Jiang Wanqing found it amusing to see Qiao Xuemei's extremely solemn demeanor, and in fact, she did laugh.
He clapped his hands, glanced up and down, and said sarcastically, "Of course, it's not as important as Dr. Qiao's attitude towards this wedding. Anyone who didn't know better would think you were the bride."
This was by no means a compliment. Associating her with someone like Yuan Zhong, a wolf in sheep's clothing, made her feel nauseous and she stomped her foot in anger.
"Don't just talk the talk, see you at the wedding, there are lots of surprises waiting for you!"
Qiao Xuemei's eyes were full of schemes. She had given Jiang Xiu a lot of advice for this wedding. If Jiang Wanqing dared to go, she would definitely be the one who lost face; if she didn't go, she would be condemned by everyone.
After Qiao Xuemei left, the tractor driver spat and turned to Jiang Wanqing to complain.
"Wanqing, this woman doesn't seem like a good person. You'd better be careful."
"Thank you, Uncle Shuan, I understand."
"It's good that you know. Your father and I have been friends for decades, and I've practically watched you grow up. You're a soft-hearted child, and you're easily influenced. When you go to Xiuer's wedding, don't let her take advantage of you. Her whole family is practically leeching off your family!"
Uncle Shu earnestly reminded her, fearing that she would fall into Jiang Xiu's trap. She had heard the exact same words in her previous life, but she hadn't taken them to heart then, which ultimately led to a tragedy that would haunt her for the rest of her life.
"Yes, I will remember what you said."
"Okay, let's go then."
Uncle Shu started the tractor, and the rumbling sound echoed on the road. It was noisy, but it gave Jiang Wanqing a strong sense of security.
As soon as I entered the village, I heard the sound of firecrackers going off one after another. At the village entrance, there were a few unfamiliar faces sitting with the village women, chatting idly.
"Those are all distant relatives that your uncle invited from who-knows-where. They've really no shame in their pursuit of money! They said that a high-ranking official is coming today to support his daughter and broaden everyone's horizons."
Uncle Shu was full of resentment. When he got home, he put Jiang Wanqing down, sighed, and seemed quite disappointed in her.
"I won't say any more, you'd better watch yourself."
She nodded, wanting to tell Uncle Shuan that she wouldn't be swayed by family ties like before, but she also knew that actions speak louder than words.
Upon entering the Jiang family home, the tables in the courtyard were almost overflowing. Bowls and chopsticks, seemingly gathered from nowhere, were carelessly tossed onto the tables. Even before getting close, one could hear lively sounds coming from Jiang Xiu's room.
She didn't go that way, but went straight back to her own house. It was much quieter there. When Xue He saw her daughter return, she was both surprised and worried.
"You're back after all. Your dad has told me everything. Promise me you won't act impulsively at the wedding. If there are any high-ranking officials there, you'll have to give them some face."
"Mom, you're worrying too soon. You'll find out soon enough."
Yuan Zhong stayed in the village, skipping the long journey to fetch the bride early in the morning, and went straight to the wedding theme, setting off firecrackers and welcoming guests.
Jiang Wanqing stood under the eaves watching the commotion. As soon as Jiang Xiu came out of the room, she saw her, swayed her hips as she walked over, and, having forgotten the pain of her past mistakes, put her hands on her hips and snorted smugly.
"I thought you weren't coming back. Without you, my wedding would be half as fun." She took two steps up the stairs, having to tiptoe to reach the same height as Jiang Wanqing, and whispered fiercely in her ear, "I have the kind of wedding you don't have, I have the kind of grandeur you don't have, and I'll have the kind of good days you won't have in the future. What do you have to compare with me, Jiang Wanqing!"
It would have been better if she hadn't said anything, because what she said suddenly made Jiang Wanqing feel that she was quite tragic. She had spent two lifetimes comparing herself to others and pursuing what she thought was a good life, but she didn't know that only sorrow and pain awaited her.
"Spectacularity? Where is it?"
Jiang Wanqing shrugged, scrutinizing her as if she were a clown.
"The leaders from the commune and the county will come, out of respect for Brother Yuan Zhong. Just you wait and see."
"Hahahaha... For Yuan Zhong's sake? You really dare to say that, for his reputation for having affairs and cheating?"
"you……"
Jiang Wanqing laughed so hard she almost burst out laughing, while Jiang Xiu was so angry that the plastic flower on her head was trembling. Qiao Xuemei, who was standing next to her, pulled her back and shook her head.
"Don't rush, the real show hasn't even started yet."
She slowly calmed down, took a deep breath, pointed at Jiang Wanqing, and gritted her teeth.
You'll regret this!
The wedding didn't start until almost lunchtime. Everyone in the village had arrived, and relatives and friends were already seated, but the two main tables at the head of the table remained empty. Jiang Xiu's uncle was the first to be unhappy.
"Jiang Jianwei, what do you mean by this? Not letting me, as the uncle, sit at the head table is one thing, but we've all been sitting here for so long and not a single dish has been served. Are you expecting us to spend our money and starve?"
Jiang Xiu's family is a real miser, a bloodsucker. They can't get along with their relatives on Jiang's side, and their relationship with their maternal relatives is even worse. They spend money during holidays but don't visit, only inviting people to banquets and funerals after receiving money.
Jiang Xiu's mother quickly stepped forward to comfort her brother, her face beaming with a smile.
"Brother, don't be in such a hurry. The leader hasn't arrived yet. How can we start eating first? Please consider your niece's feelings."
"Hmph, she has no shame whatsoever! Having a sister and niece like you is my bad luck! I'm telling you this now, if no one comes within half an hour, I'm taking your whole family back!"
"elder brother……"
As the scene became increasingly unpleasant, the villagers also grew impatient, and some even started banging on their bowls, which is a major taboo at weddings!
"Yes, how long do we have to wait? If the meal isn't served, we'll return the gift money!"
"Yes, return the money! Why should we pay money to make ourselves unhappy!"
Jiang Wanqing watched the farce with a cold eye, while Molly sat beside her and silently gave her a thumbs up.
"Brilliant! My trip to Lijia Village was worthwhile."
Yes, the day before, Jiang Wanqing had specifically asked Molly to go to Jiang Xiu's maternal home. With appropriate incentives and a show of respect, she had indeed become a major force in causing trouble today.
Yuan Zhong gripped his wine glass tightly. He also wanted to make a name for himself today, but so much time had passed and he hadn't seen a single leader. The commune's brigade leader hadn't come either. Forget about making a name for himself, he was more likely to lose face!
"What's going on! Didn't you say your dad had taken care of everything? Are they coming or not?"
"How should I know? They clearly promised to come. My dad even mentioned Cheng Ran. They wouldn't not come..."
At this moment, Jiang Wanqing stood up and approached Jiang Xiu with a powerful and imposing aura, her eyes filled with undisguised mockery, and she deliberately raised her voice.
"Didn't you say that all the leaders would come to support us because of Yuan Zhiqing? Where are they?"
"For Yuan Zhong's sake? Pshaw, don't be ridiculous! Yesterday I heard the battalion commander say that he received a telegram from Battalion Commander Cheng, saying that all invitations disguised as his were not authorized by him personally, and that everyone should carefully verify them."
The other educated youths couldn't stand Yuan Zhong's bullying attitude. If he really succeeded, where would the other educated youths put their faces?
These words caused an uproar throughout the room...
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