The Beginner's Guide to Being a Live-in Son-in-Law (Complete)
After the imperial envoy and his entourage left, a brief silence fell over the courtyard, as if everyone was still reeling from this sudden honor.
Immediately, someone let out a cheer, which, like lighting a fuse, instantly ignited a burst of enthusiastic joy in the courtyard.
The crowd excitedly gathered around, their faces beaming with pride and joy as they looked at the bright yellow imperial edict in Pei Qingwu's hand.
"Your Highness! Master is Your Highness now!" Wen Baizhi grabbed Ji Fanghua's hand and jumped up excitedly.
"That's great! Let's see who dares to look down on our boss now!" Qian Tao wiped her eyes, laughing and crying at the same time.
"This is an immense honor! An immense honor indeed!"
Although the title of "Jun Jun" was an honorary title without any actual official position and the salary was not particularly generous, it represented the emperor's approval and was a real leap in social status.
In this rigidly hierarchical era, it was an extremely dazzling talisman for a merchant's wife.
This means that from now on, Pei Qingwu will no longer be just a merchant's daughter, but will have the status of a noblewoman, and will receive more respect and convenience in many situations.
Surrounded by the crowd, Pei Qingwu felt a surge of warmth in her heart as she looked at the faces that were genuinely happy for her.
"Alright, alright, I understand and appreciate everyone's good intentions. This blessing is not just mine; it's something we all earned together. Without your hard work and perseverance, without the wealth we've built together, I wouldn't be who I am today."
As she spoke, her gaze gently swept over Qian Tao, Yin Lan, Wu Niang, Yu Yi, Ji Fanghua, and Wen Baizhi, finally settling on Gu Heng, who had been standing silently by her side. She paused slightly before continuing, "Let's save this joy for now. Right now, there's something extremely important. Brother Dayong and Jin Niang haven't arrived yet. We've agreed that once their whole family, along with Madam Zheng, have all arrived safely, we'll set up a table and celebrate properly. A true family reunion, that's what we call perfect!"
These words resonated with everyone, calming their initial excitement and replacing it with a deep concern for Shi Dayong and his group.
The days of waiting were particularly agonizing.
Although Pei Qingwu had acquired the title of County Princess, she was still unfamiliar with Lingwu City and could only inquire from various sources and spend each day in anticipation.
On the afternoon of the third day, as the sun began to set, the hurried and familiar sounds of horses' hooves and cart wheels finally came from the alley entrance, interspersed with the cries of children and the comforting words of adults.
The courtyard gate was suddenly knocked on, and Yu Yi, who was guarding the gate, rushed over and opened it.
Standing outside the door was Shi Dayong, his face weathered and worn. Although his stubble was messy and his eyes were sunken, his eyes were filled with excitement.
He carried the drowsy Jinniang on his back, held Mingyi who had just stopped crying in his arms, and Zheng Youning and Nianci were supporting each other beside him.
"Brother Dayong! Jinniang! Madam Zheng! You've finally arrived!"
Yu Yi's exclamation instantly attracted everyone in the hospital.
Upon hearing the news, everyone rushed over and hurriedly helped the nearly exhausted Jinniang into the house, settling her on a bed covered with thick mattresses.
When Nianci saw the familiar adults, the tears she had been holding back finally burst forth, and she threw herself into Pei Qingwu's arms and sobbed.
Zheng Youning's eyes were also red, and she kept wiping away the tears that seeped from the corners of her eyes.
Shi Dayong gulped down a large bowl of warm water, and after calming down, he recounted the hardships they had endured along the way.
It turned out that not long after they left Qinzhou, perhaps due to the arduous journey and the fear in her heart, Jinniang developed a high fever that came on fiercely and did not subside for several days.
"At that time, there was no village or shop in sight. She was delirious with fever and talking nonsense..." Shi Dayong, a tough man, choked up a little as he said, "She grabbed my hand and told me to leave her alone and take Zheng Niangzi and the two children and leave quickly, saying that she couldn't be a burden to us..."
As he spoke, he vigorously wiped his face: "How could I, Shi Dayong, be such a heartless person! She is my lawfully wedded wife, we've bowed to heaven and earth together. If I were to abandon her and run away alone in this time of calamity, would I still be human? Even if we die, we'll die together!"
So they had to stop and find a remote village to treat Jinniang with the medicine they had with them. This delay took several days.
By the time Jinniang's condition had stabilized and she was able to travel with difficulty, news of the rebel army's rampage had already arrived. They had no choice but to take a longer and more difficult route, living in constant fear and hiding, which is why they arrived in Lingwu so late.
Everyone who heard this was deeply moved and sighed with emotion.
"Alright, Brother Dayong, the hard times are over. Let's hear some good news—the new sage has appointed our master as a county princess!"
Shi Dayong and the others were taken aback at first, but then felt genuine surprise and pride.
"Your Highness?! This...this is truly an incredible piece of good news!" Shi Dayong was so excited that he was almost incoherent, rubbing his hands together, his honest face full of smiles: "I knew it, our boss is no ordinary person!"
Jinniang, who was lying on her sickbed, slowly woke up. Upon hearing the news, a relieved smile appeared on her pale face. Though her voice was weak, she sincerely congratulated him: "Congratulations... Congratulations, Master..."
Now that everyone had arrived, Pei Qingwu kept his promise and took out money to have Yinlan and Wuniang prepare a sumptuous meal, both to welcome him back and to celebrate his new title.
During the gathering, everyone reminisced about what had happened since their separation, shared their experiences, and discussed their plans and concerns for the future.
Although Lingwu was the location of the temporary imperial court, it was situated on the northern frontier, directly facing the rebel army's advance, and was by no means a place to stay for long.
Moreover, with supplies becoming increasingly scarce and prices soaring in the city, it was certainly not a good idea for their large family to simply live off their savings.
After discussion, everyone unanimously decided to continue south to the Jiangnan region, which was rumored to be less affected by the war and more prosperous and stable.
“I heard that the western part of Zhejiang is a beautiful place with clear waters and lush mountains, and the war hasn’t affected it yet. Maybe if we go there, we can reopen our shop,” Pei Qingwu said, and everyone agreed.
After a few days of rest, once Jinniang had recovered enough to travel by carriage, Pei Qingwu and his group set off again, joining the southward-bound migrants.
The journey was still arduous, but it was much better than the previous hasty escape.
After months of trekking, they finally arrived at Huzhou, a strategic waterway and land route in western Zhejiang. Although they had heard of the war in the north, the city had not yet been directly ravaged by the war. With canals running through it, bustling markets, and relatively stable lives for the people, it was indeed a suitable place to start over.
With some capital left over, Pei Qingwu was able to rent a street-facing shop in Huzhou City, with a spacious courtyard in the back, large enough to accommodate everyone.
The familiar signboard of Su Shan Xiao Ji still hangs up. In addition to the pastries of the past, Pei Qingwu has also launched new desserts and pastries that cater to the taste preferences of southerners.
The southern climate is warm and humid, and the land is rich in produce, including sugarcane, honey, and various flowers and fruits. Locals have a natural love for sweets.
In addition, Su Shan Xiao Ji's pastries are not only elegant in appearance, but also have a sweet and refreshing taste with rich layers. They quickly became famous in Huzhou City and became a new favorite among the city's gentry, ladies, literati and scholars.
The business gradually got on track. Although it was not as dominant as it had been in Qinzhou, it was enough to support the whole family to live a stable life here, and even make a slight profit.
News of the war continued to arrive from time to time, but life in Huzhou City, separated by thousands of mountains and rivers, seemed to have entered a relatively peaceful harbor.
Time flies, and three years have passed since the plants flourished and withered.
Over the past three years, Pei Qingwu led the group to establish themselves in Huzhou.
Sushan Market's business is booming, and it has even opened many branches. In a local area that values etiquette and status, the identity of Lady Jianing also helps Pei Qing avoid a lot of unnecessary trouble.
On this afternoon, the shop was unusually quiet, and the sunlight streamed in through the carved window lattices, making it feel warm and cozy.
Suddenly, a commotion broke out in the street. Galloping horses, gongs clearing the way, and courier shouting: "Good news! Good news! The government troops have recaptured Chang'an! The traitor Murong Chengen has been executed! The world is at peace!"
The news struck like a thunderbolt, instantly reverberating throughout the entire city of Huzhou.
People who had long suffered from the horrors of war poured into the streets, cheering and jumping for joy. The sound of firecrackers crackled and popped for a long time.
Pei Qingwu and Qian Tao were checking accounts behind the counter when they heard the sound and were stunned. Then, joy and relief swept over them.
Three years have passed, and the days of living in constant fear are finally coming to an end.
Almost simultaneously, the loud cries of a baby and joyful congratulations came from the backyard.
In the bedroom, after struggling for a day and a night, Jinniang, who was ten months pregnant, safely gave birth to a healthy daughter.
Shi Dayong was so excited that his face turned red. He looked at the little red, wrinkled life in the swaddling clothes, his mouth wide open.
"That's wonderful! It's double happiness! The war has ended, and our little girl has come!" Yinlan exclaimed with a smile.
The crowd gathered around the baby, overjoyed.
After the celebration, Qian Tao, with a mischievous smile, glanced between Pei Qingwu and Gu Heng and suddenly said, "Now that the world is at peace and Jinniang has given birth, the only important thing we have left is the matter of the master and Aheng that hasn't been settled yet."
"Master, Ah Heng, we've been waiting for this wedding feast for so long, when are we finally going to be able to drink it?"
Upon hearing this, everyone laughed, their eyes immediately focusing on Pei Qingwu and Gu Heng, filled with good-natured teasing and anticipation.
Pei Qingwu did not expect the topic to suddenly turn to her, especially in front of so many people. Even though she was usually calm and composed, she couldn't help but blush, her face turning red all the way to her ears.
She glanced at Gu Heng beside her subconsciously, and saw that the tips of the boy's ears were also tinged with a suspicious red, but his clear eyes met her gaze without any hesitation.
That night, the moonlight, like water, flowed quietly through the courtyard.
Pei Qingwu called Gu Heng to the osmanthus tree in the corner of the courtyard, where a sweet fragrance filled the air.
"Aheng, you've heard what everyone said today, and I'm sure you understand my intentions. However, there's something I must make clear to you before our matter is settled."
Gu Heng looked at her intently, his eyes gentle: "Sister, please speak."
Pei Qingwu took a deep breath and said, "I, Pei Qingwu, owe my success today entirely to my own hard work, and I have no intention of relying on anyone in the future. Therefore, if you and I are to get married..."
She paused for a moment: "The only option is for him to marry into the family."
As she spoke, she looked into Gu Heng's eyes, not missing a single change in his emotions: "I know this is not an easy thing for a man, and it might even cause controversy. If you are unwilling, I will never force you. You are still my closest and most trusted family member, we..."
Before she could finish speaking, Gu Heng interrupted her.
"I do." His voice was not loud, but clear and firm, without the slightest hesitation.
Pei Qingwu was slightly taken aback.
Gu Heng stepped forward and gently took her hand: "Sister, I, Gu Heng, have already decided on you for the rest of my life. I have never cared about surnames or social status... In my heart, the place where you are is my home."
"So what if I marry into your family? As long as I can be by your side legitimately and protect you for the rest of your life, I'll do anything for you." He smiled and said, "Besides, being my sister's husband is a blessing that many people would kill for."
Now that their hearts were in sync, there were no more obstacles, and their marriage was put on the agenda.
Although it was a marriage of convenience, Pei Qingwu did not mistreat Gu Heng.
The three letters and six rites are all present, just in a different form.
The betrothal, name inquiry, auspicious date selection, gift presentation, wedding date setting, and the wedding ceremony were all conducted solemnly and lively. Pei Qingwu was now a county princess and a well-known businesswoman in Huzhou City, so her marriage naturally attracted the attention of the entire city.
The wedding date was set for a beautiful autumn day when the air was crisp and the osmanthus blossoms were in full bloom.
On this day, all the shops under the name of Sushan Xiaoji closed for the day, decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and were packed with guests.
Officials, gentry, business partners, and neighbors from Huzhou all came to offer their congratulations.
Dozens of tables were set up in the courtyard for a feast, with toasts being made and laughter filling the air.
Pei Qingwu wore a wedding dress made of the finest silk, a crown of six red gold flowers, and exquisite makeup, making her exceptionally beautiful.
Gu Heng, dressed in a red robe, stood tall and handsome, his face radiating happiness.
Amidst the blessings of the crowd, they bowed to heaven and earth, and to the ancestral tablets of their respective elders.
Finally, witnessed by everyone, the couple bowed to each other.
After the ceremony, they were escorted to the bridal chamber.
The noise faded away, and the red candles burned brightly.
In the bridal chamber, Pei Qingwu and Gu Heng sat facing each other, the glow of the red candles reflecting in their eyes.
“Sister,” Gu Heng called softly, taking her hand carefully, as if holding a rare treasure: “I can finally be with you openly and honestly for the rest of my life.”
Pei Qingwu looked at him, a gentle and satisfied smile spreading across her eyes. She then gripped his hand tightly, a thousand words unspoken.
Outside the window, the moonlight was perfect, and the fragrance of osmanthus wafted in the air.
After wandering in turbulent times, they finally found peace; lovers were united in marriage.
The main text is finished.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
