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Chapter 76: Furniture Completed
Chapter 76: Furniture Completed
In just a few days, the villagers had finished harvesting all the rice, demonstrating an impressive efficiency that left Deng Yunjun, the production team leader, marveling. He mused that if everyone had always worked this hard, their production team would have been the wealthiest in the entire county.
With the rice harvested, the next step was to dry the grains, a process that would take several more days, even with good weather. However, this was relatively light work that the women of the household could handle without needing the help of the men. As a result, the development of the Deng family’s orchard could resume.
While the villagers were busy drying their rice, Zhang Jiefang and a few other carpenters, after a grueling one and a half months, finally completed all the furniture Deng Shirong had requested.
With the doors and windows already installed, and the furniture now fully assembled, the once-empty house was completely transformed.
Deng Shirong was overjoyed. That evening, he prepared a grand feast to thank the carpenters.
After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Deng Shirong took out the wages he had prepared and handed them to each carpenter, smiling. "You all have really worked hard these past one and a half months. The house will be officially moved into at 6:18 AM the day after tomorrow. Please remember to come for the meal!"
The carpenters took the money, their faces lighting up with satisfaction as they counted the large bills.
However, politeness dictated that they should offer some words of gratitude. Zhang Kangei, in particular, felt indebted to Deng Shirong, who had also acted as his matchmaker. So, after receiving his wages, he kept only half and returned the rest to Deng Shirong. "Uncle Jiu, you’ve been so generous to us all this time. There’s no need to give us so much. This is more than enough!"
Zhang’s grandfather and father also politely returned half of their wages.
Seeing this, the other carpenters felt it would be improper to take everything, so they too returned half.
Deng Shirong waved them off, still smiling. "This is what you’ve earned. There’s no need to push it back and forth. If I need any more furniture in the future, I’ll have to ask for your help again!"
After a bit more friendly back-and-forth, the carpenters finally accepted the money with satisfaction.
"Uncle Jiu, whenever you need any furniture made, just let us know, and we’ll get it done right away."
"Uncle Jiu, thank you for your hospitality. This has been the most comfortable time of my life!"
"Uncle Jiu, if you have any other requests, just say the word, and I’ll be there whenever you call."
After exchanging more pleasantries, the carpenters finally left.
Zhang’s family, including his grandfather and father, made a point to visit Deng Yunjin, their future in-law, to inform him that their work was complete and that they would be returning to prepare for Zhang Kangei’s wedding.
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Whether in the present or in the future, moving into a new home is a significant event for rural residents. Given their limited resources, many people might only build a new house once in their lifetime, so it’s natural to treat it with the utmost importance.
The Hakka people of Bobai refer to moving into a new home as "jin huo" (entering the fire). Typically, they invite all their relatives and friends for a meal. If the new house is particularly impressive, they might throw a grand celebration, known as a "jin huo" feast, which is almost as important as a wedding.
Deng Shirong’s house, once completed, was unique in the entire Shuangwang area. In any other family, this would have been cause for a grand celebration.
However, Deng Shirong had no intention of making a big fuss over it.
Firstly, this house was only a temporary measure in his mind. He planned to tear it down and rebuild a larger one in about ten to twenty years, so it wasn’t as significant to him as others might think.
Secondly, his eldest son’s prospective bride was set to visit in a few days. They would have to invite relatives and friends over for a meal then as well. If they went all out for the housewarming, they would be hosting too many events in quick succession.
Of course, a housewarming was still a significant event. Although Deng Shirong didn’t plan to go overboard, he still wanted to invite family and friends over for a meal. That’s why he had already informed the carpenters to come over for breakfast the day after tomorrow.
...
The fourteenth day of the tenth lunar month.
At 6:18 AM, amidst the crackling of fireworks, Deng Shirong led his children and a group of relatives and friends, all speaking auspicious words, into their new home.
After completing the customary rituals, they officially started the fire and began cooking.
Today, Deng Shirong didn’t cook himself. Instead, he appointed his eldest daughter, Deng Yunzhen, as the kitchen’s head chef. She had a team of helpers to assist her, so she only needed to oversee the big picture and do the cooking.
Deng Shirong, on the other hand, accompanied the guests to tour the new house.
Although the guests had already seen the house when it was empty, the feeling was entirely different with all the furniture in place. Naturally, they wanted to take another good look.
As expected, the guests were thoroughly impressed.
In this era, furniture was a rare luxury. Families with wardrobes could be counted on one hand.
Deng Shirong’s new house had thirteen rooms, each with a large wardrobe. This level of luxury was almost scandalous.
Particularly noteworthy was the bedroom he had prepared for his eldest son. The bed frame was adorned with auspicious patterns, making it both beautiful and festive. The wardrobe was different from the others, featuring a large mirror. The women present all looked at it with longing, clearly wishing they could have one for themselves.
In addition to the bed and wardrobe, there was also a very elegant dressing table.
In the future, these few pieces of furniture might be considered modest, but in this era, the guests couldn’t help but praise them sincerely.
Chen Dazhong (Deng YunTai’s second uncle) exclaimed with admiration, "Brother-in-law, with these beautiful brick and tile rooms and such lovely furniture, the bride’s family will be spellbound when they come to visit the house in two days!"
Chen Daming (Deng YunTai’s third uncle) chimed in, "Absolutely! The room is so beautiful, with a clean cement floor, spacious and bright, and such high-quality furniture. The bride’s family will be more than satisfied."
Deng Shirong smiled, acknowledging his brothers-in-law’s praise. He had indeed spent a considerable amount of money to have all this furniture made.
Although he provided the wood himself, the carpenters had worked diligently for a month and a half. He had paid them about seven or eight hundred yuan just for their labor, not to mention the good food and drink he provided during their stay. With so much money invested, it would be strange if it didn’t have the desired effect.
(End of Chapter)
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