Chef Hua
Chapter 249: Episode 149: Talking About Dowry

Chapter 249: Episode 149: Talking About Dowry

This is probably the best solution Hua Xiaomai could think of, uh... albeit the process was indeed somewhat embarrassing.

What else could she have done? Sit at home and stew in her own anger, shedding a tear or two now and again? Or maybe irrationally run over to the Guan Family to make a scene, incidentally giving the villagers of Fire Knife Village some "love triangle" drama to talk about?

After much thought, it turned out that Hua Erniang was right. The longer this dragged on, the more likely it was that something else would go awry. At her age, she was ready to be married—whether sooner or later didn’t make any difference, when it came down to it.

However... if Guan Rong knew that her carefully planned drama had resulted in such an outcome, who knows what she would think?

That very night, after Meng Yuhuai escorted Hua Xiaomai back to Jing Taihe’s small courtyard, he solemnly discussed the matter again in front of Hua Erniang and Jing Taihe. Suddenly such rapid progress surprised the couple, but they also simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief and cheerfully agreed. Meng Yuhuai then hurried home to convince his own mother.

Unexpectedly, Meng’s mother didn’t nag this time. Sitting in the main hall, she pondered for a while and reluctantly nodded her head.

"I’ll tell you now, I don’t like that girl," she grimaced and gave Meng Yuhuai a sideways glance, "She’s too thin, like a little chicken. How has she any fortune about her? Seeing her just inexplicably annoys me. But, thin as she might be, at least she’s healthy and lively, which is certainly better than marrying a sickly person. Today, Rong’s mother bothered me all afternoon, giving me a headache—you just wait and see, she will definitely come again tomorrow. Rather than dealing with her every day, it’s better for you to settle things with that girl sooner and cut off their hopes!"

Meng Yuhuai never expected that an afternoon’s frustrating event would make the marriage pass through his own mother’s scrutiny so easily. Naturally, he was delighted. Seizing his good mood, he rarely spoke softly to his mother, pleasing her enough to smile, and then they each went to their rooms to rest.

Although they planned to send for a matchmaker the very next day, things aren’t so easy. After another delay of two or three days, they finally sent Luo Yuejiao’s mother, Madam Qin, to negotiate on their behalf.

Madam Qin, accustomed to matchmaking in the village, was a personable and well-liked woman. Moreover, her daughter, Luo Yuejiao, often learned cooking with Hua Xiaomai at the Jing Family’s house, which made her particularly fond of Hua Xiaomai. As soon as she entered, she took Hua Erniang’s hand, her face blooming like a flower.

"At home, I often tell Chun Xi that Xiaomai and Meng’s boy are truly a match made in heaven, just perfect together. Xiaomai is a capable person, and so is Yuhuai. Their future together will surely be prosperous and joyful. Yuhuai and Taihe have grown up together, and your two families know each other inside and out—saving you a lot of trouble. I’m not ashamed to admit I’m after the money, but making this match has really been a piece of cake for me!"

Hua Erniang naturally exchanged courtesies with her. Madam Qin then made a couple more trips back and forth, relaying messages between the families and obtaining Hua Xiaomai’s birth details to prepare for the wedding. Once the names were set, they could send the dowry and finalize the engagement.

Fire Knife Village is so small, the news of Meng Family’s marriage proposal couldn’t stay hidden. Within a few days, it spread to every corner of the village. People were still reeling from the gossip of "Guan Rong’s mother forcing Meng Yuhuai to marry her daughter" when they were shocked by the news of "Meng Yuhuai marrying Jing Taihe’s younger sister." Some praised it as a fine match, enjoying the drama without minding the chaos, while others were just waiting for the Guan Family to kick up a fuss again. For a time, the village was abuzz, and everyone discussed it excitedly during their leisure.

Guan Rong’s parents, frequently moving about the village, naturally caught wind of the commotion. However, for some reason, Guan Rong’s mother didn’t make any more trouble next door. Instead, she shut herself indoors daily, and the house remained quiet without a peep.

That evening, Hua Xiaomai came back from the restaurant in the east of the village, tidied up, and was just sitting at the table pondering when Hua Erniang pushed the door and came in.

"Aren’t you going to sleep? What are you doing sitting there?" she asked, smiling as she walked in, "I saw the light in your room and came to check on you."