Chapter 428: Research and Study

Chapter 428: Research and Study

The emotions of the families of the bride and groom are entirely different. The groom's family is naturally joyful, welcoming a new member to their home. However, the bride's family feels a complex mix of emotions.

A daughter's marriage is a happy occasion, but the child who has been raised by their side for so many years will no longer be around as often, and might even become part of another family. Only the parents of the bride truly understand the sense of loss and sorrow.

At the auspicious hour, Xiao Yuming, dressed in a red wedding outfit, looked even more handsome than usual. He arrived at the Xie household with a beaming smile to receive his bride. Meanwhile, Madam Xie the Second, holding Xie Xihua's hand, couldn't stop her tears, and Xie Xihua was sobbing uncontrollably, even Mr. Xie the Second had moist eyes.

"The auspicious time has come, let the newlyweds serve tea." The master of ceremonies said to Mr. Xie.

Lord Xie dabbed the tears at the corner of his eyes and, supporting Lady Xie, said, "Let's not miss the auspicious hour."

Lady Xie, with reluctance, released her daughter's hand, and a young maid presented the tea which Xiao Yuming received respectfully, offering it with, "Please, father-in-law, have some tea."

Lord Xie took a sip from the cup and then watched as Xie Xihua offered tea to him. Seeing his daughter dressed in wedding garments, his heart filled with emotion, and tears nearly spilled from his eyes again.

After taking a sip, he said, "Cherish and heed this union, let not the commands of your uncles and aunts be disregarded day or night."

Xie Xihua, her voice choked with emotion, responded, "I will."

Next, the couple offered tea to Lady Xie, who after sipping the tea, took her daughter's hand and said, "Endeavor and honor it, let not the customs of your maiden home be forgotten, day or night."

"I will," Xie Xihua replied with a tearful smile.

Taking a deep breath, Lady Xie said, "Set forth now, do not delay the auspicious hour."

Xiao Yuming extended his hand to steady his bride as they left the Xie residence together, one in a sedan and the other on horseback, heading towards the Duke of Dingguo's residence. The wedding procession was a grand affair, with many onlookers lining the streets.

Upon arriving at the Duke of Dingguo's residence, Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai sat amidst the hall, their faces beaming with joy, receiving the couple's kowtows. After the formal ceremony, many came forward to offer their congratulations, leaving Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai with almost rigid smiles from the prolonged happiness.

Inside the bridal chamber, Xie Xihua sat at the edge of the bed while Xiao Yuzhu and Jianing sat beside her, engaging in conversation. Jianing said with a smile, "Father and mother are both easy to get along with, there's no need for concern."

"I'm also easy to get along with," Xiao Yuzhu chimed in cheerily.

Xie Xihua smiled and handed her a piece of pastry, "I've always known you're easy to get along with."

Familiar with each other, their conversation was lively and animated, reducing Xie Xihua's nervousness about the new environment. Xiao Yuzhu and Jianing stayed with her for a while before leaving. As they departed, Jianing whispered to Xie Xihua, "Mother said there's no need to get up early for greetings tomorrow."

Xie Xihua blinked in surprise before her face flushed with understanding. Jianing's smile broadened, and she leaned in to whisper, "Father and mother tend to rise late; you'll get used to it."

"You'll find out how relaxed it is to be a daughter-in-law in the Duke of Dingguo's household."

Xie Xihua nodded, her cheeks still warm, as Jianing patted her hand and left with Xiao Yuzhu. Turning, Xie Xihua instructed her servants to prepare a bath. Despite her familiarity with the Duke of Dingguo's residence, she still felt a flutter of nerves.

Fresh from his bath, Xiao Yuming was assisted into the room, clearly inebriated. Seeing Xie Xihua, he chuckled and embraced her, "Finally, I have brought you home."

With maids and old women in the room, Xie Xihua blushed deeply at his embrace but quickly had someone bring hangover soup for him. She then ordered the servants to help him with his bath.

After his bath, Xiao Yuming was mostly sober. Returning to the bedroom, he saw his bride sitting on the bed in red nightwear, her delicate beauty intensified, igniting a fervor within him as if his blood were boiling water.

He took just a few strides to sit beside her, chuckling twice before capturing her hand. Xie Xihua felt a mix of nervousness and shyness, unsure of what to do next.

Then a face drew close, whispering in her ear, "I have two books here; let's study them together."

Xie Xihua: "..."

Study books at this time? I've never seen you that interested in reading before!

Puzzled, she watched as Xiao Yuming produced two books from seemingly nowhere and flipped them open. Xie Xihua looked down and, upon seeing the illustrations, blushed intensely, impulsively striking him lightly.

With a mischievous laugh, Xiao Yuming pulled her onto the bed and drew the curtains around them...

A new bride must serve tea upon entering the family, gathering all the household in the hall. Tang Anle, with her pregnant belly, would soon give birth. Tang Shuyi inquired if Mrs. Tao, the midwife, had everything needed for her and the baby arranged.

Mrs. Tao replied with a smile, "Everything is arranged, though there are many aspects I'm unfamiliar with; it was all organized by our relatives."

Tang Shuyi understood. A commoner's childbirth would certainly differ from that of nobility, so it was normal for Mrs. Tao to be uncertain. As long as she didn't add to the confusion, it was fine.

Tang Anle's cheeks were tinged with a healthy glow, and even in her pregnant state, her voice remained crisp and youthful, a sign of good care. Xiao Yiyuan sat close by, his attention almost entirely on her, clearly indicating the affection between the young couple.

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, and after such a time since Tang Anle's marriage, her eyes remained clear and bright, a testament to Xiao Yiyuan's good treatment of her.

As the conversation flowed, Xiao Yuming and Xie Xihua came forward. They first served tea to Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai, receiving generous red envelopes, followed by other elders. After serving tea and chatting for a while, the others took their leave, with Tang Shuyi keeping Xie Xihua back for a talk.

Just as she had spoken to Jianing before, she said, "Our family does not abide by strict formalities. I'm quite relaxed, so you needn't pay respects to me daily. As for meals, you can eat in your own courtyard or join me; do whatever you feel comfortable with."

Xie Xihua: "..."

She had not anticipated the Duke of Dingguo's household to be so "unconventional."

"Now that you're married, you're adults," Tang Shuyi continued. "You should handle your own affairs and seek us out if there's something you can't resolve. As for finances, we'll allocate a share of the family's enterprises to you next month, and from then on, you'll manage your own properties."

Xie Xihua: "..."

Are we really going to split the household now?

Though surprised, she maintained a compliant facade. Seeing her obedient and dignified demeanor, Tang Shuyi couldn't help but curve her lips upward, finding this daughter-in-law to be quite the actor. Regardless, as long as they could lead their lives well, that was enough.

After a bit more conversation, Tang Shuyi let Xie Xihua go to rest. However, instead of returning to her own courtyard, Xie Xihua went straight to Qingfeng Garden. There was much about the household she didn't understand; it seemed wise to seek some guidance.