https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-117-The-Zhang-Family-s-Wedding-Gifts/12849232/
Chapter 116: Living Up to Father-in-Law's Trust
Chapter 116: Living Up to Father-in-Law’s Trust
It was six in the evening.
After dinner, Deng Yuntao waited for his wife and sister to finish washing the dishes before he beckoned to her, saying, "Ping, come here for a moment. I need to talk to you."
Zhang Xiuping wiped her wet hands on her pants as she walked over, asking, "Brother Tai, what is it?"
When she approached, Deng Yuntao placed his hands on her shoulders and gently guided her into the room, saying, "Let’s talk inside."
People in this era were still quite reserved when it came to expressing affection, even in marriage. Couples rarely held hands in front of others, unlike the couples of later times who wouldn’t think twice about kissing in a crowded square.
Even though Deng Yuntao didn’t hold Zhang Xiuping’s hand, placing his hands on her shoulders in front of his younger siblings made her feel very embarrassed.
Moreover, once they were inside, Deng Yuntao closed the door, causing Zhang Xiuping’s face to flush. She thought he might be planning something more intimate!
She whispered, "Brother Tai, the kids are still watching. What are you doing?"
Deng Yuntao pulled out a wad of money from his pocket, smiling as he handed it to her, "Ping, look what I have."
Zhang Xiuping took the money from her husband, her eyes widening in surprise, "Brother Tai, what is this?"
Deng Yuntao grinned, "It’s my wages for this month."
Zhang Xiuping rolled her eyes, "You should give your wages to Father. Why do I need to pass it along?"
Deng Yuntao explained, "Father said I’m married now, so I don’t need to hand over my wages to him anymore. He told me to bring it back and give it to you to save."
"Ah? What did you say?" Zhang Xiuping thought she might have misheard.
Deng Yuntao repeated his words with a smile.
Realizing she hadn’t misheard, Zhang Xiuping was utterly shocked.
In this era, fathers-in-law and mothers-in-law held absolute authority. Some domineering mothers-in-law even controlled their daughters-in-law’s dowries. Before the family split, any money earned by the children, whether sons or daughters-in-law, had to be handed over to the parents, with only a small portion kept with their permission.
Zhang Xiuping had been well aware of this situation before she married into the family.
She had never imagined that she would be in charge of her husband’s wages. It seemed impossible.
But now, the impossible had happened. Her father-in-law had entrusted her with such a large sum of money, showing a level of trust that made her feel incredibly grateful. It was as if her family’s ancestors had blessed her with this good fortune!
Seeing her wife’s shocked expression, Deng Yuntao couldn’t resist leaning in to kiss her.
Zhang Xiuping came back to her senses and lightly tapped him, saying, "You’re so naughty!"
They were still in the honeymoon phase, and seeing her wife’s charming face made Deng Yuntao unable to control himself.
After a moment, Zhang Xiuping blushed and pushed him away, saying, "Brother Tai, are you really going to let me keep this money?"
Deng Yuntao, still savoring the moment, replied, "Yes, keep it. From now on, whenever I get paid, I’ll bring it back to you."
Zhang Xiuping pursed her lips and vowed, "Brother Tai, don’t worry. I’ll keep the money safe and won’t spend a single coin unnecessarily."
Deng Yuntao laughed, "You should still spend money when it’s needed."
Zhang Xiuping didn’t say anything more. She put the money away in a cabinet, determined not to spend it frivolously or send it back to her own family without good reason. She wanted to live up to her father-in-law’s trust.
……
At the Deng Changmei household.
Deng Shirong was surrounded by several parents whose children had reached marriageable age. They all hoped Deng Shirong could help find suitable matches for their children, including Deng Yuncai, the father of Deng Changyuan.
After dealing with the other parents, Deng Shirong turned to Deng Yuncai and said, "Yuncai, I've found a pretty good match for your son, Changyuan. However, before I start matchmaking, I need to have a heart-to-heart with you. Your family needs to build a new house soon. Otherwise, even if the girl doesn't mind, her parents probably won't agree to the marriage given the housing situation."
Deng Yuncai felt both elated and worried. He was happy that Uncle Ji had quietly found a good match for his son, but he was also concerned about their financial situation. If they spent money on a new house, they wouldn't have enough left to pay for a wedding.
"Uncle Ji, I understand the situation, but our financial condition is truly difficult. I don't know what to do."
Deng Shirong replied, "Changyuan has been working at the pottery factory for a few months and has earned a decent amount. Building a house shouldn't be too hard, right?"
Deng Yuncai laughed bitterly, "If we spend the money on a new house, we won't have enough left for Changyuan's wedding!"
Deng Shirong said, "Yuncai, as the old saying goes, a well-sharpened knife doesn't hinder chopping wood. If your family doesn't have a proper place to live, even if you rush the wedding, no parents would want their daughter to marry into a home with no place to stay."
Deng Yuncai sighed, "Uncle Ji, you're right. We definitely need to build a new house. We had originally planned to build a new house for the eldest by the end of the year. Once they move in, we'll have space for Changyuan's wedding.
But after seeing the new house you built, the eldest doesn't want a mud-brick house anymore. He wants a brick and tile house, but our financial condition doesn't allow for that. So, the plan to build a new house has been put on hold."
Deng Shirong hadn't expected that his own house had influenced the decision. Knowing the rapid development of the country in the coming years, he couldn't advise them to build a mud-brick house. He said, "Building a brick and tile house like mine, if it's just two or three rooms, would cost around three to five hundred yuan.
Of course, if you build the house, it shouldn't be just for your eldest son. Changyuan should have a room too. That way, I can start matchmaking for him."
Deng Yuncai nodded, "I understand. Changyuan is the one earning the money now. If we spend all of it on the house and he doesn't get a room, it wouldn't be fair."
Deng Shirong said, "In any case, build the house as soon as possible. Once it's done, I'll take care of Changyuan's wedding and find him a suitable match."
Deng Yuncai nodded again, "Alright, I'll follow Uncle Ji's advice. It's too late this year, but we'll start building the new house next spring."
Deng Shirong couldn't help but remind him, "Yuncai, with your current financial difficulties, don't just focus on the small plot of land you have. Raise more chickens, ducks, and geese, and a few more pigs. The government has relaxed regulations on this, so you can raise them without worry. Selling them will bring in money!"
Deng Yuncai smiled, "Uncle Ji, I was already planning to do that. Hearing you say this gives me more confidence. I'll raise more chickens and ducks, and a few more pigs."
(End of Chapter)
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