Chapter 5: Marriage Arrangement

I am a Late Bloomer in the Immortal World

“In the fifteenth year of the Qing'an era, the Qingfeng prefecture experienced a dramatic turn of fortune, with countless people in Qingmu County selling their sons and daughters.

"Six years ago, the Li family gave me a meal, allowing me to survive. This kindness has always been on my mind."

Wei Tu was taken aback upon hearing this. His head lowered even further than when he entered, and after a moment of contemplation, he spoke these words.

His words were indeed true.

During the years of famine, the Li residence provided him with sustenance, which was a significant act of kindness towards him.

A life-saving grace!

In comparison to such a favor, becoming a servant was of secondary importance.

As the saying goes, "When the granaries are full, one understands propriety. When the clothing and food are sufficient, one understands honor and disgrace."

For the common people, becoming a servant for a wealthy family was not considered a humiliation.

Upon hearing this, Li Tongshi’s face showed a trace of satisfaction. Although Wei Tu did not explicitly pledge loyalty to the Li family, his gratitude was evident in his words and that was enough.

"Xinghua entered the Li family two years before you and is three years older than you. I watched her grow up..."

As Chunlan mentioned, Li Tongshi began to discuss the marriage between Wei Tu and Xinghua.

"There is a saying: ‘When a girl is older by one year, she holds a golden rooster; older by two years, she holds a golden crown; older by three years, she holds a golden brick.'

"Xinghua’s parents passed away early, and I am considered her half-mother. So, I approve of your marriage with her…”

Li Tong spoke slowly.

With these words, the few maids standing behind Li Tong immediately showed smiles and extended their hands to Wei Tu, requesting the wedding gifts.

"Chunlan, go to my room and take out the red silk under the dowry, and send it to Xinghua’s room as my congratulatory gift."

"And also, prepare a room as the wedding chamber for Wei Tu and Xinghua."

"Yes, Madam." Chunlan gave a slight bow and left the parlor.

…….

The next day.

In a hall room in the outer courtyard of the Li residence.

Wei Tu, slightly inebriated, stood under the eaves, rubbing his temples to clear his head.

Then, he glanced at the red silk flower nailed to the door frame, straightened his posture, and pushed open the wooden door in front of him with force, which had no latch.

With a creaking sound, Wei Tu entered the room and immediately noticed the bride, who was sitting on the edge of the bed.

Through the partially closed red veil, Wei Tu felt that Xinghua’s appearance was even more exquisite than usual, transforming from ordinary to graceful.

Wei Tu turned his head and looked around the newlywed room, which had been significantly improved from its previously dilapidated state.

The windows had new paper.

On the wooden table supported by two long benches were a small brass mirror and a woman's sewing kit.

In the corner of the hall were two solid wooden chests.

The paint on the chests had peeled off slightly.

Wei Tu guessed that the chests likely contained bedding and clothes.

"Wei Ge’er..." Xinghua saw Wei Tu standing in the new room, and felt a bit proud, as she had cleaned and redecorated the room herself. {1}

She called out to Wei Tu, and seeing that he did not respond, she hesitated to speak again.

She silently complained that although Wei Tu often “teased” her, he was now so reserved and respectful on the actual wedding night.

…….

The night passed without further conversation.

As dawn light filtered through the window paper into the hall, Wei Tu and Xinghua lay in bed together.

According to custom, newlyweds typically had their work suspended for a day after the wedding and could sleep in until late.

However, both Wei Tu and Xinghua were accustomed to waking early, so even now, they found it hard to sleep in.

"Wei Ge’er, in a few days, let’s ask the Madam for a few days off and go to your home to visit. We should inform your father about our marriage..."

Xinghua said softly.

Having sold himself to the Li family, their marriage did not require consideration of matchmaking or parental commands. The Li family’s master and madam could make the decisions, and no one could find fault with that.

However, it was still necessary to inform Wei Bao of this joyous news.

“Hmm.” Wei Tu nodded.

His hometown was a bit far from Qingmu County, requiring a day or two of travel, which was why he had not informed Wei Bao beforehand.

Aside from the distance, another reason Wei Tu had not informed Wei Bao about the marriage was that it was organized by the Li household. As an outsider, it would be inconvenient for Wei Bao to come to the Li residence. Furthermore, the Li household could not provide a room for Wei Bao to stay.

"Aside from visiting Father, there's also..."

While speaking, Xinghua got out of bed, took the sewing kit from the table, and began patiently mending Wei Tu’s old coat that had been worn out.

While she worked, she and Wei Tu discussed various matters related to their married life.

Taking time off.

Visiting relatives and friends.

Renting land for farming.

And a series of other matters.

The hall where they stayed was a temporary arrangement by the Li family for their two servants. Although the Li family had not mentioned a return date, it was uncomfortable for them to stay there for an extended period.

It would be better to save money and buy a house near the Li residence.

Additionally, while they had become servants, it was not desirable for their children to follow the same path and grow up in servitude from a young age.

All of this required money.

Currently, the way to earn money was for Wei Tu to work on the Li residence’s land, acting as both a stable hand and a tenant farmer. This way, they could save some money each year.

“Sounds good.”

Wei Tu nodded, agreeing with Xinghua’s plans for their small household.

“It shouldn’t be difficult to secure a house within five or six years…

“When we have children, we should send them to a private school. If they excel in their studies, we can support them in taking the imperial exams. Otherwise, they can become an accountant…”

Xinghua smiled.

With a generous master and a capable husband, she felt that her life was already fulfilled.

“Private schooling…”

Upon hearing these words, Wei Tu fell silent for a moment, took his smoking pipe from his waist, and took several deep puffs after lighting it.

Education,

Changes destinies!

This was a deep-seated memory for him.

With his health-preserving practice and his fate of ‘Late Bloomer’, although Wei Tu could not be certain he would ascend to immortality, he was confident that his generation would certainly achieve success.

“I’ll continue practicing the health-preservation exercises.”

Wei Tu decided not to waste time in bed. He quickly dressed and began practicing the ‘Turtle Breathing’ exercises.

Over and over again.

After marriage, he seemed even more driven.

Seeing this, Xinghua was surprised but did not ask further.

In Qingfeng province, martial prowess was not uncommon. Many impoverished farmers had become bandits to survive, only to return to civilian life afterward.

It was not unusual for her husband to have some martial skills.

Xinghua withdrew her gaze and continued with her sewing work, though she adjusted Wei Tu’s clothing to be a bit looser.

Translator notes:-

1. Wei Ge’er roughly translates to elder brother Wei or brother Wei but if I translate it into English it’ll sound very incestuous. Therefore when Xinghua addresses him like that I’ll keep the original.