RYEY -Chapter 448 Xiao Dan Goes to Fetch His Bride

Guoqing was also happy for Cheng Li. The general store run by Second Sister-in-law in Spring City was doing incredibly well—who would’ve thought even Little Cheng Li could make money now?

“Alright, I’ll take the money. I’ll make sure Shouhou gives Cheng Li the best goods.”

“No—give him the worst ones, the cheapest. The good stuff won’t sell well there for now.”

Guoqing: “…”

He really wasn’t cut out for business.

“Oh, Cheng Qiao, there’s one more thing. That wooden house of yours—the one Uncle Niu built, the one loaded on the back of a truck—could we borrow it for Xiao Dan? When he comes back, his bride could ride in it.”

“And your wife too,” Cheng Qiao added.

Guoqing blushed. Two young women wouldn’t be able to endure such a long journey. With the little wooden house, they could eat and sleep properly—it would be much better.

“Sure, go get it. It’s in the warehouse at your garrison. Remember to bring more coal; you’ll need to cook on the road.”

Xiao Dan brought everything he’d prepared for the bride—fabric and other items—and even packed his brand-new military uniform. This was a wedding trip; he had to wear new clothes.

Qin Daqiang generously contributed ten yuan as a wedding gift—a large sum. Xiao Dan treasured it, carefully tucking it into his pocket, planning to hand it to his wife for safekeeping once they met.

In Xiangyang Village, Chen Weidang and Cuihua were also busy preparing for Chen Xiaoniu’s wedding. In just a couple of days, the son-in-law would arrive. After that, their daughter would belong to another family.

“Xiaoniu, once you’re with your in-laws, you can’t be as carefree as you are at home. Think more about your husband. Of course, if your in-laws deliberately bully you, that won’t do either—we still have Cheng Qiao and Lele.”

“Mom, I know. After I leave, make Second Brother do more work. Don’t let him take on everything—you’ve raised him to be as fat as a pig.”

Chen Ermao had put on weight. Despite his young age, he’d grown a bit greasy-looking—thanks to the family’s improved circumstances and Cuihua’s attentive feeding.

After Chen Weidang returned home, he worked diligently with Wang Xiangyang every day. Wang Xiangyang still paid him wages. Though not much, fifteen yuan was a substantial sum in the countryside.

Chen Ermao also earned wages and handed every cent to Cuihua. Cuihua and Second Sister still worked the fields, earning work points each year as well.

No one in the family was idle. Slowly, money accumulated. With savings growing, Cuihua became more willing to buy things, and Shouhou was even happier to deliver goods. Over time, Ermao grew plump.

“Little sister, I really can’t bear to see you leave. I was thinking about what gift to add for your wedding, but you went behind my back and called me a pig. Pigs don’t give gifts.”

“Second Brother, you—”

“Pfft.”

Cuihua couldn’t help laughing. Heaven had still shown her mercy—she’d lost one Da Mao, but had been left with an honest, kind-hearted, upright Ermao.

“Brother, I don’t want your gift. You should hurry up and find Mom a daughter-in-law, and give her a pair of grandsons or granddaughters.”

Ermao’s high spirits instantly crashed. Over the years, many people had tried to set him up, but he could never forget that one person. Forget it—he’d just live alone.

“Son, back then I was afraid of educated youths, so I wouldn’t let you marry one. Thinking about it now, I don’t know whether I was right or wrong.”

“Mom, don’t be sad. You did the right thing. If she’d cared about me, she wouldn’t have desperately tried to get into university and then flown away.”

“Brother, there are plenty of good girls in the world. This time when I go to Hexi, I’ll see if there are any good ones there. I’ll bring one back for you.”

“Thanks, Xiaoniu. No need. It’s not bad to just stay like this and look after our parents.”

“That won’t do. Our Chen family line would be cut off.”

“Second Uncle’s family already has several children, so it won’t be cut off. Besides, my family doesn’t have an imperial throne to inherit—if it ends, it ends.”

The atmosphere instantly turned gloomy. Cuihua felt terribly guilty. If she’d known it would turn out like this, she would have held on to that educated youth back then, even if it meant dying.

“What’s going on? The vehicle has already reached the gate—why aren’t you heading out yet?”

Chen Weidang hurried back. Seeing the women still chatting, he couldn’t help but get anxious. As soon as Chen Xiaoniu heard that the vehicle had arrived, her face immediately turned red.

Chen Ermao finally let out a long breath of relief. Today’s hurdle had finally been cleared. He turned and ran outside, with Cuihua chasing after him.

Xiangyang Village became lively again. Although there had been several weddings and funerals in the village over the past few years, none had been as bustling as the Chen family’s. A green large truck was parked at the village entrance, and behind it there was even a small wooden cabin.

“Hey, isn’t that the cabin Uncle Niu made? Why did they bring it back? Has Uncle Niu returned? Could it be that he didn’t find his son?”

“I didn’t see Uncle Niu. Look, it’s only Guoqing and Xiao Dan. My goodness, why are they carrying so many things?”

“They’re here to get married—of course they have to bring a lot of gifts. Not like you, who even made a profit marrying a wife.”

“You old hag, what nonsense are you talking about?”

“Alright, alright, let’s just watch the excitement.”

Xiao Dan and Guoqing carried big and small bundles as they walked toward the Chen house. Chen Ermao quickly ran over and took the items from Guoqing’s hands.

“Brother Guoqing, are you taking Lele back with you this time?”

“Yes, Ermao. Why don’t you come along too and have some fun? Your second brother and sister-in-law are over there.”

“Forget it. I can’t leave the village right now—there’s too much work.”

“Suit yourself. If you feel like going, just tell me. Next time I come to pick up goods, you can come with me.”

Laughing and chatting, the two arrived at Chen Weidang’s house. Chen Weidang and Cuihua turned back halfway—they were marrying off their daughter, after all, and couldn’t appear too eager.

“Dad, Mom, I’ve come to marry Xiaoniu. These are gifts my parents prepared for you. I hope you won’t mind.”

The gifts were wrapped tightly in all kinds of brown paper, so it was impossible to tell what they were, but the Chen family truly appreciated the in-laws’ sincerity.

“Come inside. When have your parents decided to hold the wedding?”

“Once I bring Xiaoniu back, we’ll pick an auspicious day and set up a few tables, so everyone knows my wife was married in from thousands of miles away—she’s precious.”

Those words made Chen Weimin and his wife feel extremely pleased. They decided to set up a few tables in the village the day after tomorrow, inviting some of the village elders, giving their daughter a dignified send-off.

Chen Xiaoniu felt incredibly warm inside. In Xiangyang Village, daughters had never had banquet tables set up when they married—she was the first. Her parents were truly wonderful.

“Thank you, Dad and Mom, but I’ll pay for this myself.”

That blind bear had been taken away by the brigade commander and exchanged for the honor of a third-class merit—it was a good trade. Unexpectedly, the commander had even left him a bear paw.

Most importantly, Uncle Hu Lata had given him the bear hide, saying it would add some flair to his wedding. Unfortunately, no one knew where Uncle Lata had gone; otherwise, no matter what, he would have invited him for a drink.