These past few days, with the fruit on the mountain soon ripening, the valley has seen an increase in visitors, and even a fruit-picking game has emerged.
It all started when a strong wind blew a few fruits off the branches and they fell into the pool below the cliff.
The men who were soaking in the hot spring were startled. When they realized that the fruit was from the mountain, they shared it and tried it. Unsurprisingly, they were all amazed by its deliciousness.
Everyone was hoping that fruit would fall from the mountain, but unfortunately it only happened once or twice a day, and sometimes not at all.
Therefore, whoever was able to find the fruit became the luckiest person.
When Li Lao Er heard about it, he didn't arrange for anyone to throw fruit up the mountain. It was all based on luck, but the fruit on the mountain became quite popular even before it went on sale.
Madam Cui stayed for a day, and then someone from the estate came to report that something had happened and she had to hurry back.
The old lady couldn't bear to part with her, so she invited her to come and enjoy the moon and celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival together.
After thinking about it, Madam Cui agreed.
She had no parents, siblings, or relatives, and at a time when the whole world was celebrating family reunions, she was truly lonely.
Only at Broken Gold Beach could she feel warmth and liveliness.
Before we knew it, the day for the marriage proposal had arrived.
The old lady changed her clothes, put on a gold hairpin bought by her granddaughter, and wore a jade bracelet on her wrist. She dressed very elegantly, which drew praise from everyone.
Jiayin was pacing back and forth, her pouting lips so thick they could hold an oil bottle.
Unfortunately, the old lady was overthinking things and refused to take her along.
The reason for visiting the Peng family in the first place was that they were afraid the Peng family would look down on the Li family and refuse to agree to the marriage. That's why they brought the princess's granddaughter along to give their family some support.
But now that it's a marriage proposal, and with the princess's granddaughter involved, if the Peng family or outsiders think that the Li family is trying to dominate the Peng family, that would be a huge misunderstanding.
A marriage alliance is a union between two families, not an alliance of enemies.
But Jiayin didn't want to just stay home and wait for such an important event, as she couldn't just join in the fun.
So she rolled around on the kang (a heated brick bed), her little face scrunched up like a bitter gourd.
Tao Hongying coaxed her daughter, "Good girl, Fu Niu'er. Look, Mommy didn't go either. In a little while, Mommy will carry you to the valley. There are more people there, and it'll be more lively."
But Jiayin covered her ears and refused to listen.
In the end, the old lady couldn't bear to part with her and said, "Let her go then. We're all going to the Peng family's place anyway, and Jia Huan is the only one left in the shop. Let her go and keep Jia Huan company."
"Oh, Grandma is the best!" Jiayin was overjoyed at her successful protest. She hugged her grandma and mother, jumping and laughing, and then quickly called Shuiling and Shuiyun to find her clothes and shoes.
Soon, Ye Shan drove the carriage, with Granny He sitting on the other side. They went to the city to pick up Mr. Wen, and then met up with the Liu family's carriage. They then headed to Luo'an Academy one after the other.
Zhao Yuru and Li Laosan had been eagerly anticipating this moment. When their family finally arrived, they didn't delay and immediately sent a letter to the academy.
Soon, Mr. Peng and his butler arrived at the entrance of the academy.
The group entered the academy, chatting and laughing, creating a lively atmosphere.
Mr. Peng specially invited Dean Zhou and another gentleman he was on good terms with to help entertain the guests.
He originally thought the Li family had only invited Mr. Wen to propose marriage, but he never expected that Mr. and Mrs. Liu Zhiheng would also be there.
Although Liu Zhiheng did not hold any official title, the Liu family was a prominent local family with a history of over 100 years. Old Master Liu was a Grand Secretary who retired as a first-rank official.
The fact that the Li family was able to get Liu Zhiheng and his wife to intervene demonstrates the importance they place on this marriage and also highlights the Li family's extensive network of connections.
The men were talking in the study in the front yard, while the old lady, Madam Liu, and Zhao Yuru went to the back yard.
The Peng family had no matriarch; it was Dean Zhou's wife who came to help out.
Madam Zhou was a very eloquent person. Since it wasn't her own daughter who was proposing marriage today, she didn't have the right to be picky, so she treated the old lady and the others very warmly.
Miss Peng has been eating and drinking well these past few days, and her complexion has become rosy. She has also changed into a light green dress, and her braids are neatly combed. Standing there, she looks like a water lily, beautiful and energetic.
Zhao Yuru took an instant liking to her future daughter-in-law. After Miss Peng greeted her, she pulled Miss Peng to sit down next to her.
The old lady received a gift, which included six pieces of fabric. None of them were particularly rare or of high quality, but they were of various materials, ranging from those for making inner garments to those for making outer garments, showing that the old lady had put a lot of thought into it.
Besides these, there was a box of pearls, a set of writing implements, and two boxes of pastries.
Everything is provided: food, drink, clothing, and daily necessities.
Madam Zhou couldn't help but laugh, "Wenjuan is so lucky. She hasn't even entered the family yet, and the elders have already considered everything so thoroughly. From now on, she'll have no worries about food and clothing, and her life will be smooth sailing."
After saying that, she picked up the box of pearls, and was even more surprised and envious.
"These pearls are hard to find on the market. The old lady actually brought a whole box of them; that's quite a generous gesture!"
The old lady laughed and said, "Madam Zhou, you don't know this, but my eldest son has been going to Quanzhou quite often this year. The pearls that look precious here are actually just ordinary there."
"I racked my brains at home, but I couldn't think of anything to give Wenjuan as a small gift when we met, so I just packed a box of beads. I told Wenjuan that she can take whatever kind of jewelry she likes to a jewelry store to have it made herself!"
Miss Peng quickly replied, "Thank you, Madam, I like it very much."
"I'm glad you like it," the old lady patted her hand and smiled. "Don't be reluctant to use it. When you're done, we'll go to the south and find you another one."
Madam Zhou also has a daughter of marriageable age who will be getting married in the next year or two, so she couldn't help but bring it up.
"Madam, if it's convenient, could you please ask your master to find another box? I'd like to prepare some for my maid!"
“Great! My eldest son will be back soon. If he goes south again, it will probably take three to five months. If Madam Zhou can wait, then there will be no problem.”
“We can wait, we can wait. My daughter isn’t engaged yet, but a girl’s marriage is a big deal, so we need to prepare these things as early as possible.”
"Yes, it's good to plan ahead. You can't find anything good by cramming at the last minute."
Since everyone present was a woman, and they had come to propose marriage, the topic naturally inevitably turned to dowries and betrothal gifts.
Miss Peng sat to one side, listening with a blush on her face.
Zhao Yuru, fearing that she would be embarrassed, suggested that she take a look at her needlework.
So the future mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, separated by an embroidery frame, flipped through embroidery books, discussed stitches and styles of clothing and shoes, and quickly became familiar with each other.
The old lady, Mrs. Zhou, and Mrs. Liu were all pleased to see this.
Madam Zhou was even more envious, because for a woman getting married, the most important person is her mother-in-law.
If a woman cannot win her mother-in-law's favor, no matter how outstanding her husband is, she will not be able to live a comfortable life.
The old lady of the Li family is reasonable and kind, and the third wife of the Li family is also down-to-earth and honest. They are both rare good people, and Miss Peng will definitely make a good choice in marrying into their family.
I just hope her daughter will find a good husband. In the future, we should still let her visit the Peng family often, hoping she can bring some good fortune...
Leaving aside Madam Zhou's ulterior motives, the banquet was served very quickly.
The men continued to drink and frolic in the study, while the women ate and talked in Miss Peng's living room.
The Li family shop across from the academy is unusually closed today, taking a day off.
When Jiaren and Lige returned, they went directly through the back door.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com