The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family
Chapter 806 - 172: I Only Want to Marry You

Chapter 806: Chapter 172: I Only Want to Marry You

Gazing at Yuanyang County right before his eyes, all of Fang Liuming’s joy was extinguished by the chasing Shen Rou.

Fang Fu also tightly furrowed his brow, "If Ms. Shen has safely arrived without incident, it’s already a blessing. Once people get here, we’ll think of other solutions!"

Fang Liuming’s face was dark with a cold severity. Think of what other solutions? With Shen Rou having followed him all the way from Capital Jingcheng on her own, even if he explained, how would his cousin and Cousin Qian think? Others would certainly assume that, if he hadn’t given an indication, a maiden from the women’s quarters like Shen Rou could not have possibly followed him home for thousands of miles.

He had previously goaded Cousin Qian, even specifically asking her which option was better. Now that Shen Rou had followed him, wouldn’t it be admitting it? His cousin had already disapproved, and his father had been repeatedly insisting on finding a daughter of the Official’s family. Seeing Shen Rou, wouldn’t they create a fuss? And his chance would be even more remote.

Seeing his expression, Fang Fu sighed, "Ms. Shen can also be considered a lady from a reputable family, yet she acted so impulsively. Not to mention what she would have done if she had encountered danger on the road, but by following here, she has essentially created a major problem for Dalang!"

The two stopped outside Yuanyang County and waited.

Shen Rou had rushed over in a desperate hurry, jostled all the way, and by the time she saw Fang Liuming, she was pale, noticeably thinner, with tears brimming in her eyes, looking helpless and pitiful, "Brother Liuming!"

Fang Liuming frowned and greeted her with a cupped fist, "Ms. Shen...."

Fang Fu, relieved to see she was unharmed, said, "It’s good that Ms. Shen has come safely." If something had happened to her, how would the Fang family explain this?

Shen Rou was also extremely frightened, looking at Fang Liuming with tears streaming down her face.

However, Fang Liuming could not respond to her, bowing deeply, "Ms. Shen’s trip to Yuanyang County can be said to be a visit to Madam Yuanyang."

Shen Rou was stunned, staring at him with wide eyes, "I...." She had braved this venture to Yuanyang County because she followed him.

Fang Fu’s eyes flashed with insight, already understanding, "Ms. Shen! Madam Yuanyang is my niece and also Dalang’s cousin. Arranging for you to go there would also be for the sake of Ms. Shen." If they left her outside, especially when the New Year was approaching, and being indebted to Mr. Shen for his teachings, they couldn’t ignore the situation and let people know, as it wouldn’t look proper. But they also couldn’t bring her home, or else Dalang would not be able to clear his name even if he jumped into the Huanghe River.

Shen Rou looked at Fang Liuming with teary eyes and nodded her agreement. Madam Yuanyang, Pei Qin, and the legitimate son Brother Songming were good friends. It was reasonable for her to go to her. Brother Liuming was also concerned about her reputation.

Fang Liuming, his brow furrowed, noted that it was getting late, "Let’s hurry on our way! We will stay in Yuanyang County for the night."

Shen Rou watched him mount the carriage and felt a sudden sense of loss, sadness, and bewilderment. Could it be that he blamed her for following him and ruining his engagement? Or did he think she had no shame, chasing after a man? She didn’t want to debase herself; she just couldn’t bear the thought of missing him for a lifetime, watching him marry another woman and share intimate joy. She couldn’t bear that sight!

Fang Fu coughed lightly and with a smile, called out to help the maid assist her into the carriage, then turned and boarded the carriage with a frown, "Dalang! Arranging her stay at Qinqin’s place, although it preserves her reputation, Qinqin and Cousin Qian... It’s hard to explain."

Fang Liuming was of course aware of this and was even more aware of Pei Qian’s temperament. Seeing Shen Rou... He somewhat dreaded to think of it. But he knew very clearly, he absolutely could not allow Shen Rou to go to their home! Otherwise, he would indeed have no hope left.

By the time they reached Yuanyang County, night had completely fallen.

They requested two superior rooms at the inn: one for Shen Rou and her servant, and the other for Fang Liuming and Fang Fu. Their retinue found other rooms to settle in.

Seeing that he couldn’t sleep, Fang Fu advised him to rest early, "There’s a tough battle to fight tomorrow!"

Exhausted from the hasty journey, Fang Liuming indeed needed rest, and thus retired for the night.

The next day, they called for breakfast in the inn, ate in their rooms, and then set out again after reorganizing.

Shen Rou lifted the carriage window and looked at the wheat fields outside covered in white snow, the scenery becoming more desolate and backward as they went, giving her a slight sense of ease. In such a place, also being in the countryside, it was impossible for there to be another exceptional woman like Pei Qin. She even had the mind to think that she had never met Pei Qin, only knowing that Shen Songming had caused trouble more than once, wanting to marry her. He was even unwilling to take her as a concubine. In the end, he didn’t get his wish, and it was Young Master Mojiu of the Mo family, a man known for his stunning talents, who married her.

But Fang Liuming was weighed down by a heavy heart, looking at Taiping Town now within reach, feeling increasingly heavy-hearted, even fearful.

Fang Fu patted his shoulder, and when the carriage arrived at Liu’er Alley, he was the first to get off and knock on the door.