Chapter 70: Betrothal

Though I, Liu Yitiao, am but a farmer, I am also a man who stands tall under the heavens. The words I speak and the deeds I commit have never been followed by regret!” Hearing Liu Yitiao’s declaration, Zhang Chuwen, who had been secretly listening outside the door, could not help but cheer inwardly—this was the kind of statement a true man should make. At the same time, he realized that the marriage between Liu Yitiao and his sister was now settled.

He quietly slipped back into the main hall, exchanging a meaningful glance with Zhang Bulian and his wife. The couple, elated, no longer engaged Liu Laoshi in idle conversation, instead steering the discussion directly to the auspicious day for Liu’s family to welcome Chuchu as their daughter-in-law.

As for the wedding date, Liu Laoshi naturally wished for it to be as soon as possible—the earlier, the sooner he could cradle a grandson in his arms. Thus, he proposed the fifth day of the next month, an auspicious date and, importantly, a swift one.

However, Zhang Bulian and his wife, who had previously been anxious to marry off their daughter, now felt reluctant to part with her. Though Chuchu was not their biological child, they had lived together for nearly ten years, and the bonds of parent and daughter were evident. They preferred to postpone the wedding, hoping it could be delayed until mid-June, citing the need to prepare more dowry for their daughter so she wouldn’t be looked down upon in her new home.

This, of course, Liu Laoshi could not agree to, as it would delay his hopes of becoming a grandfather. And so, the two families argued over the wedding date, each holding fast to their own wishes, unable to reach a conclusion. In the end, it was Zhang Chuwen who proposed a compromise, urging both families to yield a little and settle on the fifteenth day of April.

April fifteenth—three months away. Though a bit later than Liu Laoshi had hoped, it was still within the bounds of his acceptance. By then, the spring planting would be finished, leaving some idle days, which would also make it easier to host friends and relatives. Once the details were settled, Liu Laoshi, smiling broadly, took his leave of his in-laws, and led Liu Yitiao home.

By the time they returned, it was already mid-afternoon. Yuan Pei had arrived, and Liu Ertiao was keeping him company with idle chatter. Seeing Liu Yitiao and his father return, Yuan Pei rose and greeted them, saying, “Master Liu, Elder Liu, you have my respects.”

“Yuan Pei? Brother Yuan, what brings a busy man like you to my humble abode today? Please, sit.” Liu Laoshi, in excellent spirits, greeted his guest with extra warmth, gesturing for Yuan Pei to take a seat and calling to Liu Ertiao, “You rascal, have you no manners? Hurry and brew some fresh tea for your Uncle Yuan!”

“No need, no need, the tea was just poured by Ertiao moments ago, Elder Liu, you need not stand on ceremony,” Yuan Pei replied, noticing Liu Laoshi’s happiness. He asked, “Judging by the glow on your face, is it a joyous occasion? Has the marriage for Yitiao been arranged?”

“Oh? Brother Yuan, you already know? Haha…” Liu Laoshi glanced at Liu Ertiao, thinking the boy’s tongue was rather quick. He smiled and said to Yuan Pei, “You guessed right, Brother Yuan—the date is set for the fifteenth of April this year. The invitations will be sent out at the beginning of April, and I hope you will honor us with your presence.”

“Truly?” Liu Ertiao congratulated his brother with delight, “Big Brother, congratulations! At last, I’ll have a sister-in-law. I’ll go tell Mother and Xiaohui the good news!” With that, he dashed inside to inform Liu Heshi.

Yuan Pei laughed and offered his congratulations as well, “Then I must congratulate Elder Liu and Master Liu. For such a happy occasion, our Yuan family will certainly not be absent—we must come to share in the joy. As for a wedding gift, let us not prepare anything special, but all the wooden furniture needed for the new household will be provided by our Yuan family—consider it a token of our esteem for Master Yitiao.”

With these words, Yuan Pei extended a generous favor to Liu Yitiao, who understood the gesture. Compared to the workshop they planned to open, this furniture was a mere trifle. Yuan Pei’s offer was a sign of goodwill, perhaps even of seeking closer ties. Liu Yitiao did not stand on ceremony, replying before his father could, “Then I thank Uncle Yuan and Elder Yuan for their kindness.”

This made Liu Laoshi glance at his son, his expression a bit uneasy. After all, the Liu family and the Yuan family were not particularly close, having had only a few dealings. How could they accept such a grand gift?

“Father, this is Uncle Yuan’s sincere gesture, you need not refuse,” Liu Yitiao explained, knowing what his father was thinking. “When it comes to furniture, who in the surrounding villages can compare to Uncle Yuan’s craftsmanship? With his help, we should not be bashful.”

Yuan Pei chimed in, “Yes, Elder Liu, there’s no need for formality. Compared to the help Master Liu has given our family, ordinary furniture is nothing at all. Please accept it with confidence.”

Had his eldest son given the Yuan family some favor? Liu Laoshi’s gaze swept across Liu Yitiao and Yuan Pei, sensing this must be true. From the moment Yuan Pei entered, Liu Laoshi noticed he treated Liu Yitiao with great respect—more so than himself, the head of the Liu family. Perhaps Liu Yitiao had indeed helped the Yuan family in some way.

Since Liu Yitiao was beaten by Wang Shuai, he had changed dramatically—he could read and write, had martial skills, and even knew some peculiar yet useful things, like making ox nose rings, bamboo tools, and dealing with troublesome illnesses. In short, Liu Laoshi found his eldest son increasingly inscrutable. Sometimes he wondered if this Liu Yitiao was still the reckless boy he once knew.

Yet, Liu Laoshi was glad at heart that his son had changed. After all, what father would not rejoice at a capable son?

He clasped his hands and said to Yuan Pei, “Then I must trouble you, Brother Yuan. Today is a day of joy for Yitiao’s engagement. Since you’re here, you cannot leave so easily—stay and share a few cups with me.”

“This may not be appropriate…” Yuan Pei looked at Liu Yitiao. He had come mainly to collect money—thirty strings of cash was no small sum. He dared not linger and risk being delayed.

Liu Yitiao understood and rose to resolve the situation, “Father, Uncle Yuan has come today to collect some items and must hurry back. He cannot stay long, so please don’t insist.” Turning to Yuan Pei, he smiled, “Uncle Yuan, please wait a moment; I’ll fetch what you need.”

Seeing Liu Yitiao speak so discreetly, Yuan Pei realized Liu Yitiao had not told his family about the workshop plans. He stood and cooperated, “Then I must trouble you, Master Liu.”

As he spoke, Liu Yitiao brought out a small bag of copper coins from the house and handed it to Yuan Pei, “Uncle Yuan, here it is. Take this back first. The rest will be settled tomorrow, so please assure Elder Yuan. Also, about the site and workers, please have Elder Yuan begin preparations tomorrow.”

Yuan Pei took the bag, slung it over his shoulder, and replied, “Rest assured, Master Liu. Our Yuan family will not disappoint you. My father is waiting at home, so I won’t linger any longer. I take my leave.” He then bowed to Liu Laoshi, “Business calls me today, so I can’t drink with you. I beg your pardon, Elder Liu. If I have time another day, I’ll certainly come to share a few cups. Farewell.”

“Take care, Brother Yuan!”

“Take care, Uncle Yuan!”

Father and son saw Yuan Pei out. Once he was gone, Liu Laoshi turned to Liu Yitiao, “Yitiao, just what are you and the Yuan family up to?”

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Recommended: A friend’s book, “Picking Up a Daughter,” book number 1008606. Urban genre, interested readers may take a look.