu Xia couldn’t help but cast a faint glance at his eldest sister-in-law. If he was truly so excellent that you couldn’t find anyone better even with a lantern, why were you so impatient to break off Gu Zhen’s engagement to him?

Gu Siyuan’s lips also curled up slightly: “Then I must thank Eldest Aunt for granting my wish.”

Li Xiangtao seemed to detect a hint of mockery in his words and instantly gave an embarrassed smile.

Gu Siyuan paid it no mind and looked back at Old Madam Gu: “What does Grandmother think?”

Old Madam Gu’s expression turned serious, and she nodded: “You are a scholar, naturally you have better judgment than us.”

Even the fingers on the same person’s hand have different lengths, let alone grandsons separated by a generation.

Gu Zhen was the Gu family’s eldest grandson. He had been good-looking since childhood, with a mild and obedient temper. After attending the academy, his studies were also top-notch. Not to mention that she had raised Gu Zhen single-handedly and already had deep affection for him, even the old man of the house, though he never said it aloud, was definitely biased toward Gu Zhen in his heart.

What’s more, right now, Gu Yang was doing this entirely of his own free will.

However, Old Madam Gu thought for a moment and shifted her gaze to Mu Xia, who was standing to the side: “Although marriages of descendants are decided by their elders, you are Yang-er’s Papa. I still need to ask for your opinion on this matter. I don’t want this to eventually cause unrest in our household.”

Hearing this, Mu Xia paused, his gaze once again falling on the son beside him who had long since grown tall.

Gu Siyuan met his Papa’s gaze. His eyes held a bit of apology, but were mostly filled with determination and pleading.

At this, Mu Xia completely understood. Lowering his eyes for a moment, he thought: if his parents-in-law were forcefully pushing someone Gu Zhen despised onto his own son, then even at the risk of being labeled unfilial, he would have fought back against it.

But now, it was his son who was actively requesting it.

It wasn’t that he was speaking ill of his own son, but from childhood to adulthood—perhaps because his and his husband’s personalities were on the softer side—his son had always been very good at planning for himself. He had the kind of personality that refused to suffer the slightest loss.

Mu Xia slowly made a series of gestures: “Since A’Yang is willing and Mother agrees, then I have no objections. But we still need to wait for Father and Gu Er to return to hear their thoughts.”

Old Madam Gu nodded, a barely concealable light rising in her eyes.

Li Xiangtao’s face broke out into an even bigger smile; the way she looked at Gu Yang was no different from looking at a life-saving benefactor.

When noon arrived, and the Gu family men returned from the fields, Eldest Aunt Li Xiangtao couldn’t wait to blurt the matter out.

The Gu family had three generations living under one roof. The Old Madam had given birth to three sons and one daughter. The daughter had married away to the neighboring Hexi Town. Although the three sons had long since married and started families, because the two elders were still alive, they hadn’t yet split the household.

However, because Gu San worked as an accountant in the county town, the Third Branch’s family mostly lived in the city and only returned during holidays and festivals.

Inside these blue-brick courtyard walls, besides the Old Master and Old Madam, usually only the First and Second Branches lived there.

After hearing Li Xiangtao’s words, Old Master Gu and Gu the Eldest’s eyes slightly shifted; this was indeed the best possible solution.

They didn’t really expect Gu Zhen to rekindle his romance with Shen Changhuan, who had returned to the Earl’s Mansion. But as things stood now, it was obvious that neither Li Xiangtao nor Gu Zhen was willing to go through with this marriage. Taking a spouse was all about family harmony.

If they ultimately became a resentful couple and caused unrest in the household, it would be self-defeating.

Gu Er, on the other hand, looked at his own tall and strapping son, his emotions somewhat indiscernible.

Gu Siyuan nodded at him, his lips moving slightly as he called out, “Father.”

Gu Er’s expression remained unchanged: “As long as you like it.”

Over here, to be safe, Old Master Gu still asked one more time: “Yang-er, are you truly willing of your own accord?”

Gu Siyuan made his guarantee once more and also stated that he coincidentally had a one-month farming break recently, so it would be best to take advantage of this free time to get married as soon as possible. He planned to participate in the imperial exams next February, after which he would need to focus entirely on his studies.

To this, Old Master Gu naturally agreed with pleasure.

The matter was completely settled at this point.

Because a major hidden trouble in the family had been resolved, Old Madam and Old Master Gu felt a bit of a desire to compensate him, so they decided to raise the originally planned wedding budget by a tier.

This time, Eldest Aunt Li Xiangtao, who was always calculative with money, surprisingly voiced no objections.

……

When Gu Zhen returned from the capital in the evening, he found the house filled with an atmosphere of jubilation, completely different from the long faces he had seen before he left.

The moment his mother, Li Xiangtao, saw him, she immediately beamed with joy: “Son, you went to the city today; did you go see A’Huan?”

Gu Zhen nodded slightly.

In the past, his mother had always looked down on A’Huan for being a peasant Ger, feeling he wasn’t worthy of him. She had wanted him to marry a woman for better childbearing, or a Ger from the city, someone who could help him in his future studies and imperial exams.

But now, with A’Huan’s change in status, his mother acted a hundred times more affectionate toward A’Huan than she did toward him.

He knew what his mother was thinking, but it was impossible.

A’Huan had someone he liked—Young General Xiao. And he had also promised A’Huan that he would marry Xie Changyue, the one left behind in the Xie family, as his wife.

He asked his mother gently, “Mother, regarding the marriage with the Xie family…”

The words had barely left his mouth before he was directly interrupted.

Li Xiangtao said with smug delight: “It’s already been resolved! Son, you can rest easy now. From now on, when you interact with Xiao Huan, no one will be able to say a word against it.”

Gu Zhen was stunned and furrowed his brows: “Mother, what’s going on? You didn’t just go straight to the Xie family and break off the engagement, did you?”

He knew how deep his mother’s feelings for him ran; for his sake, she was capable of doing anything.

Li Xiangtao shook her head nonchalantly: “How could that be? You still have to study for the imperial exams, and your grandpa is the village chief. How could our family do something that would have people poking our spines? It’s your second brother; he’s willing to take your marriage contract and marry that Ger who was kicked back to the Xie family.”

“Second Brother?”

The face of his younger cousin, Gu Yang, surfaced in Gu Zhen’s mind.

Gu Yang was his Second Uncle’s son, born in the same year as him, just five months younger.

Cousins so close in age, especially with the Gu family still living together undivided, should logically be very close.

But his relationship with Gu Yang was honestly quite poor, and Gu Yang’s character was completely different from his.

From childhood, Gu Yang had been rather dull and gloomy, whereas he had been precocious, gentle, and the most outstanding in the family. Therefore, the elders’ attention naturally favored him far more than Gu Yang.

And while their family was considered to be in good circumstances within the village, it was still limited. Especially with both of them studying, the daily allocation of resources naturally favored one over the other.

Thus, he believed his second brother had always greatly disliked him.

“That’s right! Honestly, it was such a coincidence. A’Yang came back from the academy today and just so happened to bump into Ger Changyue outside the courtyard. Didn’t he just fall for him at first sight? To be fair, this Ger Changyue really is incredibly good-looking. If I were a man, I’d like him too.”

As Li Xiangtao spoke, she couldn’t help but laugh.

Gu Zhen furrowed his brows: “Did the Xie family also agree to the switch?”

Li Xiangtao stopped laughing and coldly snorted: “Is it his turn to agree or disagree? He’s just someone who was kicked back here, awkward for both sides. Even though your second brother is far inferior to you, our family is still ranked number one in the village. Tomorrow morning, your grandmother will invite a matchmaker to go to the Xie family.”

Hearing this, Gu Zhen pondered and nodded, making no further sound.

Watching his demeanor, Li Xiangtao’s heart gave a slight leap: “Son, you aren’t having second thoughts, are you? Let Mother tell you, good looks on a Ger can’t put food on the table. Actually, Xiao Huan is very good-looking too.”

Gu Zhen knew his mother was misunderstanding again and quickly shook his head.

Xie Changyue marrying his second brother was actually not a bad outcome. Shen Changhuan’s entrustment was barely fulfilled, and he wouldn’t have to marry someone he disliked. It should have been a happy occasion.

But he suddenly felt a bit peculiar inside. When he had been entrusted by Shen Changhuan to marry Xie Changyue, although he hadn’t been overly willing, he had still harbored some thoughts of being a savior granting charity, figuring he was just doing a good deed.

…He hadn’t expected that the other party would no longer need it. He suddenly felt a sense of having his own things snatched away, and for a moment, he didn’t know whether to feel sad or glad.

May was already midway through summer.

After dinner, the sky was still half-light. Gu Siyuan did not go inside immediately but stayed in the courtyard helping Mu Xia and Gu Er weave rattan crafts.

Wuqing County was nestled against mountains and bordered by water, a rare and beautiful landscape in these northern lands.

The day after tomorrow was the Dragon Boat Festival.

A dragon boat race would be held in the Anding River outside the county suburbs. People from both inside and outside the city would go to join the fun, and even quite a few wealthy idlers from the capital would ride their horses over to watch. Those with some craftsmanship in nearby villages would take this opportunity to set up small stalls to sell their wares.

Gu Er had dexterous hands and would also weave some small items to sell.

Mu Xia looked at the small object being woven in his son’s hands and couldn’t help but feel a bit of novelty. He signed: “Is this a bear?”

Gu Siyuan nodded gently: “Mm, a mild little brown bear.”

Mu Xia smiled, narrowing his eyes.

In the eyes of their farming families, a blind bear was just as terrifying as a tiger—one glance would scare someone half to death. But in his son’s hands, this bear still looked like a bear, yet it was inexplicably charming and clumsy, making people want to hold it in their hands.

Gu Er took the little bear from his son’s hands, turned it over and over a few times, and fawned over Mu Xia: “A’Xia, do you like it? I’ve already figured out how to do it; I’ll weave one for you.”

“…” Gu Siyuan.

Although this was his biological father, wasn’t this a violation of copyright?

Gu Er clearly lacked this awareness. As the saying goes, experts see the ropes; with just those few glances, he understood how Gu Siyuan’s little gadget was structured.

If strictly discussing technique, he was countless times better than Gu Siyuan; he was merely limited by his worldly experience, unable to come up with so many different designs.

Soon, a little brown bear was born in his hands. He even specifically used a darker dried vine for the eyes. Its entire body was pulled tight and smooth beyond compare; side by side, it was far superior.

Just as he was about to hand the little bear to his husband, he saw his eldest brother’s little daughter, Gu Qingqing, bouncing over.

“Second Uncle, Second Uncle, this is so cute! Can you give this to me?”

Gu Er had a straightforward personality and shook his head directly: “This is for your Second Uncle-Papa.”

Gu Qingqing pouted. She still really wanted it, so she turned her gaze toward Mu Xia, whining coquettishly: “Second Uncle-Papa…”

Gu Qingqing was twelve this year, very cute and lively.

Mu Xia normally had an okay relationship with her. At this moment, he felt a bit embarrassed; how old was he already, yet he was still fighting over things with a child?

But this was given to him by Gu Er. He was always reluctant to give away things that Gu Er gave him.

At this time, Gu Er patted Gu Qingqing and said, “Don’t bother your Second Uncle-Papa, I’ll weave another one for you.”

Gu Qingqing immediately beamed with joy: “Second Uncle, you’re the best.”

Thinking about how her Second Uncle doted on her Second Uncle-Papa the most, she immediately turned around and added: “Second Uncle-Papa, didn’t you say last time that you wanted some fresh embroidery patterns? I’ll give you my favorite one later, okay?”

Li Xiangtao’s voice sounded from behind: “What good thing is this, that you’re even willing to give away your embroidery patterns? Last time I, your mother, asked for them, you refused!”

With this reminder, Gu Er and Mu Xia suddenly exchanged a glance.

If Gu Qingqing liked it this much, those young ladies from the city who had never been to the countryside might also like it.

Seeing that they seemed to have grasped the crux of the matter, Gu Siyuan reminded them: “Father, I see you weave very tightly. If the size of this little gadget were slightly smaller, and before sealing it up, you stuffed it with dried herbs and hung a five-colored silk thread on its head, on the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, perhaps children would be willing to hang it on their waists or necks as a sachet.”

Hearing this, the married couple’s eyes lit up even more.

Gu Qingqing also quickly expressed her stance: “I’d be willing! Second Uncle, then I want a little bunny. On the day of the festival, I’m going to hang it on my neck and go show off to Xiao Cui.”

Gu Siyuan looked at the basket she was holding in her arms, pointed at the little bear Gu Er had just woven for her, and said indifferently: “You have so many scrap pieces of cloth; why don’t you make clothes for it?”

“Ah… it needs to wear clothes too?” Gu Qingqing was stunned for a moment, then her eyes suddenly lit up, and she hurriedly dug out several palm-sized scraps of cloth from her basket.

Old Madam Gu’s needlework was very good, and Gu Qingqing had learned quite a bit from her.

In just a flip of her hands, a small outfit was finished: a light cyan top and tiny yellow shorts. They were the most ordinary colors, seen everywhere in the village, but once worn on the little bear, it became incredibly cute.

Gu Qingqing hugged the little bear closely to her chest, reluctant to let go, and immediately said excitedly: “I’m going to make ten sets of clothes for the little bear.”

Though she didn’t have any intact pieces of fabric on hand, she had plenty of scrap edges and trimmings.

Mu Xia immediately followed suit and made clothes for his own little bear as well, patterning them directly after Gu Er’s outfit for the day.

Gu Er held the little bear and examined it for a few glances: “During the day, let it stay home and keep you company in my stead.”

“…” Gu Siyuan.

You middle-aged folks are really quite something.

Right at this moment, a person came to stand beside Gu Siyuan.

Gu Qingqing called out: “Big Brother!”

Gu Siyuan also raised his eyes, nodded at Gu Zhen, and said no more. This had always been his temperament, so the family members didn’t pay it any mind.

Gu Zhen smiled faintly: “Second Brother, I have some schoolwork I’d like to discuss with you.”

Gu Siyuan heard this and instantly knew it was an excuse, but it didn’t matter.

“Alright.” He stood up, taking the lead and walking toward Gu Zhen’s room.

After entering the room, Gu Zhen closed the door.

Studying requires peace and quiet. When the two cousins were at home, their doors were mostly closed, which everyone was accustomed to.

Gu Siyuan stood in the middle of the room with his hands behind his back: “If you have something to say, just say it straight.”

Gu Zhen looked at his cousin’s stern expression and imposing aura. He was taken aback for a moment before giving a light laugh: “It seems Second Brother already knows what this elder brother wishes to ask.”

Gu Siyuan’s expression remained unchanged, noncommittal.

Gu Zhen got straight to the point: “Did Second Brother truly take a liking to the Xie family’s Ger?”

Gu Siyuan, however, didn’t hesitate at all: “Naturally.”

Gu Zhen asked again: “It seems today is the first time Second Brother has seen the Xie family’s Ger. I wonder what exactly caught your fancy?”

The corners of Gu Siyuan’s lips curled up slightly, and he said indifferently: “Discussing the merits and flaws of another family’s Ger behind his back does not seem to be something we scholars should do.”

Gu Zhen’s eyes flashed. He had always prided himself on being a gentleman as flawless as jade; having a conversation like this today was indeed abrupt and improper.

But bearing the burden of Shen Changhuan’s request, he had no choice but to do so.

Just then, Gu Siyuan spoke up again: “However, uttering words of praise is acceptable if it’s just between you and me. I simply fancied him for his extraordinary beauty.”

Gu Zhen frowned: “A beauty is like jade, but also a pink-fleshed skeleton. When taking a wife, one should marry for virtue, not for looks; the same goes for taking a husband. As a scholar, Cousin should understand this principle. How could you act so impulsively on a whim?”

Gu Siyuan narrowed his eyes and suddenly scoffed at him: “Heh… I didn’t know that Eldest Cousin, who also seems to have met the Xie family’s Ger only once, already knows whether his character is virtuous or not?”

Gu Zhen felt as if he had been looked down into the dust by this gaze.

His previously dull and silent cousin seemed to have completely turned into a different person, while he, who had always been quick-witted, suddenly felt inexplicably clumsy in front of him.

He could only apologize repeatedly: “My apologies, this elder brother misspoke.”

Gu Siyuan did not accept his apology. He just stared at him and said methodically: “Eldest Cousin, with you talking so much and misspeaking like this today, I might think you’re reluctant to part with this marriage, wishing to enjoy the blessings of having both.”

“Second Brother…” Gu Zhen’s face showed slight urgency. “This elder brother absolutely has no such intention.”

“It’s good that you don’t.” Gu Siyuan lifted his feet and walked toward the door.

Before reaching out to open the door, he suddenly said in a cold voice: “After tomorrow, Changyue will be your younger brother’s husband. Eldest Cousin, do not act so out of line again as you did today.”

Gu Zhen remained silent, speechless.

Summer days were long, and it got bright early.

Just past the hour of Mao (5-7 AM), breakfast was already on the table at Xie Er’s house at the end of Huangyang Village.

“Why isn’t Changyue coming out to eat yet?” Xie Er asked with a frown.

Liu Zhi, sitting to the side, shot him a glance without making a sound.

But the family’s youngest son, Xie Qiu, snorted: “Didn’t he run over to the Gu family yesterday? Now he’s deliberately not coming out… what kind of noble household Ger is he pretending to be?”

Xie Qiu was also a young Ger, two years younger than Xie Changyue, but also of marriageable age.

Like the other girls and Gers in the village, he secretly harbored a crush on the village chief’s Gu Zhen.

However, previously there was Xie Huan, the marriage contract was his, and Gu Zhen himself also liked Xie Huan. Now that Xie Huan was gone, Xie Changyue had come along, and it was still not his turn with Gu Zhen.

Xie Qiu was extremely dissatisfied with Xie Changyue.

Liu Zhi took her chopsticks and lightly tapped him: “Don’t talk like that. Changyue just arrived at our family; he’s still not used to it.”

Because of the incident on the cliff back then, she felt somewhat awkward and apologetic toward Xie Changyue.

Especially since Xie Changyue was her husband Xie Er’s biological son, her titular stepson.

Xie Qiu became even more dissatisfied: “Hmph, what’s there to not be used to? He was originally just a mud-legged peasant like us anyway. He stole someone else’s identity, enjoyed over a decade of extra blessings, and he’s still not satisfied?”

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