Chapter 20: Changfeng's Wedding Room
......ah?
Jiang Mingxue was caught off guard by the question. Her hand was still gripping the car door switch. She opened her mouth, but no sound came out.
Why does he want to move out so soon after he gets back? Isn't it comfortable living in his own home?
She had previously told Madam Rong that they would move together when he returned. Although it was only a temporary measure at the time, she had already spoken and could not go back on her word.
She just didn't expect Rong Chengzhou to be so incredibly efficient. After traveling all day, he could still go back to shower and change clothes before going out to pick her up for dinner. After dinner, he would go home to sleep for one night, and the next day he would go to her house to meet her parents. He would also move into the bridal chamber that same day.
She considered herself a qualified J person, but now she felt inferior to him.
She silently took a deep breath, and when she looked up, her eyes were clear:
"Tomorrow, I'll go with you."
The man's eyebrows twitched slightly, as if he were somewhat surprised.
He reiterated, "I didn't mean to rush you; you're free to do what you want."
He got off the plane today and went straight to the bathroom to take a shower as soon as he got home. He didn't meet with Madam Rong at all, and he had no idea about Jiang Mingxue's promise to Madam Rong.
This was just a routine inquiry; he knew the timing was good so he could make plans in advance.
“I know,” Jiang Mingxue repeated definitively, “It’s tomorrow, with you.”
As soon as he finished speaking, those deep eyes stared at her, and Jiang Mingxue raised her head slightly to look back.
Everything inside the car seemed to have come to a standstill, with the only thing in relative motion being the cold air from the car's air conditioning system.
They stared at each other in silence for several seconds before Rong Chengzhou lifted his eyelids first:
His voice deepened: "Alright, then tomorrow."
...
Jiang Mingxue got out of the car, returned to the clinic, and locked the door. Only then did Rong Chengzhou drive away.
Because she often stayed overnight at the clinic, a consultation room was specially set aside for her as her bedroom, and a shower was added to the bathroom.
The examination room was small, only big enough for a narrow bed and a cabinet. Jiang Mingxue took a shower, dried her hair, and lay down on the bed. Ever since she received the news that she and Rong Chengzhou would be moving into their marital home tomorrow, her mind had been unusually clear. It took her a while to fall asleep.
The next day, she sent a message to her family early in the morning, saying that she and Rong Chengzhou would go back together at noon and asked the housekeeper to prepare more dishes.
After seeing all the patients in the morning, Rong Chengzhou was already waiting for her at the entrance of the clinic. Since the villa area was mostly remote, Jiang Mingxue got into the passenger seat and entered the address into the navigation system.
Turning my head, I saw that he was wearing a dark gray suit, with the top button of his white shirt fastened, and a dark blue patterned tie at the collar. When he was driving, a silver watch could be seen peeking out from his cuff.
A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. He was usually seen wearing a white T-shirt and training uniform, and rarely dressed so formally.
She glanced down at her pale white cotton-linen shirt and khaki casual pants, then turned to him and said, "My family is very easy to get along with."
“I know.” He looked straight ahead, and all that could be seen was his clear jawline and handsome profile. “It would be better if you dressed formally for the first time you meet your parents.”
"Okay." Jiang Mingxue turned her head away.
Anyway, it's not her who's feeling hot.
Upon arriving at the Jiang family's residence, they were greeted by a butler at the entrance. Servants unloaded the gifts prepared by Rong Chengzhou, filling the trunk to the brim. The three men made three trips to carry them.
Normally, meeting the parents takes place in the morning at the woman's house, but Jiang Mingxue usually has patients to see in the morning, so the process has to be postponed.
The food is ready and is still warm on the warming table, so it won't get cold for a while.
The couple seemed to belong to two different seasons. They walked through the front yard corridor to the living room door, where a servant opened the door for them. Just as Jiang Mingxue was about to go in, Rong Chengzhou suddenly grabbed her hand, which was hanging by her side.
His warm, calloused palm gently caressed the back of her hand. He eased his grip, turned to look at her casually, and said, "Let's go."
Jiang Mingxue reacted a beat late and followed up: "...Oh."
Grandpa Jiang sat on the sofa, with his parents sitting beside him. It happened to be Saturday, and Jiang Huaijing and Shi Yunshu were also there, sitting on the same side of the sofa.
Upon seeing the arrival of the guests, the younger generation stood up to greet them. Jiang Huaijing, abandoning his casual demeanor, shook hands with Rong Chengzhou, saying, "We've finally met, brother-in-law."
Rong Chengzhou politely shook hands in return: "I've long admired your name, Mr. Jiang."
After shaking hands, Jiang Huaijing dodged away as if he were throwing away a hot potato.
Shi Yunshu nudged him and whispered, "What are you doing?"
Jiang Huaijing measured the distance between himself and Rong Chengzhou, and after standing still, replied, "If I don't stand next to him, I'll look shorter."
Shi Yunshu: "..."
Next came the elders of the Jiang family, with Mr. and Mrs. Jiang helping Mr. Jiang to his feet.
"Grandpa, Dad, Mom, I'm sorry it's been so long since I visited you." Rong Chengzhou greeted them one by one, bowing slightly and apologizing sincerely.
When he changed his address, it was especially natural, without the slightest awkwardness of someone who had just met him.
Grandpa Jiang leaned on his cane, his hair was gray, but his eyes were still bright: "It's alright, Mingxue told us all that it's normal that your troops are busy and can't spare the time."
These were all Jiang Mingxue's closest elders. Everyone knew that their child had just randomly chosen them to fool them. Fortunately, the other party was of good quality in all aspects, and their parents were polite people. They had found many reasons to visit Grandpa Jiang over the past year, so the Jiang family naturally wouldn't continue to find fault.
The Jiang family wasn't too particular; they gave each person a red envelope upon meeting, exchanged simple greetings, and then invited them into the restaurant.
After finally getting everyone together, Su Yun got up early in the morning to oversee the servants' preparations. This time, the dishes were much more elaborate than the welcome banquet she had prepared for Jiang Mingxue last time.
At the dinner table, the elders briefly learned about Rong Chengzhou's personal situation, including his birthday, university, hobbies, family members, and the atmosphere in which they got along.
When the topic of their wedding home came up, Rong Chengzhou casually mentioned that they planned to move there today.
Their decision was so sudden that even the seasoned Mr. Jiang was taken aback.
But he didn't say anything, only saying, "You can decide for yourselves."
As the meal drew to a close, Jiang Xingquan put down her chopsticks and spoke with a more solemn expression: "Chengzhou, although you have already registered your marriage, there are some things I still need to make clear to you beforehand."
"I'm not bragging, but you probably know that my Mingxue is known for her good temper and character. She's just a bit soft-hearted. Although I've been urging her to get married, I'm worried that she might be bullied if she does."
Grandpa Jiang didn't belittle his granddaughter to outsiders, but subtly hinted, "I've met your parents and know that your Rong family has excellent family traditions. You certainly won't let my granddaughter suffer any injustice, but you must understand the feelings of a grandfather. Although our family isn't a high-ranking one, we still have a place in Beicheng. If Mingxue ever does something that displeases you, please tell me. As long as I'm still alive, I will personally bring her back."
Because of the clinic incident, Grandpa Jiang always felt guilty towards his granddaughter. Apart from her medical studies, the family had always favored her in other aspects since she was a child.
He had heard that she had gotten her marriage certificate before, and although she often stayed overnight at the clinic and only came back every few days, her belongings were still at home, so he didn't really feel like she was getting married. Now that her belongings were all being moved out, he truly realized that his granddaughter was getting married.
Rong Chengzhou sat upright in the wooden chair, his shoulders slightly slumped but not slumped.
With a slight furrow in his brow, he looked at Grandpa Jiang with unwavering resolve and promised, "Grandpa, please rest assured, the first rule of my family's ancestral precept is 'Loyalty and courage come first, and we must protect our family and country together.' Now that Mingxue has become my wife, I will definitely protect her."
“We are equal as husband and wife. I will not restrict Mingxue’s freedom. The marital home was bought after the marriage and is registered in Mingxue’s name. A property gift agreement has been signed. This is a decision made jointly by me and my family. Marrying me is just giving her another home. If she wants to come back in the future, it is entirely up to her.”
He spoke earnestly, word by word, and Old Master Jiang was moved by him: "Good, with your words, I can rest assured."
After dinner, Rong Chengzhou went downstairs to chat with Grandpa Jiang about the current international situation and military development. The older generation had experienced the war-torn years and were very interested in these topics. They even put aside their lifelong chess games and asked Grandpa Jiang what models of fighter jets had been developed and what the stealth principle was.
Rong Chengzhou told Old Master Jiang everything, ensuring that no military secrets were leaked.
Jiang Huaijing sat on the coffee table, his slender fingers toying with the blue and white porcelain teacup, but he didn't drink: "The old man has finally found his grandson."
Shi Yunshu sat next to him playing Candy Crush, not even looking up as she replied, "The maximum age for college students to enlist is 24. You're too old; you've missed your chance."
Jiang Huaijing glanced at her: "...You're still going strong, even if you beg me tonight, it won't do you any good."
"..." Shi Yunshu turned off the Candy Crush game. "I'm going to help my sister pack her things."
--
Jiang Mingxue didn't actually have much to move. After Rong Chengzhou returned to the army, she would often go home to stay, so she only brought some summer clothes, shoes, skin care products, cosmetics, and the like. Most of her belongings were medical books and ancient texts from her room, which filled two large boxes.
These are all to be brought to the bridal chamber, so she can see what's in her grandfather's study when she gets home.
The Jiang family has been practicing medicine for generations, and they have planted a large area of Chinese herbal medicines in their backyard, which the old master Jiang named "Chinese Herbal Medicine Garden". There is also a small clinic on the first floor. Jiang Mingxue would spend a long time in these two places every time she came home.
But these things are definitely not movable; who would put these pungent-smelling herbs in their wedding room?
"It's alright, your bridal suite is close to the clinic, you can just drive there if needed." Shi Yunshu helped her organize the books in the box, sealed it with transparent tape, and comforted her.
"You're right." Jiang Mingxue felt a little relieved.
Su Yun brought a plate of freshly baked flower cakes upstairs from downstairs: "Peipei, Aunt Zhou just made these flower cakes, they're your favorite. Take some back with you later."
Peipei is Jiang Mingxue's nickname, which she rarely uses now that she's grown up. Su Yun only calls her that sometimes in private.
Jiang Mingxue took it and ate with Shi Yunshu: "Thank you, Mom."
After Rong Chengzhou finished talking with Grandpa Jiang, Jiang Mingxue had almost finished tidying up.
He went upstairs to help Jiang Mingxue move her things. It was already past five o'clock, and he still had to pack his things when he got back, so he didn't stay for dinner.
Grandpa Jiang stood at the door, leaning on his cane, watching the SUV drive further and further away until it disappeared from sight. Only then did he slowly withdraw his gaze, blinking his sore eyes, which were slightly red: "Sigh, this time it's really over."
"It's alright. If you miss Miss, you can just go to the clinic to see her," the butler reassured him.
But getting married is always different. Old Master Jiang was in a low mood and didn't say anything. With the help of the housekeeper, he turned around and went back.
--
There are no villa areas near the clinic, so the wedding house is a large single-level apartment with one unit per floor. Mrs. Rong started preparing for it when they got their marriage certificate. The apartment is fully furnished and ready to move in.
Rong Chengzhou moved his things in that morning, carrying Jiang Mingxue's daily necessities in one hand and her large book box in the other, as easily as if he were holding a plush toy.
Jiang Mingxue had witnessed his arm strength and stamina before, so she wasn't very shocked.
Rong Chengzhou read out the password, and she entered it.
"I set the password, and only the two of us know it, so there's no need to worry about anyone disturbing us." He was referring to his parents.
Jiang Mingxue nodded: "I've got it."
She followed them inside to change her shoes, and glanced around. The decor was Italian minimalist, with a warm white color scheme that suited her aesthetic.
To avoid disturbing the newlyweds, only one housekeeper was assigned to the household, who would only come over to clean and cook.
Although it is not a villa, the space is very large, and it looks about the same size as the total interior area of the Jiang family's three-story house.
Jiang Mingxue pondered for a moment and asked, "How big is the house?"
Rong Chengzhou changed his shoes, moved his things to Jiang Mingxue's study, and came out to answer, "The interior area is 800 square meters."
Jiang Mingxue opened her mouth, but hesitated to speak.
Such a big house, especially in the city center, must cost at least 100 million.
Rong Chengzhou handed her a glass of warm water, lowered his eyes, and said meaningfully, "Military officers who accept bribes are subject to criminal penalties."
Jiang Mingxue held up her cup: "...That's not what I meant. I just think it's unnecessary to buy such a big house."
Military families are known for their frugality, and their family members have all distinguished themselves in battle. The wealth accumulated over several generations over decades is immeasurable. She just felt that there was no need for such extravagance in the house they lived in.
Rong Chengzhou withdrew his gaze and said calmly, "My mother's family is the Ren family in the east of the city. This house was a gift from her to us for our wedding."
"Oh." Jiang Mingxue understood, then remembered that Madam Rong's family was in business, so buying such a house was naturally no problem for them.
At the time, neither of them knew that the house was Madam Rong's compensation to Jiang Mingxue for marrying into the Rong family.
As for what the compensation is, only Jiang Mingxue knows.
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