Spring Jade didn't respond to Zeng Rui Xiang and Autumn Jade's words, so Tian Shi clapped her hands and said: "Isn't that the truth? Da Mao is already 17 this year, how can your sister come up with a decent betrothal gift? As an uncle, you can't just sit back and do nothing. Look at your whole family - not to mention food and clothing, even Xiao Qing, a little maid, wears silk clothes, and the curtains on the windows are made of some kind of gauze that's changed every three days or so. How much are you planning to give?"

  "What silk what curtain?" Zeng Rui Xiang didn't understand.

  "What nonsense is this? The silk for window screens that Autumn Jade mentioned, the ones your family uses, are not cheap at all. They're even better than what we wear on our bodies. What a waste of good things!"

  "Mother, how my family lives is our business. The money in our house was earned by my wife and children through hard work over the years, so naturally we want to live a more comfortable life. What does this have to do with discussing marriage with Big Mao? Am I supposed to raise my sister's son for all these years and also marry him off and raise his children? Where is the logic in that? My sister and brother-in-law are still alive, what are they doing? Whatever big brother contributes, we'll contribute the same." Zeng Rui Xiang replied with a headache, then pulled Shen Shi out of the door and walked towards the courtyard, ignoring Tian Shi's shouting from behind.

  Ziying thought that after such a big quarrel, Dagu's family would be embarrassed to stay for dinner, but unexpectedly they acted as if nothing had happened, eating and drinking as usual. Dagu still treated himself as half the master of the house, not only drinking himself but also urging others to drink, laughing loudly. However, Zeng Rui Xiang and Shen Shi both ignored him, and other people knew that today's events were not something to joke about, leaving only Yan Ren Da performing a solo show. The old man looked at him shaking his head, wondering if he would regret choosing the wrong person back then.

  In the evening, Zǐ Fú brought his younger brother and sisters into the house. Seeing that the atmosphere at home was not right, he secretly asked Zǐ Qíng, who did not hide anything from him either. He told him everything that had happened, and after listening, Zǐ Fú said four words: "Foolish people talking nonsense."

  "I always thought that Grandma was just doting on a few of my aunts, but I didn't expect her to be so unwelcoming to me. If she had treated me like one of her own granddaughters, she wouldn't have pushed me into such a predicament. She's not unaware of what kind of family they are! If it weren't for Father and Mother's strong opposition, who knows what other troubles I would have gotten into?"

  "Qing'er, don't worry, even if it's the eldest brother, he won't agree to this matter. Eldest brother would rather be guilty of being unfilial than let this matter go through. You just rest assured, although Father is a bit soft-tempered, that's only when things haven't reached a critical point and he hasn't been pushed to the limit. When it really comes down to it, Father won't back down either. I've seen Father's biggest temper tantrum was when you were locked in the pigpen. Mother was so angry she went into premature labor, we wanted to divide the family property, but Grandfather and Grandmother didn't agree, Father and Eldest Uncle said no matter what they had to divide the property and live separately, he couldn't always be at home and protect us, who knows what would happen in the future. So on the issue of Grandfather and Grandmother's living expenses, our family took a bit of a loss, but Father and Mother both thought it was worth it. I think so too, at least we don't have to suffer, don't have to be tied together, the facts prove that our choice was correct. So I think Father won't marry you off to Da Mao. Father isn't foolish enough to be that unfilial, otherwise, we wouldn't have divided the family property either."

  "It's also good, following Eldest Aunt's wishes, she'd be more than happy to not share the family property. With a daughter-in-law serving her, she doesn't have to lift a finger and can still control the family's finances, favoring whoever she wants. We'd still have to eat according to her mood, that's the real tragedy."

  Zi Fu saw Zi Qing's mood improve a bit, and only then did he put down his thoughts and turned to find Zeng Rui Xiang and Shen Shi.

  In the evening, Zi Qing thought that it would be great to find a deck of cards or mahjong to play with. She didn't dare to invent poker herself, but next time she could ask Lin Kangping to buy some from Westerners. Mahjong was something they could make themselves, and there were similar games played here.

  Thinking of this, Zi Qing couldn't sit still anymore. She flipped through her jade stones, wanting to find someone to carve a set of green jade mahjong tiles for her. However, two of the stones had already been used to make bracelets, hairpins, and pendants. Nowadays, Zeng Rui Xiang and Zi Fu's hairpins were all made of dark green jade. Zi Qing calculated that there would be a total of twelve green jade bracelets. Shen Shi said that she could also use the sheep fat jade, so they took turns wearing them. There was one pair for each of her siblings at home, as well as some others.

  The remaining two pieces of jade, Ziqing hasn't thought of what to do with them yet. If she were to use this top-grade jade to make mahjong tiles, it would be a waste of heaven's treasures. What if one tile accidentally gets lost, wouldn't that be heartbreaking? Ziqing calculated that it would be better to buy a few more pieces of jade from Lin Kangping, so each family member can have at least one piece. Take advantage of the cheap price now, and carve some jade decorations or something else.

  Jade can't be used, Zi Qing suddenly thought of using wood. When the family made furniture, didn't they collect many small pieces of red sandalwood and nanmu wood? At that time, it was said that they could be used to practice carving. Zi Qing hurriedly ran to the warehouse, found two large packages of wood, and asked Zi Fu to help her move them to the main house. Then, she inspected each piece one by one. Zi Fu asked her what she planned to do, but Zi Qing just smiled without saying a word.

  The next day, they were supposed to go to Qiao Village for New Year's greetings, but since Xia Yu was here, the whole family stayed at home. Zi Qing found a small saw and wanted to cut the wood into similar sizes and thicknesses. Just as she had cut one piece, Zi Fu took it over.

  The Shen family knew that guests were coming to their home today, so they asked Zi Qing to help with washing and picking vegetables. Zi Qing had Zi Lu help grind the wooden blocks, then had Zi Shou carve four pieces of pastry first. Zi Shou was interested in carving and had always wanted to practice engraving with Zi Qing's jade seal, but Zi Qing did not agree. This time, it just so happened that he could indulge himself, as red wood is also very hard.

  When the guests arrived, Zi Qing glanced at the clock and busied herself brewing tea and arranging snacks. Today's visitors were her husband's elder brother's son and his child. Third Uncle Shen Wanfu took a look at Zi Fu's work and quickly took over, sawing through a piece with just a few strokes, much neater than Zi Fu's. Zi Qing asked him to make 144 pieces, which he finished by the time the guests left in the afternoon. Several people helped with polishing, while only Zi Shou did the carving.

  "Big brother, it would be better if we found some clear oil to apply on it." asked Zi Lu.

  Zi Fu said: "This matter can only be found by Master Li, a lacquer craftsman. Who would dare to bother him during the New Year?"

  "We can just buy some and paint it ourselves, shouldn't be too hard, right?" Zi Qing asked.

  Zi Fu thought for a moment, and then he took Zi Xi out to buy some oil. Several people spent three days making a set of mahjong tiles. Zi Fu, Zi Lu, and Zi Shou took turns carving them. Zi Qing couldn't contain her excitement, and Zeng Rui Xiang was also curious, saying that he had seen others play with bone cards before, but there were so many pieces this time, and he didn't know how to play.

  Zi Qing explained everything clearly, and then Zi Lu said: "I need to review the book, I've already wasted several days."

  Zeng Ruixiang said: "Don't just read dead books, you still need to have rest when it's due."

  "It's like this, playing is for better rest, and with good rest, the benefits of studying will naturally increase." Zifu said. In fact, this year is the year of the imperial examination, and in August, Zifu will also take part in it.

  In short, a few people insisted on pulling Zilu into the water. Zeng Ruixiang also thought he had been too tense lately and wanted him to relax a bit. Zilu couldn't resist everyone after all, but he was also somewhat curious himself.

  Four people sat at the table, and at first, because Ziqing was familiar with the rules, after one round, Ziqing's front was piled up with copper plates. Zirong saw that he really took out money and asked: "Are you serious?"

  "Who's playing with you if it's fake? Let's make a deal first, no crying if you lose. If you run out of money, get down, there are still people lining up behind."

  Zi Rong smiled and retorted: "I'm already so old. Besides, who knows who will go down first?"

  The second round came down, and the copper plates all ran to Zifus' place. Four rounds came down, and Zirongs' lucky money was lost. Zishou saw it and hurriedly shouted: "No more money? Get out of here! I've been waiting for half a day!"

  Zi Xi also held up a small pouch, shaking the copper coins inside and laughing: "Hurry up, I can't wait any longer."

  "Ten and under are not allowed on the table."

  The whole family was in a lively and noisy state, even forgetting to cook dinner. When they found out that it had gotten dark outside and their stomachs were growling with hunger, Mrs. Shen smiled and said: "I thought you all had so much fun that you wouldn't need to eat."

  Zi Qing only felt that Chinese New Year was somewhat meaningful now; otherwise, with just the family sitting together, there wouldn't be so much to talk about.

  At this time, Zeng Rui Xiang's words caught Zi Qing's attention. He said: "This is much simpler than dominoes, dominoes only have thirty-two tiles, just a few more cards, but also quite interesting. Where did Zi Qing learn it from?"

  "Oh, I just read it in some idle book or other, and I don't remember where I saw it or if someone told me about it."

  Ziying thought to herself, "Originally, the bone tiles weren't mahjong after all. Should I promote it?" If she taught others how to play at home, they would eventually find out, and rather than letting them go back home to play, she might as well find someone to promote it herself. At least that way, she could earn some silver. Ziying was currently lacking in silver, and although the profits from her business partnership with Lin Kangping over the past two years were not bad, unfortunately, they had started with too little capital. Moreover, after the big incident of Mao seeking a relative, Ziying felt even less secure. When she thought about it, the only suitable partner was Wen Jia. But how much silver would be appropriate? Ziying was worried, and if Lin Kangping were here, that would be great.

  On the eighth day, Zhou Zhanggui happened to come over to pull out the rape shoots. Every year, Zi Qing's family planted 15 mu of rape, which could sell for three or four taels of silver. After pulling out the rape shoots, they turned over the fertile land. This barren land had become more fertile after several years of management, and the yield of watermelons increased somewhat compared to the first two years, making up for the loss due to the price drop.

  Zi Qing asked if Master Zhou was at home. Master Zhou said he would return from the capital after the Lantern Festival, and it would be around the 24th or 25th when he arrived home.

  "Would you mind telling Mr. Dong that I have some other business to discuss with him, he'll definitely be interested." With that, Zi Qing left.

  "Old Mrs. wants to arrange a marriage for Third Master, with a renowned lady from a prestigious family in the capital, said to be the daughter of a high-ranking official. However, Third Master refused, insisting on finding someone he likes himself. He made a big fuss about it, and Old Lady had no choice but to agree, saying: 'First marry a proper wife, then you can take in concubines.' She also asked Third Master what kind of woman he liked, but he wouldn't say."

  Zeng Ruixiang immediately understood and said, "Thank you, Master Zhou. What a coincidence! My daughter will also be getting married soon, and I'll definitely invite Master Zhou to come and drink a cup of wedding wine."

  Boss Zhou left with satisfaction after hearing it.

  On this side, Zi Qing was still considering how much money to ask for in this deal and was worried, where would he have thought that something was about to happen.