第三十一章 (Chapter 31)

Since resigning from the newspaper office, Wang De continued to reside in Aunt Zhao's home. Each day, aside from fretting over Li Jing's predicament, his thoughts dwelt on Li Jing herself. Having learned of the plan agreed upon by her uncle and Wang De, Li Jing found some solace in her heart, hoping only that her uncle might swiftly escape the clutches of Lao Zhang.

Matters on Aunt Zhao's end seemed to progress smoothly, for recently, regardless of Wang De's consent, she had begun arranging a marriage for him.

Wang De naturally resisted, yet his defiance only brought forth a stream of tears from Aunt Zhao.

Wang De's heart softened, and he had no choice but to acquiesce as Aunt Zhao proceeded with the marriage arrangements.

The match Aunt Zhao proposed was with Shopkeeper Qian's daughter. Miss Qian was two years older than Wang De, her appearance rather plain, but her family possessed considerable wealth. Aunt Zhao declared, "Though Miss Qian's looks are ordinary, her temperament is gentle. Once you marry her, she'd be a top-notch manager of the household. And since Shopkeeper Qian has only this one daughter, all that property will come to you in the end, won't it?"

Hearing these words, Wang De felt his heart scalded as if by boiling oil. Yet he dared not betray his feelings, merely demurring, "I'm still young. Let's discuss this in a couple of years."

Aunt Zhao retorted, "You may be young, but Miss Qian is not! In another two years, she'll be an old maid. Shopkeeper Qian is pressing urgently. If you don't agree, I wash my hands of the matter!"

Wang De saw no way out and could only say, "Do as you think best, Aunt." Aunt Zhao, thinking he had consented, went off cheerfully to discuss the details with Shopkeeper Qian.

Since becoming a worker in the Salvation Army, Li Ying was kept busy each day, yet his heart was filled with joy, for he believed his work benefited society. Long Shugu treated him with great kindness and trust, entrusting him with numerous responsibilities. Li Ying devoted himself wholeheartedly, breathing new life into the Salvation Army's endeavors.

After his dealings with Lao Zhang, Long Shugu grew deeply uneasy, knowing full well that Lao Zhang was a wicked man and fearing he might harm his daughter. But Long Feng remained unaware of these troubles, going about her studies, work, and socializing with the Salvation Army sisters as usual.

Following his negotiation with Long Shugu, Lao Zhang felt immensely pleased, convinced that Long Shugu would eventually fall into his grasp. Meanwhile, he pressed ahead with Sun Ba's affair, for Sun Ba had agreed to take a concubine, and Lao Zhang eagerly sought a candidate.

Once he had agreed to take a concubine, Sun Ba felt torn with hesitation, uncertain of the merits or demerits. But spurred on by Lao Zhang, he came to see it as a fitting display for a man of his station. Thus, he entrusted Lao Zhang with the task of finding one. Lao Zhang was only too glad to oblige, seeing an opportunity for profit.

Since Long Shugu assumed the chairmanship, the Beijing self-government committee had seen little progress, for Long Shugu's heart was not in it. Though Nan Feisheng and Zhang Mingde nursed resentment, they dared not openly oppose him due to his Salvation Army backing, resorting instead to covert sabotage.

Upon learning of the plan between Li Jing and Wang De, Li Jing's uncle felt somewhat reassured. Yet the relentless pressure of debt plunged him into daily despair. He hoped Li Jing would marry Wang De soon, so he could escape Lao Zhang's clutches. But he feared Wang De might lack the means to save him, knowing him to be a poor lad.

Each day, aside from pining for Wang De and worrying over her uncle, Li Jing attended to household chores. Her aunt treated her with kindness, but that maternal affection could not ease the anguish in her heart.

Since learning of Aunt Zhao's marriage arrangements, Wang De was consumed by vexation. He loved Li Jing, yet saw no way to defy Aunt Zhao. He buried his distress deep within, forcing a smile to humor his aunt.

In Beijing, the weather was gradually warming. The ice in the moat had thawed, and the willow trees along the banks were sprouting tender green buds. Yet in the hearts of Wang De and Li Jing, the chill of winter lingered unbroken.