Xingxing is a boy and not picky about food. He drinks goat milk most of the day and is very happy to have breast milk occasionally.
On the contrary, the little girl from the Wen family breastfed every meal...
The two children are born about twenty days apart, and they eat, sleep, and play together.
Anyone who didn't know better would think Wenjuan had given birth to twins, a boy and a girl.
Mr. and Mrs. Wen were extremely grateful. After discussing it, they decided to give their little girl the nickname "Crescent Moon," which also had the connotation of following the stars...
In the midst of all the hustle and bustle, Xingxing has reached her 100th day.
May is already early summer.
After celebrating Xingxing's 100th day, the Earl's mansion in the city was almost finished.
The family had already arranged a betrothal to the Xing family, and the wedding day was set for the end of the month.
One happy event after another occurred in the Li family, and everyone was so busy that they were practically flying, their faces beaming with joy.
Madam Wen finally recovered her health. Because of her mischievous daughter, she was also given a suite in the backyard of the Li family, so she decided to move in and take care of the child with Wenjuan.
The only hardship is for Mr. Wen, who has to stay alone in the mansion every day...
Jiaren is the eldest grandson of the third generation of the Li family and the heir apparent of the Earl's mansion, so the wedding must take place at the Earl's mansion.
The Li family moved to the city half a month earlier than planned.
There are many rooms on both sides, making it very spacious.
Wenjuan brought Xingxing, and even Madam Wen, who was holding Yueya'er, moved over as well.
They have been cooped up at home for four or five months, from a month before giving birth until now.
Although I can't be of much help this time, it'll be a good way to relax.
Li Laosan and Zhao Yuru also left the academy's canteen and returned early to help with the preparations.
The mansion, both inside and out, must be thoroughly cleaned, wooden furnishings added, and trees and flowers planted.
Big and small matters keep everyone extremely busy.
Unlike their previous low-key approach, the Li family posted over a hundred messages this time.
Li Zhensheng's friends over the years, including scholars, righteous men, and merchants, regardless of their status, all sent him invitations.
Because Li Lao Er opened the Hundred Flowers Garden and single-handedly saved hundreds of people from the Relief Department, he gained a reputation for charity.
In recent years, he has also gotten to know many powerful and influential officials, and has sent them invitations as well.
Li Laosan also invited some acquaintances from Luo'an.
However, Li Laosi and the Marquis went on an expedition in April and will not be able to participate in the family's joyous occasion this time.
Jiaren is a student at Luoan Academy. The academy's current collection of several hundred books was only obtained thanks to the Li family.
Therefore, Dean Zhou and seven or eight professors from the academy will be attending the wedding banquet, including Mr. Tang, who has always disliked social engagements.
Mr. Wen, Jiaren's teacher, was determined to have Jiaren inherit the school of Neo-Confucianism.
Therefore, he personally sent invitations to several of Cui Daxueshi's close friends from back then.
It's worth noting that Cui Dashi's close friends from the same era are now all highly respected elders...
The Li family's high-profile actions quickly attracted the attention of the entire Xindu district.
The women, especially those in the inner quarters, were so regretful they almost broke their fingernails.
Everyone coveted the Li family's wealth, but no one was in a hurry to make a move.
Who would have thought that they would be snatched away by a fox spirit? Nobody was willing to accept that!
As a result, the rumors spread to everyone in the city within a few days.
What, that Xing family girl used the Jia family to frequently associate with the Li family and seduced the Li family's eldest grandson...?
What, this is about the Xing family girl being impure and secretly pregnant, using this to force the Li family to marry her...?
In short, they said all sorts of nasty things!
In fact, although the Xing family was not wealthy, they were a scholarly family with a clean and upright family tradition.
Madam Xing was in poor health, so Xing Wan'er took charge of the household with her mother. She managed the household in an orderly manner and never made any mistakes in interpersonal relationships. She was also known for her intelligence and composure.
Xing Wan'er is definitely a good match for the eldest grandson of the Li family, and is also a good candidate to become the matriarch of the family in the future.
Unfortunately, some people just say the grapes are sour because they can't have them.
The Xing family soon learned of these rumors, and Xing Wan'er's eyes reddened with anger.
Lord Xing smashed the teacup, and Xing Ning was even more eager to rush out and beat someone up.
But Madam Xing remained unusually calm. She stopped her husband and son, and then pulled her daughter aside for a heart-to-heart talk.
"Wan'er, don't get angry because of the rumors outside."
"Originally, I hesitated a bit because I was afraid that I had made a mistake in choosing the Li family for you so quickly, and that it would ruin your life."
"But now everyone is saying bad things about you, which proves that the Li family is a good match. Otherwise, so many people wouldn't be jealous of you and slander you."
Wan'er nodded, wiped away her tears, took a deep breath, and said as calmly as possible, "Mother, I understand."
"I won't let rumors from outside cause a rift with Jiaren and ruin our relationship."
"Silly girl, feelings are the least important thing." Mrs. Xing sighed, hugging her daughter as she spoke of her insights into marriage over the years.
"You are still young, and you have many expectations for marriage and your future husband. You always believe that two people must be in love to become husband and wife."
"Actually, what your mother wants to tell you is that if you want a stable life in the future and a longer marriage, the most important thing is that the two families are well-matched and that both sides have their own plans."
"For example, when our family and the Li family formed a marriage alliance, our family was interested in the Li family's rule of not taking concubines, the Li family's growing power, and the fact that the Li family had many brothers who could take care of Brother Ning in the future."
"What the Li family wants is for your father to pave the way for Jiaren's official career, for our family to be small, and for you to be kind, intelligent, and good at managing the household, so that you can help Jiaren quickly establish the Earl's Mansion after you marry into the family."
"In this way, both families hope that you two will become husband and wife, so as not to become an obstacle between you."
"After you get married, as you get to know each other better, your relationship will definitely improve. There's no need to worry about that."
"But you must remember that Jiaren is a very responsible person. If you want a peaceful and happy life, you should never compete with the Li family!"
"Or rather, don't force him to choose between you and his family, because he will definitely choose his family!"
Wan'er bit her lip, looking at her serious-looking mother, somewhat reluctant to respond.
After all, no woman doesn't want to be the only one and the favorite in her husband's heart.
Madam Xing patted her daughter's back, speaking even softer.
"Men are like donkeys; you have to stroke their fur the right way and follow their wishes for them to be happy, grateful for your support, and then treat you even better."
“After you enter the family, if Jiaren is filial, you will be even more filial. If Jiaren loves his younger sister, you will love her even more.”
"I guarantee your life will get better and better, and Jiaren will like you more and more!"
Xing Wan'er wanted to say something, but seeing the weariness in her mother's eyes, she quickly changed her mind.
"Mom, don't worry, I will definitely listen to you. I will be filial to my elders, take care of my younger siblings, and fulfill my duties as a wife."
“That’s right. The Li family is a kind family. As long as you do these things, even if Jiaren becomes a marquis and prime minister in the future, and he changes his mind one day, the Li family will not allow him to betray you.”
Madam Xing smiled bitterly and continued, "I just don't understand these things. Back then, I thought that mutual love between you and your father could overcome everything."
"So, despite your grandparents' disapproval, she married into the family."
"As a result, I spent the first half of my life in misery. Your father was caught in the middle, which hurt me and made him look unfilial."
"It was a difficult childbirth when Ning-ge was born that caused all these illnesses, and it was your grandmother... But that's all in the past."
"Now that your grandparents are gone, I won't mention these things anymore, but I don't want you to follow in my footsteps."
"So cherish the Li family as your home, it's not a waste of your mother's efforts to secure this marriage for you so early on."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com