Amid his astonishment, Qiu fulang was also very pleased. After all, the fee for a marriage proposal was far less than the celebratory reward for a successful match.
Money aside, successfully arranging the village head’s marriage would bring him prestige. Boasting about it in future matchmaking endeavors would only benefit him, how could he not take the opportunity?
"Good, good! It’s been a while since our village had such a joyous occasion! Since that’s the case, things will proceed smoothly. During the Proposal and Name Inquiry, we can prepare the betrothal gift list in advance and select a few auspicious dates. That way, everything will move quickly."
The matchmaker grew more and more enthusiastic as he spoke, immediately pulling out the almanac he carried with him. Yuan Huiru quickly leaned in, and the two began discussing potential dates.
Huo Shu frowned, this was the first time he had seriously learned about wedding customs, and they were indeed tedious and complicated. But thinking of the person he was marrying, he had no complaints about the effort required.
"Are there any specific requirements for the betrothal gifts?"
"Ah, yes, yes!"
Qiu fulang was momentarily startled by Huo Shu’s sudden question.
After all their discussions, Huo Shu hadn’t spoken a word, making Qiu fulang wonder if he was dissatisfied with the marriage.
This was quite unexpected, Huo Shu didn’t seem like the type to fuss over trivial matters, yet here he was, showing genuine concern.
This gave Qiu fulang some insight into why the village head had agreed to the match.
He quickly pulled out a crumpled piece of paper from his sleeve. "These are the usual items. Just prepare them accordingly."
Huo Shu unfolded the paper and glanced at it.
The list contained many items, all sorts of miscellaneous things.
The major betrothal gifts went without saying, but there were also things like seafood, three sacrificial animals, betrothal cakes, coconuts, four types of capital fruits, four-colored candies, and so on...
[三牲 (sān shēng): the three sacrificial animals (pork, chicken, and fish)]
[四京果 (sì jīng guǒ): four capital fruits, four auspicious dried fruits (longan - symbolizing precious unity, lychee - symbolizing strong bonds, walnut - symbolizing harmony, peanuts - symbolizing fertility) traditionally used in betrothal gifts]
"Most of these items carry auspicious meanings. For instance, wine symbolizes deep affection, and red dates with longan need no further explanation."
Qiu fulang offered a few pointers: "Being able to gather all the items listed here would already be quite respectable."
For farming families, after all, budgets are tight. Matchmakers understood this well and thus tried to accommodate the groom's side.
Huo Shu said, "I'll go purchase everything tomorrow morning."
"When do you plan to go to the Ji family for the betrothal ceremony? Since the village head has already approved this marriage, you can bring the wild goose along when presenting the gifts."
"The day after tomorrow."
Qiu fulang was pleased by his urgency. The sooner the matter was settled, the better for both sides.
"I see this Huo-lang is a straightforward man. Very well, we’ll go to the Ji family early the day after tomorrow."
Yuan Huiru smiled. "We’ll have to trouble Qiu fulang then."
Two days passed, and while Huo Shu was busy, Ji Taoyu was not idle either.
"Your dowry has been prepared for some time. Things like pillows and quilts were already embroidered by your mother, but basins, combs, and mirrors still need to be bought, though those are minor matters. Your father can make a trip to the city for them. As long as the major items are ready, there’s no need to worry about the tight schedule."
As she spoke, Huang Manjing asked again, "Do you have the embroidered items needed to reciprocate the betrothal gifts?"
Ji Taoyu nodded. "Will the ones from before do?"
"They’ll do."
Huang Manjing carefully calculated what was still missing and couldn’t help but fret. "I’m not sure if there’s enough time to make the wedding clothes now. From what your father said, if the banquet is to be held before the New Year, then time is tight. If not, we’ll have to take your measurements and send them to a tailor in the city."
"We really should have made you a set earlier, but you keep growing every year, making it hard to keep a proper measurement."
Ji Taoyu watched as his mother fretted over his wedding more than he did.
Right now, all he could think about was when Huo Shu would come to propose. Since their meeting two days ago, he hadn’t seen him at all.
He knew Huo Shu must be busy preparing for the wedding, but he just wanted to see him. In the past, going three or five days without meeting hadn’t bothered him, but now, even half a day apart made him restless.
Thinking of this, his ears grew warm. He hadn’t realized he could be so clingy.
If Huo Shu found out this was how he really was, would he find him annoying?
"Are you even listening to me?"
Huang Manjing looked at her ger, who was propping his chin in his hand, lost in thought, and couldn’t resist pinching his cheek.
"Ah?"
"Your mother is asking if you’ve really thought this through. Once this is settled, there’s no turning back."
Ji Taoyu pursed his lips. "I’ve thought it through."
Huang Manjing sighed. "Looking at how foolishly happy you are, are you really that delighted? When we talked about marrying You Erlang before, you weren’t like this."
Ji Taoyu felt a little embarrassed and mumbled, "Father said I can still live at home after marriage. Of course I’m happy."
Hearing this, Huang Manjing also smiled. "It’s rare for him to be willing to do this for you. It seems he won’t treat you poorly after marriage."
"Mm."
Ji Taoyu responded dreamily. Just as he finished speaking, his sharp ears caught the sound of Da Niu running in from outside, shouting that someone had arrived.
Ji Taoyu stood up, eyes bright as he looked at his mother. "Is it him?"
Thank you for the chapter 😻😻😻😻
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