Chapter 1209: Chapter 1182: The Cannon Fodder in the Demon Hunting Story 46
The man holding the Xiuqiu was first stunned, and then somewhat bewildered.
However, the joy in his eyes couldnât deceive anyone.
"I, I am Gao Haogu."
Someone went over to pat Gao Haogu on the shoulder, "You lucky fellow, how did you get so fortunate? To catch the Xiuqiu is truly... You gain a beautiful wife, and wealth."
Others said, "You look famished, seems like your family isnât well off, but itâs no matter now. Marry Miss Wu and thereâll be endless Silver, three meals a day with meat, youâll surely recover."
Just as many were teasing Gao Haogu, Old Master Wu descended from the restaurant.
He rushed over, not even wiping his sweat, and said to Gao Haogu, "Just now doesnât count, there was a strange gust of wind, who knows how it happened? Return the Xiuqiu, weâll throw it again."
Gao Haogu hugged the Xiuqiu, unwilling to return it.
Many began to speak out for him, "Old Master Wu, this is wrong. You announced a Xiuqiu throwing for marriage, and he caught it, how can it not count?"
"Indeed, why doesnât it count?"
"Arenât you just being picky about the poor and favoring the rich?"
"This isnât the way to do things."
Seeing many speak for him, Gao Haogu hurriedly said, "No, it doesnât matter, marriage should be mutual, if Miss Wu doesnât wish, let it be."
Mao Xiaoxiao seemed displeased at this.
She loudly asked Gao Haogu, "How old are you?"
Gao Haogu gave a bitter smile, "Twenty-three."
"Do you have a wife?"
"The way I am, who would want to marry me?"
Gao Haogu shook his head helplessly, "Fine, itâs right that she doesnât favor me."
Saying this, he prepared to return the Xiuqiu.
Mao Xiaoxiao raised her Liu Mei brows, glaring, "Old Master Wu, you heard this. This Young Master Gao is of suitable age and has no wife, why canât he accept the Xiuqiu? Why do your words not count?"
"You little girl, what business of yours is this?"
Old Master Wu spoke harshly to Mao Xiaoxiao, "Instead of embroidering at home, what are you doing running around? Go away."
Seeing this, Nangong Shu became displeased.
He stepped forward to protect Mao Xiaoxiao, angrily glaring at Old Master Wu, "Did my friend not speak correctly? Old Master Wu clearly said if the age and marital status are suitable, he can accept the Xiuqiu. This Young Master Gao got it, so Old Master Wu should be happily letting your daughter marry him. What, trying to go back on your word?"
Old Master Wu was furious too, "And who are you? You all meddle too much in other peopleâs business."
Nangong Shu snapped open a fan, "The injustices in the world should be addressed by everyone. What, you think you can do it but we canât say anything?"
"Regardless, itâs my daughter to marry, I donât favor the Gao surname, Iâm not willing."
Old Master Wu was so angry he spoke without choosing his words, "Forget it, todayâs Xiuqiu wonât be thrown, weâre going home."
Mao Xiaoxiao felt indignant, she tugged on Nangong Shuâs sleeve, "Brother Nangong, how can he be like this, you canât handle things this way, Young Master Gao is really too pitiful."
When Mao Xiaoxiao acted spoiled, Nangong Shu began to lose his head.
He stopped Old Master Wu, "So many witnessed today, Miss Wu must marry Young Master Gao, otherwise, does Old Master Wu want the whole family imprisoned?"
Old Master Wu startled, scanning Nangong Shu, "This gentleman is..."
Nangong Shu took out a Token, waving it before Old Master Wu.
Old Master Wu frightened, hurried to kneel.
Nangong Shu supported him, "With so many present, donât perform grand ceremonies, Iâll witness this as a Prince. Congratulations on your daughter gaining a satisfactory husband."
Saying this, he instructed the accompanying servants to bring a Jade Pendant, "This is my gift."
Though Old Master Wuâs face was bitter, he respectfully accepted the Jade Pendant, "Thank you, Prince. Iâll arrange the wedding right away, will the Prince drink wedding wine?"
Nangong Shu looked at Mao Xiaoxiao.
Mao Xiaoxiao pondered and then nodded, "Sure."
She ran over to congratulate Gao Haogu, "Young Master Gao, congratulations!"
Gao Haogu smiled proudly, "Thank you, thank you. Iâll certainly have the two of you drink a few more cups later."
Old Master Wu wore a forced smile, inviting some guests to Wu home for wedding wine. He instructed his homeâs servants to escort Gao Haogu to change into wedding attire.
And that Miss Wu, already supported by maidservants and an old woman, boarded a carriage, surely to return home and change for the wedding.
Anning and Xiao Yuan watched this farce, Anning sneered, "Truly racing to their own doom."
Xiao Yuan held her hand, speaking softly, "That Mao Xiaoxiao has no skill for trouble but a knack for creating it, her nature attracts it, yet doesnât know to avoid it, just follows her impulses, bound to suffer eventually."
Wu homeâs entrance was decorated with lanterns and streamers, a lively scene.
Old Master Wu, wearing a jujube-red robe, stood at the door, smiling and bowing to congratulating guests.
Following Old Master Wu was the Wu familyâs steward and several other servants, all standing at the door welcoming guests.
Nangong Shu and Mao Xiaoxiao were guided into Wu home, also others came for the show, and others for free wine, Wu home was truly bustling.
Mao Xiaoxiao and Nangong Shu went inside, led to the courtyard where several tables were set, those seated were town figures or Wu familyâs friends.
Nangong Shu, with high status, naturally took the head seat of the menâs table, Mao Xiaoxiao sat among the women.
She was slightly unhappy being separated from Nangong Shu, sitting down, still a bit annoyed.
At this time, Xiao Yuan looked at Anning, "The others, do we save them?"
Anning shook her head, "Those destined to perish did so by careless words, since they didnât speak amiss, itâs alright."
She rose, Xiao Yuan followed, "Letâs go see together."
But when the food and drink were served, Mao Xiaoxiao forgot her anger.
The Wu familyâs food was too aromatic, once served, an alluring scent wafted, really stirring oneâs appetite.
That wine too, once opened, gave off a rich fragrance, truly tempting Mao Xiaoxiao to drink.
The guests openly praised the Wu familyâs wine and food.
At the table, Mao Xiaoxiao eagerly picked at the dishes, the taste was truly delightful. Bite after bite.
Nangong Shu ate a lot too, and drank several cups of wine.
Anning and Xiao Yuan sat on the wall watching from afar.
In othersâ eyes, those tables were filled with sumptuous food and wine, a variety of delicacies.
But to Anning and Xiao Yuan, the tables bore stones, rotten leaves, decayed soil, maggot-ridden meat, and the like.
Anning watching Mao Xiaoxiao eat sweetly, felt incredibly nauseous.
And that so-called wine, it was clearly blood.
Currently, the newlywed Gao Haogu, expected to come out in wedding attire for the toast, was nowhere to be seen.
In the courtyardâs pavilion, Gao Haogu sat vacant, like a puppet.
His skin dried, one eye missing, eyeball dropped to the floor, his hands and body covered in scars, motionless like a mummy.
In the bridal room, Miss Wu smiled while grooming, holding a paper. Covered in names which she ticked off one by one.
Every name marked, her smile grew broader.