Chapter 6: The Betrothal Is Settled

“Is anyone home?”

Upon hearing the voice, mother and daughter glanced out the window together.

Su Yue whispered, “Mama, it’s Li Xiangbei with his mother. The woman leading them is probably the matchmaker.”

Shen Qiuxia nodded, checked herself quickly in the mirror, then hurried toward the front gate with a polite smile.

Opening the courtyard door, she greeted them with warmth, “Welcome! May I ask who you are?”

The matchmaker, Wang Meipo, stepped forward with an eager grin. “Sister, I’m Wang from the county. I was entrusted by the Li family to come discuss a marriage proposal for your daughter!”

She stepped aside, revealing Zhang Cuihua and Li Xiangbei behind her. They carried gifts in hand and wore friendly smiles.

“Come in, come in—let’s talk inside.” Shen Qiuxia ushered them in, then called back into the house, “Yueyue, come out and welcome the guests!”

Su Yue had already brought out tea from the kitchen. Li Xiangbei spotted her at once, quickly put down the gifts, and rushed over, his voice full of concern, “Let me help! Be careful not to burn yourself.”

Su Yue’s cheeks flushed instantly. She cast him a playful glare—both their mothers were watching.

Realizing his over-eagerness, Li Xiangbei sheepishly took the tray and placed it on the table.

Shen Qiuxia took all of this in and was quietly pleased. She turned to Zhang Cuihua and the matchmaker with an even warmer smile and invited them to sit.

Zhang Cuihua, who at home couldn’t get her son to lift a finger, was shocked to see him so attentive here. So this is what it takes to get him to behave…

After everyone was seated, Wang Meipo cleared her throat and continued, “This is Sister Zhang, who works in the canteen at the steel factory. Her husband, Li Jianguo, is the head chef there. They have five children—three sons, two daughters. The older three are already married and independent. Only this young man and his sister are still at home. This boy is quite something—he works as a purchasing agent at the county supply and marketing cooperative, earning 28 yuan a month!”

She added with a chuckle, “Zhang sister here has taken a liking to your daughter. That’s why she sent me to bring up the proposal.”

Zhang Cuihua smiled and added, “I’m 46 this year. How old are you, Comrade Shen?”

Shen Qiuxia replied with a friendly smile, “I’m 45.”

Zhang Cuihua nodded, “Our children were classmates. As soon as he graduated, my boy started working at the county co-op. While he might not be as outstanding as your Su Yue, he truly admires her. That’s why I’ve come to your door today.”

Shen Qiuxia smiled and nodded. “Zhang sister, you’re too modest. Xiangbei is a diligent and upright young man—he’s clearly a good match.”

Wang Meipo clapped her hands cheerfully. “Sounds like both families are happy! Then let’s talk about the dowry?”

Both sides nodded.

“The Li family is sincere,” Wang Meipo continued. “They’re offering 168 yuan in cash and a ticket for a bicycle. The couple’s new room will be fully furnished with brand-new items—at least enough for ’48 legs’.”

Shen Qiuxia’s face showed satisfaction. “We’ll let Yueyue keep the dowry money, and we’ll also prepare her dowry ourselves.”

Both Wang Meipo and Zhang Cuihua were visibly stunned—nowadays, even keeping half of the dowry money for the bride was rare. But here was Su Yue’s family offering to add to it.

Shen Qiuxia added gently, “Our daughter has been the apple of our eye since she was little. All we want is for her to live a happy life in her new home, without suffering.”

Zhang Cuihua immediately patted her chest in assurance. “Sister Shen, rest easy. Su Yue will be treated like my own daughter when she joins our family.”

Su Yue’s mind wandered briefly to the Youlan Courtyard, where her mother’s original dowry was stored. After gaining power in her past life, she had demanded that unfeeling father return every bit of her mother’s dowry—practically emptied out the entire General’s Mansion. Even the newly built storerooms couldn’t hold it all.

Back to the present, Shen Qiuxia said, “Then let’s consider it settled. But I still need to write to my two sons. The eldest is serving in the south as a company commander, and the third is working at a machinery plant in Beijing. They both adore their little sister, and it’s only right that they’re informed.”

Zhang Cuihua beamed—she hadn’t expected Su Yue’s brothers to be so accomplished. She glared at her son again: Why didn’t this fool mention any of this sooner?

She pulled a thick red envelope from her bag and handed it over. “I came prepared with the dowry money. Since Sister Shen has agreed, please accept this. As for the furniture, once Yueyue has some time off, she can pick it out herself. Would that be alright?”

“You’re so straightforward, Zhang sister. I won’t be shy, then.” Shen Qiuxia smiled and handed the envelope to Su Yue.

Zhang Cuihua’s smile deepened—what a generous and capable family!

As everyone chatted happily, the engagement was formally settled. Wang Meipo was overjoyed: easy match, good money—what a lucky day!

As noon approached, Shen Qiuxia said warmly, “Why don’t you stay for lunch?”

Zhang Cuihua quickly stood and politely declined. “Sister, I still have to be back at the canteen for my shift. It’s getting late—we’ll head out.”

Shen Qiuxia stopped her. “Hold on a second.”

She hurried into the kitchen and returned with a large basket of fresh vegetables picked from their family plot that morning.

“These were just picked today by me and Yueyue. All homegrown—nice and fresh! Take some back and try them.”

She divided the basket of cucumbers, loofahs, tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers into two portions.

Zhang Cuihua quickly waved her hands. “Sister Shen, we can’t take these—you keep them for yourselves.”

Even Wang Meipo, swallowing her saliva at the sight of the fresh produce, added, “Yes, keep them for your own family.”

“In the countryside, this is one of our blessings—every household has a small plot. Don’t be shy,” said Shen Qiuxia warmly.

Seeing their hesitation, Su Yue fetched two net bags. Just as she was about to pack the vegetables, Li Xiangbei stepped in and took over. “Let me handle this, Yueyue.”

Zhang Cuihua sighed and, feeling awkward, finally accepted. “Thank you, Sister Shen.”

She glanced at her son carrying the vegetables and rolled her eyes again. This boy really got lucky—what a future in-laws family!

As the three left, Shen Qiuxia turned to Su Yue and said, “It’s still early. I’ll go help your father in the field. You stay home and cook lunch.”

Since both the second son and daughter-in-law had taken the day off again, Shen Qiuxia decided she’d better show her face in the fields. Otherwise, people might gossip. After all, it was harvest season.