Climbing on the Sparrow Branch – CH 675

Chapter 675: Tribe

“Why compromise?” An Zhi frowned.

In her previous life, An Zhi compromised too much, which led to her tragic end.

Yu Yao sighed. “I’m so conflicted. My heart’s in turmoil, and I can’t make a decision. I don’t want Zhang Huai’an to take a concubine, but I also feel that sometimes what those people say is right.”

“Don’t think like that.” Before her rebirth, An Zhi was one of those people Yu Yao mentioned, but having died once, she could see things more clearly.

What rules? What were the three obediences and four virtues? An Zhi still felt angry when she talked about them.

But in fact, many times, An Zhi did act according to those rules. She knew it herself, but deeply ingrained beliefs had subtly shaped her thinking.

Yet, she didn’t like it.

So when she heard Yu Yao talk about the tribe, she wholeheartedly agreed.

“In this life, what you should care about is the opinion of those close to you,” An Zhi said softly. “If Governor Zhang doesn’t mind, then don’t take what others say to heart. You’re the one living your life. Even if you have a son, they will still criticize, saying, ‘So what if you have a son?’ People can say whatever they want; you can’t stop them.”

Regarding the matter of taking a concubine, An Zhi and Yu Yao had the same thought. “Since you don’t want Governor Zhang to take a concubine, then don’t.”

Yu Yao was encouraged by An Zhi. “That’s what I think too, but others don’t support me. Zhang Huai’an said I could talk to you, saying you’re definitely different. After hearing your words, I feel much better.”

Zhang Huai’an’s exact words were, “An Zhi was jilted but could still marry Pei Que, which means An Zhi must have something special. You should listen to her insights.”

An Zhi smiled, “As long as you’re happy.”

After resting for a while, the two continued their ascent up the mountain.

After worrying about herself, Yu Yao was now concerned about her daughter’s marriage. “My eldest daughter used to run around the countryside with my husband and me when she was little. Now she’s incredibly wild, not at all like a daughter from an official’s family. The other day, she ran away from home, dressed as a boy, and beat up a local bully in Yongning City. Afterwards, the bully’s parents brought their child to our door, and Zhang Huai’an said he’d give her to them as a wife. That boy immediately burst into tears.”

An Zhi couldn’t help but laugh. Yu Yao had a cheerful personality; the Zhang family’s daughters were probably all of good character.

Yu Yao saw An Zhi smile, but she’s quite worried. “Before, I consulted several matchmakers, but later… never mind. I’ve already decided that if no one else wants her, my family will marry her back to my parents’ home. Although the tribe’s a bit poor, the men are all straightforward and will let her roam freely.”

An Zhi listened, growing increasingly fond of the Zhang family’s eldest daughter. “It’s those people in Yongning who don’t know their worth. If you ask me, I really like your eldest daughter. She’s not yet of marriageable age. My uncle’s family is a military family, and my aunt and sisters-in-law are all very straightforward. If Sister Yu doesn’t mind, I can act as a go-between. If you don’t like her, there’s the Tao family in Dingnan and the Qian family in the west—areas with fewer rules. What do you think?”

If they were to form a marriage alliance with the Zhang family, it would be tantamount to winning over Zhang Huai’an.

Zhang Huai’an was a man of Duke Cheng. Even if Zhang Huai’an remained loyal to the Duke, becoming in-laws would mean he would offer guidance where necessary.

Furthermore, An Zhi quite liked Yu Yao’s personality.

Yu Yao, having experienced a comfortable life herself, naturally knew how much more comfortable it would be to marry into an official or military family compared to returning to her tribe. Moreover, her husband held a respectable position, worthy of the families An Zhi mentioned.

However, her own satisfaction wasn’t enough; her husband’s approval was also necessary.

After all, they were from Duke Cheng’s background. A marriage alliance with the Pei family could potentially cause many problems later.

“What Sister An says is certainly good,” Yu Yao said, “but the marriage of our children can’t be decided by me alone. I must also consult my husband.”

“Of course,” An Zhi said, just as the deep sound of bells drifted from afar.

A short while later, they saw the ancient temple buildings.

The vegetarian food at Yong’an Temple was indeed excellent; An Zhi ate two bowls.

On the way down the mountain, their earlier conversation had brought them closer, so they talked more, and time passed quickly.

They each boarded their carriages, and Yu Yao and An Zhi arranged a time to meet before slowly making their way home in the red glow of the setting sun.