Chapter 200

Chapter 200

Lin Taohong finished eating the egg yolk puff and looked at Mrs. Zhang, puzzled, as she approached with a smile, muttering, "Big sis is getting hitched and won't be living with us anymore. Mom, why are you still so happy?"

Mrs. Zhang, seeing her still so naive, didn't reveal anything and casually replied, "It's not about your big sister, it's some other good news."

Lin Taohong didn't ask further, clearly not very interested in what the other good news was.

She returned to the kitchen and handed over a piece of egg yolk puff, "I'll handle the cooking these days, let's not have big sister do it, though I might take a bit longer."

Mrs. Zhang, already hungry, ate a few bites and sighed, thinking about what Lin Taohong had just said, "From now on, it'll just be the two of us at home, which feels a bit lonely."

Lin Taohong also sighed, glancing outside and seeing Lin Chunyan coming up from the cellar with some sauce, she quickly waved her over, "Big sister, mom's feeling out of sorts again."

Lin Chunyan, who had gone to the cellar to get some sauce, came over to check on Mrs. Zhang upon hearing Lin Taohong's call.

"I'm fine," Mrs. Zhang said, still a bit shy, "Red Lady will be cooking later, what should we eat?"

"How about some sauce-covered rice crust? I'll whip it up."

Lin Taohong stopped her, "New brides ought to be all dolled up, not like you and Yingniang, always toiling away, still going into the kitchen at this time."

Lin Chunyan and Wang Yingniang were completely unfazed, not at all like people about to become brides.

Lin Chunyan smiled and replied, "Then when our Red Lady ties the knot, she should doll herself up to make up for us."

Wang Yingniang also chimed in, "I'm looking forward to that day, wondering who'll be lucky enough to marry our Red Lady."

Lin Chunyan and Wang Yingniang were already engaged, so others couldn't butt in, and all turned their attention to Lin Taohong.

Originally, many folks thought Lin Taohong was too hot-headed and fierce, just like Mrs. Zhang, so there were very few suitors for her.

But later, Lin Taohong did very well in business, handling half of the shop's operations, and being able to earn money and dress up well, suddenly, a bunch of guys wanted to marry her.

Mrs. Zhang often had to turn away matchmakers, saying Lin Taohong was still too young and needed a few more years.

Lin Taohong, hearing this, went back to the kitchen, "Quit teasing me, I'll whip up the sauce-covered rice crust in no time."

Lin Chunyan had asked Lin Taohong several times before, if she had her eye on someone, so they could get a head start. She was also a bit worried, fearing that Zhang Tianhe might show up and spout some nonsense.

Over the years, it seemed like Zhang Tianhe hadn't given a hoot about the imperial exams, failing to pass the provincial-level exam, while Scholar Song and Scholar Qin did well and were assigned as local officials.

Zhang Tianhe couldn't help feeling he was born at the wrong time, that heaven was jealous of his talent, and grew more and more frustrated.

When Li Jingniang came back to talk to them, she mentioned that Zhang Tianhe wanted to keep a young lady as a confidante.

"Of course, I flatly refused. He hasn't even become an official yet and is already acting up," Li Jingniang said with disdain.

Zhang Tianhe didn't dare to argue, as most of the household expenses were covered by Li Jingniang.

At night, Lin Chunyan asked Lin Taohong again, wanting to know what she really thought.

"Really no one you like?"

Lin Taohong blushed, and Wang Yingniang immediately followed up, "What about Shuxiang? I see him always following you around."

Lin Taohong hesitated for a moment, then quickly shook her head, "We're just good friends, like siblings, he doesn't have that intention."

Her eyes lowered for a moment, not letting anyone see the suppressed feelings within.

Mrs. Zhang came back carrying her quilt, "Today I’ll join you all for sleep."

Since they got the greenhouse, they seldom slept together anymore, and Mrs. Zhang missed the days when they all slept around a brazier.

Although winter was cold, they spent many such days and nights together, the room filled with either the sweet scent of oranges or the rich aroma of dates and chestnuts.

That scent was a part of their many days together, and they still cherish those memories.

Before going to sleep, they inevitably chatted a lot. Although Lin Chunyan and Wang Yingniang had heard it many times before, they still listened attentively as before.

Sun the Constable had married Yu Xiaoniangzi, and they were living at home. Noticing Sun Anyuan’s constant smile since the New Year, they couldn’t resist teasing him a few times.

Sun Anyuan was accustomed to it and ignored Sun the Constable’s remarks, carefully double-checking the things he needed to bring.

He felt somewhat anxious now. After double-checking, he brought out some wine, and he and Sun the Constable drank with some dishes.

"You won’t be able to meet up as often once you move there," Sun the Constable said with a hint of reluctance, "Don’t hesitate to come to us if anything comes up."

Sun Anyuan didn’t hold back, "Of course, if Yan Niang or the others come down with a headache or fever, won’t they come to find sister-in-law? Besides, the town’s business still needs your attention."

"Come on," Sun the Constable chuckled, taking a drink, "Why is it that with you, it’s always just these words? Nothing more to say?"

Sun Anyuan smiled and shook his head, "It’s not as if I won’t be coming back. The two villages are close enough; I’ll drop by to see mother and you now and then."

"That’s more like it," Sun the Constable said, sipping his wine, thinking about their decision not to have children, his tone somewhat worried, "What will you two do when you’re older?"

Sun Anyuan had already explained to them. Mrs. Li was easygoing and didn’t fuss over these matters, but Sun the Constable was anxious for Sun Anyuan.

"When we're old, Yan Niang and I will support each other. Having kids would just mean years of extra worry; this way is just fine."

Sun the Constable sighed, "After all, it’s your life; if you’re both happy with it, that’s what matters. But since you’ve decided, don’t go blaming Yan Niang later on."

Sun Anyuan laughed, "That’s out of the question; I know how I feel about her, and I’ll never forget."

Only then did Sun the Constable feel relieved. They didn’t drink much, and after packing up, they went to bed early.

Sun Anyuan lay awake, thinking about how he was about to marry Lin Chunyan, feeling very excited, but also somewhat bitter.

In recent years, it wasn’t that no one had sent matchmakers to Lin Chunyan; even Mr. Ling from the county town had shown interest, but Lin Chunyan had clearly refused them all.

Sun Anyuan was happy that Lin Chunyan hadn’t taken a liking to any of those people but could accept him.

But deep down, he was somewhat uneasy, unsure if Lin Chunyan thought he was suitable or if she also had some affection for him.

He didn’t hope for Lin Chunyan to like him too much, just a little would be enough.

Just that little bit could make him chuckle behind his back for a long time.

With a mix of anxiety and excitement, Sun Anyuan finally drifted off to sleep.

On the day of the wedding, early in the morning, Lin Chunyan and Wang Yingniang were called by the matchmaker to get dressed and made up, and the outside world became lively with sounds.

Lin Chunyan listened attentively; there were sounds of tables and chairs being moved, the sound of placing melon seeds and candies, and the joyful sounds of children running back and forth, all continuous.

She loved the liveliness and couldn’t help but smile.

From time to time, someone would lift the curtain from outside to come in and talk, some chatting with Lin Chunyan, others with Wang Yingniang, all talking about everyday matters.

"Where are my mother and Red Lady?" Lin Taohong asked after talking for a while, "I haven’t seen them for a long time."

"Can't stand being apart for even a second?" Sister Wei Ruo teased from the side. "You always say they can't stand to be away from you, but I see you two can't live without them either."

Wang Yingniang had also been looking around since earlier, indeed, it was hard to bear being apart even for a moment.

The two of them exchanged glances and smiled knowingly.

"They're just around the corner. If you can't see them now, you'll see them soon. No wonder folks say you're lucky, with no mother-in-law to hassle you, you can take charge as soon as you enter."

The matchmaker, well-known in the area for her hairdressing skills, had seen a lot of the world. But when it came to who had landed a good match, it was Lin Chunyan and Wang Yingniang.

In the past, many looked down on men marrying into their wives' families, and many households were unwilling to do so. But that Sun Biaotou, such a capable man, willingly moved in.

They say he had been itching to get married for a while, but Mrs. Zhang's reluctance to let her daughter go kept delaying it until now.

But given how capable Lin Chunyan is, Sun Anyuan's choice makes sense.

It's said that in their village, some women have already started to do the same. Originally, working was just about making money, but their village is so prosperous that both women and men want to move in.

Soon after, Mrs. Zhang and Lin Taohong came in. They had gone to help next door and, seeing they were almost ready, hurried over.

Ding Hui Niang made room for them, "I'll go check if there's anything else to get ready. The carriage should be coming soon."

After the carriage arrived, it would take Lin Chunyan to Sun Anyuan's place for lunch and then bring her back. In the evening, they would come back here for the banquet.

Wang Yingniang didn't have to deal with all that. After a quick tour of the village, she would head straight to Qian Niangzi's and come back in the evening.

Lin Taohong noticed the matchmaker's skills were good; they finally didn't look so plain. She went over and joked with them both.

Lin Chunyan grabbed Lin Taohong's hand, "Don't drink too much later, or I'll have to handle you."

Lin Taohong quickly promised, "I won't drink too much, I promise. I still have to crash your place and tease the newlyweds tonight."

Wang Yingniang's face immediately turned red, and she softly scolded, "Don't mess around, or I'll give you a hard time when you get married."

Lin Taohong wasn't afraid at all, sticking out her tongue, "That's a long way off, I'm not worried."

Wang Yingniang, unable to do anything about her, could only turn her head away, trying to suppress the redness on her face.

Infected by this, Lin Chunyan also felt a bit nervous. When she saw Sun Anyuan riding over on his horse, that nervousness finally peaked.

She hadn't felt such intense emotions in a long time, her heart pounding, making her somewhat at a loss. The surrounding cheers grew louder and louder, further highlighting this feeling.

She calmed herself down, waiting until her heartbeat wasn't so obvious, then walked out boldly.

She didn't wear a veil, appearing before everyone just like that, causing many people to gasp in surprise.

Sun Anyuan had already known about Lin Chunyan's decision; she had always been bold and different.

Mrs. Zhang and Lin Taohong didn't say anything either, just watched as Lin Chunyan was led out by Sun Anyuan, feeling somewhat complicated inside.

Wang Yingniang also didn't wear a veil. After all, those who came were all familiar faces. Even if some inappropriate comments arose, the people around would explain for them.

"I think this is quite good. It's not something shameful. We're not those young ladies from high society, so it's fine not to wear a veil."

Lin Chunyan had her reasons for not wearing a veil. She always felt that wearing it made her seem like a beautifully decorated pastry, waiting to be unveiled.

She wanted equality.

Their marriage was already different from ordinary families, so doing something special wasn't something anyone would criticize.

Lin Chunyan settled comfortably into the carriage, and it didn’t take long before they arrived at Sun Anyuan’s home.

The place was already lively and bustling, and as Lin Chunyan stepped down, it prompted a few more gasps of admiration.

Mrs. Li cheerfully grabbed Lin Chunyan’s hand, first praising her beautiful attire today, which drew everyone’s attention away.

After the ceremony, Sun Anyuan was supposed to step out to toast, something young ladies usually don’t do, but Sun Anyuan still took her along.

“They’re all close friends and family, it’s important to meet them.”

Many of them Lin Chunyan had already known, and she chatted with them easily. Gradually, everyone warmed up to it, and even thought it was quite nice.

After a few drinks, Sun Anyuan’s face grew redder and redder, and Mrs. Li told him to take it easy on the drinks, as they still had to go to Qingshan Village in the evening. “There’ll be plenty more to drink later.”

Sun Anyuan knew better, of course, but today, he was just too happy, and while toasting, he kept a firm grip on Lin Chunyan’s hand.

By the time the meal ended, it was well into the afternoon, and guests started to trickle out, leaving just a few family members to help clean up.

Mrs. Li seized the moment to whisper to Lin Chunyan, “You two are solid, dependable folks. I’m quite at ease with your life together. If he messes up, just set him straight.”

She was also aware of Lin Chunyan’s choice not to have kids, and comfortingly patted her hand. “If anyone dares to say anything to you, just tell them off and pin it all on Anyuan.”

Lin Chunyan let out a soft laugh. “Mother, if Anyuan hears this, he’ll be heartbroken.”

“What’s there to be heartbroken about? He’s tough-skinned. A little gossip won’t hurt him, as long as our own family doesn’t gossip. Just take it easy.”

Lin Chunyan was deeply moved, holding Mrs. Li’s hand and asking her to take care of her health. “We’ll swing by every few days. If there’s anything, just send someone to find us.”

“Understood. You two living well is better than anything,” Mrs. Li said with a smile.

Not long after the conversation, Sun Anyuan, with many things prepared by his family, headed towards Qingshan Village, with children running behind their carriage for a long stretch.

Sun Anyuan, having had a bit to drink, was afraid the smell would bother Lin Chunyan, so he washed up again before sitting with her in the carriage.

“Are you tired today?” Sun Anyuan’s hand hesitated before finally reaching out to hold Lin Chunyan’s.

However, he didn’t dare to hold too tightly, afraid Lin Chunyan might pull away. Just this gentle hold brought a smile to his face.

Lin Chunyan, seeing him so different from usual, couldn’t help but smile. “Not tired. The food was good too. Zilan really put her heart into it.”

Her hand, enveloped by Sun Anyuan’s dry and strong hand, didn’t evoke any particular aversion. Instead, there was a faint sense of comfort.

Lin Chunyan then held his hand back.

Sun Anyuan’s eyes immediately deepened, filled with excitement and disbelief.

“I thought you didn’t like… didn’t like me,” his voice carried a hint of bitterness.

Lin Chunyan burst out laughing, calling him Yuanlang. “At this time, you’re saying such things? If I didn’t like you, why would I marry you?”

She held his hand a bit tighter. Sun Anyuan’s Adam’s apple bobbed a few times, and finally, he held her hand firmly in return.

The atmosphere in the carriage suddenly changed. Fortunately, they had already entered Qingshan Village, where the sound of firecrackers could be heard from time to time, and the laughter and chatter grew louder.

Sun Anyuan quickly sat up straight but didn’t let go of her hand, the smile in his eyes rippling out.

After getting off the carriage, Lin Chunyan spotted Mrs. Zhang and Lin Taohong in the noisy crowd, both smiling at her, slowly reaching out their hands.

Lin Chunyan also reached out and grasped them firmly.

The routine was much like the morning's, and as it got darker outside, Lin Chunyan led Sun Anyuan in the toast, introducing him to every guest at the banquet.

Although they had already known each other, this toast required him to address them differently. Sun Anyuan followed Lin Chunyan to recognize each person, addressing them with extra warmth.

Even Lin Chunyan couldn't resist smiling at Sun Anyuan.

Sun Anyuan drank a lot of wine, and this time, Lin Chunyan's relatives were the ones urging him to drink, so he drank even more enthusiastically.

Mrs. Zhang, seeing how inappropriate it was, stepped in to stop them, "Good thing he can hold his liquor, but where have you seen people urging others to drink like this?"

Old Uncle Zhang, Zhang Niuli, and Zhang Manliang all chuckled awkwardly, as they were the ones who had made Sun Anyuan drink the most.

They were all quite considerate, and they didn't stick around long after the banquet.

Sun Anyuan got nervous all of a sudden, and after entering their house, he found that Lin Chunyan had already started tidying up.

"Do you want to clean up?" Lin Chunyan looked back at Sun Anyuan and asked him.

Sun Anyuan stammered, and his ears started to turn red. It took him a while to regain his thoughts, "I, I'll go fetch water."

After years of arranging, their house was well-organized, with a dedicated bathroom.

The next room over had been turned into a storage space, with many shelves inside, and things were neatly placed there. On the windowsill were two vases with some unknown wildflowers.

Sun Anyuan took out some dried petals and put them into the bathtub.

When Lin Chunyan came in, she raised her eyebrows in surprise, immediately thinking it might have been Lin Taohong's idea.

"You're pretty good at winning people over, even Red Lady has been won over," Lin Chunyan teased, but still laughed.

The moon slowly rose above the trees, and the spring breeze was particularly comfortable, making people inevitably intoxicated by the spring wind.

"Let's raise two puppies in the future, and maybe a kitten too, the house will be lively."

"Okay," Sun Anyuan's deep voice agreed beside her, listening as Lin Chunyan slowly painted their future.

"I also want to plant some vegetables in the backyard, so we can always eat the freshest. We can also plant more flowers in the front yard, taking advantage of the time when all kinds of flowers are blooming, it will definitely look beautiful at the entrance..."

Her voice faded with the sound of water, eventually disappearing into the night.

End of text.

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