Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 226: Borrowing Money
Looking at Brother Jun beside him, Zhu Ping’an could not simply ignore the hidden risk in a marriage that would affect his cousin for life. They were family, had grown up together, and had studied together for several years. He decided he would find a chance to tell Brother Jun his suspicion privately, while repeatedly warning him not to spread it recklessly. After that, the choice would be Brother Jun’s own.
Eldest Uncle, Eldest Aunt, and Grandma took turns persuading Zhu Pingjun until their mouths were nearly dry, but it had no effect. Zhu Pingjun remained brimming with confidence and refused the match.
In the end, Eldest Uncle asserted his authority as father and head of his branch: whether Zhu Pingjun wanted it or not, he intended to push the marriage through.
Chen brewed a pot of tea and served Grandpa, Grandma, and Eldest Aunt, pointedly ignoring Eldest Uncle. Eldest Uncle acted as though nothing was wrong, poured himself a cup, took a sip, and remarked, “Good tea.”
Chen did not even turn around. It was the cheapest tea in town—hardly good tea. What hypocrisy.
“Ahem. Your father and I came today because there’s something we want to discuss with Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law,” Eldest Uncle said, setting down his cup and speaking slowly.
“What is it?” Chen asked, raising an eyebrow.
Zhu Ping’an also turned to look at Uncle, thinking it was just about Jun Ge’s marriage, but to his surprise, there was something else.
“Eldest Brother, if you have something to say, just say it,” Zhu Shouyi said, earning an eye roll from Chen.
“As the saying goes, when brothers are of one mind, they can cut through metal. Back then, Eldest Brother was confused for a moment and made a mistake. I was wrong.”
Uncle spoke with a face full of regret, his voice filled with sincere emotion.
Zhu’s father, a burly man, felt his eyes moisten when he heard Uncle’s apology. He was deeply moved by Uncle’s words. How many days had he been waiting for this?
“We’re all family. Big brother, why say this?” Zhu’s father sighed deeply and ended up comforting Uncle instead.
Eldest Uncle wiped at imaginary tears and eagerly agreed. “We’re family. Well said, Second Brother. A single brushstroke can’t write two different Zhu characters. I’ve been thinking: back then I was misled and did wrong. Why should Second Brother carry the burden all these years? The family division was too hasty.”
He sighed heavily before continuing, “Our division was a mistake. We can’t knowingly keep making the same mistake. If it was wrong, it should be corrected. I’ve discussed it with Father too. Move back into the old house. Let’s be one household again.”
Before Zhu Shouyi could answer, Chen was already unwilling. When the family had split, Eldest Uncle’s side had poured all the blame onto Shouyi and insisted on separation. Five or six years had passed. Back then her family had lacked food, clothing, and shelter; now they had built a large house, acquired over a hundred mu of good land, and were living comfortably. With Zhi’er now a juren, their separated household also benefited from his status. Reuniting now would plainly entangle property and exemptions again. Chen had no intention of moving back.
“We already divided the household, and the entire village witnessed it. The separation agreement was stamped at the county office,” Chen said. She did not directly refuse, but the meaning was obvious.
“A county seal is no great obstacle. Zhi’er is already a juren; we can speak to the county magistrate. It’s only a small matter. Besides, Father and Mother are getting old and naturally want their children and grandchildren under one roof,” Eldest Uncle replied, glancing at Zhu Ping’an.
I have to say, my uncle is still as… as usual.
“Second Brother, what do you think?” Eldest Uncle asked, lifting his teacup.
Zhu Shouyi was visibly moved by Eldest Uncle’s words, his face flushing as though he were about to answer. Before he could, Chen stepped forward to pour him tea. As she did, she deliberately stepped on his foot and subtly gestured toward Zhu Ping’an, nearly making him choke.
That step seemed to bring Zhu Shouyi back to his senses. Since the household division, his wife and children had indeed been living more comfortably. And just as Chen had hinted, he also had to consider Zhi’er’s future. The separation agreement had already been stamped at the county office; asking Zhi’er to go to the county magistrate now to undo it could reflect badly on him.
“Eldest Brother, the old house isn’t spacious. Jun’er is about to go through the formal proposal, so leave him a room. Our courtyard was only recently built and is comfortable enough. Later, Father and Mother can come stay with us whenever they like.”
Zhu Shouyi’s answer was impeccable. Though he could be slow-witted at times, he wasn’t inflexible.
“We’re fine living in the old house,” Grandpa puffed his pipe and shook his head.
Grandma was actually interested, but since Grandpa had already spoken, she didn’t say anything more.
With Chen present, persuading Second Brother would be difficult. Eldest Uncle decided he could look for a chance to speak with him alone later. After Zhu Shouyi declined the reunion proposal, Eldest Uncle smoothly shifted the topic to borrowing money.
“Speaking of Jun’er’s marriage, that reminds me of a favor. Things have been tight at the old house lately, and the nacai proposal requires money. Matchmaker Wang says the girl’s family is an excellent one, and opportunities like this are rare. Could you lend me twenty taels of silver for Jun’er’s proposal? I’ll repay it once I’m able.”
“Twenty taels?”
As soon as Uncle finished speaking, Chen exclaimed in surprise. For a marriage proposal, twenty taels of silver was too much; it wasn’t even for bringing the bride home. Moreover, why should we pay for the proposal? Repay? That sounds nice, but you still haven’t repaid the money you borrowed before!
“Father, why borrow from Second Uncle again? You still haven’t repaid what you borrowed before! I don’t agree with this marriage, so forget it. I’ll rely on myself in the future.”
Zhu Pingjun’s voice rang out loudly in the room, his voice loud enough to be heard clearly. This kid, although overly confident, still had a sense of responsibility.
After Zhu Pingjun’s outburst, Zhu Ping’an watched as Uncle’s face turned as red as Guan Gong’s.
Then the room was filled with chaos.
In the end, Grandpa stepped in to stop the chaos and asked Zhu Shouyi to lend Eldest Uncle ten taels of silver for Zhu Pingjun’s marriage proposal. Since Grandpa had spoken, Chen, though displeased, took out ten taels and handed them to Zhu Shouyi, who passed the money to Eldest Uncle.
When sending Grandpa, Grandma, and Uncle off, Zhu Ping’an took the opportunity to call Zhu Pingjun into his room. He spoke softly to him, reminding him repeatedly to follow his instructions before sending him out the door.
He had done all he could, now he would let things unfold on their own.