Chapter 207 Gui Hong's Engagement
Chapter 207 Gui Hong's Engagement
Thinking of Gui Xiang, Gui Zhi felt a little troubled. Originally, Gui Xiang's personality was quite suitable for her own handicraft workshop.
Guizhi originally planned to give the handicraft workshop as part of her dowry to Guixiang, so that the two sisters, Guixiang and Guihong, could cooperate with each other and have their own things to do and their own income after marriage, without having to live at the mercy of their in-laws.
However, after what happened with Jiang Xiaoyu and Jiang Hongliang, Guixiang's reputation in the handicraft workshop was ruined, and it was no longer suitable for her to return.
Furthermore, the Jiang family has been eyeing Guixiang with a clear purpose: to covet her dowry. If Guixiang can sever ties with the Jiang family after returning home, perhaps they could consider acquiring another shop!
Guizhi was unaware that Guixiang was already completely devoted to Jiang Hongliang. She was still pondering what kind of shop or workshop would be suitable as part of Guixiang's dowry.
In Xiaoping Village, the betrothal ceremony for Guihong and Zhou Shaoyu has already begun, following the proper procedures: asking for names, and accepting auspicious omens. Now that an auspicious date has been chosen, the betrothal gifts must be sent to the woman's family to formally establish the engagement.
Gui Hong and Gui Zhi both received the notification and rushed home. They found the house being thoroughly cleaned, inside and out, in preparation for the arrival of the Zhou family.
The Zhou family was also a large family. On the day of the engagement, Dazhu called back the old man, the old woman, and his younger brother and sister-in-law.
The women in the village also came to help with cooking, washing dishes, and setting up several tables for a banquet.
They slaughtered a pig, several chickens, and a few ducks, and even bought a sheep specifically for the banquet. It's clear that Dazhu highly values this in-law. Therefore, the banquet was very grand.
The Zhou family also took it very seriously, and Mr. and Mrs. Qu led them into the village in several horse-drawn carriages. The villagers were in an uproar.
"Whose house are we going to? There are so many carriages!"
"I heard that Dazhu's daughter got engaged today, so she should be going to his house."
"This in-law is wealthy! It seems that Dazhu's daughter has truly risen to a higher social status!"
"It seems the Dazhu family is really going to prosper, with their daughter marrying so well! How could they not help their family?"
"That's right! If the first daughter married well, how could the others be any worse off?"
Jiang Hongliang and his wife were also among the onlookers. Jiang Hongliang came here almost every day, his purpose being to find a way to get close to Guixiang.
However, Gui Xiang became much more obedient after being beaten, spending her days doing needlework and reading books in her room. Old Zhou also guarded the front door, which was usually kept tightly closed, so Jiang Hongliang never had a chance to see Gui Xiang.
Today is Guihong's engagement day, a busy and bustling occasion. Jiang Hongliang was looking for an opportunity when he saw the Zhou family's carriage stop, and the servants began to unload things from the carriage.
Silk and satin were indispensable, and while the gold and silver jewelry couldn't be seen in detail from the outside, the exquisite packaging alone suggested that the jewelry itself must be even more beautiful.
Gui Zhi, Gui Xiang, and Gui Hong joined Da Zhu and his family in welcoming Zhou Shaoyu's family to their seats. Zhou Shaoyu deliberately lagged behind, tugging at Gui Hong's sleeve and whispering:
"Guihong, I noticed that the people in your village are very welcoming. Would you show me around later?"
Gui Hong blushed and nodded gently.
On such a joyous day, Gui Xiang didn't hide away. Instead, she came out to help entertain the guests.
The sheer volume of betrothal gifts was a testament to the Zhou family's wealth. And this was just the engagement; the betrothal gifts at the wedding would be even greater and more exquisite! It would be a lie to say Guixiang wasn't envious.
Gui Xiang had once had beautiful dreams, even these past few days when she heard that Gui Hong was engaged. She dreamt that Jiang Hongliang, dressed in a red robe, came to pick her up for her wedding, while she, in her wedding dress, was praised by Jiang Hongliang and carried into the bridal chamber.
Gui Xiang was envious, but not jealous. She glanced casually towards the door and, to her surprise, saw her beloved, whom she had been longing for, smiling at her.
Gui Xiang looked around; no one was paying attention to her. She quickly walked towards Jiang Hongliang.
Jiang Hongliang had explored the entire village over the past few days, and now he led Guixiang towards a secluded spot. As soon as Guixiang entered the alley, she was embraced tightly by warm, broad arms.
"Gui Xiang! My dear wife! I've missed you so much!"
Gui Xiang felt a sweet warmth in her heart and responded shyly:
"Jiang Lang! I miss you too!"
When Jiang Hongliang had made Guixiang breathless from all his caresses, he looked at the unsatisfied Guixiang and said in a deep voice:
"Guixiang! Come home with me! How can this place satisfy us? Let's go home! Your parents won't let me in, and I can only see you in my dreams at night when I miss you!"
Gui Xiang, still lost in her reverie, said:
"Jiang Lang! My father told my mother to beat me and not let me be with you! They said they'd find me a better husband in a few years. Jiang Lang! I dream of you every day!"
Jiang Hongliang continued to deceive him:
"Guixiang! Take advantage of the crowd today and go pack your clothes. We'll go to my house, with all the neighbors as witnesses, and once the deed is done, your parents will agree to our marriage!"
Gui Xiang, slightly more awake, hesitated before saying:
"But! But your mother always says that if I'm betrothed to a wife, I'll be eloped to a concubine! If I go with you like this, wouldn't that be eloping? How can I become your wife then?"
"No way! Jiang Lang! You should have your mother find a matchmaker to propose marriage! I'll get my parents to agree!"
After Gui Xiang finished speaking, she straightened her clothes and started to walk back.
Jiang Hongliang wasn't about to let such a good opportunity slip by. He reached out and pulled Guixiang into his arms, kneading her roughly. Since everyone was gathered at Dazhu's house watching the spectacle, and no one usually came here, Jiang Hongliang was going to have his way with Guixiang.
Gui Xiang had regained consciousness and was no longer willing to cooperate. The noise outside only fueled Jiang Hongliang's excitement as Gui Xiang struggled.
Gui Xiang tried to run away, but Jiang Hongliang held her firmly against the wall. He kissed her relentlessly, ignoring her face and lips.
Gui Xiang shook her head from side to side, refusing Jiang Hongliang's touch. She also pushed Jiang Hongliang away forcefully with her hands.
"Let me go! I want to go home! We'll be in big trouble if people find out! Let me go!"
Jiang Hongliang, annoyed by being pushed, pinched Guixiang hard.
"Ah!" Gui Xiang cried out in pain. Jiang Hongliang whispered:
"Shout! Shout as loudly as you can! Let everyone see what Wang Guixiang looks like now!"
With tears in her eyes, Gui Xiang quickly covered her mouth with her hand and looked at Jiang Hongliang pleadingly!
Taking advantage of Gui Xiang's distraction, Jiang Hongliang forced her to have sex with him.
Gui Xiang couldn't escape, and tearfully submitted to Jiang Hongliang. Jiang Hongliang was acting like he was on steroids today, gripping Gui Xiang so tightly her chest ached, and her whole body felt like it was falling apart. Only after Jiang Hongliang's excitement subsided did Gui Xiang finally collapse limply to the ground.
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