When Dajiang and Erniu explained their intentions, the expressions on the faces of the Song family members grew somewhat strained. Old Man Song declared, "Our Yuemei is an honest woman, and it was your Qingshan who ruined her. Ten taels of bride price isn't too much, is it? Your Lin family can afford that. Isn't offering so little a sign of disrespect?"

Dajiang remained silent; he was never one for smooth talking. Erniu, seeing his elder brother speechless, spoke up, "Uncle Song, we are all from the same village; we see each other every day. There's no need to be so harsh with words. We are indeed sincere. We've borrowed this six taels of silver from all our relatives. Six taels for a bride price is certainly not insignificant."

Seeing the attitude of Erniu and Dajiang, Old Man Song stood up and announced, "Then there's no other way; we'll have no choice but to report this to the magistrate."

Erniu sensed that Old Man Song's resolve was shaky, likely just a bluff to extract more money. "Uncle Song, if you truly must report this to the authorities, we can't stop you. But think carefully: even if Qingshan is jailed or executed, it won't benefit you in any way. Not only will you not receive a single coin, but Yuemei's reputation will also be ruined."

In truth, Old Man Song was merely putting on a show, hoping to secure more. At this time, a standard bride price for ordinary families was only about two or three taels of silver, so six taels was indeed quite substantial. Moreover, what Erniu said made sense. Although a daughter was less important than a son, she was still his daughter, and he had to consider her welfare.

Seeing the softening in Old Man Song's expression, Lin Erniu continued, "Father, think it over. Once married to our Qingshan, Yuemei will be one of the Lin family. We Lin family will certainly not mistreat her. Although our family is a bit strained right now, once our days improve, Yuemei’s life in our home will be comfortable too."

Old Man Song took out a pouch of dry tobacco, smoking silently, though his expression had eased slightly. After a long pause, he spoke, "Erniu, you are Qingshan's second uncle, right? Though you are family, you have separated households. I fear you may not have the final say in some matters."

Erniu understood Old Man Song’s implication and nudged his elder brother. Dajiang had been standing aside, completely wordless. Pushed by Erniu, he seemed to snap awake and finally spoke, "Yes, Uncle Song, once Yuemei joins our home, I guarantee we will treat her well. Our Qingshan is a caring man. Our whole family will work hard for a few years, and our lives will surely prosper. We will never let Yuemei suffer."

Old Man Song nodded. They hadn't known about Qingshan's past circumstances. In Old Man Song's mind, if one disregarded the recent incident of Qingshan and Yuemei’s affair being discovered, Qingshan’s family background was, in fact, quite suitable in many aspects.

Firstly, their ages were right; both were of marriageable age. Secondly, although Qingshan’s family had returned from the town, they had experience living there, which surely placed them a cut above the Song family in terms of standing.

Furthermore, Qingshan's second uncle was currently a figure of prominence in Linjia Village. The blue-brick, grey-tiled houses he had built were the envy of many. Securing this marriage alliance might bring certain future benefits.

Also, Qingshan’s parents were still young, and he was their only son. Their home and property were far better than the Song family’s. The only slight drawback was the rumor that Qingshan's mother, Madam He, was a formidable woman. However, such mother-in-law/daughter-in-law tensions existed in every household, and his daughter Yuemei wasn't weak either, so it wasn't a major obstacle.

After analyzing these points, Old Man Song finally conceded, "Let’s settle it this way. Tomorrow, you should send someone over formally to discuss the betrothal. After all, we are marrying off a daughter, not selling her. My only wish is that our daughter has a good life in your home. Since the children are already in this situation, there’s no need to wait two years. In two months, it will be Yuemei's coming-of-age ceremony. After that, you come formally to propose, and we settle this matter quickly for everyone's peace of mind."

Dajiang and Erniu found Old Man Song’s proposal excellent and readily agreed, promising to find a matchmaker the very next day to discuss the terms.

When Dajiang and Erniu returned home and informed the family that the matter was resolved, everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief. However, hearing they had to marry in two months meant another period of frantic activity lay ahead. After all, this was the wedding of the Lin family’s eldest grandson; no matter how difficult things were, it had to be done properly.

Erniu told Huang Shi about Qingshan’s impending marriage. He offered to help Dajiang’s household with any chores during this time, as such affairs relied heavily on relatives' assistance. He instructed Huang Shi to take the children and only attend on the wedding days, advising her not to ask too many questions or interfere too much in other matters.

Meanwhile, He Shi and Dajiang’s family were worried. They had just presented six taels for the bride price, and now they were rushing into wedding preparations. Even if the wedding was kept simple, it would still require funds—at least several hundred dà qián (cash coins).

If nothing else, the banquet on the wedding day alone would likely cost hundreds of dà qián. The family’s coffers were already empty; where would the money for a feast come from?

As a last resort, He Shi planned to take some jewelry she had bought when she lived in town, along with some small trinkets meant for Yu'er, and pawn them in town. She estimated this might raise enough cash for the banquet, and perhaps they could recoup some of it through gift money received that day. This immediate hurdle could finally be overcome.

However, He Shi harbored a deep resentment towards the future daughter-in-law, Song Yuemei. If it weren't for her, their family wouldn't be burdened with debt and such a hefty bride price. When that little slut Yuemei finally arrived, she would certainly have to answer for it.

At least the immediate crisis for He Shi’s family had subsided. With two months until Qingshan’s wedding, they could catch their breath.

At Lin He’s home, Lin He had been calculating whether the Plum Blossom Cream she consigned to Boss Wen’s shop had generated any news. She wondered how well it had sold. Due to the recent upheaval at home, she hadn't had time to visit town. Moreover, Boss Wen hadn't sent anyone to notify her either.

Had her judgment been wrong? Was the Plum Blossom Cream not selling well, or was the price set too high? Her mind was in turmoil. Finally, she consulted Dabao, deciding they would travel to town the next day to see what the situation was.

Early the next morning, Dabao and Lin He woke up and set off for Tianxin Town in their ox cart. By the time they arrived, the Cai Die Xuan shop was just opening. The shop assistant saw Lin He and the two approaching and immediately smiled, "Miss Lin and Young Master Dabao, you're here early! We haven't even opened for business yet. The boss was just saying he planned to send someone to fetch you today."

Hearing the shop assistant, Lin He’s heart leaped with joy. If Uncle Wen wanted them to come to town, the Plum Blossom Cream must have sold quite well! The shop assistant ushered Lin He and Dabao into a side room in the back to wait, saying he would go fetch the manager.

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