The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family
Chapter 373: You Can Change It Now If You Don’t Want To (7)_1

Chapter 373: Chapter 373: You Can Change It Now If You Don’t Want To (7)_1

Thinking of Shen Songming, Old Scholar Fang let out a long sigh. "Have you decided, Qinqin?" He pitied Shen Songming, finding him a rather suitable husband. The way he could put aside his pride to cajole Qinqin, and didn’t complain even after being hit; such a man was hard to find!

"I’ve never even considered it!" Pei Qin made it clear, so he should stop entertaining such thoughts.

Old Scholar Fang emerged with a somber and regretful air after seeing Shen Songming.

"What’s the result? What did Pei Qin say?" Shen Songming was anxiously waiting for news.

Old Scholar Fang shook his head.

"She still doesn’t agree?" Shen Songming’s face darkened.

Old Scholar Fang earnestly advised him, "Young Master Shen! Your intentions are sincere, but the Shen family is simply out of our league. Mismatched social standing, no matter how much we make a fuss, even if Qinqin did marry you, her life would be full of hardship and misery. For Qinqin’s sake too, let’s drop this matter, Young Master Shen!"

Shen Songming refused to believe that Pei Qin would reject him just because of the Shen family’s power and influence. He had sought Old Scholar Fang to advocate on his behalf, "...You’re not supposed to take her side and persuade me! I know her mind far better than you do! You just need to convince her to agree to marry me, and leave the rest to me! There won’t be any problems, I assure you!" Pei Qin simply didn’t want to marry so soon, didn’t want yet another man getting too close! She’s been living like a man, but she’s still a woman!

Seeing his bewildered expression, Old Scholar Fang furrowed his brows, "Young Master Shen! This marriage matter can’t just be settled by talking about it! Qinqin’s refusal isn’t as simple as you think! She’s not one to complain, nor will she discuss these matters with you!"

Shen Songming was dubious, could it be true? He continued to believe that Pei Qin’s refusal was due to the hassle of dealing with the Shen family’s affairs, not because she felt unworthy due to their status. However, the complaint about troublesome matters was also a problem and with Pei Qin, that was a major issue! With her temperament, she could easily kick him to the curb, if she found him bothersome one day.

To have Pei Qin willingly...no, even unwillingly marry him, he first needed the capability to make her see that marrying him would mean fewer troubles than not marrying him, significantly fewer. It was not possible to find another man in this world who knew her thoroughly and cared for her as he did; she ought to consider marrying him!

Old Scholar Fang saw his resolute expression and hurriedly interrupted his thoughts, "Young Master Shen! As a man, even at the cost of your reputation, it’s merely a few words about youthful indiscretions. But if any trouble arises, it could be fatal for Qinqin! Don’t act rashly!"

"Do I look so unreliable, so untrustworthy?" Shen Songming retorted, flustered. He understood the oppression and injustice imposed on women in ancient times better than this antiquated old man, and even that one woman who wrote the ’Women’s Precepts’ or ’Women’s Teachings’ was utterly nonsensical! If he married Pei Qin, he would certainly not mess things up; otherwise, Pei Qin would kill him!

Old Scholar Fang had always found him somewhat unreliable; friendly, perhaps, but not sober and solid enough to be reassuring.

Shen Songming felt it was useless to seek help from Old Scholar Fang, who instead seemed to be adding to his troubles. Frowning deeply and with great dissatisfaction, he looked at Old Scholar Fang, "Family status and all that, I’ll take care of everything, solve all the problems! Now you either speak well of me, say that marrying me will mean less hassle and more freedom for her, or you just stay put in Fang Family Village and don’t come out to make trouble!" This old-fashioned Scholar, so quick-witted yet full of concern!

Facing his somewhat scornful gaze, Old Scholar Fang’s face darkened with anger, "Young Master Shen! What exactly are you planning to do?"

"Nothing! Marry Pei Qin!" Having made up his mind, Shen Songming was resolved that no matter the difficulty, he would conquer the impossible. Ancient times might have many men of family, looks, and learning, but Pei Qin, she should marry him... surely that would be best, right? Right?