The Zhao family of three was cursing in the courtyard when the back gate creaked open. Sun Honghong instinctively flinched, glancing toward the gate. Her first thought was: Could Tang Xianling have come to fetch water and overheard?

No, wait. That laborer from the Tang household had returned these past two days. He was the one fetching water now. Even when passing by their courtyard entrance, he’d stare straight at them without flinching, as if he’d come to stir trouble for his master.

It was rather unsettling.

Sun Honghong had barely finished speaking ill of Tang Xianling when she shrank her shoulders and glanced at the man, signaling that if it was the Tang family’s helper, she wanted him to step forward and open the door. Zhao Dalang frowned in annoyance. “Who told you to gossip so loudly behind his back?”

Did they have to whisper like thieves in their own yard? Sun Honghong caught the implication in his words—he was a coward, too. Her anger flared but found no outlet.

Then the door rattled again, accompanied by a call: “Is anyone home at the Zhao residence? We’re from the Li family.”

It was a woman’s voice, not Jiang Yun’s.

The entire Zhao household breathed a silent sigh of relief. But the moment they relaxed, they felt embarrassed by their own overreaction—especially Zhao Dalang. Was he really scared of a widower? His voice suddenly boomed, “Go open the door! What are you standing there for?”

The old lady, of course, didn’t budge. She was Zhao Dalang’s mother. Even if they argued sometimes, in front of outsiders, Dalang still had to be respectful and considerate toward his mother.

Sun Honghong ran to open the door. As soon as the latch clicked open, a somewhat familiar face appeared outside, holding a porcelain jug. The woman smiled and said, ” Is my sister-in-law home? I’m the daughter-in-law of the Li family—the Li family renting half of the Tang household’s courtyard.“

”Oh, I remember you. We crossed paths when fetching water.“ Sun Honghong’s expression soured at the mention of ”the Tang household.“ This person was merely a tenant of the Tang family, not Tang Xianling himself. Naturally, she held no fear for an outsider tenant. She planted herself firmly in the doorway and demanded, ”What do you want?”

The Li family’s daughter-in-law smiled sweetly. “We made some sweet fermented rice wine soup. My mother asked me to bring some over for you to try.”

Who cares about sweet fermented rice wine? Sun Honghong scoffed.

“Eldest daughter-in-law, let them in to talk,” the old lady called from the courtyard. The old woman only caught fragments of the conversation, but she knew well enough. The Li family, who rented the Tang family’s courtyard, brought food at this time? They couldn’t possibly be on good terms with the Tangs.

That eldest daughter-in-law really is a fool.

Sun Honghong couldn’t just open the door and let them in. The Li family’s daughter-in-law was a bit younger than Sun Honghong, with a round, likable face and a warm, thoughtful manner. She greeted the Zhao family’s old lady as “Auntie” and spoke kindly.

The old lady joined in the small talk.

“…Our family also runs a small business, but unlike yours, we don’t have a proper storefront. We still push our cart around to sell.”

The old lady’s heart stirred, instantly grasping the Li family’s meaning.

“On this main street, no shop is larger than the Tang family’s—they have two rooms. How perfect it would be to spare you one! But Brother Tang Wu is a miser. His breakfast stall occupies two rooms. Have you even asked if they’d be willing?”

The Li family’s daughter-in-law looked troubled. “We wouldn’t dare ask. Just like you said, that landlord really isn’t easy to deal with.”

Hearing this, Sun Honghong chimed in eagerly, her earlier disdain for the Li family as tenants now gone. She smiled and agreed, “Exactly! That family is a real handful—so sharp-tongued. We’ve been neighbors for decades, and you see how things still end up with us at each other’s throats.”

“I know. My mother said the same—your family meant well by arranging a match for Brother Tang Wu. But no matter what, we can’t just barge in…”

The two families chatted animatedly in a few words, the Zhao family practically wishing the Li family would move next door. After delivering the food, the Li family’s daughter-in-law, her throat parched from talking, hurried back just before dusk. The Zhao family’s mother-in-law and daughter-in-law insisted she stay for dinner, but she declined.

Upon returning to the Tang family’s back courtyard, the Li family’s matriarch asked, “How did it go?”

“Mother, I explained that the Zhao family resents Tang Xianling. I just mentioned a small opening, and the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law started arguing. But Mother, whether the Tang family rents to us or not, the Zhao family can’t really influence it or say much about it.” The Li family’s daughter-in-law didn’t understand why they needed to curry favor with the Zhao family.

The Tang and Zhao families are already at odds.

“We’re outsiders here, not yet firmly established in Baxing District. Setting aside future troubles, just look at how everyone in Baxing District now pities Tang Xianling after he struck the Zhao family. Brother Tang has earned all the sympathy. If the Hu family comes knocking later, who do you think the neighbors will side with?“

Li’s daughter-in-law: ”Of course they’ll side with Tang Xianling.”

She never imagined that when a widower strikes first, the entire neighborhood would condemn the Zhao family. Though the Zhao family was in the wrong initially, Tang Xianling actually resorted to violence—beating people with a stick.

“If we want the Tang family’s shop, we need to make Tang Xianling and his family unable to stay in Baxing District. But looking at how things are now—” Auntie Li also grew anxious. She had been so confident before, certain that once Old Tang died, her family could easily drive the mother and son out. Now, however, she dared not speak so boldly.

Because Tang Xianling had attacked the Zhao family, Auntie Li was also afraid. Brother Tang Wu wasn’t someone to be trifled with; he was formidable.

“The Zhao family is caught between a rock and a hard place now. We could trade a jar of sweet rice wine for someone who’ll speak up. Even if the Zhao family can’t influence matters at the Tang shop, if the Hu family comes and a quarrel breaks out, the Zhao folks can still muddle things by cursing Tang Xianling, calling him unfilial. Once the water’s muddied, the neighbors wouldn’t all side with Tang Xianling, pitying his plight.“

”After all, the Hu family matriarch is so old. Though Juren Hu is dead, by all accounts, she remains Tang Xianling’s mother-in-law.”

The Li family’s daughter-in-law found her mother-in-law’s reasoning sound and nodded in agreement. Indeed, back in town, everyone feared gossip. Even if you were in the right, a crowd of talkers could twist things until you seemed wrong.

The same applied to the Tang family’s situation.

Ultimately, they wanted to make life unbearable for the Tangs before considering selling the shop.

 ━━ 🐈‍⬛ ━━

The Zhao and Li families had joined forces in their scheming, though Tang Xianling remained unaware. Had he known what ‘schemes’ these two households were plotting behind his back, he would likely have laughed himself silly.

Tricky tactics? Trying to force him into filial piety toward Hu Kang’s mother?

Both families were dreaming!

Old Tang was too proud and reputation-conscious to admit publicly that Tang Wu-ger had accepted Hu Kang’s divorce papers. By then, Hu Kang was already dead, and the matter faded into obscurity. Old Tang reasoned that if Wu-ger died, his widow would be known as a widow of a Juren rather than a widow divorced by one—a far better reputation.

As for the Hu matriarch demanding money? Utterly shameless. Knowing the ties were severed, she still dared to cause trouble. Tang Xianling had already cursed her for it.

A family that raised someone like Hu Kang couldn’t be decent folk.

If Tang Xianling had known the Li family was inviting “that lethal weapon, Hu Kang’s mother,” he’d have clapped his hands in glee. Hurry up, hurry up! He’d been waiting nearly half a month!

But he never imagined this weapon would specifically target the auspicious day of his engagement to Tieniu.

Tang Xianling: …

He really wanted to roll up his sleeves and fight!

On the first morning of their break, Tang Xianling and Huangfu Tieniu stepped out. They’d bathed and gotten haircuts that morning—the bathhouse even had barbers.

While sages now emphasized filial piety, they never said “every hair on your head is a gift from your parents” to forbid cutting even a strand. Plus, Fengyuan City was a major northern metropolis with a thriving economy. It traded with merchants from foreign lands, making the atmosphere quite open.

Barbers waited in the main hall of the bathhouse, containing razors, scissors, scented beans, oil, and other tools. Customers called out when needed, paying three or five wen per person. Since both men and women required these services, barbers included female practitioners alongside male ones. The latter also offered shaving and facial steaming techniques. Naturally, this trade was classified among the ‘lower nine occupations’.

But for ordinary folk living day to day, once their basic needs were met, they had other desires. They cared little for distinctions of high or low status; convenience was all that mattered. The rigid hierarchy of social classes was something devised by the privileged elite. 

Tang Xianling summoned a woman barber to tend to his hair. The woman worked with remarkable dexterity. He requested a shorter cut, explaining the heat made his long hair unbearable, and gestured to indicate the desired length—though he dared not suggest it be too short. 

To his surprise, the barber woman immediately took scissors to his hair. Tang Xianling was taken aback. “Why didn’t you advise me? I thought you’d say it was too short.”

“What’s the big deal? I’ve been in this trade for seven or eight years now. I’ve seen it all. In summer heat, some husbands and wives who are strict at home get their hair cut short too.”

Tang Xianling chuckled, realizing how conservative he’d been. 

The customs in the Rong Dynasty’s Fengyuan City were far more open-minded than the feudal society he remembered. Take the common folk at work, for instance—sometimes long sleeves were inconvenient, or they feared dirtying their cuffs, which were a hassle to wash. So they’d roll their sleeves up to their forearms or wear arm-covering sleeves.

“Then make it a bit shorter.”

The barber auntie replied, “Alright, how’s this?”

“Perfect.” Tang Xianling nodded, sitting obediently as she trimmed his hair. Wait—he looked up at her. “You mentioned a formidable husband earlier. How did you determine I’m formidable? I’m actually quite easygoing.”

The barber chuckled cheerfully. This young husband was truly amusing. 

She snipped away with her scissors, her hands moving swiftly. “I noticed you and your husband when you came in,” she said. “He was carrying all your bags, big and small. He dotes on you like you’re the apple of his eye. He listens to you, pays for everything, and practically carries your things all the way to the bathhouse.” 

Tang Xianling chuckled, feeling a touch of embarrassment. ”He’s just strong.“”Auntie, could you give me a facial later? I’ve never had one before.” Tang Xianling had never experienced ancient facial treatments. He thought, since he was here, he might as well try it. 

The auntie looked down at the customer’s face and laughed, “Your skin is so fair, your face is like a peeled egg—not a single hair has grown. Facial tightening probably won’t do much for you. No wonder you’ve never had it done. Let me give it a try.”

Tang Xianling reached up to touch his chin. It was indeed smooth as glass.

Suddenly, he was startled.

He recalled how people always said there was no difference between a ger and a man—he possessed everything a man had. But hearing the auntie speak jolted him awake. He’d been here so long, yet no beard had grown on his face, and his skin remained as smooth as ever.

Back in the apocalypse, his beard grew slowly, but it did grow.

The three services—haircut, eyebrow shaping, and facial threading—were all part of the package. Though Tang Xianling only briefly experienced the facial threading, where fine thread was used to remove facial hair, he didn’t feel any pain because his skin was indeed smooth. Still, he gave it a try. Tang Xianling paid the auntie five wen and said, “Auntie, my mother will probably come for a bath this afternoon. When she does, please help her with a trim too.”

The haircut truly felt refreshing.

”Done.“

Tang Xianling took a thoroughly satisfying bath and emerged refreshed. Huangfu Tieniu was the same—had he gotten his eyebrows trimmed too? Tang Xianling stroked his chin, scrutinizing Tieniu closely before declaring, ”You must have had your eyebrows trimmed! You look sharper and more defined!”

Huangfu Tieniu felt both embarrassed and pleased. He thought to himself, Tang Xianling really likes my face. I must trim my eyebrows and shave regularly from now on.

Afterward, they bought new clothes. Their previous garments had mostly been dark colors, and Tang Xianling’s grayish-brown outfit had faded to a pale shade. With the weather warming up, Tang Xianling didn’t want to buy black clothes. He picked out some for Tieniu, too, and suggested, “Shall we wear the same color?”

“That’s not good either. We should coordinate instead.” Tang Xianling rejected the idea first.

With the summer solstice approaching, the tailor shop displayed garments in a dazzling array of colors. Fengyuan City’s thriving economy had led its citizens to seek “opulent splendor” in their attire. Clothes featured bold color clashes and intricate patterns—red clashing with green, autumn-hued purple clashing with black—making even dark shades appear vibrant rather than somber.

Since these were for the engagement ceremony, the styles chosen were relatively formal—compared to the everyday attire of common folk, who wore short, loose-fitting garments while working. These outfits consisted of a top and pants, with the top featuring narrow cuffs and a slightly longer hem that covered the waist and hips. Today’s selections still had narrow cuffs, but they were round-collared robes, paired with either pants or a skirt underneath.

The latter, paired with a skirt, was intended for husbands and wives to wear.

“I want pants too!” Tang Xianling declared.

Shop assistant: “Right away, sir. Please wait a moment while I fetch it.”

Merchants these days provide excellent service—likely because business was tough. Any customer who walked through the door was welcome. As long as you were willing to wear or buy, and the shop could make a profit, they wouldn’t lecture you about how skirts looked better on men.

Finally, Tang Xianling picked out an outfit for Tieniu. with a plain-colored cross-collared inner shirt and a round-collared outer robe in autumn-fragrance purple with black floral prints. The trousers were black. Tieniu’s set featured a plain cross-collared inner shirt and a round-collared outer robe with autumn-fragrance purple and emerald-green eight-treasure floral prints, paired with deep green trousers.

They looked like matching couples’ outfits.

“Let’s buy some more,” Huangfu Tieniu said.

The shop assistant glanced at the younger husband first, as he knew the younger husband made all the decisions for this young couple whenever they shopped.

“For everyday work,” Huangfu Tieniu thought, noting Tang Xianling’s clothes were too small and tight, and the colors weren’t flattering. “I don’t need to buy anything.”

Tang Xianling retorted, “You don’t need anything? You barely brought any decent clothes yourself.” His own garments were patched, the stitches rough and uneven—clearly Tieniu’s handiwork.

But he couldn’t very well mock his man, because he, too, was utterly hopeless at mending!

In the end, they settled on everyday styles—cheap, sturdy, durable. No black, but navy or dark blue would do. Coarse cloth garments were fine. Huangfu Tieniu lowered his head and whispered to Tang Xianling, “Pick out two fine-cloth undergarments too. Your skin is delicate; coarse cloth will chafe.”

Tang Xianling: …

How’d you know my skin’s delicate?!

But in broad daylight in someone else’s shop, he didn’t pull any cheap tricks.

Shop till you drop!

Tang Xianling wasn’t the type to skimp on himself either. Making money was for enjoyment and improving life, after all. He didn’t just buy fine-cloth underwear for himself; he bought some for the whole family—except Old Tang.

He pulled out some red fabric.

Tang Xianling’s face burned as he bought this, but he pretended, “My mother said to get a piece; she’ll make it later.”

Huangfu Tieniu’s smile stretched from ear to ear.

These must be their wedding garments.

The morning was spent shopping. After lunch out, Huangfu Tieniu escorted Tang Xianling back to the shop before heading to see Master Yuan to arrange the betrothal gifts—to have them packaged and discuss tomorrow’s betrothal ceremony.

Tang Xianling stayed home to rest and guard the shop while Jiang Yun went to bathe. This time, he didn’t need to invent excuses to coax her. As soon as he mentioned it, Jiang Yun had already packed her bathing basket.

“…” Tang Xianling’s face was all smiles. “Mother, I told Auntie Xiu that you should come this afternoon too. Her craftsmanship is truly excellent. You should go to her. You’re a bit plump, so wear that dark brown sleeveless jacket.”

Jiang Yun agreed to everything.

Tomorrow was Wu-ger’s engagement day. She had to look her best, especially with Master Yuan attending. Such a grand occasion, with an official matchmaker presenting the betrothal gifts, demanded she not appear disheveled.

“I’ve already washed and dressed your father. Don’t disturb him,” Jiang Yun instructed as she left.

Tang Xianling: Couldn’t ask for more!

In the afternoon, while Tang Xianling was cleaning the house, Lu Sanniang came to chat and share some “intelligence.” She frowned and said, “Wu-ger, the folks living in your backyard are delivering things to the Zhao family. Those two households have gotten cozy together.”

“Well, that’s a pair of rotten fish and rotten shrimp cozying up together,” Tang Xianling sighed.

Perhaps because he seemed so relaxed, Lu Sanniang nodded upon hearing this, her tension easing somewhat. Only then did she seem to notice something. Her little face lit up with surprise. “Wu-ger, you look so handsome!”

“What are you talking about? I’ve always been handsome,” Tang Xianling said with a smile. “But today I look especially handsome, don’t I?”

Lu Sanniang nodded like a little chick pecking at grain.

Tang Xianling said, “I took a bath and got my hair cut. I had it cut short.”

“Handsome, huh? Which bathhouse are you going to?” Lu Sanniang asked. In the cold winter days, her mother would take her to bathe, but when the weather warmed up, they bathed at home to save money.

Tang Xianling: “The fragrant bathhouse with hot springs in the East Market. Where else is there?”

“There’s one by the moat in the West Market, too. They’re two wen cheaper,” Lu Sanniang replied.

They exchanged tips on eating, drinking, and entertainment in Fengyuan City, though Lu Sanniang, a local native, knew less than Tang Xianling—she was quite particular about food. Lu Sanniang was young; when her parents took her to the East and West Markets before, they’d bribe her with snacks to keep her happy, rarely dining out.

Tang Xianling, however, knew how to enjoy life. When tired from shopping, he’d pick a food stall for a meal. He avoided the grand restaurants—his current budget couldn’t handle them—but small eateries were perfect. Both the East and West Markets had their own delicacies.

“Wu-ger, is something good happening? You’ve been so cheerful since your bath,” Lu Sanniang asked curiously.

Tang Xianling: “You actually noticed?”

“Your eyes are full of laughter. No wonder whenever I eat something delicious, my mother accuses me of sneaking treats,” Lu Sanniang reflected. “I can’t even hide it properly—I just realized how obvious it is.”

Tang Xianling beamed and nodded heartily. “Big news indeed. You’ll find out tomorrow.”

“What big news? Did you invent a new dish?” Lu Sanniang thought that would be the best news ever.

Tang Xianling chuckled. The little girl was still just a child, so greedy for treats.

“No, it’s not food-related.” He changed the subject. “How’s your eldest brother’s matchmaking going? I saw your mother visiting the matchmaker the other day, but I haven’t asked yet.”

Lu Sanniang looked around mysteriously. Seeing no one, she whispered, “Don’t tell anyone, Wu-ger. Mother forbade me to share this, but it’s no big secret—I’ll have a sister-in-law by summer.”

“Congratulations! I’ll keep it confidential,” Tang Xianling assured her. He hadn’t expected Lu Dalang next door to arrange a match so swiftly. Comparing it to his own situation with Tieniu—well, at least they were moving faster.

He couldn’t hold back either and told Sanniang “Alright, I’ll trade you a secret. Tomorrow, I have good news too. Shh.“

Lu Sanniang’s eyes first clouded with confusion, but then the pieces clicked into place. Her eyes widened. ”Wu-ger, you—“

Who? 

Tang Xianling grinned. ”You’ll find out tomorrow.”

That night nearly drove Lu Sanniang to distraction. During supper with her family, she looked as if she had something to say, but when they asked, she just pursed her lips and remained silent. Lu Dalang teased, “If none of us ask, I wonder how long Sanniang can keep it bottled up? She’s not good at hiding things.”

Even her father and her mother teased their daughter. 

But Lu Sanniang was determined to keep her secret. She lay in bed that night, her mind racing: Who would marry Wu-ger? He cooked so well, was so handsome, and had such a charming way with words. If she were the bride, she’d marry him in a heartbeat—how joyful it would be to play and eat together every day!

No way was she getting married.

“Thank goodness it was only one night. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to hold it in,” Lu Sanniang murmured softly. 

Then she thought, Wu-ger had to keep Big Brother’s marriage a secret for months. How miserable that must have been for him. In truth, after hearing Lu Sanniang mention Lu Dalang’s summer wedding, Tang Xianling ate his melon and promptly forgot it. He didn’t feel the slightest agony over keeping it a secret from everyone. 

That evening, only he and Jiang Yun ate the evening meal. Tieniu wouldn’t be staying over tonight either.

“I’m still not quite used to it,” Jiang Yun remarked during the meal.

Tang Xianling: “Mother, your hair looks so much neater after the trim. You’ll get used to it once you see it more often.”

“I mean, without Tieniu here, the house feels a bit empty.”

“He never talks much anyway, just works all day. But with him being so tall, it does feel ‘a bit empty’.” Tang Xianling couldn’t hide the smile in his eyes as he spoke. “We’ll see him tomorrow.”

That night, Tang Xianling tossed and turned, unable to sleep. He got up to check his new clothes. The space was too cramped for a hanging rod, so they were neatly folded. He gently held the garments. 

It happened so fast. Just like that, they were engaged. Yet he felt only anticipation and joy, not a shred of anxiety or nervousness. 

At the inn. Huangfu Tieniu was the same. He’d booked a slightly better room. Against the wall sat a large red-lacquered gift box, adorned with a silk crimson flower. There were four such boxes in total, provided by Master Yuan. Each box contained betrothal gifts. The first held a neatly folded tiger skin, topped with a double-happiness character. 

The second carried two fox pelts. The third held ginseng roots, wrapped silver ingots, wine jars, and sugar. The fourth bore a pair of plump ducks bound with red cords. According to Fengyuan City’s wedding customs, the groom’s party departed in the afternoon, performed the wedding ceremony at dusk, and consummated the marriage that night. Engagement and betrothal gifts, however, were presented in the morning—the earlier the better, signifying greater esteem for the groom. 

Huangfu Tieniu stared blankly out the window, thinking of Tang Xianling, longing for dawn. He had arranged with Master Yuan to meet at the Chen hour of the morning. Lying in bed, he carefully reviewed whether anything had been overlooked. 

 ━━ 🐈‍⬛ ━━

“Sanniang, up so early today?” Chen Qiaolian saw her daughter rise before dawn, dressed and ready to head to the shop front, saying she was going to check on the Tang family. 

Lu Dalang: “Sanniang, have you lost your mind? The Tang family shop is closed today. They won’t serve breakfast until tomorrow.”

“I just want to take a look.” Lu Sanniang skipped out the door. Spotting Auntie Tang wiping the shop door, she rushed over to help. Jiang Yun stopped her, worried she’d soil her clothes.

“Auntie, these are my old clothes—work clothes. I don’t mind getting them dirty!” Lu Sanniang insisted cheerfully. Just then, she spotted Wu-ger entering the shop and gasped in surprise.

Wu-ger was wearing new clothes today, looking exceptionally handsome.

Tang Xianling had changed into formal attire, which wasn’t as convenient as his usual short-sleeved garments and felt somewhat unfamiliar. His hair was combed back and wrapped in an autumn-hued cloth band, without any hairpins or ornaments. This summer robe was cool and lightweight; as he walked, its hem swayed gently in the breeze. The round-collared robe had a wide neckline. He wore it with the collar turned up, creating a slight V-neck effect that revealed the collar of his plain, cross-collared undershirt beneath. It covered his neck, and when the weather grew hotter, he could simply wear a sleeveless undershirt underneath.

Lu Sanniang found him indescribably handsome.

In modern terms, he radiated both restraint and a touch of dashing, carefree charm.

The vivid color contrasted beautifully with Tang Xianling’s naturally fair skin, making it appear even more delicate and smooth, like jade. His eyes sparkled with a warm, smiling light.

“Pretty, huh?”

Lu Sanniang nodded. “It is.” She added softly with a chuckle, “Wu-ger, you look especially handsome today. Your husband will be utterly mesmerized when he sees you.”

It’s hardly that dramatic, Tang Xianling thought.

It’s just a new outfit. Tieniu was right there when he bought it yesterday—nothing surprising about it.

“Is there some special occasion today, Mr. Tang? New clothes?”

“Opening so early, I thought you were open for business. But seeing your attire, it’s clear you’re still resting.” Clothes of such fine fabric weren’t meant for work.

Tang Xianling chatted cheerfully with the customer.

The main street bustled with people when, suddenly, the clang-clang-clang of a gong echoed. Tang Xianling glanced at the time—it was barely past eight in the morning, right? Probably not yet. Were they coming this early?

He looked toward the street entrance.

Master Yuan, dressed in his official robes, smoothed his garments. The lead official, clanging a copper gong, was followed by servants carrying ceremonial boxes. All wore uniform official attire, presenting an imposing sight—mainly due to the uniformity of their colors.

Huangfu Tieniu stood out particularly.

Tall, handsome, young, and radiating youthful vigor.

Tang Xianling found himself smiling for no apparent reason.

 ━━ 🐈‍⬛ ━━

Yuan Heqing and the others arrived at the main street entrance by carriage. After dismounting, they adjusted their robes and gift boxes before entering the street in grand procession. Even before the gong sounded, the neighborhood residents had already noticed.

“Oh, the matchmaker’s here!”

“Is there a celebration in the Baxing District?”

“Looks like they’re bringing a betrothal gift. Which family’s marrying off a daughter or a ger?”

Zhao’s Sweet Oil Cake Shop was the first house they passed. Business had been slow lately, so Zhao Dalang and Sun Honghong stepped out to watch the commotion. When Sun Honghong saw the official matchmakers, a hint of envy flickered in her eyes.

“I wonder whose young master or lady is having such a grand ceremony that the groom’s family would hire an official matchmaker to present the betrothal gifts and act as guarantor?”

Next, they saw the betrothal gifts carried on four palanquins. While it wasn’t unusual for commoners to use two or three palanquins to save face, these four were filled with pastries, melon seeds, peanut candy, along with oil, wine, and other items.

This dowry was different. Leading the procession was a tiger skin, its fur glossy and lustrous. A fine tiger skin was valuable indeed. Even a single fur coat or jacket could fetch a tael or half a tael of silver. A tiger skin? Who knew? It was likely even more expensive.

“And fox fur too.“

”That fox fur at the back looks so vibrant and beautiful. Must be worth seven or eight taels, right?“

”More than that. I’ve seen young masters in town wearing it. Heard it goes for over ten taels.”

Exact price unknown, but definitely not cheap.

The onlookers marveled at the dowry, murmuring in astonishment. Sun Honghong wondered who could afford such lavish gifts and which family’s daughter or son in Baxing District had snagged such a fine husband. Her gaze drifted upward from the gift boxes. When she saw the face of the young gentleman—tall, handsome, wearing new robes, striding with a breeze—“The Tang family’s laborer?” 

Sun Honghong gasped in surprise. Then, as if realizing something, her face lit up with delight. “Excellent! Excellent! This laborer earned enough money from the Tangs to marry a fine young lady from Baxing District.”

“Once married, he’ll certainly not be doing menial work under Tang Xianling.”

Let’s see how smug Tang Xianling looks now.

As for why Sun Honghong hadn’t considered the possibility of Huangfu Tieniu proposing marriage to the Tang family, it was because the prevailing marriage customs—where families scrutinized each other’s backgrounds—were deeply ingrained. Young, eligible bachelors rarely married widowers or divorcees unless they were impoverished. Yet these four dowry bearers didn’t appear destitute, especially since a matchmaker had arranged the proposal.

Moreover, Tang Xianling was older than Tieniu, and with his tangled ties to the Hu family, no one had considered this possibility.

“Mother, it’s such a commotion!” Sun Honghong couldn’t wait to dash into the shop and tell her mother-in-law the joyous news. “The Tang family laborer is marrying someone else. Without that man around, what’s to fear from Tang Xianling alone…”

Zhao Dalang was still fuming over being beaten in the street that day. Now that the Tang family laborers were gone, he could find some excuse to cause trouble at the Tang household and vent his anger.