Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 1690 - 862: Gift Bearers, Part 2

"You’re always talking about useless stuff." Old Master Lian’s tone was already tinged with impatience and anger. He was in a bad mood, and instead of comforting him, Lady Zhou was adding fuel to the fire, giving him more trouble. "These relatives, haven’t you offended them enough? If you keep acting like this, they won’t come to visit anymore, and you’ll be happy."

"Old Fourth treats the Old Zhang family well because the Old Zhang family treated Old Fourth well!"

"We won’t talk about anything else, just listen to how people speak to Old Fourth, and then listen to yourself. Who can get along with you? Even your son would want to take a detour when he sees you! And that last thing you said, what the heck was that? Is that even human speech?"

"If you say one more word, you can leave, go wherever you like. Our old Lian family is too small a temple to house a god like you!"

The harsh words from Old Master Lian were because what Lady Zhou said was simply too outrageous. No matter how indulgent he was with her, he couldn’t allow her to say such things. Let alone if these words spread outside, even within their own house, they couldn’t be said.

"Are you planning to divorce me?" Lady Zhou glared, "I was just speaking casually, what’s the big deal. If I leave, do you think you’ll have a good life? Without me serving you, would you even resemble a person?"

The old couple both took a jab at each other and then fell into silence.

"His third aunt asked me, saying should she also give two gifts, because she heard the Old Wu family gave two gifts. I told her no need. She doesn’t have much to do with the Old Zhang family, rushing to give gifts, they’d think she’s trying to curry favor, wouldn’t they? And that would make them more arrogant. We sisters can’t be looked down on!"

"Why did you stop them? If they want to give, let them give. They wouldn’t lose out. Even if they give two gifts, it’s out of respect for Old Fourth."

"Still no need to give, we sisters can’t be looked down on!" Lady Zhou obstinately repeated.

Old Master Lian snorted and said nothing more.

...

On the sixth day of the second lunar month, it was Zhang Caiyun’s wedding day. Early in the morning, everyone got up early and busied themselves. Having already arranged the matters for Lian Zhizhi, everyone was experienced, you could say it was busy but not chaotic.

The men couldn’t lend a hand in these matters.

Zhang Qingshan and Zhang Qingnian were pacing back and forth in the front yard, their expressions feigned calm.

"Today is a good day!" Zhang Qingshan carefully looked at the eastern sky and said.

"Yes, today is a good day!" Zhang Qingnian followed his gaze and said.

Lian Shouxin came out from the house and saw this scene, a smile appeared on his face. As a father, sending a daughter off for the first time, he deeply felt the emotions. As for how the grandfather would feel...

Lian Shouxin’s thoughts paused here, but soon circled around it. The grandfather’s feelings, he figured, would be similar to a father’s. You could tell just by looking at Zhang Qingshan.

When Zhang Caiyun was almost ready, Zhang Yannian, Lady Hu, and others who set out from Burner Pot Village earlier in the morning to attend the wedding feast had arrived. The Zhang family came with three carts, all two-mule-drawn typical farm carts. The carts had no canopies, covered with bedding, and squeezed around ten people per cart. Among them were members of the Zhang family, particularly close neighbors from the village, and Zhang Caiyun’s maternal grandparents and maternal aunt Lady Hu’s family’s people.

Soon, the Lu family’s welcoming party arrived with much fanfare.

Because they lived nearby, the Lu family had also prepared a bridal sedan. The groom, Lu Bingwu, dressed in new clothes, with a big red silk flower on his chest, rode at the front on a big grey mule. The roadsides were crowded with adults and children watching the spectacle, all praising Lu Bingwu and the Lu family’s grand style of welcoming.

When Zhang Caiyun was put into the bridal sedan, the wedding-goers all boarded the carts heading to Qingyang Town.

Within the procession was a special cart carrying Zhang Caiyun’s dowry, mostly chests and bundles wrapped in cloth, filled with clothes and other items. This cart was filled with cheerfully dressed children.

In Burner Pot Village, there is a tradition to choose a few boys and girls from the bride’s family and relatives to sit on the cart carrying the dowry, commonly known as "riding the bundle." The meaning of this tradition is very rich, as healthy and lively children are a symbol of good fortune and happiness. People hope that through this practice, the newlyweds will receive prosperity and happiness.

The custom of riding the bundle usually involves both boys and girls, symbolizing a fruitful marriage with many children.

Riding the bundle is considered a good fortune. Upon reaching the groom’s house, the groom’s family would give the children riding the bundle red envelopes!

Red envelopes, something usually only received during New Year! Of course, the children liked it.

Of course, not everyone gets this good fortune. This is for those who have especially strong relations and are particularly valued by the bride’s family. Generally, there aren’t many children riding the bundle, to consider the groom’s family’s generosity. Some families, even with good conditions, if they’re stingy, might only have two children riding the bundle.

With Zhang Caiyun and Lu Bingwu’s marriage, naturally, there were no such issues.

... seeking the pink vote

Now, I still remember riding the bundle as a child, good times (≥◇≤)

At that time, you could tell who had the closest ties with my parents just through this, haha. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)