Chapter 152 - Chapter 147: Many Congratulate – Part 1 (2/2)

And he bragged about it to everyone.

Now, looking at the furniture sent to Qin Niu, not only was it made of hardwood, but it also used solid wood throughout.

Redwood is extremely difficult to mature.

The materials used are whole woods, implying that each piece of redwood is at least a hundred years old.

Then there’s the craftsmanship, even though the outside is wrapped in palm bark, the sturdy and clever mortise and tenon technique, as well as the exquisite carvings, can’t be concealed. With Wang Furen’s experience, he could tell at a glance that these were of a much higher quality than those marriage beds made by Xu Zhenchang.

The Yan Family really went all out this time.

Their willingness to spend so much proves Qin Niu’s worth.

Otherwise, the Yan Family would never have gone through so much trouble.

The crafting of these pieces of furniture couldn’t have been done in a day or two; they had to be preordered in advance.

This indicates that the Yan Family might have begun ordering these redwood pieces of furniture when Qin Niu was just laying the foundation of his house.

To win over Qin Niu, the Yan Family was truly painstaking in their efforts!

This is a rosewood folding screen that I had made, along with several brocade quilts. It’s a humble gift, not much of a token, but I hope Master Qin will accept them with a smile!”

Wang Furen was quite generous as well.

He couldn’t present gifts like the Yan Family, whose set furniture was worth sixty to seventy taels of Silver Money.

Screens are indispensable and elegant items in a living room.

They involve the privacy of the host and also have implications in geomancy.

The modern foyer is actually an extension of the screen.

Chairs, beds, tables, and other pieces of furniture are expected to be sturdy and durable; heavy and appealing redwood is the preferred material.

But screens often need to be moved around.

What’s sought after is not heaviness, but rather ingenuity, elegance, and beauty.

Many encounters between young ladies and gentlemen are particularly interesting, as the ladies don’t come out to meet the men directly. Instead, they hide behind screens to sneak peeks at the men.

This also fits in with the modest beauty of women.

Wang Uncle, you’re too generous! Please come inside for some tea!

Qin Niu also accepted the congratulatory gifts.

These items were custom-made with a lot of thought, and it would be inappropriate to refuse.

Social interactions are about give and take.

In future celebrations at the Yan Family or Wang Furen’s, Qin Niu would naturally offer substantial gifts in return.

Wang Brother, my dear elder brother, you are always one step ahead of me! Last time when buying ducks, I regretted not buying with you and missed out on a great opportunity to make money. Your eye for opportunities impresses me, as well as Master Qin.”

Xu Zhenchang also arrived with his entourage, carrying gifts.

Master Qin, congratulations on the completion of your new residence, may you be blessed with endless prosperity. These are a few sets of tableware I had fired, as well as two sets of tea sets, please don’t look down upon them, Master Qin!”

Giving gifts is a technical matter.

Otherwise, you might spend money and still fail to win the homeowner’s gratitude.

Xu Zhenchang and Wang Furen, these people, each one a sly fox, knew exactly what Qin Niu needed most.

Because they too came up from poor folks, one step at a time.

Fine quilts, good tableware, and tea sets are precisely what Qin Niu lacks.

As for those high-end redwood pieces of furniture, families of their modest wealth truly couldn’t afford to give those as gifts.

Thank you, thank you! Mayor, you shouldn’t have spent so much! Please come in for some tea!”

Qin Niu ushered the two men inside.

Xu Zhenchang looked at the redwood furniture sent by the Yan Family and felt a pang of sourness in his heart.

Simply having good relations with the Yan Family wasn’t enough, one also needed real strength.

Otherwise, knowing people wouldn’t matter.

Look at Master Qin, who normally didn’t interact much with the Yan Family, yet the magnitude of the Yan Family’s congratulatory gifts was truly shocking.

While he was entertaining the two guests, more people came with congratulatory gifts.

Tang Caixian and her brother Tang Bin came together.

She was dressed particularly brightly and charmingly today.

Master Qin, congratulations on your joyous housewarming. These are a few pots of flowers and plants that my sister has carefully tended, and also two sets of calligraphy and paintings, please accept them with kindness!”

Thank you! Cai Xian, you’ve gone to so much trouble!

After thanking Tang Bin, Qin Niu then turned to Tang Caixian with a smile to express his gratitude.

I was always worried you wouldn’t like them. I didn’t know what to pick!

Tang Caixian lightly brushed the hair from her forehead, revealing a clean and radiant forehead, as she responded.

As long as it’s your choice, I’ll like it!

Qin Niu said and then felt that he might have been a bit too forward.

To his surprise, Tang Caixian responded with a pleased and bashful smile.

Hehe, you always know how to say flattering things! This ‘Seeking the Way Painting,’ I especially requested a master in the city to paint. This ‘Bright Hall of Eternal Spring Painting,’ signifies the hope that your future will be as splendid and bright as springtime, with prospects as colorful as a road of blooming flowers.”

The two paintings she chose were the result of a lot of thought and effort.

The ‘Seeking the Way Painting’ depicts an elder sitting under a pine tree on a cliff, accompanied by a waterfall, with the hidden presence of cranes dancing in the valley, full of an immortal-like atmosphere.

You have such a way with words! An educated girl speaks differently, just a few sentences and you’ve charmed someone senseless!” Qin Niu’s remark made both siblings laugh. “Please come in and have some tea.”

Just as the Tang siblings entered, more guests arrived outside.

It was the Tang Fang brothers.

Beyond that, a horse-drawn carriage was slowly approaching.

After stopping outside the door, a man in his late twenties, quite young, descended from the carriage. Dressed in official attire, his chest sported a red patch, his head was adorned with a black hat, and he wore black court shoes.

This was a real official, at least much senior to any Official Liu or Wang Yue whom Qin Niu had encountered.