Chapter 44: The Betrothal Gifts

Liu Yitiao was also curious to meet the girl who had so easily won the favor of Madam Liu He and little Liu Xiaohui. Madam Liu He was easy enough to please—good-natured and kind-hearted, she could be coaxed into a radiant smile with just a few words. But Liu Xiaohui was different; children judge people by their own instincts, not by sweet talk or a handful of candies. For Zhang Chuchu to gain such reliance from Liu Xiaohui in less than an hour, she must possess a remarkable affinity—something that naturally drew people to her and made them like her.

This thought reminded Liu Yitiao of his former girlfriend, Minmin, who too had that kind of charm—a girl whose presence brought joy from the very depths of the heart. Her round face, large eyes, delicate nose, and thin lips—all those features flashed before him, and his heart ached with an endless sorrow. The urge to see Zhang Chuchu faded; he entered his own room in silence and buried himself in sleep.

Liu Laoshi looked at Liu Yitiao and shook his head, unable to understand why his eldest son seemed so unwilling to marry. Wasn’t marriage and the continuation of the family line what every man desired? Besides, the Zhangs were honest folk, generations of straightforward farmers, perfectly matched in standing with their own Liu family. He’d seen Zhang Chuchu yesterday—she was pretty and of moderate height; marrying her would never bring disgrace to his son.

The only regret Liu Laoshi felt was that Zhang Chuchu was rather thin. But that was no real issue; once she was married, with a few nourishing hens stewed and some days of care, she’d grow stronger and would surely bear well. Hadn’t Yitiao’s mother also been slender once, and now she’d given the Liu family three sons?

At dinner, Liu Laoshi didn’t let Madam Liu He call Liu Yitiao. Instead, he instructed her to keep some food warm in the pot for him to eat when he awoke. Liu Laoshi could see that Liu Yitiao was weary, and that his spirits were low—such a person needed rest.

Madam Liu He was worried, unable to eat peacefully, checking on Liu Yitiao’s room three or four times until she saw he was truly asleep and felt relieved. She set down her chopsticks gently and hesitated before saying, “Husband, if Yitiao truly doesn’t want this marriage, perhaps we should delay it for now?”

Liu Laoshi put down his chopsticks and admonished her, “What do you know, woman? Is Yitiao really unwilling? With his usual temperament, if he truly didn’t want it, wouldn’t the house be in chaos by now, instead of so quiet?”

“But isn’t this odd?” Madam Liu He replied, “I’d rather he made a fuss. That would be better than him hiding silently in his room.”

“He’s just tired from the land clearing,” Liu Laoshi said, taking a sip of wine. “Thirty acres, and another hundred mu to be granted—that’s thirty-one acres in all. So much land, all falling to him alone. It’s hard, so hard!”

Liu Laoshi took another gulp, his face flushed. “It’s my fault—I’m not capable enough to help him. The best I can do is find him a wife early. With a loving woman by his side, he won’t feel the hardship or the loneliness.”

Madam Liu He said nothing, quietly eating her meal. She knew Liu Laoshi was right; their eldest son indeed needed a woman.

The night passed without words.

Early the next morning, Liu Laoshi took Liu Yitiao, carrying the prepared betrothal gifts, and set out.

Xiaoxinzhuang was not far from Gutian Village, separated by only Xia’er Village. The two soon arrived at the Zhangs’ house.

By now, Liu Yitiao had come to terms with it. Since there was no going back, he would let go of the past and live well in this era, being a small landowner and enjoying happiness with his family.

The door was opened by Zhang Chuwen, still dressed as a scholarly gentleman. Seeing Liu Yitiao and Liu Laoshi, he gave a proper bow and said, “So it is Uncle Liu and Brother Liu come to call. Forgive me for not welcoming you sooner.”

“Brother Liu?” Liu Yitiao felt awkward, being addressed as a younger brother by someone much younger than himself.

Liu Laoshi took no issue with it; after all, he was to marry their sister, and it was only proper to be called brother by his future brother-in-law. Smiling, Liu Laoshi said, “Nephew Chuwen, you are too polite. Is your father at home?”

Seeing their bundles, Zhang Chuwen guessed the purpose of their visit. Smiling, he welcomed the pair inside. “My father and mother are both in the hall,” he said, glancing at Liu Yitiao, “and Chuchu is there as well. Please, Uncle Liu and Brother Liu, come in.”

“Very good! Lead the way, nephew,” Liu Laoshi replied, following him into the courtyard.

Inside, the four members of Zhang Buliang’s family were all present. As Liu Laoshi and Liu Yitiao entered, Zhang Buliang rose to greet them, while his wife, Madam Zhang Liu, led Zhang Chuchu into the inner room, leaving only a slender figure and a single glance from Zhang Chuchu for Liu Yitiao to see.

Though he caught only half her face, Liu Yitiao saw enough: pure, fair, and elegant. Especially her eyes, clear as a mountain spring, as lucid as a pool of jade.

Those eyes resembled Minmin’s. Liu Yitiao could not help but wish to look again.

Zhang Buliang noticed Liu Yitiao’s gaze toward the inner room, the lost and wistful expression on his face, and a faint smile touched his lips. He was quite satisfied with Liu Yitiao—young, promising, and handsome. His daughter would have a good home marrying him.

Liu Yitiao stepped forward and bowed to Zhang Buliang. “Nephew Liu Yitiao greets Uncle Zhang.”

Zhang Buliang smiled, made a gesture of support, and took Liu Yitiao’s arm. “You are too polite, nephew. Please come in and take a seat, as well as your father.”

They entered, and host and guests were seated.

Zhang Buliang glanced at the betrothal gifts they had brought and asked, as if unaware, “May I ask what brings you and your son here today, Brother Liu?”

This was not for Liu Yitiao to answer, so Liu Laoshi spoke. Smiling, he replied, “To be honest, after meeting your daughter yesterday, my wife and I were greatly pleased and wish to welcome Miss Chuchu into our family as a daughter-in-law. That is why I have brought my son today to propose marriage. I hope you will consent to this matter.”