C4 The Visitor in the Middle of the Night

The two girls, though not particularly brave, dared to travel at night. Yet, at the sight of a small flame, they trembled and hesitated to move forward. Su Ye understood that these people believed in ghosts and spirits. Seeing a light by the river at night might make them think it was something supernatural, so she cleared her throat softly to avoid scaring them. "Where are you two headed?"

"How did you know..." The girl leading the way was surprised but stopped mid-sentence. "Why are you sitting here alone? Aren't you afraid?"

Despite such experiences, Su Ye didn't believe in ghosts. Even if they existed, they should be punishing wrongdoers, and she had always acted with a clear conscience. "I'm just hungry and looking for something to eat."

Su Ye was being completely honest. Bai Yun's body hadn't eaten in two days, and after falling into a well that afternoon and being beaten by Mrs. Chen, she was barely holding on.

Realizing Su Ye was just a person, the two girls relaxed. The leader gestured to the girl carrying a bundle behind her, who brought out some dry food. "We left in a hurry and only brought some bread. If you don't mind, please take it. It should help fill you up."

Su Ye was indeed hungry. Seeing the girls' kind faces and hearing their sincere words, she accepted without hesitation. "Where are you two headed, traveling so late at night?"

"The Bai family from Little Ridge Village," the young woman said as she sat down beside her. "Judging by the distance, we should be there soon. Are you from Little Ridge Village?"

Su Ye was a bit surprised. Looking for the Bai family? The woman was dressed in silk, suggesting she was from a merchant family. How could the Bai family know someone wealthy? Could she be from a merchant family? "This is Little Ridge Village. What business do you have with the Bai family?"

The woman seemed relieved. "That's great, we finally made it. May I ask if you know Miss Bai Yun from the Bai family?"

Su Ye raised an eyebrow slightly. Bai Yun had grown up in Little Ridge Village and couldn't possibly know anyone from outside. It seemed she was indeed from a merchant family. Not knowing the woman's intentions, Su Ye didn't reveal her identity. "I know her. What do you want with Bai Yun?"

The woman hesitated a bit. "If it's convenient, could you introduce me? I'm just here to pass on a message and hope to meet Miss Bai Yun."

Su Ye frowned slightly. "If it's something only Bai Yun should hear, let me pass the message. Going to the Bai family, you might not be allowed to see Bai Yun alone."

"That makes sense, considering it's about fifty taels," the young woman muttered under her breath. "Then please pass on the message. I'm Shaang Zhi from the First Branch of the Shaang family. Miss Bai Yun is engaged to my brother, Shaang Lu. I'm here on his behalf. I'm sure Miss Bai Yun is aware of my brother's health situation."

The engagement with Miss Yun was arranged by the elders in the family, who found her to be a compatible match for my older brother, hoping to counteract his bad luck. However, the doctor had predicted that my brother wouldn't live past twenty. He didn't want Miss Yun to marry him and then be burdened with widowhood, so he hoped she would refuse the proposal. Of course, the promised fifty pieces of silver would be delivered to the Yun family without any deduction.

Su Ye was surprised to find that Shaang Lu had such a clear mind and good intentions. It was rare to find someone like him in these times, though it was a pity he only had six months left to live.

"Then why doesn't he refuse the marriage himself?"