```
Qingmei hesitated, finding it difficult to speak, "But Mu has already arranged this marriage for me, and if I change my mind now, it wouldn't be proper."
Lu Ziquan waved his hand, "Those people don't wish you well; that's why they treat you this way. They all think you're not good enough, satisfied with marrying you off to an ordinary civilian. But if you marry me, you marry into an official's family. My father has only me as a son, and I am bound to become the County Chief in the future. Would not marrying me bring you glory? Even better than Lu Qi'er's match. The household she married into is merely a wealthy merchant with ties to officialdom. Compared to you, they will fall short!"
These words truly moved Qingmei. She bit her lip and finally asked, "Are your words true?"
"Absolutely true!"
"If that is so, I will commit myself to you," Qingmei said.
