Chapter 7: Wedding Before the Year Ends

Chapter 7: A Wedding Within the Year

Rong Shaoting sat upright on the large sofa in the main hall. After glancing around at everyone, he finally spoke. “I’ve called you all here today for two matters that I wish to explain to you. First, not long ago, Jinfeng was found to have a suspected case of breast cancer during a routine health check. The doctor has advised close monitoring, so I hope that you, as her brothers and sisters, will show her extra care and concern. Second, given Jinfeng’s current condition, I, as the head of the family, have made a decision on my own. I want Xiaoyao to be married within a year. I ask you elders to help her find a suitable match.”

Rong Jinfeng, who had been listening from the side, became distressed and interrupted her father with a choked voice. “Dad, please stop! I know about my own illness. I can’t let it affect my child’s marriage, and I can’t be a burden to my brothers and sisters.”

Rong Shaoting’s eyes were filled with deep affection as he looked at his daughter. He had never imagined that this strong-willed daughter of his would one day be tormented by illness. Ignoring her protest, he was determined to be resolute on the matter of Xiaoyao’s marriage.

He habitually smoothed back his slicked hair and, noticing Jinfeng's intention to keep things hidden, grew displeased. “Jinfeng, at this point, your brothers and sisters have a right to know. Today, let your father make this decision for you, all right?”

As soon as Xiaoyao heard her grandfather declare that she was to be married within the year, she was overcome with grief and buried her face in Jinfeng’s arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

Rong Shaoting had always disliked the sound of weeping. His face darkened with annoyance, and he sternly rebuked Xiaoyao, “Xiaoyao, be brave! Crying is a sign of weakness. Sit quietly and let your grandfather finish!”

Jinfeng tightened her hold on Xiaoyao, silently signaling her not to defy her grandfather.

Realizing her grandfather was truly angry, Xiaoyao forced back her tears.

Rong Fenghua, who had doted on his niece since she was a child, felt a pang of heartache at her distress. He also knew that in the Rong family, Shaoting’s word was law.

Yet, if he didn’t speak up for Xiaoyao, likely no one else in the room would dare.

He stood and, with some agitation, said, “Dad, isn’t the decision to have Xiaoyao married within a year too hasty? This isn’t the old days of arranged marriages. Marriage is a serious matter, not a child’s game. I hope you’ll respect Xiaoyao’s wishes.”

Shaoting, hearing his son’s opposition, was visibly frustrated. “Don’t blame me for being harsh. This is a responsibility Xiaoyao, as Jinfeng’s daughter, must bear.”

Seeing that her grandfather’s decision was final, Xiaoyao felt a sense of loss and sorrow. Her tears fell onto Jinfeng’s chest, and Jinfeng, tears in her own eyes, held her daughter even tighter. “My child, I’m sorry you have to suffer like this.”

Shaoting shook his head in resignation and ignored the tearful mother and daughter. He turned to his sons, Jinhua and Fenghua. “You are her uncles—the eldest and the youngest. In the future, both of you must look after Xiaoyao’s affairs. Help her find some excellent young men to choose from. If possible, let’s arrange the wedding early next spring. That would put my mind at ease.”

At this point, the third daughter, Rong Yinfeng, seemed uneasy with her father’s decision. She voiced her concern, “Dad, isn’t this all happening too fast? A daughter’s marriage is no small matter—it should be handled with care.”

Ignoring her doubts, Shaoting turned his gaze to Xiaoyao. “Wipe your tears first, my dear.”

Feeling everyone’s eyes on her, Xiaoyao looked at her grandfather in confusion. “Grandpa, is there something you wish to tell me?”

Shaoting nodded, letting out a weary sigh. “My child, your mother’s illness has come upon us, and we don’t know what the future holds. I have a selfish wish—for you to marry and have children soon, so your mother will have something to look forward to. Though I hope you’ll agree to our wishes, I still want to hear what you think.”

Only then did Xiaoyao realize why, in recent days, Yang Yeye had been so insistent on setting her up with suitors. It had all been for her mother’s sake—and her own.

Feeling Wu Jing’s comforting gaze upon her, and holding tight to her mother’s hands, Xiaoyao knew it was time to shoulder her responsibilities for the family.

Seeing the hope in everyone’s eyes, she spoke with conviction, “Grandpa, I don’t want to be unfilial. As the old saying goes, of all unfilial acts, having no descendants is the worst. I only ask for one month—to find a partner who suits me. Marriage is not a game, and I wish to find my other half myself. I don’t want to make a hasty lifelong commitment.”

Shaoting was pleased to see Xiaoyao come to her own understanding, and he nodded approvingly. “My girl, it seems my love for you wasn’t in vain! But if, in a month, you haven’t chosen anyone, then arranged introductions will be unavoidable.”

He had initially thought that if Xiaoyao refused, he would be forced to pressure her into marriage, but her proactive acceptance of his plan left him feeling somewhat guilty.

After a pause, Shaoting turned kindly to Yang Yeye. “Yeye, the candidates I asked you to introduce to Xiaoyao—how did she get along with them? Was there anyone she liked?”

Yang Yeye was about to reply when Xiaoyao quickly interjected. With pleading eyes, she turned to Shaoting. “Grandpa, I promise to marry within a year, but I have a small request. I don’t want to go on any more blind dates. Can you give me the chance to choose freely? I don’t want to marry someone without a foundation of affection. I want to meet and get to know a man who shares my values and interests. He must love me, accept me, and after we’ve experienced a passionate romance, I’ll gladly don a wedding dress for him. Grandpa, is that all right? I truly don’t want regrets in love or marriage!”

With hope shining in her eyes, Xiaoyao looked at her grandfather, her expression earnest and sincere. “So please, Grandpa, let me fall in love on my own. Support me, won’t you?”