Chapter 295 - Chapter 295: Chapter 288: A Woman’s Fear of Marrying the Wrong Man_1 (1/2)

Chapter 295: Chapter 288: A Woman’s Fear of Marrying the Wrong Man_1

The enemy had invaded his home this time, providing Qin Niu with a wake-up call.

He must manage his lair well to ensure his absolute safety.

Planting the Ice Lotus in the backyard would not only create a small world encased in ice but also allow for the breeding of insects that thrived in cold environments. He could even conduct various cultivation experiments.

This Ice Lotus was very special; he believed that if it was well cultivated, its usefulness would be no less than that of the Ancient Banyan Tree.

“Master Qin, are you at home?”

Matchmaker Auntie Hua waddled over with her plump hips swaying.

With her face glowing and radiant with joy, anyone unaware of the context might have thought there was a happy occasion in her own family!

“Auntie Hua, is the betrothal gift ready?”

After Qin Niu provided fifty taels of Silver Money, he hadn’t paid it any further attention.

Having spent yesterday preparing, it was assumed everything must be almost in place.

“All set, all set! I’ve procured generously just as you instructed. A set of gold and silver jewelry, a bolt of silk fabric, a bolt of brocade fabric, two sets of silk garments, numerous boxes of candies and assorted goods, and plenty of kitchen and dining wares. I’ve had people carry them over for your inspection.”

Auntie Hua called some people to bring them into the courtyard.

“I trust your work, Auntie Hua. Is the marriage proposal ready?”

“Haha, I appreciate Master Qin’s trust. Here is the marriage proposal; I had Zhang Banzui write it, and for his troubles, I gave him ten Wen Money and two pitchers of fine wine.”

Auntie Hua took out the marriage proposal.

Upon opening it, the writing inside was very beautiful.

In the guarantor’s section, there was clearly the seal of the village chief, Xu Zhenchang.

Marriage is no trifling matter and is always treated with utmost seriousness. In addition to the matchmaker, local elders or the village chief are typically asked to vouch for the marriage, known as guarantors.

If a quarrel arose between the newlyweds, or if the bride’s family demanded more dowry when the groom came to take her, the guarantor would step in to mediate.

Should a husband discard his wife arbitrarily after marriage, the wife’s family would seek justice from the guarantor.

Men fear choosing the wrong profession, women fear marrying the wrong man.

A woman discarded by her husband’s family was often in a pitiable state, not only bringing dishonor to her birth family but potentially being rejected if she returned there.

Especially in families with male heirs, they would follow the saying, ‘Daughters are like water spilled out of the house,’ and refuse to have a married daughter return home.

In such cases, the woman would find herself without recourse, possibly driven to despair.

Or she might flee to a distant land.

However, in this dog-eat-dog world, a vulnerable woman wandering outside would find it very dangerous.

The best-case scenario was to be taken in by a kind-hearted individual.

For instance, some solitary old men might take a young woman into their home if she was of a young age and possessed some beauty.

The most tragic were those young and beautiful women who would often be easy targets for the brothels, ending up with a miserable fate.

There was another option known as selling the wife.

A husband would sell his wife to another man.

Some women were fiercely loyal and would not tolerate serving a second husband, possibly unable to bear the shame and choosing to end their lives by throwing themselves against a pillar or into a river.

Therefore, a woman’s marriage was tantamount to handing over her fate to the man’s family, and it was generally approached with great caution.

The more substantial the betrothal gift, the more respect it showed the bride’s family.

After reviewing the betrothal letter, Qin Niu was very pleased.

“Auntie Hua, how about we go to propose to the Wang Family now?”

“I spoke with Wang Furen yesterday, and he is very confident entrusting his daughter to you. If we bring the betrothal gifts now, I believe the Wang Family will be very pleased.”

Auntie Hua said with a smile.

“Then let’s go now!”

Qin Niu looked at the villagers helping to carry the betrothal gifts, mostly composed of women and older men from the village.

Auntie Hua probably considered the cost of labor, too.