newbobooks Chapter 511 is not a dowry, but a betrothal gift.
Chapter 511 is not a dowry, but a betrothal gift.
Arriving in Huizhou meant parting ways with Lin Ping. Given her status, how could she have the courage to say she wanted to stay by his side?
Moreover, she had no idea what the future held.
Having lived in Yingtian Prefecture since childhood, her sudden trip to Huizhou to seek refuge with her uncle, even with a handwritten letter from her father, did not guarantee a smooth resolution.
Who knows what kind of person her uncle is, or whether he had any unpleasant experiences with her father?
"Are you feeling lost about the future?" Lin Ping saw through Guo Zhixi's thoughts.
Guo Zhixi smiled slightly and shook her head, saying, "My father said that my uncle is very kind and will definitely treat me like his own daughter. It's just that time flies by so fast, and in the blink of an eye, I have to say goodbye to the adults."
Behind the smile lies heartache and helplessness; this is the only way to commemorate the happiest time of her life.
"Alright, go to sleep early. We can't let your uncle think you've been wronged by me," Lin Ping replied with a smile, knowing he couldn't say anything even though he saw through Guo Zhiqian's thoughts.
Some things are like window paper; once you break through them, it's bad for everyone.
Lin Ping needs to maintain a kind image, while Guo Zhixi needs to maintain a reserved demeanor.
“Lord Prince Consort, don’t you consider keeping this girl by your side? I don’t think the Princess would be angry.” Looking at Guo Zhiqian’s lonely and dejected expression, Pang Xingji suddenly said.
Guo Zhixi's requirements were not high; being Lin Ping's maid was enough, and it would not affect Jiang Yunying's status. It could even make up for many of Jiang Yunying's shortcomings.
For two people to live together, it's not enough to just be highly skilled in martial arts; they also need a gentle and virtuous girl like Guo Zhixi.
"Should I tell my wife exactly what I said?" Lin Ping glanced at Pang Xingji.
The appearance of Xia Linglong and Zhou Xiyin has already given Lin Ping a lot of trouble. If Guo Zhixi is added to the mix, it might cause even more chaos.
Lin Ping didn't want to cause trouble for himself. He had to be ruthless when necessary, otherwise what was the difference between him and a hypocrite?
I'm a devoted male protagonist, so I can't be confused with harem novels.
"Your Highness, spare my life! I, Pang Xingji, still want to live a few more days." Thinking of Jiang Yunying's methods, Pang Xingji trembled with fear.
Lin Ping persuaded people with reason, while Jiang Yunying persuaded people with force.
We can't beat them, and we don't dare to mess with them.
The next day, the army set off as usual, but Pang Xingji deliberately slowed down, trying to reach Huizhou City before dark.
In the course of most of the day, Lin Ping spoke to Guo Zhixi very few times.
It seems that only silence can quell the reluctance in my heart.
"My lord, Huizhou City is just ahead. Our army cannot enter," Pang Xingji warned, pointing ahead.
Guo Zhixi understands the principle that "even after a thousand miles of farewell, we must eventually part ways."
"Brother Pang, bring that gentle white horse over," Lin Ping instructed.
Although we have reached the outskirts of Huizhou, there are still 30 li to go. If we rely on walking, we probably won't arrive before dark.
Before long, Pang Xingji brought over the little white horse he had personally selected, clearly prepared specifically for Guo Zhiqian.
"This horse is gentle; let it see you off on your final journey," Lin Ping said calmly.
"I like this horse. Can you give it to me as a farewell gift?" Guo Zhixi carefully slid off Lin Ping's horse and excitedly hugged the little white horse's neck.
The horse seemed to be intelligent, obediently licking her palm a few times.
"Of course, this is for you," Lin Ping said with a smile.
When I was on horseback, my heart tightened, and I couldn't help but shed tears.
"My lord, will we ever meet again?" Guo Zhixi asked, her back turned, trying to remain calm.
"Probably so."
Lin Ping gave a forced answer, even though he had expected Guo Zhixi to ask this question and had thought of what to say to her, he still told her the truth in the end.
Their social statuses are vastly different, and even if Lin Ping doesn't admit it, it doesn't change that fact.
Furthermore, if Jiang Yunying is rescued, Lin Ping may end up staying in Jiangcheng for the rest of his life.
Lin Ping believes that as long as he has food and a wife, he can stay at home until the earth explodes.
Or maybe they're too tired to get out of bed...
Therefore, his chances of coming to Huizhou are very slim, practically zero.
"I've never been this happy before I met you, and I will cherish this memory for the rest of my life." Guo Zhixi's voice was choked with emotion, and tears streamed down her cheeks as she bid farewell to Lin Ping.
Even though he only regarded her as a younger sister, Lin Ping was still reluctant to part with her. After all, the scene was touching, and no one could truly say goodbye with a smile.
"Wait a minute," Lin Ping suddenly called out to the other person.
Guo Zhixi was slightly taken aback, a hundred thoughts surging through her mind, and she desperately wanted Lin Ping to let her stay.
"It's nothing really, I just have a gift for you. I made it myself..." Lin Ping chuckled, pulling things out of his pocket.
"A handmade gift?" Guo Zhixi felt a warmth in her heart; at least this was something to look forward to.
"Finally, I've got it out." Lin Ping held up a thousand-tael silver note and said with a smile, "This is money I earned myself, and I'm giving it to you!"
A thousand taels of silver is an astronomical figure for ordinary people. Guo Zhixi should have been overjoyed, but she couldn't muster much enthusiasm.
She would rather Lin Ping give her a flower wreath than this money-grubbing gift.
“Although this money isn’t much, it’s a guarantee. If your uncle isn’t as kind as your father says, then buy a few houses yourself, or find someone you like to marry, and this money can be your dowry. There’s no need to live under someone else’s roof and have to watch other people’s faces every day,” Lin Ping said earnestly.
A dowry is equivalent to a woman's status. With a thousand taels of silver as a guarantee, even if she marries an ordinary young man, she will be looked up to by her husband's family.
Lin Ping knew the hardships of living under someone else's roof, and she knew even more the difficulties of being a woman.
If this thousand taels of silver can change her situation, why not?
Guo Zhixi understood Lin Ping's good intentions and carefully put the silver away, fearing that she wouldn't spend it until she was destitute.
Just as Lin Ping was trying to hide his embarrassment with a silly grin, Guo Zhiqian suddenly kissed him on the forehead.
"This is a gift for the adults."
After speaking, the little girl's ears turned bright red, and she hurriedly urged the pony to run away, almost slipping off its back.
"Haha, I knew this little girl liked the Prince Consort," Pang Xingji teased with a smile.
"What are you looking at? Anyone who dares to utter a single word will be subject to military law!" Lin Ping said angrily.
The people around immediately covered their eyes with their hands, not daring to offend Lin Ping.
"It's still early, let's keep going!" Lin Ping quickly changed the subject.
"Is there really no chance of us meeting again? I have a feeling we'll see each other again within three days." Looking at the army rushing southwest, Guo Zhixi revealed a strange smile: "This thousand taels of silver isn't your dowry, it's your betrothal gift!"