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Chapter 442: Chapter 445: Pretending to Be Gods and Ghosts - 1
When they arrived at the Lin Family’s house, Jiang’s Clan was laying down the law.
"Granny Li, our family head feels the same way; no matter what you say, our decision will not change."
Granny Li struggled to contain her temper as she said, "Whether to marry into town or stay in the village should depend on Miss Lin’s wishes. How can you know if you don’t ask her?"
She believed that marriage was a once-in-a-lifetime matter for a girl, and at the very least, her thoughts should be considered.
"You are a matchmaker; you should know that marriage is about the parents’ commands and the matchmaker’s words," said Jiang’s Clan with disdain.
Do the matchmakers in town have any other merits apart from their good looks?
They don’t even understand this basic principle!
"Aunt Lin is right; marital matters should indeed be decided by the parents," Qiao Duo’er suddenly interjected.
"Duo’er is sensible. Granny Li, please take your leave," Jiang’s Clan couldn’t help but show her out.
Although she didn’t know why Qiao Duo’er had suddenly appeared and even spoken up for her, she was right!
She was Chao Lian’s stepmother, and of course, Chao Lian’s marriage was under her control!
But then Qiao Duo’er said, "The ’parents’ command’ refers to one’s biological parents, and moreover, deceased ancestors hold the greatest authority. Therefore, we must also ask Chao Lian’s birth mother; you have no right to decide."
According to the customs here, taking a concubine requires performing a ceremony in front of the first wife’s spirit tablet.
If Chao Lian’s mother spoke out, Jiang’s Clan would have no choice but to obey.
Jiang’s Clan sneered, "Chao Lian’s mother has been dead for many years, can she still speak?"
"I have my ways; you need not concern yourself," Qiao Duo’er said.
Jiang’s Clan curled her lips mockingly, "Then I shall see how you make the dead speak."
Before long, the village Taoist arrived; he set up an altar, invited Chao Lian Niang’s spirit tablet, and lit candles and incense.
Once the Taoist completed the preparatory work, the village head and Doctor Wu arrived as well.
They held prestige in the village, and families often sought them as witnesses in their matters.
"Sister Duo’er, what are you doing here?" Yin’er asked, approaching Qiao Duo’er as soon as she arrived.
She had never heard of speaking with the dead before and found it quite mystical.
Qiao Duo’er whispered quietly, "There’s no time to explain now; remember to help make some noise when the time comes."
This was an easy task for Yin’er; she didn’t want to distract from Qiao Duo’er’s important business and promptly stood aside to watch.
Seeing that everyone had arrived, the Taoist called out, "Chao Lian, come and kowtow to your mother."
Chao Lian sincerely kowtowed, her eyes reddening involuntarily.
If only her mother were still alive, she would undoubtedly be happy that she had found a place to call her own.
The Taoist, meanwhile, continuously chanted and even burned a piece of talisman paper with a Peach Wood Sword, which looked quite authentic.
Qiao Duo’er struggled to suppress her laughter; she knew that the Taoist had shown up here because Sun Erhu had given him Half Taels of Silver, so he was merely putting on a show.
Of course, being able to convincingly put on such a performance was a skill in itself.
After a good while, the Taoist finally finished the ritual.
"Fill it up."
The Taoist took a bowl out of his pack, and Qiao Duo’er took it with both hands, going to the well to fetch water.
Once she placed the water on the altar, the Taoist instructed, "Chao Lian, Erhu, speak whatever is in your hearts. I have completed the ritual and invited Lady Lin into the spirit tablet."
Chao Lian and Erhu nodded and softly murmured their inner thoughts.
"Aunt, I really like Chao Lian; I want to marry her, cherish her for life, and never let her suffer the slightest grievance. Please give us your blessing," Erhu said.
"Mother, Brother Erhu has been very kind to me. Don’t worry, I will be happy with him," Chao Lian communicated.
