Everyone looked at Xing'er, each with the same unspoken thought: 'What choice do you have besides marrying him?'
The Old Madam stood at the doorway, striking her cane against the ground. THUD! THUD! "You shut your mouth!" she screeched at Xing'er. "You disgraceful wretch!"
She looked at Shanzimama. "Alright, five taels of silver for the betrothal gift. Have someone come to our home tomorrow with the formal proposal."
Shanzi's face lit up with joy.
Ms. Qian shrieked, "Mother, I don't agree! Five taels of silver is far too little!"
The Old Madam glared at her. "What more could you want? Who else is to blame for this 'fine' daughter you've raised! She has brought utter shame to the Gu Family!"
Xing'er looked at the Old Madam, her teeth clenched. "I won't marry!"
"Nothing... nothing happened between us! I'm... I'm still a maiden! I absolutely will not marry him!"
Shanzi grew frantic. Just when it seemed everything was settled, he never expected Xing'er to suddenly back out.
