Chapter 4: Child Bride

A two-entry siheyuan, with a brick and tile structure, the shadow wall of the gatehouse represents its former glory; however, the current state of the house is one of tilt and crumbling mud walls, revealing the decline of the entrance.

Mr. Zhong, though not yet fifty years old, has already turned completely gray, and the wrinkles on his face are becoming deeper. Nevertheless, his hair is still meticulously styled, and although his clothes are worn, they are washed very cleanly

Later generations advocate for the consumption of a mixture of white flour and bran, believing that this combination has greater health and wellness benefits. Eating white flour steamed buns every day, however, actually results in a loss of nutrition. Nevertheless, in this era, being able to eat white flour daily is a symbol of status and identity

The Li family in Xinzhang is renowned as a moneylending house in Baoyanzhou. Wang Dou was certain that if his family were to borrow high-interest loans from the Li family even once, after a few years, not only would their remaining fields be lost, but even the ancestral home they currently resided in might be at risk of being lost.

After exchanging a few words, the two fell silent. Xie Xiuniang noticed Wang Dou's silence and obediently stood by without speaking.

Zhong's skills are exceptional, her movements flow like clouds and water, creating a pleasing visual experience. Since childhood, Wang Dou has loved nothing more than the white flour noodles she makes. However, white flour is precious, and farmers are reluctant to consume it casually; they often exchange wheat for some coarse grains to eat. Those white flour steamed buns and white flour noodles can only be enjoyed to the fullest during festive occasions.

Xie Xiuniang smiled and said, "I am not tired; I still need to organize some farming tools. Mother is inside."

During the late Ming Dynasty, the atmosphere was characterized by extravagance. Not only did wealthy families indulge in extreme luxury, but even ordinary commoners engaged in mutual comparison and display. This was particularly evident in the marriage arrangements for children, where the notion of breaking the family due to marriage expenses became prevalent. The practice of child brides was widespread; the groom's family did not need to pay exorbitant bride prices, and the bride's family did not have to provide a dowry, allowing both parties to significantly reduce their expenses. As a result, child brides became very popular in the Ming Dynasty, with even affluent families sending their daughters to become child brides, and in many regions, the exchange of daughters was also common.

Zhong was busy at the stove, his hands shaping a ball of white dough into various forms, while Xie Xiuniang assisted him nearby. Wang Dou, dressed in a set of coarse everyday clothes, sat to the side watching.

She stood up and carefully examined Wang Dou: "You have lost weight again. Is it hard work to be on duty in the post?"

Currently, the Zhong family has upheld marital fidelity for nearly twenty years, and the authorities are already discussing whether to honor the Zhong family with a memorial archway for their chastity. Regarding this matter, the village head, Jiang An, is also quite concerned, as this is indeed a source of pride for the Sanggan community

When Wang Dou was two years old, his father Wang Wei fell seriously ill. In order to treat his illness, the family's farmland was almost entirely mortgaged, and even the plow oxen were sold. After Wang Wei passed away, when Wang Dou was sixteen, his grandfather also died, making the family's situation increasingly difficult, relying solely on the management of Mrs. Zhong. She was known for her steadfast character; after Wang Wei's death, there were those who attempted to take advantage of her, speaking in a lewd manner. She resolutely chased that person with a kitchen knife for several streets until he knelt down and begged for mercy. This incident caused a stir in the village, and thereafter, no one dared to have designs on her. The authorities also greatly commended her actions. Her character was steadfast; after Wang Wei's death, there were those who attempted to take advantage of her, speaking in a lewd manner. She resolutely chased that person with a kitchen knife for several streets until he knelt down and begged for mercy. This incident caused a stir in the village, and thereafter, no one dared to have designs on her. The authorities also greatly commended her actions.

Zhong glared at Wang Dou and said, "This child is becoming increasingly distant."

Wang Dou nodded and walked over. The young girl came to take Wang Dou's military cap and longbow and arrows, carefully placing them down, and then softly asked him if he was tired

Zhong turned his head and, seeing it was Wang Dou, a joyful smile appeared on his face: "Dou'er has returned?"

In the Ming Dynasty, the land tax was divided into two parts, collected in the summer and autumn seasons, referred to as the summer tax and autumn grain. It was stipulated that the summer tax should not exceed August, primarily consisting of wheat, while the autumn grain should not exceed February of the following year, primarily consisting of rice. After the implementation of the "Single Whip Law," most of the summer tax and autumn grain were collected in silver

Hearing a noise, the young girl turned around, revealing a small, delicate face that appeared somewhat pale. Upon seeing Wang Dou, a look of joy appeared on her face: "Brother, you have returned?"

While working, Zhong discussed family matters with Wang Dou, covering not only the agricultural tasks in the fields but also some issues regarding the taxation of autumn crops. Perhaps she believed that her son had grown mature enough to share her burdens, which led her to speak a bit more than usual

However, borrowing from loan sharks is no different from drinking poison to quench thirst. Similar to the commercial dealings in various regions of Baoshan, the usury within this territory is also controlled by those officials and gentry. These officials and gentry, who appear well-educated on the surface, actually act ruthlessly behind the scenes. Borrowing once from a loan shark ultimately leads to further poverty and complete bankruptcy

She glanced at the sky and said, "It is getting late; it is time to prepare dinner"

Zhong spoke in a light-hearted manner, expressing confidence that the Wang family could overcome various challenges, as they have done over the years. However, Wang Dou could truly understand the weight and hardships that lay within.

... ...

It will all be fine by this afternoon

He felt a heavy weight on his heart; survival, this is a serious issue

The indoor lighting was not very good, but Wang Dou could faintly see the strong contours of his mother's face. He called out, "Mother."

This is Wang Dou's home, the place where he grew up. After the arrival of Wang Dou, he has also returned several times.

Wang Dou smiled and said, "It's not hard at all, just a bit boring."

Wang Dou smiled and said, "Thank you, Mother"

Xie Xiuniang has been with the Wang family for twelve years, but although she and Wang Dou have reached marriageable age, unfortunately, the Wang family currently lacks the financial means for a formal wedding, causing the marriage to be postponed repeatedly. Although a child bride does not require a betrothal gift at the time of marriage and the wedding ceremony can be simplified, the expenses associated with the marriage still amount to a considerable sum.

Wang Dou heard that his mother came from Weizhou to marry into the family. For this marriage, she had a falling out with her family at that time, which was quite a scandalous affair in the Ming Dynasty, causing quite a stir. When the Zhong family member married in, she was known as Zhong Si Mei, and she has now, of course, been elevated to Zhong Si Shen. She and Wang Dou's father, Wang Wei, had several sons and daughters, but they all passed away in infancy, leaving only Wang Dou as the sole surviving son

As for Zhong, the previous Wang Dou was filled with fear and dependence, while the current Wang Dou harbors a sense of respect. He exchanged a few words with his mother, and Zhong felt that her son seemed to have matured significantly lately, displaying a more composed demeanor, which pleased her. However, he spoke less and less; at times, he would quietly gaze at her, leaving even her, as his mother, unaware of what he was thinking, perhaps due to some dissatisfaction in Jingbiandun.

This young girl is Xie Xiuniang, the child bride of the Wang family. She is seventeen years old this year and was sent to the Wang family as a waiting bride from a Xie family in Xishan Sunjiagou when Wang Dou was ten years old. At that time, the Wang family's financial situation was relatively better than that of her family, and that family hoped to provide their daughter with a better life.

... ...

Perhaps due to Mr. Zhong's intense focus, Mr. Wang had already entered the room without Mr. Zhong noticing.

Due to the tax on silver, one has no choice but to exchange grain for silver, and must endure yet another round of exploitation by merchants. After paying the taxes, what remains is already more than half gone, not including expenses for seeds, farming tools, and interest on debts. The following is the consumption for a household of three, calculated at one and a half liters of food per day; the remaining grain is only sufficient for a few months. Thus, when the next year's harvest period arrives, there will still be several months of emptiness, which is what is referred to as the gap between the old and the new harvests.

Wang Dou walked into the inner room, where his mother, Mrs. Zhong, was weaving. It was a simple loom, and that monotonous action had to be repeated countless times each day. She worked tirelessly, sometimes continuing until the rooster crowed at dawn before taking a short break, weaving cloth to exchange for some money and rice. Her skills were exceptional, and the fabric she produced was often in high demand.

The summer tax has already been paid, and the collection of the autumn grain tax is about to begin. However, last month the invaders came to plunder, causing great suffering in various places. Many areas are left desolate, with families as empty as water. It is hoped that the authorities can reduce or exempt the collection of the autumn grain tax; otherwise, it is truly uncertain how to cope by next year

Zhong said with a smile: "This is what it is like to eat the official's meal"

Wang Dou felt somewhat complicated about Xie Xiuniang. In the past, Wang Dou regarded Xie Xiuniang with indifference. Although he was considered a fool and a coward by others, he maintained a certain demeanor in front of Xie Xiuniang, often enduring scolding and reprimands.

For this woman, Wang Dou felt a mix of affection and helplessness. There was no common language, no emotional foundation; how could two people live together for a lifetime? Forget it, let's not discuss this. Perhaps this is his fate in this world, and talking about such things is too extravagant.

In prosperous years, the Wang family could sustain themselves or supplement their income through weaving and sericulture. However, in years of disaster, the situation becomes difficult. If a family has no savings or cannot find a way to survive this period of hardship, the average household has no choice but to resort to selling their wives and children or borrowing at high interest rates

The Queen Mother is a strong-willed person; she does not want her only son to be the subject of gossip when he gets married. Therefore, she and *Tu* *Shu* have been diligently saving money, hoping to host a grand and respectable wedding for her son in the future. Her plan is to have her son married either next year or the year after.

Since the arrival of Wang Dou, the unintentional care and affection from future generations towards women has been something Xie Xiuniang can truly appreciate. This brand new feeling is beyond her ability to articulate, yet she feels happy and looks forward to Wang Dou's return. However, she has noticed that Wang Dou has become much more silent each time he comes back. She is unsure how to respond, and no one has imparted knowledge to her in this regard; she can only serve him with great caution.

The Wang family now has only a little over twenty mu of land. Due to the fact that it is not fertile land near the river, coupled with continuous drought, the current wheat yield is less than one shi per mu, resulting in an annual income of about twenty shi. Since the beginning of the Liao tribute during the Wanli period, up to the present year of Chongzhen 7, the Ming Dynasty has experienced several increases in land taxes. The regular taxes are not substantial, but what is alarming are the countless additional levies imposed locally. Furthermore, local officials and gentry transfer their tax obligations onto the common people. For small self-sufficient farmers like the Wang family, the burden is becoming increasingly heavy. Since the beginning of the Liao tribute during the Wanli period, up to the present year of Chongzhen 7, the Ming Dynasty has experienced several increases in land taxes. The regular taxes are not substantial, but what is alarming are the countless additional levies imposed locally. Furthermore, local officials and gentry transfer their tax obligations onto the common people. For small self-sufficient farmers like the Wang family, the burden is becoming increasingly heavy

Wang Dou responded a few times and, seeing some wheat seeds and farming tools placed beside a wooden chair, asked: "Xiu Niang, have the wheat seeds been selected and picked?"

Wang Dou said softly: "Xiu Niang, if you are tired, take a rest. Where is mother?"

Currently, the season is not favorable; it is already commendable for ordinary families to have black steamed buns or baked cakes. Many residents of Xinzhuang are now resorting to mixing bran with wild vegetables, and even consuming grass roots and tree bark.

... ...

She smiled and said to Wang Dou, "Mother is personally cooking to make you something delicious"

The main door was slightly ajar, and the faint sound of roosters crowing could be heard. Wang Dou pushed the door open and entered the courtyard, where a young girl was feeding the animals. She wore a coarse cloth long skirt and had a slender figure, with several noticeable patches on her clothing. A flock of chickens and ducks surrounded her, clucking joyfully.