Chapter 35: Plotting a Marriage 2

This was their most precious possession.

When the landlords of Gaoshi Village were overthrown, he was in his twenties, full of revolutionary zeal, eager to make a name for himself. He was among the first to rush into the Gao family’s home to destroy their property.

He obtained the silver dollars and gold bars then. He’d seen the Gao family’s son hide them in a chamber pot.

During the ransacking, pretending to vent his anger, he threw the chamber pot into an outhouse.

Later, under the cover of darkness, he retrieved it.

As long as he had these things, he wasn’t afraid of his sons’ disobedience.

With the current family turmoil, hiding the valuables under the bed was no longer safe.  His disobedient sons might even try to take the jars.

Qiao Jiuwang thought of the abandoned pigsty.

He closed the yard gate and went to the pigsty with the jar.

The pigs were gone, but the pig manure remained.  Manure was precious to farmers.

Two pigs required large bundles of wild grass and straw daily for bedding.

First, for dryness and comfort.

Second, for composting. The trampled grass and straw, mixed with pig waste, became fertilizer for the next season.

Qiao Jiuwang took a three-pronged cultivator and a hoe into the pigsty.

He forcefully removed the straw and manure.

The manure from the pigs raised earlier in the year was thick.

He dug about ten centimeters before reaching the mud.

He discarded the cultivator, using the hoe to dig a hole. He found some roof tiles and used them to line the hole before quickly placing the two oil-paper packages inside, covering them with more tiles, and filling the hole.

He tamped the soil firmly and covered it with manure.

Forty minutes later, Qiao Jiuwang emerged barefoot.

He washed his hands and feet, gathered his things, locked the door, and went to town.

Meanwhile, in town…

After discussing, Qiao Fangfang and Lei Honghua went to the coffin shop, excited.

Lei Honghua agreed to reduce the bride price from 300 to 200 yuan, using the remaining 100 yuan to cover the 50 yuan in medical expenses and her travel expenses.

She got 50 yuan more, and the Chen family would benefit too.  Why wouldn’t she be happy?

At the coffin shop, she flattered a stout woman. After some pleasantries, Qiao Fangfang presented her niece.

“This girl is simply clueless, only looking at a man’s face.  Does a pretty face put food on the table?  When choosing a spouse, you need to consider the in-laws and the family’s financial situation. Only those of us who’ve been through it understand.  So, I know that if your Daya marries my Chen Sheng, she’ll definitely live a good life.”

Mother Chen was flattered by Qiao Fangfang’s compliments.

Chen Sheng had a bad reputation and his appearance was a problem, so several matches had failed.  Some even insulted her, saying she was a toad trying to eat a swan.

So, the couple decided to offer a hefty bride price of 300 yuan.

She didn’t believe they couldn’t find a hardworking daughter-in-law for that much money!

Although happy, she maintained a dignified demeanor, lest people think anyone could marry into their family.

“Fangfang, you’re a clever woman, but I’ll be frank.  Since we offer 300 yuan, Chen Sheng has requirements. We can’t accept just anyone. 

The girl must be quick and efficient; no one wants a lazy wife. After a hard day’s work, a man wants a hot meal and a clean house.  The woman should handle the housework, wouldn’t you agree?  Also, as you said, women marry for food and clothing.

Men choose wives based on looks. If you marry an unattractive woman, the children might not be pretty either.

Men don’t like that, and there will be trouble… As parents, we want a wife our son likes, so they can live happily ever after, wouldn’t you agree?”

Mother Chen smiled at Qiao Fangfang.

Qiao Fangfang quickly replied, “Sister, let me tell you, ask around in Gaoshi Village. My niece is very capable. She learned to wash clothes and cook at five or six years old. She handles all the housework and farm work.

At thirteen, she earned eight or nine work points, more than some men. And she’s quite pretty.  She’s a bit thin and dark, but with some care, she’ll be a beauty.”

Mother Chen was delighted. “Can you make the decision?  Don’t mind my directness, but you’re a married aunt…”

Qiao Fangfang smiled confidently. “Don’t worry, my mother makes the decisions. She’s agreed. 

Feel free to come and see her.

Once the bride price is paid, you can take her away.”