Chapter 3 – The Bridal Gift

Chapter 3 - The Bridal Gift

Not mentioning Wang Da's mother's visit to the Qian family and her satisfaction.

Despite the Wei family's poverty, they genuinely intended to marry Tao Hua, as evidenced by their intention to formally propose rather than simply presenting two bags of grain as a token. This showed their earnestness in forming a marital bond.

Zhao Sufen was not the type of mother who would sell her daughter. In her heart, she didn't want her future in-laws to treat the marriage like a transaction.

That's why, despite her multiple remarriages, she always took Tao Hua with her. She understood the hardships women faced in this world; life was like being reborn when one married. If the husband's family was good, even if they were poor, unity and harmony could make for a comfortable life with fewer quarrels. But if one entered a toxic environment, where the mother-in-law was harsh and biased, the father-in-law was indecisive, the husband uncaring, and siblings and relatives fought over meager resources, life would become unbearable and seem without hope.

As Tao Hua's mother, Zhao Sufen couldn't help but worry about her daughter's marriage, fearing it might ruin her life if she made the wrong choice.

This situation suited her perfectly. The Wei family seemed upright and sincere, even though she had yet to meet Wei Dahu. As she saw Wang Da's mother out, Zhao Sufen secretly pressed a large handful of copper coins into her palm, beaming with warmth and familiarity. "Auntie Wang, I really don't know how to express my gratitude. Thank you for running around in this scorching heat."

Wang Dama generously accepted the money without hesitation, much to Zhao Sufen's delight. She held her hand tightly, whispering, "Please make another trip for me tomorrow as a matchmaker. Tell that Elder Wei that since he is an open-hearted man, not one to be overly concerned with reputation, I, Zhao Sufen, am the same. He needn't worry about the betrothal gift; just something decent will do. Our children still have their future to think about. Whatever you do, don't try to show off at the expense of your own well-being!"

She swallowed the last part of her sentence.

Wang Dama was an astute woman and nodded in understanding. "Such is the heart of a parent. I haven't made a loss as a matchmaker. I only hope that the two children will lead a good life, and all your worries as parents won't be in vain." Witnessing Zhao Sufen's concern for her daughter, Wang Dama couldn't help but recall her deceased confidante, tears welling up in the corners of her eyes.

What did it matter if she made a few more trips? She sincerely wished for this to be a good match, one where both children could truly thrive.

The next day, Wang Dama rushed to the Wei family's home early. She learned that Wei Dahu had left for town at dawn.

"Oh my, he can't wait to get married!" Upon hearing that he had already crossed mountains and valleys in the dark to prepare the wedding gifts, Wang Dama's face crinkled with laughter at his eagerness.

Old Man Wei was weaving bamboo strips in the yard. Upon seeing her, he hurried to the kitchen to fetch water, but Wang Dama stopped him, joyfully conveying Zhao Sufen's intentions. After finishing, she didn't bother waiting for his response before leaving, as she had many tasks awaiting her at home. "Since Big Hu is in town, I won't stay long. Once you two decide on a suitable date, let me know, and we'll present the betrothal gifts at the Qian's to officially propose!"

Old Man Wei nodded, acknowledging her efforts and another journey.

"Proposing is one thing, but choosing the wedding date is up to you two. Harvest season is coming, so do you want to bring the bride home right away to help, or let her stay at her parents' for another busy farming period..." Wang Dama paused, considering her words.

In a household without a woman, there were always inconveniences like these. Matters of betrothal were typically handled by women, but the Wei family lacked a woman to take charge. Hence, everything had to be discussed with Elder Wei, and certain delicate matters couldn't be laid out too explicitly.

These rough men were as insensitive as wooden posts; how could they understand the intricacies of a woman's heart? During peak farming season, the timing of a marriage was significant.

Wang Dama grumbled inwardly. Elder Wei wasn't oblivious either. Although no formal proposal had been made, Zhao Sufen had deliberately sent Wang Dama on this long journey to discuss the dowry, fearing that his family might not be able to afford a decent one and worried that he might misunderstand her intentions, going to great lengths to save face. This was the concern of a future in-law, showing consideration for their daughter.

He couldn't be obtuse in such situations; when someone expressed such concerns, it was ultimately out of love for their child.

"Judging by the signs from Heaven, the harvest may come within the next two weeks," Elder Wei said. "Crops won't wait, and good things mustn't be rushed."

How often do you hear of parents urging their daughter to marry before the harvest season? Are you in a rush to have her help with your crops?

"Ai!" Wang Damei's smile grew warmer. They were all straightforward and reasonable folk. If all parents were like this, matchmakers wouldn't have to worry about being chased out with brooms.

While discussions about the marriage proposal were taking place at home, Wei Dahu in the town was busy preparing the betrothal gifts.

Wei Dahu exited the cloth shop, carrying two bolts of fabric. The attendant politely saw him off, calling out, "Sir, please take your time, and come again next time!"

Next time, I won't be coming alone to buy cloth, Wei Dahu mused happily to himself as he strode confidently across the street to the pastry shop.

Two lengths of cloth had drained almost half his savings. He and his father usually wore rough homespun clothes that lasted for ages. They had never ventured into a fabric store to buy such fine materials before. Although expensive, they couldn't resist the beauty – the cloth was dyed a luscious red, akin to ripe fruits on the mountain. Under the sunlight, it seemed to glisten with translucent juices.

It looked as sweet as it felt.

The mere thought of his bride-to-be wearing a vibrant red wedding dress filled him with joy.

Wei Dahu stood nine feet tall, broad-shouldered and sturdy, towering over everyone in the crowd. Not only in the town but throughout the vast Kingdom of Dayu, it was hard to find men as tall and strong as he. This was precisely why Wei Dahu preferred the mountains and disliked visiting the town – everyone would secretly stare at him with suspicious eyes, which he found utterly irritating.

The pastry shop was bustling with women and children. As soon as Wei Dahu stepped in, the spacious store seemed to shrink, and the air grew stifling. The once lively atmosphere turned silent in an instant.

Timid children even scurried behind their mothers in fear.

Receiving the same reception as in the fabric store, Wei Dahu felt uncomfortable. Fortunately, the shop assistant was quick-witted and promptly approached him, "Sir, are you here to buy pastries? Please follow me to have a look at our signature date paste pastries..."

Upon hearing the word 'signature', Wei Dahu eagerly followed him to the front of the shop.

Peeking from behind her mother, the child revealed her little head, staring at the towering figure as if she had seen a marvel. Her mouth slightly agape, she appeared amazed.

"The date paste pastries are limited, with only twenty available per day. Many ladies and misses in the town adore them, sending their servants to queue up daily," the assistant explained.

Wei Dahu couldn't tell if it was good or bad: "Isn't it supposed to be sold on a first-come, first-served basis? Why is there so much left today?"

The shop assistant choked for a moment: "Sir, I would never dare deceive you. Our date paste pastries are indeed our signature item, and people do line up to buy them every day. Perhaps the important figures had other matters to attend to today."

Wei Dahu laughed. It seemed he was just in time. All the good things were reserved for him. He was meant to marry this wife.

He boomed with laughter: "Alright, wrap up three for me."

The shop assistant's eyes lit up, and he hastily agreed, about to pack the pastries. But catching sight of Wei Dahu's attire from the corner of his eye, his enthusiasm was immediately doused like a bucket of cold water over his head. Seeing that the customer didn't seem to be someone to provoke easily, he cautiously said, "Sir, each date paste pastry costs one silver coin."

Wei Dahu fished out three silver coins from his chest and threw them on the table, his thick brows rising in a fierce manner. "Hurry up and pack them properly. If any of the pastries get damaged, I'll make sure to smash your shop tomorrow."

Even without the threat, the shop assistant was already intimidated but also delighted. He grabbed the coins and rushed to pack the dessert.

Scanning his surroundings, Wei Dahu took out some copper coins and pointed to another item. "That candy, wrap one of those as well."

"Sure thing!" the shop assistant replied loudly.

After leaving the pastry shop, Wei Dahu went to a tavern and bought two fine jars of wine. His extravagant spending, fueled by the silver he'd received from selling Little Long's fish yesterday, had almost depleted his funds.

After a busy morning, Wei Dahu's stomach rumbled loudly. He carried his belongings to a noodle stall and ordered three large bowls of noodles, barely satisfying his hunger. As the sun began to scorch, he left the village.

Taking a shortcut into the mountains and then winding along mountain trails, he vanished from sight in a blink of an eye.

By noon, smoke rose from chimneys at both ends of the village.

In these relatively peaceful times, if one were to look back several decades, the entire empire was in chaos with battles raging everywhere. Ordinary folks had no peace, and for hunters living in the mountains to settle down in villages was an incredibly challenging task. The villagers were exclusivist. Of course, their exclusivity was one reason, but another was that hunters were accustomed to bloodshed. Who would dare to readily accept a hunter without knowing their character? It was akin to courting death.

There were many who, after committing murder, fled deep into the mountains. How could one be sure that the person standing before them wasn't a notorious criminal with a trail of corpses behind them?

Indeed, going up the mountain is effortless compared to descending.

Of course, there were ways around it. For instance, Old Wei, previously known as Wei Dalang, had married a village girl, eventually transforming from a hunter into a resident of Dahe Village and gaining the reluctant acceptance of its people. While the villagers consented to his settlement, they allowed him to build his house only in a remote area. Back then, Wei Dalang, seeking tranquility and simplicity, chose the foot of the rear mountain.

The foot of the mountain was peaceful, albeit distant from the village.

Old Wei was eating in the courtyard with his bowl in hand when he heard some commotion coming from behind the hill. He rose and walked towards the back yard, only to witness his son descending like a fierce tiger, two bolts of fine cloth tied to his back, two jars of wine hanging from his neck, and his massive hands holding onto a thin rope that safeguarded several packets of pastries with great care.

...What a troublesome fellow, dashing through the mountains with delicate fabrics on his back, not afraid of getting them torn by branches!

"Father, I'm back." Seeing him carrying the bowl, Wei Dahu quickened his pace and, rather than bothering to go through the courtyard gate, he strode in with his long legs, placed the items in the main room, and hurriedly bent down to fetch a basin and spoon to serve himself some food. "I'm starving. That bowl of noodles they sold in town wasn't even enough for me to satisfy my hunger, let alone fill my teeth."

"Wearing twenty taels on you and you only had a bowl of noodles?" Elder Wei strolled into the room, giving a close look at the items he had purchased. He secretly nodded in approval; the task was done reasonably well.

"The money's all gone, leaving just a few dozen copper coins—barely enough for three bowls of noodles." Wei Dahu was ravenously hungry, his head spinning and vision blurring. Last night, his thoughts had been preoccupied with marrying a wife; his joy kept him tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Eventually, he decided to take advantage of the moonlight and traverse the mountain to the town. After walking the mountain path for four hours, he was so famished that his stomach felt hollow.

After inspecting his purchases, Elder Wei picked up his bowl again. The two of them squatted down, each occupying their own spot, eating and chatting. "Your Aunt Wang came by today. That girl's mother is a sensible woman. If the mother is like that, the daughter can't be too far off. I'm thinking that the day after tomorrow is an auspicious day. I'll go and propose on your behalf then."

Wei Dahu nodded eagerly. "So when's the wedding?"

"You're eager to wed without even a formal proposal. What sweet dreams are you having? You're anxious now, but where were you years ago? There were suitors for you before, yet you never took them seriously," the elder Wei grumbled, his brows knitted in anger. Though their family was poor, their son's towering stature and strong build made him an attractive prospect for labor-intensive farm work. Yet, this ungrateful son had no interest in those who showed interest in him.

All he cared about was hunting snakes in the mountains, constantly seeking to sell them.

"Boys my age in the village already have children running around. What's wrong with me wanting to marry? Don't you want to be a grandfather?" Wei Dahu shot back. What kind of proposals were those in the past? They demanded ten taels of silver as dowry and complained about his family's poverty, saying their meager fields wouldn't provide enough food to sustain their daughter. They criticized their dilapidated house for being drafty and leaking, and his father's lame leg that prevented him from working, as if his daughter was a goddess descending from heaven, deserving only a golden path beneath her feet.

Then why did they even come to his family to propose marriage? Were they insane?

Seeing his son's stubborn posture, the elder Wei knew what was on his mind. He looked him up and down and said, "You inherited your grandfather's height, and you look like a natural in the fields. Who wouldn't be envious?"

"Envy won't help plow her family's fields," Wei Dahu declared.

What an annoying fellow, his words were enough to choke anyone.

Back then, despite their best efforts, they praised the girl's appearance and how her brothers could provide support. Yet, he replied, "I eat half a bucket of rice per meal. If my family's grain isn't enough, can I borrow from my mother-in-law?"

This angered them to the point of spitting on the ground twice before storming off without looking back.

Half a bucket of rice per meal? Why don't you fly to the sky! Can you till ten acres a day or work like ten oxen? Dreaming of borrowing grain, what grand illusions you have!

With such aspirations, no matchmaker dared set foot in the Wei household to arrange a marriage.