Chapter 61: Chapter 61: Improvement (1)_1 Chapter 61: Chapter 61: Improvement (1)_1 Lou Zheng is Wu Dayou’s close relative, and currently, the closest person to him. Therefore, when Lou Zheng came to propose the marriage, the Lin family did not find it too surprising. However, with Lou Zheng and Madame Zhang acting as matchmakers, this marriage would bring honour to the Lin family when word got out.
“Dayou and Changshu have been good brothers for years, and we’ve watched Zige grow up. Though Dayou’s family is somewhat impoverished, Dayou can hunt, and Zige is a capable girl. There’s no fear of them not being able to make ends meet in the future,” Lou Zheng said, “If this match goes through, I intend for Dayou to reclaim the three acres of rented farmland so that they can cultivate it themselves and have some income.”
Lou Zheng’s considerations were far-reaching, “Our two families have had a long-standing relationship, so there’s no need for empty talk. Master, please, give us a straight answer.”
The old master sat unusually quiet for a while. Seeing him not speaking, the rest of the Lin family dared not utter a word.
Wu Dayou was secretly anxious, constantly giving Lin Changshu glances. However, Lin Changshu didn’t seem to understand what was going on and did not respond in the slightest.
Just when Wu Dayou was growing impatient, the old master finally spoke, “Zige is a good girl, her parents are no longer alive. Our Lin family isn’t looking for anything, we just hope that Dayou will treat her well.”
This was considered approval. Lou Zheng and Madame Zhang quietly breathed a sigh of relief. They were stupefied when their nephew approached them last night, begging them to propose the marriage. Even though Lin Zige had been rejected before, she was good-looking and diligent. They previously had no certainty this proposal would go through.
Luckily they complied, allowing Dayou to secure a good match.
“Grandfather, rest assured, I will surely spoil Zige at home, I definitely won’t let her suffer,” Wu Dayou emotionally pledged, “Should I do anything wrong, you can beat me with your shoe.”
Lin Ziyin had never heard such words of affection before. While Wu Dayou seemed honest, he was cunning. The words he delivered may seem like a vow to the old master, but in actuality, they were intended for Zige.
Lin Zige blushed, lowering her head.
“Remember what you said. If you ever treat Zige poorly, be prepared for my shoe,” Lin Changshu said coldly. Even though they were close friends, his cherished sister was stolen by this boy. This left a sour taste in his mouth.
“Agreed.” Wu Dayou showed a sheepish grin, glancing at Zige again.
“Since it’s settled, let’s consider this settled between our two families,” said Lou Zheng with a smile. At this moment, Madame Zhang handed a wooden box to Zige, “You all know about Dayou’s situation. He can’t offer many fine things. These are what Dayou’s mother left behind, and now, it can finally be passed on to Zige.”
Lin Ziyin was curious about what the box contained, but Lin Zige was too shy to open it. Ziyin felt such an urge to step forward and open the box himself.
“Inside are a pair of silver bracelets and a hairpin from my mother. She saved them for her daughter-in-law,” said Wu Dayou, feeling slightly embarrassed.
“These fabrics are for Zige to make her clothes.” Madame Zhang handed over some fabric, a goose-yellow cotton cloth, a fine item. Afterward, she laid out some pastries.
All were simple treats, essentials for engagement rituals in rural areas.
Just yesterday, Lin Changshu and Ziyin had only just visited Wu Dayou’s house. It was surprising that within a single night, he had already prepared the necessary offerings for the engagement. It was quite an achievement.
“Is anyone home?” Right when both families were in a lively discussion, a sudden knock on the door was heard from outside.