Chapter 128 Chapter 128 Chapter 128
Xiao Suxin and Xiao Suyun's families lived in the same courtyard and did not show favoritism to each other. Originally, Xiao Suxin also liked this little sister quite a bit. Later, she discovered that this little sister was very shrewd and often secretly asked her parents for money. Her anger flared up.
Now that the two sisters have gone to the capital together, Xiao Suxin's own daughter did not get her wish, and of course she did not want Xiao Suyun's daughter to marry into the fourth branch of the family. As soon as she heard that Zhengge'er had agreed to a marriage, she immediately smiled with joy.
When the two sisters returned, Xiao Suxin couldn't help but say, "Fourth brother is, after all, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, a third-rank official. The families he associates with are all wealthy and powerful. I heard that Zheng'er's marriage was proposed by the woman's family. How can they all be the same?"
Xiao Suyun smiled and wasn't annoyed: "Big sister, you can't keep digging your own wounds."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Suxin knew she was being subtly insulted, and pointed at her, saying, "You—"
"I won't keep you company, little sister." Xiao Suyun immediately went into her room and had someone close the door.
Back then, Xiao Suyun married into an official family. Unfortunately, her husband failed the imperial examination and remained a mere provincial graduate. Later, through family connections, he climbed to the rank of a seventh-grade official in the salt bureau. Although his official position was not high, he was very wealthy and influential.
Who in this world doesn't want their daughter to marry well? Wasn't her fourth sister-in-law also desperately trying to marry into the family? Now that she's settled down, she's cutting off everyone else's path. It's really something.
But she wasn't Xiao Suxin. Even if she had doubts in her heart, she wouldn't say it in front of outsiders, lest someone use it as an excuse to criticize her.
"Grandma, can we go with Young Master Miao too?" asked Mama Lu, who was standing next to Xiao Suyun.
Madam Lu had watched her daughter grow up since she was a child and was considered her advisor, but this time Xiao Suyun didn't listen to her. Not only did she not listen, but she also retorted, "Sixth Sister-in-law is useless. Sixth Brother originally didn't want to take Concubine Qin as a concubine, but her family made things worse. Besides, Sixth Brother is even less capable than my husband, and Miao-ge'er might not be any better. Rather than that, it would be better to have Fourth Sister-in-law help me marry my eldest aunt to a man in the capital."
Mrs. Lu smiled and said, "It's good that you think so positively."
"What's this talk of being open-minded or not? I really don't understand why people are so prejudiced. After Fourth Brother became an official, Second Brother and Sixth Brother could all use the Xiao name to arrange good marriages for their children. Li Ge'er married the daughter of a commander, and Wei Jie'er married into the family of a magistrate in Suzhou. But we, the daughters who marry out, can't." Xiao Suyun was very dissatisfied.
Mrs. Lu thought to herself, "Isn't this normal?" The Wang family's aunt and her husband had been at odds for years, and when she lived at her parents' house, her grandmother often complained about it.
Miaozhen had heard a little about the Xiao sisters' affairs, but they had only come to attend the wedding and left after the ceremony; their time together was only temporary.
She's busy with her own affairs right now, so Sister Fu has come to help. The stage needs to be set up first, the seating arrangements need to be proper, and even who doesn't get along with whom and who should be seated in the best seats needs to be sorted out first.
Furthermore, Zhengge'er had already passed the county examination in February, and there was still the prefectural examination in April. Miaozhen also had to take care of her youngest son's studies, and couldn't help but complain: "Now I don't have time to read many books. I can only have some peace and quiet after I finish all this work."
"It was unexpected that Zheng Ge'er ranked eighth in the county examination." Sister Fu was very happy for her little brother.
Miaozhen laughed and said, "He has been studying at the academy for two years now, and he has gone from the outer dormitory to the middle dormitory and then to the inner dormitory. He is no longer so lazy. Besides, I told him about the engagement, and he felt that he would lose face if he didn't do well in the exam."
Sister Fu covered her mouth and laughed, "It would be good if he could study more for the sake of face."
"That's right." Miaozhen also hoped that her youngest son would have a smoother life.
And with her eldest son taking the imperial examination next year, she, as his mother, couldn't offer any help. She could only hope that they could secure a good future for themselves. After all, one must be strong oneself to succeed.
If her medical skills weren't so exceptional, why would the people of Prince Yu's mansion trust her so much?
Those who blindly try to curry favor with the powerful and wealthy, thinking it will be a one-time solution, are unaware that the powerful and wealthy are not stupid either.
Although the wedding of the Xiao and Han families was not extravagant, it was still very grand. Zhao Ge'er had just turned twenty at the end of last year, and according to the traditional Chinese age reckoning, he was only twenty-one years old. He was in the prime of his life, and because of his handsome appearance and dignified demeanor, he was like a tall bamboo in a lush forest.
The Han family had many brothers, and they all wanted to make things difficult for him before letting him in. However, the bride kept composing poems to urge him to get married, and he was also good at archery. In addition, his younger brother Xiao Zhengzhi helped him, which made him even more powerful. Before long, he was able to bring his bride out as he wished.
Now Zhengge'er has grown taller, even taller than his brother, but he is still straightforward and simple-minded. When he saw a woman from the Han family pulling him aside to ask questions, he didn't want to argue with the adults and quickly went out to ride a horse to accompany his brother to pick up the bride and bring her home.
Back home, he was dragged out for drinks again. Although Zheng Ge'er would steal drinks when he was a child, he had his own set of standards as he grew up: "I only like to drink fruit wine and rice wine, they are so sweet. I don't like to drink these kinds of wine because they give me a headache."
Some people couldn't help but secretly laugh at his foolishness, but Zhao Rui, listening nearby, immediately darkened his expression, causing the gossips to shut up. In his view, someone like Zheng Ge'er was a fool with good fortune, and he wasn't really foolish, just exceptionally simple-minded.
It is said that his parents-in-law felt that he was too strong in martial arts and did not want him to be too violent, so they only allowed him to study.
After Zhao Ge'er and his wife completed their wedding ceremony, they went to their bridal chamber. Miao Zhen saw Fu Jie'er busy with everything, and her son-in-law Zhao Rui also helped entertain the guests. They were a great help. Once the banquet was over, she told them to go back: "You two have worked hard all day. Tomorrow, your son-in-law will be going to the Northern Garrison, and Fu Jie'er will also be busy. You can't work so hard here. Your father and I will take care of the rest."
Fu Jie'er didn't stand on ceremony: "Since you put it that way, I won't delay any longer. Anyway, the bride will be meeting her relatives early tomorrow morning, so we still have to come."
"You still have Xuan-ge'er at home. I'm worried even if you don't. Bring him with you tomorrow. I haven't seen him in a long time." Miao-zhen doesn't have any young children with her now, but her grandson is still very cute and playful.
After Fu Jie'er and her husband took their leave, Xiao Jingshi personally took care of the household affairs outside, and Miao Zhen also instructed people to handle the follow-up matters. By the time the two returned to their room, it was already late at night.
Xiao Jingshi also poured a cup of hot tea for Miaozhen: "To quench your thirst."
"What do you think they're doing right now? A talented scholar and a beautiful woman must be enjoying themselves under the flowers and moon." Miaozhen thought of her eldest son's handsome appearance and Han Ruozhen's beautiful face. Both of them were well-read and must be composing poems together.
"Ahem." Xiao Jingshi was still wondering who Zheng Ge'er resembled, but he couldn't figure it out. Now he thought that he most resembled his wife. At this point, they would probably be in the bridal chamber long ago, and there would be no need for poetry and prose.
How silly!
But the sillier she was, the more he liked her. Xiao Jingshi took Miaozhen's hand and said, "Since last year, you have been frequently visiting the Prince Yu's mansion and busy with your son's marriage. We haven't had time to talk."
"Yes, thankfully the young master is in good health, so I don't need to go. To be honest, sometimes I feel that children from ordinary families are more resilient and don't suffer as many undeserved misfortunes." Miaozhen sometimes thinks that it's not easy for a child to grow up from a young age.
Xiao Jingshi stroked her hair and said, "My wife, I am now a high-ranking official of the third rank, an important minister of the court. It's not fair to say we're from an ordinary family. It's because you take such good care of me that I haven't even caught a cold once."
Miaozhen was embarrassed by the praise: "I'm a doctor, of course I have to take good care of you. How can I call myself a doctor if I can't even take care of my own family?"
"My lady, Zheng'er's writing is getting better and better. Passing the prefectural examination shouldn't be too difficult for him. His teacher also said that although Zheng'er didn't stand out when he first entered the academy, what's rare is that he has no distractions. He never complains about the food at the academy and even says it's delicious. He said that the cooks especially like him and give him extra food. With no distractions, a solid foundation, and guidance from family members, Zheng'er is making rapid progress."
Now that the eldest daughter is married and the family affairs of the Marquis of Yunjian have been settled, the eldest son, who has become a top scholar, is making even greater progress in his studies. He has now married the daughter of a Grand Secretary, and his future is undoubtedly bright.
Only his youngest son remains. He is sixteen years old this year, but he has only passed the county examination. If he fails the prefectural examination, he will have to wait one or two years to participate again. If he marries a girl from the Liu family, he will still be a commoner. It is inevitable that Zheng-ge'er will feel sad.
As expected, Miaozhen breathed a deep sigh of relief upon hearing Xiao Jingshi's words.
Once in bed, Miaozhen touched the extra fat on her stomach: "I've been staying up late these days reading medical books, and you always insist on making me midnight snacks. I've really gained weight, it's all your fault."
"She's not fat at all. She's so cute, how can you call her fat?" Xiao Jingshi was lying through his teeth, because his wife's face was indeed a little rounder, but that was fine too.
Miao Zhen made a firm decision: "When spring arrives and flowers bloom, I am determined to give up late-night snacks and eat a light diet. I must lose weight."
Xiao Jingshi had no choice but to say, "Okay, okay."
In a fit of anger, Miaozhen quickly fell asleep. Xiao Jingshi wanted to talk to her, but seeing that she was asleep, he couldn't help but laugh. He got up, took the oil paper of the osmanthus cake from her bed, and threw it away.
Even though the couple had been married for twenty years, she was still the little girl in his heart.
Miaozhen barely drank any porridge this morning, only eating a small piece of white rice cake and a small dish of steamed egg custard, and refused to eat more. Qiuchan tried to persuade her, "Madam, you're eating too little. You haven't touched your favorite crystal pan-fried buns, pork chop noodles, or fresh fish noodles. How can this be?"
"You don't need to worry about me, you can divide these among yourselves." Although Miaozhen didn't know how long she could hold on, she had to persevere and couldn't give up halfway.
Xiao Jingshi felt sorry for her: "Every night before you go to bed, you look forward to eating pork chop noodles in the morning. Why don't you eat it again? Just have one bite, okay?"
"No, no, I really won't eat it. I'll try it after I've held out for ten days." Miaozhen shook her head violently.
Xiao Jingshi had no choice but to pick up a crystal pan-fried bun for her: "You can at least have one, right?"
Since that was the case, Miaozhen had no choice but to eat it, but then she felt guilty. Fortunately, Xiao Jingshi had the table cleared and personally brought her tea: "It was my fault today for stuffing food into your mouth. How about we have pork chop noodles in ten days?"
Miao Zhen answered "okay" with a wronged expression. Seeing her smile slightly, Xiao Jingshi smiled.
After the meal, Miaozhen had the flower hall decorated and invited relatives and friends over. Master Xiao, a merchant by trade, had never imagined that his granddaughter-in-law would come from a family of prime ministers, and had already prepared generous gifts. The same was true for the sisters Xiao Suxin and Xiao Suyun.
Miaozhen had once raised Tingge'er. This time, he came with his wife, Lu Shi. Miaozhen planned to let him study in the capital. The child's father completely neglected him, and his situation was quite difficult.
As they were talking, Sister Fu brought Xuan-ge over. Children are always the most endearing, innocent and naive. Master Xiao Er had also enjoyed a pleasant conversation with Zhao Rui the previous day. He had initially felt somewhat reserved around his grandson-in-law, Zhao Rui being the heir of a marquis, but Zhao Rui turned out to be a very generous and easygoing person. Master Xiao Er was very impressed with his grandson-in-law and even gave his great-grandson Xuan-ge a pair of jade monkeys as a special gift, since Xuan-ge was born in the Year of the Monkey.
After everyone was seated, they chatted amongst themselves. Fu Jie asked Miao Zhen, "What is Mother planning to give the new bride?"
“A set of gold and jade headdress. I had this set made by chance three years ago. I’ve always liked it, but I haven’t had a chance to ask about it yet. It’s perfect to give to the bride. She’s young, and it’s the perfect time for her to wear these.” Miaozhen didn’t hide anything.
Fu Jie knew that she had received a dowry of 50,000 taels of silver, which had reduced the family's money by half. With her two younger brothers getting married, the family had been burning through money in recent years. So she felt a little guilty, but not jealous. She was even afraid that her mother's preparations were not good enough, so she secretly made up for it herself.
Upon hearing Miaozhen's words, she smiled and said, "You have prepared very well, a house full of gold and jade."
As everyone was whispering, someone outside announced that the eldest young master and young mistress had arrived. Miaozhen immediately sat up straight and saw Zhao Ge'er leading Han Ruozhen in.
The two were a perfect match, a handsome man and a beautiful woman.
Zhao Ge'er's expression remained largely unchanged, just as it had always been. Han Ruozhen, though blushing, also behaved very generously. Miaozhen drank the tea heartily, presented gifts to the new bride, and then had Fu Jie'er take her to visit the relatives. Only then did the wedding ceremony conclude.
The men went to the front hall to talk first. After they left, Miaozhen let Han Ruozhen sit down: "Have you had breakfast?"
Han Ruozhen shook her head: "I came here early this morning."
"I have some snacks here, have a little something to tide you over, and we'll start the banquet early. Now that you're married into this family, make yourself at home and don't be shy." Miaozhen didn't like having a banquet in the evening; the midday banquet would end sooner so the bride could go home and rest earlier.
They had all been brides before, and the principle of "do not do to others what you would not have them do to you" applies to them. Madam Ren rarely set rules for her daughters-in-law, and Miaozhen was even less likely to do so.
After she finished speaking, Qiu Chan had several exquisite pastries brought out. Han Ruozhen knew that the Xiao family was a wealthy family in Jiangnan, and that their food and clothing were exceptionally different. She herself also came from a family of high-ranking officials, and she was particular about the finest and most exquisite food. Seeing that the pastries were not only beautiful in appearance, but also sweet but not greasy, and had a fragrant aroma, Han Ruozhen's eyes lit up.
Seeing this, Miaozhen couldn't help but smile and said, "If you like, I'll send some over later. I also have milk almond tea, but I don't know if you'll like it?"
"I'm not picky about food," Han Ruozhen quickly replied.
Miaozhen was even happier to hear this. People who eat well have good spirits, while she herself had been in poor spirits when she was dieting. Therefore, she liked Han Ruozhen even more and even took off her own sachet and gave it to her. Han Ruozhen was a little flattered; it seemed that her mother-in-law really liked her.
Xiao Suxin didn't dare to blame Xiao Jingshi because her daughter couldn't get married. She just felt that Miaozhen was really two-faced, treating the daughter of the Grand Secretary so well.
A mother-in-law should give her daughter-in-law a little warning when she enters the family, otherwise the daughter-in-law will start to climb all over her. Xu Miaozhen really comes from a humble background, yet she is trying to please her daughter-in-law.
Little did Miaozhen know that she longed to be free from worldly affairs and devote herself to the study of medicine. In this way, although she might not become a world-renowned doctor, she wanted to take a further step in this field.
Furthermore, she earns several thousand taels a year just from medical treatment. After deducting the money for her children's marriages, she and Xiao Jingshi have about twenty to thirty thousand taels left for their retirement, which is more than enough.
The Xiao family will split up in the future, and they will still have assets, so they won't be short of money.
Therefore, it's best to leave the household chores to the daughter-in-law so she can get started sooner. Next year, Xiao Jingshi's term will be over, and it's uncertain whether he will be able to stay in the capital. We can't just hand the household over to her then.
Furthermore, Miaozhen also hopes to have less work and be less busy so she can take better care of her health, as she is very prone to gaining weight due to overwork. Now that someone has taken over her job, she couldn't be happier.
After everyone had lunch together, Miaozhen told Han Ruozhen, "Go back and get some rest. Your dowry is in the side room in your courtyard. I'll give you the key. You don't need to come today. We'll talk again tomorrow morning."
After Han Ruozhen left, the relatives also took their leave one after another.
Miaozhen immediately said to Qiuchan, "I'll just have a plate of stir-fried vegetables and a yam for dinner. I ate too much at noon."
Qiu Chan realized that their mistress truly had something in mind; no matter what was happening, she always remembered her goal. Even with the eldest daughter-in-law entering the family today, she was still thinking about her own objective.
If she doesn't succeed, who will? She rarely lets others disrupt her rhythm in whatever she wants to do.
After returning home at noon, Han Ruozhen did not rest. Instead, she put away her dowry and the gifts she had received. After entering the room, she asked about Zhao Ge'er's situation. She heard that her husband was usually accompanied by his servants, and the maids had been sent away the previous year.
“Young lady, the Xiao family is truly a good match. Although the servants in the Xiao family are not as disciplined as those in our Han family, Madam Xu likes you, and the son-in-law treats you well. Where else can you find such a family, such a husband and mother-in-law?” said Mama Shao, Han Ruozhen’s wet nurse.
"Back then, my family intended to marry me into the Xiao family, but Mrs. Xiao didn't immediately agree, which shows that her family didn't value my status entirely." Han Ruozhen was overjoyed.
As they were talking, Zhao Ge'er returned. The two exchanged a glance, still somewhat shy. Zhao Ge'er, being a man, had to be more composed, and the servants tactfully withdrew, leaving the newlyweds to talk.
Han Ruozhen naturally wanted to ask him about his family's rules, and Zhao Ge'er smiled and said, "We don't have many family members, and we don't have any special rules. We're very open-minded. There's just one rule—"
"What?" Han Ruozhen asked hurriedly.
After thinking for a moment, Zhao Ge'er said, "My mother is always clear-headed about everything, so don't try to fool her."
Han Ruozhen was startled. Thinking about it carefully, she did find her mother-in-law to be very kind today, but could someone without any means really rise to such a prominent position in the capital? People didn't call her Madam Xiao, but rather Madam Xu, the Divine Physician Xu. Many men looked down on the female doctor, but none dared to say a word when Madam Xu was mentioned.
A person who dares to arm wrestle with a man and wins is no ordinary person.
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