14. Bride Price

Matchmaker Yan was quite a character. She had a round, moon-like face and a plump, jade-smooth figure. Standing about 1.65 meters tall and weighing well over 160 pounds, her chin was layered with soft rolls. In these times, it was rare to see someone so well-fed, a clear sign of a comfortable life.

Her secret was a sweet tongue that could soothe anyone, especially skilled in matchmaking. Every couple she introduced inevitably succeeded, which brought her plenty of benefits, allowing her to live in a charmingly lazy way, like a big, contented cat.

When Yao Erdan returned home, she quickly let go of Yao Zhizhi. She had actually planned to visit a few days earlier, but the production team was busy drying grain and delivering it to the commune. With the commune pressing hard, she had no time to call on them.

Smiling, she teased this familiar man, “You scoundrel, what kind of relationship do we have? Your fifth daughter is so beautiful—how could I bring myself to introduce her to a twice-divorced man?”

Indeed, the matchmaker’s words were honeyed, although her acquaintance with Yao Erdan was not deep. Since the prospective groom was not twice-divorced, he relaxed and asked, “What kind of family does the man come from? Tell me.”

“No need,” Yao Zhizhi interrupted firmly. “I’ve already agreed. This is my marriage, and I’m the one in charge.”

“Hey, girl, what’s gotten into you lately? A major life event, and you just agree without a thought? Do you still consider me your father?” Yao Erdan was furious. His daughter seemed to be trying to ride roughshod over him! As the head of the family, he had to assert some authority to command respect.

Yao Zhizhi dismissed his fragile pride with a blunt reply: “How is this ‘just agreeing’? I found this family myself. The man is the only son of a policeman at the South City police station. Marrying him means getting an urban household registration. The only downside is he’s often sick and might not live long. But that doesn’t matter—I don’t want him. I want the city registration. Wouldn’t I be a fool not to accept?”

Yao Erdan was left speechless. He had no choice but to drag Matchmaker Yan into the main room for a thorough inquiry. Yao Zhizhi didn’t bother to follow and sat under a tree in the courtyard, weaving baskets and combs.

Soon, Matchmaker Yan emerged from the room, beaming. “See? I told you! You’ve got a lucky face! Once your Zhizhi moves to the city, she’ll bring both of you along to enjoy the good life.”

Yao Erdan loved to hear such words and happily escorted the matchmaker out. Back under the shade, he lit a cheap leaf cigarette, squinting at Yao Zhizhi. “You’re something else. You really found him yourself?”

“Otherwise? Were you going to find some twice-divorced guy to settle me off with?” Yao Zhizhi spoke the truth. This was no chance encounter, but a match she had carefully chosen. Besides, if her marriage still required her parents’ approval, how could she set an example for her sisters against arranged marriages? She had to make her own decisions and had given Yao Erdan the courtesy of informing him.

Yao Erdan laughed bitterly. “Alright, you’ve grown some spine. No wonder you’ve been so bold and outspoken with me lately.”

“Got a problem with that?” Yao Zhizhi raised an eyebrow and sneered, doubting he’d dare to cause trouble.

He didn’t dare. Exhaling smoke, he sighed, “No objections. Good families like this are rare. Work hard, have a child early, and secure your mother-in-law’s favor. Even if the husband dies, she won’t treat you badly for the kid’s sake.”

Yao Zhizhi hated hearing that. “Can’t you hope for something better? Talking about death before marriage—what kind of parents say that to their child?”

Yao Erdan knew it was a bad omen and fell silent. Squatting under the tree, he stared at her like a strange creature. “Then tell me, which child talks back to their father like that?”

Yao Zhizhi, annoyed by his smoking, grabbed the leaf cigarette and tossed it away. “No more smoking in front of me!”

Yao Erdan surrendered completely. “Alright, you’re the boss now. You’ll run this family from now on.”

“Fine. A gentleman’s word is his bond, so don’t go back on your word,” Yao Zhizhi replied, unimpressed and unwilling to be manipulated by his empty promises.

Yao Erdan, utterly exasperated, suddenly stood up and aimed to kick the basket she had woven.

Without lifting her head, Yao Zhizhi warned, “Kick all you want. But if I get married and can’t even bring a dowry, that won’t be on me.”

---

Fine, he couldn’t win the argument. Yao Erdan deflated. Suddenly recalling something, he turned to borrow a bicycle from the neighbor to catch up with Matchmaker Yan and ask about the bride price.

Yao Zhizhi immediately saw through his intentions and quashed the idea. “Don’t ask. The bride price is three hundred. When they come to formally propose, give it directly to me. No, I won’t give it to you.”

“What did you say?” Yao Erdan couldn’t believe such disrespectful words. Like Wang Fang before him, he resorted to moral coercion, “I raised you all this time for nothing?”

“Didn’t we sisters help you raise a child? Didn’t we help with farming and chores? That should more than make up for it,” Yao Zhizhi shot back without fear.

Now that she had a prospective mother-in-law who was a police officer, Yao Erdan dared not do much to her.

He was indeed powerless and could only vent his anger. At dinner, he sat frozen, glaring at Yao Zhizhi.

Wang Fang and the other daughters, tired from a long day, had no idea what was happening between father and daughter, so they asked.

Yao Erdan, unable to confront Yao Zhizhi, enlisted Wang Fang and the four daughters to persuade her.

After hearing his complaints, Wang Fang was furious.

But when she called out to the fifth daughter, Yao Taotao shot back, “This marriage was arranged by the fifth daughter herself. She has every right to decide how the bride price is spent. If you’re smart, don’t expect to profit from her. Let her keep the money; the proper thing is to use it to buy medicine to help my future brother-in-law recover. As long as he stays healthy, this marriage will last, and everyone in the village will respect our family.”

“Exactly, Dad!” Yao Mengmeng, now seeing reason, also spoke up for her sister. “If he weren’t sick, the fifth daughter wouldn’t have gotten such a good match. You don’t want a widow at home, do you? Saving that money to help him get better is far better. Then everyone in the commune will treat you with respect. Don’t just focus on petty gains—think long term.”

Yao Erdan fell silent.

Reasonable as it was, he felt utterly stifled.

He was the head of the family, the father.

How could a daughter scold her father?

Where was his dignity?

Angrily, he slammed down his chopsticks and refused to eat.

Yao Yingying couldn’t bear it and quickly comforted him: “Dad, my bride price money will be used to honor you and Mom. As for the fifth daughter’s situation, it’s special. We can’t find her such a good family. Let her decide how to arrange it. One thing’s for sure—once she’s married, if you want to manage the fish pond next year, no one will challenge you.”

Indeed, fish farming was more profitable than farming, and occasionally bringing home a couple of fish would improve their meals.

Yao Erdan, who had always been outdone, finally felt a glimmer of hope.

He was moved.

Yao Yingying, sensing her advantage, pressed on. “Dad, the fifth daughter finding such a good family is better than any sweet talk. Though she speaks bluntly, you have to understand. Last time she nearly lost her life; she’s been hurt and doesn’t want to be bullied anymore. Going to the city will actually help her stand firm quickly, don’t you think?”

Of course.

Yao Erdan finally felt a bit relieved. “See, the eldest daughter is still the most considerate.”

But he couldn’t just give in.

Otherwise, his other daughters would never learn to behave, and who would he turn to for authority?

He took out his frustration on Wang Fang, trying to reclaim some respect as head of the family.

He scolded her sharply: “Look at the daughter you raised!”

Wang Fang knew him well—pride brought suffering. Fine, it was her fault for raising them badly.

She quietly picked at her food without retorting.

The bride price dispute ended just like that.

*

Tang Fengyuan came home from work full of energy.

As usual, she rode her bicycle, rushing back to cook, afraid her precious son would go hungry.

The South City area used to be the residence of a feudal lord; now, the houses were divided among employees of various units.

Her family was fortunate to have a house right next to the lord’s Jade Lake.

It was a three-room, standalone house with a small square courtyard.

It was said to have been reserved for the lord’s servants, specifically those who raised fish in Jade Lake.

Though not as grand as the other lord’s mansions, it still had carved beams and painted rafters, with an antique charm.

Later, other employees built brick houses around, creating several narrow alleys.

Her house was uniquely located at the deepest part of the alley, quiet and rarely disturbed.

Pushing her bike through the alley, she caught a whiff of something burning.

With the north wind blowing again, she suspected the smell came from her own home.

At the gate, she opened the door and—sure enough!

Her precious son was fiddling in the small kitchen they had built behind the house, trying to cook!

Tang Fengyuan was anxious and rushed to help.

“Are you trying to burn the house down?” She covered the smoking pot lid and ushered Qi Changxiao into the courtyard to talk.

Qi Changxiao looked innocent; he only wanted to learn to cook.

Tang Fengyuan wasn’t against it but worried about wasting precious grain.

She sighed and asked, “What’s this? Trying to impress your beloved with cooking skills?”

Qi Changxiao said nothing.

Tang Fengyuan helplessly replied, “Wait until I get back, I’ll teach you! Why so impatient? You’re not well yet!”

Qi Changxiao wasn’t well, but he was terribly bored at home.

It was different before; at least then he had no hope and could just lie down and wait to die.

Now, he wanted to marry, to walk alongside the woman he loved for a long time.

So, he didn’t want to wait to die anymore.

He wanted to take action, though his first cooking attempt had failed.

No matter, he would try harder next time.

Wiping his hands on the apron, he asked, “Has the matchmaker been?”

“Yes, she went. Once I’m done with these days’ work, I’ll go with her for the formal proposal.” Tang Fengyuan took off his apron. “Still want to learn to cook? Come inside and watch closely.”

Qi Changxiao silently followed her in, helping occasionally.

He used to find cooking tedious and boring, but now, he only felt happiness.

Once he learned, he would definitely show off his skills to her.

A few days later, Yao Mengmeng’s wedding date was set.

Taking a deep breath and steeling herself, she prepared to face this farcical wedding.

She hoped her eldest sister wouldn’t let them down or defect halfway through.