The old village chief sighed deeply and said excitedly, "It's more than miraculous! Who is the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy? He not only oversees the imperial examinations, but he may even personally draft the exam questions. If Yujing can receive his guidance, passing the exam next year will be a certainty!"
The old village chief's son was also studying diligently. Although he wasn't as outstanding as Bai Yujing, he had already obtained the degree of a scholar. He secretly regretted that if his son had married a little later, he would have really wanted to bring this beautiful woman from the Jiang family into his home.
Among the onlookers were some of Bai Yujing's classmates, who were well aware of the importance of the letter and whose eyes gleamed with eager anticipation.
"Sister-in-law Bai, may I take a look at this letter?"
"How can you address me like that before we're even married? Miss Jiang, please let me see you for myself."
In an instant, Jiang Huaiyu was surrounded by the crowd.
Seeing this, the old village chief hurriedly said to Bai Qishi, "What are you standing there for? Quickly apologize and warmly welcome the guests into your home. Even if you don't care that your soon-to-be daughter-in-law is being fought over, you should at least think about the future of Yujing!"
Bai Qi never dreamed of this.
The ten boxes of ancient books and the letter brought by the adopted daughter were all incredibly precious. Judging from the expressions of these literati, these treasures were indeed beyond the measure of money!
These all originally belonged to Yujing, and she absolutely could not let anyone get them first!
Thinking of this, she hurriedly pushed through the crowd, walked quickly to Jiang Huaiyu, and slightly raised the corners of her mouth, revealing a warm smile like a spring breeze.
"Oh dear, my dear daughter-in-law, I apologize for my inappropriate words just now. Please don't take it to heart."
As Bai Qi spoke, she actually bowed slightly, adopting a sincere posture of admitting her mistake.
She took a few quick steps and grasped Jiang Huaiyu's hands. "It is an honor for the Bai family to have such a virtuous daughter-in-law as you. You must be exhausted from your long journey. Come with me into the house to rest and recover your strength. When the auspicious time comes, we will complete the wedding ceremony together with Yujing."
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Madam Bai sincerely apologized and personally led her inside. Jiang Huaiyu's resentment had dissipated, so she no longer needed to put on airs and let Madam Bai pull her into the house.
"Mother, why did you come out?"
A worried voice came from the crowd.
Bai Qi looked back and a relieved smile instantly bloomed on her face. "It's Yujing who's back!"
Jiang Huaiyu quickly turned around to look.
Then, a young man dressed in a sky-blue robe walked hurriedly down the road.
He first glanced at Jiang Huaiyu and nodded slightly, then turned to Bai Qishi and said, "Mother, weren't you bedridden because of a headache? Why are you out now? I've already bought some medicine from Xuanhutang in the county town. Please take it quickly so you won't be unable to attend the wedding ceremony. Also... didn't you say that the wedding procession wouldn't arrive until the afternoon?"
Bai Qi looked somewhat embarrassed. She had deliberately sent her son away that morning, but she hadn't expected him to return so quickly.
She gently patted Jiang Huaiyu's hand. "The journey is long, and the speed of travel is always unpredictable. I didn't expect your second aunt and the others to return so early. They were worried that you might neglect your new daughter-in-law while you were away, so they came out to greet you personally. But don't worry, I'm fine now."
Bai Yujing felt slightly relieved, then turned around and bowed deeply to Jiang Huaiyu.
"I should have come to greet you in person; it was my fault."
When he looked up, Jiang Huaiyu was able to examine his face up close.
The young man's sideburns were neatly trimmed, his eyebrows were like ink paintings, and his light blue robe further accentuated his extraordinary demeanor. He was gentle and refined, truly deserving of the praise of being a "jade tree and orchid."
Gazing at the handsome and refined face before him, Jiang Huaiyu fell into deep thought, finding it difficult to reconcile the person before him with the颓废 and dejected image in his memory.
In his previous life, Bai Yujing faithfully guarded Jiang Shuqin's tomb for more than ten years. In the end, he fell seriously ill, and it was Jiang Huaiyu who received the news and personally went to handle his funeral arrangements.
She still remembers how Bai Yujing, as he was about to die, held her arm tightly and told her that he had lived a life worthy of Jiang Shuqin.
She was shocked. Even though their marriage had broken down when Jiang Shuqin was alive, why was he still so affectionate, even willing to pay the price of his entire life?
Jiang Huaiyu was confused and couldn't understand it.
After handling Bai Yujing's funeral arrangements, she returned to the Marquis's residence and fell ill, remaining bedridden for several months. When she opened her eyes again, everything had returned to the day Jiang Shuqin and she switched identities.
In her previous life, she married into a noble family but never experienced love until her death. Now, seeing Bai Yujing again, she couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity.
If she were to become his wife in this life, would he still be so devoted to her?
"Miss Jiang?"
Bai Yujing noticed that she was staring intently at him, and a blush crept onto his cheeks. He called out again.
Jiang Huaiyu snapped out of her daze and quickly explained, "It's alright, I just arrived too."
Those around them laughed mockingly at the sight: "Oh dear, the bride is stunned, and the groom is blushing. They're already exchanging glances before even bowing to each other. It seems they can't wait any longer!"
Everyone burst into laughter.
Bai Yujing's face turned even redder, and Jiang Huaiyu couldn't help but lower her head shyly, covering her cheeks with a round fan.
Suddenly someone shouted, "The groom is back! Aren't you going to start playing music? Groom, stop standing there like an idiot, hurry up and lead the bride inside!"
In her previous life, due to the strict rules of the Marquis's mansion and the serious injury of the heir, she had never witnessed such a lively scene. At this moment, her face flushed and her heart pounded; she hid behind a round fan, not daring to look at anyone else.
Suddenly, a large, warm hand grasped hers and guided her inside.
Their hands were clasped tightly together, their palms slightly damp.
The sound of gongs and drums was deafening, and amidst laughter and cheers, the crowd ushered them into the courtyard, as if all the previous unpleasantness had vanished.
Everyone else went inside, but Xie Wenyin stood outside.
Her gaze fell on the clasped hands in the crowd, and her heart filled with anger. She couldn't help but kick the ground in frustration.
"What's there to be proud of? One day you'll be crying your eyes out!"
That twilight hour was the auspicious time, but it was still early. Jiang Huaiyu was led inside to have dinner, rest for a while, and then carefully dress herself.
After dinner, she wanted to lie down and rest for a while, but she couldn't fall asleep no matter what she did.
In her past life's memories, because the Prince of Qin was seriously injured, she even had to complete the wedding ceremony with a rooster, and she never experienced her wedding night.
Therefore, many things in this life are completely new experiences for her. Jiang Huaiyu felt confused, so she simply sat up and began to sort out her thoughts and consider the current situation of the Bai family.
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