Chapter 5: The First Matchmaking Attempt

Chapter 5: The First Matchmaking Attempt

After Deng Shirong and Deng Yungui jointly contracted the pottery kiln, they could have started operations at any time since everything was already in place. However, today was already the 18th day of the fifth lunar month, and in a few days, the production team would begin harvesting rice. This was the busiest and most labor-intensive time of the year, and all team members were required to participate in the work.

At this time, it was clearly not suitable for the pottery kiln to start operations.

Having experienced this before, Deng Shirong knew that this harvest would likely be the last collective labor for their Thatchfield production team. After the harvest, the village cadres would follow the will of the people and begin allocating land to individual households.

With the pottery kiln not yet operational and a few days still left before the harvest, Deng Shirong naturally didn't want to waste this rare free time. After breakfast, he headed to the home of another nephew, Deng Yunqiang.

Thatchfield Village and several nearby natural villages were all settlements of the Deng family. Apart from the women who married into the village, there were no outsiders, so everyone shared the same ancestry, though the generations might differ.

When Deng Shirong arrived at Deng Yunqiang's home, Deng Yunqiang was sitting at the door smoking a water pipe. In this era, since tobacco was grown in every natural village, almost everyone, regardless of age or gender, smoked.

After exchanging greetings, Deng Shirong got straight to the point: "Yunqiang, your son Changfu is already 21 this year. It's time for him to find a wife. I know a girl from Deepwater Village who seems quite suitable. Would you like me to help arrange a meeting?"

In the rural areas of Bobai County, both in this era and in later years, many people were enthusiastic about matchmaking for acquaintances. It wasn't for the sake of earning a matchmaker's fee but rather to experience the satisfaction of successfully pairing a couple.

So, when Deng Shirong brought this up, Deng Yunqiang wasn't surprised at all. In fact, he perked up with interest.

"Uncle Jiu, which family's daughter are you talking about?" Deepwater Village wasn't far from Thatchfield Village, just a 20-minute walk. Although Deng Yunqiang didn't know everyone in the village, he was familiar with quite a few, which was why he asked.

Deng Shirong smiled and said, "The daughter of Guan Dewei."

Deng Yunqiang thought for a moment while holding his pipe. "I don't know Guan Dewei, but the name sounds familiar. I think I've heard someone mention it before."

Deng Shirong reminded him, "Guan Dewu, who works at the supply and marketing cooperative, is his younger brother."

"Oh, so he's Guan Dewu's older brother!" Deng Yunqiang suddenly understood and began to take the match Uncle Jiu was proposing for his eldest son more seriously.

Deng Shirong continued, "Guan Dewei's eldest daughter is 19 this year. She graduated from elementary school. Although she's not particularly beautiful, she has a good personality and is hardworking and capable. She's the kind of woman who can manage a household well. Any family that marries her will thrive. If you think it's a good match, I can go and sound out her parents."

"Alright, then I'll trouble you, Uncle Jiu."

In this era, people married early. Deng Yunqiang's 21-year-old son was already at the right age for marriage. He had originally planned to hire a matchmaker to find a suitable girl for his son after the harvest, when things were less busy. Now that Uncle Jiuhad come forward to propose a match, it was perfect timing.

Deng Shirong nodded. "I'll go and ask later. I don't think there will be any issues. Since today is market day, you should prepare your son Changfu. If the girl's family agrees, I'll arrange for them to meet at Shuangwang Market."

Although Deng Yunqiang was a bit surprised by Uncle Jiu's efficiency, he readily agreed.

With his goal achieved, Deng Shirong went to the village supply and marketing cooperative to buy some candies and biscuits. He then borrowed a bicycle from the production team and headed to Deepwater Village.

This was Deng Shirong's first attempt at matchmaking. The reason he chose Deng Yunqiang's eldest son, Deng Changfu, was that in his previous life, Deng Changfu and his wife had been a well-known model couple in the village. They had been married for decades, always harmonious and never quarreling, living a prosperous life together. Such a destined and happy marriage was something Deng Shirong naturally wanted to help facilitate.

A few minutes later, Deng Shirong arrived at Deepwater Village on his bicycle and made his way to Guan Dewei's home. He immediately spotted Guan Dewei sitting at the door weaving a bamboo basket.

"Uncle Jiu!" Seeing Deng Shirong, Guan Dewei quickly put down his work and stood up, greeting him warmly. "Come in and have some porridge first."

As the master potter of the village kiln, Deng Shirong was quite well-known throughout the Bangjie production brigade. Most people knew him, and given his seniority, even those who weren't part of the Deng family respectfully called him Uncle Jiu.

"I've already eaten," Deng Shirong said with a smile, parking his bicycle. He then reached into his pocket and pulled out a package of candies and biscuits wrapped in paper, handing it to Guan Dewei. "These are for the children."

Guan Dewei's eyes showed a flicker of surprise. Although he knew Deng Shirong, their relationship wasn't close enough for such gifts. He wondered what this visit was about. Despite his thoughts, he said, "Uncle Jiu, you're too kind. If there's anything I can help with, just let me know."

As he spoke, Guan Dewei accepted the candies and biscuits. Whether he would keep them would depend on the reason for Deng Shirong's visit.

Deng Shirong didn't beat around the bush. After a few polite words, he got straight to the point: "Cousin, I heard your eldest daughter is 19 this year and hasn't found a match yet. I'd like to propose a match for her. Does your family have any plans in this regard?"

Guan Dewei immediately understood. He handed Deng Shirong a water pipe, tobacco, and matches, saying, "As the saying goes, when a man is of age, he should marry, and when a woman is of age, she should wed. My daughter Yongying is indeed at the right age to find a husband. If there's a suitable candidate, I have no objections."

Deng Shirong took the water pipe, stuffed tobacco into it, and said, "The young man I want to introduce to your daughter is Deng Changfu, the eldest son of Deng Yunqiang from our village. He's 21 years old, tall and strong, about 1.78 meters, and very capable. He earns full work points in our production team with ease. He has a gentle and honest personality, rarely loses his temper, and his parents are known for their kindness in our village. If your daughter marries him, she won't have to worry about being mistreated."

After lighting the tobacco and taking a few puffs, Deng Shirong continued, "He has five siblings—two younger sisters and two younger brothers. You probably understand what that means, so I won't elaborate."

Guan Dewei naturally understood. If his daughter married into such a family, she would have the help of her in-laws in raising children, and her sisters-in-law could also assist. By the time her brothers-in-law married and had children, it would be several years later, which would be advantageous for her as the eldest daughter-in-law.

Guan Dewei was somewhat tempted but still asked, "Uncle Jiu, what's their family's financial situation like?"

Deng Shirong continued to stuff tobacco into the pipe and said, "Deng Yunqiang and his wife are hardworking and healthy. With plenty of labor in the family, their conditions aren't bad. However, as you know, everyone's situation is similar these days, so don't expect too much."

"I understand. As long as their family isn't too poor, it's fine."

After a moment of thought, Guan Dewei added, "Uncle Jiu, why don't you arrange a time for them to meet?"

(End of Chapter)