Chapter 108: I Will Take Over Next

Chen Deng wasted no time with formalities, his eyes gleaming as he said, “Here’s the situation. Miss Zhou Luyun of the Zhou family is already seventeen, isn’t she? Our eldest son of the Chen family is twenty-six this year and has been deeply enamored with Miss Zhou Luyun. Today, I have come personally to propose marriage.”

Everyone knew that the Chen family had three sons: the eldest, Chen Wen’an; the second, Chen Wenxing; and the youngest, Chen Wenju. Chen Wen’an had been paralyzed since childhood, bedridden for years, needing assistance even to use the restroom. However, it was said that Chen Wen’an had inherited the intelligence of his great ancestor, Chen Ci, reputed to be a very clever man.

But no matter how intelligent he was, Zhou Luyun could not marry a cripple. This was a matter of her lifelong happiness. Besides, she had long been betrothed and was to be wed before the New Year.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Tiewen’s face darkened as if covered by a shadow; his heart pounded wildly. Secretly, he thought, “A weasel wishing the chickens a happy New Year—Chen Deng clearly has ill intentions.”

But with the Chen family’s vast influence and wealth, they could not be offended lightly. What was to be done?

Frustrated and disoriented, Zhou Tiewen naturally glanced at Zhou Zhi.

At this moment, Zhou Zhi remained calm and unruffled. What Zhou Tiewen did not know was that beneath his composed exterior, Zhou Zhi’s mind was in turmoil.

Everything was clear now. No wonder he had offended Chen Wenju last year, yet the Chen family had shown no signs of retaliation. Although Chen Wenju had mocked and taunted him repeatedly, even sending men to drug their official horses or attempt to destroy their vegetable greenhouses, all these acts had been concealed from his father, Chen Zonghe.

It was no surprise that Chen Zonghe, a ruthless and oppressive man, had shown such warmth toward Zhou Zhi. He had been harboring sinister plans, already scheming to marry his paralyzed son to Zhou Zhi’s sister.

Damn! The Chen family was truly a vile force, and now their bullying had come home to roost.

Thinking this, Zhou Zhi gave Chen Deng an apologetic smile and said, “Perhaps Chen Butler is unaware, but my sister has already been betrothed to the Hu family of Gaochang Town.”

“Ha! Of course, this old man is well aware,” Chen Deng chuckled knowingly. “But just a few days ago, I heard the Hu family suffered a devastating fire that burned their silk and cotton shop to the ground. The Hu family being a small household, for Miss Luyun to marry into that family would be to jump into the fire herself! The engagement has naturally been broken off.

“Our master has also considered that your Zhou family might be too embarrassed to bring this up. If you agree today, I will personally go to Gaochang Town to explain matters to the Hu family and release Miss Luyun from that engagement.” Chen Deng spoke with a confident smile, as if everything was already settled.

Before Chen Deng finished, Zhou Zhi interrupted firmly, “There is no need for Chen Butler to trouble himself with breaking off the engagement. My sister does not disdain the Hu family’s poverty; she is determined to marry into it. Therefore, there is no need for Chen Butler to propose on behalf of the Chen eldest son. If there is nothing else, Chen Butler, please take your leave.”

Though Zhou Zhi’s face remained unchanged, his tone was resolute and cold, as if barring all negotiation.

Outside, Zhou Luyun, who had been eavesdropping anxiously, finally breathed a sigh of relief and silently admired her brother. He handled matters perfectly, exactly as she wished.

Chen Deng was taken aback, then stood, surprised. “What? Does the Zhou family oppose this marriage? Although my eldest son has a slight disability, he is intelligent and well-mannered. Moreover, as you know, the Chen family is wealthy, with plenty of silver and numerous servants.

“If Miss Luyun marries into the Chen family, she will be the lady of the house, enjoying boundless wealth and honor!”

Zhou Zhi thought to himself, “Who do you think everyone is—shameless and shallow like you, Chen Deng?”

He said coldly, “Chen Butler, no more words are needed. The Zhou family knows how to handle its own affairs. My sister will definitely not marry your eldest son. Please leave.”

Having said this, he did not even glance at Chen Deng but stepped out of the inner room.

Zhou Tiewen quickly followed suit, angrily shouting, “Our daughter has been promised to someone long ago; how can that be changed? Hmph! This is unreasonable.” Then he too stepped out.

Only Old Wang and Chen Deng remained inside. Old Wang’s face was flushed as he stood and said, “I have long said the Zhou family would not agree. You, Butler Chen, insisted on involving me, bringing me here to suffer embarrassment. I am leaving now.”

Chen Deng, first surprised, then furious and ashamed, stepped out with the gift box and said to Zhou Zhi and Zhou Tiewen, “You’d better think carefully. This will offend the Chen family, and you know how powerful they are.”

Zhou Zhi’s brow tightened. In a cold voice, he replied, “Very well. Since Chen Butler speaks thus, please return and tell your master and young master that the nickname ‘Cold-Faced Butcher’ is not given to Zhou Zhi for nothing.”

Indeed, when people in Baiyue Village mentioned Zhou Zhi, they could not help but recall how he single-handedly dealt with Liu Hui and several ruffians, and how he led a raid that crushed Xin Village. Zhou Zhi’s ruthlessness earned him the moniker “Cold-Faced Butcher,” which was widely known. Ordinary folk in the surrounding villages dared not provoke him.

Chen Deng was stunned by Zhou Zhi’s words, his heart trembling. The Chen family was formidable, but he was merely their steward—a mere dog in their service. If Zhou Zhi truly decided to make trouble, Chen Deng and his family would be helpless.

With this thought, Chen Deng’s face turned pale, and he fell silent, hastily leaving the courtyard with the gift box.

Old Wang, the “Puzzle Solver,” looked embarrassed and said, “Brother Zhou Tiewen, young master Zhou Zhi, I did not come of my own accord. Chen Deng found me and asked me to accompany him. How could I dare offend the Chen family? I had no choice but to shamelessly come.

“Hmph! The Chen family ought to consider—how could Luyun possibly marry a cripple?”

Zhou Zhi understood Old Wang’s predicament and smiled kindly, offering some consolation.

Old Wang’s face returned to normal, and he chatted amiably for a while before his expression turned serious. In a low voice, he said, “What Chen Deng said was not wrong. Now your Zhou family has offended the Chen family. Young master Zhou Zhi, you must be cautious going forward.”

After speaking, Old Wang felt regret. Zhou Zhi hardly needed his warnings. He was clever, and although he had long ago offended the Chen family, they had seemingly done him no harm. On the contrary, the Zhou family’s fortunes had only improved.

Zhou Zhi smiled slightly and replied respectfully, “Thank you for your concern, Old Master. I will be careful. When swords come, I shall meet them with shields; when floods come, I will use earth to block them. Whatever tricks the Chen family has, I will face them head on.”

Old Wang nodded approvingly and then left Zhou Zhi’s home.

Standing in the courtyard, Zhou Zhi’s expression grew serious as he pondered silently: The Hu family had suffered a fire not long ago, and now the Chen family comes with a marriage proposal. Could the fire at the Hu household be connected to the Chen family?