Chapter 1
Before dawn, Lu Yang finished packing two trays of tofu.
In the yard, he lit a dim yellow lantern and used its faint light to prepare fodder mixed with warm soybean residue for the family’s old mule, affectionately named “Stubborn Donkey.”
Stubborn Donkey was fond of him. As soon as Lu Yang approached, the mule nudged its large head forward. Lu Yang quickly pressed its head down, avoiding its slobbery tongue.
After feeding the mule, he headed to the kitchen.
He had woken up early to prepare the dough, which had now risen. After washing his hands, he began kneading the dough to make steamed buns.
The buns were made of white flour. A few years ago, the family could afford white flour buns, but things had gradually worsened until they could no longer sustain themselves in the county town and had to return to the village in disgrace.
Lu Yang’s father, Old Man Chen, was too proud to admit their downfall, insisting they had returned because he missed home. Coincidentally, Lu Yang had reached marriageable age, which provided another excuse—city folk were too cunning, and he preferred finding a simple, honest spouse in the village.
Old Man Chen was one of the wealthiest in Chenjiawan. Despite their decline, he refused to admit it. As Lu Yang’s marriage prospects arose, he spent half the family’s savings to maintain an appearance of prosperity, ensuring the household enjoyed good food and drink.
Every day, the aroma of white buns, rice, and meat wafted from their home, tantalizing the villagers. Many came to visit, and upon learning that Old Man Chen was seeking a spouse for Lu Yang, they flocked to propose matches, nearly wearing out the doorstep.
Old Man Chen had only one requirement for a son-in-law: wealth.
If there was a second condition, it was the ability to earn money.
Old Man Chen dreamed of using the dowry to rebuild the family fortune and relied on the future son-in-law to provide long-term financial support.
Impressed by the family’s apparent wealth, suitors offered high dowries, with the highest being a hunter from Lizhai, who offered twenty taels of silver!
“What an idiot! Has he never seen a young man before? Spending so much—what kind of husband can’t he find with that money?”
Lu Yang cursed under his breath as he slammed the dough onto the cutting board, covering it with a bamboo basket.
He only steamed four buns, saving the rest of the dough to deceive the fools who would visit later.
Despite his frustration, he had work to do.
While the dough was rising, he had simmered porridge, which was now ready. He ladled it into a clay pot, added water to the pot, and steamed the buns. He also placed sweet potatoes around the edges and a bowl of cured meat in the center. After covering the pot, he added more firewood and scooped out hot water from the stove to fill a basin, adding some cold water to adjust the temperature.
He carried the warm water to the eastern room to help his parents get up.
Old Man Chen insisted on being the first to use the water, a privilege of being the family head.
As he soaked his hands in the warm basin, he sighed contentedly and smiled at Lu Yang. “That hunter, Li Feng, is capable, and his family has no burdens. This marriage won’t wrong you. Remember my kindness in the future, and don’t be an ingrate. Support the family well.”
Li Feng, the hunter, was twenty-three, an age considered late for marriage. But he had prioritized establishing his family’s stability before seeking a spouse.
Li Feng’s mother, a widow, had raised three sons alone. The second son had married two years prior, while the youngest, a young man, remained unmarried.
Li Feng’s mother, originally from Chenjiawan, rushed over upon hearing the news. She was a sharp and assertive woman, and Li Feng, tall and strong, had a no-nonsense demeanor that Lu Yang disliked.
During their meeting, Lu Yang tested the waters regarding who would lead the household, provoking Li Feng’s ire. Li Feng declared that a real man wouldn’t be controlled by his husband, even if it meant calling off the engagement.
“What nonsense! If he doesn’t want to be managed by a husband, why doesn’t he stay single forever?”
Li Feng had offered the highest dowry, and Old Man Chen, determined to rebuild the family fortune, was set on securing it. He scolded Lu Yang harshly and even denied him food for a day.
Lu Yang was furious and grew even more opposed to the marriage.
But his feelings didn’t matter. Old Man Chen was determined to secure the dowry to restart the family business. For this, he would sell Lu Yang without hesitation.
This was the best outcome Lu Yang could hope for.
He lowered his head and obediently agreed, subtly changing the subject. “I’ve loaded the tofu onto the cart. Father, are you coming to the market with me today?”
“Yes,” Old Man Chen sighed. “I’ll check the market conditions.”
With the engagement settled and the family maintaining appearances, Old Man Chen’s presence wasn’t strictly necessary. But after washing his face, he still instructed his wife, “Keep an eye on the boys with the older brother. Don’t let them cause trouble.”
Old Man Chen’s wife, surnamed Lu, finally had a chance to speak and immediately asked Lu Yang about the household chores.
“Is everything done?”
Lu Yang wasn’t foolish enough to do everything.
He was about to have a “wealthy son-in-law.” What did he have to fear?
“I was busy loading the tofu this morning. It was too dark to see, and I was afraid of damaging it, so I worked slowly…”
Madam Lu glared at him, but Old Man Chen intervened. “Enough, we’re in a hurry. Take care of the house, and make sure the boys help out. With all the visitors lately, they should show their best sides to secure good matches.”
