Chapter 3 The Ox-Cart Wedding Procession



A look of surprise flashed across Jiang Wenyuan's face. He exclaimed incredulously, "You actually know about these things?"

He then added seriously, "However, don't oversimplify this matter. Lord Tu is my superior, but we have no personal relationship. Furthermore, he doesn't readily accept disciples, so getting him to accept this letter of recommendation won't be easy."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Huaiyu smiled gently and said calmly, "Father, please don't be so quick to refuse. You should be well aware of Bai Yujing's literary talent. If we can attach his policy essays to the letter, it might attract the attention of Tu Jijiu."

She knew in her heart that in her previous life, the Jiang family had not written a letter of recommendation, but Bai Yujing's policy essays had deeply attracted Tu Jijiu, which led him to take him under his wing.

Now, Jiang Huaiyu simply wants to strike first and seize this opportunity.

With the book collection promised by Jiang Wenyuan and this heartfelt letter, even without a generous dowry, she could stand tall and proud in front of others as she stepped into the Bai family.

Jiang Wenyuan hesitated, unwilling to readily sign the letter of commitment. After all, if he were politely refused and the news reached the Imperial Academy, he would lose more than just face; it could also damage his reputation.

Jiang Huaiyu continued to persuade him, "Father, your official position has remained unchanged all these years. Isn't the root cause the lack of powerful support in the court? As you said, Bai Yujing is an extraordinary talent. If my younger sister can marry into the Marquis's family, I can also join hands with the Bai family. The nobility of the Marquis's family and Bai Yujing's talent will complement each other. At that time, will the revitalization of the Jiang family be far away?"

Her words were like a gentle spring breeze, nourishing the longing in Jiang Wenyuan's heart and invigorating him.

His expression shifted several times before he finally made up his mind to take the risk. "Alright, even if I have to risk my reputation, I will write this letter of recommendation myself."

"Thank you, Father!"

Jiang Huaiyu was secretly delighted. Jiang Wenyuan's worries seemed a bit excessive. After all, what Tu Jijiu favored was Bai Yujing's extraordinary literary talent.

She merely used Jiang Wenyuan's help to cleverly present Bai Yujing's article to Tu Jijiu ahead of time.

As time goes by, the days pass by in the blink of an eye.

Jiang Huaiyu was quietly busy at home, preparing for her upcoming wedding. Her dowry was extraordinary, filled with books, and in her spare time, she would carefully organize the precious collection of books that she would be taking to the Bai family.

Although Jiang Wenyuan did not hold a high official rank, he worked at the Imperial Academy as an assistant supervisor and had a vast collection of books at home.

These books may seem insignificant to others, but for those students pursuing the path of the imperial examinations, they are undoubtedly a priceless treasure!

Time flies, and soon it was Jiang Shuqin's big day.

Due to the rushed wedding date, the ceremony was kept as simple as possible. However, given the noble status of the Marquis's family in welcoming a bride, the scene was still grand and spectacular, greatly enhancing the prestige of the Jiang family among their neighbors.

Dressed in a phoenix coronet and embroidered robe, Jiang Shuqin, after careful grooming, looked even more radiant and beautiful. She even gave Jiang Huaiyu a rare, gentle smile.

“Jiang Huaiyu, I am about to enter the Qin family and enjoy its wealth and glory, something you can never achieve. But don’t be discouraged, you will soon become Bai Yujing’s wife. After all, you were just a country girl, and to marry into a family like the Bai family is a good match. From now on, just live your life in peace. If you ever fall into poverty and seek help from my Marquis’s mansion, out of consideration for our sisterhood, I might be able to give you some food and clothing.”

As soon as she finished speaking, she stepped into the wedding sedan chair of the Marquis's mansion with an arrogant look on her face and drove away.

Jiang Huaiyu's gaze remained fixed on the departing wedding procession, a sense of bewilderment welling up within her. In this cycle of reincarnation, the two had swapped life trajectories, and she couldn't help but wonder if this change would lead to different outcomes.

Three days passed quickly. According to custom, the newlywed bride should return to her parents' home to visit them. However, Jiang Shuqin did not return as promised.

Madam Hao was anxious and worried. "On such a crucial day, Shuqin did not return. Could it be that her situation in the Marquis's mansion is not optimistic?"

Jiang Wenyuan tried to soothe her emotions, saying, "Shuqin has the heavy responsibility of taking care of the young master, so it's understandable that she can't leave for the time being. Once the young master recovers, they might be able to return home together."

However, both of them were filled with anxiety and could not predict whether the Crown Prince's condition would improve.

Jiang Huaiyu naturally understood the secret, but she chose to remain silent. Instead, she said in a consoling tone, "I have consulted the Buddha, and the divination shows that the marriage between Shuqin and Prince Qin is an auspicious omen. Prince Qin is blessed with good fortune and will surely be safe and sound."

A satisfied smile spread across Hao's face as she exclaimed with delight, "If that's really the case, then it couldn't be better!"

Being able to establish a marriage alliance with the prestigious Marquis's family was undoubtedly a blessing from heaven for the Jiang family.

Their daughter was blessed with good fortune; upon marrying into the Marquis's household, she immediately rose to the esteemed position of the Heir Apparent's wife. And once her son-in-law recovered, she was poised to become an even more powerful and influential Marquis's wife.

Whenever she thinks of these things, Hao's heart is filled with an irrepressible sense of pride and joy.

...

Time flies, and two months have passed in the blink of an eye. Jiang Huaiyu's big day has finally arrived.

Bai Yujing came from an ordinary family in Liangzhou, a three-day journey from the capital. Due to the long distance and the already set wedding date, the Bai family could not send Bai Yujing in person, so they sent a relative from a collateral branch of the clan to fetch the bride on her behalf.

The Bai family was in dire financial straits, with no surplus wealth. They couldn't even afford a horse-drawn carriage for the wedding procession, so they had to temporarily borrow an oxcart from the town to serve as the wedding party's vehicle.

This scene immediately sparked whispers among the neighbors.

They never imagined that although the Jiang family were only minor officials in the capital, their daughters were, after all, true daughters of officials. One was able to marry into a noble family with honor, while the other was to marry into such a poor family...

Such a contrast makes one sigh at the impermanence of life and the vicissitudes of fate.

Jiang Huaiyu's face was filled with a humble smile, showing no sign of dissatisfaction. She politely invited Bai's relatives and friends into the house to rest for a while.

Her thoughtful hospitality not only won praise from several members of the Bai family, but also brought Jiang Wenyuan and Madam Hao heartfelt comfort and joy.

With the wedding just four days away, the Bai family's guests, unable to refuse the Jiang family's sincere invitation, decided to stay overnight so they could depart the next day.

Jiang Huaiyu was filled with reluctance. She was about to say goodbye to the home where she had lived for more than ten years. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she bowed deeply to her parents to say goodbye.

"Your daughter pays her highest respects to you and bids farewell to her father and mother."

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