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Chu Xujin, with a jar of beer in one hand and a large plate in the other, filled with fried peanuts, small cakes, and walnut kernels, arrived at Chu Xuhua’s home.

“Big brother, come out for a drink.”

“Coming.” Inside, Chu Xuhua had just taken a bath and was preparing to spend some time with Shen Ruyue. Hearing Chu Xujin’s call, he responded and then embraced Shen Ruyue for a quick kiss, “I’ll step out for a bit; you get some

rest.”

Shen Ruyue nodded, “Take your time with Xujin; no rush to come back.”

“Alright.” Chu Xuhua grabbed a piece of clothing, putting it on as he walked outside.

Chu Xujin set everything on the stone table in the yard, poured the beer for both of them, took a peanut, and sat down to wait for Chu Xuhua.

Chu Xuhua came out, sat opposite Chu Xujin, and asked with concern, “What s up?”

Chu Xujin handed a cup of beer to Chu Xuhua, “It’s been a while since we’ve had a good chat. The moon looks nice tonight; I thought it’d be great to have a drink with you.”

Chu Xuhua clinked his cup with Chu Xujin’s and drank, “Then let s have a good chat tonight.”

“Okay.”

Chu Xuhua, observing his younger brother, tentatively asked, “Are you nervous about getting married?”

Chu Xujin nodded, “A bit, but it’s mostly excitement.”

The thought of Lihua marrying him filled him with excitement; he had been thrilled all of last night. In the past, he wouldn’t have dared even to look at a girl like her, but now, he could bring her home…

Chu Xuhua refilled their cups, “Big brother understands you.”

Chu Xujin quickly drank his beer to calm himself, “Brother, how’s the business lately?”

Chu Xuhua shared, “It’s going well, steadily growing. I plan to visit Wan City in

a few days.”

Chu Qingzhi had passed on what Zhuang Ziqian told her to Chu Xuhua, who decided to visit Wan City once Li Tingzhao had dealt with the Lin family.

According to Li Tingzhao’s methods, the Lin family wouldn’t last half a month.

Chu Xujin suggested, “If possible, I’d like to accompany you, to broaden my horizons.”

ChuXuhua nodded, “Sure.”

After a few drinks, Chu Xujin mentioned something from the government office, “Big brother, there’s an opening for a vice county magistrate, and I want to compete for it.”

Chu Xuhua supported him wholeheartedly, “You’ve been working in the government office for half a year now; it’s time for a promotion.”

Chu Xujin agreed but knew it wouldn’t be easy, “The county magistrate s nephew from the Bai family also wants the position. Do I stand a chance competing with them?”

Chu Xuhua questioned, “Why are you backing down before even trying?”

“I’m not backing down,” Chu Xujin explained. “You don’t understand, brother.

The government office is full of nepotism; even the gatekeeper is related to someone inside. My advantage isn’t significant.”

Now not just a simple farmer’s son, Chu Xuhua quickly grasped Chu Xujin s concern and asked, “What needs to be done to compete for this position?”

Chu Xujin elaborated, “It’s not complicated. You just need to submit a statement of intent to the county magistrate for approval.”

“Have you submitted yours?”

“Not yet. The day after tomorrow is the submission day; I’m still working on

it.”

“Don’t worry. Go ahead and submit it. You’ve achieved so much in these past six months. As long as the county magistrate is fair, I believe the position will

be yours.”

“Ok.”

The brothers talked for a long time, sharing many things, before heading back to sleep after an hour.

Early in the morning, Grandpa Chu went to invite the village elder, the village head, the matchmaker, and some other respected seniors to his home to discuss proposing marriage to Ge Lihua.

Ge Lihua, having no relatives, was fortunately taken in by a widowed elderly woman in the village, whose maiden name was Ge. Thus, Ge Lihua was recognized as a niece, and now she was living with her. The proposal would be made at her house, ensuring all proprieties were observed.

After the discussion, a group set out towards Old Lady Ge’s house.

The group consisted of four elders, Chu Xujin, two strong young men from the village to carry the betrothal gifts, and the elders who had been invited to discuss the marriage proposal, including the matchmaker. No others went, as it wouldn’t have been proper.

As they left, they were surrounded by the village’s children, while the adults watched from the doorways.

Chu Junbao hopped along next to Chu Xujin, “Brother Xujin, you yelled out the other night that you were going to get married, so it’s true?”

Chu Xujin looked at the procession for the proposal and retorted, “Isn t it obvious?”

Chu Junbao laughed heartily, “It is, it is. I just wanted to be sure.”

Chu Xujin joked, “You’re just looking forward to when I get married so you can feast, aren’t you?”

This made everyone laugh.

Chu Junbao, a bit embarrassed, then said, “Don’t you want to marry Sister Lihua? Do you know how many people in the village like her?”

Chu Xujin playfully slapped Chu Junbao’s head, “Don’t talk nonsense. Sister Lihua is about to become my wife.”

Chu Junbao dodged, “So, you’re not going to let us eat at your wedding?”

” Don’t worry. When I get married, it will be a big celebration. You’ll eat to your heart’s content, okay?”

“That’s great. I love the feasts at your house the most.”

It wasn’t long before they reached Old Lady Ge’s home.

There were some relatives at Old Lady Ge’s house, and several village elders had also come over, making it quite lively.

With the experienced matchmaker present, the proposal went smoothly, and the wedding date was set for the tenth of december.”

After setting the date, Chu Xujin presented Ge Lihua with a betrothal gift he had been preparing for a long time, a valuable red agate bracelet.

The bracelet symbolized holding hands and growing old together.

Ge Lihua immediately put the bracelet on her wrist. Her fair and beautiful wrist looked even more exquisite against the bracelet, “Xujin, thank you.”

Chu Xujin held Ge Lihua’s hand, “It looks very beautiful on you.”

“I’ll wear it always.”

“Okay.”

After sorting out the proposal, Chu Xujin headed to the county office.

Chu Qingzhi was going to the county office to purchase land for building a brick kiln, pig farm, and cattle farm, and she accompanied Chu Xujin.

The wounded soldiers and brick-making masters had already arrived at Chu village, showing great enthusiasm. Chu Qingzhi asked them to sit in the square outside the workshops, provided them with some food, and told them to wait a bit longer until the land matter was settled before starting construction.

On the way, Chu Xujin discussed his intention to compete for the vice magistrate with Chu Qingzhi.

Chu Qingzhi naturally expressed her support, “Do you need my help?

While shortcuts are always appealing, after some thought, Chu Xujin declined, “I’ll try on my own first. If I can secure it myself, that will be good. If not, then I’ll ask for your help.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded. “Okay.”

Together, they arrived at the county office, where the Chief Official was also just arriving.

Chu Xujin greeted him, “Chief Official.”

Chief Official, a cultured middle-aged man with a goatee, glanced at them and returned the greeting, “Clerk official, Miss Chu.”