After the separation, I took my whole family to eat delicious food and drink spicy

Farmers love to watch the action, and the people of Lijia Village are no exception. Seeing the carriage parked outside the Li family's gate—a sight not often seen in the countryside—the villagers dropped their work, returning from the fields or leaving their homes, and gathered in front of Li Xiaoxiao's house. Their faces were filled with curiosity and excitement, and chatter erupted. Even the first and second wives, as well as the Bai family, who were working in the fields, rushed back upon hearing the noise.

Matchmaker Wang, a eloquent woman who made her living as a matchmaker in Lijia Village, was walking into the Li family's courtyard, waving her red flower-embroidered handkerchief with a smug look on her face. Her steps were brisk, a smile hard to conceal playing on her lips as she calculated how much money she could earn as a matchmaker. That smile practically transformed her face into a flower.

"Congratulations, Miss Su! I'm here with the Zhao family to propose marriage!" Matchmaker Wang's voice was clear and resounding, penetrating every corner of the courtyard and reaching the ears of every onlooker. There was a hint of boasting in her tone, as if the success of this marriage depended entirely on her eloquence.

Su looked at the things that Butler Zhao and his group were carrying, and she smiled so much that the wrinkles on her face could have pinched an ant to death. The people outside who were watching the excitement realized that the Li family was about to have a happy event.

"Oh, please come in, distinguished guests." Seeing this, Li Fang hurried forward and warmly invited Wang Pozi, Housekeeper Zhao and the others into the main hall.

When Bai saw the people who came to propose marriage, her heart tightened. She immediately searched for Li Xiaoxiao in the crowd. Seeing her mother return, Li Xiaoxiao walked over and pulled her into the main hall.

Butler Zhao sat down on a stool in the main hall and immediately explained his purpose. He cleared his throat and said in a steady and forceful voice, "Today, on behalf of the Zhao family, I have come to propose marriage to the Li family. I hope to form a close alliance with them."

As soon as these words were spoken, the villagers inside and outside the hall fell silent, casting curious and expectant glances. Li Fang and Su were particularly delighted, glancing at each other with excitement in their eyes, as if they could already see the silver flying towards them.

Uncle Li Jiang had heard about this marriage from Li Fang a long time ago, and was now looking forward to getting the so-called betrothal gift. With these thirty taels, he would not have to work in the fields sweating every day, and he could also eat meat every day. The thought of it made him happy.

Second uncle Li Ren's family was much calmer than the first wife's. They just stood quietly by and listened to them talk without expressing any opinions, as if this marriage had nothing to do with their second wife. However, Li Xiaoxiao knew that the second wife's thoughts were no less than those of the first wife.

Matchmaker Wang stood aside, her smile growing wider. Her eyes moved back and forth between Butler Zhao and the Li family, secretly proud of the key role she played in this marriage.

After hearing the purpose of Butler Zhao's visit, Mrs. Bai became even more nervous, and she even pulled Li Xiaoxiao's hand a lot harder. Li Xiaoxiao shook Mrs. Bai's hand in return to comfort her.

Butler Zhao continued, "Our Zhao family has long heard of Miss Li Xiaoxiao's character, beauty, and talent. We have come here today hoping to marry her and create a beautiful story. We have also prepared a generous betrothal gift as a token of our sincerity."

As Butler Zhao recounted his story, the Zhao family's sincerity and determination in proposing marriage became abundantly clear. Su and Li Fang were so happy after hearing this that they couldn't stop grinning. They quickly reassured Butler Zhao, expressing their great satisfaction with the match and their willingness to discuss subsequent wedding arrangements with the Zhao family.

At this time, the villagers outside the main hall began to talk about it. They were happy for the Li family's upcoming happy event and also appreciated the Zhao family's sincerity. The air in Lijia Village was filled with a festive and harmonious atmosphere.

While Butler Zhao was discussing the wedding details with the Li family, Li Xiaoxiao stood up and said loudly: "Grandma, I don't agree with this marriage."

Li Xiaoxiao's voice was like a stone dropped into a calm lake, stirring up ripples. The atmosphere inside and outside the hall froze instantly, all eyes focused on her, and even the smile on Matchmaker Wang's lips froze.

Bai reacted quickly. She held Li Xiaoxiao's hand tightly and gave her silent support.

Su and Li Fang's expressions instantly became complicated, even a hint of anger intertwined. They hadn't expected that Li Xiaoxiao would object at this joyous occasion.

"Xiaoxiao, you..." Li Fang hesitated to speak, obviously shocked by Li Xiaoxiao's sudden action.

"How dare you! Since ancient times, children's marriages have been decided by their parents and matchmakers. I'm still your grandmother, so how can you decide your own marriage?"

"Grandma, if this marriage is a good one, I won't say much, but you know that Mr. Zhao is seriously ill, and the Zhao family wants me to marry him just to bring him good luck. Maybe I will become a widow as soon as I get married. Aren't you pushing me into the fire?" Li Xiaoxiao retorted loudly.

Li Xiaoxiao's rebellion caused an uproar in Lijia Village. The villagers had originally thought that this would be a happy marriage, but they did not expect such a sudden turn. The surrounding discussion sounded again, but this time it was more about admiration for Li Xiaoxiao's courage and questioning the Zhao family's behavior.

Su and Li Fang's expressions turned even uglier. They hadn't expected Li Xiaoxiao to so directly expose the Zhao family's true intentions. Su suppressed her anger and said with as much dignity as possible, "Xiaoxiao, what nonsense are you talking about? The Zhao family is a wealthy family. It's a blessing for you to marry into them. Don't be ungrateful."

Li Xiaoxiao was not intimidated by Su's rebuke. Instead, she said more firmly, "Blessing? If I have to trade my lifelong happiness for so-called blessing, then I'd rather not have it. Grandma, aunt, you can't do this to me. My mother is still alive. It's not your turn to decide my marriage."

Li Xiaoxiao's resolute attitude shocked everyone present. Even the usually eloquent matchmaker Wang was speechless and stood awkwardly by, unsure of what to do. The villagers began to whisper and discuss the situation, expressing surprise and confusion at this sudden change, but also admiration for Li Xiaoxiao's courage and persistence.

Mrs. Bai held Li Xiaoxiao's hand tightly, her eyes slightly red, filled with heartache and pride. She knew that her daughter had grown up, had her own opinions and courage, and was no longer the foolish girl who was at the mercy of others.

"Mom, don't worry, I won't let myself fall into that kind of situation." Li Xiaoxiao softly comforted Bai, her eyes firm and gentle.

Seeing this, Su's face turned pale. She had never imagined Li Xiaoxiao would resist so resolutely, and she had never imagined her authority would be challenged in this way. She glared at Li Xiaoxiao, her voice filled with unquestionable authority: "Xiaoxiao, you are fooling around! Marriage is a serious matter, how can it be treated as a joke? If you continue to act so willfully, don't blame me for not considering the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren!"

"Grandma, if you really want to do this for my own good, you shouldn't push me into this fire pit." Li Xiaoxiao didn't flinch. She looked directly into Su's eyes and said word by word, "You know the situation of the Zhao family very well. They just want to use me to get married. I don't want such a marriage!"

At this moment, the atmosphere in the main hall was extremely tense, as if even the air had frozen. Li Fangshi, seeing this, hurried forward to mediate, trying to ease the situation: "Mother, Xiaoxiao, calm down. Let's talk things over. The Zhao family is indeed sincere. Perhaps we can discuss this further..."

However, Li Xiaoxiao had already made up her mind. She interrupted Li Fangshi and said firmly, "There's nothing to discuss. I want my mother to decide my marriage. If the Zhao family really wanted to do good for me, they wouldn't make such a request."

Housekeeper Zhao watched this scene from the side, his face also grim. He hadn't expected Li Xiaoxiao to reject him so directly, which made him extremely angry, embarrassed, and awkward. But he was sent by the Zhao family after all, so he had to maintain a certain level of demeanor. So he stood up and said to the Li family, "Since Miss Li has her own ideas, we, the Zhao family, can't force them. However, I hope the Li family will carefully consider it. After all, marriage is a serious matter."

After saying that, Butler Zhao took his men and left the Li family, leaving behind a room full of shock and discussion.

The villagers dispersed, but Li Xiaoxiao's bravery and perseverance became a hot topic in Lijia Village. Some admired her courage, while others thought she was too impulsive. Regardless, Li Xiaoxiao proved with her actions that she was no longer a weak woman at the mercy of others, but an independent woman with her own thoughts and opinions.