mtl008 Chapter 216 The Newlyweds
Chapter 216 The Newlyweds
What was supposed to be a perfectly normal blessing turned out to displease Madam Xing. She gave Xiao Zhijie a cold glance and snorted in response.
This dismissive and disrespectful attitude seems to be the only way to demonstrate the majesty of the first wife. Even if it is a prince, he still has to bow and show respect in front of her, Madam Xing.
Madam Xing secretly sized up Xiao Zhijie. So what if he was a prince? He was raised by the second wife, and his shabby appearance was impossible to hide. He couldn't compare to her son, who had such an air of grandeur.
If her son were a prince, that would be the case...
"Let's go."
Qiao Qingshu coldly observed Madam Xing's dismissive expression and had no intention of giving her a kind look. She then pulled Xiao Zhijie away.
As you pass through the backyard of the main house, you can hear a woman's wailing, which is very tragic and sorrowful.
Xiao Zhijie frowned upon hearing this.
"On this joyous day, who is weeping?"
Qiao Qingshu smiled and glanced at it. She would recognize that voice even if it turned to ashes; it was Liu Wan'er's voice.
Today is Xiao Chengyan's wedding day, so naturally, she, a concubine who is not worthy of being in public, is not allowed to appear. Madam Xing specially ordered someone to lock Liu Wan'er in the woodshed and not allow her to come out until tomorrow.
Liu Wan'er was unwilling to accept this and cried loudly, wanting to leave.
The servant guarding her was afraid that Liu Wan'er would make too much noise and that he would be implicated and scolded by Madam Xing, so he searched around and found a rag lying on the ground and stuffed it into Liu Wan'er's mouth.
"Waaaaah...waaaah..."
The cries gradually faded, turning into low, indistinct sobs.
Qiao Qingshu took Xiao Zhijie's arm and said,
"Let's go, forget about it. There are probably already quite a few guests in the front hall."
Upon arriving at the front hall, the atmosphere immediately became lively. Everyone in the capital knew that the Xiao family was to be married off to the imperial family, and some high-ranking officials and nobles who had not received invitations also came with generous gifts to curry favor.
"The bride is here!"
A loud shout came from outside, and the guests quickly made way and knelt down.
Princess Yongxian, who is the emperor's most beloved concubine, is dressed in red and being helped out of the bright red wedding sedan chair by Li Pu, the emperor's favorite eunuch.
Xiao Chengyan, also dressed in red, dismounted from his horse and strode forward to take Princess Yongxian's wrist.
But the groom's expression didn't show much joy; he was solemn and serious, as if he were dealing with official business.
Princess Yongxian felt sweet inside, especially since the person beside her was Xiao Chengyan, whom she had admired for many years. She was overjoyed.
With light steps and supported by Xiao Chengyan, she slowly entered the gate of the Xiao family.
Old Madam Xiao and the fourth wife had been waiting for a long time. Upon seeing Princess Yongxian, Old Madam Xiao was about to kneel and pay her respects when Princess Yongxian noticed and quickly stopped her.
No need for formalities.
Old Madam Xiao hesitated for a moment, but then Yongxian helped her up and said slowly,
"Madam, there's no need for such formalities. I... no... Yongxian is a daughter-in-law of the Xiao family. We're family, why should we be so distant?"
Because Yongxian was so fond of Xiao Chengyan, she treated the Xiao family members with kindness and gentleness. She naively believed that once she married into the Xiao family, she would no longer be a princess, but simply the Xiao family's granddaughter-in-law.
She wanted to help Xiao Chengyan have children and manage the family business; she was full of anticipation for her newlywed life.
"Princess Yongxian is truly sensible; she is indeed worthy of being a royal princess."
"Yes, I've heard that Princess Yongxian is unruly, but I don't think so. She's clearly very well-mannered and knowledgeable."
Yongxian was naturally pleased to hear the compliments from these onlookers. She deliberately acted so sensibly, not only to save face for herself but also for the Xiao family. Her heart was now with the Xiao family.
Behind her, Madam Gu from the third branch of the family tugged at Madam Xing's sleeve and said with a grin,
"Look, sister-in-law! It's such a blessing for your family to have such a wonderful wife. Not only is she of noble status, but she's also so sensible and understanding. You'll be able to enjoy a life of luxury from now on."
This is the only thing that has made Madam Xing feel somewhat at ease recently.
Today, she heard countless flattering words. Every official's wife and lady congratulated her, saying she was lucky to have such a good son and such a noble and proper wife.
She couldn't help but put her previous unhappiness behind her, and a smug look appeared on her face.
But she ignored Gu Rong from the third branch of the family and walked in with the crowd, head held high.
Gu Rong watched Madam Xing's retreating figure and suddenly sneered. She then pulled Madam Yan from the fourth branch of the family aside and said...
"Look at Xing Yu's smug and arrogant appearance. He really thinks he's something special. Princess Yongxian is no pushover. Just wait and see."
Madam Yan frowned and said,
"how do I say this?"
Madam Gu shrugged with a cold laugh.
"Yan-ge'er is such a flirtatious man, and Yongxian was spoiled and raised with a bad temper. They are both pampered and will inevitably quarrel in the future. We can just wait and watch the show."
Madam Yan also nodded as she watched the newlyweds' backs.
Some people think this is the beginning of a happy life, but others have already seen the mess behind it all.
Qiao Qingshu nudged Xiao Zhijie with her elbow and said with a smile,
"What do you think of your second sister-in-law?"
Xiao Zhijie said solemnly,
"do not know."
Qiao Qingshu, however, revealed a bright smile; she thought it was quite nice.
When Yongxian enters the house, Liu Wan'er will definitely be the first to suffer. She is very interested to see how Liu Wan'er will be dealt with, and how Xiao Chengyan will face his new wife.
The lively wedding ended amidst a cacophony of voices.
In the evening, Qiao Qingshu had changed into her pajamas and was preparing to go to bed, but Xiao Zhijie was still reading at his desk.
Ever since Qiao Qingshu tricked him into having physical intimacy with her, Xiao Zhijie has stopped drinking and now waits until Qiao Qingshu falls asleep before going to bed himself.
Every morning when Qiao Qingshu woke up, she found that he was sleeping in a small area by the bed, and he always slept fully clothed, which made her both amused and exasperated.
Tonight, I'm sitting at my desk again, waiting for Qiao Qingshu to fall asleep before I go to sleep myself.
Qiao Qingshu yawned and called to him.
"Husband, aren't you going to rest? You've been busy all day. Aren't you tired?"
Xiao Zhijie didn't even look up, he simply said,
"Uh... I'm not sleepy yet. I'll read for a while longer. You go to sleep first."
Qiao Qingshu smiled faintly, thinking to herself that this guy was still young and probably hadn't experienced anything between men and women, so he naturally didn't know anything about pleasure. A thought of teasing him arose in her heart.
But then she thought again that she had married him hoping for his death. Now that Xiao Zhijie's fate had changed, he probably wouldn't die on the battlefield. Wouldn't that mean she would really be husband and wife with him for life?
Qiao Qingshu hadn't intended to stay in the Xiao family for long at the beginning, but now she was passively trapped here. Should her marriage with Xiao Zhijie continue?