Chapter 153: The Marriage Proposal

Look at how excited Grandfather is; he’s even slipping into his local dialect.

Yan Ruhai pouted, feeling a bit wronged as he followed his father and older brother to the kitchen to help.

"Grandfather has played chess for so many years. Aside from you, there was only one other person who enjoyed such an open, bold style and could grasp the entire board at once; that person passed away more than a decade ago," Yan Guofeng sighed with lingering regret.

Zhong Yuxiu replied, "I have a little knowledge of Go, and I was just applying those principles."

Once you master the strategies of Go, everything else becomes clear; it is merely a matter of changing the game.

"You play Go, too? That’s remarkable!" Yan Guofeng’s interest was piqued. "When you have some free time, why don’t you teach your grandfather? There are fewer and fewer people left who know the traditions of our ancestors."

Having weathered the trials of war and the decade of turmoil that followed, the cultural heritage of their ancestors had become increasingly rare.

Zhong Yuxiu smiled demurely. "Certainly, as long as you’d like to learn, Grandfather Yan. You can look through some manuals and study the theories thoroughly. If you play often and spend time analyzing and discussing the games, you will naturally become proficient."

"Agreed, let’s do that!" Yan Guofeng clapped his hands.

As the dishes were placed on the table, Song Man and the others walked over and took their usual seats.

"Everyone is here, let’s eat," Yan Guofeng announced. He picked up his chopsticks first, and the others followed suit.

After a few bites, Yan Hejun poured some wine and stood up. "Father, I’d like to say a few words."

"Go ahead," Yan Guofeng said, setting down his chopsticks with a smile.

Yan Rushan, Zhong Yuxiu, and the rest put down their utensils, waiting for Yan Hejun to speak.

"It’s not easy for the whole family to gather together at the end of the year. I’d like to take this opportunity to say a few things." It was rare for Yan Hejun to speak at such length, and his expression was so formal and rigid that it felt like he was reciting a set procedure.

Yan Guofeng nodded gently, signaling him to continue.

Yan Hejun personally ladled a bowl of soup for the old man. "A year has passed, and our family has seen many changes. First, Father’s health has improved, and his chronic rheumatism hasn't flared up. Second, Dashan has worked hard, passed his university entrance exams, and is now managing his own career. Third, Dashan has found a girlfriend. Fourth, we welcome Yuxiu into our family. Everything is moving in a positive direction. In the coming year, I wish for Father to remain healthy and live to a hundred. I hope my son Rushan and Yuxiu see their wishes fulfilled and achieve success in their careers, and I hope my son Ruhai excels in his studies and gets into a good university."

"Finally," he added, "I hope my wife, Song Man, continues to be the pillar of our home, just as she has always been."

That last sentence brought tears to Song Man’s eyes. It was a simple statement, yet it served as an immense affirmation of her worth. She looked up at her husband, who had finished his wine in one gulp; though her eyes were filled with tears, she was smiling.

Zhong Yuxiu was deeply moved as well. She hadn't even officially married into the family yet, but Yan Rushan’s father already treated her as one of their own.

After Yan Hejun sat down, Yan Guofeng took a sip of soup. "I’ll say a few words as well. With the New Year upon us, everyone must strive toward their own goals. The word 'retreat' does not exist in the dictionary of the Yan family. Once a goal is set, you must give it your all. Especially you, Xiaohai—study hard and get into a good university."

"I will, Grandfather. I plan to apply to a military academy."

"Good, keep working at it." Yan Guofeng finished his soup, concluding his remarks.

Yan Rushan poured more wine, raised his glass, and stood up. "Since Grandfather and Father have started, I’ll say a few words as well."

"Go ahead," Yan Guofeng waved his hand dismissively. "You’re going to be a pillar of this family eventually, anyway."

"The past two years, Yuxiu has been by my side. We’ve shared both hardships and joys, and together we passed our exams and returned to the city. My goal for this new year is to marry her." Yan Rushan bowed his head slightly, holding his glass toward her. "Yuxiu, will you marry me?"

Zhong Yuxiu tilted her head in confusion. They had already agreed to marry after the New Year; why ask now? Then, she caught a glimpse of Yan Guofeng, Yan Hejun, Song Man, and Yan Ruhai all watching her. Their eyes were filled with anticipation, smiles, blessings, and indulgence—they were all waiting for her answer.

Facing the focused gaze of the man beside her, she saw only herself in his eyes, filled with love, encouragement, and understanding. At that moment, she realized he was standing up for her. Regardless of whether she had a family of her own to support her, he would never let her down; he would always be by her side, supporting and protecting her.

"Sister-in-law, just say yes! My big brother is a good guy," Yan Ruhai urged, unable to hold back.

Zhong Yuxiu looked over; Yan Ruhai’s expression was sincere. Yan Hejun and Song Man were smiling faintly, nodding at her as their eyes met. She looked at Yan Guofeng, who had always been fond of her and was now beaming, waiting for her response.

Though she felt shy under the gaze of everyone present, Yuxiu nodded. "Yes."

"She said yes!" Yan Ruhai exclaimed excitedly. "Congratulations, Big Brother!"

Song Man let out a genuine sigh of relief and, provoked by her younger son’s outburst, lightly swatted his hand. "Be more subtle! Can’t you see your sister-in-law is shy?"

Zhong Yuxiu, who wasn't actually that shy, suddenly felt a flush of embarrassment.

"Since Yuxiu has agreed, let’s discuss the wedding. Whether we have an engagement first or go straight to the ceremony—Dashan, you and Yuxiu should discuss it privately. We must not slight her," the old man said, placing his hands on the table. "Our family has another joyous occasion today, ha ha!"

Yan Hejun’s lips curled into a slight, gentle smile.

Zhong Yuxiu’s cheeks turned crimson, her ears burning as she lowered her head. Seeing her look so stunning, Yan Rushan turned slightly to shield her from the others' gaze.

"I will, Grandfather. Let’s eat first; the food is getting cold."

"Ha ha, good, let’s eat! Yuxiu, don't be a stranger," the old man laughed. "Dashan, don't just eat yourself; serve Yuxiu. You know what she likes."

Young people these days lacked experience; they didn't even know how to take care of their partners—they were far behind his generation.

Song Man personally used the serving chopsticks to place food in Yuxiu’s bowl. "Yuxiu, you’re family now, so don't stand on ceremony."

"Thank you, Auntie." Even feeling shy, Yuxiu remained graceful and composed.

Song Man nodded with satisfaction. "Dashan has never spent much time around girls, so if there’s anything he does that isn't quite right, just tell him. We parents have no other requirements; we only hope the two of you live in harmony and love for the rest of your lives."

"We will, Mother," Yan Rushan answered on her behalf.

Seeing the joy in her son’s eyes, Song Man knew he understood her. Their family had a tradition of not interfering in the lives of their children after they married. When she had married into the Yan family, her mother-in-law had already passed, and her father-in-law was the most upright of men; her life had been incredibly comfortable.

Among her friends from back then, how many had married into a family as good as hers? She had never suffered under a mother-in-law, so naturally, she would never let her daughter-in-law suffer either.

"Whether you want to live outside or stay with the Yan family, we have no objections. Yuxiu, don't overthink things; just focus on living a good life with Dashan."

"Ahem, let’s eat," Yan Hejun interjected. Like most mothers, Song Man would never stop talking once the topic of her son’s marriage came up. He had to step in; if she kept talking like this, she might scare off his future daughter-in-law.