Chapter 190

Chapter 190

Qing Huai's wedding was scheduled for February 18th, and all the relatives from their hometown in Jizhou would be coming.

Yuanbao had been missing his grandmother and, for days, kept asking when she would arrive.

"She'll be here soon. If you behave well and study hard, you can recite for her when she comes. She'll surely be delighted."

This trick worked wonders on Yuanbao. The very next day, he began reading and writing with his little uncle, Chen Qinglan. Having a companion made him more focused, and in no time, he actually learned quite a few characters.

Meanwhile, Wang Ying and Fourth Aunt worked together to tidy up the house. Having bought houses twice before, they were quite adept at handling such tasks.

However, prices in the capital were indeed much higher than in the prefectural city. They ordered several sets of furniture, which cost nearly a thousand strings of cash—and these weren’t even the best. It was said that a set of nanmu wood furniture could cost over ten thousand taels of silver, far beyond what ordinary families could afford.

Moreover, large woodworking shops generally didn’t accept rush orders because both materials and labor took time. They were afraid of delaying the client’s important events and couldn’t take the risk.

Left with no choice, they commissioned a small woodworking shop for custom pieces and bought some ready-made items to supplement the existing furniture in the house. Fang Ling also had two heated brick beds (kang) built in the back bedrooms. These were incredibly comfortable to sleep on in winter, much warmer than regular beds.

They worked tirelessly until early February, finally getting the house fully furnished inside and out. Fourth Uncle’s family also moved into their new home.

To celebrate the housewarming, Fourth Uncle specially hosted several banquet tables. The guests were all close friends and relatives, as well as colleagues from the Hanlin Academy. Chen Qinghuai had sent invitations in advance to all his colleagues at the academy, inviting them to join the festivities. Coinciding with a day off, almost everyone from the Hanlin Academy showed up.

As soon as they entered the courtyard, everyone praised the Chen family’s new home. Since it was a three-courtyard compound, it was much more spacious than Wang Ying’s residence, with a courtyard more than twice the size, surrounded by covered corridors and pavilions.

Only Xu Wei said enviously, "This house must’ve cost a fortune. When I was renting, I inquired—a two-courtyard house on Qinglong Street costs about four to five hundred strings of cash a year. I wonder where Brother Qing Huai got so much silver."

No one echoed his remarks, merely responding with vague acknowledgments, as it was inappropriate to say such things on someone’s housewarming day.

Seeing that no one agreed with him, Xu Wei grew even more agitated. "I heard the Chen family is a family of scholars. His father serves as Prefect of Shanzhou—a fourth-rank official whose annual salary is only seven hundred strings of cash. How many years would it take to save up for a house like this?" His words insinuated that Chen Jing had embezzled funds.

Li Bin said impatiently, "Why does it matter how they saved the money? Since we’re here as guests, let’s just do our part and not gossip."

"Yeah, Brother Xu, what’s gotten into you today?"

Xu Wei was consumed with jealousy. Everyone else had support from their family and fathers, while he had been burdened by his father all these years. After finally achieving the title of Tanhua (third-place imperial exam finisher), his father had driven away all those who came with gifts, claiming it was to maintain integrity. While this earned his father a good reputation, it made life difficult for him!

"Officials should work for the people’s benefit and remain incorruptible, living up to the emperor’s trust and the people’s support. How can those who receive the emperor’s salary imitate corrupt individuals and tarnish their own reputations?"

"Hey, why are you being so stubborn?"

"Yeah, Brother Chen kindly invited you to the banquet. Why are you saying all this?"

"I won’t eat at a banquet funded by embezzled money!" With that, he stormed off.

The others looked at him speechlessly, thinking he must be out of his mind. After all, besides their salaries, court officials also received additional allowances for ice and charcoal, totaling over a thousand taels of silver annually. Moreover, Madam Fang came from a well-off family with many shops in Laizhou—how could they not have money to buy a house? Spreading rumors about Prefect Chen embezzling funds without evidence showed malicious intent.

During the meal, Chen Qinghuai noticed Xu Wei was missing, though he remembered seeing him earlier, so he went to ask about him.

Everyone hesitated, not wanting to be direct. "He must have had something come up and left early."

"Oh, then please enjoy the food and drinks."

Later, others told him what had happened that day. Chen Qinghuai felt deeply uncomfortable upon hearing it and from then on, he deliberately distanced himself from Xu Wei.

*

On February 10th, the Bai family arrived in the capital.

The Bai family was a genuine family of scholars. As early as the previous dynasty, they had established an academy, and the number of jinshi and provincial graduates from their family was too many to count on one hand.

The current academy head, Bai Luo’en, was a jinshi. However, weary of the trivialities and politicking in court, he resigned shortly after taking office and returned to his hometown in Laizhou, where he renovated the academy. Now, the Bai Family Academy was highly renowned in Laizhou, attracting many students from other regions.

They came to the capital for their daughter’s wedding. As she was their only daughter from the principal wife, they naturally prepared everything meticulously.

Originally, Chen Jing had planned to hold the wedding in Laizhou, but Headmaster Bai declined. Since the young couple would be living in the capital, it made more sense to hold the wedding there.

Besides, both father and son were quite busy in February. Traveling back and forth would take too much time, so it was better for him, the leisurely academy head, to make the trip.

Madam Bai, however, was somewhat displeased. "Their family is marrying our daughter, yet it feels like we’re eagerly delivering her to them."

"Don’t say that. Brother Chen and I have been friends for many years, and both families know each other well. Qinghuai has just started at the Hanlin Academy—how could we ask him to take leave and travel back and forth, delaying his official duties?"

Mrs. Bai pursed her lips and said no more. In truth, she wasn’t keen on this marriage. With only one daughter, she would rarely see her after she moved to the capital, and she was very reluctant to let her go.

However, the marriage had been arranged over a decade ago, and it wouldn’t be right to break the agreement lightly. Besides, Chen Qinghuai was indeed a talented young man, so she reluctantly agreed to let her daughter marry him.

The Bai family didn’t own a house in the capital, so the Fang family arranged accommodation for them in advance near Zhuque Street. On the wedding day, the groom’s party could come directly to fetch the bride.

On the other side, Li Shi and the others were also on their way.

This time, almost everyone came—except for Qing Yun’s two little ones, who stayed behind.

Originally, Li Shi thought the children were too young and didn’t want Qing Yun to go, but this suggestion made Qing Yun burst into tears.

"It’s been so long since I’ve seen my big brother and sister-in-law! Besides, I grew up with Brother Huai. If I can’t attend his wedding now, who knows if I’ll ever have another chance to visit…"

Her crying upset the entire Liu family. Her mother-in-law, Qin Furong, immediately said, "Go! Why shouldn’t you? The children are young and won’t remember being away for a short time. Besides, with the nursemaid and me at home, nothing will go wrong. If you don’t go now, you’ll regret it later."

Li Shi sighed, "This girl has really landed in a nest of blessings. Her mother-in-law dotes on her more than I, her own mother, do."

Qin Furong laughed heartily, "Once she married into our family, she became our daughter. If I don’t spoil her, who will?"

Lin Qiu, Lin Sui, and their children also came along. Traveling far in ancient times was difficult, especially to the capital. Given such an opportunity, everyone wanted to see the world.

In the carriage, Chen Rong said excitedly, "I never thought I’d get to visit the capital! I once joked with Ying’er that I’d follow them if they ever moved here—I can’t believe it actually happened!"

Li Shi was also overjoyed, unable to stop smiling at the thought of seeing her little grandson. "I wonder if the clothes I made for Yuanbao will fit him and if he’s grown taller in the past six months."

"Don’t worry, I left extra fabric when cutting the clothes. If they’re too short, we can let out the sleeves and pant legs."

After bumping along for over ten days, they finally arrived in the capital on February 16th, just two days before Qing Huai’s wedding.

As soon as the carriage entered the city, they heard the bustling sounds of the streets. Tian Ju waved enthusiastically from afar and ran over.

Er Shun guided the carriage to the roadside. "Xiao Tian, what are you doing here?"

"The Master and Young Master asked me to wait here for everyone. Come, follow me home!"

The carriage headed toward Qinglong Street, and everyone eagerly looked out the windows. The fatigue of the long journey vanished as soon as they entered the city.

Lin Qiu held Wheat and Second Baby, saying, "Look, this is the capital!"

Lin Sui also pointed outside, "Look at those houses—aren’t they beautiful?"

Qing Er’s eyes sparkled as she nodded, "So pretty." By now, she could speak without any problems, though her voice was still slightly delicate—which, for a girl, made her seem quiet and cute.

The capital was bustling and vibrant, dazzling everyone along the way.

In about a quarter of an hour, they reached Qinglong Street. Tian Ju pointed to a gate ahead, "That’s our home, with a lantern bearing the character 'Chen' hanging by the door."

Chen Ershun flicked the whip to speed up, and soon the carriage stopped at the main entrance.

"Sir, young master, the elder madam has arrived!"

Inside the house, Wang Ying was combing Yuanbao's hair. Upon hearing the noise, the boy immediately grew restless and tried to run outside.

Wang Ying couldn't bother to finish combing and followed him out. Seeing four or five carriages parked at the gate, his eyes instantly welled up with tears. Family reunions are always so emotional!

"Grandmother!"

"That's right, my dear grandson!" Li Shi stepped down from the carriage and hurried into the courtyard, scooped Yuanbao into a hug. The grandmother and grandson nuzzled cheeks, cherishing the moment.

"Grandmother, I missed you so much!"

"Grandmother missed Yuanbao too." Li Shi tidied his messy hair and kissed him on the cheek.

"Mother, Aunt Third, you all came!"

Chen Rong nodded with a smile, "Everyone came. We've all been worrying how you've been doing in the capital. We had to take this opportunity to come and see for ourselves."

"It's cold outside, let's go inside and talk."

The servants organized the carriages and got them situated. Fortunately, they had chosen a large courtyard when buying the property, otherwise there wouldn't have been enough space to park them all.

Lin Sui and Lin Qiu carried their children as they walked, saying, "The capital is truly wonderful. When we first arrived in the prefectural city, we thought it was impressive enough, but now seeing the capital, the Jizhou Prefecture pales in comparison."

"Exactly, after all, this is the capital where the Emperor resides!"

Once inside, Wang Ying brought out every available seat, and the whole family sat together. Xiaomai and Second Baby still remembered Yuanbao and were taken by him to a side room to play.

"Why aren't Qing Yan and the others here?"

Wang Ying replied, "They're at the new house. They should be back in the afternoon."

With the wedding just two days away, there's much that needs doing. Later, Liu Changyi and Cao Kun will also go over to assist.

Qing Yun looked around and said, "Did sister-in-law buy this house? It looks quite nice."

Wang Ying nodded, "What about your two children? I thought you weren't coming this time."

"They're too young, left at home with my mother-in-law watching them."

Li Shi tapped her daughter's forehead, "This girl has a strong will. Originally, we didn't want her to come, but she insisted, and her in-laws didn't stop her—they even encouraged her."

Wang Ying couldn't help but laugh, "That's because Sister Yun is fortunate."

After chatting for a while and noticing everyone was getting tired, Wang Ying quickly got rooms ready for everyone to rest. Qing Huai and Old Liang had already moved to the new house, so the east and west wings were empty, providing enough space for the whole family.

The bedding had been prepared in advance, and Wang Ying had made sure to prepare extra sets, just in case more people came than expected. Everyone rested until evening before rising for the evening meal.