Wunian looked at Shan Jin and smiled. "Big Brother Shan, can I call you that?"
"Of course."
"Big Brother Shan, I'm very happy to have met you! We're orphans and lost our parents when we were young. I was raised by my big sister. She's a good person, kind, and values relationships. Of course, she's already at the age of marriage. Women value reputation. If Big Brother Shan likes my sister and can become my brother-in-law, I'd be very happy. However, if Big Brother Shan thinks that my sister is not bad and may be taken in as a concubine, then please stay away from her and don't harass her. Big Brother Shan, please think about it tonight. If you can persuade your family to accept my sister as your wife, then we'll rush to the capital tomorrow. If you can't, I'll ask the two of you to go ahead and leave, as we probably will not be traveling on the same path henceforth. Can Big Brother Shan understand my intentions?"
"Yes, I'll think about what you've said to me and give you an answer tomorrow morning!"
"Then Big Sister and I will retire upstairs for the night now."
Shan Jin had no choice but to take Wunian's words seriously. This was the first time he had taken a fancy to a girl, but if his family objected, he would retreat. There was no doubt that the young lady was right. It would be better to leave as soon as possible.
That night, Shan Jin tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep. He was most unwilling to give up just like that.
Luo Cheng, who was sleeping on the ground, told Shan Jin about the decree of the bandits. Even that did not get Shan Jin interested. Luo Cheng could do whatever he wanted.
No matter how hard it was to march and fight, I had completed many difficult missions. But am I to be defeated by such a question now? If my family doesn't agree, then on one hand it's my future happiness is at stake, and on the other hand, it's my filial piety as a child.
Juxiang asked Wunian, "Little Sister, how could you say that to that young general? Besides, how am I worthy of him?"
"Big Sister, don't belittle yourself. You two are very compatible. Actually, he comes from a good family background and he's a kind person. I said those words so that he can decide what he wants and stand firm. And even if his family were to object, at least he had fought for you and for that reason he will cherish you."
"Sister! You're just a child. Where did you learn all this? I think if Mother was around, she might not even know as much as you do. You're a smart girl. I'm very grateful for everything you've done for me. Let's not force fate. Besides, you haven't grown up yet! Big Sister has to protect you till you're grown up!"
"Big Sister, I'm a cultivator. I can't live an ordinary life with you. When you get married, I'll leave and travel the four seas. Of course, I'll come back to see you!"
Tears welled up in Juxiang's eyes. She didn't know if she should be happy or worried. Her little sister was so amazing that it made her heart ache.
"Little Sister, I'll go with what you say. You will only do what is best for me!"
Wunian smiled. Her smile was bright and radiant.
The next day, Wunian woke up late, like always. When she woke up, she was in a daze, still half-asleep. Juxiang was tidying up her little sister's clothes, Da Ya and Er Ya brought over some water for her to wash her face, as well as breakfast.
Juxiang asked Da Ya and Er Ya with concern, "Did the clothes I gave you last night fit? Have you had breakfast with Uncle Lin?"
Da Ya replied, "I've eaten. Uncle Lin has already prepared the carriage. Er Ya's and my clothes also fit very well. We like them very much."
"That's good then. Little Sister, let's eat quickly. Uncle Lin is waiting outside."
It seemed that her sister had thought through last night's matter. Whatever was hers would be hers. If it wasn't hers, she couldn't force it.
After they had finished breakfast and were getting ready to leave, Da Ya opened the door. The moment she did so, they saw Shan Jin standing outside with Luo Cheng next to him.
Wunian smiled. "Looks like Brother Shan Jin might be going the same way!"
"Yes! I will resolutely continue on the same path."
"That's good then. I'm very happy to have you as my brother-in-law."