Chapter 16 (Part 1): The Ugly Ger’s Farming Story

Li Ama knew that everyone’s hearts were not calm tonight, and he didn’t argue with Old man Li as usual. He brought out the wine.

“Eldest brother, second brother, third brother, come, fill up your cups!”

Li Changfeng and the others stepped forward and filled up their bowls one by one, then returned to their seats, waiting for Old man Li to speak. As for Li Ama and the wives and children, they didn’t say a word and didn’t start eating.

“Today, this evening! I won’t say much, but after you drink this bowl of wine, the past will be forgotten between you three! You are brothers connected by blood! Remember this phrase! Come, drink!”

Old man Li picked up his bowl and drank it all in one go, without even pausing!

Seeing Old man Li finish and looking at the three of them, Eldest Li took the lead and clinked his bowl with Li Changfeng and Li Laosan. “Come on, today let’s drink to our heart’s content!”

“Good! Cheers!”

“Cheers!”

Li Changfeng drank his bowl without frowning, wiped his mouth, and said, “Father’s wine is still the best, it’s strong enough!”

Li Laosan picked up a piece of food and put it in his mouth. Hearing this, he smiled and agreed, “Exactly, even the wine sold outside is not as tasty as the one brewed by Father!”

Li Changfeng chuckled and refilled their wine bowls. “Third brother, let’s clink our cups together. When I get married, I’ll rely on you to write a new couplet for our wedding!”

After a husband and wife get married, they would invite someone to write a couplet at their doorstep, symbolizing the beginning of a new life!

Translated on ho lo lo novels dot com.

Li Laosan quickly responded, “That’s for sure! If there’s any couplet needed for festivals or special occasions in the future, just let me know! I’m here!”

Li Ama nudged Old man Li with his elbow and said, “It seems like this separation isn’t such a bad thing after all.”

Old man Li looked at his three sons showing mutual respect, and then glanced at Li Wangshi, who was feeding the children, and Eldest Li’s wife. He nodded and said, “I just hope that this second son’s wife will also be a good one.”

It was getting dark, but the atmosphere didn’t feel heavy. The wind blowing gently wasn’t as piercing as it had been a few days ago. Spring was already arriving.

Xu Qing was discussing the auspicious day for his marriage with Xie Ama. When they finished eating, Uncle Xie left to go feed the piglets at home, leaving Xie Ama and Xu Qing to discuss the chosen date.

“The 28th of this month is a good day for marriage. It’s auspicious, and many families in the village choose to celebrate on that day!” Xie Ama thought it was a suitable date.

“Do we need to invite people to the wedding banquet, or will they come on their own?” Xu Qing was concerned about this issue. Besides being familiar with Xie Ama’s family, he had only briefly met Wei Ama, and he didn’t know the others well. He was afraid of mistaking someone if they came to the banquet.

“That’s not necessary. It’s unnecessary trouble. Usually, the guests who come to the banquet are the ones who escort the groom to the bride’s home. Of course, close relations can also be invited,” Xie Ama patiently explained to Xu Qing.

Xu Qing looked at the date of the 28th and said, “Today is the 20th, right? That means there are only eight days left?!”

Xie Ama chuckled, “That’s right, time flies!”

Seeing Xu Qing still hesitating, Xie Ama grew a bit anxious. “You better think it through. Men who just returned from the military are quite in demand. If you delay, be careful that Li Changfeng catches someone’s attention!”

Upon hearing this, Xu Qing, without thinking twice, said, “Then let’s go with the 28th!”

It’s not easy to find someone you like, and you can’t let them slip away when they’re within reach!

“Great! The 28th it is! Oh, by the way, I’ve almost finished making your wedding attire. It just needs some final touches. I’ll bring it to you the day after tomorrow,” Xie Ama happily calculated the days for Xu Qing. “And, when you get married, you must invite *Li Zheng’s family!”

*T/N: Li Zheng = Village head

Xu Qing clapped his hands together. “Once again, Xie Ama has thought of everything!” Building a good relationship with Li Zheng is definitely a good thing!

“But with so many people getting married that day, Li Zheng might be too busy!” When he heard that many couples would be getting married on that day, he was sure they would all want to invite Li Zheng.

Xie Ama gave Xu Qing a playful hit. “Why are you being foolish again? Whether you invite him or not is your business, whether he comes or not is his business! Why bother about it so much!”

Xu Qing didn’t take offense and nodded with a smile. “Also, what kind of dishes should we have at the banquet? I need to make some preparations!”

“Since you aren’t inviting many guests, each table should have six dishes: one meat dish, four vegetable dishes, and one soup!”

“One meat dish?!” Xu Qing couldn’t believe it. Just one meat dish for a wedding banquet?!

Xie Ama restrained himself from intervening. “Listen, we’re just a humble household. Having one meat dish is already respectable. I only said that because I saw the Li family lad giving you some money! You should know that some households…”

Xie Ama clicked his tongue twice and, under Xu Qing’s puzzled gaze, listed the dishes for the banquet. “Three vegetable dishes, one soup!”

Xu Qing’s mouth nearly formed an “O” shape. Oh my, was this for real?

“If you’re planning for a banquet with one meat dish as you mentioned, how much money will it cost per table?” He needed to estimate how much money he would need and figure out a solution if it wasn’t enough.

“It will cost 30 wen per table, so don’t worry about it. At that time, I’ll call that person from the Wei family, and also Liu Ama from my mother’s village. We’ll cook together and make sure everything is well taken care of for you!”

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Thingyan: Thank you for reading :-*