I want to die!

The sound of horses' hooves came to an abrupt halt in front of the courtyard gate, and the dust they had raised slowly dissipated.

The man on horseback was about thirty years old, with a burly build and a dark complexion. He certainly looked strong and was a trained martial artist.

As the saying goes, "the poor study literature, the rich study martial arts." To truly master martial arts, one needs more than just training in the sweltering heat of summer and the freezing cold of winter.

Dietary supplements, nursing care, apprenticeship with renowned masters... these are all things that require money.

Especially the so-called internal martial arts practitioners.

The external style focuses on cultivating qi and blood to strengthen the physical body, while the internal style focuses on cultivating intangible qi.

The quality and quantity of internal strength are closely related to the quality of the training method. The superior internal strength cultivated through advanced internal skills is not the same as the quality and quantity of rudimentary internal skills.

Since this young master Zhao is already a ninth-rank martial artist who has cultivated internal strength, then he must be practicing a high-level internal skill... This is not something that ordinary people can do.

Unlike beggars, martial arts practitioners must have at least 50% of their talent in terms of money and material possessions.

Having wealth, a master, and superior internal skills—these are the qualities of a top-tier martial arts talent, setting one apart from ordinary people.

Now, as Li Ziqing scrutinized the man on horseback, she also saw this enormous chasm.

"A low-ranking martial arts master kept by a local landlord?"

Before her rebirth, she was a figure who rose up in rebellion and declared herself emperor, so it was impossible for her to marry the eldest son of the Zhao family.

However, it was a marriage arranged with good intentions by the elders.

Although she didn't like it, she wouldn't act superior like a goddess descended from heaven; she simply made it clear that she was refusing.

"Brother-in-law, sister, this is Zhao Weigang, the eldest son of the Zhao family. He is thirty-five years old this year, handsome and talented, with superb martial arts skills. He has already cultivated true qi and reached the ninth rank of martial arts." The old scholar quickly explained.

Zhao Weigang, on horseback, reined in his horse and his eyes, sharp as a hawk's, swept over the group of people in front of the door. His eyes lit up.

"Mr. Zhang, is this your niece? She's like a figure straight out of a painting." Zhao Weigang turned to the old scholar and asked, nodding repeatedly, clearly very satisfied.

"If it were her, I would definitely be willing."

The old scholar followed his gaze and was clearly taken aback:

"Young Master Zhao...that's my elder brother."

"Ah?" Young Master Zhao was also taken aback, staring at Zhou Xing for a few moments before quickly dismounting and bowing in apology.

"I thought I was a pretty young lady dressed as a man, a popular character in traditional operas. I'm so ashamed that I offended my father-in-law."

Zhou Xing was also rendered speechless.

"It's alright, it's alright." What else could he say?

It must be said that Li Yingcai was indeed handsome, especially after he mastered the "Celestial Transformation Technique".

Now Zhang has given him a new outfit, and he looks much better.

"Father-in-law, please forgive me." Young Master Zhao shifted his gaze to Zhou Xing's side, a smile immediately appearing on his face:

"Miss Li is indeed as charming and lovely as the rumors say—"

Zhang trembled slightly as she met the scrutinizing gaze of Young Master Zhao.

Zhou Xing could only cough lightly and say, "That's my wife."

"Your wife..." Young Master Zhao hesitated for a moment:

"Is your wife married?"

"...My wife means my wife." Zhou Xing paused for a moment, trying to gauge the other person's level of education.

"Is your wife married?" Young Master Zhao asked again.

Zhang's expression changed slightly, and she hid behind Zhou Xing.

Zhou Xing remained expressionless, his gaze sweeping over the old scholar Li Yingjie beside him.

The old scholar's face also looked rather pale. He quickly wiped his sweat before whispering a few words to Young Master Zhao.

"So you're Li Ziqing's mother. Why didn't you say so earlier? You've made me look foolish..." Young Master Zhao turned his head, his gaze finally meeting that of Li Ziqing, the youngest daughter beside Zhou Xing.

The two locked eyes for three seconds.

Then, Young Master Zhao shifted his gaze to the old scholar, and hesitated before saying:

"You're not Li Ziqing... right?"

Old scholar: ?

Zhou Xing finally came to his senses, and his face darkened.

If the old scholar really did introduce a good match, then as a ruthless score-farming machine, it might not be impossible to consider him.

But isn't this just the landlord's simple-minded son?

At this moment, the servants who had been left behind by the galloping horse finally arrived late.

"Big brother, this is none of your business. Go play somewhere else." A voice rang out from behind.

"Alright, Third Brother." Young Master Zhao decisively stepped back, revealing a tall figure behind him.

Surrounded by a group of servants was a young man who looked seven or eight parts like Zhao Da, wearing a turban and dressed like a scholar.

The servants, arriving late, were all panting, but they carried large red boxes and copper trays, which they piled up in front of the courtyard.

One person read aloud, "Ten pairs of betrothal gifts, the first pair being a silk wedding dress!"

Another person shouted, "Inside the large lacquered box, there's a pair of gold hairpins!"

Someone else placed two tightly sealed wine jars on the ground, with the words "Daughter's Red" affixed to the mouth of the jars in large vermilion characters.

Finally, two servants worked together to lift the wooden box down. When they opened it, a large, plump goose flapped its wings and ran straight into the yard, kicking up dust everywhere.

Amidst the chaos and commotion, quite a bit of noise was made, alarming the neighbors who all craned their necks to look.

"Is the son of the Zhao family, a family of great generosity, getting married?"

"The Li family's daughter? Isn't that a eunuch's child—"

Under so many gazes, the third young master Zhao, who was in the lead, became even more arrogant. He snapped open his folding fan, exuding an air of importance, while his servants behind him were still announcing the names of the dishes and the betrothal gifts one by one.

Under the watchful eyes of many, Young Master Zhao slowly walked up to Li Ziqing and said loudly:

"Miss Li is exceptionally beautiful. It's unbelievable that Qingshui County has such a gem. She is indeed a good match and can be my concubine."

Li Ziqing frowned slightly.

The guy in front, Zhao, was alright.

She wasn't about to be provoked by a few words from a rich, ignorant landlord.

This whole thing with Young Master Zhao is not that simple.

According to the rites and laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty, only the principal wife needed to be betrothed with great fanfare, while taking a concubine only required a contract and did not require such a grand display.

This is not in accordance with etiquette.

I don't know if it was just the eldest son of a wealthy countryman who didn't understand manners... or if it was intentional.

Zhang seemed not to have thought that much about it. After seeing the betrothal gifts filling the courtyard, her expression clearly showed that she was interested.

After carefully examining the scholar-like Third Young Master Zhao, she couldn't help but nod: "He does seem like a respectable person, and they look much more compatible."

With the eldest son of the Zhao family being such a fine example, Zhang found the third son of the Zhao family particularly pleasing to the eye.

But Young Master Zhao seemed to have heard the voices and turned to look at Madam Zhang: "And this is..."

Zhou Xing replied, "This is my wife."

"Is your wife married?" Young Master Zhao asked politely, bowing gracefully.

Zhang: ?

The same question asked by different people may not necessarily mean the same thing.

Zhou Xing's gaze fell on Zhao San Gongzi's face, but the other party didn't even glance at him, a faint smile playing on his lips.

This young man dressed as a scholar is not the simpleton from before...

The old scholar next to him was also stunned for a moment, then his expression changed drastically, and he belatedly came to his senses.

"Sister-in-law, Young Master Zhao is asking you... are you married at this moment?" The old scholar stared intently at Zhang.

"Why is my brother-in-law also talking nonsense?" Zhang was completely bewildered.

"Whether I'm married or not, don't you know that too—"

Zhang's face suddenly turned ashen as she was speaking.

She understood.

"Since Madam also thinks they are a good match, let's make the most of this day. The two ladies, please come with me back to my residence today," said the Third Young Master Zhao with a loud laugh.

"Fate is truly wondrous! This can be considered a double blessing."

Young Master Zhao turned around and looked at the servants behind him.

The servants immediately broke into cheerful smiles, chanting congratulations to the lady and making a noisy commotion.

Zhang's face had long since turned ashen, while Zhou Xing remained relatively calm.

"Wait a minute!" He stepped forward and said.

"Young Master Zhao, you demanded my wife and daughter with just a few words today. Do you even respect me?"

Upon hearing this, Young Master Zhao took a closer look at Zhou Xing and couldn't help but show his amazement, almost blurting out that he was expecting a triple celebration.

Fortunately, upon closer inspection, he noticed a prominent Adam's apple and a flat chest, which calmed Zhao San down.

"You also want to come in with your wife and daughters, right? Unfortunately, my Zhao family has no need for eunuchs."

Before Zhou Xing could say anything, a faint killing intent flashed in Li Ziqing's eyes.

She had heard similar rhetoric far too many times in her previous life when she started her rebellion.

She stepped forward and blocked Zhou Xing's path:

"I appreciate Young Master Zhao's kindness."

But whether it's marrying a wife or taking a concubine, it's a major life event that requires careful consideration and should be decided at a later date. Today is too hasty; perhaps we could discuss it further another day?

"Can you make that decision?" Young Master Zhao shifted his gaze from Zhou Xing to Li Ziqing's face.

"Of course," Li Ziqing said calmly.

"For the past ten years or so, my daughter and I have been the only ones who have relied on each other in our family. So, naturally, we should discuss such a major life event together."

"A mother and daughter discussing this? Ha, it seems he's not just a father-in-law, but not even the head of the family?" Young Master Zhao said with a light sarcasm, then continued:

"Okay, let's set the date for today, we can't delay."

"Giving you two the time it takes for three incense sticks to burn to consider is still possible."

After saying that, he took out three incense sticks from his pocket, lit them all at once in front of everyone, and casually stuck them into the soil, with wisps of smoke rising into the air.

"After three incense sticks have burned, decide who will wear this wedding dress." Zhao San instructed the servants to bring the betrothal gifts into the house, his mocking gaze sweeping over Li Ziqing and her daughter, and said casually:

"If neither of you wants to wear it, then wear it together."

Is that how you calculate the three incense sticks...?

Zhou Xing was already at the point of wanting to complain. Judging from the arrogance and domineering attitude of the two sons of the Zhao family, it was not hard to see that the Zhao family, the philanthropist of the eight towns, were nothing short of local tyrants.

Life is tough, and it's perfectly normal for the brothers Li Yingcai and Li Yingjie to experience a decline in their family's fortunes and fall back into poverty in this era.

People like Zhao Shanren were not only able to hold onto their small plot of land, but also to continuously acquire more land; they were definitely not ordinary rural landlords.

..............

The family of three entered the house and stared blankly at the dazzling array of betrothal gifts piled up inside.

The betrothal gifts consisted of ten items, and apart from the plump goose, the most eye-catching item was undoubtedly the lake-silk red wedding dress in the box.

According to etiquette, concubines should not wear red; only the legally married wife can wear red to show respect for status.

However, the Zhao brothers' actions clearly showed that they didn't care about etiquette or rules.

"Qing'er, what should we do?" Madam Zhang was completely at a loss and asked, grabbing her daughter's sleeve.

Li Ziqing quietly looked at the red wedding dress in the box; in fact, she already had an idea.

"Mother, I'll wear this wedding dress," she said directly.

"The Zhao family is powerful, bringing so many strong and burly servants with them, especially the eldest son of the Zhao family, who is clearly up to no good. We cannot defeat them by force."

"I'll go out and pretend to comply first. Once we get to the Zhao family mansion, I'll find a way to get out."

"Mother, don't worry about me. Find a chance to leave first, and we'll meet again outside of town."

Li Ziqing remained calm and already had a plan.

Having lived two lives, she was naturally no ordinary farm girl.

However, having just been reborn, she did not yet have the power to directly confront the Zhao family.

"Is this...right?" Zhang seemed somewhat hesitant.

She reached out and picked up the wedding dress from the box, but before she could put it on, Li Ziqing grabbed her hand.

"If I let my mother go, even if it's just a pretense of compliance, I will have failed as a son."

"Can----"

The mother and daughter, each clutching a piece of the red wedding dress in the box, were caught in a struggle.

Zhou Xing watched quietly from the side.

To witness a mother and daughter arguing over a wedding dress in preparation for their wedding is truly an eye-opening experience.

"Wait, I disagree." He finally made his move at this moment.

He grabbed Li Ziqing, who was about to take the red wedding dress and put it on.

The mother and daughter, who were discussing countermeasures, subconsciously looked over, only to hear Zhou Xing continue:

"The Zhao residence is a tiger's den. If we enter their lair and then try to escape, wouldn't that be even more difficult?"

"Even setting aside the question of success or failure, once you enter the Zhao family, in the eyes of the world you will be the concubine of the Zhao family's young master, and even if you manage to escape, it will be difficult to wash away the stain on your reputation for life."

A lifetime of disgrace... Li Ziqing silently looked at her own father, memories of her previous life surging back and forth.

Stigma, stigma, stigma again!

After she rebelled and became empress in her previous life, she became the target of public criticism, and countless people dug up her past and scandals.

The tragic love story between the eunuch father and the prince of Southern Zhou is an indelible stain.

She suddenly shouted angrily:

"This won't work, that won't work, so what do you suggest we do?"

Zhou Xing suddenly smiled with relief.

He wasn't living these seven days in Li Yingcai's body to play pretend with Li Yingcai, nor was he trying to solve Li Yingcai's family problems.

What he has been doing has always been the same thing.

I want to die!

There are many people in this world who, limited by their own limitations, always have regrets about what they desire but cannot obtain, and that they cannot fulfill until death.

Sometimes it's because of physical weakness and lack of strength that one cannot reach the goal even with great effort; sometimes it's due to limitations in one's own vision and personality; and sometimes it's due to various unspeakable grievances.

便如

Even if Wei Liu disemboweled himself to prove his innocence, he could not obtain it.

Li Xuanqing couldn't pay off the debt even if he risked his life.

And the hometown that Li Yingcai always longed for but would never return to.

But these...

What does it have to do with Stephen Chow?

Whatever the hardships or regrets, they won't rest in peace even in their coffins.

I don't care what you say, if you can't bring yourself to say it, I'll say it anyway!

I'll do the things you hesitate to do because of all your worries and concerns!

If you're not convinced, then fight! Even if you die, you can return as an even stronger being. What's there to be afraid of?

"My child, I've just had a brilliant idea. Come closer and listen," Zhou Xing said, looking at his daughter.

Zhou Xing whispered, "Later, Dad will try to attract their attention in an exaggerated way, making a big scene and causing chaos. Then, take advantage of the chaos to leave through the back door and take your mother away from this town to the north."

Li Ziqing stared blankly at her father, without moving an inch.

She simply didn't believe that her father, who was always running away, could possibly say anything good.

But with her mother, Zhang, watching from the side, she had to pretend to be a loving father and a filial daughter, so she leaned in and whispered in her ear.

"Child," Zhou Xing whispered in his ear.

"Daddy loves you."

After saying that, he made a heart gesture towards her with an unclear meaning.

A string of question marks slowly appeared on Li Ziqing's forehead.

I don't understand, I absolutely don't understand what this person means...

She clenched her teeth, completely unaware of what this person was up to all of a sudden, and was about to explode.

But Zhou Xing took advantage of her surprise and doubt to snatch the red wedding dress away.

"Actually, it's very simple. I'll go and get married in your place," Zhou Xing said with a smile.

Li Ziqing and Zhang were taken aback, instinctively wondering if they had misheard something.

"In ancient times, there were those who took their fathers' place in the army. It's quite reasonable for a father to take his daughter's place in marriage today, isn't it?" With a relieved laugh, Zhou Xing unfolded the bright red silk wedding dress from the box and casually draped it over his shoulders.

Li Ziqing opened her eyes wide, momentarily stunned.

But Zhou Xing had already stood up.

The door was pushed open, and sunlight streamed in, casting dappled shadows on the dust motes.

The wedding dress looked as vibrant as blood in the sunlight. The father, wearing the dress, laughed heartily as he went out the door.

Li Ziqing's eyes widened.

In her previous life, her memory of this man was so vague as to be almost blank. He was absent during her childhood, and in her adulthood, all she heard was news of his death, which was allegedly committed by the false emperor.

The vague image of the father who was always absent in his childhood and abandoned his wife and children is now quietly overshadowed by an absurd image of someone wearing a red wedding dress pushing open the door.