The journey of the only child of a peasant family to take the imperial examination

"What?" Zhang Pingan was shocked.

The public security in Lin'an is still very good now. There are ruffians and hooligans, but killing people at will is still rare. Especially since my future fifth brother-in-law is just an ordinary citizen and doesn't go out often, how could he get into such trouble?

Liu Husheng pulled the person away and said, "Come back with me quickly. My parents, uncle, and third uncle have already gone to the man's house. My grandparents and my uncle are waiting for news at your house. You, the backbone of the family, can't be away!"

"Okay, let's talk while we walk. I'll go tell the doorman," Zhang Ping'an made a prompt decision.

After quickly walking over and giving the doorman a dozen copper coins and asking him to help deliver a message to the library, Zhang Ping'an followed his second brother-in-law back.

"What's going on?" Zhang Pingan asked.

Liu Husheng walked away, saying, "I haven't figured out the details yet. The second son of the Deng family came to your house and said his brother had been beaten to death, and asked us to go over and see him. Then my parents called my uncle and my third uncle to go with them. My eldest sister told me to come and get you back. That's what happened!"

"Then let's not go home, let's go directly to Deng's house," said Zhang Ping'an.

He knew the approximate location of the Deng family, so he turned and headed right.

Liu Husheng was stunned for a moment and then quickly caught up.

When the two arrived at the alley near Deng's house, there were already a lot of people gathered inside and outside the alley. Zhang Ping'an asked the people nearby and they all knew about the Deng family.

One of the ladies muttered, "I don't know what happened. The eldest son of the Deng family disappeared without a trace. It seems he was beaten to death. He was usually a good person, such a good child, but he encountered such a disaster at such a young age."

"Oh, it's all fate. I hope I can be born into a good family in my next life," another old woman sighed, wiping her eyes.

Zhang Ping'an took his second brother-in-law and walked into the alley in the direction pointed by everyone. There was no need to ask for directions. The noisiest house was right there. He could already hear his mother's voice.

"My poor Wu Ya!" Xu slapped her thigh and cried loudly.

Not knowing what the people in the yard were saying, Mrs. Xu jumped up and cursed, "Bah! My daughter Wu is so unlucky that she can't marry a husband. Your brother had an affair with someone and was beaten to death. And you still want my daughter Wu to marry your brother and remain faithful to him? What kind of logic is that? Our family won't recognize you. I'll return the betrothal gifts to you today. Just consider it our bad luck!"

From these words, we can hear some of the whole story.

The Deng family members were immediately enraged upon hearing what Xu had said. Second son Deng said viciously, "Your Zhang family has already accepted the betrothal gifts, the matchmaker has already made the engagement letter, and your fifth daughter is logically my eldest brother's. Now that my eldest brother has tragically died, if she doesn't come to my house and wear mourning clothes for him, how can I face my deceased eldest brother? I won't give up this easily. At worst, we can fight to the death and file a lawsuit in the government office!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Ping'an immediately pushed through the crowd and stepped forward, saying, "You are just making up stories. Your brother's misconduct led to this fate, so how can you blame my fifth sister? Besides, the wedding hasn't even taken place yet, and now that something like this has happened, the engagement is naturally off the table."

The neighbors who were watching around were talking about it.

Only then did Zhang Ping'an see what Deng Laoer looked like. He should be only fourteen or fifteen years old, about the same age as himself, with a thin build and more handsome features than his brother. He was as lively as a young poplar in spring.

His eyes were red and his chest was heaving violently, and it was obvious how much of a blow this incident had dealt him.

In the yard, apart from Zhang Laoer, Zhang Laoda and Zhang Laosan of the Xu family, there were also many people from the Deng family. Although the Deng family only had two brothers, they were a local household and had some relatives who were related to them. Now, they were all called by Deng Laoer to help out.

The two sides were on the verge of a fight!

After Zhang Pingan finished speaking, he walked over to his parents and asked in a low voice about the details, "Dad, Mom, what is going on?"

Zhang Laoer sighed and whispered back, "This Deng Qingzhu said he was involved with the widow of an official. Today, the man of that family came to our house with his servants, saying that they were having an affair. They started fighting after just a few words, and none of the neighbors dared to help. As a result, the eldest son of the Deng family was beaten to death. Deng Laoer was not at home at the time. He went out to deliver goods. When he came back, he saw his brother's miserable state and hurried to find us. His family members also came later. His brother's body is still resting in the main hall. After the death, the funeral arrangements have to be made. He, a cousin, went to help buy the coffin. Now they have fallen out over the mourning period for Wu Ya's marriage!"

Xu put her hands on her hips and said angrily, "We don't know the reason for this matter. We just heard it from others. But now the second son of the Deng family can't afford to offend that powerful family to avenge his brother, but he wants our fifth daughter to marry into the family and live as a widow. How can that be possible!"

Zhang Ping'an frowned and pondered for a moment before turning around and speaking loudly, "Neighbors, we are all here today to bear witness. I heard that Deng Qingzhu had an affair with someone and was beaten up. My fifth sister has done nothing wrong and hasn't even married yet, so how can she enter his house to observe chastity for him? My family is willing to return the betrothal gifts and chastity gifts in full. We will do our utmost. If you really want to take the case to the government, our Zhang family will not be afraid. We will go all out to prove our point and tell the truth one by one to see who is right. My fifth sister will never do such things as observing chastity and mourning!"

The country is not at peace now, and many people in the south of the city have fled here from all over. Survival is their top priority, so they don't pay as much attention to chastity as before. Many widows have remarried, and many of the onlookers agree with this.

The second son of the Deng family was stunned by this, but he still said stubbornly, "Everyone says my eldest brother is a good person. He was wronged in this matter. The blind fortune teller also said that your daughter has a hard fate and will bring bad luck to her husband. That's why my eldest brother has suffered this misfortune. I wonder who would dare to marry her in the future?"

Zhang Pingan sneered: "My Zhang family's daughter has good character and will have no trouble finding a husband. But your Deng family, after such a scandal, still has the nerve to bring my family into this!"

"Hmph, don't take advantage of me because I'm not as educated as you. The marriage contract has been established since ancient times, how can I allow you to cheat like this?" Deng Lao Er said angrily.

At this time, the Deng family elder who had been silent stood up and slowly said, "Forget it, Qingshi, this matter is indeed not the fault of the Zhang family girl. Let's not force it. But in addition to the betrothal gifts and festival gifts sent before, they must all be returned. There is one more thing. Regardless of whether they are married or not, it is reasonable for you, the Zhang family girl, to be a widow. Now that Qingzhu is buried and the funeral is held, she must come and wear mourning clothes and complete the formalities. If she marries again from now on, she will have nothing to do with our Deng family."

Xu and Zhang Laoer hesitated after hearing this.

Zhang Pingan said decisively after hearing this: "We can return the betrothal gifts and festival gifts in full, but asking my fifth sister to come here as a widow and wear mourning clothes is not acceptable!"