CHAPTER 47: CHAPTER 47: YOUR SON ISN’T SILVER—NOT EVERYONE LIKES HIM

Zhao Dahe looked determined, "The teacher said, the academy exam is like picking an item from one’s pocket for me."

In Meng Yao’s eyes, Zhao Dahe had the talent to become the top scholar, provided he proceeded step by step steadily. Passing the academy exam allowed one to enter the county school, standing out there gave a chance to participate in the regional exam, and only after passing the regional exam could one take part in the national exam.

Wouldn’t it take three to five years at least?

Seeing the disbelief on Meng Yao’s face, Zhao Dahe said, "In any case, you’ll see. How about we make a bet? If I pass the regional exam, you’ll go with me to the Capital City."

After a pause, Zhao Dahe added, "I don’t want to be separated from my mother."

Meng Yao knew exactly what he was thinking.

"Let’s talk about it after you pass," Meng Yao said.

"Alright." Zhao Dahe was full of confidence.

The next day, Madam Han came, which truly shocked Meng Yao.

Did she hear correctly? Madam Han actually came to propose a marriage.

For Han Muchi and Zhao Xiaohua.

This was completely different from what she had seen in her dream.

In the dream, Han Muchi despised Zhao Xiaohua.

Now, the Han Family had come to propose.

"If it weren’t for Xiaohua, I would be burying my son now," Madam Han wiped her eyes with a handkerchief, her voice a bit choked.

Last night Madam Han tossed and turned, thinking of a compromise.

She knew her son’s nature better than anyone; since he had spoken, it was hard to change his mind.

Right now, his priority was to review his studies and prepare for the regional exam next August.

So, it was best to go along with his wishes.

As for Zhao Xiaohua, a village girl, she could easily be dismissed later.

Not to be feared.

Thus came the spectacle of Madam Han’s marriage proposal today.

It also spared her son from the crude village girls eyeing him.

"What does Madam Zhao mean?" Madam Han asked Meng Yao.

Meng Yao came back to her senses, "My Xiaohua is only ten years old, I haven’t considered her marriage yet. As for the life-saving grace you mentioned, Xiaohua is kind-hearted and it was just a simple help. No matter who it was yesterday, if Xiaohua encountered them, she would not stand by idly. You and your son don’t need to remember this matter."

Madam Han coldly laughed inwardly, this Meng clan indeed was not easy to handle, actually playing hard to get.

"How can a life-saving grace not be remembered?" Madam Han said sincerely, "My son has read the books of sages, where they teach that gratitude must be repaid. Besides, yesterday, the two children... although Xiaohua acted to save, one could say my son was indiscreet with Xiaohua. A woman’s reputation is extremely important, even in the countryside."

"Moreover, just let the two children be engaged first, the wedding matters shall naturally wait until Xiaohua comes of age." Madam Han continued, "Does Madam Zhao have any objections?"

Before Meng Yao could respond, Zhao Xiaohua jumped out, "Unsuitable, unsuitable, extremely unsuitable."

Truly uncouth without etiquette, ignoring the rule that juniors shouldn’t interrupt their elders. Moreover, the matter discussed today should be avoided for any young woman.

"Xiaohua is truly innocent and carefree." Madam Han forced a smile.

"Madam, your smile doesn’t reach your eyes, clearly showing it’s not sincere." Zhao Xiaohua’s voice was crisp, "Hence, it can be concluded you don’t like me. You don’t have to praise me against your true feelings."

Madam Han was stunned.

Meng Yao stifled a laugh.

Madam Han, being worldly-wise, quickly recovered and became more amicable, "Xiaohua misunderstood me, perhaps because I usually don’t smile much, making Xiaohua feel my smile isn’t heartfelt. Xiaohua saved my son, how could I not like you?"

Zhao Xiaohua waved off flamboyantly, "Let’s not argue about this because whether madam likes me or not doesn’t concern me. What I want to say is that I reject your family’s marriage proposal; I don’t fancy Han Muchi."

The nails beneath Madam Han’s wide sleeves had already dug into her palm, how dare she say she didn’t fancy her son! Who does she think she is! Daring to pick and choose!

"Xiaohua, let the adults talk, children shouldn’t interrupt." Meng Yao pretended to reprimand.

"Mother, it’s wrong for a daughter to interrupt, but this matter involves me, and I have the right to speak." Zhao Xiaohua said, neither humble nor arrogant.

"Madam Han, forgive us, Xiaohua has been spoiled by me since childhood," Meng Yao said apologetically.

"Xiaohua’s straightforward nature and lack of restraint actually suit me," Madam Han tried to maintain her smile and gentle tone, "But why doesn’t Xiaohua fancy Muchi?"

"Why should I fancy? Your son is not silver; everyone likes silver." Zhao Xiaohua said confidently.

"But you..." Madam Han’s sentence trailed off.

"Madam is referring to me kissing Han Muchi?" Zhao Xiaohua asked.

Madam Han nodded with difficulty.

"Please understand, that was to save a life! Not because I wanted to act indiscreetly towards Young Master Han!" Zhao Xiaohua stated righteously, "In the future, surely, I will encounter many drowning people, and I will save them all. If every one is like madam, how many families would I have to commit to? Can I handle that many?"

Madam Han: I’m at a loss for words!

Meng Yao tried hard not to laugh, it made so much sense.

"So, if Madam and Young Master Han truly want to thank me, just offer some consultation fee." Zhao Xiaohua said.

"My son is outstanding, only twelve and already a pupil, with a promising future ahead. Does Madam Zhao and Miss Zhao realize what you’re rejecting?" Madam Han took a deep breath and asked.

"Young Master Han’s prospects are your family’s matter, what’s it got to do with ours?" Zhao Xiaohua blinked.

"Then how much do you think I should offer as a consultation fee?" Madam Han asked with a frosty expression.

"Whatever Madam thinks Young Master Han’s life is worth, give that much." Zhao Xiaohua thought for a moment and said.

How could her son’s life be measured with silver money?

Madam Han felt she couldn’t suppress the anger in her heart, this Zhao mother and daughter were insufferable!

She took a deep breath and pulled out a silver note from her sleeve, "In that case, I’ll pay Miss Zhao’s consultation fee."

A fifty tael silver note.

"From now on, this matter is settled." Madam Han said through gritted teeth.

"Mother, fifty taels!" Zhao Xiaohua looked overjoyed.

Her mother earned only ten taels a month working at the Hundred Herbs Hall.

She just made what her mother would earn in five months!

"In Madam Han’s mind, Young Master Han is worth fifty taels!" Zhao Xiaohua commented again.

Madam Han’s expression changed, feeling that Zhao Xiaohua was mocking her, saying her son was worthless.

Madam Han threw out another fifty tael silver note.

Zhao Xiaohua was a bit stunned, what did this mean?

"One hundred taels. I hope Miss Zhao will consider this matter as never having happened in the future!"

After speaking, Madam Han flicked her sleeve and rushed out.

As the host, Meng Yao quickly followed to see her off, "Madam Han, take care!"

As soon as the door closed, Meng Yao burst into laughter, she had held it in for too long.

Zhao Xiaohua was still not quite aware that Madam Han had that much silver? One fifty wasn’t enough, so she gave another fifty. One hundred taels of silver! She had never seen so much silver!