Chapter 118 Bao Beiyuan is willing, and Jiang Liu is also willing.
Ye Li had previously considered bringing Bao Beiyuan and Jiang Liu together.
But at that time, Bao Beiyuan had to observe mourning.
Later, I learned that Jiang Liu was looking for a son-in-law.
So he gave up on the idea.
But now that we've changed our perspective, the two of them are a perfect match!
Ye Li bid farewell to Yu Cai and drove the oxcart back to the village.
In the evening, the heatwave subsided slightly.
After entering the village, he went straight to Jiang Dahe's house.
Jiang Liu and Jiang Yu are making preserved eggs right now, and in the afternoon Liang Erxiang's nephew Liang Liang delivered another mule cartload of eggs.
Eggs don't keep well in the summer, so the two of them worked tirelessly to seal all the eggs in jars today.
Liang Erxiang was cooking dinner in the kitchen.
Jiang Dahe was chopping pig feed.
Ye Li parked the oxcart in front of the courtyard gate. Jiang Dahe, Jiang Liu, and Jiang Yu saw him and greeted him.
Jiang Dahe got up, walked over and took the reins from his hand, asking, "Are you going to the county town again tomorrow?"
“Go, tomorrow is Ya Ge’er’s birthday, Jiang Ji and Xiaomai must come back.”
Ye Lidao.
After saying this, Jiang Dahe paused for a moment, calculated the date in his mind, and then slapped his forehead: "Hey, yes, it's Ya-ge's birthday."
"I've been so busy these past few days that I completely forgot about it."
Tomorrow is Jiang Ya's birthday, and the day after tomorrow is the anniversary of his sister-in-law's death.
But he'd been so busy these past few days that he hadn't really thought about it.
Ye Li smiled and said, "I've been quite busy these past few days. Second Uncle, come here, let's talk in private."
He pointed to the jujube tree by the door.
Jiang Dahe was puzzled. What was going on? Why were they being so mysterious?
He first led the oxcart into the cowshed, washed his hands, and then went out of the courtyard: "Brother Li, what's the matter?"
Ye Li cut to the chase and said directly, "I just went to Banxianju. Cai Ge said that according to the conditions you mentioned, Uncle, it's really hard to find this person."
“But if we take a step back, as long as the other party is willing to support you and your second aunt in your old age, it will be much easier.”
"Take a step back?"
Jiang Dahe frowned, his brows furrowed like bark on a tree, and he hesitated, his hands behind his back. “When your second aunt and I can no longer work, and Xiao Liu is a girl, who will be in charge then is uncertain.”
You can't gamble with the other person's conscience!
Just look at Manager Yu and you'll know.
"It's hard to say for ordinary people, but what about Xiao Yuan and Bao Beiyuan?"
Ye Li directly threw Bao Beiyuan out.
Upon hearing the name, Jiang Dahe was taken aback: "Xiao Yuan?!"
"That's right! He's educated, hardworking and reliable. Although he's not tall or strong, all the family's land has been rented out, so he doesn't need to do farm work. It doesn't matter if he's a little thin."
"More importantly, he's trustworthy; we know him inside and out. Isn't that right?"
Jiang Dahe: "..."
He raised his hand to scratch his head, his eyes darting around.
But before he could even lower his hand, he chuckled, "Xiao Yuan is indeed quite good!"
Ye Li laughed too: "Right? His parents are both gone, and he doesn't have a home. If he marries Xiao Liu, he'll definitely move in."
"Isn't this the same as having multiple sons?"
Jiang Dahe's mouth stretched almost to his ears when he heard this: "Xiao Yuan used to stay at our house. She was so well-behaved and always spoke so gently."
"The teacher was very patient when he taught us how to make glutinous rice balls last time."
"If he really marries Xiaoliu, your second aunt and I will definitely treat him like our own son!"
With his satisfaction, Ye Li was relieved.
Indeed, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing a partner; it all depends on the individual.
Ye Li added, "He's a pitiful little guy who really needs a home. Besides, he asked me to keep an eye out for him last year; he's interested in getting married."
"How about this, Second Uncle, don't tell Xiao Liu yet. I'll go and sound him out tomorrow, okay?"
"Brother Li, you must say a few good words for Xiao Liu!"
Upon hearing this, Jiang Dahe immediately became anxious and uncertain: "If he refuses, you should try to persuade him more."
He knew that Bao Beiyuan was still immersed in guilt towards his father.
But such a good young man is a perfect match for his daughter, Xiao Liu. If he misses out, he will definitely not find someone more suitable.
"Don't worry, Second Uncle, I will definitely persuade him."
Ye Li should follow.
There is no one more suitable than Bao Beiyuan.
The next day was Jiang Ya's birthday.
Ye Li didn't celebrate with him last year, so I steamed an extra egg custard for him this morning.
In addition, Jiang Ji came back in the evening and stewed a chicken, so we had a good meal.
But since he and Jiang Ji have started celebrating their birthdays this year, the little guy's birthday can't be ignored either; the ceremony has to be made.
He was not as wealthy as County Magistrate Yu, and could not afford to give him gold jewelry.
But giving a silver ornament as a gift is perfectly fine.
He bought two silver bracelets and two hair ties adorned with delicate silver bells.
This birthday gift was completely unexpected by Jiang Ya. When he gave it to the little guy, the little guy was so happy that he was speechless and rushed into his arms, squirming and shouting that Brother Li was so good.
Previously, Yu Cai had given Jiang Ya jewelry.
But he knew that his brother Cai was rich!
But Brother Li didn't have much money.
Moreover, Brother Li works very hard to earn money.
He had thought his brother would give him some snacks, but who knew it would be such beautiful jewelry.
Li Ge is his biological brother!
After snuggling in Ye Li's arms for a while, he happily put on the bracelet and then had Ye Li tie a hair tie around his head. Then he stood in front of a large bronze mirror that was half his height, twisting and turning, admiring himself in various ways.
However, in the afternoon, when Ye Li was going to the county town to pick someone up, he didn't insist on going along.
Because the handkerchief he was giving to Jiang's mother was not yet finished.
He was going to Jiang's mother's grave early the next morning, so he stayed home obediently making handkerchiefs.
Ye Li drove the oxcart into the county town. He bought two baskets of watermelons by the roadside and then went to the small courtyard rented by Bao Beiyuan.
After the taro paste was removed, the amount of drinks served at Banxianju decreased significantly.
However, summer is the season for drinking beverages, and he would push his cart around selling them during mealtimes, especially when he went to the cold jelly shop. His daily turnover was much higher than Liu Yi's.
When Ye Li arrived, the courtyard gate was closed, but Gong Lisheng's hearty laughter could be heard clearly over the courtyard wall.
He seemed a little strange.
Bao Beiyuan went to the cold jelly shop almost every day, but Gong Lisheng was there this time.
He went up and knocked on the door.
A moment later, Gong Lisheng opened the courtyard gate.
Upon seeing him, Gong Lisheng immediately burst into laughter: "Oh, Brother Li, you've come at the perfect time! Just in time for some excitement!"
As he spoke, he turned to the side, gesturing for Ye Li to lead the oxcart into the yard.
Ye Li asked curiously, "Brother Sheng, what are you doing here? Is there something interesting to hear?"
Upon hearing this, Gong Lisheng laughed again: "Isn't this what Zheng's car dealership did back in the spring, offering shared boat trips to the south of the Yangtze River? The price was quite reasonable."
“Bao Beixing and his wife wanted to eat fresh fruits like lychees and longans, so they paid the fee to go south.”
"Before even reaching Fujian Province, they suffered from acclimatization problems and were sick for more than half a month. The two of them didn't get to enjoy anything and slunk back."
"I learned about this at noon, and after I finished my work, I rushed over to tell Xiaoyuan the good news."
"Is your attempt at making a scene even more interesting?!"
Ye Li never expected it to be like this.
He knew that Zheng's Car Dealership had launched such an event, targeting people who earned several hundred taels of silver a year.
These people cannot afford to charter a boat.
But it also has a certain level of strength.
So Zhengjia Car Dealership organized this event: boarding a boat in Baxian Town, the destination was Wenling Prefecture in Fujian Province, passing through three provinces along the way, taking a little over a month.
To his surprise, Bao Beixing and his wife signed up: "I heard that this fleet charges twenty taels per person for a round trip."
"That's right! And those two actually went and spent forty taels! How many bowls of noodles would they have to sell to earn that? Bob's meager savings will be squandered sooner or later!"
"Fortunately, God has eyes and didn't let the couple enjoy it. Even God couldn't stand it!"
Half of the money lost belonged to Bao Beiyuan.
Therefore, Gong Li was extremely angry. He had cursed Bao Beixing and his wife when they closed their shop and moved south. Now that the couple was suffering, he still wanted to curse them.
Serves you right!
Bao Beiyuan stood at the kitchen door and said with a smile, "Brother Sheng, are you thirsty? Have a drink."
"The tea is ready."
After saying that, he turned to Ye Li and said, "Brother Li, please sit down. I'll serve you a bowl."
His attitude made Gong Lisheng feel frustrated and disappointed; it was too soft!
Extreme schadenfreude was forcibly reduced to five points.
However, having shared what needed to be shared, Gong Lisheng waved his hand and said, "I have to go back now. Your sister-in-law is too busy to manage the shop alone."
Nowadays, in addition to cold preserved egg salad, his shop also sells preserved egg and lean pork porridge.
This year, there are more vendors selling cold preserved eggs, which has affected my business somewhat.
However, if you add porridge, and there are many out-of-town business travelers, the overall difference is not significant.
Seeing this, Ye Li handed him a watermelon and told him to take it back: "You bought a lot, Brother Sheng, take one back with you."
Gong Lisheng saw two baskets of watermelons on the oxcart and took them. He called out, "Brother Li, come sit in the shop when you have time and have a bowl of cold noodles."
Ye Li agreed.
After seeing Gong Lisheng off, Ye Li carried one of the baskets of watermelons off the carriage and asked Bao Beiyuan, "Where's Xiao Shun?"
"He's not busy right now, so he went out to play for a while."
"Brother Li, would you like goat milk or green tea?"
Bao Beiyuan walked towards the kitchen.
"Green tea, please. Perfect timing, I have something to tell you."
Ye Li sat down at the small dining table in the courtyard.
When Bao Beiyuan brought out the jasmine green tea, he took it and drank a few sips before saying, "Didn't you ask me to be your matchmaker before? There's news."
"You've received a letter?" Bao Beiyuan exclaimed in surprise, his eyes widening.
Ye Li found it somewhat amusing: "You're more surprised than happy."
"Indeed, we weren't prepared at all."
Bao Beiyuan scratched his head and sat down at the table.
"It's alright, it's not too late to start preparing now. She perfectly meets your requirements. She doesn't mind that you have no elders to rely on, no house or land, and she's hardworking and doesn't have a temper. She will definitely treat you sincerely."
"Let's get to know each other first, and then we can get married after you've finished your mourning period."
"...Whose daughter or son is this?"
Bao Beiyuan felt a little uneasy because of Ye Li's confident tone.
Are you serious?
His expression of being on high alert made Ye Li want to sigh.
Ye Li stopped keeping him in suspense and said, "Miss, you know her too? She's my cousin, Jiang Liu."
The name surprised Bao Beiyuan: "Jiang Liu?! Wasn't she looking for a husband?"
"She's looking for a husband so she can support my second uncle and aunt in their old age. But if you were the husband, wouldn't you support my second uncle and aunt in their old age too?"
Bao Beiyuan: "..."
He scratched his head again, and Jiang Liu's image appeared in his mind.
In fact, his deepest impression of Jiang Liu was her resilience.
He had been sick and stayed at Jiang Dahe's house for a few days. When Jiang Ji returned from the prefectural city, he went to Jiang Ji's house early one morning and saw Jiang Liu grinding beans with a stone mill.
He had ground glutinous rice flour before and knew how heavy a stone mill was.
But Jiang Liu, a girl the same age as him, persisted for half a year.
He truly admired this kind of resilience.
Later, upon learning that Jiang Liu wanted to find a husband to support her parents, he felt that the girl was brave and filial.
He didn't have much contact with Jiang Liu, but he respected and admired this girl from the bottom of his heart.
I never had any other thoughts.
But now Brother Li wants to play matchmaker...
Ye Li held the bowl, slurping it slowly while carefully observing Bao Beiyuan's expression.
He roughly understood Bao Beiyuan's psychology. He had the idea of getting married because of his father's last wish, but he had not actually gotten over the pain. Therefore, he was hesitant, retreating and troubled at this moment.
Fortunately, Ye Li had gained experience from the incidents involving Yu Cai and Peng Ximing.
Peng Ximing was angry and worried that Yu Cai would be humiliated again, so he decided to take care of Yu Cai.
He plans to copy it exactly.
So he put down his bowl and said, “Xiao Yuan, Xiao Liu has suffered a lot over the years. She has finally gotten better in the last two years, but she doesn’t have an older brother to support her, so she wants to find a husband.”
"With her qualifications, she'll definitely marry into a good family."
“But she gave up such an opportunity and insisted on staying at home to take care of her parents. However, she is not Cai Ge, so now others are choosing her, and she doesn’t have many options.”
"To be honest, I really don't feel comfortable entrusting such a good girl to anyone else."
"I treat her like my own sister, but besides you, who can guarantee that she won't suffer any injustice?"
"No matter how strong-willed she is, she is still a young woman. If she marries the wrong person and he changes his attitude after marriage, resorting to beatings and verbal abuse at the drop of a hat, what can she do?"
Bao Beiyuan: "..."
His brows were furrowed.
Indeed, these things are hard to predict; it all depends on luck.
It's more reliable to find someone you know well.
but……
"Brother Li, aren't there any suitable people in the village? Many people would be willing to support only their parents, right?"
Ye Li shook her head: "Not many. Besides, my second uncle has no son, so he wants to find someone educated for Xiao Liu."
"My second uncle and aunt are both good-natured, not the kind of elders with strange tempers, so they are easy to get along with."
That's true.
Bao Beiyuan nodded.
Previously, when he was sick with a high fever, Jiang Dahe stayed by his side day and night, tirelessly and patiently changing his wet towels again and again to lower his temperature.
Even a biological father wouldn't be this bad.
During the few days he was recuperating, Liang Erxiang cooked him a variety of delicious meals.
He will always remember this kindness.
His own brother kicked him out of the house.
As a result, outsiders treated him better and better than anyone else.
...
That's all.
Uncle Dahe's family treated him kindly.
And the whole family are excellent people.
Since Brother Li is worried that Jiang Liu will marry the wrong person, then he should agree.
He didn't have anyone he liked anyway.
But she definitely wants to get married so that her father can rest in peace.
Rather than marrying into a family he didn't know, Uncle Dahe's family was a better fit for him.
Besides, he lives close to his good brother Jiang Ji.
only……
He looked up at Ye Li and asked, "What does Jiang Liu mean?"
"I wanted to hold out for three years, but only one year has passed..."
He agreed so readily that Ye Li immediately laughed: "Xiao Liu will definitely agree. You and she are a match made in heaven. There is no one more suitable for her than you."
"It's only two years, it'll be over soon."
"I'll pass on your message to her when I get home today. Just wait for my good news."
Bao Beiyuan: "...Then I'll have to trouble you, Brother Li."
He said it reluctantly.
His smile was forced.
Then Ye Li said, "Relax, there are still two years. It's not like you have to get married tomorrow."
"After you get married, you can continue selling drinks, and Xiao Liu will come to help you then."
"My second uncle and aunt can't bear to leave the village, so they won't come and bother you."
"Several years later, when your second uncle and aunt can no longer work, they will come to the city to live with you and help you take care of your children."
"Xiao Yuan, there's still a long way to go. Take it one day at a time and you'll eventually figure things out and get through it."
Time heals all wounds.
Only time can heal this kind of pain.
His words brought tears to Bao Beiyuan's eyes.
But involuntarily, Ye Li's words led me to imagine the future.
If that day ever comes, his father will surely be able to rest in peace.
He can also find peace in his heart.
This marriage is indeed a good one.
Ye Li did not linger. After finishing his sentence, he drove the oxcart away.
He also had to buy offerings such as fresh peaches, pastries, yellow wine, yellow paper, incense, and candles.
I'll also visit Jiang's father's grave tomorrow.
Having purchased all the necessary items, and since he was closer to the county school, he first went to the county school to pick up Jiang Ji, and then went to the private school to pick up Jiang Mai.
The three returned to the village and first went to Jiang Dahe's house to let the oxcart pass.
The sun was about to set, and Jiang Dahe and his family of four had already started eating dinner.
Upon seeing Ye Li, Jiang Dahe became quite excited and quickly put down his bowl and chopsticks, heading towards the door.
Ye Li chuckled and told Jiang Mai to go home first: "Xiaomai, the roast duck you bought for Ya Ge'er is all cold. Take it back and ask your Uncle Ye to heat it up."
Jiang Mai also prepared a gift for Jiang Ya:
A roast duck.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Mai obediently carried the oil paper package containing the roast duck home.
But Jiang Ji was puzzled as to why the wheat had to be sent away.
His second uncle was also unusually excited.
His doubts didn't last long. When Ye Li nodded to Jiang Dahe, Jiang Dahe slapped his thigh and hurriedly turned to Jiang Liu, saying, "Xiao Liu! Xiao Yuan agreed, agreed!"
His words were abrupt and unclear, and Jiang Liu, who was chewing on a steamed bun, didn't quite understand them.
But Jiang Ji's heart stirred, and he asked, "Is Bao Beiyuan willing to marry Xiao Liu?"
Ye Li nodded with a smile: "Yes, now it depends on what Xiao Liu thinks."
Jiang Liu: "..."
She was startled and stopped chewing.
Bao Beiyuan, is willing to marry her?
She was instantly flustered: "Why...why would he agree to come to my door?"
That's impossible!
Liang Erxiang and Jiang Yu, who were also confused, were stunned and looked at Ye Li in disbelief.
However, before the mother and son could voice their doubts, Jiang Dahe quickly explained, "It's like this, his parents have passed away..."
After the explanation, the shock and doubts of Jiang Liu, Liang Erxiang, and Jiang Yu were completely dispelled.
I see.
I see!
Liang Erxiang was overjoyed: "Xiao Yuan is a good boy. If he becomes our son-in-law, I will definitely feel at ease."
Jiang Dahe was overjoyed: "That's right, when Li Ge'er mentioned it yesterday, I was so happy that I couldn't sleep all night."
Jiang Yu walked up to Jiang Liu with a grin and nudged her, saying, "This brother-in-law is great, sis, quickly thank Brother Li."
Jiang Liu: "..."
She bit her lip, her face redder than the sunset.
And my mind is in complete turmoil.
This was too sudden for her. Although Bao Beiyuan had stayed at her house, she had never really thought about it in this way.
Because she had long harbored the idea of finding a husband for herself.
Given Bao Beiyuan's circumstances, that was absolutely impossible.
Even though Bao Beiyuan was kicked out by Bao Beixing, he still had savings and could earn quite a bit each month. In addition, he was educated, had a good temperament, and was good-looking.
Given these combined conditions, if one wants to get married, whether in the city or the countryside, there will certainly be many families willing to accept the offer.
But out of the blue, her father and her brother Li persuaded Bao Beiyuan behind her back.
This young master, with his delicate skin and fairer hands and face than hers, was actually willing to marry her, a village girl who couldn't even read a single word...
Seeing that her face was flushed, Ye Li said, "Xiao Liu, Xiao Yuan has a good temperament, is kind, has received an education, is hardworking, and can earn money."
"He has to observe two more years of mourning. If you agree, you'll have to wait for him for two years."
"This is a bit sudden for you."
"This is a major life event, so don't be hasty. Think it over carefully and give me your answer in a few days."
Jiang Liu is a young woman, and she's easily embarrassed.
Moreover, we should really think it over carefully and never agree to something just because everyone is making a fuss.
Ye Li meant well for Jiang Liu's sake, but as soon as he finished speaking, Jiang Liu looked up at him and replied, "I'm willing, I'll wait for him."
Upon hearing these eight words, Jiang Dahe, Liang Erxiang, and Jiang Yu were overjoyed.
It's done!
Jiang Dahe clapped his hands with joy, "It's done! It's done!"
He was about to say something when he saw Ye Li take a few steps toward Jiang Liu and say seriously, "You should think about it again. You can't just agree to something like this."
He then shut his mouth.
Li Ge'er is a hero; let's hear what Li Ge'er has to say first.
Jiang Liu's face flushed even more, but she said earnestly, "I've thought it over. I'm willing."
"No one is more suitable than him."
She has always been self-aware.
Although we are now quite well-off, it's really not easy to find someone who is completely agreeable to us.
But Bao Beiyuan was someone who pleased him in every way.
She would never have had a chance with someone like that in the past.
Now that Bao Beiyuan is willing, she must seize the opportunity.
"Besides, he's already agreed, so why should I make excuses? I don't want him to regret it later."
No need.
She agreed.
I completely agree.
Jiang Liu's words made Ye Li laugh.
A feeling of pity.
One to cherish.
If both of them are sincere and devoted, they will definitely have a good life together once they get married.
“Okay, I’ll go see him in a couple of days and tell him the good news.” Ye Li nodded.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Dahe immediately interjected, "It would be best to have him come over so we can sit down and discuss the specific arrangements."
In fact, the custom of observing mourning in folk customs is not a rigid rule, but Bao Beiyuan insisted on observing it for three years, which he respected and supported.
But now that they've both agreed, how will they interact in the future?
If this happens too often, it won't be good for Xiaoliu's reputation.
Intentionally avoiding suspicion is not conducive to developing a relationship.
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