Handing over everything they had, the family was honestly far from well-off. Their two children were at an age where they needed proper nourishment, and ahead lay schooling and the expense of marrying them off.
Yet this was his responsibility—there was no reason to burden his third brother with it.
“Xu Zhenzhu, calm down! You know full well how tight things are, but Zhigang and Zhiqiang are our children. Look at other families in the village—those with four or five kids still get by. We’ve only two; that’s hardly many. Besides, when the family property is divided, Mother surely won’t leave us empty-handed. I’d wager whatever savings there are will be split equally among us four brothers.”
Gu Muzheng’s words did nothing to soothe Xu Zhenzhu—if anything, they stirred her further.
“Family savings? How much could this family possibly have? Even if Mother has a little put by, it’ll have to be split among four brothers—and five children counting the sisters. Knowing your mother’s ways, when your sister marries she’ll surely take a generous dowry. Odds are the girls will get their share too. Split five ways… how much do you honestly think will be left for us?”
Xu Zhenzhu’s voice rose with every word.
“And another thing—country custom says the parents end up living with the eldest son. If your folks stay with the eldest branch, then whatever the third brother sends back will all go to the eldest household! I just don’t understand it—what’s there to put on airs about in the eldest branch? They’ve got two daughters; girls who’ll grow up and marry into other families one day anyway!”
Rural houses offered little soundproofing. The couple on the second branch had spoken loudly enough that those in the courtyard had overheard snippets. Come breakfast, Huang Jinfeng’s face wore a stern look—but she said nothing. For now, what mattered most was Gu Mufeng’s marriage arrangements.
After breakfast, Gu Mufeng knocked on Huang Jinfeng’s door, carrying a cloth-wrapped parcel.
“Mother, I bought a length of red cloth… would you be so kind as to make a wedding dress for my bride?”
Huang Jinfeng ran her hand over the fine fabric and nodded.
“Your eye for color is excellent, Third Son. We’ll keep the wedding modest here in the village, but what ought to be done shall be done. Since your bride’s family won’t be of any help, Mother shall sew her wedding robes for her.”
She paused, then added:
“And Mufeng—about the betrothal gift. You said yesterday you gave the Gu family two hundred yuan. Keep the rest directly for your bride. You know how this family is—many mouths, many minds. Even though you earned every coin yourself, the others will compare and grumble. To spare yourself trouble, hand the balance straight to your wife. Large purchases might be hard to hide, and tongues may wag—but your father and I are here; we’ll stand behind you.”
Leaving Huang Jinfeng’s quarters, Gu Mufeng went straight to Lu Qiqi’s place. He found her tidying her room.
“Wife—take this.” He held out a stack of banknotes.
Lu Qiqi stared, startled. “Mufeng… what is this?”
Gu Mufeng looked at her earnestly.
“It’s the betrothal gift I set aside. I’d intended to give her family two thousand. But seeing how your Second Uncle and his wife are unscrupulous people, I gave them only two hundred—just to be cautious. Now that we’re to be wed, what remains rightfully belongs to you.”
Lu Qiqi looked at the thick bundle in her hands, wide-eyed. “Mufeng… this is far too much. I can’t possibly—”
“Please, take it—it’s yours. I serve as Deputy Battalion Commander. My monthly pay is substantial, plus bonuses for every mission. I send fifty yuan home each month; the rest I’ve kept aside. This is from my own earnings—not a penny from the family. Your father- and mother-in-law know of it, but keep it from the rest. Tuck it away safely.”
Then he pulled out a small sandalwood box.
“Inside are all my savings and ration vouchers—they’re yours to keep. I’ve also secured ration coupons for a bicycle and a sewing machine, part of your betrothal gifts. I planned for you to join me at the garrison, so I’ve not yet bought them. We can do that once we’re settled there.”
Lu Qiqi opened the box and gasped—savings and securities laid out before her, far more than she’d imagined he possessed.
“Mufeng… it doesn’t feel right keeping this. We’re not yet properly married.”
Truth be told, Lu Qiqi felt uneasy accepting it. Without his money, she could still walk away at any time. To accept it was to acknowledge this bond—to commit to staying and building a life beside him.
Gu Mufeng found her hesitation rather endearing. He smiled, affectionately tapping the tip of her nose with his finger.
“Wife… what’s mine is yours. Holding this is simply managing our household together. I want you to live well—never wanting for anything.”
His words warmed her heart. She knew then—this man truly cherished her.
She nodded, carefully tucking the money and vouchers back into the box.
“Thank you, Mufeng.” She looked up at him, eyes glistening with gratitude.
“Between husband and wife, there is no need for thanks.” He smiled and shook his head, then took her hand. “Come—let me take you into town for a stroll.”
Lu Qiqi’s eyes lit up. “Oh—may we walk toward the hills behind the village? I’ve not been there yet. Could you show me?”
She had always loved the sight of water and woods, yet never had the chance to visit. In her past life, it had been nothing but schooling and part-time work; then a career spent in operating rooms and laboratories—busy from dawn till midnight. Now, with time before her, and such beauty so close… she simply had to go.
Gu Mufeng smiled.
“Of course. This season the hills are heavy with wild berries—we’ll gather some for you and Luchuan to share.”
Lu Qiqi made a show of carefully putting away the box and money—while he wasn’t looking, she quietly stowed everything inside her personal spatial storage.
Hand in hand they stepped out. First she found Lu Chuan, who was playing with the Gu children. After a few quiet words, the two set off toward the back hills, baskets slung over shoulders and a woodcutter’s hatchet in hand.
The outer slopes were green and lush, yet stripped bare—any berries or edible shoots having long since been picked clean by village children.
“Let’s go deeper inland, dear. If you tire, we shall rest awhile.”
“Mm… Mufeng—look over there!”