The Marriage Proposal Letter

Xu Wenwu said: "Grandpa, I've thought it through. I'll go to the academy and ask the headmaster to write the marriage proposal letter."

"Good idea." His grandpa replied: "We can't skip any of the three letters and six rites. It's a fitting plan. The academy's headmaster and teachers nurtured your talent; they deserve gratitude. This is a major event in your life, so informing them is the right thing to do!"

Xu Wenwu nodded.

With their plans mostly settled, the family's nerves calmed down.

Qibao couldn't sit still over the next few days. She noticed many tourists brought their children to visit. Shouldn't our village have more things for kids to play with? she thought.

Remembering slides and seesaws from her previous life, along with building blocks—these were all absent in this world. But if she knew how to make them, could she create these toys?

Without delay, she grabbed a piece of paper and a charcoal pencil, drawing designs for a slide and seesaw.

After finishing, she carefully checked her drawings, ensuring there were no mistakes. She took the designs to her grandfather.

At first glance, the old man couldn't figure out what the drawing was for. Qibao explained everything to him in detail.

The old man's eyes lit up: "I've never seen anything like this before! But it looks pretty complicated to make!"

"You're right." Said Qibao: "That's why I'm asking Grandpa if you could get the village carpenters to figure it out. It might even bring in some extra money for the village."

The old man thought for a moment: "Okay! I'll go talk to everyone right away. I'm retired anyway, so I have plenty of time."

"Grandpa, it has to be really strong." Said Qibao: "It might be dangerous if it's not."

"Don't worry, I know." Said the old man. He took the drawing and headed out.

In the afternoon, Xu Wenwu finally returned from town, along with his brothers.

"Little sis, we don't have work tomorrow." said Xiaowu excitedly: "Why don't we go for a picnic in the mountains?"

"That sounds great!" Said Qibao.

"Tomorrow we just need to bring some water and seasonings." Said Xiaowu: "We can find food in the mountains like wild fruit and nuts, and maybe fish in the streams."

Su Chenyu said: "I'll go too. Count me in. Will you go, cousin?"

Jing Chen nodded his agreement.

"Wenwu, has the marriage proposal been written?" Asked the old man.

Xu Wenwu nodded and said: "Grandpa, it's already been written!" Then he took out a red booklet from his arms.

The old man carefully opened it and took a look. He was delighted and cried: "Great! The dean's handwriting is so beautiful!"

Xiaowu said: "The dean even specially used the ink that eldest brother gave him last time to write this. Grandpa, you don't know that the dean usually doesn't want to use it himself, but he used it for eldest brother without hesitation."

The old man nodded: "The dean has already treated you as his own grandchildren. You must remember that no matter what happens in the future, you must maintain a respectful heart towards the dean. Do you understand?"

"Grandpa, we know!"

"Grandpa, I have something to discuss with you." Said the second brother Xu Zhiyong.

The old man said: "Just tell me what's going on, and I'll give you some advice."

Xu Zhiyong said: "Grandpa, I've made up my mind. I plan to go out with Uncle Qian. The hot pot restaurant is in need of people right now. I think I have learned everything I need to learn. I want to go out and see the world."

The old man thought for a moment and said: "Grandpa supports you. Your big brother is already talking about marriage. You're the same age, so we consider you grown up too. Since you've chosen this path, Grandpa knew this day would come eventually."

Xu Zhiyong said: "Thank you for understanding, Grandpa. I swear I'll make a name for myself."

The old man said: "Your ambition makes Grandpa very happy. But the most important thing is your health. Talk to your parents about it and decide when you want to leave."

Xu Zhiyong nodded in agreement.

"Second Brother, have you thought it through? I support you, but you have to be really careful out there. People are hard to read, especially when it's business and you're dealing with others." Xu Wenwu said.

"Big Brother, I know. Once I get used to being out in the world, I want to build my own business from scratch and open it up all over the country!" Xu Zhiyong said, his face full of longing.

"Second brother, will I be allowed to enjoy all the good food after you succeed?" Qibao asked with a big grin.

Xu Zhiyong patted Qibao's head fondly: "When this elder brother makes his money, I'll definitely buy you the best of everything!"

Qibao nodded: "Mm-hmm, I'll remember what Second Brother said. When the time comes, you have to buy me whatever I want!"

Xu Zhiyong nodded firmly.

It was rare for all the Xu family members to be present today. With everyone gathered around the table tonight, it would be a lively evening.

After hearing her second son's plan, Mrs. Zhang and Xu Dabo had expected this day to come. She didn't object and decided they'd all go to Qingshan City together on the day of the betrothal ceremony.

The next day, Qibao got up early because they were going to have a picnic in Daqing Mountain.

Mrs. Wang had prepared everything they needed, packing it all into a basket. They didn't bring any servants along, as it would be too crowded with them.

There were only the six siblings of the Xu family, Jingchen, Su Chenyu, Qian Xuedong, and a little boy named Xiaoba. Xiaoliu couldn't join because he had school today.

Nine people and one dog set out towards Daqing Mountain in a mighty manner.

Generally, the patrol team does not allow tourists to enter the mountain because of the white wolf. From time to time, a few wolf minions appear on the outskirts, and they are afraid that they will scare the tourists. At most, they are allowed to take a walk around the foot of the mountain.

The backs of the people walking up the mountain also attracted the attention of many tourists.

"Why can they go up the mountain but we can't?" Some tourists couldn't help but ask.

"Everyone, they are from our village and are familiar with the mountain, so there is no need to worry about their safety. You don't know that wild animals often appear in this area. Have you seen that big white dog? It has a very sensitive nose and can smell it out as long as there are wild animals within half a mile!" said the patrolling man.

"Oh! So that's how it is. Then, won't it be safe if we let the big white dog lead us into the mountains?"

The patrolling man immediately shook his head and said: "I advise you to give up this idea. This big white dog is not ordinary. Only its owner can control it. If others want to order it around, it will bite your clothes and leave nothing but your underwear when it gets angry! Ordinary people can't beat it!"

"That's crazy! Maybe we should forget it, then!"

......

Xiaoba didn't know that he had become someone that others couldn't afford to mess with, and he was running away happily at this moment.

"Xiaoba is probably with his friends the White Wolves!" Su Chenyu guessed.

Qibao nodded: "The White Wolves are still wild animals. We don't want them scaring the visitors. But they often come home through the windows at night and go back to the mountains before sunrise."

Su Chenyu sighed: "Those White Wolves sure know what people want!"

The crowd headed towards the mountains, and soon they heard the howling of wolves.

"The White Wolves must know we are coming!"

Sure enough, soon after, four White Wolves appeared together, followed by many more young wolves.