Chapter 158: The Grand Wedding (2)
Huang Mingyou took the gift list and began to read it aloud.
One by one, the items from the wooden boxes were displayed—each carefully selected. From valuable gold and silver artifacts to silk fabrics, and even dried fruits, everything was included.
“…Twenty pieces each of gold, silver, and antiques; fifty jars of strong liquor; one hundred bolts each of silk and fabric; one hundred bundles each of cotton and tea branches; one hundred bundles of assorted grains; eighty boxes of tea fruit!”
Xie Siquan frowned slightly. For each item Huang Mingyou mentioned, the Bai family representatives would present it for inspection. Although the boxes were only a dozen or so, the items inside were few and delicate. The quantities sounded large, but each was small. Take the jars of liquor, for example—they were tiny, child-hand-sized, made of crystal, exquisite but looking like toys.
Huang Mingyou’s reading seemed endless—the gift list was very long. He had already condensed it to the essentials.
Finally, he reached the last box: “The Bai family also sends thirty wooden boats and ten iron ships!”
Xie Siquan’s pupils constricted slightly. He stared at the small carved wooden boats the Bai family presented. They were finely crafted, lifelike, identical to the ones he often saw on the river. The iron ships, however, resembled recent cargo ships from the Shanghai market. Not just in Sichuan, even throughout Shu, you could not find more than a dozen such ships. They could transport both people and goods, were heavily laden, powered sufficiently, and very practical.
For a moment, Xie Siquan was stunned. “Are these really real ships?”
Huang Mingyou smiled: “Indeed. The boats are cumbersome to move but are currently docked at Jiangkou. Master Xie may inspect them at any time.”
Xie Siquan suddenly realized something. His gaze returned to the earlier dozen boxes. His pupils quivered slightly. “These aren’t just objects—they’re… shops?”
“Exactly. A modest gift, please accept it, Master Xie.” Huang Mingyou concluded the reading, handing the gift list to Xie Siquan.
The liquor jars represented individual distilleries; the silks represented shops; the cotton and tea branches represented fields. These could not fit in a box, so the northerners took a portion of each, made them small and delicate, and placed them in boxes as a symbolic display.
Xie Siquan had imagined that if Bai Jiu came to request a marriage, the northern Bai family’s wealth would be ostentatious, but even so, he was somewhat surprised.
This time, the Bai family was not sending just a dozen boxes of items—they were sending a dozen boxes of deeds.
The gift list clearly recorded them: shops, fields, mostly near Sichuan City. Some were connected in a line, from Sichuan to Guozhuang, then to Rongcheng Prefecture. This was not merely gifting shops, but gifting entire trade routes. Xie Siquan studied it carefully, lowered his gaze for a moment, then smiled: “The Bai family of the north, centuries of wealth and honor, are indeed beyond our comparison.”
Bai elder then had two embroidered boxes brought over: “Master Xie has found his long-lost relative. I wish to offer another congratulatory gift to celebrate the young master.”
The first embroidered box was opened, revealing thick land and property deeds. On top was the deed for a large mansion, clearly designated for Xie Jing.
Bai elder smiled, clasping his hands: “Master Xie has a fine heir. Naturally, we should not have him live too far from home. So we present over a thousand acres in Sichuan’s lower city and a residence there. From now on, the upper and lower cities of Sichuan are united as one. Master Xie can rest easy.”
Xie Siquan’s mind moved slightly as he focused on the deed for the residence.
The second embroidered box contained a thin little booklet. Bai elder pushed it over and said: “These are items my grandson collected himself. Normally they wouldn’t be worth much, but given the current turmoil, they are valuable. He took some effort to gather them. Please examine them, Master Xie.”
The booklet listed nothing else but the firearms and military supplies from Rongcheng Prefecture warehouses a few months prior. The quantities were enormous, enough to maintain regional security. At present, these items were even more precious than gold. Xie Siquan read a few lines and his expression changed. He straightened up and, after finishing, handed it to Xu Jun beside him.
Xu Jun quickly glanced over it. His gaze trembled, and his hand clenched the armrest of the grand chair. He looked at the boxes, then back up at Xie Siquan.
Xie Siquan narrowed his eyes. “Bai elder, what is this?”
“This is the Bai family’s sincerity,” Bai elder said.
The gifts left no room for misunderstanding. The Bai family had offered their utmost sincerity, requesting only one person from Sichuan City. Bai Jiu, meticulous in thought, had given not just money, grain, and shops, but the safety of the entire city—since he dared to give it, he could naturally ensure its security.
Bai elder cleared his throat. Huang Mingyou immediately chimed in, smiling: “Master Xie, what do you think?”
Xie Siquan returned the booklet to the embroidered box and said calmly: “The gifts are too precious. Jing’er is still young; he may not be able to bear them.”
Bai elder politely replied: “He can handle it. He is far more valuable than these gifts. My unworthy grandson is fortunate to have him.”
Huang Mingyou pulled out a yellow-paper letter from his sleeve and handed it to Xie Siquan with both hands. It was a formal marriage proposal written according to Sichuan customs.
Xie Siquan’s expression softened. The northern elders had come thousands of miles, brought a matchmaker, and even checked Sichuan’s customs. Their thoughtfulness was rare and precious. Compared to the previous extravagant gifts, Xie Siquan valued the regard shown for his nephew even more. His finger touched the paper. He did not take it, but did not push it away. He spoke softly: “Mr. Huang, Sichuan has many customs. I want to ask—did Bai Jiu come for a short visit or to stay long?”
Huang Mingyou replied: “Of course he intends to stay. Master Xie just found your nephew; it would be unwise to separate them. The young master is nearby, and Master Xie can be pleased.”
Xie Siquan nodded, took the paper, and studied it carefully.
Huang Mingyou spoke beside him while Bai elder quietly sipped tea, one active, one still, both keeping their eyes on Xie Siquan.
Huang Mingyou had researched Sichuan marriage customs, asking quietly, but Xie Siquan said: “Our Xie family does not care for such formalities. In my view, no need for unnecessary complexity. Today, first, we exchange birth years; I’ll have someone match the eight characters of the birth date.”
Huang Mingyou was overjoyed. As the matchmaker specially invited by the Bai family, it was his role to arrange the marriage. He repeatedly agreed: “Yes, yes, as Master Xie wishes. We were unfamiliar with Sichuan customs anyway. Everything will follow your instructions.”
The northern visitors were serious and respectful of the Xie family’s wishes.
Xie Siquan thought for a moment and added another rule: “Our Xie family, secluded in Sichuan, has customs different from elsewhere. I speak frankly—our family forbids concubines.”
Whether Xie Jing or Bai Jiu married, this was his rule.
Bai elder nodded and said calmly: “As it should be. Though the Bai family is small, we respect the children’s fates. I have only this one grandson. Regarding his character, I can vouch for him. Master Xie, rest assured—the Bai family keeps its word. My grandson’s word today will not change for a lifetime.”
“Can Bai elder guarantee this?”
“The Bai family of the north always keeps their word.”
“Good!”
Xie Siquan had someone bring ink, paper, and a brush. He cut yellow paper of the same size and wrote Xie Jing’s birth date and time on it.
Two elders sat opposite. One was calm, expressionless; the other visibly relaxed.
Huang Mingyou, as matchmaker, was more nervous than the parties themselves. The two families temporarily agreed and exchanged the official proposal.
The heads of the Bai and Xie families closed the door and began to carefully discuss the marriage.
Meanwhile, Xie Jing, in his courtyard, had put aside his chores upon hearing about the northern visitors.
Lately, rumors about the two families partnering in business and forming a company circulated outside. Xie Jing knew it was a private matter between him and Lord Bai Jiu. He had lived in the north for years and respected the northern elders. Instinctively, he wanted to go greet them, asking as he walked: “Did you see the Bai family’s visitor clearly? Is it really Bai Old Master?”
“It should be.” Li Yuan had seen him once from afar in the north, but could not be entirely certain. He described him to Xie Jing.
Xie Jing nodded: “Then it must be him. I’ll go take a look.”
Li Yuan stopped him: “Little Xie, it’s not appropriate for you to go out now.”
“Why?”
“They’re discussing your matter.”
Seeing Xie Jing confused, Li Yuan patiently explained: “I heard it’s best to wait for the elders to finish talking first.”
Xie Jing restrained himself, waiting in the courtyard.
After a while, someone came over: “Young master, there’s something at the salt field. Someone wants you to come see.”
Xie Jing changed into fresh clothes and followed the servant to the corner gate, where a carriage awaited. The curtain was slightly lifted, revealing Lord Bai Jiu inside.
Xie Jing hadn’t seen Lord Bai Jiu for days. Upon seeing him, he immediately brightened and asked: “Master, how come you have time to visit me today?”
Lord Bai Jiu said: “I’ve had time, but it wasn’t convenient to come.”
Xie Jing: “It’s convenient for me. If you had told me, I could have climbed the wall last night to see you.”
Lord Bai Jiu pinched his nose and smiled: “You’re about to be married. Isn’t that embarrassing to say?”
Xie Jing leaned closer, snuggling into Lord Bai Jiu, brushing against him. The familiar scent made his heart feel at ease. He clung to him like a young bird, his dark eyes clear and unwavering.
Xie Jing’s features were no longer the youthful innocence of two years ago—they had blossomed, dazzling, especially his eyes, deep as ink soaked in snow water, captivating anyone who looked into them. In public, he could appear sharp, like a finely forged dagger. In front of Lord Bai Jiu, all sharpness was folded away, showing vulnerability, like a child reunited with family. Compared to Lord Bai Jiu, he wanted to hold him, to confirm he was really there.
Lord Bai Jiu held him close. Xie Jing found a comfortable position, tilting his head to lean against him.
Lord Bai Jiu stroked his small abdomen: “Have you been eating well these days?”
Xie Jing nodded: “Uncle had someone catch ya fish. I’ve eaten them for two days.”
Lord Bai Jiu chuckled softly.
When Xie Jing lifted his head for a kiss, Lord Bai Jiu kissed him briefly, eyes darkening slightly. He cupped Xie Jing’s cheek: “I shouldn’t have come today. I don’t know why, but these past few days without seeing you, I’ve been restless. I knew you’d be safe, but I worried. Last night, I dreamt you went out alone. I couldn’t help myself, so I came to check.” His fingers traced Xie Jing’s face gently. “It’s fine. I just needed to see.”
Xie Jing held his arm, moving it upward slowly. Half-lowered eyes, he nibbled his fingers and whispered: “I dreamed of you yesterday too.”
“Hmm?”
“You were unkind to me.”
“In what way?”
“You didn’t listen to me.”
…
The carriage left Sichuan City. The road was bumpy, but the scenery was beautiful.
Lord Bai Jiu took Xie Jing to a scenic spot near the city outskirts, not far from the salt fields—the hill where Xie Siquan had once brought him to race horses.
Xie Jing changed into clean clothes. His previous outfit had gotten dirty. Lord Bai Jiu carried him off the carriage to a lush meadow.
Lord Bai Jiu brought a kite, flying it high, handing the string to Xie Jing to cheer him up.
Xie Jing sat shoulder to shoulder with him, not touching the string, fingers intertwined with Lord Bai Jiu’s, feeling happy: “When I first came to Sichuan, uncle brought me here to ride. We raced; I lost by half a horse length. Now, I’ll win for sure.”
Lord Bai Jiu laughed: “I thought you hadn’t been here. I brought you to see the scenery.”
Xie Jing said seriously: “This is already wonderful.” Good things always happened whenever he came here.
The weather was nice. They talked for a while. After a few days apart, they missed each other more.
Lord Bai Jiu said: “Grandfather often said, I’ve been sensible since childhood, never troubled anyone. This time, he’ll be diligent—put in effort and thought—so we’ll appreciate how hard it was.”
Xie Jing thought for a moment: “Since coming to Sichuan, uncle has worried so much for me.”
Lord Bai Jiu looked down at him.
The little one murmured beside him: “Seems like I’m not lacking this time either.”
Lord Bai Jiu laughed, pulled him into his arms, kissed his forehead: “Let them worry. Parents’ orders, matchmakers’ words—we just listen.”
Xie Jing smiled, nodding: “Okay.”
