Chapter 27: Second Update

Chapter 27: Second Update

Shen Moer didn’t expect Fu Mingze to be so straightforward about his financial difficulties, but she quickly understood that he was trying to advise her not to take risks over material possessions.

Feeling quite pleased, Shen Moer couldn’t help but smile as she asked, “Fu Mingze, are you worried about our safety?”

Fu Mingze was slightly taken aback, then lowered his eyes, avoiding a direct answer. Instead, he said, “No matter how much something’s worth, it’s not worth risking your life. Even if something is stolen, there are always ways to recover.”

After a pause, he added, “Even though I don’t have much money, Zheng Jiamin’s family is well-off, and he has some money on hand. Also, I have a close friend whose family is quite wealthy and can provide financial support if needed. If you ever find yourself short on money, you can come to me, and we’ll figure something out together.”

Shen Moer was taken aback by his offer.

If he had such a well-off friend, it didn’t make sense for him to be so strapped for cash. This suggested that even if his friend could provide money, Fu Mingze himself was unlikely to ask for help easily.

But by saying this, he was indicating that if she needed help, he was willing to make an exception and ask his friend for assistance.

Shen Moer smiled and accepted his offer. “Alright, thank you in advance, Fu Mingze.”

Fu Mingze glanced at her, a gentle smile in his eyes, and without saying anything more, he shook his head, picked up the water bucket, and left.

As she watched his slim figure fade into the distance, Shen Moer suddenly recalled the events before the rebel army surrounded the city.

That day, her uncle and father were drinking tea and playing chess in the Lotus Pavilion of the imperial garden. The chess game had been stagnant for a while, but they had been casually discussing the eligible young men of the capital, eventually asking her what kind of husband she wanted.

At the time, she was leaning against the edge of the pavilion, idly fishing, and after some thought, she replied, “Someone good-looking.”

Given her father’s sensitive position, she couldn’t choose someone too ambitious or capable, as it might lead to internal strife. Moreover, she had always disliked ugly things, and since she would be spending her days with her husband, she naturally wanted someone handsome.

Her uncle burst into laughter upon hearing her answer and said, “I’ve heard that the fifth son of the Xu family is as elegant as an orchid and a jade tree. He’s also a painting enthusiast and greatly admires your father’s work. I think he would be delighted to be your match.”

Her father, however, interjected, “I’ve met that boy, but unfortunately, he has inherited some of the Xu family’s pedantic tendencies. I don’t think he’s suitable. Moer enjoys practicing martial arts and archery with her cousins, so I think the youngest son of General Zhu would be a better match. I’ve seen the boy, and he has a very spirited demeanor.”

After a pause, her father added, “But unfortunately, his surname is Zhu, which I don’t particularly like.”

Her uncle wasn’t offended and, after some consideration, said, “The top scholar of this year’s imperial exams is rather plain-looking, the second-place candidate is too old, but the third-place candidate is somewhat decent...”

Her father retorted confidently, “Only somewhat decent? How could he possibly be worthy of our Moer?”

Her uncle was left speechless for a moment, then pointed at her father and laughed, “You do have a point.”

Her father, completely unfazed by potentially offending the emperor, continued seriously, “Of course, I have a point. If we were just looking for someone passable, I could easily pick one without your involvement.”

Then, almost casually, her father added, “Come to think of it, the second prince of Western Qi is known as the most handsome man in his kingdom. If he were to come for a marriage alliance, it might be worth considering.”

...

That day, her uncle and father went on and on about countless young men, and Shen Moer, drowsy from the sun, was amazed that her uncle, despite his busy schedule, could remember so many names.

Not long after, portraits of all the young men they had discussed were delivered to the palace.

It was said that even the portrait of the famously handsome second prince of Western Qi was among them.

Unfortunately, just as the stack of portraits arrived at the palace, the rebel army reached the city gates, and she no longer had the heart to look through them.

Then everything turned upside down, and nothing was the same.

Now, in this different world, Shen Moer suddenly wondered: What kind of husband—or match—should she choose in this new life?

The first criterion is still to be easy on the eyes.

No matter in which world, since it's someone you'll be facing every day for decades, being easy on the eyes is the top priority.

As for the second criterion.

Shen Moer recalled the standards for choosing a partner mentioned by several aunties: the housing conditions at home, the economic conditions, for city dwellers, whether they have a stable and respectable job, for rural people, whether the work credits earned are enough to support the family... Overall, it boils down to having solid financial stability.

However, considering her own situation and the mysterious treasury that had somehow ended up in this world, Shen Moer felt that she should go against the norm and choose someone with poor economic conditions, preferably someone who is extremely poor.

In this world, the poor also live hard lives, but at least they are stable, whereas many who were once wealthy and noble are now living very difficult lives.

Like Lin Kaicheng, it's said that the land in the Yangliu brigade area, and even some in the Songshu brigade, used to belong to his family, and many of the brigade members' ancestors were his family's tenant farmers.

Now, only he and his mother remain, a scrawny young man tackling the toughest and most grueling tasks in the entire brigade.

So being a little poor is actually better; poverty keeps you under the radar.

However.

Good-looking, poor.

Shen Moer's eyes landed on Fu Mingze, hauling a water bucket toward her kitchen from afar, and her heart gave a little leap.

So, Fu Zhiqing actually meets the requirements quite well?

As soon as this thought emerged, Shen Moer gave a slight smile. He had just mentioned borrowing money from friends to lend a hand to her family, how could she have the nerve to be swayed by his looks and set her sights on him? Besides, her family is looking for a son-in-law, and Fu Zhiqing probably wouldn't be willing to be a live-in son-in-law.

She didn't linger on the thought, quickly brushed it aside, finished up with the vegetables, and headed back with an enamel basin in hand.

On the way, she ran into Fu Mingze again, carrying a water bucket to fetch water, and hurriedly said, "Fu Zhiqing, I can fetch the water for the tank myself later."

Fu Mingze glanced at her and smiled, "I'm taking a break while fetching water."

Shen Moer: "..."

He was tossing her own joke right back at her.

Shen Moer decided not to bother with him. Aunt Chen and Sister Xinmei had said they would do some washing and drying at home today, so she had a lot more work on her hands. Having someone help fetch water was a relief.

With five more people to feed today, especially since it was their first time eating at her house, Shen Moer thought about making something with meat.

The rabbit they hunted the other day was gone in two days, and now the only thing resembling meat at home was the jerky made earlier, but there wasn't much left, and it was more like a snack, not really suitable as a dish.

Shen Moer looked at the sky, thinking it was still early today, maybe she should try her luck on the back mountain again? With this thought, she went inside to get a wicker basket and the short bow she had made earlier, planning to wander around the mountain. If she came up empty-handed, she’d head to the stream to try her luck at catching some fish.

But just as she reached the door, something suddenly fluttered into view, and a clucking noise came rushing straight at her face—

Shen Moer instinctively reached out and snatched it: "What the—?!"