Font Size:
Wang Qian understood the reasoning but was concerned about Zhang Weiguo and his wife’s well-being. Every newlywed couple hopes to enjoy some privacy to start their married life, and their bustling household, frequented by people picking up goods, would undoubtedly disturb the privacy of the couple. While she had no objections to them living with the family, it wasn’t a long-term solution. Zhang Weiguo needed his own home eventually. Taking advantage of her current financial ability and the low housing prices, it seemed wise to buy a house quickly, especially considering the dizzying future housing prices—better to act now when conditions were favorable.
Zhang Lan’s only brother, Zhang Weiguo, had yet to establish his own household. The siblings had always shared a close bond. Regardless of her current financial situation, even if she had no money, she would find a way to borrow some. She was determined to ensure her brother’s wedding was a complete success, not just for any other reason but to repay the times he had trekked mountain paths to bring necessities to their home, providing help in difficult times. She remembered this kindness and had no objections to her daughter’s suggestion.
“Qianqian, let’s discuss this with your uncle later. I suspect that he might feel uncertain about accepting such a gift without my saying so. Once I talk to him, he should have no reservations. If your uncle settles down here, you all can also look out for each other. Jianing’s mother is a good person; you should all make an effort to get along with her. Relationships are built through interaction. Her mother might have opposed at first, but as an elder considering the best for her child, it’s understandable. In the future, you all should visit the old lady regularly. It’s like helping your grandmother keep in touch, since they live far away. Frequent visits will naturally bring relatives closer together.”
Zhang Lan’s words reflect a deep understanding of family dynamics, the importance of maintaining good relationships with in-laws, and the concept of building bonds through persistent effort and kindness.
Wang Qian, with a smile, wrapped her arms around Zhang Lan’s neck from behind. “Mom, don’t worry about it. We are all well-behaved and well-mannered children. In the future, my brother, sister, and I will bring gifts when we visit. Oh, and mom, give this necklace to the old lady as a gift. It’s a suitable present for a first meeting and I think she’ll really like it.”
The pearl necklace Wang Qian took out was the smallest one from her collection, but it was more than enough as a gift for the old lady.
Zhang Lan admired the pearl necklace handed over by her daughter. The pearls were lustrous and round, and not small in her opinion. Even she found herself liking it.
Seeing the look on Zhang Lan’s face as she examined the pearl necklace, Wang Qian chuckled, “Mom, don’t be envious. The one you’re wearing around your neck is worth much more than this one. And I have even better ones than this. When you get a bit older, we’ll both wear them. I’m saving them for you.”
Zhang Lan glanced at her daughter with a smile, “You little thing, you’ve seen right through me. It doesn’t matter whether I wear them or not; you should save them, to be part of your and your sister’s dowry. When I get to the south, I’ll buy some for you too. I just want my daughters to marry off splendidly, not empty-handed like I was…”
Wang Qian hugged Zhang Lan tenderly, understanding the regrets in her mother’s heart. Among her peers, their family had been poor, and her grandmother’s family hadn’t provided much in the way of a dowry. Geng Lianhua only wanted to secure a reliable husband for her daughter, who had health issues. She had no other demands except that her daughter be treated well after marriage.
All the young brides married into the same village likely faced some degree of comparison, and Zhang Lan’s mother must have felt the sting of inadequacy during those times. The hardships endured in their youth were something Zhang Lan probably didn’t want her own daughters to experience.
“Mom, we will be fine. The hardships of the past are nothing compared to the sweetness that’s to come. We will make up for your past regrets.”
Wang Qian didn’t specify how they would compensate for the shortfall, but that wasn’t important to Zhang Lan; her children’s thoughtfulness was enough for her.
“Mom, do I need to go with Zuo He to buy some things?”
Mingyuan, accompanied by Zuo He, came in. Zhang Lan picked out the gifts she had brought from home and realized some items were missing. She quickly made a list and tasked Mingyuan and Zuo He with the shopping.
Wang Zhenguo hadn’t saved much in the past two years, but while in the south, he did purchase some local batik fabric, not expecting it would be needed anytime soon. However, today he brought it out and sent it over to Zhang Lan, knowing that once the wedding details were finalized, his sister would be the one to arrange everything, as bedding and such were not his forte.
Seeing the fabric in Zhang Weiguo’s hands, both Zhang Lan and Wang Qian were amused. “Little brother, it looks like you were prepared. Tomorrow, your sister will try to hasten your wedding arrangements. For the bedding and such, I’ll ask aunt to help out. She’s only really busy during meetings; other times, she’s quite free, so it’s perfect for the aunts to come over and lend a hand.”
Zhang Weiguo scratched his head sheepishly, “Sis, you just handle it. If it can be arranged sooner, we should bring our parents over. I’d feel more at ease with them here.”
Zhang Lan nodded with a smile, “Okay, when the time comes, we’ll definitely have our parents come over. But let’s see what their side thinks, whether they prefer to stay here in the capital or to follow the traditional way of doing things.”
The siblings didn’t yet know Han Ying’s thoughts on the matter, so for now, they could only prepare preliminarily.
Old Chen and Chen Xu came over for dinner in the evening. Hearing that Zhang Weiguo’s issues were finally being resolved, he too felt happy, “Qianqian, after your uncle’s matters are settled, it will be Grandpa Chen’s turn, huh?”
Chen Minghai was fully convinced that the sudden change of heart from the stubborn old lady must have been the work of this clever girl, Wang Qian. He was especially looking forward to a satisfactory resolution of his own family’s situation.
Wang Qian nodded with a smile, “Grandpa Chen, I’ll give Aunt Bai a heads up tomorrow. If we’re going to do this, we’ll do it properly. Brother Chen Xu, you’ll need to play along and not give anything away. Starting tomorrow, Grandpa Chen, you shouldn’t be too lively; you need to start acting a bit more like a patient.”
The next morning, after their exercise routine, Zhang Weiguo and the other three got ready and set off with gifts in tow. When Zuo Zhanshan heard the news, he and Hao Lianchun also decided to join in on the excitement. It was a joyous occasion, and they wanted to be there to support Zhang Weiguo, acting as family since Zhang Wanyou and his spouse couldn’t attend, with Zuo Zhanshan and his wife stepping in on their behalf.
The Bai family was all present, but they were surprised to see Zuo Zhanshan and his wife arrive.
Zuo Zhanshan held a higher rank than Bai Qingyuan himself, and even higher than Old Wu. However, because of their personal relationship, Wu Changyong never stood on ceremony with him. Bai Qingyuan knew Zuo Zhanshan through Old Wu, and formally, he still had to address Zuo Zhanshan as ‘Chief’, showing the necessary respect due to his seniority and position.
“Chief, what brings you here? It’s a rare pleasure to have you. Please come inside.”
Hao Lianchun smiled as she took over the conversation, “Old Bai, Weiguo’s parents are out of town and can’t make it in time. Seeing as Weiguo is like a nephew to us, today we’ll stand in as the family elders to discuss the children’s marriage. If we can settle their union sooner, we can all rest easier, right?”
This time, when Han Ying saw Zuo Zhanshan arrive, she really felt somewhat apologetic. In the past, she had not agreed to his efforts regarding the marriage, and now that she had consented, she felt a bit guilty towards the old chief.
Zuo Zhanshan, with his keen perception, understood Han Ying’s feelings very well. He laughed, giving her a way out, “Comrade Han Ying, we’re going to be relatives now. We’ll be counting on you to look after Weiguo in the future, as his mother-in-law. Let’s not bring up the past anymore, alright? It’s wonderful that the kid’s affairs are settled. Today is a good day, let’s all be happy and celebrate with a drink.”
Han Ying cheerfully agreed, “Ah, Chief, that’s music to my ears. We’ll do as you say. I’ll go to the kitchen right away to see how the preparations are coming along. It’s not often we have everyone over at our place, so today we should all enjoy a good gathering. You three brothers, please keep Uncle and Auntie company…”
Han Ying was genuinely happy today. Her daughter had told her last night that Zhang Weiguo actually had a wealthy sister who was even planning to buy a house for the newlyweds, and the son-in-law-to-be held shares in her factory. She wasn’t clear on the exact amount of money involved, but she did understand one thing: her daughter wouldn’t have to endure any financial hardship in her marriage, at the very least.
This was a favorable situation. Looking back at Zhang Weiguo’s prospects, she felt a tinge of regret for almost letting such a good young man slip away. According to the old man at home, Zhang Weiguo’s qualifications were more than sufficient for a promising official career. With the couple being financially secure, her daughter wouldn’t have to suffer. If needed, they could simply retire early and enjoy their lives together. Her previous worries now seemed unnecessary.
With this change of perspective, Han Ying felt increasingly satisfied with her future son-in-law, finding no faults in him. What was most commendable was that the young man wasn’t seeking to take advantage of their family’s status. Considering his connections with the Zuo and Wu families, what could he possibly lack?
The old lady went to the kitchen to help her daughter-in-law, while Bai Jianing’s three brothers finally got a look at their future brother-in-law. Previously, they only knew that their mother opposed the relationship, so they hadn’t taken much interest in Zhang Weiguo. Even if they had, what could they have done? At that time, the old lady was adamantly against the relationship and determined to break them up.
Upon meeting Zhang Weiguo in person, the Bai brothers finally understood why their father had been so adamant about arranging this marriage in the first place.
Zhang Weiguo was not only handsome, but his credentials were impressive. With the backing of two respected old revolutionaries like Elder Zuo and Elder Wu, his future seemed destined for success. For the Bai brothers, having such a person as their brother-in-law was a matter of pride and they were more than welcoming.
Despite Zhang Weiguo currently being a military academy student, his future achievements could very well command their respect. None of the Bai siblings had pursued a military career, working instead in civilian roles. While their jobs were commendable, they admitted to themselves that none had the potential and connections that their future brother-in-law had, especially considering his strong ties with influential figures.