Chapter 137: Uncle Jiu, I Feel Relieved with Your Words

Chapter 137: Uncle Jiu, I Feel Relieved with Your Words

From Mother Ou's words, Deng Shirong could sense how much she cherished her daughter.

He didn't make any grand promises but spoke honestly. "Dear relative, I've watched A Yuan grow up. He has a good temperament and works hard. If Ahua marries him, she won't have to worry about being mistreated."

Mother Ou nodded and asked, "Uncle Jiu, are his parents and sister-in-law easy to get along with?"

Deng Shirong replied, "His parents are reasonable people. His sister-in-law might be a bit particular, but if Ahua marries into the family, she should try to get along with them. If it really doesn't work out, there's no need to force it. They can always live separately."

Mother Ou pressed further, "But Uncle Jiu, the decision to divide the family rests with the parents. What if they don't get along and the other side refuses to split the household?"

Deng Shirong reassured her, "Don't worry. I still have some influence in the village. By seniority, A Yuan's parents still call me uncle. If such a situation arises, I'll step in and ensure Ahua is treated fairly. Dividing the family is just a matter of speaking up."

Hearing this, Mother Ou felt completely at ease. In rural Bobai County, where clan ties held significant weight, the words of someone with high seniority and a respected family carried authority. With Uncle Jiu's support, she no longer worried about her daughter being mistreated after marriage.

"With your words, Uncle Jiu, I feel truly relieved!"

Deng Shirong then asked, "Dear relative, if everything is settled, shall we set a date for the house visit?"

Mother Ou smiled. "I have no objections, but her father must agree to this as well."

Deng Shirong thought for a moment. "In that case, I'll head out to take care of some work and return afterward."

Mother Ou quickly interjected, "Uncle Jiu, there's no need for you to make another trip. I'll have Ahua call her father back." She turned to her daughter. "Ahua, go and fetch your father."

Ou Guohua nodded and stood up to run to the fields to call her father.

Deng Shirong quickly suggested, "Ahua, take my bicycle. It'll be faster."

Ou Guohua hesitated, embarrassed. "Uncle Jiu, I don't know how to ride a bicycle. I'll just run over. It's not far anyway."

Deng Shirong then remembered that while many in this era could ride bicycles, many others couldn't. Bicycles were still a luxury in rural areas.

As her daughter ran off, Mother Ou picked up a cigarette holder and handed it to Deng Shirong. "Uncle Jiu, have a smoke while you wait. Her father will be back soon."

Deng Shirong accepted the pipe, took out some tobacco and matches, and lit a cigarette.

As they smoked, they chatted casually.

In less than ten minutes, Ou Guohua returned with her father.

After exchanging greetings, Mother Ou briefly explained the situation to Father Ou and concluded, "You're the head of the family. The final decision is yours."

Father Ou, having already heard the gist from his daughter, nodded after listening to his wife. He turned to Deng Shirong. "Uncle Jiu, I trust your judgment. I agree to this match."

Deng Shirong smiled. "Thank you for your trust. I can't promise much, but if Ahua marries A Yuan, I can guarantee she won't be mistreated and will live a better life than many."

Both Father and Mother Ou were delighted. With Uncle Jiu's assurance, they no longer worried about their daughter's future in Thatchfield Village.

Next, they discussed the date for the house visit.

Deng Shirong said, "I've already informed A Yuan's parents. You can visit anytime."

Father Ou thought for a moment. "Let's set it for the tenth day."

Deng Shirong nodded. "The tenth day it is. How many people will be coming from your side?"

Both parents knew that visiting the groom's family involved red envelopes and gifts. While red envelopes could be arranged regardless of the number of guests, the gifts had to be prepared in advance. Thus, the number of visitors needed to be communicated beforehand.

After a brief discussion, Mother Ou said, "Uncle Jiu, there will be seven of us, including Ahua."

"Understood. I'll inform the groom's family to prepare accordingly."

With that settled, Deng Shirong stood up. "That's all for now. I'll take my leave."

Mother Ou insisted, "Uncle Jiu, you've come all this way. You must stay for dinner!"

Deng Shirong declined politely. "No, I have some business to attend to. I'll be on my way."

After some more pleasantries, Deng Shirong rode off on his bicycle.

...

Tile Factory

After finishing his work, Deng Yuntai noticed his childhood friend Deng Changyuan daydreaming instead of studying. He teased, "A Yuan, what's on your mind? Your wife isn't going anywhere. Are you still worried about my dad's involvement?"

Deng Changyuan snapped out of his thoughts and ignored the teasing. Instead, he voiced his concerns. "A Tai, you're already settled, so you don't understand my worries. Of course, I trust Uncle Jiu, but you know my family's situation. I'm afraid her parents might demand a bride price we can't afford."

Deng Yuntai, well aware of his friend's circumstances, smiled reassuringly. "A Yuan, don't worry. My father knows your family's situation. He told me that if needed, he can discuss with Brother Yungui and advance you a year's salary to help you marry smoothly."

Deng Changyuan's eyes lit up. "A Tai, did Uncle Jiu really say that? You're not lying to me, are you?"

Deng Yuntai laughed. "Why would I lie? My dad really said that."

"That's fantastic! Truly fantastic!"

Deng Changyuan was overjoyed, his earlier worries melting away. He hadn't expected Uncle Jiu to have already made such arrangements for him.

Deng Yuntai was happy for him. "Now you can relax, right?"

Deng Changyuan chuckled. "I'm completely at ease. With Uncle Jiu's support, I have nothing to worry about."

Deng Yuntai playfully punched his shoulder. "Then stop daydreaming and focus on learning. You're stepping on mud every day and don't have much time to master the big vat technique. If you don't study hard, what will you offer your future wife to make her happy?"

Deng Changyuan rubbed his shoulder and nodded earnestly. "You're right. For the sake of my future wife, I'll study hard and become a skilled big vat master as soon as possible."

(End of Chapter)