My mother-in-law actually married the prince

What she didn't know was that on the day she left Linjia Village, Zheng Hui was extremely anxious and hurried to ask the village's famous matchmaker Lin for help.

He hurried to Da Lingzi's house to propose marriage, carrying a piece of coarse cloth, a piece of fine and soft cotton, and three boxes of exquisitely made snacks.

Da Lingzi's father, Lin Dachun, frowned slightly, his expression serious, and said in a deep voice: "The family of the official in Fenghuang Village has offered 20 taels of betrothal gifts. If your family wants to propose marriage, you must also offer 20 taels of betrothal gifts to show your sincerity."

When Zheng Hui heard this, she looked embarrassed and said quickly, "Brother Lin, how can our family come up with 20 taels of silver all at once?

We are just an ordinary family, and we don't have a lot of money. Can you please reduce the betrothal gift? We will do our best to ensure that Da Lingzi does not suffer any injustice.

Lin Dachun said, "If you can't come up with it, his aunt can always come up with it.

"Zheng Hui quickly responded: "Brother Lin, we are really embarrassed to talk to his aunt.

Matchmaker Lin stood by and helped Zheng Hui speak.

"Brother Dachun, look at this Han Fei, he is such an excellent student. If he passes the imperial examination in the future, your daughter will become his wife.

At that time, as his father-in-law, it would be so prestigious for you to leave this village.

But if your daughter marries into Fenghuang Village and lives with that idiot son of that wealthy family, there's a chance that all her grandchildren will be idiots.

Besides, your two families are close neighbors. In my opinion, ten taels of silver is enough for the betrothal gift. The Hanfei family might even be able to live in the county town in the future."

Lin Dachun frowned and thought for a moment before saying, "At least it should be fifteen taels."

Matchmaker Lin continued, "Brother Dachun, do you know how much each of these boxes of snacks they sent you would sell for in the county town?"

"How much is a box?" Lin Dachun asked curiously.

"The snacks at Yufangzhai are famously expensive, costing two taels of silver a box. Matchmaker Lin pointed to the number two and said, 'Brother Dachun, don't just focus on the immediate benefits. You have to think about the children. This is something we both agreed to."

After hearing this, Lin Dachun lowered his head slightly, without saying a word, as if he was in deep thought.

At this time, Zheng Hui said: "Anyway, I have mentioned this marriage to you, if you don't agree, forget it.

I didn’t agree to this marriage in the first place. If my son hadn’t kowtowed three times and begged me repeatedly, I wouldn’t have proposed this marriage.”

Lin Dachun’s wife Xi Que hurriedly said, “Master, just agree to it.

The child’s wish is the most important. If she marries to a place as far away as Fenghuang Village, I, as her mother, will be worried.

Besides, Han Fei's character is well known in the village. Who would dare to say no?"

Lin Dachun shook his head slightly and said, "Ten taels is really too little. Let's talk about this in a few days, okay?"

"Zheng Hui saw that he was determined and was unwilling to force it. She thought to herself that she had done her best anyway.

So he said, "Hmph, ten taels is indeed a little too little. Well, I've come to propose marriage anyway. If you don't agree, don't regret it later.

In a few days it will be too late for you to agree, as our eldest aunt has said she wants to take us to the city to enjoy a good life."

Before leaving, Zheng Hui took out a box of cakes and a piece of coarse cloth and handed them to Lin the matchmaker with an apologetic look on her face, saying:

"Old sister, I'm so sorry that you've worked so hard for nothing.

You know the current situation of my family. We really can't give you anything else. This is just a box of cakes and a piece of cloth. Please don't despise it.

"Matchmaker Lin took the things and sighed:

"How could I not know your family situation? Well, we've been together for so many years, who cares about whom? Okay, let's leave it at that."

After returning home, Zheng Hui was in a bad mood, but she still opened two boxes of pastries and invited everyone to come and eat.

Seeing this, He Yan asked doubtfully:

"How's the marriage proposal going?" Zheng Hui said helplessly, "Mom, you don't know that Lin Dachun's family insisted on asking for a twenty-liang betrothal gift.

If twenty taels is not enough, fifteen taels is at least necessary.

Where does our family get that much money?

"After hearing this, He Yan lowered her head and thought for a moment, then turned back to the house as if she had made up her mind.

After a while, she came out with a package, handed it to Zheng Hui, and said:

"This was given to me by his eldest aunt before she left. Here, take it to you and propose marriage to him."

Zheng Hui said hurriedly:

"Mom, this is the money that your aunt gave you, how can we take it from you?

"He Yan said firmly: "I will give it to you, so take it.

Let’s leave it at that for now. Let’s not try to please others by trying to please us.

If Lin Dachun really wants the best for his daughter, he should be content. If his daughter marries a fool in Fenghuang Village, what future will she have?

"Zheng Hui said again: "My aunt said that she would send someone to pick us up, but will she come to pick us up?

"He Yan responded: "Since Cuihua said this, she will definitely do it.

Maybe it will come in a few days.

"Zheng Hui continued: "Let's go to the city and see if his family is anxious.

"He Yan smiled and said, "You are such a clever kid."