Song Shi’an had experienced a life filled with hardship and survival in an unknown dynasty. He had once been a shuanger with a stepmother and a stepfather, living a challenging life. Throughout his journey, Song Shi’an had a steadfast belief that a prosperous family was the foundation of a stable life.
Having crawled back from the brink of death, he transformed his past self-indulgent ways and began pushing a cart through the streets, seeking out and buying various delicious snacks to sell.
Unfortunately, the Song family restaurant’s business was deteriorating with each passing day. His frantic stepmother and father turned their sights towards Song Shi’an yet again, intent on exploiting his newfound craft. The brother who had narrowly escaped death knew he couldn’t let them take advantage of him. He refused to become a mere concubine in someone else’s household and was determined to avoid being squeezed to death in his family’s restaurant.
In the society he found himself in, the law stipulated that parents had the authority to arrange marriages for their children. If a child remained unmarried after reaching the age of eighteen, they would face a fine and tax for three years, after which the government would decide their marriage.
In this harsh and oppressive setting, Song Shi’an set his sights on his cold-faced and handsome neighbor, Butcher Xu, who was renowned for his skills in the butchery. He packed a variety of delectable foods and took the bold step of proposing to him.
Initially, Butcher Xu disagreed with the proposal. Song Shi’an believed he was being looked down upon, but he didn’t give up and persisted.
To his surprise, Butcher Xu underwent a change of heart. He agreed to the proposal, and when Song Shi’an began making preparations to support his new family, the cold-faced butcher, unflinching in his line of work, sent numerous boxes filled with gold and silver, an extravagant betrothal gift beyond expectations.