25 Returning Home
◎At most, I saw that she was pretty, so I couldn't help but take a second look.◎
The next morning, when Wei Ziyan got out of bed, her foot had mostly healed and she could walk, so she wanted to go and say good morning to her parents-in-law.
In reality, of the Yan family's elders, only Yan Qizheng's grandmother was still alive. She and her eldest daughter lived away from home, so the Yan family didn't have a tradition of morning and evening visits. However, she hadn't gone to offer tea to her parents-in-law yesterday, so she should make up for it today.
Due to her leg problem, Yan Qizhen didn't quite agree with her walking around.
"No!" Wei Ziyan said seriously, "If my mother knew, she would scold me for being ignorant."
Haha, Yan Qizhen smiled in his heart.
She's only half sensible. Why didn't she make up for it after helping her husband change his clothes and wash his face? Judging from her expression, it seems she hasn't even thought about it...
"Oh, by the way! I want to buy some flowers and plants to put in the house, and some green plants in the yard. Is that okay?" Wei Ziyan asked cautiously, as if she didn't dare to do anything without his consent.
Yan Qizheng sneered again: "Why are you asking me?"
"Your place, in case I accidentally break your rules."
"My rules?"
"For example, your study room. No one is allowed to enter without permission."
This was what Ping'er had told Wei Ziyan yesterday. Ping'er said that the eldest master rarely brought Bai'er into the house, and usually kept him in the cattery, and only Aunt Lengxiang could go in to feed him.
The cattery was in Yan Qizhen's study. Ping'er said that the eldest master had set a rule that they were not allowed to enter without permission.
So Wei Ziyan thought it would be best to ask his opinion before taking any action, so as not to accidentally disrupt his plan or get in his way, and he would be unhappy and refuse to let her go.
Yan Qi was looking at the unusually polite woman, lost in thought for a moment.
"Just tell the maid if you want to buy anything." After saying this, he turned around and walked out.
“Eh—”
Wei Ziyan hadn't finished her question when the other person had already left the house. As Leng Xiang helped her out, she saw Xu Ji running off in the distance, while Yan Qizheng was still standing in the courtyard. He turned to see her approaching, then slowly began to walk out of Fuxi Hall with them, one in front and one behind.
The Yan family's head and wife lived in Jingsiyuan, and by this hour the servants were already busy with their own affairs. Master Yan, on his way to the government office, drank his new bride's tea and hurried out, while Madam Yan happily chatted with Wei Ziyan about family matters.
Ask her how the maids are serving her, whether she's used to the living quarters and amenities, and whether there's anything she needs to buy.
"They are fine, I am used to them, there is no need to buy anything." Wei Ziyan's polite words were just finished when she was interrupted by Yan Qizhen standing beside her.
"Didn't you just say you wanted to buy some flowers to put on display?"
Wei Ziyan turned her head to look at him, and Madam Yan laughed at the same time: "Then let Qi Zheng accompany you to the flower market to choose, and go shopping for rouge and powder."
"She just twisted her ankle and can't go shopping."
Hearing her son's words, Mrs. Yan was shocked: "Is it serious?"
Wei Ziyan hurriedly said, "It's not serious, it will be healed soon."
"Has the doctor seen it?"
Yan Qizheng said: "I've checked it out, and it's nothing serious."
"You still say," Madam Yan glanced at him, "You were accompanying Zi Yan, so how could she have sprained her ankle?"
Just as she was talking about this, a maid came in and said, "Madam, Concubine Hui, the eldest daughter, and the third son are here."
"Why are these three mothers here too?" Madam Yan muttered softly, raising her hand to signal the maid to call them in.
This question flashed through Wei Ziyan's mind, and she unconsciously straightened her back and looked towards the entrance. A moment later, she saw Aunt Hui hurriedly leading the siblings in.
"What brings you here so early today?" Mrs. Yan asked directly.
Aunt Hui glanced suspiciously in Yan Qi's direction before replying to Madam Yan.
"The eldest son sent a servant to tell Qizhu and Qifeng to come to Jingsiyuan immediately. I thought the mistress might have something to tell me, so I came along."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone, including Madam Yan, looked at the eldest son Yan Qizhen in confusion.
The eldest son's gaze fell on the siblings behind Concubine Hui: "Mother just asked how Zi Yan twisted her ankle. I think my third sister and fourth brother know the situation best."
When Yan Qizhen said this, everyone looked surprised.
Wei Ziyan looked at Yan Qizheng in surprise, then quickly realized what was going on. Xu Ji hurried out, probably on orders to call the siblings over.
Madam Yan heard the hidden meaning in her son's words, and the smile on her face immediately disappeared: "Tell me, what's going on?"
The brother and sister, who were being watched by their wife, saw this and understood why their brother had asked them to come quickly. Yan Qifeng looked at his sister anxiously, but Yan Qizhu was still playing dumb: "Did your sister-in-law twist her ankle? I didn't notice it at the family dinner yesterday."
"So you think you can hide it?" Yan Qizheng said sternly, "Why don't you tell the truth about what you and your fourth brother did?"
"We didn't mean it." Yan Qizhu lowered his lips, showing a bit of grievance.
"I happened to be standing on the steps, and while talking, I accidentally bumped into my sister-in-law. I didn't expect her to be so fragile that she fell down when I touched her..."
Madam Yan and Aunt Hui, who were present at the scene, lived in seclusion at home and had seen or heard of all kinds of tricks. How could they be fooled by this "accidental encounter" rhetoric?
But Aunt Hui was so protective of her daughter that she spoke before Madam Yan could say anything.
"You two really don't know how to handle things properly!" Aunt Hui scolded her daughters. "Everyone knows that Zi Yan was still sick when she got married. How could you two be so careless? You're used to being crazy on weekdays. You don't know how to restrain yourself outside the courtyard, and you're causing trouble everywhere! When your father comes home today, I'll make sure he punishes you!"
Then, Aunt Hui turned to Madam Yan and said, "Madam, it's all your fault that you've been too indulgent with them. I'm willing to be punished and will let you handle it."
After alternating between these two statements, he immediately took the blame on himself and shut up the brother and sister who were trying to find out.
Also, because Zi Yan's illness was just a pretext, Madam Yan didn't want to make the matter bigger.
"In that case, let Qizhu and Qifeng apologize to Ziyan. Aunt Hui will discipline the two siblings properly in the future and prevent them from getting into trouble again."
"Mrs. Hui has made a note of this." Aunt Hui quickly tugged at the hem of her daughter's clothes and said, "Why don't you apologize to your sister-in-law?"
So, Yan Qizhu led his brother forward in shame and apologized to Wei Ziyan. However, there was still a hint of reluctance on her face, which was seen by Yan Qizheng.
"Third sister, it was alright in the past." Yan Qizheng scolded her, "Zi Yan is your sister-in-law now. You are not allowed to act like that again. Do you understand?"
At this time, Yan Qizhu didn't dare to talk back. He pouted and replied softly: "I know..."
After paying apology, Aunt Hui immediately left with the siblings. Madam Yan did not keep her son and daughter-in-law for long, but gave them some instructions and told them to go back and have a good rest.
When we came out of Jingsi Temple, it was already bright.
Wei Ziyan was in a very good mood, especially recalling Yan Qizhu's unwillingness to accept but having to give in. It was so satisfying! After all these years, someone finally stood up for her.
As Wei Ziyan walked, she tilted her head to look at Yan Qizheng, finding him particularly pleasing to the eye today. Suddenly, the person looking ahead turned his head and met her gaze, which she couldn't withdraw in time.
"Thank you." Wei Ziyan simply smiled and thanked him.
Yan Qizheng pursed his lips and turned his face away as if it didn't matter: "There's nothing to thank me for. I can't let you go back to your parents' house and cry about how the Yan family treated you badly."
"I can't protect Qizhu and cover up for her even though I know she made a mistake."
"Besides, sooner or later I'll be unable to hide this from my mother. She's always loved you, and she'll definitely scold me if she finds out."
Wei Ziyan nodded continuously after hearing all these reasons.
That's right, just like when he misunderstood her yesterday, he gave her Bai Er to play with as compensation. It must be said that sometimes Yan Qizheng was reasonable.
Before leaving the Yan family, she didn't expect him to be partial to her, as long as he treated her fairly. That way, everyone could finally part ways amicably.
Wei Ziyan was thinking to herself as she and Yan Qizhen walked all the way to the gate of Fuxi Hall.
The plaque above her head suddenly reminded her of the old man who gave her this name, so she asked casually, "How is your grandmother's illness?"
When the wedding date was set, the Yan family said that she was ill and would need to rest for several months and would not be able to return on the wedding day.
Yan Qizheng ignored the "you" she mentioned and replied, "Grandmother's old illness tends to flare up at the turn of spring and summer. Just rest well and she'll be fine after autumn."
Wei Ziyan uttered an "oh" and continued walking into the courtyard. Her gaze, which had been wandering around casually, suddenly became fixed, her eyes gleaming with surprise, and she couldn't help but quicken her pace.
"Slower."
Yan Qizhen's reminder sounded behind her, but she couldn't slow down and ran straight towards the cart of flowers and plants in the yard.
A car full of colorful flowers! Wei Ziyan was overjoyed!
Xu Jigang pushed the flowers in, wiped the sweat from his forehead and asked, "Young Madam, where do you think we should put these flowers and plants?"
Wei Ziyan looked at him, then at Yan Qizheng, and understood. Not only had Xu Ji gone to fetch people early in the morning, but he had also been asked to go to the flower market.
She had just said that, and this man made arrangements silently. If you didn't know, you would think he valued the young lady very much!
"Young Madam..." Xu Ji was still waiting for the Young Madam's instructions.
Wei Ziyan paused and looked at the car full of flowers.
"Let's put them all here first..." She pointed to a piece of land under the jujube tree, her eyes fell on a pot of exquisitely trimmed begonias, and her mind suddenly changed.
"This pot of crabapples will be sent to the study."
"Ah?" Xu Ji was stunned.
"What's wrong?" Wei Ziyan was also stunned.
As soon as he finished speaking, Yan Qizheng's voice rang out: "What are you standing there for? Why don't you move quickly?"
This was said to Xu Ji, who quickly picked up the crabapple and went to the study. As he walked, he thought, how could his son appreciate flowers? The son had never bothered to spend time on flashy things and never displayed them in his study.
Not only in the study, but in the entire yard, there are only two jujube trees with flowers.
From a distance, I could still hear the eldest son's gentle voice behind me: "Put it wherever you want... If you don't buy enough, buy more tomorrow..."
Xu Ji secretly stuck out his tongue.
Why did the eldest son become different after getting married?
With some flowers and plants, Wei Ziyan found it easier to pass the time in the yard. Planting flowers and playing with cats, two days passed in a flash, and it was time for her to return home.
For the past two days, Yan Qizheng had slept in the study at night, using the excuse that she needed a good rest. She slept more soundly and peacefully alone, and not only did her feet recover, but her complexion also improved.
On the day of her return, Wei Ziyan woke up early and had Du Juan style her hair into a beautiful yet elegant bun. She applied a light layer of makeup and donned a new, festive outfit. When she smiled, she seemed to glow.
Yan Qizheng saw it all, and was infected by that brilliant smile, but at the same time, he felt a little...
It's hard to describe the feeling...
Madam Yan had two carriages prepared, one for the passengers and one specifically for the return gifts. The two carriages were one in front of the other. Yan Qi was sitting in the front carriage with Wei Ziyan. Seeing her happily lifting the curtains and looking around, Yan Qi couldn't help but recall sitting in the carriage with her on the day of the bride's arrival.
At that time, she sat there quietly, without moving or making any noise, as if she had accepted the outcome of her failed escape from marriage.
Even though she was unwilling, he still didn't care and tied her to him by force. At this moment, she was like a bird that had escaped from a cage, full of joy at regaining her freedom.
"Can I stay at home for a few days?" the bird suddenly asked him.
According to the custom of the Huzhou Kingdom, the newlyweds return to their parents' home three days after the wedding, and the bride can stay there for a few days. There is no clear rule, but the shortest time is two or three days, the longest is ten days, and even more than a month has been heard.
But according to tradition, the groom should not stay overnight with the bride, so the number of days the bride stays depends on her own situation.
"How many days do you want to stay?" Yan Qizhen asked back.
"I..." Wei Ziyan pouted, "I haven't thought about it yet..."
Yan Qizheng thought for a moment and said, "You stay here for now. When you want to come back, send someone to let me know and I'll come pick you up."
"Okay!" Wei Ziyan smiled, her snow-white teeth were a little dazzling.
When the young lady of the Wei Mansion returned home, everything in the mansion had already been prepared. The large red lanterns and red silk tassels that had been hung when she got married were put up again, and the red carpet on the floor was rolled out all the way to the front door.
As soon as the newlyweds' carriage stopped, the sound of lively firecrackers filled the streets. The locals came forward to join in the fun, and were handed out wedding fruits by the servants.
Everyone knew that the young lady of the Wei Mansion had returned with her husband! Those lucky enough to be in the front row got to witness the newlyweds in person.
The husband, dressed in red, was handsome and elegant. He and the charming and delicate Miss Wei were hugging each other, smiling at each other, like a loving couple.
Madam Wei and her husband stood at the door. Seeing the harmonious appearance of the two, her heart, which had been hanging in the air for three days, finally settled down.
"Mom..." Wei Ziyan threw herself into Madam Wei's arms like a child, regardless of the occasion.
Wei Jizhi smiled and shook his head, then beckoned his son-in-law in. The maids in the hall were already ready, and upon seeing their masters enter, they quickly began preparing tea and cushions.
When newlyweds return to their parents’ home, they must offer tea to their parents.
Yan Qizheng knelt on the cushion with Wei Ziyan, took the teacup, and while serving tea, he respectfully called out: "Father-in-law, mother-in-law... please have some tea."
Mrs. Wei's eyes became hot again, but her heart was filled with joy.
After the formalities were completed and the son-in-law went to wash his hands, Madam Wei grabbed her daughter and whispered to her, "Did Qi Zheng ask you to stay at home for a few days?"
"He said follow me."
Mrs. Wei became even happier after hearing this, and she naturally hoped that her daughter would stay for a few more days.
Soon, the family dinner was ready and everyone moved into the hall.
The Wei family was small, and besides the master and his wife, there was only one concubine at the table. Yan Qizheng greeted her and then sat down next to Wei Ziyan.
Madam Wei knew her daughter's tastes well and had the kitchen prepare almost all of her favorite dishes. Being in her own home, Wei Ziyan felt free and uninhibited, her chopsticks and mouth never stopping. Meanwhile, Yan Qi, standing nearby, was reserved and restrained, a true guest.
"Don't just eat by yourself." Mrs. Wei gently reminded her daughter.
Wei Ziyan savored her mother's gaze and came to her senses. Didn't Yan Qizheng serve her a bowl of soup at the Yan family's dinner to show his affection?
But there was already soup in his bowl, so Wei Ziyan simply asked him directly: "Which one do you like?"
Before Yan Qizheng could react, he politely replied, "All is well."
Then he saw her pick up a piece of fish fillet and put it in his bowl, followed by wild duck, chicken, Ruyi rolls... soon it became a small mountain.
"You try it. I like it all anyway." She said to herself while biting her chopsticks.
Yan Qizhen finally smiled knowingly and cooperated in tasting her favorite dishes one by one.
Witnessing the harmonious scene between the young couple from across the street, the aunt couldn't help but sigh, "They say that when you get married, you become an adult. Our Ziyan is now an adult and knows how to take care of others."
"What does she know? All the food she picked up for Qi Zheng is her favorite." Master Wei said one thing and meant another.
Wei Ziyan was dissatisfied after hearing this: "I don't know what he likes, so of course I choose what I like. If it's what I like, then he might like it. If I don't like it, how can I expect him to like it?"
"You and Qi Zheng have been married for three days, and you still don't know what he likes?" As expected, when presiding over the court meeting, Master Wei grasped the key point from her tongue twister, which was really to the point.
Wei Ziyan was speechless for a moment.
Seeing her being humiliated, Yan Qi was secretly happy.
My father-in-law is wise enough to see that this little girl is still a long way from being sensible!
However, the wife is your own after all, and no matter whether it is a show or not, you still have to say a few good words for her.
"Zi Yan just came in and is still adapting and getting used to things. It's normal for her to be caught off guard by some things."
"That's right!" Wei Ziyan felt that it was correct.
Wei Jizhi looked at his daughter's arrogant words and shook his head speechlessly.
Madam Wei was also quite helpless, and said to Qi Zheng apologetically: "Zi Yan has been spoiled by us since she was a child. If she does anything inappropriate, please take care of her."
"I'm a few years older than Zi Yan, so it's only natural for me to take care of her."
"That's right." Wei Ziyan tilted her head and smiled at Yan Qizhen, looking very satisfied.
Seeing this, Master Wei shook his head again: "Look, whose daughter is so shameless?"
"Then who made me the daughter of a senior official? A tiger father will have a dog daughter!"
Wei Jizhi was irritated by her nonsense. Fortunately, there were no outsiders here, so it was okay to lose face at home. Wei Jizhi was reluctant to let his precious daughter be criticized for her lack of manners outside, so he did not forget to give her earnest advice.
"Don't talk nonsense like that anymore. Don't forget, you are now the Young Madam of the Yan family. If you continue to be so loud and outspoken like before, you will only make people laugh at you."
"Who's laughing at me?" Wei Ziyan muttered very quietly, but Yan Qizheng heard it clearly.
"Father-in-law, you're worrying too much." He said in a steady voice, "Zi Yan is lively and cute. Everyone in the family likes her very much."
“…”
Wei Ziyan couldn't help but glance at Yan Qizheng sideways. He was calm and composed, without a trace of embarrassment from lying on his face. She sincerely admired him. He was even better at lying than her!
Indeed, the three elders were very relieved by their son-in-law’s attitude of taking care of their daughter, and kept telling him not to be restrained and to treat it as his own home.
The atmosphere was relaxed, and this meal was more lively than the one at the Yan family's. Yan Qizheng also began to understand more and more why his new wife was so eager to come back.
She grew up in such pure and deep love, but suddenly left and went to a new environment. No one spoiled her like her parents did, and she married someone she didn't want to marry at all...
So when leaving the Wei Mansion, Yan Qizheng said to his newlywed wife again: "Don't rush back, stay at home for a few more days."
As soon as her son-in-law left, Mrs. Wei took her daughter to her boudoir to have a private conversation.
"Is Qi Zheng treating you well?" After all, at her age, how could Mrs. Wei not see that his consideration at the dinner table was somewhat superficial.
Wei Ziyan nodded honestly. Yan Qizhen had indeed been very nice to her in the past two days.
Of course, she didn't provoke him again.
Since the conversation was opened up, the relationship with Yan Qizhen has eased a lot.
There was no need to hide anything from her own daughter. Madam Wei felt relieved and lowered her voice to ask, "Was I considerate to you tonight?"
"Ah?" Wei Ziyan was stunned. Her mother thought she was embarrassed.
"If he makes you feel uncomfortable, don't let him do it. You'll be the one who suffers if he hurts you."
“…”
Having said that, how could I not understand?
Wei Ziyan's face flushed with shame and anxiety: "We didn't even sleep together, what are you talking about..."
Mrs. Wei was shocked when she heard this!
"What's going on? Qi Zheng refuses to do it?"
"I don't want to! I don't..." Wei Ziyan bit her tongue fiercely. She must not let her mother know that she was still thinking about divorce!
"I...I just got married to him, and we still need to...cultivate our relationship..."
After hearing this, Madam Wei finally breathed a sigh of relief, but she still asked worriedly, "Is Qi Zheng unhappy?"
Wei Ziyan nodded vigorously: "No, after all, he doesn't like me."
At most, I thought she was pretty and couldn't help but take a few more glances at her.
Mrs. Wei knew that Yan Qizheng didn't like her daughter before, but she also saw the change in Yan Qizheng's attitude towards her daughter after the Crown Prince was assassinated.
Especially when his daughter ran away from marriage, he not only did not care at all, but also defended the reputation of the Wei family in every way. Coupled with the care and concern that naturally appeared in his words today, Madam Wei was convinced that Yan Qizheng now liked her daughter.
I'm afraid it's because my daughter doesn't want to and can't bring herself to admit that she's unhappy.
"Zi Yan," Madam Wei said earnestly, "Since you and Qi Zheng are already husband and wife, you must consider him. If a man marries a wife and has to stay alone in an empty house, his feelings will grow cold over time. If you don't allow him to take a concubine, when he grows cold towards you and looks for other women outside, you won't even have time to cry..."
Wei Ziyan had ulterior motives, but was reluctant to argue with her mother, so she could only nod in agreement.
Fortunately, not long after, Qiu Luo came in with her favorite fruit, which stopped her mother's nagging. However, as soon as she took a bite of the fruit, Qiu Luo asked, "Miss, did your son-in-law bully you?"
Wei Ziyan, with the fruit in her mouth, rolled her eyes, pursed her lips, and nodded. As expected, Qiu Luo's expression changed, and he said he would go and help her vent her anger.
"The three maids in his room are very fierce," Wei Ziyan frowned and shook her head slightly, "If you rely on yourself... I'm afraid you can't defeat them."
"Ah!" Qiu Luo immediately looked at Madam Wei anxiously, "Madam, how about letting Chunlai go with me?"
"You silly girl!" Madam Wei laughed, "Don't you realize your mistress is lying to you?"
Seeing Qiu Luo suddenly realize the truth, Madam Wei teased him again, "I think even if there were ten of you, you wouldn't be able to do anything to these three girls."
Wei Ziyan laughed so hard that she covered her stomach.
Qiu Luo was fine with being teased by the lady, and didn't dare to say a word back. But the young lady had deliberately tricked her, and she couldn't help but want to complain.
"The young lady must have been led astray by her son-in-law. She teased Qiu Luo as soon as she came back. Qiu Luo was worried at home every day, afraid that they would mistreat the young lady... Qiu Luo's worries were in vain..."
"Oh, you're feeling wronged already? What should I do?" Wei Ziyan tilted her head and smiled at her, "How about... giving you a husband of your dreams?"
"Madam..." Qiu Luo's face turned red, and he looked eagerly to Madam Wei for justice.
Madam Wei was unusually cheerful today, and she said casually, "Of course, of course. I'll personally arrange things for you later, and I guarantee you'll marry off with honor and dignity to a good family."
Seeing this, Qiu Luo ran out as fast as she could.
The Wei mother and daughter laughed their heads off, but when talking about arranging a family, Wei Ziyan couldn't help but think of Liu Yu'er. She wondered if her aunt was still forcing her to marry the youngest son of the declining Wang family.
Before, she was worried about her engagement with Yan Qizhen all day and had no time to care about Liu Yuer's lifelong affairs, but now she can.
Wei Ziyan hugged her mother's hand and said, "Mom, are you willing to adopt me as your adopted daughter?"
【Author’s words】
No rush to reply? You'll be slapped in the face soon!
Asking online: How to trick my wife back?
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