Chapter 41

In the middle of the night, Pei You'an got rid of everything and finally stepped into the gate of Duke Wei's mansion.

At this moment, the lights in the Guogong's mansion are still bright, no one is sleeping, and the whole mansion is all waiting for his return.

After not seeing each other for more than a year, Pei Quan and Mrs. Meng Er brought their son Pei Xiulo to greet him. The couple smiled and showed great hospitality. Pei Xiulo's brother-in-law was respectful and respectful.

Mrs. Xin didn't rest, and when she showed her face, she also smiled, but the powder could not hide the dish that was revealed in the depths of her face.

Pei You'an held her son's ceremony. When she was done, she forced a smile and said, "The whole family is waiting for you to come back. It's your second brother, who has been suffering from illness recently and took medicine at night. I can't help thinking that I fell asleep, or I will call someone. He came out..."

Pei You'an said: "Second brother just wants to recover from illness, so don't be alarmed." After speaking, he turned to Yuzhu who heard the sound: "Is grandma asleep?"

Yuzhu approached and greeted Pei You'an with a smile: "The old lady hasn't slept yet."

"It's already late. I've been tired of my mother, uncle, and aunt waiting for me until now. It's all your fault. Please rest as soon as possible."

Pei Quan and his wife knew that he was going to see the old lady, and nodded with a smile.

Mrs. Xin looked at the departing back, her smile gradually freezing.

"Blessed sister-in-law. You'an is a celebrity in front of the emperor today, and Xiuzhi's title is not a matter of a word. In the future, sister-in-law, wait and enjoy your happiness!"

Mrs. Meng Er smiled and looked at Mrs. Xin.

Mrs. Xin realized her sister-in-law's true feelings hidden behind her smile.

She is like a poisonous snake hiding in a dark corner. She must have known something long ago, ridiculed her, despised her, and gloated at her misfortune. It's just that this cunning woman has done her best on the surface.

Thinking of the humiliation her son was suffering, Mrs. Xin was trembling all over, wishing to pounce on her and tore off a piece of this woman's hypocritical skin.

But she can't do anything.

Her fingernails were deeply pinched into the palm of her hand, her eyes wandered mechanically, she forced a smile, and said, "Yeah, that's great..."

...

Pei You'an knelt in front of Mrs. Pei and kowtowed to her.

The last time the grandparents and grandchildren met was on the old lady's birthday. In a blink of an eye, the world changed and the world turned upside down. The fate of the people in this mansion was even more ups and downs. , Life is like a play, think it's probably nothing more than that.

Seeing the eldest grandson kneeling under his knees again, this old woman was undoubtedly delighted and excited, but soon, her emotions stabilized, and her eyes swept over the splendid gown on him that had not yet been taken off.

Pei You'an looked up and said, "There are many things involved in the grandson's request for the grandmother, and the grandson also knows that it will definitely embarrass the grandmother. Even so, the grandmother has fulfilled her wish for the grandson. The grandson is very grateful!"

For more than a year, although Pei You'an is thousands of miles away from Quanzhou, he has always kept his promise to Jiafu, and the Zhen family secretly kept his people. The governor of Fujian came to Zhen's house with the imperial decree, and then brought Jiafu to Beijing. While the group was still on the road, the news was handed to Mrs. Pei.

It was a letter that Pei You'an had reserved for his grandmother. The letter said that he wanted to marry the daughter of the Zhen family, but he couldn't help himself and was wandering away. If his grandmother saw this letter, it would be a time when he could not protect her, and he begged her to help.

The old lady stared at Pei You'an and didn't say anything at first. After a long time, she slowly said: "You'an, you really embarrassed your grandmother. The Zhen family and your second brother had a relationship in the past, and now it's yours to marry, although It's a little inconvenient, but it's not a big deal. What's really difficult is that she involves the prince. You want to steal someone from the prince, this is no small matter. Grandma didn't want to accept you at first..."

Her voice gradually decreased, she was dazed for a moment, her eyes were bleak, as if she was caught in a memory of something from the past.

"Grandma has lived to this day, and she has seen a lot of things. Fortune is not a blessing, and a misfortune may not be a misfortune. You were a governor when you were young, and you were not someone who didn't know the importance of it. It was the first time I saw you when you were young. Ask your grandmother to do things for you, or your marriage, since she told her this, how can she bear it and not fulfill you?"

She sighed, a little helpless, a little relieved.

Pei You'an's eyes were full of tears, and he kowtowed: "The grandson is self-willed, but fortunately, the grandmother's love can make it happen."

A smile appeared on Mrs. Pei's lips, and she reached out and stopped on the head that her grandson was leaning over, caressed it lovingly for a moment, and ordered him to get up.

Pei Youan got up, helped her to the inner room, sat down by the bed, squatted down like before, and removed her shoes.

Mrs. Pei looked at her and said casually, "You'an, I remember that when my grandmother passed her birthday last time, you and your cousin were quite estranged. Why is she not married now?"

Pei You'an paused for a moment, then took off his shoes, put them gently on the ground, helped the old lady to lie down, and said, "Grandmother, you don't know something, since then I fell in love with my cousin at first sight, but it was a lot of inconvenience at that time. , how can I let my grandmother know?"

The old lady stared at him, unable to tell the sincerity or prevarication for a while, and shook her head: "Forget it, you are fine with everything, but since childhood, things have been boring in your heart..."

After speaking for a while, she stopped, looking at her grandson, her eyes becoming more kind.

"My grandmother likes Av's child. This time the emperor first made her the concubine of the crown prince, but she doesn't want it either. You marry her back, and you can have a good life with her in the future. Grandma is at ease with you. ."

Pei You'an smiled, covered the old lady with the quilt, and went out gently.

...

When the new emperor ascended the throne, he awarded many old ministers and generals who followed Wuding.

Pei You'an, for his merits, the official residence of the Shangshutai Youcheng, the super-rank rank of Shangzhu Guoxun, and the Dongge University Scholar, serving the emperor day and night, he was originally a glory of day brocade, which made people eye-catching. Now not only He was granted a marriage, and he even promised to marry the crown prince on the same day. This kind of grace has never been seen before since the establishment of this dynasty. In the eyes of the emperor, his status is self-evident. It's just that the Ministry of Rites thought it was inappropriate to arrange his wedding date to be the same day as the prince, and specifically said that Pei Quan also expressed his gratitude on behalf of his nephew, but requested another rescheduling to avoid the suspicion of arrogance.

The emperor said, I and Duke Wei were brothers and sisters when we were young, and we fought together when we were young. Duke Wei sacrificed his life for Wei and died young. , I was also in danger. Pei Youan led the surprise attack, and the rescue was very close. Today, I gave the prince a wedding on the same day. There is no other reason. The prince and Pei You'an can continue the Confucian love between me and Wei Guogong. See the edict to follow.

Only then did the ministers know that the emperor was well-intentioned, and suddenly, they were all moved and expressed their congratulations.

On this day, in the front hall of Duke Wei's mansion, Mrs. Pei brought Mrs. Xin and Mrs. Meng Er to kneel to welcome the reward sent by the officials of the Inspection Division. In addition to the original title, Mrs. Pei was awarded the title of Mrs. Yi De Kangyi, the old lady, because of her eldest grandson, and she was given Zhai Yi and Zhai crown. Mrs. Xin was awarded the title of First Lady Tai, and Mrs. Meng Er was also awarded the fourth grade honorary person. Previously, Pei Quan, who had been working in six subjects for many years, was given the first priority to be "diligent and prudent, conscientious and conscientious over the years, with few mistakes" when he was selected and inspected by the Ministry of Personnel. Not only did he enter the ranks of the fourth rank in this regard, but it was also a fat shortage that everyone envied.

Pei's family is full of glory, like cooking oil on fire, like flowers with brocade. People at that time all sighed with emotion, the rise and fall of the family depends on the success of the descendants. The Pei family is an example. Who in Beijing does not envy?

The Pei family's scenery is infinite, and the appearance of the Zhen family has also risen. The emperor decreed that Jiafu's grandmother Zhenhu's family was a seven-rank Ruren, and the head crown, Zhai clothes, together with money, silk and color forgings and other gifts were sent to Quanzhou by express. There is an endless stream of guests and relatives at home. Beijing officials from Quanzhou have come to visit their relatives to ask for their relatives. Needless to say, even a lot of people who couldn’t get to one place with eight poles also went to their old places to congratulate them. After sitting down, they actually became a family. Posting congratulatory gifts, it almost fills the house, and there is nowhere to stay.

Because it was a marriage gift, many things were co-organized by the Ministry of Rites and the Zongren Mansion, and the Meng family was also less involved. What she cares most about is the dowry prepared for her daughter. Although the time is tight, it is fortunate that in order to prepare for the marriage, the dowry that had been prepared for the previous time was all shipped to Beijing, and now they are all here. Taking advantage of these days, we have to check and fill in the gaps, and we must marry Jiafu beautifully.

The wedding date is approaching suddenly. On the first day of the big wedding, the Zhen family is going to give the dowry shop a bed in the new house. On this day, Mrs. Meng Er brought Rongfang, and Mrs. Pei also sent Yuzhu. They came to the Zhen family together to help Meng Shi prepares things. Beaming and busy, she successfully arrived at Pei's house and finished the new house. The next day was the day of the big wedding. That night, mother and daughter slept in the same bed. Mrs. Meng accompanied her daughter, whispering and teaching her many things that she had never mentioned before. The secret of the newly married, accompany her to spend the last night by her side before getting married.

It was the second half of the night, and Mrs. Meng was still drowsy. It was not easy to recall the twists and turns of her daughter's marriage. Fortunately, in the end, she finally got her wish, and she was married to a husband who was happy and reluctant, and suddenly felt the waist. An arm was stretched out, and her daughter's head rested in her arms, only then did she know that she was still awake. Thinking of talking to her tonight, she seemed to be absent-minded, and she didn't have the slightest shyness that a young daughter should have before she got married. He hugged him and comforted in a low voice: "Afu, mother knows what's on your mind. It's not that mother didn't think about how the bridal chamber could find a way to cover up the past for you, but think about it again, your eldest cousin knows that you are being abused. The kidnapped one, no matter how busy we are, we are afraid of making him unhappy. Since he is willing to come to our house to ask for relatives, it can be seen that he doesn’t care about that.”

Gave has been unable to sleep. In the dark, when heard such comforting words from mother, heart was even more sad.

What happened in those days of captivity, now that I think about it, apart from being incredible, I feel ashamed. Even to the mother who loves her the most, she has no face to say it. In these days, seeing her busy preparing for her marriage, she couldn't help but always think of Pei You'an's indifferent look at her when the two were alone when he came to propose marriage. The last sentence out.

He said, "If I am lucky enough to come back in the future, I will marry you as I promised."

He really was going to marry her. But the impatience and perfunctory in this tone, every time think about it, it makes Jiafu sad again, and even more embarrassed.

"I know, don't worry, mother..." Jiafu buried her face in her mother's arms and said in a relaxed voice.

Mrs. Meng touched her shoulder and suddenly remembered, motioning for Jiafu to lie down, light the lamp by herself, took a key, unlocked the door of the cabinet, unlocked another lock in the cabinet, and returned with a small box. On the couch, I finally opened a small lock, and then I carefully took out the jade pendant hidden inside, handed it to Jiafu, and said, "I never told you before, the last time your eldest cousin came to your house to talk to you. My grandmother begged to marry you, and she left this jade pendant as a token before she left, saying that it was left by the prince before his death. You are going to marry tomorrow, and you can keep this token and take it with you."

Jiafu was surprised, sat up, and took it over carefully. Using the light, she saw that the jade surface was carved with branches and vines, and there was a secluded orchid carved in the middle. It is also very smooth and smooth, as if it is often caused by stroking. When it is held in the palm of one's own hands, it is warm and sticky, and it feels as clean and warm as a woman's body skin.

"...You think, since the grandfather left it to your eldest cousin before he died, he must have regarded it as a treasure, but he took it out and left it to our family as a token that day, which shows his sincerity towards you."

Maybe it was her mother's words, which gave her a little confidence, or maybe it was the thing in her palm that gave her some comfort. Jiafu lowered her head and touched the jade body lightly with her fingertips. Her originally depressed mood suddenly improved a lot.

Meng Shi asked her daughter to lie down again, and she also lay down.

"...My daughter is so beautiful, what man wouldn't like it? After the marriage is over, I will serve your eldest cousin well. No matter how big things are, they will slowly pass..."

"Afu, if you believe your mother, your eldest cousin will love you very much."

Jiafu held the jade pendant in her hand, closed her eyes in the middle of her mother's babble, and finally slowly fell asleep.

...

The next day is the wedding.

Throughout the day, all the excitement and festivities in the front hall of Zhen's house had nothing to do with her, the bride. In the back hall, Jiafu was only surrounded by a dozen maids and maids. She took a bath, combed her hair, changed into a red wedding dress, put on a bead crown, finished her makeup, and covered her head with a hi-pattern. Wait until dusk, the auspicious time will come, Under the guidance of the Minister of Rites, after the etiquette was elaborated, she was sent to a large sedan chair. Under the gazes of Dale and the countless eyes around her, she was carried away from Zhen's house and went to the Duke of Wei's mansion.

At the same time, the wedding in the East Palace was also carried out in an orderly manner. After the ceremony, the night was dark and the palace was heavy. Xiao Lie stood alone in front of the palace steps of Chengguang Palace, looking at the dark night sky in the north of the city. A long shadow was drawn on the ground by Yuehua.

The godfather went to the Duke of Wei's mansion for a wedding tonight, Cui Yinshui stood far away in the corner, looking at the motionless back in front of the hall, not daring to let out a breath.

The Anding Gate in the north of the Imperial City made a dull opening sound in the middle of the night. One person sat on the horse, accompanied by his escorts, and walked out of the city gate, heading north. The figure soon disappeared in the thick atmosphere. In the dark.

Today, the prince got married, and the Royal Mercy Temple also performed a ritual of He Shun during the day. At this moment, the monk was awakened from a familiar dream and looked at a mysterious man with no black cloak. The Fang Zen Temple where he stayed.

The courtyard door was closed, and the man's figure disappeared behind the door, standing on the dimly lit remnant of the Zen courtyard. For a long time, his figure remained motionless.

Tonight in the imperial city, Zhong Le Jiaqing, there is only the rustling sound of the night wind blowing through the weeds on the wall.

In the dark of night, the old tree faded, his figure finally moved, and he walked step by step to the quiet room, stretched out his hand, and slowly pushed open the door.

The Pei family has not been here this year.

With a slight "squeak" sound, a faint smell of haze and dust rushed into his breath and penetrated into his lungs.

"Ajing, I'm back."

"The only thing I can do for you is this. Do you hate me?"

In the darkness, he stood still and muttered, his eyes were slightly warm, he closed his eyes, and took a deep breath.

The people are gone, and the fragrance is scattered.

In the air, he could no longer smell the wisp of Yiyilan that had haunted him.

...

Government of Wei.

Pei You'an's wedding, the new house is located in a courtyard adjacent to the north courtyard where Mrs. Pei lives. There are three main rooms, with hatches on both sides. In addition to the bedroom, there are living rooms and study rooms. Yes, it is arranged.

Jiafu has been covering her head all night, like a puppet. She was led off the sedan chair, saluted, and worshipped. Finally, it was over. At this moment, another piece of red satin was stuffed in her hand. Knowing that it was Pei Youan, she couldn't help it. Like a deer, like a dream, he was taken into the bridal chamber dizzy, sat on the edge of the bed, bowed his head and waited for Pei You'an to lift his veil.

The room was filled with the laughter of the women in the bridal chamber. In addition to the Pei family's clan, there are also two male wives, five or six Houbo's wives, either acquaintances who used to communicate frequently, or they are close relatives. Perhaps it was because the bead crown on her head and the dress on her body were too heavy and weighed down a dozen pounds. After one night, Jiafu's neck and shoulders were sore, or maybe it was because she was nervous. Hearing Xi Niang reciting auspicious words, a woman They booed and urged Pei Youan to take off her hijab quickly. She couldn't wait to see the bride. Jiafu was so nervous that she was about to faint, but the hijab didn't move.

Just when her head was dizzy and her breathing was not smooth, suddenly, a light wind swept across her face, her eyes lit up, Jiafu stopped breathing, and raised her eyes subconsciously, her eyes met a pair of men who were looking down at her. s eyes.

He is the only man in this room tonight.

Pei You'an, who was wearing a red robe and a jade belt around his waist.

Jiafu hadn't seen him for more than a year, and she only remembered how he was portrayed over and over again, but she never imagined what he looked like tonight. The ancient auspicious color and the dignified Chinese clothes made him extraordinarily handsome. She opened her eyes wide and looked up at the handsome man in front of her, which made her dazed for a while, until she heard the exclamations of the women in her ears, and she turned back. When he came to his senses, his face flushed, he hurriedly lowered his eyes, bowed his head slightly, and dared not look at him again.

Fortunately, the rouge on the cheeks was thick, but the jade white earlobes and a neck exposed outside the collar were also lightly dyed red. It just happened to meet the shyness of the bride, which attracted the praise of the onlookers.

The bride is indeed beautiful, no matter how much praise she deserves.

Pei You'an's eyes moved slightly, glanced at her drooping eyelashes, followed Xi Niang's command, smiled, and sat side by side with her. Spread the tent, eat glutinous rice balls, and drink wine.

Jiafu was careful, under the laughter and the gaze of countless eyes, even a single strand of hair did not make any mistakes, and only completed the whole process step by step according to what she had been taught in advance.

After drinking the wine, tonight's wedding is almost complete, and only the last step is left, the bridal chamber.

Naturally, this is a private matter for the new couple.

It was still early, there were many guests outside, Pei Youan finished drinking the wine, glanced at Jiafu, who kept her head down, put down the glass, stood up from the bed, and smiled at the women who were still making fun of the newcomer: "She I’m tired today. All aunts and aunts, for my sake, go out of the house. If you’re not happy, I’ll go and toast a few more cups to your aunts and aunts, how about that?”

Mrs. Anyuan Hou said with a smile: "Let's go, let's go, before there is too much trouble, You'an feels distressed for his new daughter-in-law. Today he is the bridegroom's official son, so it's not good to save his face, we old goblins, let's get to know each other better. Alright, lest we stop letting people in next time!"

With laughter and laughter, the women finally filed out of the new house.

Pei You'an turned her head and whispered to Jiafu: "You can rest first, you don't have to wait for me. I still have guests to entertain." After that, he left the room.