Chapter 66: Not a penny of betrothal gift

Li Changping nodded at Sun Wenwen’s answer, “Fine.  Since you’re willing to marry, let’s not discuss this further. Don’t spread this around; it could affect our brigade’s evaluation.” The villagers nodded; they understood the importance of keeping family matters private. This incident could affect the brigade’s evaluation and the reputation of young people in the brigade. 

Li Changping urged everyone to disperse and return to work. The villagers left, still gossiping. Jiang Li and her friends returned to eat breakfast.

 On the way back, the older educated youths discussed Sun Wenwen’s poor decision. Liu Yulan looked fearfully at Jiang Li. She suspected it wasn’t as simple as it seemed; Sun Wenwen wouldn’t have chosen Li Ermazi unless she was forced.

  Jiang Li’s methods were frightening. Regardless of Jiang Li’s involvement, Sun Wenwen would marry Li Ermazi.  Liu Yulan felt nauseous imagining marrying Li Ermazi; she would rather die! This incident served as a warning to Liu Yulan not to offend Jiang Li.

  After breakfast, Sun Wenwen returned to the educated youth center.  She was dressed neatly, but a red mark was visible on her neck. 

The other educated youths, especially the women, avoided her, fearing it would affect their reputations. Sun Wenwen was upset that the older educated youths and even Liu Yulan were avoiding her. 

Jiang Li, in a good mood, went to work with Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong.  After finishing their work, Jiang Li made mutton dumplings for lunch. 

Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong helped. Jiang Li prepared the filling; Bai Ziyong rolled the dough; Jiang Li and Mu Jingxun wrapped the dumplings.  Jiang Li commented, “Mu Jingxun, you’re quite good at making dumplings.

” Mu Jingxun replied, “Not as good as you, Comrade Jiang.” “Of course, but you’re pretty good.” Mu Jingxun found her straightforwardness endearing.

 They worked efficiently and quickly finished wrapping the dumplings. They made so many dumplings that they needed two large pots to cook them all. Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong ate heartily. 

There was still some mutton left; Jiang Li decided to make mutton skewers for dinner. She planned to cut some bamboo for skewers in the afternoon.  Just as she was cleaning up, an argument erupted at the door.

Guhua Shen had come to inform Sun Wenwen that she would marry Li Ermazi in ten days.  Guhua Shen wanted Sun Wenwen to move in immediately so she could have a daughter-in-law to serve her. She wanted to enjoy being a mother-in-law.

 But they needed time to prepare for the wedding.

The closest auspicious date was ten days later. Guhua Shen didn’t consult Sun Wenwen. Sun Wenwen didn’t want to marry so soon. Guhua Shen threatened to report Sun Wenwen for defiling Li Ermazi if she didn’t agree.

 Sun Wenwen, scared, agreed to marry in ten days but demanded 100 yuan as a bride price (instead of the usual 50 yuan for rural girls) and two new sets of clothes.

 Guhua Shen refused, “100 yuan? You slept with my son; you’re not pure anymore! We’re being generous by marrying you!  We’ll give you two new clothes, but nothing else.

If you don’t like it, go to jail!” Sun Wenwen, insulted, cried and accused Guhua Shen of being unreasonable.