A Poor Man's Son-in-Law: He Picks Up the Daughter of a Duke's Mansion at the Start

On the eighth day of the sixth lunar month, before dawn, the Lu family got up.

Zhao was busy in the kitchen, steaming a basket of white flour buns—to be used for the engagement, round and plump, dotted with red dots. She also boiled six red eggs, dyed bright red, and put them in a bamboo basket lined with red paper.

Lu Dashan changed into newly made clothes—made by Zhao Shi using fine cotton cloth given to him by Wang Xiu: a blue cloth short jacket and black cloth trousers. Although simple, they were clean and neat. He stood in the courtyard, unsure of what to do with his hands and feet.

Lu Xiaoshan helped carry out the gifts: a pair of newly made silver bracelets—re-made from Zhao's melted-down earrings, sparkling brightly; two bolts of cloth, one red and one green; four kinds of gifts—tea, sugar, pastries, and dried fruit. There was also the engagement letter, written by Lu Qingyan, with neat handwriting.

Lu Tiezhu smoked his pipe, checking again and again: "Is everything complete?"

"It's all ready," said Zhao.

At the exact hour of Chen (7-9 AM), Aunt Chen arrived. Today she wore a reddish-brown jacket, her hair was combed neatly and glossy, adorned with a red velvet flower, and she looked cheerful.

"Is everything ready?" she asked with a smile.

"Alright, alright," Zhao said hastily.

"Let's go then."

Lu Tiezhu and Zhao Shi led the way, followed by Lu Dashan carrying a wooden box containing bracelets, Lu Xiaoshan carrying four kinds of gifts, and Lu Qingyan holding the engagement letter. Tao Hua and Shun Hua also wanted to go, but Zhao Shi said, "You two wait at home, we'll bring you candy when we get back."

The group headed towards the Wang family's house. Along the way, they encountered villagers who greeted them with smiles: "Oh, are you going to get engaged?"

"Yes, yes." Lu Tiezhu said with a smile.

The Wang family's side was also ready. The courtyard was spotless, and an eight-immortal table was set in the main room, with tea and snacks on it. Old Master Wang was wearing a newly made dark blue long gown, and the Wang family manager and his wife were also dressed neatly. Wang Xiu arrived early to help with the arrangements.

Yunniang was in the inner room, wearing a light red dress—made from fabric that Wang Xiu had specially bought from town. She sat in front of the dressing table, and her mother was combing her hair.

"One comb to the end, wealth and prosperity are assured." The mother murmured softly, her eyes slightly red. "Two combs to the end, health and peace of mind. Three combs to the end, many children and long life..."

Yunniang looked at herself in the mirror, her face slightly flushed.

Footsteps and voices could be heard outside; the Lu family had arrived.

Old Master Wang went out to greet them: "You've come in, please come inside and sit down."

The group entered the main room. Aunt Chen, acting as matchmaker, presided over the ceremony. She first had Lu Dashan lay out the gifts one by one: a silver bracelet, a bolt of cloth, and four kinds of gifts. With each item laid out, she uttered a few auspicious words.

"A pair of silver bracelets symbolizes enduring love. Brightly colored fabrics signify a prosperous life. All four colors are present, bringing peace and safety throughout the four seasons."

After arranging the gifts, Lu Qingyan presented the engagement letter. Manager Wang took it, unfolded it, read it, nodded, and handed it to Old Master Wang. Old Master Wang examined it carefully and said to Lu Qingyan, "The handwriting is excellent."

"You flatter me."

Next came the exchange of tokens. Lu Dashan handed the silver bracelet to Yunniang, his hand trembling slightly. Yunniang took it and whispered, "Thank you, Brother Dashan."

Yunniang also prepared a token for Lu Dashan—a pair of cloth shoes she made herself, with fine stitches and thick soles. Lu Dashan took them and held them tightly.

Aunt Chen smiled and said, "With the exchange of tokens, the marriage is settled. From now on, our two families will be united as one, sharing the same heart and mind."

The ceremony was simple yet solemn. After the ceremony, the Wang family invited the Lu family to stay for dinner. The food, prepared by Wang Xiu and Yunniang's mother, was plentiful and delicious. Two tables were pushed together, and the two families sat around them, enjoying a lively and cheerful atmosphere.

Grandpa Wang raised his glass: "Today is a good day. Dashan, Yunniang, from now on you must be considerate of each other and live a good life together."

Lu Dashan stood up and said earnestly, "Grandpa Wang, don't worry, I will treat Yunniang well."

Yunniang sat beside her mother, her head down, but a smile played on her lips.

There was a lot of conversation during the meal. Old Master Wang asked about the Lu family's house repairs, and Lu Tiezhu explained his plans. Manager Wang said, "Just let me know if you need any help. I know a carpenter in town; he's very skilled."

"We've already asked the villagers," Lu Tiezhu said. "Xiaoshan can also help."

"Xiaoshan's craftsmanship is quite good," Wang Xiu said with a smile. "Even Boss Chen from Ya Yun Zhai praised the bonsai you made last time."

When Lu Qingyan went to the prefectural city to take the exam, Old Master Wang said, "Qingyan's provincial exam in August is a big deal. We'll take care of things at home, so you can focus on your studies."

Lu Qingyan thanked him.

After the meal, the Lu family prepared to leave. Wang Xiu saw them to the door and said to Zhao, "Sister-in-law, let's discuss the wedding in September later. Just let us know if you need anything."

"Okay, sure."

On the way back, Lu Dashan carried the cloth shoes carefully, walking cautiously as if afraid of getting them dirty. Lu Xiaoshan laughed at him, "Brother, shoes are for wearing, not for worshipping."

Lu Dashan chuckled, "I know."

When they got home, Tao Hua and Shun Hua surrounded them: "You're engaged?"

"The engagement is settled." Zhao took out some pastries and candies from the Wang family. "Here, these are your candies."

The two younger sisters happily accepted it.

In the afternoon, the Lu family continued their work. The bricklayer who was repairing the house arrived, inspected the west room, and said he needed to re-plaster the walls and replace some rafters. Lu Tiezhu discussed the wages with him and they agreed to start work the day after tomorrow.

Lu Dashan and Lu Xiaoshan continued making the furniture. They had already finished the bed and cabinets; only the table and chairs were missing. Lu Qingyan helped by handing them tools and occasionally offering suggestions.

Zhao began preparing for the wedding. She took out a red quilt cover from the bottom of her trunk—a gift from her family when she got married, which she had always been reluctant to use. She also found several pieces of red cloth to make pillowcases and door curtains.

"Mother, this red cloth is old," Lu Qingyan said.

"It'll look new after a wash," Zhao said. "When it comes to daily life, we should save wherever we can."

Lu Qingyan didn't say anything more. He knew that these old things contained all of his mother's love for this family.

In the evening, the family sat down for dinner. The dishes were brought back from the Wang family's house at noon—Wang Xiu had specifically asked for extra. There was chicken and meat; it was a very plentiful meal.

Lu Tiezhu had a few drinks and became more talkative: "Today... is a good day. Dashan is engaged, Qingyan is going to take an exam, Xiaoshan is a good cook... Our family will get better and better."

He choked up a little as he spoke. Zhao put some food on his plate: "Why are you saying all this? Eat."

Lu Dashan ate his meal in silence, but his eyes and brows were full of smiles. Lu Xiaoshan smiled too. Tao Hua and Shun Hua didn't understand why the adults were so happy, but seeing everyone smiling, they smiled along with them.

Looking at this family, Lu Qingyan felt a warmth in her heart.

After dinner, he read under the lamp. The provincial examination in August was drawing ever closer, and he needed to hurry. But today, he couldn't concentrate. The scene of their engagement kept replaying in his mind—his elder brother's nervous look, Yunniang's bowed head and smiling face, and the two families sitting together for a meal.

This family is heading towards a better future.

He put down his book and went into the courtyard. The moonlight was bright, making the ground appear gleaming white. The jujube tree was already laden with small, green jujubes, hanging in clusters.

In September, the dates should be ripe. By then, my eldest brother should be getting married.

He stood there for a while, then went back inside to continue reading.

Night deepened. Whispers drifted from the next room between Lu Dashan and Lu Xiaoshan:

"Brother, the shoes that Cousin Yunniang made fit perfectly."

"Um."

Are you happy?

"……Happy."

The voice gradually faded.

Lu Qingyan smiled, blew out the lamp, and lay down.