第四十章 (Chapter 40)

Since Lao Zhang had settled matters with Long Shugu, he felt exceedingly smug. He believed that Sun Ba's marriage was as good as settled, his own Debt could be cleared, and he might even make a handsome profit on the side. For days on end, he had been running about, arranging every detail in perfect order, waiting only to set a date for the betrothal gifts.

One day, while Lao Zhang was calculating accounts in his shop, Sun Ba suddenly rushed in, flustered and with a look of worry on his face. Lao Zhang looked up and knew immediately that something was amiss. He quickly set aside his abacus and asked, "Master Ba, what's the matter with you? Has there been a change in the marriage plans?"

Sun Ba sighed and sat down on a stool. "Mr. Zhang," he said, "the more I think about it, the more I feel it's not right. Miss Long is an educated girl, well-versed in books and propriety. For her to be wed to a coarse man like me-wouldn't that be doing her an injustice? Besides, I already have a wife at home. Even though she wouldn't dare say anything, it's still bound to be a troublesome affair."

Hearing this, Lao Zhang inwardly cursed Sun Ba for his spinelessness, but on the surface, he plastered on a smile. "Master Ba," he said, "you're worrying far too much. Long Shugu is buried under a mountain of Debt and is desperate to marry off his daughter for the bride price. Miss Long is not getting any younger. To marry into a family of means and standing like yours would be a fortunate turn for her. As for the one already in your house, what would she dare say? You're the master; she has to listen to you."

Sun Ba shook his head. "Even so," he said, "I still feel uneasy in my heart. Moreover, Long Shugu is an Officer of the Salvation Army and keeps close company with Foreigners. If he goes back on his word or stirs up some foreign entanglements, I won't be able to handle it."

Lao Zhang laughed heartily. "Master Ba, you're being too timid! Long Shugu can barely save his own skin now; how would he dare go back on his word? When I, Lao Zhang, handle something, it's always done reliably. Don't you worry, leave everything to me. I've already prepared the betrothal gifts; they'll be sent tomorrow. You just wait to become the groom."

Encouraged by Lao Zhang's words, Sun Ba's heart stirred again. He nodded and said, "Then I'll rely entirely on you, Mr. Zhang. But as for the amount of the betrothal gifts, we should still consider it carefully. Don't make it too much, lest people say I'm taking advantage of the situation."

In his heart, Lao Zhang calculated that the betrothal gifts should naturally be generous so he could deduct a handsome portion for himself, but verbally he said, "Rest assured, Master Ba. The matter of the betrothal gifts has been settled with Long Shugu in a way that guarantees you won't lose out. Go back and make your preparations; we'll hold the ceremony in a few days."

Sun Ba only then felt at ease. After exchanging a few more casual words, he took his leave. Lao Zhang saw him out, then turned back to scheme how he might pocket a bit more from this transaction. He thought, "Long Shugu owes me money, and Sun Ba is paying the bride price. Profiting from both ends-what could be more satisfying?"

Just as he was thinking this, Wang De came in from outside, his face filled with anger. Lao Zhang took one look and knew this lad was here to cause trouble again. He straightened his face and asked, "Wang De, why aren't you at the Newspaper Office working? What are you doing here?"

Wang De glared at Lao Zhang and said, "Lao Zhang, I heard you're selling Miss Long to Sun Ba. Is that true?" Lao Zhang was startled inwardly, thinking, "How does he know about this?" But on the surface, he remained calm and said, "Wang De, what nonsense are you talking? Miss Long's marriage is her father's decision; what has it to do with me?"

Wang De sneered coldly. "Don't play dumb! I've found out everything. You're the go-between, using Miss Long to settle the Debt. I tell you, Miss Long is a good person; you can't harm her like this!" Lao Zhang grew angry and said, "Wang De, you're a student from my school. How dare you speak to your teacher this way? The Long family's affairs are none of your concern. Keep making trouble, and I won't be polite!"

Wang De was about to argue further, but Lao Zhang had already called for his assistant and had him thrown out. Wang De stood outside the door, trembling with rage. He thought, "I must save Miss Long; I can't let her fall into the hands of Lao Zhang and Sun Ba."

After sending Wang De away, Lao Zhang also felt somewhat uneasy. Afraid the lad might ruin things, he hurried off to find Long Shugu and urge him to settle the marriage as soon as possible. Long Shugu was at home, fretting. When he saw Lao Zhang arrive, he had to force himself to muster his spirits and deal with him.

Lao Zhang said, "Officer Long, I've settled everything with Sun Ba. The betrothal gifts will be delivered tomorrow. You should get ready on your end, finalize your daughter's marriage, and clear the Debt." Long Shugu lowered his head and, after a long pause, said, "Mr. Zhang, she's my only daughter; I truly cannot bear to part with her."

Lao Zhang said impatiently, "Officer Long, what's the use of saying this now? If you owe a Debt, you repay it; that's the law of nature. If you can't bear to part with your daughter, then produce the money. If you've no money, then spare me your pointless talk. Sun Ba is a good man; he won't treat your daughter poorly."

Helpless, Long Shugu had no choice but to agree. Lao Zhang gave a few more instructions, then left satisfied. As he walked along the road, Lao Zhang calculated in his heart the betrothal gifts for the next day, thinking about how much he could pocket, and couldn't help but laugh out loud.

By now, it was late in the day, and the north wind had picked up again, whirling dust in the streets. Lao Zhang wrapped his clothes tighter and quickened his pace homeward, but his heart felt warm, as if he could already see piles of silver taels gleaming white.