HLnovel Chapter 137 Can You Marry Me?
Chapter 137 Can You Marry Me?
Meanwhile, Yazhou.
Although Jiang Siyu and Jing Zhuo have the support of the Red Fire Army, the more Jiang Siyu sees in Yazhou.
The more he looked at her, the more he realized that Li Kun was a piece of shit. As long as he saw a girl, he would rape her and take her away from him.
Jiang Siyu initially thought that by cutting off the source of evil, Yazhou would be able to regain peace and prosperity, and the people would be able to regain peace and live happily ever after.
But as I got to know more and more, I found out that among the officials, there were very few honest ones, but greedy ones were everywhere. They colluded with each other and exploited others at all levels, corroding the foundations of the country like termites, while the people only got the leftovers, which was minimal.
The root cause is that the foundation of Dasheng was rotten, but there were few officials who were brave enough to reform and were honest and upright.
Just like his father Jiang Yan, who was exiled here, others died or were demoted. All the good ministers who gave honest advice did not have a good ending.
Since Jiang Yan lived in seclusion on the island, he has rarely been concerned about the affairs of the court and has been teaching and educating people on his own.
After the last college examination, not only Jiang Siyu, but also several other students successfully entered the provincial examination.
However, at this moment, her mood was as turbulent as autumn water, and she felt unprecedented confusion about whether to continue walking alone on this path of imperial examinations.
I ranked second in the college examination last time. If I continue to perform well, it is not impossible for me to enter the palace examination.
Thinking of her elder sister's dangerous situation in the capital, Jiang Siyu had other ideas in her mind.
Once upon a time, she made a promise to her father that she would no longer take risks easily and just live a stable life.
But now, my brother and elder sister have demonstrated through their actions what responsibility and accountability are. As a member of the family, I cannot stand idly by and must do something.
It happened that the provincial examination was about to begin, so she decided to take the exam under the name of Han Qiu.
In the past few days, she often came to Han Qiu's house to visit him, but she didn't know how to start the conversation.
His brother is now in the caravan and can earn a lot of money every month. With the help of Jiang Nianwei, he can still stay alive by taking tonics.
Whenever Jiang Siyu's light footsteps sounded outside the door, a barely perceptible light would always flash in Han Qiu's dull eyes, and he struggled to support his weak body.
"With Miss Jiang here, this humble abode actually becomes more lively." Han Qiu's voice was thin as a thread, but it was accompanied by a warm smile.
"I'll make the tea."
Jiang Siyu quickly shook her head and said, "I came here purely to visit Qiu. How dare I trouble you to make tea for me?"
Mother Han had carefully selected the best tea from her collection and brewed it with great skill. As the aroma of tea wafted in the air, she said gently, "Miss Jiang, you are too polite. You are an honored guest when you visit us, not to mention the great kindness your family has shown us. A mere cup of tea is not worth mentioning."
Although Han Qiu was bedridden due to illness, he was carefully kept neat and tidy. If it were not for his illness, his demeanor would surely be as heroic as his brother.
After Han's mother left, Han Qiufang slowly opened his mouth and said, "Little Miss Jiang, you are really talented and admirable. I am dull and failed in the two college entrance examinations. On the other hand, you were able to win easily. Now, with your help, I, an unknown person, have left my name behind."
He did not complain about himself, but instead praised Jiang Siyu with an open-minded attitude.
"Ahem, in the past, the Han family was also glorious, and our ancestors were upright and elegant scholars. Unexpectedly, due to changes in the world, the family was exiled to this point. We are unworthy and have brought disgrace to the family." When he said this, an imperceptible sadness flashed across Han Qiu's face.
Jiang Siyu quickly shook her head and encouraged: "You don't want this to happen. If you are healthy, you will definitely pass the exam the third time."
Han Qiu said sadly: "I am destined to live like this for the rest of my life. I have nothing to ask for. All I wish is not to be a burden to my family. Cough..." He coughed a few times between his words.
The two chatted for a while, and Jiang Siyu had already discovered that Han Qiu's talent was not inferior to hers.
She couldn't help but feel pity in her heart. If he wasn't suffering from illness, how could he be trapped in this corner, unable to spread his wings and fly high?
"My elder sister is an excellent doctor. When she returns from the capital, she will definitely be able to cure you."
Han Qiu shook his head. He had long lost hope. Jiang Nianwei had diagnosed his pulse and he knew his physical condition.
He saw that Jiang Siyu seemed hesitant to speak, and thought that she must not be here just to visit him.
"Miss Jiang, you have come here five or six times, and you brought so many things every time. But judging from your expression, you seem to have something to say. Do you have something in mind that you want to discuss with me? You can tell me what you want to do. As long as it is within my ability, I will do my best and will never refuse."
Hearing him say this, Jiang Siyu no longer hesitated and spoke directly to him: "Aqiu, I took your place in the academy exam before... and the provincial exam is coming soon. If I take your place again, would you agree?"
Han Qiu sighed, "I was wondering what kind of big thing could make you hesitate so much. If you really want to do this, then go ahead with confidence. If you can really win the first prize and become the top scholar above all others, I will not only have no regrets, but also thank you for fulfilling my wish for me."
Jiang Siyu breathed a sigh of relief instantly. She knew that Aqiu had a good temper. It was a pity that such a good man did not have a good body.
While the two were talking, the tempting aroma of steamed buns wafted from Han's mother's kitchen.
"Xiao Jiang, come and try the freshly baked buns that your aunt prepared especially for your parents. I am so grateful for your family's care for us these days. You must bring this gift back for me."
Han's mother usually lives frugally, but last time Jiang Siyu came over and praised the delicious buns she made, she made them again.
"Aunt, you don't have to be so polite." Jiang Siyu wanted to refuse, but Han's mother had already packed the buns and stuffed them into her hands.
"If you could spare some time from time to time to sit with Aqiu and listen to his chatter, that would be the greatest blessing for us mother and son. Aqiu is a weak child who doesn't talk much on weekdays and has very few close friends. His elder brother is away from home all year round for the sake of the family. As a mother, I see it with my own eyes and feel pain in my heart. I always hope that he can laugh more and be less lonely..." After she finished speaking, she couldn't help but shed tears.
Jiang Siyu quickly comforted her, "Don't worry, auntie, I will come to see Qiu when I am free in the future."
When Han Qiu heard what his mother said, he shouted with all his strength: "Mom, don't say such things, I'm fine, cough cough."
"Ah Qiu, it's okay. I feel I benefit a lot every time I chat with you. I will come again in the future, as long as you don't mind me being troublesome."
When Han's mother heard this, she immediately turned from sadness to joy: "No, how could it be?"
After Jiang Siyu left, Han Qiu complained: Han Qiu sighed softly, turned to his mother and gently rebuked: "Mother, how can you say that? Miss Jiang's wish is what she wants in her heart, how can we force it? Her coming and going are all due to fate."
"You think I can't see that you like her?"
Han Qiu's face turned even paler when he heard this. "Please don't speculate any more. It's hard to express my feelings."
"Ah Qiu, you are like this, and I don't expect you to get married and have children. I just hope that the girl you like can come to see you more often. I just want to see you smile, and then my heart will be comforted.
"If it weren't for this weakness you had since birth...it would have been your mother's fault."
"Mom, please stop saying such things. I have never thought so. My body and hair are from my parents. You have suffered a lot to give birth to me. How can I blame you?"
He can only blame himself for his poor health. Miss Jiang is talented, but she is not someone he can dream of. He can only sincerely wish that she can spread her wings and realize her wish.
And he can only stay bedridden like this for the rest of his life, which only makes his mother suffer.
……
Jiang Siyu returned to the city, only to find the street scene different from usual. Teams of soldiers patrolled rigorously, questioning every woman passing by, and there was an unusual tension in the atmosphere.
Jiang Siyu became suspicious and quickened her pace involuntarily, walking through the familiar alleys and heading straight to the courtyard.
When I pushed the door open, I saw my mother busy at work, her hands hurriedly packing her belongings, her eyes full of anxiety.
"Mom, what's going on? Why are you so panicked?"
"Just now, the county government sent someone to deliver an urgent message, saying that the emperor has ordered a beauty contest, and all unmarried women in the city must go to the government office to register for the royal selection."
Jiang Siyu felt strange, "What does this have to do with us? We are not good citizens."
They are relatives of criminals who were exiled here and should not be among the selected ones.
Jing Zhuo came back at this time, closed the door, and said hurriedly: "They don't care about good people or bad people. Any woman with a little beauty can't escape the bad fate and will be forcibly abducted. For now, it is better to take refuge on the island with my aunt and wait for the storm to subside."
But the provincial examination would be held in a few days, and Jiang Siyu could not delay it.
Seeing her like this, Jing Qiudie asked, "Do you have any other concerns?"
"Mother, my daughter is determined to take the provincial examination and does not want to miss this opportunity, but I also know that safety is more important... Perhaps, I can find another way."
After saying this, she quickly took out the pen, ink, paper and inkstone and spread them on the desk.
She has had a photographic memory since she was a child. Once she has seen something, she will imitate that person's handwriting, and the same is true for other documents she has read.
Just as I finished writing, there was a knock on the door outside, like an ominous sign, suddenly breaking the silence in the room.
"Open the door immediately! The government is conducting a routine inspection to confirm if there are any unmarried girls in the house."
The door was so vulnerable that it was kicked open with brute force, raising a cloud of dust.
The leader was a flower and bird messenger wearing gorgeous official uniform and with a dignified look.
"Why did you wait until now to open the door? Are you trying to disobey the Holy Will?"
The three men knelt on the ground. Jing Zhuo remained calm and said, "Your Excellency, please understand. How dare we neglect your Majesty's will?"
The Flower and Bird Envoy's gaze was as sharp as an eagle's. He swept across the three people and finally stopped on Jiang Siyu.
She had a beautiful face and had not even combed her hair into a bun. She then directly tore off the amulet she was carrying.
The amulets of women from Dasheng usually have their birth dates written on them. The Flower and Bird Envoy took a look at them, examining them carefully, and a smile of satisfaction unconsciously appeared on his lips.
"This girl has a beautiful face and her fate is not a problem for the palace. Very good, someone come and take her away!"
"My Lord, wait a minute!" She took a step forward and looked directly at the Flower and Bird Envoy without the slightest fear. "I am so bold. Remember the laws of our Great Sheng state that any girl who has been betrothed to someone else is not eligible for selection."
The Flower and Bird Envoy sneered and replied, "Oh? You are already engaged? This is a serious matter. Do you have any proof?"
Jiang Siyu took out the marriage document, and Huaniaoshi took it suspiciously. This was a uniform format issued by the county government, and judging from the font, it did not look like a forged document.
"Someone, come and check whether it's real or not!"
Then a servant came forward, took the document, and examined it carefully. After examining it, he respectfully replied: "Sir, this document is indeed not a forgery."
The flower and bird envoy looked at Jiang Siyu thoughtfully, but saw Jing Zhuo stepped forward and handed over another package, "This is our gift, specially come to honor you, sir, I hope you will accept it."
The Flower and Bird Envoy's expression finally relaxed, and an elusive smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. He said softly, "Forget it, I won't bother with it today. But if this marriage is just a stopgap measure for you to avoid the selection... Humph, you and I know the pros and cons of it very well, and the consequences are not something you can bear."
As the group of people walked away, Jing Qiudie felt her legs go weak. She took the document and found that what Jiang Siyu had forged looked just like the real thing, except that the person she was signing was a strange man.
"Han Qiu?"
"The situation was urgent, so I wrote Han Qiu's name."
Jing Qiudie's tense heartstrings relaxed a little. "This election is weird. The general election is held every three years, but we just held it last year. Why is it held again this year... and the scale of this is so large that it is really unbelievable."
"How can we care about the affairs of the royal family? Let me write a letter to the capital and ask my sister for the reason."
But the words that the flower and bird messenger left before leaving made her feel uneasy.
On the second day, there was another notice that women with marriage documents had to get married within three days, otherwise they would be regarded as unmarried women and had to participate in the selection.
When this order was issued, everyone cried out in grief, but the Flower and Bird Envoy could not care about so many things, he just wanted to complete the task.
Jiang Siyu was holding the forged document, and she became anxious. "If this is the case, does it mean that I really have to marry Han Qiu?"
Jiang Siyu hurried to Han Qiu's house. When Han's mother saw her, she came over and said, "Little Miss Jiang is here again! Qiu is reading a book, so you two can have a discussion."
Today, Miss Jiang frowned, as if she had something important to do. "Thank you, auntie. I'll go find Qiu right away."
When she saw Han Qiu, Jiang Siyu didn't waste any words and directly told him the purpose of her visit.
"Aqiu, I know this request is a bit excessive, but this time, I really need your help."
Han Qiu put down the book in his hand. It was rare to see her like this. Could something really have happened?
"Ahem, now that you've asked, I'll do my best, even if it means going through fire and water."
Jiang Siyu shook her head. "That's really serious. I just... just want you to marry me."