Chapter 16: Marrying or Not, Nothing Can Compare to Thatchfield Village
In the hall, Zhang Jiefang and his son were working together to build a bunk bed for a family in the village. As renowned carpenters in the village, Zhang Jiefang and his sons often helped families with their furniture needs.
The canopy bed, a traditional Han Chinese piece of furniture, originated in ancient times and became prominent during the Ming Dynasty. It represents the convergence of Chinese furniture and traditional architecture, admired for its structure, craftsmanship, and decorative artistry. Known as the most scientific bed in classical furniture, it comes in various styles, from simple and elegant to grand and ornate, often adorned with motifs symbolizing harmony, peace, and prosperity.
What Zhang Jiefang and his son were crafting now was the simplest form of a canopy bed.
As the father and son worked diligently, a voice called from the doorway, "Excuse me, is this Zhang Jiefang's house?"
Zhang Jiefang paused and looked up to see a middle-aged man holding a bicycle. He stepped outside and asked, "I'm Zhang Jiefang. Who are you, cousin? What can I do for you?"
Deng Shirong parked his bike, took out a bag of candies and biscuits, and handed it over. "I'm Uncle Jiu from Thatchfield Village in the Help and Correct Brigade. I heard your eldest son, Zhang Kangmei, is 22 and still unmarried. I'd like to propose a match. Is your family interested?"
Realizing this was a matchmaker, Zhang Jiefang warmly welcomed him. Zhang Kangmei, quick on his feet, brought a stool and a chimney for the matchmaker without needing to be told.
After lighting two cigarettes and exchanging pleasantries, Deng Shirong got down to business. "The girl I want to introduce is from our village. Her name is Deng Changmei. She's a year younger than you and has a high school education, which is rare for girls."
He continued, "She's about 1.6 meters tall, good-looking, cheerful, and always smiling..."
Zhang Jiefang and his son listened intently. Whether it was the girl's qualities or Deng Shirong's eloquence, they grew more and more satisfied as they listened.
"Uncle Jiu, the girl you mentioned sounds wonderful," Zhang Jiefang praised, then turned to his son. "This is your life's matter. What do you think? If she's suitable, let Uncle Jiu arrange a meeting."
Zhang Kangmei was naturally pleased. The fact that the girl had a high school diploma alone was a significant plus, and everything else matched his ideal partner. Of course, he knew the matchmaker's words needed verification, and meeting her would be essential.
He nodded. "I'm fine with it. Please arrange a meeting, Uncle Jiu."
Deng Shirong smiled. "No problem. I'll set a time after your production team finishes harvesting. I need to check when that will be."
Zhang Jiefang said, "The captain hasn't specified a day, but it should be in the next two or three days."
Deng Shirong thought for a moment. "The day after tomorrow is market day, which would be ideal, but I have to oversee a house visit then. How about we arrange the meeting after the harvest? In the meantime, you can inquire about the girl's reputation in our village to see if she's as I described."
Zhang Jiefang nodded. "Uncle Jiu, you're very thoughtful. It's rare to find such an honest matchmaker. We'll follow your arrangements."
Deng Shirong smiled. "After all, this girl is my niece's granddaughter. As an elder, I want them to be happy. I'll be upfront about everything and won't hide anything just to make a match."
Zhang Jiefang and his son felt reassured.
After concluding their business, they chatted for a while before Deng Shirong stood to leave. It was nearly noon, and Zhang Jiefang insisted he stay for a meal. Unable to refuse, Deng Shirong ate two bowls of porridge and a piece of fried cassava cake before riding home contentedly.
…
In the afternoon, Deng Shirong had just returned home when his neighbor, Aunt Wu, arrived with a pen, paper, and a rice bag. "Uncle Jiu, the village god's ritual is tomorrow. Will your family participate?"
Deng Shirong nodded without hesitation. "Of course, I'll make two portions."
The community ritual, a local tradition, could be large or small. Sometimes, it involved a few families; other times, entire villages. The one Deng Shirong's village participated in was large, involving several neighboring villages centered around Thatchfield Village.
In an era when meat was a rare luxury, the ritual day was a highlight for the villagers, as it meant they could enjoy meat. Unlike later generations, where money was collected upfront, now only rice was collected, allowing even the poorest families to participate on credit.
The custom varied across Bobai County. Some villages held rituals twice a year, while others held them four times. Thatchfield Village, however, held them twelve times a year, once a month, earning it envy and a local rhyme: "Marry or not, nothing compares to Thatchfield Village. Even without pork, there's still a bowl of rice."
When Aunt Wu heard Deng Shirong say he wanted two portions, she was stunned. In this era, a family that could afford one portion was considered well-off. Most families partnered to share a portion, just to satisfy their cravings. Deng Shirong's request was unprecedented.
She widened her eyes. "Uncle Jiu, did I hear correctly? You want two portions?"
Deng Shirong smiled. "Yes, there are many children in the family. One portion isn't enough, so two is more appropriate."
Aunt Wu couldn't help but twitch her lips. In this era, everyone had many children, and most families barely scraped by. Who could afford to eat meat to their heart's content?
After a moment, she said enviously, "Uncle Jiu, you're really generous!"
(End of Chapter)