Engagement Ceremony

Lily Evans stepped into the house and announced to Uncle George’s family, "The Evans Spice Shop is back in business, and Evans Hot Pot Restaurant just signed up over a dozen new franchisees! Eight Flavors Pavilion is reopening too, and all these places need tons of spices. All that hard work you put into growing them is finally paying off!"

When Uncle George’s family heard they could finally help Lily, their hearts swelled with joy and pride.

No one wants to feel useless—everyone wants to prove their worth. Uncle George sighed emotionally, "Who would’ve thought a dirt-under-the-nails farmer like me could pull off something this big? Back in the day, I wouldn’t have even dared to dream about it."

Linda Wang winked at David Wang. "Why are you so busy talking about all this? Don’t you have something important to tell Lily?"

William 'Li Dong' Wang, Lily’s cousin, instantly blushed. He glanced at Linda Wang but didn’t say a word.

Uncle George chuckled, "Oh right! I got so caught up celebrating, I nearly forgot the big news. Lily, your cousin is getting engaged!"

"Really? Engaged? When did this happen? Who’s the lucky girl?" Lily Evans laughed, eyeing her cousin whose face was now as red as a tomato.

William 'Li Dong' Wang was always the honest type. Under Lily’s questioning, he stammered, "It was back at the plantation… There’s an old soldier’s daughter named Lucy Li. She’s hardworking, honest, treats our family well, and her cooking is amazing… I meant to tell you as soon as I got back, but with everything that happened, I didn’t get the chance."

The more William spoke, the quieter he became, his face burning red, completely giving away his feelings.

"Lucy Li, huh?" Lily grinned at her cousin. "Not bad, William! You kept so quiet, and now you’ve found yourself a bride."

Linda Wang smiled, "Lucy’s family is good people. Her father, Mr. Li, used to be a soldier under the Prince, but he was injured in battle and now works the plantation. Lucy’s always been steady and reliable, and she’s never afraid of hard work."

Lily Evans leaned in, curious. "Does Lucy have a daughter?"

Linda Wang nodded. "She does. The girl’s father passed away years ago, so Lucy’s been raising her as her own. She treats her like family, and that’s what matters most."

Lily Evans thought to herself, in the Jin Dynasty, it’s common for widows to remarry and bring their children into a new family. It’s different from modern times, but here, what matters is kindness and responsibility.

Uncle George chimed in, "Lucy Li is honest and trustworthy. She’s never once tried to take advantage of anyone. She’ll fit right in with our family."

Linda Wang nodded, "We’re planning to hold the wedding soon. Lucy’s daughter will stay with us, and we’ll treat her like our own."

Lily Evans smiled, "Sounds perfect to me. As long as everyone’s happy, that’s what matters."

With everything settled, Lily Evans got ready to leave. Uncle George’s family walked her to the door, chatting and laughing as they saw her off.

Just as Lily was about to step out, Gu Yu piped up, "How old is Lucy Li? Is she really a widow?"

Linda Wang smiled, "She’s twenty-three, and yes, she’s been on her own for a few years. But she’s strong, and she deserves happiness."