Chapter 967: Calculating Scholar 22

Since Tang Wan had no family elders, Matchmaker Liu didn’t need to go through the usual lengthy formalities. Moreover, on the way over, the Ye family had already made it clear that they wanted to exchange Geng Tie and set a date as soon as possible. So after entering the house, Matchmaker Liu kept things brief and got straight to the point.

Tang Wan lowered her head shyly and agreed.

Once the marriage was settled, Matchmaker Liu smiled broadly and said to Mother Ye, “Then congratulations in advance, sister! Don’t forget to invite me when it’s time for the wedding feast.”

“Of course,” Mother Ye replied, her face full of joy.

After seeing Matchmaker Liu out, Mother Ye took out a purse from her inner pocket and handed it to Tang Wan. Inside were twenty taels of silver. “Good girl, this is the betrothal gift from my Qingtong. Our family’s conditions are limited, so I hope you won’t mind. But I can promise you—once you marry in, Qingtong will treat you well.”

Tang Wan quickly shook her head. “Auntie, you’re too kind. Big Brother Ye has saved me several times already. He’s someone worth entrusting my life to—how could I care about the bride price?”

Hearing this, Mother Ye felt even more satisfied.

Still, she couldn’t help thinking to herself: This boy… when did he save her so many times? No wonder such a beautiful girl is willing to marry him. Not bad at all!

At that moment, Li Fuze was just about to head out. Seeing Tang Wan’s courtyard door wide open, his heart stirred, and he couldn’t help walking over. But as soon as he approached, he noticed that there were guests inside.

His expression immediately darkened.

Who was in the Tang household?

Without hesitation, he stepped forward and called out, “Wan Wan, who’s come to your house?”

Inside, Ye Qingtong’s gaze turned cold at the sound of his voice, while Mother Ye also looked toward the door.

“Brother Afu, you’re here?” Tang Wan replied calmly. “It’s my future husband’s family visiting.”

The moment those words fell, Li Fuze’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“What did you say? Since when did you have a fiancé?” he demanded, his voice rising uncontrollably.

He had never heard of such a thing.

Before Tang Wan could respond, Ye Qingtong stepped forward, his expression calm but firm. “There may not have been one before, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t one now. Men and women grow up and get married—Wan Wan is already thirteen. What’s strange about her having a fiancé?”

Seeing him, Li Fuze’s pupils shrank. “You?!”

“Qingtong, who is this?” Mother Ye asked, noticing the tension.

“Oh, nothing. He’s the son of Wan Wan’s neighbor—Li Xiucai,” Ye Qingtong replied lightly.

Hearing this, Mother Ye immediately showed recognition. “So it’s him!” News of Li Fuze passing the exam had already spread through several nearby villages. She hadn’t expected his home to be right next to Tang Wan’s.

Li Fuze took a deep breath, then looked at Tang Wan. “Didn’t you only meet him a few days ago? How did you suddenly become engaged?”

If Tang Wan married into the Ye family, how was he supposed to use her to fund his studies? Among all the people he had considered, she was the only one with such extraordinary beauty—someone who could bring him enormous profit in a short time.

Tang Wan was just about to answer when Ye Qingtong spoke first, his tone steady but pointed. “Naturally, it’s because of fate. Some people can know each other for over ten years and still never end up together. Others may only meet once, yet are destined to be together.”

The meaning was clear.

Even if they had only met for a few days, it didn’t matter—because they were meant to be.

As for Li Fuze?

He could stand aside.