CHAPTER 1575: CHAPTER 1575 GETTING MARRIED

Time flies, quietly entering June, June is the month of Ming Rui’s marriage, Ming Rui’s courtyard has already been renovated, and Ming Rui has recently been staying at Ming Jia’s courtyard.

With each passing day, everyone at the Marquis Zhou Residence is excited about welcoming new members to the family once again.

As Ming Rui’s wedding approaches, he rarey goes out, staying at the Hou Residence all day.

Zhao shi, most concerned for her son, secretly tells her mother-in-law, "Ming Rui secretly goes to fix up the courtyard, spending a good amount of time there."

"He knows he’s about to get married. If all goes well, next year you could be a grandmother too, and you and Chang Yi won’t envy the two grandchildren from the eldest’s house."

Zhao shi’s heart melts at the thought of the little ones calling her grandma, "We don’t insist on having a boy; both girls and boys are the same to us."

Their second wife doesn’t carry such heavy responsibilities, taking it slow is fine, first flowers bloom then fruit bears, all is good.

Zhulan agrees with Zhao shi’s words, "Today, Yu Die and the others finally went out."

"They plan to choose a gift for their new sister-in-law, but I don’t know what they’re preparing. It’s so mysterious."

"We’ll find out in time."

Lin Qing is more favored by the little sisters than Lau Jia is; even Yu Wen seldom goes out of the Hou Residence.

At the embroidery workshop in the capital, Yu Die comes to retrieve the ordered gift, "My sister-in-law’s embroidery is quite good. I personally drew this painting, you see the meaning of everlasting marital harmony, isn’t the product nice?"

Yu Yi and the others didn’t dare touch it. It’s a double-sided embroidered screen, their eyes filled with amazement.

Yu Jiao exclaims, "This painting is definitely third sister’s masterpiece."

Yu Die coughs twice, she spent a lot of drawing paper to complete it, feeling somewhat proud.

Yu Wen notices the material used for the screenwood, raising her eyebrows, "Third sister, you really went all out."

Yu Yi asks, "How much silver did it cost?"

Yu Die holds up a hand, "Not too little, not too much, five hundred taels."

Yu Yi and the others, "..."

Indeed, someone in the family who can spend silver.

After packing up the screen to be sent back to the Hou Residence, they go to pick up the gifts prepared by Yu Yi and the others. Yu Yi and Yu Jiao paired up, their gifts were standard, symbolizing a wish for fertility.

Finally, it’s Yu Wen’s turn, who prepared a jade sculpture. At the jade shop, the shopkeeper is entertaining a distinguished guest, and Yu Die and the others must wait.

The sisters idly browse in the shop, influenced by their grandmother, taking delight in zodiac-themed jade sculptures, their gaze fixated on the zodiac figures.

The shopkeeper soon comes down from upstairs, and the sisters recognize this distinguished guest—the Crown Prince, they have all seen him before. To their surprise, the Crown Prince personally carries a box down.

Yu Die and the others see the Crown Prince dressed casually, and with other customers present in the shop, they need not pay their respects.

The Crown Prince is surprised to see the Zhou family sisters, especially all of them together, quite rare. He nods and leaves the shop.

The Crown Prince gets onto the carriage, touching the box in his hand—it’s a gift for his mother. Thinking about her health condition, the Crown Prince’s heart grows heavier, as she’s been ill recently with no news leaking out from the palace; not even her maternal family is aware of her situation.

Peering out the window, the Crown Prince gazes at the shop, catching sight of the Zhou family’s fifth miss who seems to be amused by the shopkeeper’s words. Even if she pretends well outside, he knows she’s not fond of leaving the mansion. It’s truly an exception to see her out today.

Time shifts to Ming Rui’s wedding day; today, the Hou Residence welcomes new members. The entire family is jubilant, the residence is adorned with lanterns and festoons, all draped in red. When the time arrives, Ming Rui is urged to go fetch the bride.

Zhulan laughs, "Look, you’re all more anxious than Ming Rui, the groom himself."

Zhao shi grins, "We have to be anxious; today is the day our family expands."

Chang Yi chuckles, their son settled, and it’s a whole different feeling adding members to the family.

The Zhou family is filled with joy, while the Lin family feels melancholic. Lin Qing was favored dearly at home, with elders reluctant to part with her. The Lin family has many members, making Ming Rui’s task to fetch his bride quite challenging, spending quite a bit of silver.

Finally with his bride secured, Ming Rui is stunned, his ears turning red, amusingly noticed by his sharp-eyed Lin family’s brother-in-law, sparking laughter.

Mr. Lin is satisfied with his son-in-law, "Take good care of my daughter in the days ahead."

Ming Rui solemnly replies, "Your son-in-law shall not fail my wife."

Mr. Lin may not trust Ming Rui’s words but he trusts the rules of the Marquis Zhou Residence; those who are already married serve as good examples, none have taken concubines, living in harmonious accord. His daughter is blessed.

Ming Rui brings his bride back to the Hou Residence. As Lin Qing steps out of the sedan chair, she’s nervous, but once she steps into the residence, she becomes the Hou Residence’s daughter-in-law, ready to spend her life with Ming Rui.

Ming Rui extends his hand and quietly says, "Don’t worry, I’m here."

Lin Qing smiles sweetly, placing her hand in Ming Rui’s, even amidst the teasing calls about an anxious groom, she decisively grips Ming Rui’s strong hand.

Ming Rui’s heart moves, firmly gripping back, ignoring the teasing around.

Although he wants to hold his bride’s hand into the Hou Residence, it’s impossible; releasing her hand on the steps, Lin Qing no longer feels nervous, as beside her stands her source of comfort.

The Hou Residence is bigger than the Lin Residence; following all the wedding rituals is quite tiring.

Ming Rui escorts his bride to the new room, where Yu Die and the others have been waiting. Ran Wan smiles saying, "Ming Rui, head up front; sister-in-law is well taken care of here, rest assured."

Ming Rui sincerely bows, "My thanks to sister-in-law."

Yu Die laughs softly, "Brother truly values sister-in-law."

Ming Rui raises his hand lightly tapping his sister’s forehead, then leaves.

The front courtyard is lively, with Shangguan Liu grabbing Ming Rui, "Groom, look here, all this wine is prepared for you."

Ming Rui smiles, "Hah, why did I invite you here?"

Shangguan Liu grins, "To get you drunk, of course."

Ming Rui laughs in annoyance, "Alright, just wait."

Shangguan isn’t afraid; by the time he gets married, there’ll be plenty of people helping him block the drinks, "Groom, please go ahead."

Thankfully, Ming Hui and the others protect him, blocking much of the liquor, allowing Ming Rui to return to the new room still fairly sober.

The next day, Zhulan wakes early, Zhou Shuren doesn’t go to the morning court either. They have breakfast early, waiting for the newlyweds to come and offer tea.

Chang Yi and wife arrive quickly too; after a brief chat, the family members gradually arrive.

Ming Rui and Lin Qing enter, finding a roomful of elders; Ming Rui, with thick skin, remains unfazed, while Lin Qing blushes deeply.

The tea ceremony proceeds smoothly, and the elders shower them with gifts, especially Zhao shi as the mother-in-law, gifting with generosity, showcasing how satisfied Zhao shi is with Lin Qing.

Lin Qing leaves the main courtyard feeling uneasy, "Mother’s gift is too extravagant."

Ming Rui holds his wife’s hand, "Whatever mother gives, just accept it, it’s fine. Be at ease."

Lin Qing nods, "Mm."

Ming Rui, reluctant to let go of his wife’s hand, discovered yesterday that he enjoys holding his wife’s hand, regardless if the maids and old female servants tease him with knowing smiles.

Lin Qing, from initially feeling dizzy and embarrassed, now feels sweetly content.