Transmigrated Leftover Woman in Rural Style

Having received the old Taoist's reply, Li Xiaonuan hurriedly wrote a letter and sent it to Prince Jing. Now, she truly dared not meet Prince Jing directly. Not only was she unwilling to kneel at the slightest provocation, but she also found the difference in social hierarchy unbearable.

In the letter, she also reported to Prince Jing that the old Taoist priest had already seen through their plan. She hoped that Prince Jing would make things less difficult for her because of this, or at least stop her from constantly attracting hatred from the Zhao family.

Since Zhao Wangchuan returned to the village, the Zhao family's door has remained tightly closed, just as it was before his return. Moreover, those who try to get close to him are almost always turned away at the door.

After Zhao Wangchuan returned to the village, besides visiting the village head and the clan chief, he only ever went to the Li family's house. Therefore, everyone said that Zhao Wangchuan had taken a liking to Li Xiaonuan. Some people even went to the Li family's house to test the waters.

Of course, the tightly closed gate only posed a barrier to the villagers. Those matchmakers, with their thick skin, wouldn't stop just because of a broken door. Therefore, almost every few days, someone would come to Zhao Wangchuan to propose marriage.

Without exception, all the matchmakers were politely refused. And because of that, everyone was even more convinced that Zhao Wangchuan and Li Xiaonuan were probably really together. No matter how the Su family explained, people just wouldn't believe them.

Therefore, Li Xiaonuan's engagement was broken off, she later got involved in a lawsuit for spreading rumors, and the previous marriage fraud incident was brought up again by some people with ulterior motives. These events suddenly became the topic of conversation in the vicinity, and even throughout the entire prefecture city.

The group split into three factions.

Those who support Li Xiaonuan's innocence and argue that she shouldn't be burdened by such a reputation form a separate faction. However, this faction is relatively small. Most of those who stand with Li Xiaonuan have families that have suffered to some extent because of her reputation.

Opposing those who supported her were those who opposed her. Many said that someone like Li Xiaonuan should remain unmarried and not marry, or spend the rest of her life in a temple to avoid tarnishing the reputation of her family. This group constituted the majority.

Finally, the smallest group was the neutrals. To call them neutral would be less accurate than saying they were indifferent. Because, in their view, they didn't even know who Li Xiaonuan was, so why should they care about her?

And so, in this sweltering summer, Li Xiaonuan once again became the talk of the town. It was at this time that Prince Jing sent someone to return the books. Li Xiaonuan examined them and found that the rubbings on the books were very obvious.

What devastated Li Xiaonuan the most was that Prince Jing's letter emphasized that she must learn as much as possible about all aspects of going to sea, especially the route and how to deal with various emergencies.

Moreover, this time, Prince Jing's tone was quite forceful, written in a commanding manner. At the end of the letter, Prince Jing promised to grant Li Xiaonuan one request as a condition. Of course, that request could not be immoral or exceed the bounds of the law.

Li Xiaonuan put down the letter in her hand, feeling an intense bitterness in her mouth. Under such circumstances, Prince Jing had actually presented her with such a difficult problem. To relieve her frustration, Li Xiaonuan decided to go to the wasteland to clear her mind.

Although, in a situation like this, Li Xiaonuan should have stayed home and not gone anywhere, she was, by nature, an outsider lacking that self-awareness. Therefore, she went out without any pressure.

As she passed by the Zhao family's house, Aunt Lin, who was out picking vegetables, stopped her, and the two chatted for a while. From Aunt Lin's words, Li Xiaonuan gleaned two pieces of information.

First, at this critical juncture, it's best for Li Xiaonuan to avoid contact with the Zhao family's masters.

Secondly, it's best to find a family to marry into as soon as possible, so that you won't be criticized by those people.

Li Xiaonuan felt even more bitter. She forced a smile, thanked Aunt Lin, and went to the pond in a daze. Torn between two options, Li Xiaonuan suddenly felt much better when she saw the clear pond water.

The water was crystal clear; even the tiny, translucent, silvery-white fish at the bottom were clearly visible. Li Xiaonuan found a relatively convenient and safe spot and went down to the edge of the water.

Li Xiaonuan chose a relatively flat rock to sit on, looked around, and found that no one was coming this way. So she boldly took off her shoes and socks, rolled up her trouser legs, and put her feet into the water.

The cool pool water sent a refreshing sensation from her toes all the way to her heart. For a moment, Li Xiaonuan forgot her earlier troubles. She sat quietly, watching the little fish curiously approach her feet, only to scatter in fright at the slightest movement she made.

This pond is actually quite beautiful. The edges are almost entirely composed of scattered rocks, without any muddy or murky feel. A layer of lush green aquatic plants grows on the bottom, swaying gently with the ripples. Unidentified little fish dart and swim among them, creating a truly natural and charming scene.

Li Xiaonuan watched with a smile, enjoying the clear, cool water. Unconsciously, she drifted back to reality, thinking about her troubles.

Today is the sixth day since Zhao Wangchuan and his group entered the mountains. She wonders if she can get a private meeting with the old Taoist priest when they return. Speaking of which, Li Xiaonuan actually came up with a really lame idea: to have Xiaogang act as a messenger. Then, all communication would be done via letters.

But the key issue is that Li Xiaonuan felt this plan was simply impossible. First, Aunt Zhao had already asked Aunt Lin to specifically tell her to keep the two families at a distance. Second, making Xiaogang a messenger was indeed a bit too much for him.

After all, Xiao Gang is now Qi Ji's apprentice and has to go to the medical clinic to learn every day. Moreover, Xiao Gang is also a member of the Li family, and if he frequently visits the Zhao residence, he will definitely be criticized.

"Sigh~," Li Xiaonuan sighed deeply. She felt her life was so difficult. Where was the protagonist's halo? Where was the promised success and prosperity? Why hadn't she met someone who would cherish her like a treasure?

"God, are you really going to kill me? Is it fun to make things so difficult for me? Huh? Is it fun?" Li Xiaonuan murmured, playfully splashing the water.

Caught up in the moment, Li Xiaonuan took the opportunity to let out a few soft "ah ah" sounds. But before she could finish, she was pulled up from the rock. Startled and bewildered, Li Xiaonuan looked at the person in front of her.

"Little Nuan, how are you? Are you hurt?" Zhou Liufeng asked anxiously, not noticing Li Xiaonuan's expression.

"I'm fine, Brother Liu Fei. I was just playing in the water. Brother Liu Fei, what are you doing here?" Only then did Li Xiaonuan realize that Zhou Liu Fei had pulled her up because he was afraid something might happen to her.

Zhou Liufeng was stunned. He had thought Li Xiaonuan was in danger, which was why he had helped her up. Who would have thought it was all a misunderstanding? He glanced at Li Xiaonuan's bare feet and fair legs, and quickly turned away, his face flushed.

"Little Nuan, what are you doing playing in the water here? I just came out of the mountains and was thinking of washing my face here. But then I heard you shout a few times. I thought you were in danger." Zhou Liufeng, who had turned his back, rubbed his hands awkwardly.

Li Xiaonuan looked at the shy Zhou Liufeng with amusement, squatted down, quickly put on her shoes and socks, and pulled down her trouser legs. After she was done, she said, "Brother Liufeng, you always go hunting in the mountains alone. Aren't you afraid of the danger?"

As Li Xiaonuan spoke, she walked past Zhou Liufei toward the edge of the pond. As she passed by him, Li Xiaonuan clearly felt his whole body stiffen for a moment.