Chapter 5, Misguided Customs

As for the "Second Rich" Cheng Lao Er, his family's wealth is even more pitiable, amounting to less than 100 guan. Currently, Cheng Lao Er's monthly additional income, at most, is only around 2 to 7 guan. ... Even the so-called Second Rich in the village is like this; as for Cheng Lao Qi's so-called "generous dowry," its value is merely around 30 guan.

Zhao Xing noticed that his words went unanswered, while Cheng A Zhu continued to turn her back to him, pausing her work in a stiff manner, trembling all over, with her ears flushed. He wanted to say something more, but considering the earlier slip regarding the Huaipei issue, and the fact that A Zhu was oddly dressed in formal attire... He shook his head, swallowed his words, and awkwardly returned to his own room

After the boatman finished his lament, he noticed that Zhao Xing's eyes were filled with malice. Having traveled extensively and possessing a keen ability to read people, he quickly sought to establish a rapport: "I am the old man Huo Xiaoyi. That neighbor... ah, once said that the teacher in Chengjia'ao knows everything about astronomy and geography—look at how well that boat is built! Do you need a boatman? I have been rowing for 20 years and am looking for a place to settle down."

Zhao Xing guessed correctly this time. The purpose of the huanpei is to weigh down the hem of the skirt. People in the Song Dynasty emphasized that the shoes should not be visible beyond the skirt's edge while walking, and the dangling jade ornaments were just right for keeping the fluttering skirt corners in check. Due to the presence of huanpei, people in the Song Dynasty could only walk in small, delicate steps, especially those of high status. The walking style initially learned by Japanese geishas was that of the "nobility".

As soon as he entered the room, he immediately rushed to the bed and reached down to feel under it—there lay the modern items he had brought: several leather suitcases, ... inside the suitcases were a few tattered women's dresses, cosmetics, grooming supplies, and several men's T-shirts ... . ... Also, there was that multifunctional tool knife.

Chengjia'ao must still remain hidden, as registration is currently required, and the state government will send a gentry to manage it. Only if Chengjia'ao produces a gentleman of its own and registers with the government will it be advantageous to return under official governance. At the same time, Zhao Xing is reluctant to let others discover Chengjia'ao too early because he does not yet have a suitable identity.

Even if Zhao Xing saw it, he could not speak. Because A Zhu's words suddenly reminded Zhao Xing—perhaps, in the way the ring was worn, the one at fault was himself

In the mountain dwelling, the doors are generally left unlocked, as the residents of the village share the same surname and theft is uncommon. In this environment, Zhao Xing also never locks his door. However, he distinctly remembers having secured the main door before leaving, yet now the door to the study is wide open, and he can hear the sound of sweeping coming from the courtyard. He stops in surprise, listens for a moment, and, feeling puzzled, walks into the courtyard. There, he sees Cheng Azhuz, sweating profusely as she sweeps the floor.

During the Song Dynasty, women had complete control over their dowries. Upon their death, if they had no children, the dowry would be returned to their natal family. Therefore, when Song people married off their daughters, the dowries were particularly substantial. Many royal family members and high-ranking officials even went into debt to marry off their daughters

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Zhao Xing stared at him for a while, then suddenly waved his hand, calling out to Cheng Xia, and instructed, "Take them to see your father"

Having said this, he gestured with his hand to invite the boatman to proceed.

Zhao Xingyuan initially believed that during the prosperous Song Dynasty of Neo-Confucianism, all women would have their feet bound to a very small size. However, he now realizes that during this period, foot binding was not yet widespread. At least in terms of social perception, foot binding had not reached a level of universal acceptance. Furthermore, the practice of foot binding in the Song Dynasty differs from the later tradition of the three-inch golden lotus.

During the Song Dynasty, not only did women walk with small, delicate steps, but men did so as well. Senior officials in the Song court also had a specific accessory to hold down their skirt hems—these were the gold and silver fish, as well as seals granted by the emperor to his subjects, symbolizing the power to enter and exit the palace. These items were often kept in a brocade pouch to prevent dust, commonly referred to as the "goldfish pouch," "silverfish pouch," gold seal pouch, silver seal pouch, and copper seal pouch.

However, compared to Zhao Xing's youth, he is qualified to call himself an old man

In fact, Zhao Xing holds a rather disdainful view of the so-called "wealth" in Chengjiacao. The villagers, accustomed to poverty, easily become self-satisfied when they suddenly have some extra money. For instance, Cheng Xia, being the son of the clan leader and a child of privilege, has shares in various village enterprises, which allows his father to enjoy the benefits and become the richest man in the village. The wealth of this richest man amounts to 240 guan.

According to Zhao Xing's observations, foot binding in the Song Dynasty involved wrapping the feet to be "slender and straight" but not arched, resembling the way high heels are worn in later generations. This method of foot binding was referred to as "quickly mounting a horse," and the shoes used were called "cua daodi," characterized by sharp soles made from two colors.

Zhao Xing faintly felt that perhaps the historical drama scenes he had watched before had misled him once again—the correct position for the jade pendant should be below the knee. Suddenly, he seemed to recall the Japanese geishas he had seen, whose accessories were also hanging below the knee.

This is a complete bridal outfit! What does it signify that Cheng Azhu, at this time and in this courtyard, is wearing a full set of bridal attire to cleanse for him

The bride-to-be appeared in her courtyard, and Zhao Xing felt somewhat uneasy. He opened his mouth, ready to advise Cheng Azhuzhu to stop her busyness, but immediately noticed that Cheng Azhuzhu's attire was a bit off.

Cheng Azhu was sweeping the floor with great diligence, seemingly oblivious to Zhao Xing's footsteps. However, Zhao Xing noticed that when he entered, the woman's movements paused for a moment, and thereafter, her entire body appeared quite stiff

On the second day, the ship set sail, and the people on the shore gradually faded away. That person seemed not to have returned yesterday, still asking for ghost stories on the street. From a distance, it was hard to discern the person's features; one could only feel that in the morning light, the figure draped in dew, appearing mad, seemed particularly lonely and desolate

Cheng Lao Qi had no offspring, which placed him in an awkward position within the village. According to the laws of the Song Dynasty, his share of the land would be divided between Cheng A Zhu and his nephew. However, since Cheng A Zhu was to marry into the city, the village land was of no use to him. Cheng Lao Qi had long entrusted that piece of land to his nephew for management, and the father and daughter relied on the portion of the rent paid by the nephew to make a living. This amount of money had to be saved for the daughter's dowry, making their lives somewhat tight. However, since Cheng A Zhu was to marry into the city, the village land was of no use to him. Cheng Lao Qi had long entrusted that piece of land to his nephew for management, and the father and daughter relied on the portion of the rent paid by the nephew to make a living. This amount of money had to be saved for the daughter's dowry, making their lives somewhat tight

The back piece appeared on Cheng Azhus body, and upon seeing this, Zhao Xing's mind first conjured the word "wedding dress"—Cheng Azhus was showcasing her wedding dress, this exquisitely embroidered and splendid gown was her wedding attire

Indeed, it is a complete set of "wedding attire," and not a single piece is missing

Today, A Zhu's demeanor was unusual. Previously, she and Zhao Xing could engage in a back-and-forth conversation, but today she was simply shy in her attitude. Upon hearing Zhao Xing's guidance, she hesitated for a moment, turned her back, adjusted her ornaments, and then without looking back, softly explained: "This way of wearing the ornaments, I also heard from the instructor, the teacher said it was incorrect... Is it better now?"

Cheng Azhuz is the apple of Cheng Lao Qi's eye. Because she is to be married in the city, Cheng Lao Qi began teaching Azhuz the "etiquette of city people" from a young age. The so-called "instructor" refers to a middle-aged woman hired by Cheng Lao Qi specifically to teach Azhuz etiquette.

This girl is quite strange today, as she is wearing a brand new satin outfit, intricately embroidered with flowers, birds, insects, and fish. The embroidery is flawless, and it may very well be an early example of Hunan embroidery. Over the luxurious dress, she is also draped in a gauzy back piece, which evolved into what was called "bi jia" during the Ming Dynasty; in modern times, it is referred to as a "trench coat"

From the time of his daughter's engagement, Cheng Laoqi began to save for her dowry. In the past few years, the people in the village were quite poor, so his accumulation of wealth was slow. However, when Zhao Xing introduced agricultural product deep processing technology, the wealth of Cheng Jia'ao began to surge. Cheng Laoqi, having no farmland to tend to, had more leisure time, and with Zhao Xing's "policy inclination," he quickly prepared a complete dowry for Cheng Azhuz in this wave of wealth.

When the village was completely rebuilt with brick houses, Cheng Lao Qi was even unable to follow the trend. It was Zhao Xing, unable to bear it, who instructed Cheng Xia to lead the classmates in renovating Cheng Lao Qi's house—this action startled the clan leader Cheng Tong.

They are all from the same village, and of course, Cheng Azhuz had seen her before. It is said that this girl is the most beautiful unmarried woman in the village. Because she is to marry a city dweller, Cheng Laoqi had trained her early on to learn the etiquette of city people. Therefore, among a group of rural girls, Cheng Azhuz appears particularly refined

Zhao Xing suddenly awoke—wearing a white horned crown, a black cap, white gauze trousers, a white silk shirt, a bright yellow gauze skirt, a pink gauze bustier, a deep red silk wrap around the waist, and a pink gauze short vest

The boatmen steered the vessel into the makeshift dock at noon. The eager boatmen insisted on taking the children home, but in reality, they wanted to see the legendary Chengjiaao. Zhao Xing was lost in thought and did not manage to voice any objections. The children, innocent and carefree, joyfully followed the boatmen up the mountain path

He has only been in this era for three years, and the time is less than two full years. The people he has interacted with are mostly villagers, so his understanding of the customs of the Song Dynasty is limited to the level of the villagers. He knows this is not quite right, but he cannot figure out where the problem lies; he cannot discern what special significance there is in Cheng Azhus display.

In the early days, the "beizi" had no buttons, and the double placket did not close, often leaving a considerable gap, resembling a large cloak. During the Song Dynasty, the beizi could be worn by all social classes, but the choice of material had to be determined by social status. However, it was not clothing worn by laborers; rather, it was quite common among noblewomen

A colorful ribbon of Shu brocade is tied around the waist, from which hangs a long silk tassel. Two jade pendants are tied to the tassel; one pendant dangles at the knee level, while the other pendant hangs near the foot

According to the calculations based on the day and the * chart * book, this young lady is about to get married. She has already made arrangements with the shopkeeper's assistant to wed after the autumn harvest. Old Cheng, the seventh, plans to enter the city to enjoy life after the autumn harvest.

Cheng Azhu did not move; she tightly gripped the broom, standing there in a daze—mocking, the teacher is mocking me! Should I be angry? But why do I only feel a weakness throughout my body!

In fact, the boatman is not old, but the wind and rain have made his appearance seem like that of an old man

This is a posture of escorting, from which the boatman cannot refuse

During the Song Dynasty, transportation was not well developed, and the common people adhered to the notion that "the sounds of chickens and dogs can be heard from one another, yet they live and die without ever visiting each other." Many individuals never stepped outside the small villages where they resided throughout their lives. Although boatmen traveled extensively, they had never seen such entire villages made of brick. They were even more astonished to discover such a prosperous village hidden in this remote and impoverished valley.

Zhao Xing is just a small man in modern society, following his boss, earning a salary, lacking any sense of adventure, and only enjoying diligently pleasing his boss and doing his own job well. Arriving in this unfamiliar era, he becomes even more cautious. If it weren't for the previous jungle life that had instilled in him a bit of killing intent, he wouldn't even have the courage to continue living in this completely strange environment. Now, since Cheng Azhuz does not speak, he remains silent, walking while observing the other person's wedding dress with an appreciative gaze. If it weren't for the previous jungle life that had instilled in him a bit of killing intent, he wouldn't even have the courage to continue living in this completely strange environment. Now, since Cheng Azhuz does not speak, he remains silent, walking while observing the other person's wedding dress with an appreciative gaze.

As Zhao Xing walked into Cheng Jia Ao, he seemed to have forgotten the presence of the boatman and continued on his way home. Cheng Xia was momentarily taken aback, and only then did she realize, guiding the boatman towards the ancestral hall.

Zhao Xing had several interactions with Cheng A Zhu during the old house renovation project. Although ultimately the labor was provided by the clan and the goodwill was directed towards the clan leader, without Zhao Xing's involvement, their new house would not have come to fruition. Therefore, as a gesture of gratitude, Cheng A Zhu made several pairs of new shoes for Zhao Xing

It is a source of great shame for Cheng Tong that his own kin require the compassion of outsiders. Moreover, with his young son, Cheng Tong hopes for the child to excel in his studies and achieve success, and thus he is unwilling to let him engage in heavy physical labor. Consequently, with a single command, all the able-bodied men in the village rallied together to assist Cheng Lao Qi in completing the renovation of his new house

What is good or bad, how could Zhao Xing see A Zhu with her back turned?

Zhao Xing had little fondness for the handmade cloth shoes, his only impression being that the stitching on the soles was very even. Considering that Cheng Lao Qi's family was impoverished, the few pairs of shoe uppers might have consumed part of the little girl's dowry. Zhao Xing's return gifts and the books he presented were also quite generous. As a result, Cheng Lao Qi personally came to express his gratitude several times. Over time, both parties established some contact.

The road conditions during the Song Dynasty were not good, and ordinary people generally did not wear such "wrong-bottom" shoes, much like how modern office women would not wear high heels while walking in the countryside. When they put on these shoes, it meant that...

Cheng Azhu heard no sound behind her for a long time, so she bent down again to sweep the floor, causing the hem of her skirt to lift off the ground and reveal a pair of beautiful embroidered shoes beneath her feet—those were a pair of bow shoes named "Cuo Daodi".

Over the mountain, under the intense midday sun, a row of brand new brick houses stretched from halfway up the mountain to the valley below. The boatmen let out a collective gasp, a sound that startled Zhao Xing awake. He repeatedly signaled to the children, who also became aware and quietly surrounded the boatmen.

Throughout the remaining journey, Zhao Xing was constantly contemplating the arrangement of his identity. By the time he returned to Chengjiacao, he could only recall that the most striking impression from the entire trip was that solitary figure, while the scenery on both sides had faded from memory.

Ah Zhu, this ornament... it seems to be placed incorrectly. This is the first time Zhao Xing has seen an ancient woman's ornament. In his opinion, since it jingles, it should be hung at the waist, so why is it below the knee? Therefore, he couldn't help but interject.

Cheng Azhu is a serene girl. Zhao Xing, considering her status as a married woman, maintains a courteous demeanor in their interactions. It was only from Cheng Laoqi that he learned that women in the Song Dynasty actually had inheritance rights and could participate in the distribution of their father's property

Women in the Song Dynasty were categorized into three groups: unmarried women, married women, and returning women. Unmarried women refer to those who have not yet married, and in terms of property distribution, they held equal inheritance rights with male heirs. Returning women are widows who, after the death of their husbands, return to their natal families; their inheritance rights are slightly inferior to those of unmarried women. Married women, on the other hand, had even lower rights, nearly nonexistent.

At this thought, he immediately let out a heavy cough and said in the calmest tone, "The clothes are beautiful... as for the ornaments, you should continue wearing them as you did before—my mistake, I was just teasing you. There is no need to sweep this courtyard anymore; it's almost lunchtime now, so you should go home and prepare the meal."

"Tsk tsk tsk, how... how magnificent this large house is... Ah, even the residence of our county magistrate is no better than this." After expressing his sentiments while standing on the ridge, the boatman suddenly realized that something was amiss.