Liu Guihua was unwilling. Although she had many sons, she also had many people to feed, and she couldn't save much money throughout the year. If she were to give a dowry of fifty yuan, plus the cost of the wedding, she would have almost nothing left of the little savings she had worked so hard to accumulate.
So she grumbled somewhat unwillingly, "Huang Hua's eldest daughter only gave fifty yuan as a bride price, and she, a disgraced educated youth, is giving fifty?"
"What can we do if they don't give it to us? Are we really going to let the third son's marriage fall through? Alright, let's go see what they have to say!"
The couple discussed their plans as they arrived at the educated youth settlement, and went straight to Fang Qing's room.
The atmosphere in the room was extremely tense. As soon as Fang's mother entered, she began to criticize Fang Qing, while Fang's father sat silently to the side.
Fang's mother, a woman, was scolding her own daughter, and the brigade leader, who was standing nearby, couldn't say anything. He could only squat silently by the door and smoke his pipe.
As soon as Wang Gui and his wife entered the door, the old man jumped up from the ground as if he had seen a savior and hurriedly stubbed out his pipe.
He introduced them to each other, saying, "Wang Gui, these two are Fang Zhiqing's parents. The matter of the two children getting married is a private matter, so you two should discuss it yourselves. I, the old man, will not get involved."
As he spoke, the old man turned to leave, but Wang Gui was still hoping the captain would speak up for him, so he wasn't about to let him go so easily.
So he quickly grabbed Shen Baogen, who was about to leave, and said with a smile, "Captain, you can't leave. My third son's marriage is not just a private matter."
Even if others don't know, doesn't the brigade leader know? Our third son only agreed to marry Fang Zhiqing because he saved her from drowning and because he wanted to take responsibility for her. Marriage is a private matter, but saving someone is a public matter.
In this freezing weather, my third son went into the water to save someone and has been sick for a long time. We've spent a lot on medical expenses alone, and the doctor even said he might have a long-term health problem!
Captain, I was just thinking of coming to see you these past few days. Everyone says the government gives subsidies for saving people, right? When will my third son receive his subsidy?
"At least give us back the twenty-odd yuan for the medical expenses!"
Shen Baogen was quick-witted and immediately understood Wang Gui's meaning upon hearing his words.
He quickly followed up on Wang Gui's words, saying, "Wang Gui, where did you hear that the government would give subsidies for rescuing people? I, as the captain, didn't even know that."
Whose gossip did you listen to! I also know that Changjiu spent a lot of money saving Fang Zhiqing from illness.
However, generally speaking, the medical expenses are paid by the person who was rescued.
However, what you're talking about is indeed official business.
"Perfect timing! Fang's parents are here. As the brigade leader, I'll be your witness. You can discuss how to pay for the medical expenses!"
Fang Qing's mother originally wanted to take the initiative, but before she could even open her mouth, the man named Wang Gui started talking back and forth with the brigade leader.
The more she listened, the more she felt something was wrong. Did these two want them to pay for that country bumpkin's medical expenses?
"How can this be!" Fang Qing's mother was furious. She glared at Wang Gui and thought, "Fine, now I know why my good daughter suddenly wants to get married!"
So you all ganged up on Fang Qing! Is there no justice in this world?! Her chest heaved with anger, and her lips trembled slightly.
At this moment, Wang Gui's bitter smile was tinged with deep embarrassment.
A hint of helplessness flickered in his eyes as he looked at Fang Qing's mother and said, seemingly sincerely, "My dear in-law, how could I not know that it's inappropriate for you to bring up medical expenses as soon as you meet, after traveling such a long way?"
But I really have no other choice. Our family's financial situation is like this. All the money we've saved over the years has gone to our third son's medical treatment. We can't even afford the bride price for his wife.
I was thinking that if you could pay the medical expenses, we would be able to afford the bride price for my daughter-in-law.
Otherwise, without even a bride price, people would think our family doesn't value this daughter-in-law! You know, our family is very satisfied with this educated youth's wife.”
Upon hearing Wang Gui's words, Shen Baogen almost burst out laughing. He thought to himself that Wang Gui's statement was truly despicable.
Asking someone's parents for medical expenses and then using that money as a bride price for their daughter—what's the difference between that and not giving anything at all?
Moreover, he knew in his heart that although Wang Changjiu was a bit lazy, he was very strong, even though it was indeed a bit cold to go into the water to save people.
With Wang Changjiu's physique, a bowl of ginger soup when he gets home will be all he needs.
He's been sick for a long time? It's unbelievable that Wang Gui dared to say that.
However, he couldn't very well contradict Wang Gui at this point, so he quickly went along with Wang Gui's words and said, "Yes, it's really not good to get married without giving a bride price. Besides, you two just said at the brigade headquarters that you don't agree to this marriage."
If this marriage doesn't go through, then you'll have to pay for the medical expenses they've incurred first.
Upon hearing Shen Baogen's words, Wang Gui exclaimed in shock, as if he had just learned the purpose of Fang's parents' visit: "What? They don't agree to this marriage? How can that be!"
"My husband, Wang Changjiu, developed a chronic illness while saving Fang Zhiqing. If Fang Zhiqing hadn't married him, how would we pay for his medical expenses? It seems my husband will be dependent on medication for the rest of his life!"
Fang Qing's mother was also unhappy at this point. She frowned and raised her voice: "You're forcing me into marriage. I'm going to report you to the police."
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