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Chapter 5: First Matchmaking
Chapter 5: First Matchmaking
After Deng Shirong and Deng YunGui jointly took over the pottery kiln, they could start production at any time, as everything was ready to go.
However, today was already the 18th of the fifth lunar month, and the production team would soon begin harvesting the rice, the busiest and most arduous time of the year, when all members would be required to participate in the labor.
It was clearly not the right time to open the pottery factory.
Deng Shirong, who had experienced this before, knew that this rice harvest would be the last collective labor effort of the production team. After the harvest, the village leaders would yield to public opinion and start dividing the land among the households.
Seeing that the pottery factory hadn't started operations yet and there were still a few days before the harvest, Deng Shirong naturally didn't want to waste this rare free time. After breakfast, he headed to his cousin Deng YunQiang's house.
Naye Village and several nearby villages were all populated by the Deng clan. Apart from the women who had married into the village, there was not a single person from another family, making everyone descendants of the same ancestor, though separated by many generations.
When Deng Shirong arrived at Deng YunQiang's house, he found YunQiang sitting at the door, smoking a water pipe. In this era, because tobacco leaves were grown in almost every village, smoking was a common habit among men, women, and even children.
After exchanging greetings, Deng Shirong got straight to the point. "YunQiang, your son ChangFu is already 21 this year, and it's time for him to get married. I've seen a girl from Shenshuitian Village who seems quite suitable. Would you like me to help arrange a meeting?"
In the rural areas of Bobai County, whether in this era or in the future, many people were enthusiastic about matchmaking for people they knew. The motivation wasn't so much for the money but for the satisfaction of bringing a couple together.
So when Deng Shirong made this offer, Deng YunQiang was not surprised at all; in fact, he became quite excited.
"Uncle Nine, which girl are you talking about?" Shenshuitian Village was not far from Naye Village, about a 20-minute walk away. Though YunQiang didn't know everyone in the village, he knew quite a few, which is why he asked.
Deng Shirong smiled and said, "The daughter of Guan Dewei."
Deng YunQiang leaned on his pipe and thought for a moment. "I don't know Guan Dewei, but the name sounds familiar. I think I've heard it somewhere before."
Deng Shirong reminded him, "The Guan Dewu who works at the supply and marketing cooperative is his brother."
"Oh, so it's Guan Dewu's brother!" Deng YunQiang suddenly understood and became more interested in the match his uncle was proposing for his eldest son.
Deng Shirong continued, "Guan Dewei's eldest daughter is 19 years old, a high school graduate. While she may not be the most beautiful, she has a good character and is hardworking and capable. She would be a great wife, and any family that marries her would have a prosperous life. If you're interested, I can go talk to her parents and see if they're open to it."
"Sure, Uncle Nine, that would be great."
In this era, people got married at a younger age. At 21, YunQiang's eldest son was well past the age of marriage. YunQiang had originally planned to wait until after the rice harvest and then ask a matchmaker to find a suitable bride for his son.
Now that Uncle Nine had offered to help, it was the perfect opportunity.
Deng Shirong said, "Alright, I'll go and check with her parents later. I think it should work out. It's market day today, so you should have ChangFu get ready. If the girl's parents are agreeable, I'll arrange for them to meet at Shuangwang Market."
Deng YunQiang was a bit surprised by Uncle Nine's speed but agreed readily.
With his goal achieved, Deng Shirong went to the village's supply and marketing cooperative to buy some candies and cookies. He then borrowed a bicycle from the production team and set off for Shenshuitian Village.
This was Deng Shirong's first time matchmaking. He chose Deng YunQiang's eldest son, ChangFu, mainly because in his previous life, ChangFu and his wife were known as a model couple in the village. They had been married for decades, always supporting each other and never having a single argument, living a happy and prosperous life.
Such a marriage destined for happiness, Deng Shirong naturally wanted to help facilitate it.
A few minutes later, Deng Shirong rode his bicycle to Deep Water Field Village and made his way to Guan Dewei's house, where he immediately saw Guan Dewei sitting at the door, weaving straw baskets.
"Uncle Jiu!" Upon seeing Deng Shirong, Guan Dewei quickly put down his work and stood up, greeting him warmly, "Come in and have a bowl of porridge first."
As the master potter of the village's pottery kiln, Deng Shirong was well-known throughout the entire Bangjie Brigade. Most people recognized him, and due to his seniority, even those who didn't share his surname would respectfully call him Uncle Jiu.
"I've already eaten!" Deng Shirong smiled as he parked his bicycle. He then reached into his pocket and pulled out a bundle of candies and cookies wrapped in straw paper, handing them to Guan Dewei. "These are for the children."
A flicker of surprise crossed Guan Dewei's face. While he and Deng Shirong were acquainted, their relationship wasn't close enough for such a gesture. He wondered what Deng Shirong's intentions were.
But Guan Dewei said, "Uncle Jiu, you're too kind. If there's anything I can help with, just let me know."
As he spoke, Guan Dewei took the candies and cookies, though he wasn't sure if he should accept them until he understood the reason behind the visit.
Deng Shirong didn't beat around the bush. After a few polite exchanges, he got straight to the point: "Ah Biao, I heard your eldest daughter is 19 this year and hasn't found a match yet. I thought I could help set her up. Do you have any interest in that?"
Guan Dewei immediately understood. As he handed Deng Shirong a water pipe, tobacco, and matches, he said, "As the saying goes, when a boy grows up, he should marry; when a girl grows up, she should wed. My daughter Yongying is indeed at the age where she should be looking for a husband. If there's a suitable match, I have no objections."
Deng Shirong took the water pipe, stuffing tobacco into the bowl as he continued, "I want to introduce you to Deng Yunqiang's eldest son, Deng Changfu. He's 21 years old, tall and strong, about 1.78 meters. He has a lot of strength and can easily earn ten work points in our production team.
"He has a gentle and honest personality, with almost no temper. His parents are also well-known for their kindness. If your daughter marries him, she won't have to worry about being mistreated."
Deng Shirong lit the tobacco with a match and took a few puffs before adding, "He has five siblings—two younger sisters and two younger brothers. You understand what that means, so I don't need to elaborate."
Guan Dewei understood. If his daughter married into this family, she would have her in-laws to help with childcare, and her two sisters-in-law would also lend a hand. By the time her two brothers-in-law got married and had children, it would be several years, which would be a significant advantage for the eldest sister-in-law.
Guan Dewei was somewhat intrigued but asked, "Uncle Jiu, what are their family conditions like?"
Deng Shirong continued stuffing tobacco into the pipe, saying, "Deng Yunqiang and his wife are hardworking and healthy, with plenty of labor at home. Their conditions are naturally not bad. However, you know how things are for everyone these days; don't have too high expectations."
"I understand. As long as their conditions aren't too poor."
After a moment's thought, Guan Dewei added, "Uncle Jiu, why don't you arrange for them to meet at a convenient time?"
(End of Chapter)
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