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Back to the Eighties: A Marriage of Convenience
What kind of commotion can Zhao Lei cause? Certainly not the kind that Zhao Guofu's family wants to see. This is simply because Qi Zheng has taken action.
Qi Zheng had wanted to stand up for a long time. Now that he had the opportunity, he stood up and looked at the extremely arrogant Zhao Lei.
Zhao Lei was not tall, not only because of his age but also because he was shorter than his peers. Standing at 1.7 meters against Qi Zheng's towering 1.85 meters, he had no advantage at all.
Zhao Lei knew Qi Zheng. However, due to Qi Zheng's usual cold demeanor, Zhao Lei always chose to avoid him from a distance.
Although Zhao Lei often liked to run rampant with a group of friends in the village, he was well aware of who he shouldn't provoke and never sought trouble for himself.
The reason he was so arrogant in front of Qi Zheng today was mainly because Zhao Lei had already placed Qi Zheng in the position of "Brother-in-law."
Since they were family, there was nothing to fear. After all, he had more influence at home than outside, acting like a local tyrant.
With this mindset, Zhao Lei had the courage to stand here and shout so loudly.
Until Qi Zheng stood up and looked over, Zhao Lei inexplicably felt guilty.
He touched his nose and awkwardly took a step back, trying to stand a little farther away.
At this moment, everyone in the room was watching Zhao Lei. His performance naturally could not escape everyone's eyes. Grandfather Zhao frowned and looked serious, while Zhao Jin's family showed smiles.
They really thought that Zhao Lei was someone who feared nothing; now it seemed that was not the case! It was quite amusing to see Zhao Lei shrink back like a quail.
"You... what do you want to say?" Even though he had bolstered his courage, Zhao Lei still couldn't help but stutter. His bravado was simply not enough against Qi Zheng's presence.
"Why are you taking away the bride price I gave my wife?" Qi Zheng did not beat around the bush; there was no need for it. He got straight to the point and asked Zhao Lei.
Zhao Lei was instantly speechless. It wasn't that he couldn't find a reason to refute Qi Zheng; rather, he was intimidated by Qi Zheng's aura and couldn't utter a single word.
Grandma Zhao and Chen Cui saw their beloved child being bullied and immediately wanted to step in to help. However, Zhao Jin stood next to Qi Zheng, and Qian Minmin sneered without hesitation.
Grandma Zhao and Chen Cui instantly recalled the previous scene where they were at a disadvantage, gritting their teeth and holding back.
No, they couldn't lose their composure. They had to wait until Qi Zheng and his brothers left before they could resolve the issues within the Zhao Family. At that time, the eldest would no longer be able to act so arrogantly.
Zhao Lei, however, was unaware of Grandma Zhao and Chen Cui's concerns. He felt extremely angry that his grandmother and mother did not help him in front of so many people.
Of course, any feelings of anger had to be set aside for the moment; what Zhao Lei needed to address first was the questioning from Qi Zheng.
Qi Zheng asked him why he thought he could move out with the bride price given to Qi Zheng's wife... Zhao Lei dodged his gaze, looking around before finally pointing at Zhao Ying'er and muttering, "This is my biological sister. My sister's bride price should rightfully belong to me."
"Then go ask your brother-in-law for it. I'm not your brother-in-law; I'm just your cousin," Qi Zheng retorted, having figured out the nature of Zhao Ying'er and her brother.
"But the one who has a marriage contract with your Qi Family is my sister, not Zhao Jin." Because he was favored at home, Zhao Lei often acted recklessly. When facing Zhao Jin, he had always called her by her name without ever referring to her as "sister."
Zhao Jin didn't care to be called "sister" by Zhao Lei. Especially in this situation, she would rather be considered a stranger to him.
Zhao Lei's tone carried a sense of entitlement, but Qi Zheng was not going to hold back.
To this cousin who clearly had no closeness with Zhao Jin, Qi Zheng showed no mercy: "The only person I intend to marry is Zhao Jin; there is no second choice. As for your sister's marriage with the Qi Family, you might want to confirm with her again about whom she intends to marry in the Qi Family before you come asking for our bride price."
Qi Zheng not only harshly questioned Zhao Lei but also included Zhao Ying'er in his remarks.
Zhao Ying'er felt very innocent. She hadn't even spoken a word! Why was Qi Zheng targeting her and trying to humiliate her?
Even if Qi Zheng kept insisting that he never intended to marry her, that was his own business. Who knew what Qi Zheng had thought before?
If it weren't for the marriage contract with the Zhao Family on his mind, why would Qi Zheng still be unmarried at this point? Yet as soon as the Zhao Family agreed to fulfill their marriage promise, Qi Zheng immediately planned to marry someone?
Thinking about it, Zhao Ying'er suddenly felt that she had grasped the truth.
It was to vindicate herself and also to vent for Zhao Lei. Zhao Ying'er interjected, "Yes, you never had to marry me. But after waiting so many years for the Zhao Family's marriage, you can't be as calm as you pretend to be, right? There has only ever been Zhao Jin from the beginning. The one who had a marriage contract with the Qi Family was not Zhao Jin."
"That's why I have never married; I was waiting for Zhao Jin, not for your Zhao Family's marriage. Otherwise, I would have approached your family long ago to demand the fulfillment of the marriage contract. Why have I never brought it up with your family or even interacted with you?" If Zhao Ying'er insisted on arguing this point, Qi Zheng didn't mind making things a bit uncomfortable for her. He stated it unequivocally without even needing to ask a counter-question.
"You!" Zhao Ying'er trembled with anger. The implication in Qi Zheng's words was that he looked down on her and didn't take her seriously at all. It was too much!
"You not approaching our family to fulfill the marriage contract is because your family can't afford to marry our Ying'er and can't come up with a decent Bride Price?" Chen Cui had held back for a while but finally exploded.
If she continued to endure without speaking up, it would ultimately be her son and daughter who suffered. No, she had to step in.
"So what are you here to fight over at my father-in-law's house today?" Compared to Chen Cui, Qi Zheng remained calm, neither angry nor upset, simply stating facts to Chen Cui and the others.
Ding! Just as Chen Cui started to speak up, she was pressed back down by Qi Zheng.
Qi Zheng's words hit the nail on the head and reached the crux of the matter. Chen Cui's family often complained about the Qi Family's poor conditions, yet today they were going through great lengths to fight over the Qi Family's Bride Price. They didn't feel embarrassed about this slap in the face; others were feeling it for them.
Zhao Lei watched helplessly as his sister lost the argument and saw his mother at a loss in front of Qi Zheng. It finally dawned on him that something was wrong.
So, does this mean that he wouldn't be getting the Bride Price that Zhao Jin received today?
Almost instinctively, Zhao Lei looked toward Grandfather Zhao and Grandma Zhao.
Since he was little, his grandparents had never let him down. This time, Zhao Lei believed that would hold true as well.
Under the hopeful gaze of his beloved grandson, Grandfather Zhao fell silent for a moment before clearing his throat and looking at Zhao Guoqiang: "Oldest son, you're also Lei's Uncle; isn't it no big deal to give Lei a set of furniture? Just a bed and a wardrobe for him."
"Dad." Zhao Guoqiang tugged at the corners of his mouth but couldn't muster even a hint of a smile. Taking a deep breath, his expression became somewhat stiff, but his tone was resolute: "I'm just Lei's Uncle, not his father. I also have two biological sons and even two biological grandsons. How can you expect me to divide this?"
Grandfather Zhao did not expect Zhao Guoqiang to settle accounts with him like this. Before this, regardless of whether Zhao Guoqiang was willing or not, as long as he spoke up, Zhao Guoqiang had never opposed any of his requests or decisions.
Among his three sons and one daughter, Grandfather Zhao found it easiest to manage his eldest son, Zhao Guoqiang.
Perhaps because he was the eldest in the family, Zhao Guoqiang took on the role of the eldest son very well, always demonstrating a spirit of dedication and sacrifice.
However, today, this most agreeable eldest son actually rebelled?
Grandfather Zhao was very unhappy and quite dissatisfied: "Lei, your two kids are already fathers, and you still compete with your younger brother?"
"I still have Yaozu and Yaozong." Since Zhao Zhenqi and Zhao Zhenan were already married with children, Zhao Guoqiang accepted that. But when it came to Zhao Lei, Zhao Guoqiang was unwilling.
How could Zhao Lei compare to five-year-old Zhao Yaozu? Or even to three-year-old Zhao Yaozong?
"How old are Yaozu and Yaozong? It will take at least ten years for them to grow up. Ten years later, are you expecting you, their grandfather, to worry about their weddings?" Grandfather Zhao pointed at Zhao Lei with righteous indignation. "Your Uncle helped his nephew today. When your grandson gets married, it will naturally be time for Uncle Lei to lend a hand. Isn’t that how family works?"
Expecting Zhao Lei to help? Only Grandfather Zhao would say such a thing. In any other situation, even Chen Cui, their mother, wouldn’t dare make such bold claims.
Clearly, Zhao Guoqiang had been led astray by Grandfather Zhao. Following Grandfather Zhao's logic, no matter how Zhao Guoqiang argued, it could only lead to one outcome: defeat.
Zhao Guoqiang realized this point but it was slightly too late; he found himself unable to escape the pit that Grandfather Zhao had dug for him.
However, just because Zhao Guoqiang had no way out did not mean others lacked means to deal with Grandfather Zhao. For example, Zhao Jin.
Faced with Grandfather Zhao's unreasonable behavior, Zhao Jin cleared his throat and spoke up: "Isn't the discussion now about my Bride Price? Shouldn't you ask me directly?"
Before Zhao Jin's words had even settled in the air, Grandfather Zhao's face darkened.
Wasn't it about Zhao Jin's Bride Price? Didn't he see the elders present? How could a girl who was about to marry have the qualifications to comment on matters concerning her Maternal Family?
"Grandma Zhao" held the same view and immediately slapped the table, saying, "Elders are speaking! Why are you interrupting?"
"Fine, then I won't interrupt." "Zhao Jin" wasn't angry at all; she turned directly to "Qi Zheng" and said, "I don't want your family's Bride Price anymore. Just move back."
As soon as "Zhao Jin" said this, even "Qi Zheng" was taken aback.
If it weren't for holding "Zhao Jin's" hand, "Qi Zheng" would have almost thought that "Zhao Jin" was not planning to marry her.
Clearly, "Qi Zheng" was not the only one who misunderstood; "Qi Ze" and "Qi Rui" were the first to stand up.
With disbelief in their eyes, filled with worry and anxiety, "Qi Ze" and "Qi Rui" hurriedly called out, "Sister-in-law!"
The expressions of "Grandfather Zhao" and the others were already grim. In order not to give up the Bride Price, was "Zhao Jin" planning not to marry on behalf of "Zhao Ying'er" into the Qi Family?
"Eldest brother, this matter cannot be counted; we can't go back on our word." "Chen Cui" indeed intended to seize the Bride Price but had no real intention of reclaiming this marriage.
The marriage between "Zhao Ying'er" and "Wu Feng," which had just begun to take shape through "Chen Cui's" strong matchmaking efforts, could not afford any mistakes.
Moreover, even though the Bride Price from the Qi Family was quite generous, they were burdened with so much debt that life would definitely not be easy in the future. If they really married "Ying'er" off, it would either be hardship or suffering...
"Eldest, the Bride Price from the Qi Family has already been sent to your home. So many villagers in the village have witnessed this commotion. Don't act foolishly; our Old Zhao Family's reputation cannot be tarnished!" The Zhao Family had already ruined a marriage once; if "Zhao Jin" changed her mind again today, "Grandma Zhao" could easily foresee their family being drowned in the spittle and gossip of the villagers.
It would be too embarrassing! If "Zhao Jin" lost face, they still had to go out and meet people!
Seeing that everyone was misunderstanding, "Zhao Jin" couldn't help but find it amusing. Please, she had worked hard to marry "Qi Zheng." For her, it was undoubtedly a bestowed opportunity; how could she possibly bear to give it up?
She tightened her grip on "Qi Zheng's" hand and playfully winked at her, saying, "I'm just having a fight with someone; don't think too much."
"Qi Zheng" really couldn't help but think too much. However, reminded by "Zhao Jin," he recalled that earlier in the yard, she had also mentioned bringing the Bride Price back to the Qi Family. It wasn't because she didn't want to marry him but because she didn't want to give an undeserved benefit to "Zhao Fourth Uncle's" family.
Feeling relieved, Qi Zheng nodded slightly and said no more, allowing Zhao Jin to express herself freely. After all, with him watching over her, she had nothing to worry about.
Zhao Jin certainly would not be at a disadvantage. Before Zhao Guoqiang responded to Chen Cui and Grandma Zhao's questions, she exchanged glances with Qian Minmin and slowly spoke up, "No one said that the Bride Price can't be taken as part of the dowry to the in-law family, right? I think the Bride Price sent by the Qi Family today is quite impressive. If I were to get married and take it back to the Qi Family, wouldn't that also bring honor to our Zhao Family?"
"That's true. The Zhao Family's daughter has such a generous dowry; all the fellow villagers can see that. Grandma and Aunt Si can rest assured; it won't tarnish our Old Zhao Family's reputation." Qian Minmin had been keeping an eye on Zhao Jin. Upon receiving Zhao Jin's signal, she also felt relieved. From then on, it was a scene of Sister-in-law teaming up again to battle against Grandma Zhao and Chen Cui.
Chen Cui felt somewhat frustrated. She had never realized how good Zhao Jin was at talking back or how skilled Qian Minmin was at stirring up resentment. But today, both Zhao Jin and Qian Minmin were equally formidable and insisted on opposing them, ruining their plans.
Even for the sake of competing for the Bride Price, could they not be a bit more respectful? The elder brother and Sister-in-law weren't managing things either; just look at how Zhao Jin and Qian Minmin had turned out—it was embarrassing!
Grandma Zhao was also filled with pent-up anger. She opened her mouth to refute and scold but found herself unable to counter Zhao Jin and Qian Minmin's words.
Ultimately, the Bride Price from the Qi Family was meant for Zhao Jin. If Zhao Jin truly took it away, the Zhao Guoqiang family would not object, leaving Grandma Zhao and Chen Cui with nothing but wide eyes, having no excuse or standing to stop her.
The premise for Grandma Zhao and Chen Cui to covet this Bride Price was that it remained within Zhao Jin's family; they only needed to speak to Zhao Guoqiang to claim whatever they wanted.
However, if these Bride Prices were taken by Zhao Jin to the Qi Family, no matter how capable Grandma Zhao and Chen Cui were, they could not just go over to the Qi Family to fight for it.
Zhao Lei was not particularly clever. But that did not mean he was always dull-witted.
In a situation like this, Zhao Lei reacted quickly. Seeing that his grandmother and mother were at a loss, he stepped in directly and shouted at Zhao Jin, "Zhao Jin, do you even carry the Zhao surname? You're siding with outsiders before you're even married? If you marry into the Qi Family, won't you empty our Zhao Family to support them?"
"I'm emptying my own family's resources. My parents have no objections; my brothers and sisters-in-law haven't said anything either. What are you shouting about?" It was pointless trying to reason with Zhao Lei. So, Zhao Jin didn't intend to argue with him and immediately shut him down.
Zhao Jin's statement was absolutely correct. Grandfather Zhao and Grandma Zhao had long divided their assets among their other two sons in order to keep all their money for their own son. With no financial ties left, when it came time for Zhao Jin's marriage, Grandfather Zhao and others would not contribute a single cent. Whether Zhao Jin married well or poorly depended solely on how generous Zhao Guoqiang and his wife were towards their daughter; it had nothing to do with them.
Similarly, once Zhao Jin married into the Qi Family, regardless of how poor the Qi Family might be, they could only seek help from the Zhao Guoqiang family. If they couldn't approach Grandma Zhao or Uncle Fourth of the Zhao family for assistance, even if they tried asking, they would surely be turned away.
Thus, if Zhao Lei insisted on blaming Zhao Jin for any shortcomings in her maternal family after marriage, then the "Maternal Family" that got emptied out really had nothing to do with him; it solely referred to the Zhao Guoqiang family.
"Jin, what are you talking about? Lei is just concerned about you and has no bad intentions. Why did you snap at him? Have you eaten gunpowder or is something wrong with your head? Is this how a sister should act?" At this moment, the one standing up to defend Zhao Lei was naturally Grandma Zhao, who doted on her grandson.
"I won't argue with him, and I kindly ask him not to meddle in my affairs. Whether I get married, to whom I marry, how much Bride Price I receive, and how much dowry I need... all these matters will be discussed with my brother and sister-in-law. There's no need for others to worry about it," Zhao Jin originally didn't intend to be so harsh.
After all, once she gets married, her contact with Grandma Zhao and the others will indeed decrease. But her parents and siblings will still have to interact with Grandma Zhao and the others, which might lead to unnecessary gossip and trouble.
However, after such a long commotion, if Grandma Zhao and the others were not annoyed, she was already fed up.
Moreover, Qi Zheng was present, along with his two younger brothers. Grandma Zhao and the others were clearly showing that they had no regard for the Qi Family, without a hint of consideration, which really made Zhao Jin angry.
Thus, when Zhao Jin's patience finally ran out, she disregarded everything and confronted Grandma Zhao and the others.
So what if they never interacted again? She didn't mind.
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