Chapter 14 The Top Scholar Who Murdered His Wife and Daughter (Part Fourteen): The Farmer's Son's Counterattack...
After the two left, Du Zhiyuan called Du Ningwan to his study, briefly recounted Song Ce's marriage proposal, and then asked, "Wan'er, what do you think?"
Du Ningwan blushed slightly and said in a low voice, "Daughter will listen to Father."
Du Zhiyuan sighed, as if he had known the answer all along, and as if he had breathed a sigh of relief, and said, "In my memory, Wan'er was still toddling around with the help of a low chair. In the blink of an eye, she has grown up so much and has reached the age to get married."
Du Ningwan's eyes were slightly red as she said, "No matter how old Wan'er is, she will always be her father's child."
Du Zhiyuan looked at his only daughter and said softly, "In my opinion, Song Ce is a handsome and intelligent man with excellent literary talent. If you marry him, it will be a good match. If he achieves success in his career and brings honor to his wife and children, your life will be fulfilled."
He had initially considered betrothing his daughter to Song Ce when he was still in humble circumstances, but after having nightmares for a month and a half, Du Zhiyuan hesitated and became worried. Now, everything was different from the scenes in his dreams, and he finally wavered. After all, such an outstanding young man was truly rare…
"father……"
Du Zhiyuan gently stroked Du Ningwan's head and said, "Go on, get some rest early today."
After Du Ning returned to her room, she picked up her embroidery hoop, embroidered a leaf, and then put it down. Her feelings were truly complicated. Thinking of Song Ce's handsome face, she felt both anticipation and unease, mixed with a faint joy and a sense of helplessness.
And so, Song Ce and Du Ningwan's wedding date was set for two months later.
Song Ce's upcoming marriage was a joyous occasion for the Song family and the entire Chen family village. The whole village was abuzz with excitement upon learning that Song Ce was marrying the daughter of the county magistrate.
Granny Zhao, who had long regarded Song Ce as her own son, was overjoyed. She had prepared gifts early on and went with Fang Shi to Chenjia Village to prepare for Song Ce's wedding. Meanwhile, Carpenter Zhou had someone build another grand and spacious brick and tile house not far from Zhou's house.
Meanwhile, Song Ce, the person in question, found himself with more free time, spending his days reading and writing. He wanted to help in some way, but each time Fang Shi and Granny Zhao would push him away, telling him to focus on his studies.
Before the wedding, the man and woman were not allowed to meet. Song Ce could only write letters to his future father-in-law, Du Zhiyuan. In these letters, he would sometimes ask about his studies, sometimes inquire about his health, and sometimes offer his own policy essays for his critique. However, at the end of each letter, he would always subtly inquire about Du Ningwan's well-being: whether he was eating well, whether he was nervous before the wedding, whether he was satisfied with him, and whether he had worn enough clothes in the cold weather. Sometimes, the letters would be accompanied by pastries and candied fruits, or jewelry and trinkets. Of course, his future father-in-law would also receive some, each time with different kinds of tonics. In short, he was smuggling in many personal gifts, befitting an overly excited young man. Although none of the items were particularly valuable, they showed his sincerity.
At first, Du Zhiyuan didn't understand the meaning of Song Ce's letters, but after receiving more, he became much more at ease. Seeing how much Song Ce cared for Wan'er, anyone could see his deep affection. It seemed that his previous dream was just an illusion and didn't count.
Time flies, and before we knew it, the wedding day arrived amidst the back-and-forth of these letters.
Before dawn, a maid woke Du Ningwan to get ready. It took nearly two hours for her to dress. The chaotic noise outside filled the usually quiet Du Ningwan with immense joy.
The auspicious patterns on her wedding dress were embroidered by her own hands. As she gently stroked them, Du Ningwan blushed at the thought of marrying that handsome and gentle man.
The misunderstanding at Miaojin Pavilion had already been cleared up by Cousin Lou. Moreover, before the wedding, Song Ce had sent countless letters and gifts to the mansion. Thinking of this, Du Ningwan felt only shyness and anticipation.
Madam Xue, who came to accompany Du Ningwan early in the morning, straightened her clothes while instructing her, "Wan'er, after you marry into the Song family and become their daughter-in-law, you can no longer act as freely as you do at home. But don't worry, I've seen Song Ce a few times, and he's becoming more and more mature and dignified. This time, he took the initiative to ask for your hand in marriage, so I'm sure he won't treat you badly in the future."
Du Ningwan squeezed the bridal veil in her hand and said softly, "Aunt, I understand."
Madam Xue chuckled, took out a box and handed it to Du Ningwan. She opened the lid with some curiosity, and Du Ningwan's face flushed red at the first glance. Madam Xue laughed twice and whispered, "Good Wan'er, don't be shy. Every young lady has to go through this."
Du Ningwan quickly closed the lid, her heart pounding.
After this little incident, Madam Xue touched her cheek and sighed, "In the blink of an eye, Wan'er has grown up so much. After you enter his family, if you suffer any grievances, you must not keep them to yourself. Tell your aunt, and your aunt will stand up for you."
“Aunt…” Du Ningwan’s eyes reddened, but before she could finish speaking, Madam Xue quickly wiped away her tears with a handkerchief: “Good child, it’s a joyous occasion, you shouldn’t cry.”
The two chatted privately for a while. After a quarter of an hour, Tao'er lifted the curtain and came in, smiling as she said, "Miss, the groom has come to fetch you."
Upon hearing this, Madam Xue looked Du Ningwan up and down to make sure there was nothing amiss. Seeing the panic and reluctance in Du Ningwan's eyes, Madam Xue's eyes also reddened. She patted Du Ningwan's hand and said, "Wan'er, let's go! Don't miss the auspicious time."
Madam Xue helped Du Ningwan out of the house. The matchmaker waiting at the door saw this and hurriedly called out, "The auspicious time has arrived, the bride is leaving!"
As Du Ningwan entered the main hall, she could vaguely see Song Ce staring intently at her through the bridal veil. She couldn't quite make out the expression on his face, but he was probably as happy as she was!
Song Ce's heart pounded when he saw Du Ningwan, dressed in her finest attire. She walked gracefully towards him in her exquisite wedding dress, her figure slender and her bearing elegant. Even through the veil, he seemed to see Du Ningwan's beautiful smile. Song Ce couldn't help but go to greet her. The matchmaker beside him covered her mouth with her handkerchief and chuckled, "Look, the groom can't wait any longer!"
Du Ningwan blushed upon hearing this, and Song Ce was also a little embarrassed. He reached out and took Du Ningwan's fair hand, then stepped forward. Du Zhiyuan sat upright in the high hall, his eyes meeting Song Ce's, his voice trembling slightly: "Song Ce, from now on, I will entrust Wan'er to you."
Upon hearing this, Song Ce said in a deep voice, "Please rest assured, Father-in-law, I will definitely treat her well in the future."
Du Zhiyuan then looked at Du Ningwan and said after a long while, "From now on, you must be filial to your parents-in-law, kind to your juniors, diligent in managing the household, knowledgeable and courteous. You and your husband should respect each other like guests and grow old together."
"yes."
Du Zhiyuan's eyes reddened, and he waved his hand, saying, "Go!"
The bridal sedan chair was already prepared outside the door. Song Ce helped Du Ningwan into the sedan chair, and only after she was seated did he mount his horse.
The long wedding procession was accompanied by music and fanfare. Du Ningwan was on edge the whole time. She didn't know how far they had gone before the bridal sedan chair finally stopped.
The bright red sedan curtain was lifted, and Song Ce bent down to help Du Ningwan, putting one arm around her shoulder and holding her hand tightly with the other. Although Du Ningwan could only see the path beneath her feet, she felt incredibly safe. The hand holding hers was slender and strong, leading her inside.
The two bowed to heaven and earth before the offering table. Song Ce then led Du Ningwan into the bridal chamber, took her hand, walked to the bedside, and helped her sit up on the bed.
It was already dark. Farmers don't have many rules. Today was a joyous occasion, and there were only the two of them in the house.
Du Ningwan's hands were clasped together, her knuckles clearly visible. Her heart was filled with both anticipation and nervousness. Song Ce slowly stepped forward, took a deep breath, and gently lifted the veil.
What came into view was a bright and beautiful, yet shy, face.
Du Ningwan slightly raised her head, meeting a pair of smiling eyes. The candlelight flickered, and a glint seemed to flow in his eyes. Her cheeks immediately flushed, and she quickly lowered her head.
Song Ce stared intently at Du Ningwan. He felt his palms were very damp, probably from sweating. He took a pair of wine glasses from the low table beside him, held one in his own hand and handed the other to Du Ningwan, saying gently, "Wan'er, let's drink from the same cup."
Hearing Song Ce call her Wan'er, Du Ningwan's face flushed even more. She didn't dare to look at Song Ce's face, and reached out to take the wine glass. Perhaps she was too nervous, because some of the wine in the glass spilled onto her hand.
Seeing this, Song Ce chuckled softly. She must be just as nervous as he was! Thinking this, a surge of tenderness welled up in his heart.
Song Ce reached out and embraced Du Ningwan, leaning close to her to drink together. Du Ningwan's cheeks grew increasingly hot, while Song Ce felt that the wine was exceptionally strong today; he felt slightly tipsy after just one cup.
His gaze followed the girl before him, and seeing the glistening moisture on her lips, he couldn't help but hold her shoulders and kiss her slightly parted red lips, his gesture gentle yet not allowing her to refuse.
Du Ningwan's heart pounded. She passively looked up to receive the kiss, her hands unconsciously gripping Song Ce's clothes. After the kiss ended, Song Ce pulled away from Du Ningwan's lips, his voice slightly hoarse, and whispered in her ear, "I'm going to take a bath. Please wait for me to come back, Wan'er."
Du Ningwan turned her face away and gave a soft "hmm" in a voice barely above a whisper. Song Ce smiled, reached out and patted the top of her head before getting up and going to the bathroom next door.
The wedding night was a truly wonderful occasion, and Song Ce had no interest in taking a bath. He simply washed himself and then cleaned the tub again, adding hot water. At this moment, Du Ningwan had removed all her hair ornaments, and upon seeing this, Song Ce couldn't help but softly call out, "Wan'er, come here."
Du Ningwan touched her burning face and looked at Song Ce's even more handsome appearance after his bath. Her heart started pounding uncontrollably. She first lowered her head, then raised it slightly and whispered, "Thank you, my...husband."
Upon hearing this, Song Ce smiled slightly. He found Du Ningwan, who was trying so hard to remain calm yet was also shy and embarrassed, quite adorable.
After waiting for about fifteen minutes, Du Ningwan reluctantly emerged from the washroom. As the saying goes, a beauty seen under the lamplight is even more captivating than in broad daylight. Du Ningwan felt her heart pounding as Song Ce stared at her intently. Overwhelmed with panic, she tripped over the hem of her dress, causing her to stumble forward. However, instead of falling to the ground, she landed in a warm embrace.
Du Ningwan's slender waist was so delicate that Song Ce's heart skipped a beat. He picked her up and laid her down on the bed.
As night fell, the burning red wedding candles emitted a soft glow.
A note from the author:
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The car provided absolutely gentle service. Thank you for your support! If you like it, please click to favorite it. Sending love!
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