https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-77-Deng-YunGui-Also-Wants-to-Build-a-House/12849190/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-79-The-Future-Daughter-in-Law-Comes-to-Inspect-the-Home/12849192/
Chapter 78: Enjoy Your Secret Joy!
Chapter 78: Enjoy Your Secret Joy!
Meanwhile.
In Poxin Village, the Zhang family was also finalizing their list of who would go to the Deng family to check the household the day after tomorrow.
Ever since Deng Shirong had set the date for the household inspection last month, the Zhangs had carefully discussed and tentatively selected the attendees. The chosen ones were Fourth Aunt, Seventh Aunt, Third Aunt-in-law, Little Aunt-in-law, Little Aunt, Eldest Cousin (from Eldest Aunt's family), Eldest Sister-in-law, Second Sister-in-law, and Zhang Xiuping's two close friends, Ou Guofang and Ou Guohua.
The Zhangs had given this matter a lot of thought.
In this era, every woman who accompanied the bride to inspect the groom’s household would receive a red envelope and some seasonings. Therefore, the number of people going had to be agreed upon in advance with the groom's family so that they could prepare accordingly.
The Zhangs had initially decided to invite one representative from each side of the family, which amounted to six people. Adding Zhang Xiuping’s eldest and second sister-in-law, as well as her two close friends, brought the total to ten.
According to the customs of Shuangwang Region, the bride’s parents would not attend the household inspection or the wedding banquet.
Ten people to accompany the bride for the household inspection was neither too many nor too few, making it a reasonable number.
Zhang's mother said, "Uncle Jiu should come over tomorrow to give the final notice. Do you have any additional suggestions for the list of people going to inspect the household?"
Zhang Xiuping thought for a moment and said, "Mom, we’ve already invited our closest relatives. If we extend the invitation to more relatives and friends, the list would become too long. However, I think all eleven of us are women. Why don’t we bring Little Jun and Little Shan along?"
Zhang Shoujun’s eyes lit up at his sister’s suggestion. He looked at his parents and said, "Dad, Mom, my sister is right. While most of the people going to inspect the household are women, it wouldn’t be good to have no men at all. I think Little Shan and I should go."
Zhang Shou Shan also nodded eagerly. "Dad, Mom, I want to go too."
Zhang’s father was sitting nearby, puffing on his water pipe. He never got involved in such matters and left the arrangements to his wife.
Zhang’s mother pondered for a moment and said, "Originally, it’s normal for siblings to accompany the bride to inspect the household. However, we were worried that having too many people might cause gossip. But your sister has a point; it wouldn’t be good to have no men. So, you two can go as well."
Hearing this, Zhang Shoujun and Zhang Shou Shan were both thrilled.
The brothers knew that their future brother-in-law’s family was very well-off, with a grand house. They were eager to see it for themselves and didn’t want to miss out on the red envelopes given during the household inspection.
Given the wealth of their future brother-in-law’s family, the red envelopes would likely contain at least two or three yuan, and sometimes even five yuan. For them, with empty pockets, this was a significant amount of money, and they were naturally excited.
Seeing that the list was finalized, Zhang’s eldest sister-in-law said, "Mom, should we notify Third Aunt-in-law, Little Aunt, and Eldest Cousin tomorrow?"
Zhang’s mother nodded. "Yes, we should, but we’ll wait for Uncle Jiu to confirm the final details before we do so."
Zhang’s second sister-in-law added, "The journey from here to Yexue Village takes about three to four hours. When we notify Third Aunt-in-law, Little Aunt, and Eldest Cousin tomorrow, we should ask them to stay overnight at our place. That way, we can all leave together after breakfast the next morning, saving a lot of time."
Zhang’s mother agreed. "That’s a good idea."
...
October 15th.
After breakfast, Deng Shirong rode his bicycle to Poxin Village.
After more than an hour of cycling, he arrived at Longtan Street, where he bought a large bag of candies and pastries from the supply cooperative. Then, he headed to the Zhang family’s home in Poxin Village, knowing the way well.
Last time, Deng Shirong brought a few pounds of pork butt and a few pounds of cured meat to Poxin Village, causing quite a stir. However, such a rare delicacy couldn't be given away so freely; it would only spoil people's appetites. Occasional gifts were the best way to maintain the effect.
Of course, he couldn't show up empty-handed, as that would be impolite. Bringing a large bag of candies and pastries was a suitable choice.
About ten minutes later, Deng Shirong arrived at the Zhang family's home.
"Uncle Jiu!"
"Uncle Jiu, have a smoke!"
"Uncle Jiu, have a drink first!"
"Uncle Jiu..."
The Zhang family welcomed Deng Shirong with great enthusiasm, offering him a pipe and a glass of water, treating him no less warmly than a new son-in-law.
After the pleasantries, Deng Shirong said, "Relatives, I came today to confirm the final details. Tomorrow, you'll be visiting my home to inspect it."
Zhang's mother politely replied, "Uncle Jiu, you're too kind. You could have just sent a message. You didn't have to go through the trouble of coming all this way to notify us."
"It's no trouble. I rode my bike here, and it only took a bit over an hour. How many people from your side will be coming tomorrow? Have you decided?"
"We've confirmed the number. Including my daughter Ping, there will be thirteen of us."
"Got it, I understand!"
...
After discussing the main matters, despite the Zhang family's repeated invitations to stay, Deng Shirong promptly took his leave.
It wasn't that his schedule was that tight; he simply didn't want to burden them. If he stayed for a meal, the Zhang family would certainly prepare a grand feast, which would be too much trouble.
Of course, the main reason was that he had no expectations for the cooking skills of his prospective in-laws...
An hour later, Deng Shirong returned to Shuangwang Market.
It was peak market time, and Deng Shirong had a bowl of noodles at a stall. He then bought some ingredients needed for the inspection the next day. Not seeing his eldest son, Deng Yuntao, he rode his bike back home.
...
At the pottery factory, Deng Yuntao had gone to Shuangwang earlier to get a haircut and then returned to continue working.
Making large jars was different from other tasks; they were built in sections, and you couldn't just stop working whenever you wanted, unless you were willing to waste all the effort you had already put in.
Although Deng Yuntao knew the bride's family would be visiting the next day, the weather had delayed his work on this batch of jars by two days. Today, he had to finish the final touches before he could truly take a break.
While Deng Yuntao was busy with the finishing touches, his childhood friend, Deng Changyuan, was learning alongside him and chatting. Naturally, their conversation revolved around the upcoming home inspection.
Deng Changyuan asked, "Yuntao, the bride's family is coming to inspect your home tomorrow. Honestly, are you nervous?"
Deng Yuntao rolled his eyes at his friend and said, "Are you kidding? I haven't even met the girl, and they're already coming to inspect my home. Tell me, wouldn't you be nervous?"
Deng Changyuan laughed. "Usually, people get to know each other before the inspection, but what can you do when your dad is the matchmaker? He skipped that step. But I heard from your two sisters that your match is very pretty. You should be happy about that!"
After finishing the final touches on the large jar, Deng Yuntao looked at his friend and said, "Changyuan, my sister mentioned that my match has two sisters as well. I'm not sure if they'll be coming tomorrow, but if they do, you should take a good look. If you like one of them, I can ask my dad to help set you up. Maybe your match will be found too!"
Deng Changyuan's eyes lit up. "Hey, that's a good point. I'll make sure to take a good look tomorrow!"
(End of Chapter)
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