Li Ying saw that although Uncle Dong still looked unhappy, it was obvious that he was not completely unreasonable. This made her even more determined.
"Uncle Dong, ever since I settled in this fishing village, I've regarded it as my second home. As long as I have the ability, I'll surely do my best to help the villagers live a better life," Li Ying said.
"I've come today to discuss with you. After you finish the house - repair work, would you be willing to try making some clay dolls to be placed in front of the Mazu statue?"
Uncle Dong didn't quite understand yet, but there was a barely perceptible glint in the eyes of Uncle Dong's second son.
Li Ying noticed it clearly and even gave him an approving look before continuing to explain on her own.
"Uncle Dong, before I came, I asked my mother. Your second son was born late and was very hard - won. You had to go through great hardships to pray to the Goddess of Fertility to have him, right?"
The Goddess Mazu, also known as the Queen of Heaven and the Celestial Consort, not only ensures good weather and the safety of the local people but also has another extremely effective aspect.
If a loving couple has difficulty having a child, as long as they sincerely pray to the Goddess Mazu, state their wishes, and secretly take a clay doll offered in front of the goddess's golden statue and take care of it as if it were their own child, they will surely fulfill their wish and have a son.
This custom is called "tying the doll". The "tied" clay doll is regarded as the eldest son in the family, and the baby born after ten months of pregnancy can only be called the second son.
That's why the Dong family has only one child but still calls him the "second son".
The old people in the fishing village all know this custom. However, since the once - prosperous mountain had declined and the Mazu statue was long gone, no one mentioned it anymore.
Uncle Dong was really desperate back then. In his youth, he sailed far across the islands with his wife. After searching high and low, he finally found another Mazu temple and "tied" a doll, thus fulfilling his long - cherished wish.
Hearing Li Ying mention this old story, there was a touch of emotion in his eyes. He raised his eyebrows and asked half - doubtfully, "Do you mean that you want me and my second son to make these clay dolls to be offered under the Mazu statue?"
Li Ying nodded with a smile.
"Second Brother Dong is extremely talented. The clay figurines he makes are so lifelike, lovable, and full of vitality."
"Praying to Mazu for offspring and tying the doll is just the beginning."
There are many rules in the custom of tying the doll.
This clay - made "elder brother doll" has to grow up with the youngest child in the family. Every year, it has to be sent back to the Mazu temple, where the clay body is broken and a new one is remade. This is called "washing the doll".
This continues until the child turns eighteen, when the "elder brother doll" can be sent back to the Mazu temple to bless the child with a safe, smooth, and well - provided life.
These annual "washing of the dolls" will bring continuous business to the Dong family.
Li Ying knew that many of the women who came to pray to Mazu for a child might have their own hidden sorrows. She didn't want to deceive them.
There were many excellent doctors in Deji Hall. As long as she invited a few of them to be on standby, they could take the women's pulses and conduct a comprehensive diagnosis while they were "tying the dolls".
Moreover, many women who had difficulty getting pregnant did so because of depression and excessive stress. Praying to the golden statue of Mazu could provide an outlet and a place of sustenance for their sorrows. Once they felt lighter in heart, it would be easier for them to receive good news.
Seeing Li Ying so determined, Uncle Dong was a bit wavering, but he still hesitated.
The idea of Mazu bestowing offspring... It was so mysterious that it made him lack confidence.
Li Ying noticed his hesitation and added, "Uncle Dong, think about it. This tied clay doll will be enshrined in the family for a full eighteen years. In these eighteen years, with so many people coming and going in the mansions of the noble and powerful, how many people will see Second Brother Dong's craftsmanship?"
"Even if a family already has many children and enjoys family happiness, when they see such a lifelike clay figurine, won't they secretly admire it and have the idea of ordering a statue of themselves? By then, we can even open a shop dedicated to making human - like clay figurines. Just like the bamboo - weaving, we can turn the clay - sculpture craftsmanship into a signature of our fishing village!"
Before she finished speaking, there was an uncontrollable light in Second Brother Dong's eyes. He took two quick steps forward and knelt in front of Li Ying and Uncle Dong.
"Boss Li! I believe in you! As long as you value my craftsmanship, I'll be loyal and do my utmost!"
Then he shuffled on his knees and kowtowed hard to Uncle Dong.
"Father! Please give your son a chance! This is my ambition. As long as you give your permission, I'll surely make a name for myself and bring glory to our family!"
He stubbornly straightened his back, looking as if he would kneel there forever if Uncle Dong didn't agree.
Li Ying remained silent, just watching the confrontation between the father and son.
After a long time, Uncle Dong finally heaved a deep sigh and stood up silently.
"Fine, fine. Alright, since Boss Li is vouching for you, I'll trust you this time!"
Li Ying gave a gentle smile. This matter was settled.
Second Brother Dong didn't waste any time. He took a few pieces of clay, kneaded them repeatedly, and then carefully molded them according to the clay - doll model drawn by Li Ying.
As soon as Li Ying left the Dong family, she rushed non - stop to the guesthouse.
Because of the ostentatious behavior of Qing Liu and the others, many female guests on vacation had quite a few complaints. Some guests even packed their bags and were planning to check out early.
Li Ying changed into a dignified and simple dress. She thickened her delicate willow - leaf eyebrows a bit and slightly drooped her almond eyes. With this makeup, her beautiful appearance was somewhat concealed, and her eyes were full of weariness.
Although Granny Sun and A Man knew that Li Ying deliberately made herself look plain to quickly calm the anger of the housewives towards the so - called "seductresses", they still felt a bit heart - ache.
"Sister, what on earth has happened in the capital that has kept Brother - in - law Lu away for so long! All the miscellaneous affairs in the village are like spinning tops on ice, never stopping. But he's good. He just throws everything at you to deal with alone!" A Man said indignantly, pouting.
On weekdays, A Man had always thought that Junior Uncle Su was weak and useless. Although he was deeply in love with her sister, he wasn't the kind of man who could be a towering mountain to protect her sister for a lifetime.
But now, she even had a thought that this Brother - in - law Lu seemed not as helpful as Junior Uncle Su.
Li Ying knew what she meant but could only smile helplessly.
"A Man, he's just too busy to spare time."
"It's just some petty tricks that aren't worth mentioning. Why do I need others to help? A Man, you underestimate your sister."