Chapter 3

Chapter 3

I went into town again and bought more knockout powder. When I got home, I slipped it into the tea and served it to my parents, my eldest brother, my eldest sister-in-law, my second brother, and my third brother.

After they were all fast asleep, I found every coin my parents had hidden in the cabinet. Then I packed up my few ragged clothes, smeared mud on my face, cut off some of my mother’s white hair, and stuck it into my own.

I looked at my reflection in the water. Once I saw that I looked like an old, ugly crone, I hurriedly shouldered my bundle and left before dawn had fully broken.

Of course, my knife was in that bundle.

On the road, I ran into Gu Yanqing again. He was out running.

Everyone said there was something wrong with Gu Yanqing’s head. While the rest of the village would kill for a little more rest, he insisted on jogging around the village roads every morning.

When he saw me, he froze, then looked me up and down in confusion.

I ignored him.

As I passed him, he called out, “Miss Xu? Where are you going? And why are you dressed like that?”

I glared at him. “None of your damn business!”

He paused, then laughed. “Well, that’s a first. The quietest, most rule-abiding girl in the village not only came to my bed in the middle of the night, but now she’s cursing like a sailor.”

I laughed too. Since I was leaving anyway and would never see him again in this life, I might as well vent my spite.

“You think I offered myself to you because you’re handsome? Or because you’re rich and powerful? It was only because you’re a man and a scholar, and because you put on that lofty, principled act. For the sake of your reputation, you wouldn’t go so far as to torment me, so I chose you! You’re only the tallest dwarf, that’s all! If you won’t marry me, I have plenty of ways to survive! Unlike you! A grown man living in a ruined temple and eating handouts from every household. I’m embarrassed for you just looking at it!”

“Angry, are you?”

He still didn’t get mad. Smiling, he said, “So this is the real you, isn’t it? Acting virtuous and proper all day, gentle and considerate, even claiming you’ve liked me for a long time-that was all an act, wasn’t it?”

I shoved him hard and tried to go around him.

He reached out as if to stop me. “Where are you going?”

I pulled out my knife. “To become a bandit! Stop me again and I’ll kill you!”

He burst out laughing. Only after he’d laughed enough did he say, “That proposal of yours. I accept.”

I was still fuming, but the moment I heard him, I froze.

He said, “Let’s make it clear first. If I pass the exams and rise in the future, you have to leave on your own. Don’t go around saying I’m a heartless man and get in the way of me marrying some highborn young lady who can help my career.”

I hurriedly swore, “Don’t worry! I absolutely won’t drag you down! I’ll even take care of you and repay you!”

The air went quiet for a few seconds. He rubbed his nose and said, sounding a little guilty, “But I don’t have any money to give your parents as a betrothal gift.”