Chapter 157: The Grand Wedding (1)
After finishing the matters at the back mountain of Luohan Temple, Xie Jing and his party returned to Sichuan City.
Xie Jing was meticulous in handling affairs. Outsiders only knew that he had reinforced the walls of Luohan Temple; nothing else was leaked.
This spring outing also yielded a small gain in gold and silver from Luohan Temple. The scattered handful of gold particles was minor; the more valuable items were the small golden Buddhas unearthed. Xie Jing consulted Mr. Huang Mingyou, who said they had been damaged and were basically beyond repair, but could be melted down for other uses.
All this gold and silver was handed over to Xu Jun. Unless the Xie family faced life-or-death matters, Xie Siquan left everything else to Xu Jun to manage, as he was used to being lazy.
When Xie Jing discussed it with Xu Jun, Xu Jun pondered for a moment and said, “As the old rule goes, return some of what came from somewhere back to where it came from. I remember after reinforcing the courtyard walls of Luohan Temple, there were leftover stones. Why not spend some money to hire craftsmen to repair the monks’ residences as well? Some roofs leak; their lives are really tough.”
Xie Jing replied, “Good. I’ll send some rice, flour, and vegetables too.”
Xu Jun added, “Don’t donate too much at once. Too much will draw attention, and that would be bad.”
Xie Jing nodded and went off to do it.
That evening, when Xu Jun mentioned it to Xie Siquan, he rarely offered advice: “You handled it well. Do it this way. Also, the fields at the foot of the mountain, don’t rent them for three years. Let it be a blessing for my sister.”
Xu Jun said, “Understood.”
“As for the remaining gold,” Xie Siquan held a string of white jade Buddhist beads and thought for a moment: “Build roads and bridges, do good deeds. If there’s still some left, build a few schools in Jing’er’s name. This is also a wish from my sister.”
Xu Jun agreed and carried out the plan according to his instructions.
By April, Sichuan was in full bloom, colorful and vibrant.
Lord Bai Jiu of the Bai family had stayed in Sichuan all winter, never leaving. Now business dealings had become frequent. The Bai family purchased land and shops in Sichuan’s lower city, buying several hundred acres of fields and houses. Soon, rumors spread across Sichuan City that the Bai and Xie families were collaborating on a major business deal.
People added details, and wherever crowds gathered, gossip followed.
“I just got word, the Bai family from the northern lands is coming to develop in Sichuan. Who’s the top salt merchant here? None other than our Master Xie of the upper city! Wait and see; these two families are about to do something big. Sichuan City will be lively soon!” A man, hands in his pockets, spoke animatedly, showing off: “A distant relative of mine works in the shop Bai purchased. I saw it myself; the shop’s signboard has been replaced, wrapped in red silk—big changes are coming!”
Someone urged, “What kind of changes? Tell us!”
The man clicked his tongue: “You don’t know. The northern Bai family is extraordinary. Unlike here, where businesses stick to one trade passed down from ancestors, the Bai family deals in everything. From inside the pass to outside, you can see Bai family caravans everywhere. They even trade overseas, making foreign money!” He lowered his voice: “I heard this time they’re coming to partner with the Xie family on a major deal, showing great sincerity!”
…
The news spread wildly in Sichuan, and for several days people talked about the northern visitors. Rumors of cooperation between the Bai and Xie families became almost certain.
When Xie Siquan could hardly contain his excitement, the Bai family from the north arrived.
The northern delegation entered the city in the morning, carrying a dozen or so gift boxes on the main road, painted vermilion, and went straight to the Xie family’s upper city residence.
This visit included the most authoritative elder of the Bai family, Bai Jiu’s grandfather.
Grandma Bai didn’t come alone—Mr. Huang Mingyou accompanied her. The elder was dressed neatly in new clothes, and Mr. Huang wore a rare festive robe in dark jujube red. He greeted Xie Siquan with clasped hands, smiling broadly: “Congratulations to Master Xie! I heard you opened a new branch recently, so I came uninvited to offer a double celebration!”
Xie Siquan’s gaze swept over them: “I wonder which joyous event Mr. Huang refers to?”
Mr. Huang didn’t answer directly but first introduced: “This is the elder of the Bai family from the north, and the grandfather of Bai Jiu.”
Grandma Bai personally came forward. Xie Siquan did not dare leave her seat. He helped her to the main seat and took a lower one himself.
Bai elder chuckled, stroked his beard, and exchanged greetings. Xie Siquan, having never been reprimanded by elders for years and now the head of the family, felt this was the first time he acted as a junior. Bai elder treated him politely, and he reciprocated. Not being dismissed felt like half a victory.
Mr. Huang, standing nearby, eyes twinkling, said: “Master Xie, I think the Bai and Xie families are destined. Jing’er saved Bai Jiu in the north, and not long ago in Jiangkou, Bai Jiu saved Jing’er. In my view, the two families should have frequent contact, as close as kin.”
Xie Siquan laughed lightly, avoiding the topic.
Bai elder sipped tea and said: “I’ve come from afar to meet Master Xie in person and propose marriage for my grandson, Bai Rongjiu.” The Bai family guards placed the gifts in a row. Bai elder remained courteous, his eyes smiling. “The Bai family from the north is willing to offer half a city as the bride price, requesting one person from the Xie family.”
Xie Siquan remained composed: “Who?”
Bai elder: “The young master of the Xie family, Xie Jing.”
Xie Siquan had suspected this for some time but never imagined the northerners would be so direct. After circling around, they said not a single unnecessary word.
Mr. Huang smiled: “There’s an old saying: ‘No rain from clouds above, no marriage without a matchmaker.’ I am Bai Jiu’s mentor, watched him grow into talent, so I dare to act as a mediator for your two families.”
The gift boxes were heavy. Each was opened one by one, and Mr. Huang personally handed a thick stack of gift lists, clearly more than the ten or so wooden boxes could hold.
