Chapter 109 - Chapter 109: Home Sweet Home
Chapter 109: Home Sweet Home
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
He and Mayor Qian were also considered friends. The gifts he sent were substantial. To put it plainly, it was an attempt to establish a connection after meeting the Magistrate last time.
Lu Sanniang felt a bit embarrassed but didn’t make a fuss. She graciously accepted the gifts.
Everyone sat in the living room, drinking tea and chatting while waiting for the groom to arrive.
Old Mister Wang and his wife were present but as ordinary guests. They sat in a corner, sipping tea and snacking on melon seeds.
The two mayors didn’t dare to disturb them and sat on the side, chatting about the town’s affairs and exchanging ideas.
After exchanging greetings with her sisters and the elders of the Lu family, Lu Sanniang sat at a table in a corner and spoke softly.
Yue Hong and Yue Xia took all the children to the amusement park in the backyard. Snacks that children loved were prepared.
Yuan Jiaqi remained by Qiao Mai’s side. On this occasion, as a married couple, they had to present a united front and not make a spectacle of themselves.
He helped Qiao Mai with the household chores, knowing she was tired during this period. He did what he could to assist her.
Lu Sanniang accompanied her family to the backyard, gave some instructions upon seeing Ruxin, and then returned to the front hall.
“Daughter, your house is big and nice.”
“Yes, Mother. There are still two courtyards empty. After the busy farming season, you can come to our house and stay until the end of the year. How about that?”
“No, there’s no place like your home, even if it’s not as grand as others. Once you get used to it, you don’t want to move.”
Lu Sanniang didn’t try to persuade them further. She knew no matter how well she treated her parents, they would naturally follow their son when it came to their way of thinking.
At this moment, Qiao Mai and Yuan Jiaqi approached. “Greetings, Uncle and Aunt, Elder Brother and Elder Sister!”
“Who are you?”
Lu Sanniang quickly introduced them, “These are my sworn sister and brother-in-law. They’ve been helping me at home these days.”
“Oh, you’ve worked hard.”
“Don’t be so polite. Sister Lu has treated me very well. This is what we should do.”
Yuan Jiaqi quickly paid his respects, and the Lu couple praised his appearance and demeanor.
After paying their respects, Qiao Mai only glanced at Lu Sanniang’s older brother and sister-in-law before taking Yuan Jiaqi to the other side of the entrance.
With nothing else to do, Yuan Jiaqi said, “Did you notice? Mayor Qian didn’t greet Shopkeeper Lu’s family.”
“I noticed. There might be something going on behind the scenes. Let’s not ask too many questions.”
“Yes. Six tables of food were prepared in the kitchen. I wonder if it’s enough.
Have we prepared red envelopes on the bride’s side?”
“Sister Lu should have prepared them, but it’s fine even if she didn’t. I’ve prepared some just in case.” “You’re so nice to them.”
“Aren’t I good to your family?”
“Even better. You’re nice to everyone. You’re the best woman in the world.”
As they talked, firecrackers sounded. The carriage from the Feng family had arrived to escort the bride, and several carriages stopped at the entrance of Lucky Garden.
Each horse was adorned with red silk, and the groom, dressed in red, dismounted and bowed to Qiao Mai and Yuan Jiaqi.
“Feng Yinshi has come to escort the bride!”
Qiao Mai glanced at him. He was still as shy as ever. She nodded and made a welcoming gesture. The husband and wife escorted him into the courtyard.
The maids sprinkled red flower petals in front of them, and no one gave the groom a hard time. They arrived outside Ruxin’s bedroom without any obstacles.
Ruxin was already wearing her bridal veil, clutching Ruyi’s hand tightly. She was exceptionally nervous.
“Sister, don’t panic. Don’t speak when your veil is on. You can’t talk once it’s covered.”
She handed Ruxin an apple, and the maids and nannies beside her also comforted her.
Since Ruxin had no brothers, the Lu family of three had discussed it and decided to let Ruyi carry her.
Today, Ruyi was dressed as a man to carry her sister to the wedding sedan. When Feng Yinshi entered Ruxin’s room and saw how festive everything was, he was overjoyed.
Seeing Ruxin, who was veiled, he took a deep breath and gently said, “Xin’er, I’ve come to escort you.”
Two maids helped Ruxin to her feet, and Feng Yinshi blushed, approaching to take her hand. However, he was stopped by the nanny.
“Groom, you can’t hold hands now. You should use the bridal silk to lead the bride when you arrive at the Feng family’s doorstep.”
Under the crowd’s guidance, they arrived at the wedding hall. By this time, everyone had gathered around, and the maids and nannies showered them with fresh flowers.
Shopkeeper Lu sat at the left side of the top seat, while the right remained empty. She approached and pulled Qiao Mai’s hand.
“You’re her Master, so sit here.”
People nearby were curious, but Lu Sanniang explained to everyone despite Qiao Mai’s objections.
“Madam Qiao is Xin’er’s master. She taught her the art of double-sided embroidery. Since my husband is not here, it is only right for her master to accept her bow when Xin’er gets married.”
Although Mayor Qian didn’t know the details, he could guess. The Wang family probably understood as well.
There was no choice. Under Lu Sanniang’s insistence, Qiao Mai sat in the main seat on the right.
They bid farewell to Ruxin and Feng Yinshi, watching as Ruyi carried Ruxin and the groom out of the living room. Tears welled up in Shopkeeper Lu’s eyes. From now on, her daughter belonged to another family, and she couldn’t see her every day.
Her baby would have to make a living in someone else’s house. Would she be wronged or spoiled there? She couldn’t protect her at the first moment anymore. It was painful for her.
Her good friends came up to comfort her, but Qiao Mai sighed. This was the reality for daughters in ancient times. Once they married, they were far away from their parents. How long would it take to return to their parent’s house?
Unlike now, parents would be overjoyed if their daughter would get married.
Half an hour later, the carriages from the Feng family, loaded with dowry, left Tianshui Town.
The wedding banquet began, and the weather was quite nice today, so everything was set up in the courtyard.
Six large rotating round tables were set up, giving the guests a glimpse of the lavish feast. The dishes on the tables were unprecedented in Wei City.
All of this was arranged by Qiao Mai!
The wine served was the most famous Ten-Mile Fragrance in the city. Children who could eat by themselves were seated at separate tables, with Feng’er and Yun’er taking care of them.
Mayor Qian, the Mayor of Tianhe Town, and the Wang family sat at one table.
Shopkeeper Lu accompanied her friends at one table, while Qiao Mai sat with the elder brother and sister-in-law of the Lu family.
Tong, the Jingtai Restaurant’s Shopkeeper and the owner of the carpentry shop, along with a few others, sat at another table. It took only five tables.
The remaining table was given to the kitchen, allowing them to prepare more dishes and inviting others to join the festivities.
Lu Sanniang’s brother’s family acted like they were at home, assuming the role of hosts. In their conversations, they acted as if they were the masters of this place, while Qiao Mai and Yuan Jiaqi were guests.
Qiao Mai and Yuan Jiaqi didn’t mind. Ignorance was bliss, and Lu Sanniang hadn’t told them the truth. Even if they treated this place as the Lu family’s residence, it was perfectly reasonable.
After the wedding banquet, the two mayors bid farewell and left while the Wang family returned to their courtyard.
Qiao Mai and Yuan Jiaqi directed the servants to clean up and restore everything to normal. After everything in the house was back in order, Qiao
Mai took Ling’er to rest in the backyard, and Yuan Jiaqi took Chuan’er to rest. Feng’er and Yun’er returned to their courtyards.
Lu Sanniang’s friends also bid their farewells and left.
Only the Lu family remained in the front hall. With no outsiders present, her parents asked questions.
“Is the old couple living here too?”
Shopkeeper Lu nodded embarrassedly. They continued, “Is Madam Qiao’s family also staying at your house?”
She nodded again, her parents scolding her.
“Now that you have money, you don’t know how to save. Do you think your money is blown in by the wind?”
Lu Sanniang had Ruyi take her family’s nephews and nieces to play in the courtyard.
She felt that this misunderstanding couldn’t continue. Earlier, she saw her sister-in-law’s eyes light up when she looked at those chickens, deer, and cows..