Chapter 50: Dowries and Wedding Gifts

The news about the marriage application naturally couldn’t go unnoticed.

Everyone knew what it meant. It had been months since Xiao Qingru and Xu Muzhou started dating, so getting married now felt perfectly reasonable. After all, some people decide to marry after just one meeting, so the two of them had actually taken their time. Besides, with Xu Muzhou not getting any younger, delaying any further wouldn’t make sense. Given his profession, it was only natural for people to think that getting married and starting a family was his top priority.

The Xiao family had previously been noncommittal about the wedding date, which worried people on Xu Muzhou’s behalf, some thought maybe the Xiao family had reservations about him, which might be why they were holding back. Now that they were finally moving forward with the wedding, people felt genuinely happy for him.

Naturally, people started speculating about how much of a dowry Xu’s family would offer and what Xiao’s family would provide in return. Both families were well off, and since Qingru wouldn’t have to worry about living with in laws, it was clear that married life would be comfortable for her.

The Xu family didn’t waste any time, either. After hearing their son had applied for marriage, they called the Xiao family the next day to discuss the dowry with Xiao Qingru’s parents. Only Mrs. Xiao was home at the time, but she had already discussed everything with her husband and had a plan in mind.

“We want the wedding to be as simple as possible. We’re not too concerned with superficial details, we just want them to have a happy life together.”

“The ceremony can be simple, but the dowry can’t be skimped on. We’ll certainly cover the essentials: a bicycle, a watch, and a sewing machine.”

“Oh, Qingru already has those things, so there’s no need to spend money on them,” Mrs. Xiao replied.

Mrs. Xu agreed, suggesting, “In that case, let’s buy her a camera. I’ve seen young people using those here in Beijing; it’s quite fashionable. Qingru could even take it to her performances and capture memories.”

Mrs. Xiao agreed that it was a good idea. “Alright, let’s go with that.”

“Along with the camera, we’ll also provide 2,000 yuan as a dowry, and once Muzhou gets their housing sorted, we’ll cover the cost of furniture. How does that sound?” Mrs. Xu offered.

The 2,000 yuan was a fair amount, and Mrs. Xiao knew her husband wouldn’t object. She nodded. “Our family will cover the wedding banquet, and they can spend this New Year with you in Beijing. Then, the arrangements will be up to you.”

Mrs. Xu was thrilled to hear they’d get to host the couple in Beijing for their first New Year as newlyweds.

“After the wedding, they’ll need your guidance since we’re so far away. We’re putting everything in your hands,” Mrs. Xu said, smiling.

“We’re all family, no need to worry about that. Once Muzhou’s paperwork is complete, you both should come over. Let’s get everything done so we can rest easy,” Mrs. Xiao replied.

“That’s exactly what we’re planning. Once the kids are settled, our job is done,” Mrs. Xu said with a laugh.

Both families were open and straight forward, discussing everything honestly. They made sure that each step in the process was clear.

Once they’d finalized the dowry, Mrs. Xiao mentioned the bride’s dowry, too.

“Qingru has been managing her own finances, but her father and I will also give her 2,000 yuan to help them build their home together.”

The Xu family couldn’t dictate how much the Xiao family gave as dowry, but they shared the same goal to support the young couple’s new household.

After handling the formalities, Mrs. Xu ended the call. However, getting a camera wasn’t easy back then, they weren’t readily available to everyone. Mr. and Mrs. Xu planned to secure one in Beijing, but if they couldn’t find it locally, they’d ask someone from Shanghai to bring one over. They had their eye on a Seagull model, which was pricey at nearly 1,000 yuan. However, to bring their future daughter in law into the family, they were willing to spend whatever it took.

With the dowry settled, Xu Muzhou would complete his paperwork soon, and the wedding could proceed.

News that Xu’s family was giving 2,000 yuan and a camera spread quickly, sparking envy in the community.

“Qingru’s family has wealth, 2,000 yuan is nothing. Xu Muzhou is lucky to be marrying her!”

“Exactly! With a powerful father in law, Xu Muzhou’s future is bright. They’d probably give 5,000 if asked.”

“Even with both Xu’s parents working, 5,000 yuan would be a big hit on their finances.”

“But Xu Muzhou’s pilot pay is good. Whatever he spends now, he’ll make back. Let’s not worry on his behalf,” someone concluded.

“I think Xiao Qingru is lucky. She had her family’s support while single, and soon, she’ll have her husband’s. She’s never had to struggle.”

“She has a job in the art troupe, too enviable, really.”

As they gossiped, another woman, Du Wanqiu, felt a surge of jealousy at the mention of Xiao Qingru’s 2,000 yuan dowry. Two thousand yuan was a lifetime’s earnings for many. In the countryside, even 100 yuan was a lot for a wedding, and in the city, few could afford the typical “three rounds and a sound” (bicycle, watch, sewing machine, and radio).

So why did the Xu family go all out for Xiao Qingru?

Du Wanqiu thought of her own marriage to Jiang Chuan. Not only did she not get a dowry, but she also lost her savings of 2,000 yuan. Though Jiang Chuan gave her ten yuan monthly for household expenses, it never felt like enough. She felt robbed.

Tonight, she vowed to make another attempt. She’d secure her hold over Jiang Chuan by having a child with him, ensuring her stake in the family. Otherwise, she would truly be losing out.