Chapter 39: Exclusive Post 20 “You cry when your brother gets married…
Chen Ying was satisfied with his display of weakness.
She nodded at him as if rewarding him: "Well, Chen Jinshi, as long as you are good." Then everything will be fine.
Chen Jinshi followed behind her and the two of them walked towards the front yard.
The sound of drums and music filled the entire world, and layer upon layer of festivity overflowed the walls of the Chen Mansion.
The suona played loudly, mixed with the sound of gongs and drums, and the overwhelming red occupied all of Chen Ying's mind.
Today is Chen Jinxing’s big day, and it’s also hers.
She raised a faint smile at the corner of her lips and stood in front of the vermilion and gold-painted gate of the mansion.
The wedding procession slowly moved in from the alley entrance. Chen Jinxing rode a large maroon horse in the front, with a red silk tied neatly on his chest and a perfect smile on his face.
The sedan bearers shouted and lowered the eight-man sedan steadily to the ground. Chen Jinxing stepped forward and, in accordance with etiquette, led the person in the sedan out with a red silk scarf and led them to the mansion.
A large red veil covered the bride's face. She wore a bright red wedding gown embroidered with a phoenix, and her body was covered with gold and jade pendants that jingled.
Chen Ying stepped aside to take the main seat and watched the newlyweds ascend the steps. Guests arrived one after another, bowing and congratulating her as they saw her.
"Congratulations, Miss Shen," and "Congratulations to the Chen family on their double happiness" reached her ears, and she responded with a smile. Chen Jinshi stood behind her the whole time, half a step away at her request.
Only when someone accidentally bumped into Chen Ying would he calmly take half a step forward and use his arms to firmly block her side.
The auspicious hour was approaching, and Chen Ying walked inside along the red silk. The old man and the old lady were not polite at all, having already taken their seats at the main seats, surrounded by guests familiar with the second house, exchanging pleasantries and chattering.
In the hall, the tablets of their parents were placed as previously agreed. Chen Ying didn't get too close, she stood leaning against the door. Suddenly, Chen Jinshi reached out and pulled her inside.
She was startled and tried to pull back, but he held her tightly.
"Mom, move to the front. They can't see you standing here."
His palm was burning hot, pressing against me through the fabric.
Chen Ying was pulled forward by him and stood just to the left of the altar. Chen Jinshi gently pinched her palm with his fingertips.
The bride, led by Chen Jinxing on a red silk ribbon, slowly crossed the threshold. Before the door stood a pot of charcoal fire. She carefully stepped over it, holding up her skirt, as a symbol of a prosperous future.
The two walked into the main hall side by side, and the guests stood on both sides, watching with bated breath.
Chen Ying also breathed softly. Only Chen Jinshi was still clinging tightly to her back, and the sound of his heartbeat could be heard.
Chen Ying had arranged all the procedures and rituals in advance. The master of ceremonies sang loudly: "Bow to Heaven and Earth——"
Chen Jinxing and the bride turned around at the same time, facing the sky and earth outside the door, and bowed deeply.
Chen Ying watched, tears welling up in her eyes. It was great! At least Jinxing had grown up well, and she could see him start a family and build a career. She could now report back to the General's Monument.
Suddenly, a warm breath brushed against the back of my neck: "Amu, are you crying?"
He lowered his voice, but Chen Ying didn't respond.
He tugged at the hem of her clothes behind her: "What's there to cry about?"
"Nothing." She said hoarsely, "I'm happy to see your brother like this."
The person behind him pressed closer: "Amu, please stop crying. It hurts me to see you crying."
The emcee sang again: "Bow to your parents twice——"
The newlyweds turned around and bowed deeply to the two tablets on the altar.
Chen Ying looked at the two black lacquered and gold-painted wooden plaques, and her tears grew deeper.
Chen Jinshi gently pulled her. There were so many people around and it was crowded together that she simply leaned back and leaned on his chest.
His arms instinctively wrapped around her, and because his sleeves were wide, others couldn't see it.
Chen Ying leaned against him in this position, her nose tingling with sourness. She seemed to see the general and his wife smiling at the full house.
"Husband and wife bow to each other—"
Chen Jinxing turned around and faced the bride, who happened to look over. His gaze paused at the corners of her slightly red eyes, and he nodded slightly at her, as if to comfort her.
Chen Ying also nodded slightly. Chen Jinshi suddenly reached out to cover her eyes and wiped away the tears on her face.
"You're crying like this when my brother gets married? Am, what are you going to do when I get married?"
She brushed his hand away. "What does your marriage have to do with me? Only when your brother gets married will I have repaid the general's kindness. From now on, your sister-in-law will be the mistress of this family. You and Jinyun will have to obey her. Even if it's your marriage, I will never ask about it. When you are old enough, just wait for your sister-in-law to find you a husband. If you are willing to send me a wedding invitation, I will come to see it if I am free. If not, then forget it."
As she talked, for some reason, her tears began to fall more and more.
After hearing this, Chen Jinshi didn't lose his temper. Instead, he whispered behind her ear, "You were kissing me last night, and now you're saying things like this. Am, don't you feel ashamed?"
Chen Ying's face suddenly turned red, and her tears stopped falling. They hung in the corners of her eyes and she couldn't take them back.
"Chen Jinshi, you... you just want to make me angry."
"Okay, okay, I was wrong. Everything I have now was obtained by begging Am. From now on, I will only listen to you." He said this while almost biting her ear.
Chen Ying turned her face away and opened her mouth. He was so well behaved, what else could she say?
She could only let Chen Jinshi secretly hold her in his arms, her back pressed tightly against his chest without any gap.
"Am, listen to how fast I'm jumping here. Am, Chen Jinshi will always be your good boy."
The vibration of his chest could be heard through the clothes that were sticking to each other. He raised his hand and stroked the hair on her back. No one knew what happened in this corner. Everyone only knew that Shi Ge'er was very filial and he always stayed behind his mother.
The noise in the main hall gradually moved to the inner courtyard, and the guests chased the newlyweds to ask for wedding wine.
The wife of the second room came over with a wine pot in her hand, with a big red silk flower on her hair: "Miss Chen, we finally caught you! The old lady invited you again and again, but you didn't go... Oh, Shi Ge'er is here too." Her voice was as loud as a gong, and in a blink of an eye, a group of people gathered around to greet her.
"The first house is really prosperous today, thanks to Miss Shen who is taking care of everything, otherwise it wouldn't be so respectable." The aunt took Shen Ying's hand and saw her eyes that had just shed tears. "Look at her red eyes, are you so happy for Jinxing? And now that Jinxing has started a family, you can finally breathe a sigh of relief."
Seeing Chen Jinshi following closely behind Shen Ying, his aunt said again: "Brother Shi has been naughty since he was young. From now on, you should leave him alone and let him serve you. There is no reason for you to take care of him anymore."
Before Chen Ying could open her mouth, Chen Jinshi replied with a smile: "This is what I should do, aunt." As he spoke, he quietly put his arm around Chen Ying's waist at an angle that no one could see.
"Ms. Shen loves him well, Shi Ge'er will never let you down." As the aunt finished speaking, several people around echoed her, saying that Chen Ying had finally gotten her reward after all the hard work, and that Chen Jinshi was filial and promising, and would definitely make her live a happy life.
Chen Ying was not afraid that these people would stab her in the back in the future. She did not live by reputation, but Chen Jinshi was different. She did not want him to bear the infamy.
She quietly moved half a step to the side, and Chen Jinshi pulled her back, pinching the soft flesh on her waist with his palm with an irresistible force.
The Second Wife glanced at the two of them for a few seconds and said with a smile, "Miss Chen, now that you've married a new daughter-in-law, you won't have to worry about anything in the first house anymore. Isn't it time for you to think about your own life? In our Jinling, there are not many women who are still unmarried at this age."
Chen Ying smiled and shook her head gently: "Don't worry about this, Second Madam. We don't have such a rule in our clan."
"How can that be? I see your shop is doing so well, you must be living in Nanjing all year round. As the saying goes, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. How can a girl not start a family? Miss Chen is beautiful and good at managing a household. I wonder how many families would want her. Coincidentally, I know a family here who are looking for a wife. I think Miss Chen is the perfect match..."
Before she could finish her words or open her mouth, Chen Jinshi let go of her and stood in front of her with his fists clenched. His eyes made her feel uneasy: "Second Aunt, I think you are itching again."
His fists were clenched so tightly that they made a creaking sound. His eyes were so cold that they looked like they could kill someone with one punch. "How can you possibly gossip about my mother's marriage? Who do you think you are? Your mouth is as hard and stinky as a stone in a toilet. How dare you gossip in front of my mother?"
The Second Wife originally thought that Shi Ge'er had become a juren by now and had learned his lesson. But when she saw his eyes, she knew that the First Wife was still the same troublemaker and had not changed at all!
"Brother Shi, this is in public, and I'm your elder!"
Chen Jinshi approached her, his whole body filled with evil spirits, and whispered, "I know, Second Aunt, I'm not planning on doing anything serious. I'm just saying, get out! Do you understand?"
The second wife was so angry that she was shaking all over, but she didn't dare to say a word. She was really afraid of Chen Jinshi!
The aunt pulled her and gave her a way out: "Come on, let's go, it's time for us to go and watch the wedding night."
The second wife walked down the stairs and said, "Hmph, Shi'er, I won't say any more to you. Just wait for your grandfather to come and teach you a lesson!"
Chen Jinshi ignored her and turned around. The hostility on his face disappeared instantly. In front of Shen Ying, he was like a dog wagging its tail.
Chen Ying covered her mouth and chuckled softly, "Chen Jinshi, stop it!"
"What are you laughing at? Did I say something wrong? She's just a piece of stinky rock. What's your relationship with her? She's always gossiping about you. I get annoyed just by seeing her."
Chen Ying slapped away his hand that was trying to pinch her cheek, a smile in her eyes: "I don't care what she says."
"But I care. You are mine, and no one can take advantage of you!"
He always spoke with such a rude tone. Chen Ying just smiled and didn't take it to heart.
The roar of laughter from the bridal chamber in the distance grew louder and louder, mixed with the auspicious words of the bridesmaid, making their side seem particularly quiet.
Chen Ying looked at his young and bold eyes and eyebrows, and her heart seemed to be filled with something.
She sighed softly and reached out to straighten his collar. "I know what you're capable of. Let's go and take a look."
There was an unconscious intimacy between the movements, and everything happened so naturally.
Chen Jinshi put his arm around her and pulled her towards that place.
Many guests passed by along the way, their connected hands hidden under the wide robes. When someone approached, she naturally pulled her hands away, and he curled up his finger bones with a sense of loss.
Chen Jinxing had just emerged from the inner courtyard, a light sweat on his forehead and the red silk on his chest slightly askew. He met their gaze and quickly walked over, his eyes flicking between the two of them before finally settling on Shen Ying's face. He spoke softly, "Mom, everyone inside is asking about you. Why are you standing here?"
The main room in the inner courtyard was packed with people. The old lady was sitting at the top. When she saw her, she waved her hand and said, "Miss Shen, come and sit down."
The new bride was surrounded by her sisters-in-law and aunts, chatting and laughing. When she saw her, she quickly turned around and bowed politely: "My daughter greets Mom."
Chen Ying helped her up: "You're welcome, sister. Get up quickly."
The word "sister" is really a humble address. Everyone knows that Miss Shen is no longer willing to regard herself as an elder.
The old lady said, "Jinxing is married now, so it's time for you to take a break. From now on, the affairs of the first house will be handed over to Zhang, so you can have some free time."
As soon as Chen Ying sat down, she saw Chen Jinshi squeeze through two relatives who were watching the fun, come over with a plate of candied fruit, and stuff a kumquat into her hand: "Mom, try it, it's sweet."
His fingertips rubbed across her palm with a bit of deliberateness. Chen Ying didn't look at him, but still put the candied fruit into her mouth. The sweet and sour taste spread, with a bit of astringency.
After hearing what the old lady said, Zhang Ruoling hurriedly said, "This is what a daughter-in-law should do. Mother, you can just take a rest and enjoy your life from now on."
Chen Ying looked at her and was about to reply when someone suddenly tugged at her wrist. She turned around and saw Chen Jinshi approaching her again. "Are you thirsty? I'll go get you a cup of tea."
Chen Ying glared at him. What kind of occasion is this?
Chen Jinshi acted as if he didn't see it. The old lady saw this and scolded him: "You are already an adult, don't you have something to do? What a shame to stick to Miss Shen all day long!"
Besides, at his age, he shouldn't be hanging around in the inner courtyard anymore.
He is really a child without mother's teaching. Miss Shen is a foreigner. What rules does she know to teach him?
Chen Jinshi replied to the old lady, but his eyes were fixed on Chen Ying: "I'm just pouring tea for my mother, why are you meddling in other people's business?"
He deliberately sat sideways on the arm of her chair, with one arm around her back and resting on the other arm.
The two of them looked like they were glued together. He had long arms and legs, and his half-standing, half-sitting posture still wrapped her whole body under him.
The old lady was choked by him and wanted to curse, but she was afraid that Chen Jinshi would embarrass her in public, as he had done this before.
Chen Ying's back was against his warm chest. She tried to twist his arm, but was held back by Chen Jinshi. He took advantage of the situation and gently stroked her waist.
Just as she was about to explode, he had already picked up the teapot on the table, poured a cup of warm tea and handed it to Chen Ying's mouth. His gesture was so intimate that anyone who didn't know would think Chen Ying was his wife.
Aunt Chen felt that this was inappropriate and had no choice but to persuade: "Brother Shi? Stop crowding your mother. Stand aside. If you want to serve tea, serve it properly."
Chen Ying coughed lightly, reached out to take the tea from her mouth, then put it on the table and sat upright again.
Chen Jinshi did as his aunt said, stood up, stood obediently beside her, and slowly peeled a bowl full of walnuts for her to eat.
"Look at this child. You really spoiled him when he was little." The aunt shook her head helplessly at Chen Ying. "Who in the family didn't dislike him back then? Only you didn't dislike him after you came here."
Chen Ying glanced at Chen Jinshi and said, "He was pitiful and loved when he was little."
“Miss Shen is too kind-hearted, alas…” As she spoke, tears welled up in her aunt’s eyes.
The old lady glanced at her and scolded her, "Why are you crying on such a happy day?"
The people from the second and third branches of the Chen family did not know that she followed the general back because of his life-saving grace. The general also deliberately concealed the fact and only told others that he asked her to come back to take care of Shi Ge'er's health. She was just a doctor in the mansion, and her status was not very serious, so he added the title of "Amu" to her and asked the three children to serve her out of gratitude.
The aunt wiped her tears with a handkerchief and said with a smile, "I lost my composure. I should be happy today. Besides, that's all in the past."
Chen Jinshi was still trying to stay close to her, but Chen Jinxing came out of the room, took him in his arms and walked out: "Come with me to the front yard to toast. What's the point of a grown man staying in the backyard with all the children?"
Chen Jinshi stared at him and smiled: "Brother, have you chosen the veil? Does the bride look good?"
Chen Jinxing's ears turned red from his question. He raised his hand and patted him on the back: "Is this something you should ask?" He scolded him, but a smile appeared in his eyes.
Chen Jinshi followed him out, and when he was about to cross the threshold, he turned around and said in front of everyone: "Mom, I'll be back soon."
A distant aunt from the Chen family laughed and said, "Look at these two brothers. They have a really good relationship with Miss Shen, and Shi Ge'er is not as naughty as he was when he was little."
The aunt said: "Yes, Jinxing has always been a steady person and has always respected Miss Shen. Although Shi Ge'er has a bit of a wild temper, he has been following Miss Shen's lead in the past two years and usually listens to her the most."
The Second Wife picked up on this topic and continued, "That's right. In Shi'er's eyes, even his own grandparents have to rank behind Miss Shen."
The old lady's face suddenly turned very ugly.
The aunt quickly glanced at her second sister-in-law who loved to offend others, and told her to shut up.
As she was speaking, the servants brought in several plates of freshly made dim sum. Zhang Ruoling stood aside and said, "Everyone, try it. It's made by the chef I brought with me. I wonder if it suits your taste." Her face was still flushed and her eyes were gentle.
"Good boy, you're thoughtful." The aunt picked up a piece of mung bean cake, tasted it, and praised it, "Your cooking skills are good, better than the cook in our house."
Zhang Ruoling smiled shyly: "As long as you like it." She looked at Chen Ying with a cautious and flattering look in her eyes, "Mom, try it too."
Before she got married, her mother had told her not to care about any of the Chen family's relatives. She didn't even need to bother trying to please the old man and the old lady. The two young masters of the Chen family didn't care about them at all. The only person she needed to try hard to please was Miss Shen.
Chen Ying picked up a piece of osmanthus cake and smiled gently at Zhang Ruoling, "You're so thoughtful. We'll be family from now on, so there's no need to be so polite."
Zhang Ruoling looked at Chen Ying with increasingly intimate eyes.
Eminem is so gentle, not only does she not put on airs, but she is also very friendly. When you talk to her, her perfect smile makes you feel comfortable. There is always a faint smile on the corner of her lips, like the breeze blowing across the lake in spring, gentle and soft.
Her eyes were like a pool of clear water, completely different from those of the aunts and sisters-in-law of the Chen family. They were clear and inclusive, making people unconsciously want to get close to them and trust them.
Just like at this moment, Zhang Ruoling looked at her gentle eyes and her previous uneasiness suddenly disappeared.
There was a commotion outside the courtyard, and the guests were all having a great time.
While Chen Ying was talking to someone, her eyes unconsciously glanced outside the yard.
I also heard my aunt chatting with Zhang Ruoling and asking about her family situation.
"...My father runs a silk and satin shop in Suzhou. He's not rich, but his life is stable." Zhang Ruoling replied softly, twisting her handkerchief between her fingers, obviously still a little restrained.
The old lady said, "Suzhou's silk is famous for its quality. I can count on your family to pay attention to the clothes we make in the future."
Zhang Ruoling was stunned for a moment, then nodded gently: "Yes, I should."
Chen Ying frowned slightly, glanced at the two of them, but didn't say anything.
From the front yard, the sound of cups clinking mixed with loud laughter came in.
As the night deepened and most of the guests left, Chen Jinshi came in from the outer courtyard, reeking of alcohol.
Chen Ying had just seen the old lady and the others off, and was standing in the corridor talking softly with Zhang Ruoling. The moonlight fell on her profile, as soft as a painting.
"Am." He called out, his voice a little hoarse from drinking.
Chen Ying told Zhang Ruoling to go back to her room and rest. When she heard the voice, she turned around and frowned slightly: "How much did you drink?"
"Not much..." Before he could finish his words, he took two steps forward, tilted his body and fell on her.
Chen Ying subconsciously reached out to support him, pinching his slender waist with her fingertips.
She frowned and looked in Zhang Ruoling's direction, gritting her teeth and saying, "Chen Jinshi, consider the situation!"
Zhang Ruoling didn't notice anything and even said with concern: "Jinshi has drunk too much. I'll go get him a bowl of sobering soup."
Chen Jinshi rested his head on Shen Ying's shoulder, raised his eyes, his eyes were full of tiny lights, and smiled lazily at her: "No need, sister-in-law, I have Am."
His head rested on her shoulder, his hot and moist breath swept across her neck, and he leaned even deeper against her. Fortunately, Shen Ying was strong, otherwise she would not be able to hold him back.
Zhang Ruoling was hesitating when she saw him like this. Seeing her brother-in-law in this state and Miss Shen working so hard, how could she not lend a hand?
"Amu, help him to the house to rest. I will go to serve the soup."
Chen Ying called her: "Ruoling, it's okay, don't worry about it."
"But I..."
Chen Jinshi rubbed his head against Shen Ying's neck, opened one hazy eye and looked at her: "I have Ammu, sister-in-law, you don't have to worry about me." Then he rubbed Shen Ying again, "Ammu, I feel very dizzy, help me back to the room."
Chen Ying had no way to deal with him, he almost hung on her.
Zhang Ruoling was hesitating and sighed inwardly, those relatives were right, her brother-in-law was really annoying, and Miss Shen must have been fed up with him for a long time.
Chen Jinxing just happened to come back and saw the three people fighting. He quickly stepped forward, a chill coming from his body, and hugged Zhang Ruoling.
He grabbed his newlywed wife's wrist, his face hard and cold. He stared at Chen Jinshi, who was leaning on Shen Ying, and said to his wife, "Come back to the room with me. Don't worry about them."
Zhang Ruoling was carried away by her new husband, holding his shoulder.
After the person left, Chen Ying was about to help Chen Jinshi back to the room, but Chen Jinshi stood up straight, and there was no trace of drunkenness on his body.
"Chen Jinshi, you!" She glared at him and scolded him, "I thought you were really drunk and unconscious. What are you doing in front of people? You're getting bolder and bolder."
"What are you afraid of?" Chen Jinshi chuckled and suddenly reached out to grab her waist. She screamed and was picked up by him.
"Yingying, don't move. What my brother knows will soon be known by my sister-in-law as well. It's no use pretending to be serious in front of her."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
