Chapter 49

Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW

 

Chapter 49: Engagement

     

Zhang Xiaolong smiled and said: “It’s our well water! I saw how happy Mr. Liu was when he drank tea the other day, happier than if we had given him ten taels of silver. In the future, if we give him more well water, it will not only satisfy his appetite but also ensure his health. Isn’t that better? Oh, Dad, this time when we go, I’ll have the chance to talk to Mr. Liu and suggest that he move to Guo Village. I think he had that idea last time, but he had some reservations. Now that Liu Qian has come over, he must be willing to come as well. This way, both Liu Qian and I can take care of him nearby. What do you think?”

     

Zhang Cai and Guo Sufei exchanged a glance and said: “I will definitely mention this when I go. Alright, you can put away these silver banknotes and tokens. If you really need them, you can exchange them.”

     

Zhang Xiaolong thought for a moment and said: “Alright, I’ll keep them for now.”

     

After saying that, he placed the silver banknotes and token into his chest pocket.

     

Since Zhang Xiaolong refused to use the silver banknotes, the Zhang family’s preparations for the betrothal gifts became much simpler. They followed the local customs and prepared a few simple gifts. Early that morning, Zhang Cai and Guo Sufei put on their brand-new clothes, picked up the gifts they had prepared long ago, and set off for Baligou. They were ready for Zhang Xiaolong’s most important engagement.

     

Zhang Cai and Guo Sufei arrived at Mr. Liu’s house and were warmly welcomed. When they presented the simple betrothal gifts, Mr. Liu accepted them respectfully without showing any disdain or displeasure due to their simplicity.

     

This greatly reassured Zhang Cai and Guo Sufei. Moreover, there were no other guests in the Liu family hall, only Butcher Liu and other family members. It seemed that Mr. Liu was indeed not someone who cared for extravagance and formalities. There was no sign of Liu Qian in the hall, suggesting that she was hiding out of shyness.

     

The entire betrothal process was simple yet not lacking in formality. Everything was conducted according to village customs, without the slightest deviation. As the ceremony smoothly approached its conclusion, it was time for both families to discuss the wedding date. Zhang Cai and Guo Sufei asked Mr. Liu to decide, but they had one request, to hold the wedding as soon as possible because Grandmother’s health could not wait much longer. Her last wish in her heart was to see her grandson’s wedding.

     

Mr. Liu pondered for a long time and took out a traditional calendar, carefully scrutinizing it. His brows furrowed slightly, causing Zhang Cai and the others to feel anxious. After a while, Mr. Liu finally looked up and said: “According to the calendar, the end of this month is an auspicious day. After that, the next suitable date would be at the end of June. Isn’t the end of this month too rushed? And by the end of June, the elderly lady…” Mr. Liu didn’t finish his sentence.

     

Sure enough, Zhang Cai and Guo Sufei also frowned. Guo Sufei, unwilling to give up, asked: “Isn’t there any good day in between?”

     

Mr. Liu replied: “There are plenty of good days in between, but none that match Xiaolong and Qianqian’s birthdate natal charts.”

     

Zhang Cai let out a long sigh and said: “Alas, then it will have to be in June. There are only a few days left until the end of the month, and the house for the wedding isn’t even ready yet. How can we possibly prepare everything in just a few days?”

     

Mr. Liu also nodded and said: “It seems we have no other choice. But what about the elderly lady?”

     

At this moment, a voice came from outside: “Father, I think we should set it for the end of this month.”

     

Everyone looked up to see that it was Liu Qian who had entered. It turned out she had been listening outside all along.

     

Liu Qian’s face was slightly flushed as she spoke: “Uncle, Aunt, seeing Xiaolong’s wedding is Grandmother’s last wish. As the younger generation, we should fulfill it. The complexity or simplicity of the wedding depends on us, and elaborate ceremonies are unnecessary. A grand event isn’t practical for us either. I think there’s no need to set up a new house right away. We can temporarily find a place to make do. Besides, Father, didn’t you plan to move to Guo Village? This is a good opportunity. Next to the Zhang family’s courtyard, we can find a piece of land, build a few houses, and put up a courtyard wall. That will make a home. Once this courtyard is ready, you can move in, and Xiaolong and I will move in too. This way, we can take care of you and Uncle and Aunt as well. What do you think?”

     

Liu Qian’s idea seemed quite unconventional, but upon careful consideration, it was indeed feasible. Grandmother’s health likely wouldn’t hold out until June. If she passed away, the mourning period and related customs could delay the wedding, and she was eager to see her grandson’s marriage. Thus, having the wedding at the end of February made sense. Given the Zhang family’s financial situation, organizing a large-scale wedding wasn’t practical. A simple wedding, however, would be easy to prepare with the help of familiar villagers and could be arranged within a few days.

     

The biggest challenge was the new house. Traditionally, a new house should be prepared for the newlyweds, and if construction started now, it could be finished in about a month. If Mr. Liu also planned to move to Guo Village, then building a new courtyard would take a few months. Liu Qian’s desire to take care of her father meant the courtyard had to be built eventually, so combining the efforts made sense.

     

However, Zhang Cai was now pondering a concern. Liu Qian, even before officially joining the family, was already suggesting that she and Xiaolong live separately with her father, hinting at a split from the main family. This gave the impression of wanting to form a separate household. Could it be that she has other ideas?

     

However, Zhang Cai quickly dismissed this thought. What did their family have that Liu Qian could covet? It was nothing more than the well. Liu Qian urging her father to move was simply out of concern for his health, which was commendable filial piety. As for Xiaolong and Liu Qian living separately, it was something that would happen sooner or later. With three sons in the family, how could they not eventually split households?

     

Though bringing it up now seemed premature, upon closer reflection, it was quite appropriate. At the very least, it showed Liu Qian’s foresight, ensuring that Zhang Xiaohu and Zhang Xiaohua wouldn’t feel any resentment.

     

Mr. Liu naturally had no objections. He had already been considering his retirement plans. As a teacher, he would be respected wherever he went. He had heard that Guo Village lacked a teacher, so his presence would certainly be welcomed. Moreover, with his daughter there to rely on, he could also protect her. Why not embrace this opportunity? He had been pondering how to bring up the idea of relocating to Zhang Cai, and now that his daughter had suggested it, it was truly timely.

     

Some people opposed it, naturally Butcher Liu and his family.

     

Butcher Liu raised his voice and said: “Elder Brother, how can you consider moving to Guo Village without discussing it with me? We’ve both grown up here in Baligou since we were kids.”

     

Mr. Liu replied gently: “Second Brother, I’m just considering it. Qianqian will be married far away in Guo Village, where she doesn’t know anyone and will need someone to take care of her. Meanwhile, Liu Kai and I are at home without a woman’s care, and life has been difficult.”

     

Liu Yueyue interjected: “Uncle, don’t forget I’m here too. Haven’t I been helping out at home all this time?”

     

Mr. Liu smiled and said: “Yueyue, I know you’ve been working hard at Uncle’s house, but it’s not a long-term solution. Look, your sister is getting engaged and will soon marry away. Yours won’t be far either. Even if you find a husband here in Baligou, you can’t come over every day to take care of Uncle’s house. Besides, Liu Kai also needs to find a wife and start his own life, so this house should be given to him quickly. If I don’t push him, who knows when he’ll find a match?”

     

Liu Kai blushed and said: “Father, come on, I just haven’t found the right one yet.”

     

Mr. Liu glanced at him and replied: “Then you should find one for me. Try to get everything settled this year, both yours and your sister’s matters. Let’s aim for double happiness.”

     

Liu Kai fell silent at this.

     

Then, Mr. Liu turned to Butcher Liu and said: “Second Brother, although Guo Village seems far, it’s only half a day’s journey. Even if I move there, it will still be convenient to travel back and forth. Moreover, what you do as a butcher has nothing to do with my teaching profession. We’re brothers, and we can visit each other every ten days or so. Distance won’t weaken our bond. In the future, if you ever feel tired of staying in Baligou, you can move in with me.”

     

Mr. Liu knew Butcher Liu was straightforward and couldn’t keep secrets, so he didn’t mention anything about the well water to him. Of course, if the water proved effective in the future, Mr. Liu would definitely invite Butcher Liu and his family over.

     

With everyone seemingly in agreement, Mr. Liu and Zhang Cai finalized the wedding date for the end of February. Then they discussed the specific details together. Liu Qian didn’t stay to listen closely and exited, followed by Liu Yueyue.

     

Arriving at Liu Qian’s boudoir, Liu Yueyue teased: “Sister, are you so eager to marry Xiaolong that you can’t wait?”

     

Liu Qian replied: “It’s not like you imagine. The Zhang’s family Grandmother really can’t hold on much longer. The last time I was at their house, she was already coughing up blood. The old lady has worked hard all her life, and fulfilling her final wish is something I think we should do. Besides, you know their family’s situation. Getting things done quickly is actually a relief, and it won’t add too much burden for Xiaolong and me. This decision is beneficial for both him and me.”

     

Liu Yueyue asked in surprise: “Last time you talked to me about this, I’ve been thinking about it for a while too. This fate is really strange. You’ve only known each other for less than two months, and now you’re already going to eat from the same stove. It’s quite amazing when you think about it.”

     

Liu Qian smiled and replied: “You could do the same, you know. Every time Zhang Xiaohu sees you these days, his eyes can’t seem to leave you. I’m sure he also wants to share a stove with you.”

     

Liu Yueyue blushed and said: “Sister, please don’t tease me. I mentioned it to you last time at Zhang’s house too. I don’t have any feelings for this Zhang Xiaohu. While he did save me, I’m just grateful. In your words, there’s no fate between us. Besides, Mr. Zhao from Xue Village recently sent someone over to propose to his second son, Zhao Yuzhao. I’ve met Zhao Yuzhao before, he comes from a scholarly background and has a handsome appearance. It’s just that these days, with your matters keeping me busy, Father hasn’t agreed temporarily. Once your matters are settled, I expect my marriage will also be arranged.”

     

Upon hearing this, Liu Qian was delighted and said: “You little rascal, you’ve been keeping this secret to yourself until today. I’ve met Zhao Yuzhao too. His character and knowledge are indeed good. He suits you well, Yueyue. You’re quite lucky!”