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Back to the 80s: A Marriage of Convenience
Grandfather Zhao and Grandma Zhao originally planned to pressure Zhao Guoqiang and his wife into voluntarily handing over their belongings to honor them. However, things did not go as they expected; not only was Qi Zheng difficult to deal with, but even Zhao Jin stood her ground.
Grandma Zhao wanted to scold Zhao Jin for "turning her elbows outward before getting married," but with Qi Zheng's three brothers present, she couldn't bring herself to say it. Otherwise, the Qi brothers could easily retort, "How can our Qi family's daughter-in-law be turning her elbows outward?"
Grandma Zhao was not Zhao Ying'er; she wasn't foolish enough to dig a pit for herself. However, her frustration and anger were evident, and her gaze towards Zhao Jin was filled with displeasure.
Zhao Jin, on the other hand, did not care whether Grandma Zhao liked her or not. Grandma Zhao's favoritism was nothing new; even if she catered to Grandma Zhao in everything, she would never receive a "good" from her. She had already verified this fact in her past life and had no intention of exhausting herself trying to please Grandma Zhao.
Thus, Zhao Jin directly ignored Grandma Zhao's gaze and acted as if she didn't exist. After all, there was no way she would offer her dowry to honor Fourth Uncle's family, nor did she have any obligation to pave the way for her cousin Zhao Lei. Didn't she see her own brother standing in the yard?
In truth, everyone knew that Grandfather Zhao and Grandma Zhao coming to demand Zhao Jin's dowry certainly wouldn't mean they would take it back for themselves. The only precious gem in Zhao Guofu's family was Zhao Lei, and Grandfather Zhao and Grandma Zhao were just trying to benefit their most beloved grandson!
There was nothing wrong with Grandfather Zhao and Grandma Zhao's affection for their grandson; it was understandable. However, it was somewhat excessive to shamelessly set their sights on their granddaughter's dowry. If they truly wanted to compete for a dowry, it should have been for Zhao Ying'er; that would have been reasonable and justified.
However, Grandma Zhao did not think that way, nor did Grandfather Zhao.
Despite the lack of justification, Grandfather Zhao waved his hand at Zhao Guoqiang under everyone's watchful eyes and impatiently commanded, "Alright! Enough talk; let's eat."
After all, this meal was unavoidable; Grandfather Zhao had made up his mind to stay with them. Zhao Jin pouted and smiled sarcastically.
Qi Zheng held Zhao Jin's hand tightly, looking at her with concern.
"It's fine." Taking a deep breath, Zhao Jin blinked and spoke in a relaxed tone, "At worst, you can just take all this bride price back! Consider it my dowry."
"Haha, that actually works." Qian Minmin was the first to agree with Zhao Jin's suggestion.
Yes, as younger generations, they shouldn't and couldn't argue back with their elders. However, no one said they couldn't find another way around it!
As for elders like Grandfather Zhao and Grandma Zhao, if they always unconditionally obey, it would only be a disservice to themselves, which is too difficult to bear.
"What do you mean? Who sends the Bride Price back as a dowry? Isn't that embarrassing?" Grandma Zhao scolded, fearing that the Qi Family's three brothers would really take the Bride Price back again.
"Even if it's embarrassing, it can't compare to sending my cousin's Bride Price to my younger cousin's house." Qian Minmin pouted and suddenly acted as if she just remembered, feigning surprise, "Oh, where's Zhao Lei? What? Is he married now? Is he going to his in-laws' house for lunch today?"
"Qian Minmin, what are you talking about? My Lei doesn't have a partner yet; where would he be going to his in-laws' house? He hasn't come home yet but will be here soon." Zhao Lei's marriage was just being discussed, and Chen Cui was busy selecting a suitable girl for Zhao Lei. Naturally, she wouldn't let Qian Minmin make wild claims and immediately got angry.
"Not home? Did he go out to work? That doesn't make sense! Zhao Lei has never worked in the fields; he can't even tell what crops grow there. I thought he just wandered around! What? Has he changed his ways? Not bad!" Qian Minmin's words were both praise and sarcasm, which was quite piercing. Chen Cui and the others frowned, looking displeased.
Qian Minmin didn't care about Chen Cui's expressions. Didn't she see that Grandfather Zhao's family had come looking for trouble? If they were unhappy, their own family would feel better.
Zhao Jin truly admired Qian Minmin's ability. Her words circled around but were clearly mocking Zhao Lei's idleness. Yet Qian Minmin followed up with enough praise that even skilled arguers like Grandma Zhao and Chen Cui couldn't find fault with it. Otherwise, it would involve a dispute over Zhao Lei's character.
Who in Willow Leaf Village didn't know that Zhao Lei was originally a good-for-nothing? When it came to whether Zhao Lei was ambitious or not, Zhao Jin dared to bet that Grandma Zhao and Chen Cui didn't have the courage for such a debate.
"Are we eating or not? What are you arguing about? Can't we settle down?" Grandfather Zhao didn't have the courage to argue about Zhao Lei. However, all grandsons are good in his eyes, especially since he had always spoiled Zhao Lei.
Without needing any reason, Grandfather Zhao had already defended him.
With Grandfather Zhao speaking up, Zhao Guoqiang gave Xu Mei a glance.
Xu Mei shook her head helplessly but didn't insist any further. She called Sun Chun'er to join her and went into the kitchen to get busy.
Xu Mei's actions were naturally meaningful. Sun Chun'er had a gentle temperament and wouldn't be of much use staying in the yard. Unlike Qian Minmin, who occasionally threw out remarks that irritated Grandfather Zhao and the others enough to almost make them jump in anger.
Qian Minmin instantly understood Xu Mei's intentions. She nodded at Xu Mei and subtly gave her a look that said, "I'll handle it; you can count on me."
Zhao Jin couldn't help but smile. Her Second Sister-in-law was truly capable; her mother should let her take charge more often!
Following Zhao Jin's gaze, Qi Zheng also glanced over. However, it was just a brief look before he shifted his gaze away. As for how Qian Minmin would act next, Qi Zheng was waiting to see.
With an extremely thick skin, Grandfather Zhao, Grandma Zhao, and Zhao Fourth Uncle's family ultimately sat down in the main room of Zhao Jin's Family.
Zhao Guoqiang did not rush anyone; he simply continued to entertain the three brothers of the Qi Family along with Zhao Zhenqi and his brother.
This time, Qi Zheng and Zhao Jin had no opportunity to be alone. In front of their own family, anything could happen. But with outsiders like Grandfather Zhao present, they naturally had to be cautious.
The distinction between intimacy and distance became particularly important and clear at this moment.
With several elders present, including Grandfather Zhao, Zhao Jin and Qian Minmin could only stand.
Qi Zheng initially intended to stand as well; however, in such a setting, the three brothers of the Qi Family, as honored guests, had to sit down regardless.
"The Bride Price from the Qi Family this time is indeed quite generous!" Among all the discussions, Chen Cui was most concerned about how to seize Zhao Jin's Bride Price.
Zhao Ying'er also had no place to sit. However, when it came to the topic of the Bride Price, she had to chime in: "Exactly. Zhao Jin, you are really lucky; the Qi Family is willing to go into debt just to prepare this Bride Price, and it’s all being taken away by you."
"Everyone knows who is really seizing the Bride Price. Some people should stop embarrassing themselves." Qian Minmin truly lived up to the expectations of Xu Mei and Qi Zheng, protecting Zhao Jin tightly and not giving Zhao Ying'er any chance to take advantage.
Zhao Ying'er absolutely hated Qian Minmin. Although she had never liked her before, as long as she tried not to conflict with her, life was somewhat comfortable.
But now it was different. Ever since the Bride Price from the Qi Family arrived, Qian Minmin had been like a rabid dog, biting anyone she could find. Wasn't that just a sign of her greed for these Bride Prices?
Everyone was after the Bride Price from the Qi Family. The difference between Qian Minmin and her was merely a matter of degree; what was there to be so high and mighty about?
Of course, Qian Minmin was trying to protect the Bride Price sent by the Qi Family, but it wasn't out of selfishness as imagined by Zhao Ying'er. Rather than whether these dowries would definitely stay in their family, what mattered more to Qian Minmin was that Zhao Jin's Bride Price could not be taken away by others.
It was just like when she previously supported having Qi Zheng delay taking back the Bride Price. Her intentions were sincere.
The Bride Price belongs to Zhao Jin, and how Zhao Jin wants to handle it is entirely Zhao Jin's decision; Qian Minmin has no opinion on the matter.
However, if someone like Zhao Ying'er is determined to snatch the dowry, Qian Minmin will definitely not stand by and do nothing.
In short, the Bride Price is Zhao Jin's, and as long as Zhao Jin does not relent, no one can take it away.
With Qian Minmin standing in front, neither Chen Cui nor Zhao Ying'er can do anything about her. Naturally, they are even less able to deal with Zhao Jin.
Grandfather Zhao and Grandma Zhao would love to argue with Zhao Guoqiang, relying on their seniority, but unfortunately, while Zhao Guoqiang did not chase them away, he also had no intention of engaging with them, treating them as if they were invisible.
Some people want what they cannot have even more. At this moment, sitting in the same room, Grandfather Zhao and others had such thoughts.
On the other hand, the Qi Family brothers had their eyes opened this time.
Especially Qi Ze and Qi Rui, who were not very fond of the Zhao Family to begin with, now directly regarded Grandfather Zhao and others as people they would never associate with again.
However, they both quite liked Zhao Jin's family.
Firstly, Sister-in-law Zhao Jin is beautiful and gets along well with their older brother. Secondly, Zhao Jin's family is very upright, completely different from Grandfather Zhao and others.
So overall, Qi Ze and Qi Rui are looking forward to this marriage being completed soon. Once Sister-in-law is married into their family, it will be a long-awaited joyous occasion for them.
Due to the extreme non-cooperation of Zhao Jin's family, Grandfather Zhao and others made a fuss and argued but ultimately could not take away the Bride Price.
When Zhao Lei swaggered over, the situation reached another peak.
Wasn't he supposed to bring new furniture? Why was all the furniture still in Zhao Jin's family's yard and hadn't been moved to his place? Was he planning to wait until the Qi Family left before moving it?
In the entire Zhao Family, Zhao Lei has always been someone who gets what he wants. Whatever he sets his sights on will definitely be taken.
The furniture sent by the Qi Family has just been checked by Zhao Lei. It's quite good, a skillful craftsmanship, and he intends to keep it.
Thinking this way, Zhao Lei didn't bother to be polite with everyone. As soon as he walked in, he shouted, "Grandpa, Grandma, why hasn't my furniture been moved back yet? I think that bed in the yard looks nice; I want to try it tonight."
Zhao Lei's words did not surprise Zhao Jin's family at all. It was clear that Grandfather Zhao and the others rushed over to grab the furniture for Zhao Lei.
However, the expressions on Grandfather Zhao and the others became somewhat awkward.
Today, they had already argued several times about the bride price. Back and forth, it was obvious they were in the wrong, but they couldn't force Zhao Jin's family to relent.
Originally, after sending off the three brothers of the Qi Family, they could think of ways to negotiate further with Zhao Jin's family.
But with Zhao Lei shouting like this, anyone could tell that things were about to escalate.
Zhao Lei's personality is even more headstrong and unreasonable than Zhao Ying'er. If he wants something and doesn't get it, he will definitely cause a scene until he gets his way. He will only calm down if things go his way.
This is exactly the situation now. Zhao Lei wants the furniture sent by the Qi Family, and it is non-negotiable. If Zhao Jin's family does not give it to him, he will certainly make a fuss and confront them.
However, Zhao Lei chose the wrong moment. At this moment, in front of the three brothers of the Qi Family, demanding Zhao Jin's bride price gives Qi Zheng a thousand legitimate reasons to refuse Zhao Lei. Moreover, it's a refusal that would make Zhao Lei hesitate to cause trouble.
Faced with Zhao Lei's shouting, Chen Cui felt embarrassed but did not step in to stop him.
After all, she knew very well that Grandfather Zhao and Grandma Zhao would definitely side with Zhao Lei. Even if Zhao Lei wanted the stars and moon, Grandfather Zhao and Grandma Zhao would go all out to get them for him.
Zhao Guofu hesitated for a moment. Just thinking about how his elder brother's family gained fame through their engagement with the Qi Family made him feel quite unwilling.
Like Zhao Ying'er, Zhao Guofu believed that this bride price should have originally belonged to Zhao Ying'er.
If he had known earlier that the Qi Family could afford such a high bride price, he might not have opposed the marriage. But now that things have come to this point and cannot be changed, Zhao Guofu feels quite unfairly treated and believes that his elder brother's family has taken away what rightfully belongs to theirs.
During the time when Grandma Zhao and Chen Cui were discussing the division of the Bride Price from Zhao Jin's Family, Zhao Guofu did not oppose it and immediately came over.
However, it was only when he faced Zhao Jin's family that Zhao Guofu realized things were not as easy to resolve as he had thought.
After all, the Qi Family had sent valuable gifts, laid out right in front of Zhao Jin's family. How could they possibly be willing to part with them?
Before this, Zhao Guofu had respected Zhao Guoqiang and Xu Mei's character. Although he was not on the same page as the couple, it was undeniable that his older brother and Sister-in-law were honest people, straightforward and down-to-earth.
However, from now on, Zhao Guofu would no longer think that way.
If his older brother and Sister-in-law were truly honest people, how could they shamelessly withhold the Qi Family's Bride Price? The commotion today clearly showed that his brother's family had been pretending to be kind-hearted and honest; they had long since abandoned any good intentions.
He had even felt guilty for wanting Zhao Jin to marry into the Qi Family on behalf of his daughter Ying'er. Looking back now, he realized he had been the real fool kept in the dark.
It was likely that his brother's family had been laughing at his foolishness all along, secretly mocking him behind his back.
And what about the Qi Family? If they hadn't received news early on, would his brother's family have been able to accept such a large Bride Price so effortlessly?
In the end, he had been schemed against by his own elder brother.
No, it wasn't just him; their Parents had also been schemed against. This entire family had been manipulated by Zhao Jin's family.
The barking dog does not bite; what Zhao Guofu did not expect was that his elder brother was actually a long-hidden vicious dog. Just look at how pleased his brother's family is now; they are treating his family like monkeys!
The more he thought about it, the clearer things became. Zhao Guofu's mindset underwent a complete change. He became more lenient towards Zhao Lei's disruptive actions.
So far, whatever his son wanted, he always got. At most, he would tear apart relations with his brother's family and no longer consider them relatives; it was no big deal.
With Grandfather Zhao and Grandma Zhao remaining silent, Zhao Guofu and Chen Cui keeping quiet, and Zhao Ying'er eager for her brother Zhao Lei to cause a scene... under these circumstances, Zhao Lei's arrogance grew stronger and stronger, becoming extremely brazen.
"Uncle, hurry up and have Cousin and Second Cousin move my sister's Bride Price to my place. I don't even know how old that bed and wardrobe in my room are; they should have been thrown out long ago. And those two nightstands, what a rarity! It seems like no one in our village has ever used them. Now look at me, I've become the only one with them, haha." Zhao Lei truly did not see himself as an outsider. After giving his orders with an air of superiority, he chuckled to himself.
"Oh right, Grandpa, our dining table should be replaced too. Look at the new dining table that just arrived in the yard; isn't it nice? I heard there's also half a pig? Hurry up and bring it back home; we’ll have stewed meat tonight..." Zhao Lei only noticed the furniture in the yard and completely missed the half pig.
However, he didn't see it, but his mother and grandmother had seen it with their own eyes before. Naturally, Zhao Lei was not left out; he was just waiting to bring the meat back from Zhao Jin's kitchen.
As Zhao Lei grew more and more excited, no one in Zhao Jin's family planned to speak up.
It wasn't that they were afraid of Zhao Lei's shamelessness; rather, they regarded him as a big joke. They simply watched quietly to see how much more ridiculous Zhao Lei could get!
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