He said, "The Zhou Family is generous, and we won't make things difficult for them. The betrothal gift will be three taels of silver. We'll keep two, and give one tael to Eryuan along with her dowry furniture, and that should be about right."
There's a saying in the countryside, money or no money, getting a wife makes for a better New Year.
Generous families would marry off their brides before the Winter Solstice, allowing the new bride to have an easier two months before the hectic period after the New Year began.
But sometimes the timing isn't right—for instance, they didn't pick an auspicious day, or, like these two families, they negotiated the marriage late—most would rush to wed before the New Year. Although it is now the Little New Year, country folks aren't picky; as long as the betrothal gift is handed over quickly, wrapping up the wedding feast in three days is normal.
By doing so, there will be an extra pair of hands at home right at the start of the busy spring.
