Chapter 1511: Song Lingzhao: Forced Marriage Deal?
Chapter 1511: Chapter 1511: Song Lingzhao: Forced Marriage Deal?
Northwest, the cold wind was piercing.
Song Lingzhao’s nose was somewhat itchy, and his ears turned redder, but he dared not be disrespectful or impolite as he faced the super bigwig of the Northwest Army.
"How old is Huaijin this year, sixteen, right?" Grand Marshal Liu gazed at the dark-skinned yet undeniably handsome young man, his eyes sparkling.
Song Lingzhao stood up, clasped his hands, and replied, "In response to Grand Marshal, this young one was born at the beginning of the first lunar month, so in two or three months, he will be a full sixteen."
"A full sixteen, indeed. We often count the virtual age, meaning you’re almost seventeen, and at such an age, a man should already be a father."
Song Lingzhao was a bit confused. Wait, why was the subject so heated?
Grand Marshal Liu was celebrating his birthday, and though Song Lingzhao was merely a ten-man squad leader, he should have had no chance to meet such a high-ranking official. Yet his superiors brought him along to offer birthday congratulations, under the guise of helping to present birthday gifts.
Such an honor red with envy many people. There were plenty of others with higher positions than his; why did this newcomer receive such an honor?
Was it because he was as handsome as a pretty boy?
Song Lingzhao himself had not anticipated it, but with the banquet imminent, he had no choice but to join in on horseback. He hadn’t expected to be called into the bigwig’s study, aside from helping with the birthday gifts.
He realized that the super bigwig had likely specifically named him.
Song Lingzhao was already being extremely cautious, but upon hearing the conversation turn to marriage, he scratched his head in bewilderment.
"In response to Grand Marshal, this young one is still young, and my achievements are modest, thus focusing on pursuing them has left me unconsidered in this regard."
Grand Marshal Liu waved his hand: "That’s not the way to say it. For a young man in the army, marrying young and bearing children can prevent him from dying in battle without successors, so early marriage has its benefits."
Song Lingzhao’s forehead broke out in sweat lines, and he laughed awkwardly: "Marshal, you’re right, but today is your birthday. It seems inappropriate to talk of such unlucky matters."
Grand Marshal Liu laughed heartily: "Old me, I’m just a rough man, not fond of fancy words. We’ve all tied our heads to our belts to make a future, reaching this position, with countless lives in our hands, so I’m not afraid of unlucky or lucky words, just speaking the truth. What, you don’t think the old me has a point?"
Song Lingzhao laughed: "You naturally speak truths, but once you think about it, it’s hard on the wife."
If it were truly as he said, dying in battle would mean the woman would be a widow in her youth, how harsh would that be?
Grand Marshal Liu continued: "You feel sympathy for women, but one thing regardless of early or late, marrying a soldier means inevitable hardship. Which doesn’t worry day and night, fearing welcoming back a coffin, but if one fears that, one shouldn’t marry from the start. Marrying means being mentally prepared from the day of marriage."
Song Lingzhao remained silent.
Grand Marshal Liu glanced at him again, saying: "Therefore, you should indeed put marriage on the schedule."
Song Lingzhao scratched his head once more: "A matter as significant as marriage is dictated by parental and matchmaker arrangements, all arranged by the family."
Grand Marshal Liu exclaimed: "You’re far in the Northwest; how will your family arrange for you? Even if they arranged it, would you marry and leave her home? Naturally, you decide here, then send a joyous message home, no?"
Song Lingzhao: "..."
Something didn’t feel right; it seemed like this bigwig was forcefully engaging in matchmaking.
Song Lingzhao glanced towards Grand Marshal Liu, stammeringly said: "Could it be that the Marshal wants to act as a matchmaker for this young one?"