Chapter 300: Chapter 287: Heartbeat

Translator: 549690339 |

“But this matter, in the end, concerns both families. The Kong family is honorable and wouldn’t force things upon anyone. Therefore, I would like to ask your opinion on this matter. Are you willing to accept it?”

After saying this, Jin Quan looked at Zhuang Ruman.

On hearing this, Zhuang Ruman was taken aback.

A normal marriage proposal was suddenly changing into an arranged ghost marriage. This demanded him to marry off his very much alive daughter to a dead man and worse still, she would be buried underground.

“The Kong family also mentioned that this is a matter between both families. If you agree to this, the Kong family will remember your kindness. In the future, our families will indeed be connected by marriage. They are willing to give you three hundred taels of silver generously. You don’t have to worry about Yuanren’s studies anymore as the Kongs would take care of everything,”

“If you are unwilling, it’s not a problem. The Kong family won’t get angry. It’s just a pity that despite the Kong family liking Yuanren very much, it seems there’s no destined relationship between our families.”

Jin Quan chuckled, “Don’t worry. The Kong family isn’t petty. They certainly won’t hold a grudge against you. Since they previously intended to arrange a marriage, let me give you ten taels of silver as a token. It could be considered compensation for your lost time.”

“Actually, I do understand your feelings. After all, she is your daughter. Being unwilling to let her suffer hardships is only natural. It’s a good thing for a family to live together happily. This ten taels of silver at hand could be used to find a suitable man for Qinghe and send some dowry, which isn’t bad.”

“I know Qinghe is obedient. She will definitely treat you well in the future. She will surely bring good food and drink home.”

“Ah, speaking of it, it reminds me of my own useless daughter. Seeing her makes me realize what it means when they say ‘married daughters are like spilled water’. All the daughters from other families try to contribute to their homes but she is only interested in her in-laws. She comes home empty- handed and even tries to take with her whatever she can when she leaves. Just thinking about it gives me a headache…”

As Jin Quan went on talking, Zhuang Ruman’s brows furrowed deeper.

If I refuse the Kong family proposal, then our life will be as hard as before. Yuanren’s studying will be tremendously stressful. As for Zhuang Qinghe’s future, she will probably be married to an average family as Jin Quan suggested. Perhaps she might even take advantage of her own family.

But if I accept this marriage proposal from the Kong family…

It would be just like Jin Quan said, an actual relationship through marriage. The three hundred taels of silver would certainly help and there would be someone to support Yuanren too.

Zhuang Ruman was deeply tempted.

However, sending his living daughter to marry a dead man would bring shame if people found out.

But if he could endure the shame, the real issue was Yuanren.

If people found out that he sold his daughter to marry a dead person for money, Yuanren’s education might certainly come to an end.

Upon considering this, Zhuang Ruman hesitated looking at Jin Quan, lost for words even though there was much he wanted to say.

“Brother, rest assured. The Kong family certainly wouldn’t do something that would make you uncomfortable. Only few know about Young Master Kong’s death. He’s resting in an ice coffin; people still think he’s alive. Qinghe’s wedding will be arranged as per ritual, and nothing will be spared. She will get married to the Kong family grandly.”

“Later, after a few days of Qinghe’s marriage, the Kong family will announce that Young Master Kong passed away due to illness. Qinghe’s death will be declared a few days after that. Everyone will think that she died out of loyalty to her husband. People won’t talk ill of her. Instead, they might see Qinghe in a favorable light for her sincerity and love. This incident won’t influence Yuanren’s future, it might even enhance his reputation among people.”

“Truthfully, the Kong family could have handled this matter secretly without anyone ever finding out. But firstly, the Kong family is not a small and mean one. They don’t want to belittle their son, and they don’t want to give anyone a chance to insult them. Secondly, they genuinely appreciate Yuanren and they don’t want this incident to affect his future.”

“The Kong family has thought everything through. Brother, you don’t have to worry about anything.”

At least Zhuang Ruman’s last bit of worry was eliminated. A smile appeared on his face. “The Kong family is indeed a great family, always so considerate. I will accept this proposal.”

“In that case, I’ll inform the Kong family of your decision tomorrow. This will ease Mr. Kong’s worries,” Jin Quan exclaimed with great joy.

“Brother, I agreed to the proposal but I have a small request for the Kong family. I’m a simple man and have no other concerns than money. But Qinghe is my only daughter. I do find it hard to let go. This…the money…”

Zhuang Ruman paused before saying, “How about four hundred taels? An even number sounds better.”

Jin Quan secretly curled his lips.

Four and death sound similar in pronunciation. How can it sound better? This is just Zhuang Ruman’s greed talking. He thought he might as well go for a higher amount.

When people start haggling, they can really stoop low.

Despite Jin Quan’s contempt, he maintained a jovial expression on his face. “Alright, I’ll talk to Mr. Kong about this tomorrow. However, once you’ve named your price, you can’t raise it further. The Kong family might be rich but they won’t let anyone take advantage of them. If they get angry, not only will this deal fall through but it would also tarnish our families’ relationship.”

“Moreover, the birthdate might be of someone deceased but the person is still alive. Finding someone else born on the same day is not difficult. It would just cost a bit more money. And the Kong family does not lack money…”

“You understand what I mean, right?”

“I understand. I understand.” Zhuang Ruman nodded frantically.

He knew that he couldn’t negotiate this more than once.

That being said, he was bold enough to speak this way because he clearly knew what he wanted.

“Come on, brother. Drink up.” Zhuang Ruman filled Jin Quan’s empty cup with wine and hastily served him a chicken leg. “Here, eat.”

“Let’s eat,” said Jin Quan as he picked up his chopsticks with a smile.

As laughter filled the room, a shadow flickered outside the window before vanishing into the night.