Daily Life in the 70s-Chapter 62 - Dowry

Yang Dahai rarely showed a smile, “That’s true, but it’s also unavoidable.

Yiguang has to return to the military in a few days.

We should settle this while there’s still time to avoid any complications.”

Yang Peiguo also said, “I heard that his leave was specially approved by his superiors to sort out his personal affairs.

If we miss this chance, who knows when he’ll be able to come back.”

“Big brother means that you should seize the opportunity with the Shen family quickly.

Only when you have got them will they truly be yours.

Can you guarantee that the next time he comes back, the bride will be you?” Yang Peijun said leisurely.

Zhang Minghua slapped him lightly, “What are you saying?

The Shen family isn’t that sort of people.

We just shouldn’t be too stubborn about this.

Xiao Shen is not getting any younger, and his parents are quite anxious.”

Then Yang PeiMin was thoroughly brainwashed by her whole family.

But had she even gotten the chance to experience a proper romance before becoming a married woman?

Before Yang PeiMin could mourn the soon-to-be-gone days of being single, Zhang Minghua pulled her up, “Come on, while we are free, let’s ask around if anyone is going to town so we can get some fabric.”

But her aunt held her back, “No need to go, I have some.

Did you forget?

I just married off my daughter.

I still have some fabric left, and it should be enough.”

“Look at me, alright, sister, I won’t stand on ceremony with you.

I’ll make up the money to you.”

“That’s not a big deal, let it be for now.” The aunt waved her hand unconcernedly.

Over the years, all her children had grown up, and she had finally come into her own after moving out from under the intense scrutiny of her in-laws.

Zhang Minghua sat down cheerfully, counting the money she had, “Sister, you have experience with this.

I really need your help.”

The aunt nodded and looked at Yang PeiMin, “MinMin looks healthier than a few days ago, but she still seems a bit frail.

We all know that Xiao Shen is the only child of the Shen family.

They are eager to have grandchildren.

We should nourish MinMin as much as we can during this time.

Don’t be jealous, brothers, MinMin’s situation is crucial.” She said the last bit while smiling, apparently addressing Yang Peigu and his siblings, but her eyes were on Jiang Erni and the other daughter-in-law.

Li Hong understood the aunt’s meaning.

Although she felt a bit uncomfortable, she quickly showed her agreement, “Of course, how could we be envious?

MinMin is certainly lovable.

As her in-laws, we aren’t much capable of contributing, but we have no complaints about this.”

The aunt glanced at her, “It’s good if you have no objections.

Siblings should be like limbs to each other.

If one struggles, I hope those nearby can give them a hand.

If one succeeds, they should also help uplift their siblings.

By helping each other, we can all do better.”

The aunt, even shrewder and more assertive than Zhang Minghua, voiced the implied thoughts of her sister and advised her nephews with the wisdom of an elder.

Elders always hope each of their children will live well.

Yang Dahai also nodded along.

The group discussed the wedding date thoroughly.

At this point, there was no time to make furniture; they could only manage to provide some large items.

In those days, the most prestigious and flashy thing was the “three rounds and a sound,” but in rural areas, having even one was considered respectable.

Watching the group start to discuss which large items to buy, Yang PeiMin quickly interjected, “Mom and Dad, there’s no need for these, where’s the money in our house left?

Just a few days ago, elder brother got married and hosted a banquet, and now sending me large items is really showing off too much; others might think our family is very wealthy.”

She knew the family’s situation, and guessed that buying the large items now must be by borrowing money and owing favors.

Those close to them knew they were borrowing, and those further away might think Yang Dahai, as a production team leader, had divided up a good amount of money and grain.

Besides, she was able-bodied, and after the new year, once policies were issued, it wouldn’t be as restrictive as it was now.

“You don’t have to worry about this.

Let your father and I figure it out.

Each child is dear to me, sons and daughters alike.

How could we neglect yours?” Zhang Minghua reassured her.

Auntie also said, “Your mother is right, you should have at least one large item.

It concerns your face in your in-laws’ home.

Speaking of which, I can contribute something.

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If it’s not enough, just say the word.”

Yang PeiMin then conceded, “Okay, let’s not buy the big items.

Just a set of quilts and a set of basins, the usual stuff will do.

If our head isn’t big enough, we shouldn’t wear such a large hat.

Otherwise, I’d rather stay unmarried than enjoy dignity while my parents and brothers pinch pennies every day.”

She glanced at her sister-in-law, “There are still three little ones at home, always lacking a good meal.

Adults can endure, but how can the little ones?

Poor nutrition lowers their resistance.

Children have weaker stomachs and poorer digestion than adults and are more prone to falling ill.

It would be better to use that money to improve nutrition for the elderly and children, otherwise I’ll remain uneasy.”

“Minmin…”

Her family seemed to see her in a new light.

Zhang Minghua’s eyes turned red, “Ah, my eldest daughter, you all see, she knows how to care for us…”

Her sister-in-law’s eyes were also slightly red as she hurriedly said, “No need, no need.

Da Niu and Xiao Niu can eat whatever we adults eat.

Our family’s meals are already good.

My cousin from my maternal home drinks thin porridge three times a day…”

Everyone fell silent for a while.

Yang Dahai looked at Jiang Erni, “We shouldn’t skimp on the children; we’ll try to make finer things for them going forward.”

Because Yang PeiMin was firm, even using not marrying as a threat, Zhang Minghua didn’t know what to do for a moment.

Finally, Yang Dahai made the decision, “Alright, let’s do as Minmin says.”

Zhang Minghua anxiously said, “Husband!”

Yang Dahai raised his hand to her indicating not to rush and glanced at everyone, saying, “Just one thing, the dowry sent from the Shen family, we will send all of it to Minmin.”

Zhang Minghua then relaxed and a smile appeared on her face.