The Butcher's Little Husband - Chapter 2

After calming down Tian Xiu’er’s family, Mother Tian angrily takes Tian Xiaoman home.

Tian Xiu’er stammers, then quickly buries his face in his mother’s chest, sneaking a panicked glance at Tian Xiaoman. “Tell me clearly—what happens today? Did you push him into the river? You better tell me the truth!”

Mother Tian, whose real name is Shen Ying, had once been a gentle and elegant woman before marriage. However, after years of managing family affairs, her temperament gradually changes.

“Mother, I didn’t!” Tian Xiaoman knows his mother is angry. Normally, she calls him “good child,” but now, he gently tugs at her sleeve. “He jumps in on his own! He’s framing me!”

“Why does he fall in by himself?” Mother Tian shoots him a look, recognizing the clever way her ger is trying to act cute to get out of trouble.

“How should I know?” Tian Xiaoman mutters under his breath. He has an idea, but revealing the truth would only bring trouble. If Amu knew that Zhang Bin secretly asked him out, she’d definitely be furious.

“So, he’s a fool? He wants to jump in by himself?” Mother Tian is quick to see through her ger’s story. “I don’t care if you push him or not, but you’re staying in for the next few days!” Mother Tian says firmly.

She knows her ger can be a bit domineering, but he wouldn’t dare push someone into the river. There must be some hidden reason for it, but now that people believe it’s him, it’s better for him to stay home.

“This is unfair! I didn’t push him—why can’t I go out?” Tian Xiaoman is frustrated. If he stays locked up, how can he meet Zhang Bin?

“Then tell me, why is he even there? Why does he fall in?”

“This…”

“Don’t dodge the question! You’re staying in, and that’s final!”

“Hmph!” Tian Xiaoman storms off to his room, deliberately stomping hard on the floor to show his dissatisfaction.

When his father comes back in the evening, Tian Xiaoman thinks he will definitely side with him. At that thought, he feels better again.

…

“Xiu’er, tell Mother honestly, does Tian Xiaoman really push you into the river today?” Wang Xinghua asks seriously as she looks at her ger.

She knows her son well. On the surface, he seems obedient and easy to bully, but in reality, he won’t let anyone take advantage of him. He likes to present himself as mild and docile to others, but if it comes to hiding something from the family, she won’t stand for it.

Sure enough, Tian Xiu’er speaks up. “Mother, I jump in on my own.”

“Are you out of your mind? You’re still recovering from your cold, and you jump in on your own? What are you thinking?” Wang Xinghua scolds angrily.

“Mother, I want to marry Zhang xiucai!” Tian Xiu’er suddenly blurts out.

“What did you say? You’re a young ger, and you’re talking about marriage? Aren’t you ashamed of yourself?” Wang Xinghua quickly looks around, relieved that no one else is nearby.

“Mother, he’s the most likely person from our village to become an official. Don’t you want me to be the spouse of an official?” Tian Xiu’er’s eyes are filled with determination. “But with Tian Xiaoman around, it’s impossible! He’s not as good as me at housework, and he’s terrible at sewing and mending. His personality is wild,” Tian Xiu’er says with frustration. “But those men all like him, and it’s just because he’s good-looking! As long as everyone knows he pushes me into the river, those old gossips will definitely spread it everywhere. By then, Zhang xiucai will never like him.”

“Xiu’er, you…”

“Mother, please help me! I just want to marry Zhang Xiucai!”

“My poor Xiu’er, why do you have to go through this? Don’t worry, Mother will help you!”

The next morning, as Tian Xiaoman’s family leaves the house, they notice that everyone is looking at them strangely. People keep gathering in groups, and when they see them approach, they immediately disperse.

Upon asking around, they soon learn that the events from the previous day have spread like wildfire. Now everyone thinks that Tian Xiaoman is ruthless and capable of pushing someone into the river. His reputation has already been bad, and now he is on the blacklist of the eligible men in the village.

Rumors spread like wildfire, and soon, any potential suitors back off. The Tian family realizes how serious the situation has become.

Tian Xiaoman eventually admits to his mother what happened, but it is too late to clear things up. The villagers have already made up their minds.

That afternoon, Tian Xiaoman’s father goes to Zhang’s house early in the morning, only to return with a face full of anger. When his wife asks him about it, he tells her everything. The couple agrees that they can’t tell Tian Xiaoman the full truth to avoid making him upset. Instead, they ask close relatives to help find a suitable bachelor who doesn’t know about the rumors.

Though Tian Xiaoman knows his reputation has taken a hit, he isn’t too worried. He thinks his parents are overreacting. With his looks, how could he not find someone to marry? Besides, Zhang Bin has already promised to marry him. All he needs is to become the husband of an official.

Tian Xiaoman gets up early the next day, determined to sneak out and meet Zhang Bin. He intends to ask him to come to his house and formally propose marriage, so his parents can’t keep him locked up.

However, just as he is about to scale the wall and slip out, he sees that there are guests at his house. Upon a closer look, he realizes it is the well-known matchmaker!

Ah, it must be Brother Zhang Bin who brought the matchmaker to propose! Tian Xiaoman quickly scrambles down from the wall, jumps into the room, adjusts his clothes, and sits up straight on the bed.

Blushing, he thinks happily to himself: I’ll be married soon, and I’ll be the husband of an official! He even daydreams about how many children he will have and what names he will give them.

In the main hall, Tian Xiaoman’s parents sit on chairs, eyeing the young man in front of them. He has regular features and a strong build. Although his face carries a hint of fierceness, his eyes are clear, and he treats them with politeness.

This young man is from the maternal side of Tian Xiaoman’s uncle’s family. It is said that his family is rich and harmonious, with no bad habits.

The more Tian Xiaoman’s parents observe him, the more satisfied they become.

At that moment, the matchmaker speaks up: “Tian family, this young man, Li Wenxuan, is sincerely asking for your son’s hand in marriage. Please let us know if this is acceptable, so he can have peace of mind.”

“I think this matter is settled!” The words are barely out of his mouth when everyone lets out a relieved sigh.

In truth, neither Tian Xiaoman’s parents nor Li Wenxuan are fully satisfied with the match. Li Wenxuan is at an age where his family is pressuring him to marry. But the young men from the village don’t like him, mostly because of his profession as a butcher. They think he looks fierce and assume he would be abusive toward his spouse.

Li Wenxuan himself feels a little wronged. He had hoped to be more refined, like his name, so that people would like him. But no matter what, his career and appearance aren’t in line with expectations.

(Translator’s Notes: The name Li Wenxuan can be interpreted as “the cultured and elegant person with a refined nature,” reflecting a blend of scholarly grace and sophistication.)

His mother is so worried about his marriage that she finds a matchmaker to propose for him, fearing that he will never find a spouse.

While Tian Xiaoman’s parents are observing him, Li Wenxuan is also observing them. He sees that his future in-laws look respectable, which reassures him. He is relieved that his future husband won’t be someone ugly or hard to look at.

After the discussions, both families are satisfied with the arrangement, and the guests are happily sent on their way. Once the door is closed, Tian Xiaoman’s parents exchange uncertain glances. 

How should they break the news to their ger?