Rebirth, end of the world, time travel, escape famine, make money!

Shen Qing slapped Liu Xiaolu in embarrassment: "You are making fun of me! Alas, I want to, but when I go to the state capital this time, I am afraid that my father will arrange a marriage for me!"

Liu Xiaolu: "Ah, but you are only fifteen?"

Shen Qing: "Yes, let's make it clear first, we'll get married next year. Young ladies from the prefecture who haven't settled down by the age of 15 will be laughed at."

Shen Qing sighed softly, with a hint of helplessness and confusion in her eyes.

She continued, "I know it sounds a little early, but here, women can never decide their own marriages. Daddy said that when he went to the provincial capital this time, a distant relative happened to be an official there. No matter how bad Daddy's business was, he would always help the students of the same clan every year, so he had a very good relationship with the clan. This time, I also hope that my uncle who is an official can help me find a good marriage. He said that while I am still young, I should find a family of equal status so that I can have someone to rely on in the future."

Liu Xiaolu frowned when she heard this. She held Shen Qing's hand tightly, as if she wanted to pass on her strength to her. "Sister Qing, oh, I don't know how to comfort you."

Shen Qing's eyes were slightly red, but she tried hard not to let the tears fall. "Xiaolu, I know, I'm just telling you what's in my heart, really. I know this is fate, a fate that a woman cannot escape."

After hearing this, Liu Xiaolu felt mixed emotions, worried about Shen Qing's future, but also cherishing this pure friendship. "Qing'er, don't worry, no matter what happens in the future, we are your family. If you are really having a hard time, you must tell us. Even if your father doesn't care about you for the sake of business or career, I will definitely not ignore you. I tell you, don't ever think that marrying someone is a lifelong thing, and you should never compromise yourself for others."

The two looked at each other and smiled. Although there was a hint of bitterness in their smiles, Liu Xiaolu gritted her teeth and continued, "If you are unhappy, find a way to divorce. If your father doesn't want you after the divorce, you can come to my house. I will work hard to make money and support you for the rest of your life. And we have hands and feet, so we will definitely not starve to death."

Shen Qing was surprised by Liu Xiaolu's remarks.

In Shen Qing's growing environment, she may have been taught to be obedient and put her husband first, which was a common education on women's virtues in ancient feudal society.

Her parents, especially her mother, often appeared in front of her as gentle and virtuous, telling her stories of traditional virtues of supporting her husband and raising her children.

Whenever night falls, under the dim light of the kerosene lamp, my mother would whisper about the examples of ancient women, how they regarded their husbands as their heaven, made silent contributions, and supported the harmony and peace of each family.

However, Liu Xiaolu's words were like a breeze that blew away the fog in Shen Qing's heart.

Liu Xiaolu advocates independence and equality. She firmly believes that women can have their own dreams and careers without having to rely on anyone.

This concept was unprecedented in Shen Qing's world. It was like a seed, quietly taking root and sprouting in her heart.

Shen Qing: "Thank you, Xiaolu. If it really comes to that, I will definitely come to find you."

Shen Qing was thinking too much. Although Shen Wanshan also wanted to use her to arrange a marriage, he was not the kind of father who did not love his children. He also sincerely hoped that Shen Qing could live a good life in her husband's family.

Lin Weizhong, Shen Wanshan and Liu's father were sitting in the study drinking tea and chatting, while Mrs. Shen brought Liu Caixia to entertain their own guests.

Lin Weizhong asked Shen Wanshan to take one thousand taels of silver notes to the provincial capital. Luo Hong, Lin Keyu, Li Yao, and Wei Songbai all needed money for food, drink, and shelter in the provincial capital, and they also needed money to go out for social engagements and interpersonal interactions.

Father Liu: "Wanshan, tell Luo Hong not to save money and spend it when he needs it in the state capital. If he runs out of money, send us a letter and we will send it to them. The family's income is quite stable now, and it will get better and better in the future."

Along with the silver note there were four envelopes, one from Qi Xin to Luo Hong, one from Liu's father to the four of them, and there were also letters from Wei Songbai and Li Yao's families to them.

This New Year passed quickly.

On the Lantern Festival, there are lantern festivals and markets in the city.

Father Liu took the whole family, young and old, out to the provincial capital to play for a day.

As night falls and the lights come on, the streets and alleys of the city have been decorated with various colorful lanterns, making it look like daytime.

On both sides of the street, all kinds of stalls are lined up, and the sounds of shouting, laughter, and stringed instruments are intertwined, making the street very lively.

Everyone's face was filled with happy smiles. Liu Xiaolu, Sun Yaqing, Liu Qianxue and other girls were excitedly moving among the crowd, pointing at this and looking at that, full of curiosity about everything.

"Grandma, look at that rabbit lantern, it's so cute!" Luo Junning pointed to a stall not far away, his eyes sparkling and full of desire.

Qi Xin looked at the little rabbit lantern, smiled and nodded, and walked over with them. The stall owner was a kind old man, who enthusiastically introduced his lanterns when he saw Qi Xin bringing the children over.

Finally, Luo Junning got the cute rabbit lamp as he wished and danced with joy.

After walking around for a while, the family came to a snack stand.

The stalls were filled with all kinds of delicious food, including steaming rice dumplings, fragrant candied haws, golden and crispy pancakes... Mother Liu and the children were busy choosing their favorite foods, while Father Liu was responsible for queuing up to pay the bill.

"Do you want to eat glutinous rice balls?" Father Liu looked at a roadside stall selling glutinous rice balls and pointed at the bowls of round glutinous rice balls. He hadn't eaten them for a long time and felt his saliva was about to flow down.

"Eat, eat, eat whatever you want." Liu's mother looked at Liu's father with amusement. Even at his age, he still had greedy moments. Liu's father did prefer food made with glutinous rice, but glutinous rice was difficult to digest, so Liu's mother had to control his appetite.

However, it’s okay to eat it occasionally. During the New Year and other festivals, eating a bowl of round dumplings has good meaning.

Everyone sat together, eating and chatting, enjoying this rare reunion time. The sweetness of the glutinous rice balls spread in their mouths, warming everyone's heart.

After eating the dumplings, the family continued to stroll around the market.

They walked and stopped, looked here and there, and felt the festive atmosphere.

Suddenly, a melodious music sounded. It turned out to be a street performer performing.

Everyone followed the sound and saw a group of artists in traditional costumes singing and dancing on the stage, drawing applause from the audience.

The group of people were also attracted by this wonderful performance and stopped to watch.

After the performance, everyone was still discussing the show with great interest.

As the night deepened, the lantern festival and the market in the city gradually quieted down.

The group ended the day's trip with laughter and returned home with a full load.

On the way home, they were still immersed in the joy of the festival, looking forward to the next gathering.