45: Chapter 45: Propaganda 45: Chapter 45: Propaganda The return banquet was also the formal opportunity to introduce the son-in-law to friends and family, much like the bride serving tea to the groom’s family the day before their wedding banquet.
Similarly, on this day, it was time for the groom to serve tea and cigarettes as a sign of respect to the bride’s elder relatives and friends.
Often, the new son-in-law would be made to drink a lot, but the men from the north were mostly accustomed to drinking anyway.
That morning, around 11 o’clock, the family of three from the Yang PeiMin household arrived at Taocun.
Upon entering, they found the place already bustling with activity, signaling that the tea-serving ceremony for the son-in-law was well underway.
From the gate of the courtyard, one could see a crowd spilling out from the main house, accompanied by bursts of laughter from within.
Yang Pei was rather amused at this moment; she wanted to see the son-in-law’s embarrassed state.
Her older cousin’s wife came out to greet them.
Mom was just mentioning you.
Let’s hurry in,” she said as she ushered them inside, describing what was happening.
Inside, they had started serving guests at the banquet tables.
There were four tables, and Zhao ManCang was just serving tea to an uncle from the bride’s side, who then handed him a red envelope, bestowing blessings like wishing for an early birth of a precious child.
Zhao ManCang accepted it all, grinning with white teeth, “I will take your esteemed advice to heart, I’ll try my best, aiming to hold a chubby son by the end of the year.” He then reciprocated with a red envelope of his own.
The onlookers chuckled benevolently at his straightforward and unabashed words.
Yang PeiMin, too, found herself smiling amidst the infectious atmosphere.
She very much enjoyed this simple yet fervent joy.
They were seated at a separate table by their older cousin’s wife.
Before entering, Zhang Minghua had given each of the siblings a red envelope to present to the new son-in-law during the tea ceremony.
The cousin’s wife instructed them to think of some well-wishing words in secret for when they would give it to Zhao ManCang.
When Zhao ManCang came over to serve tea, the older cousin’s wife introduced him to each relative from the bride’s side, and the son-in-law respectfully called out to each one using their titles on her side.
“No need to introduce this one, I know she’s Auntie Three.
Shui Qin often speaks of you, saying how much you dote on her.” He said as he offered her a cup of tea, “Auntie Three, please have some tea.”
Zhang Minghua’s eyes crinkled with laughter as she replied warmly, “Shui Qin is a good girl.
Take good care of her from now on.
When husband and wife are of one mind, life will be good.”
Zhao ManCang agreed, saying a few complimentary words that left Zhang Minghua grinning from ear to ear.
When it came to Yang Peijun’s turn, no introduction was necessary either, “So this is cousin number two.” Then came Yang PeiMin, “Nice to meet you, Cousin Pei Min.” He didn’t offer flattery this time; his demeanor carried a hint of respect.
Yang PeiMin looked him over and replied with a smile, “Wishing you harmony until old age.”
“Is this your daughter, Auntie Shui Qin?
She’s really pretty.” The crowd, curious, gazed at the demurely seated Yang PeiMin beside Zhang Minghua.
Outside of New Year’s celebrations, everyone busied themselves with work points and had little leisure to visit relatives.
Moreover, the original host rarely went out and didn’t like visiting relatives much, nor did she get along well with her cousins due to her personality, so many of the relatives here did not know her well.
At Zhang Minghua’s nod, murmurs rose amongst the bystanders, “She looks different from the girls working in the fields, more like a city girl.”
Her skin is as white as the snow outside, nothing like someone who’s been sun-kissed at all, right?”
“Who knows if they’ve been talking about her?
She looks educated and knowledgeable, quite a match for your Red Army.”
These wives and young ladies, hey, don’t they see the guest of honor is right here?
Chatting away as if no one else is present, what’s the meaning of this?
Yang PeiMin followed the voices, glanced behind her, and found the subjects of discussion.
She flashed them a friendly smile, which made them feel a bit caught and they returned her smile.
One of them was quite forthright, “We’re all envious of your mother for having such a beautiful daughter.
Just looking at you makes people happy.”
After that, the discussion ceased.
Zhao ManCang took the red envelope from Yang PeiMin and returned one to her, skimming his gaze over the crowd that had just been gossiping and said with a smile, “Speaking of which, my brother is really lucky to have such a good-natured elder like Aunt Three.
Only with an elder like her could he raise a girl like my cousin.
It won’t be long before I have to change how I address you, calling you sister-in-law instead.”
This young lady mentioned your brother?
“Indeed, it’s a good buddy I’ve played with since childhood.
After this, Shui Qin will have more company too,” Zhao ManCang continued.
You’re dead, Zhao ManCang!
Yang PeiMin squinted at him.
It was Zhang Minghua who, fearing her daughter might lose her temper on the spot, quickly interjected to stop Zhao ManCang’s words, “Today is your happy day, so why drag my daughter into this?
You’ll have to drink a few extra glasses later.”
Zhao ManCang then belatedly realized that his brother’s claim over her was quite strong and that he hadn’t paid attention to the future sister-in-law’s expression.
He hadn’t offended her, had he?
He instinctively shrank his neck, still remembered on the way to the wedding procession, just because he hinted at matchmaking her with his brother, she had quietly dug a pit for him.
In the bridal chamber, his wife grilled him to death.
Under those circumstances, one could imagine the impact on the atmosphere.
It was only after reflecting for most of the night that he concluded this future sister-in-law was not someone to be trifled with.
At that moment, seeing her look, he inwardly panicked, as his wife was not present and was in the room talking with the mother-in-law.
So, he quickly stretched a smile and tried to placate her, “Right, right, I talked too much.
Aunt Three and cousin, I’m really sorry.
I was too excited and my brain wasn’t functioning well.
Please don’t take it to heart.”
Yang PeiMin waved her hand off, not intending to make it difficult for him here, and let him pass.
After presenting the tea, they stood up to leave.
Before the feast began, Zhang Minghua took her to look for the second Aunt.
Upon entering the second Aunt’s room, they indeed found the group of women engaged in conversation.
Pan Shuiqin came up to Yang PeiMin warmly, “Minmin, you’re here.
Come and chat with your sister.
Look at you, you’ve become even prettier in just a few days.”
Yang PeiMin also eyed her, noting her rosy cheeks and relaxed brows; married life seemed to be treating her well, “You’re looking good too.
It seems your husband treats you very well.”
So far, he’s doing alright, even knows to pour hot water for my footbath.” As she mentioned this, a hint of blush crossed Pan Shuiqin’s face, Min looked puzzled, and Pan Shuiqin thought to herself that of all the sisters, Aunt Three had married the best.
Not only in terms of conditions but also in terms of her husband.
Not only did Uncle Three pour hot water for Aunt Three’s footbath, but he also helped with the kids and housework.
He was also able to handle mother-in-law issues fairly and competently, and he was capable before the movement, persuading his father to voluntarily all family property, changing from a rich household to a poor one.
Because of his high consciousness, he was later elected as the head of the production team.
So, when cousin mentioned Zhao ManCang’s behavior, it was with such a casual demeanor which she could understand.
Having seen plenty of good examples at home, the cousin doesn’t know that outside, some men would already do well just to bring a sick wife a cup of water, not to mention a footbath.
Her own father was a living example.