Allure of a Country Maiden-Chapter 258 - 256

Shen Chengyao and Mrs. Liu heard these words, and then looked at Zhuge Xin and his wife, as well as Yun’er, Shen Chengyao hesitated to say: "This..."

Upon hearing these words, Yun’er lowered her head, her face flushed crimson.

Anyi became excited as she heard these words, and said: "Master Shen and his wife should just agree. I will definitely treat Yun’er as my own daughter in the future. Even for Xiao’er’s sake, I dare not mistreat Yun’er. They’ve been childhood friends, what a perfect match! How could you bear to separate them?"

Shen Chengyao and Mrs. Liu exchanged glances again. Brother Ri is indeed a good young man, but they were reluctant to send their daughter off so far away. After all, she would be marrying off to another country, and they would be kept in the dark in case something unfortunate happens to their daughter.

But looking at Yun’er in this state, it appears she also had feelings for Brother Ri. So, what is the best decision to make here?

"Uncle Shen, I will definitely treat Yun’er well in the future, and she will be my only wife. If I break this promise, I will surely be struck by lightning and die a terrible death!" Seeing Shen Chengyao’s hesitation, Little Ri didn’t know what else he could do to convince the adults. All he could do was swear his loyalty.

"You child, why are you swearing so? Goddess of Mercy, bless that these words won’t come true, won’t come true." Mrs. Liu murmured with her hands held together in prayer.

Even with all that, Xiao’er was at a loss for words.

"Brother Shen, these two kids have shared in adversity. They have relied on and supported each other. Please allow them to be together," Zhuge Xin also pleaded for his son.

He had realized that his son was just like him, a true romantic. If he couldn’t secure Yun’er now, he guessed his son would not be willing to leave with him.

"Xiao’er, for goodness sake, help speak up for your nephew!" Anyi turned to Xiao’er.

Nephew!

Upon hearing this term "nephew", Xiao’er couldn’t help but rub his forehead! In his home, Brother Ri’s identity was that of an older brother, but in Anyi’s mouth, he had become a nephew!

So his nephew is marrying his own sister?

What a mess of familial relations!

Aside from Anyi, everyone else in the room was also stunned by the term "nephew".

Zhuge Xin was at a loss for words towards his own wife.

Then everyone silently ignored this shocking kinship term.

"Father, mother is just worried that we won’t see Yun’er again after she gets married. Yun’er is still young and not of marrying age. How about this: when Yun’er is of age, Brother Ri can come and propose again? Until then, we won’t broker any marriage for Yun’er. Would everyone agree to this?" Xiao’er voiced the concerns of Shen Chengyao and his wife, and also proposed a compromise for everyone to consider.

"Brother Ri, Yun’er, what do you think?" Mrs. Liu thought his proposal was good, but she needed to ask the opinions of the two involved.

"I’ll abide by whatever father and mother decide." Yun’er softly replied, her face turning red.

"I will do as Yun’er wishes." Brother Ri was a little disappointed that he couldn’t secure his wife immediately, but as long as he could come back before Yun’er’s coming-of-age ceremony, it would be enough.

He wished to witness Yun’er’s coming-of-age ceremony in person.

"Then it’s decided! You all better not promise my daughter-in-law to someone else!" Anyi said joyfully, and then removed one of her jade bracelets and put it on Yun’er.

"This is a family heirloom, specifically passed down to the sons’ wives. Take this as a token of your engagement with Brother Ri, my good daughter-in-law, wear it well!" Anyi gently patted Yun’er’s hand.

Shen Chengyao: "...."

Mrs. Liu: "...."

Jingrui and Jinghao: "...."

Didn’t they agree to discuss this in a few years? With the token of engagement given, why wait a few years?! They could just exchange the betrothal gifts directly.

Brother Ri: My mother is too clever.

Hearing these words, Yun’er’s face turned as red as a tomato. She was somewhat flustered and looked at Shen Chengyao and Mrs. Liu, but both of them just stood there, stunned. She then turned to Xiao’er for help.

"Father, mother, should Yun’er accept this bracelet?" Receiving Yun’er’s distress signal, Xiao’er pulled his dazed parents’ attention back.

The matter of Yun’er’s marriage was ultimately up to them. She, as her sister, could only give advice.

The two parents met Brother Ri’s anxious eyes and ultimately couldn’t bear to refuse, nodding their heads.

Shen Chengyao sighed to himself, his daughter was such a good girl, who he anticipated would have men swarming to propose to her in the future. But now, a gentleman has already made a reservation.

Fortunately, he still had a younger daughter. He was definitely not going to let her engagement be arranged so early. He was going to personally pick a good husband for his youngest daughter.

Regrettably, Shen Chengyao will be disappointed, as his little daughter will be reserved even earlier!

After lunch, Brother Ri left with his parents.

Mrs. Liu brought out all the clothes she had made for Brother Ri during this time.

A set of clothes for each season every year, prepared all the way till Brother Ri turns twenty.

Brother Ri saw the big bundle of clothes, his eyes welling up with tears.

Zhuge Xin and Anyi were also deeply moved.

Anyi couldn’t help but cry. She, as his mother, had never made clothes for her son before!

But then again, how could she, a woman who couldn’t even be bothered to needle, make clothes?

"If there is more time, I could prepare more pairs of shoes for you. For now, I could only prepare enough till you turn fifteen. I made them according to your growth rate this year and last year. I hope they fit you when the time comes." Mrs. Liu said with a hint of regret.

"Auntie has always been thoughtful, they will surely fit me." Brother Ri gently caressed the bundle.

"I’ve had some food packed onto the carriage. They are food that you like and can be stored for a long time." Mrs. Liu said finally.

"Thank you, Auntie." Brother Ri nodded, he did not refuse. These were things that took them more than a month to prepare.

Yun’er has just prepared four purses, each embroidered with a different pattern: plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum.

"I only had time to make four purses." From the lively embroidery, it was evident a lot of effort had been put into it.

"Xiao’er, what do I do? I feel like I’ve failed as a mother. I’ve never made anything for my son by hand." Anyi said as she clung to Xiao’er’s hand for comfort.

"You’ll have plenty of time and opportunities to make things for him in the future. Don’t worry."

"But I don’t know how to do anything." Anyi’s face fell.

"It’s all right, you can pay someone else to do it. That’s equivalent to you making it."

"You’re right!" Hearing this, Anyi felt relieved.

Xiao’er also took out what he had prepared for Brother Ri.

"Brother Ri, this is the essential medicine for home and travel. The directions are written on the paper. Keep it safe." Xiao’er handed the small bundle to him.

"The horse you usually ride, you can take it back. The horse is smart and has a good sense of direction. It’s sure to be a swift courier Horse once it’s fully grown. You can also take a dog from our house and two homing pigeons, so it will be easier for us to stay in touch." By keeping a few familiar animals around him, he wouldn’t feel lonely.

Brother Ri knew well what tricks the dogs in their house were capable of. They are certain to be useful.

Brother Ri nodded. In this kindness one-by-one, a profound affection could be found.

As they left in the carriage, Brother Ri lifted the curtains of the carriage and watched as the figures gradually faded away into the distance, unable to let them go.