Chapter 969: Calculating Scholar 24

After hearing Ye Qingtong’s words, Tang Wan nodded shyly. “Alright then.”

Seeing her agree, Ye Qingtong’s heart instantly filled with joy. He quickly asked, “Do you need to pack anything?”

“No,” Tang Wan replied, shaking her head. She went inside briefly to hide her silver, then came back out and followed Ye Qingtong toward the Ye family home.

Meanwhile, at the Li household, Mother Li had already learned about Tang Wan’s engagement to the Ye family.

“What did you say? How could Wan Wan suddenly be engaged to the Ye family? Did her parents arrange it before they passed away? That’s impossible! If that were the case, why didn’t the Ye family come forward all these years?” Mother Li exclaimed, both shocked and anxious.

She had long considered Tang Wan as her future daughter-in-law. Now that Tang Wan had been promised to someone else, how could she not be upset?

Li Fuze’s expression was equally grim. “It seems she agreed after Ye Qingtong saved her twice.”

“How can that be allowed? Neighbors should help each other—that’s nothing special! How could she settle her marriage without even telling me?” Mother Li said angrily.

“Who knows? Go ask her yourself,” Li Fuze replied irritably.

Originally, he had planned to use Tang Wan to obtain a hundred taels of silver from the jade shop owner in town, securing enough funds for his studies. Once he passed the next level of the imperial examination, making money would become even easier. But now, before his plan could even begin, the most critical piece had slipped out of his control.

“No! I have to go ask her myself! I watched her grow up—how could she decide something like marriage without informing me?” Mother Li fumed.

But when she rushed next door, the gate to the Tang household was already locked, and Tang Wan was nowhere to be found.

Furious, Mother Li couldn’t help but curse under her breath. After all the care the Li family had given her over the years, this girl had gone and arranged her own marriage without a word!

If she hadn’t planned to make her their daughter-in-law, would she have treated her so well?

After venting her anger at the empty courtyard, Mother Li returned home, still seething.

At this time, Tang Wan was already on her way to Ye Village.

Worried that her striking appearance might attract attention—and with the midday sun growing strong—Ye Qingtong had thoughtfully asked her to wear a veil. It would shield her from the sun and also prevent others from seeing her face.

He didn’t want more people setting their sights on her.

Because her feet had only just healed from injury, Tang Wan walked slowly.

Seeing this, Mother Ye said, “Qingtong, you two take your time. I’ll head back first to prepare lunch.”

Hearing this, Ye Qingtong was inwardly delighted, though he kept a calm expression. “Alright, Mother. Be careful on the way. Wan Wan and I will follow behind.”

Mother Ye nodded. “Good. You two walk slowly.”

“Alright, Auntie,” Tang Wan replied obediently.

Once Mother Ye’s figure disappeared from sight, Ye Qingtong immediately reached out and took Tang Wan’s cool, soft hand.

Tang Wan stiffened slightly on purpose, then seemed to grow a little nervous, her fingers tightening subtly in his grasp.

Seeing this, the corners of Ye Qingtong’s lips lifted unconsciously. “Your feet only just got better a couple of days ago. It’s fine to walk slowly. If you get tired, just tell me—I’ll carry you on my back.”