The next day, the autumn sky was clear and crisp, and they had chosen the date carefully by checking the almanac; it was an auspicious day.
Early in the morning, Wang Yongping had already gotten up to feed the mules and prepare the horse-drawn carriage. Several children, with eager eyes, gathered around, knowing that today their grandparents and aunt were going to take Laosi to the Liu Family for a marriage arrangement.
The Liu Family lived deep in the mountains, and the children were full of curiosity. Even Wang Yonggui thickened his face and tried to persuade Wang Laozhu to let him come along, "Dad, let me go with you as well, having more people shows our family’s sincerity..."
"Pah, stay at home and do your work properly and stop thinking up all these tricks. I wouldn’t take you even if I took anyone else. Have you forgotten how you spoke about the Liu Family Siblings just a few days ago? Taking you there, would it be for making connections or enemies?" Old Granny Zhang spat out.
Wang Laozhu, who had been somewhat tempted, also fell silent. Wang Yonggui had nothing more to say.
After giving some instructions to the household to be careful with the collected mountain goods, Wang Yongzhu helped Old Granny Zhang onto the carriage, and both Wang Laozhu and Wang Yongping also climbed aboard.
Song Chongjin cracked his whip, and the carriage rumbled off toward the mountains.
Xiatian Chongzi Gully was far, and the mountain roads were rough. Ordinary people would not venture into the mountains without good reason.
Aside from Wang Yongping, who had been there before, only Song Chongjin was familiar with the terrain of the surrounding villages because he often went hunting in the mountains.
Thus, with him driving the carriage, everyone felt at ease.
Now that the forests were dressed in autumn colors, they looked exceptionally beautiful. Wang Yongzhu couldn’t help but lift the curtain to gaze at the scenery and ask questions about the local specialties. Everyone chatted and laughed, making the journey feel less tiring.
When they passed a particularly treacherous stretch of the mountain road, Wang Yongping pointed at a place with lingering fear and said that was where he had been buried back then...
Old Granny Zhang, profoundly alarmed, quickly pulled Wang Yongzhu back into the carriage, let down the curtain, and urged Song Chongjin to hurry past that spot.
They had set out early in the morning just as dawn was breaking, and by the time they reached Xiatian Chongzi Gully, the sun was already high in the sky.
The topography of Xiatian Chongzi Gully was unique, situated on a slope of the mountain, with houses hugging the hillside.
The paths up and down the mountain were steep and narrow; the carriage could not make it up.
So they stopped halfway up the slope.
The people of Xiatian Chongzi Gully, upon seeing the many wild beasts, considered horse-drawn carriages and mules to be a rarity. As soon as they stopped, onlookers began to peek out.
The mountain folk were simple and honest, and upon hearing that they were looking for the Liu Family, they readily pointed the way for the people from the Old Wang Family.
"See that large stone house over there? That’s theirs. You’ve come on the right day; everyone’s at home and not out hunting! Otherwise, you would’ve missed them."
The nimble kids who raced off nimbly and barefoot were already on their way to the Liu Family to spread the news!
Halfway there, Wang Yongzhu and the others were met by members of the Liu Family coming to greet them.
Liu Dasheng and his brothers.
They were extremely surprised that the Wang Family had brought so many people, and seeing the full bags of gifts, they knew the Wang Family had come to fulfill their promise.
Mountain men place great value on keeping their word, so they were particularly satisfied with the respect shown by the Wang Family.
The smiles on the faces of Liu Dasheng and his brothers became much more genuine: "Old uncle, aunt, big brother, sister, please come inside—"
While shouting toward the Liu Family house: "Dad, Mom, we have honored guests at home—"
Meanwhile, the two brothers each supported Wang Laozhu and Wang Yongping, inquiring if their legs were better.
The lively group continued on toward the Liu Family home.
Curious villagers stirred by the commotion came out to watch the excitement, particularly some mountain girls whose eyes went wide upon seeing Song Chongjin.
Others envied the clothes Wang Yongzhu wore and the hairpins in her hair!
By the time they reached the Liu Family’s entrance, a trail of onlookers had followed behind Wang Yongzhu and the others.
The Liu Family’s home was built on the mountainside, consisting of four large stone houses, solid and sturdy.
There were also a few smaller cabins made of wood.
Next to the houses was a small courtyard with vegetables planted, looking pleasing to the eye.
One could tell at first glance that this was a family that knew how to live well.
Old Granny Zhang herself was diligent, and seeing the state of the Liu Family’s home, she started feeling quite favorable towards them.
After the families were joined through marriage, they would be related by marriage. For the Wang Family, it was better if the Liu Family was good at keeping a household since otherwise, they might come knocking for favors later on—would they have to oblige them or not?
Thus, seeing this, her heart was somewhat relieved.
She whispered to her daughter, "Laosi’s match seems reliable this time; they don’t appear to be a destitute household."
Wang Yongzhu pursed her lips and smiled, about to say something.
Just then, an elderly couple came out from the Liu Family courtyard, with healthy, ruddy complexions and wide smiles that conveyed a natural grace. They must be the parents of the Liu brothers.