With the banquet being held in the flower hall, the servants and maids of the manor were focused on entertaining the distinguished guests, and their vigilance regarding patrols was somewhat lax.
A dark figure nimbly leaped into the study...
What happened?
There are no secret passages, no secret rooms!
Where exactly is the defense map of Yunshui County?
Just as the shadowy figure was quietly rummaging through drawers and cabinets, the lights outside the study suddenly came on.
"Bang!"
The windows were sealed off, and then several holes were poked in the door, letting out a cloud of white smoke!
not good!
We've fallen for their trap!
The shadowy figure hurriedly covered its mouth and nose, but it was too late.
He had already inhaled the smoke, and soon after, he felt dizzy and collapsed to the ground...
"Squeak~"
The study door was pushed open, and a group of guards rushed in, swords drawn, and without warning, pressed the blades to the neck of the man in black standing on the floor...
"I'd like to see who dares to break into my mother's study at night."
Qingyao stood with her hair tied up, dressed in a close-fitting outfit that made her look extremely neat and efficient.
She drew the dagger from her waist, lifted the other person's mask, and for a moment thought she had arrested the wrong person!
"It's you!"
Qingyao exclaimed in surprise, "How could it be him—"
Duanmu Chen!
Seeing that he could no longer conceal his identity without his mask, Duanmu Chen simply scoffed:
"Princess, how have you been?"
"Young Master Duanmu has quite the refined taste; instead of entering through the main gate, he's resorting to petty tricks!"
Qingyao scoffed, thankfully she hadn't chosen this hypocritical scoundrel when she was selecting people!
"I was outmatched and fell into the princess's trap. Whether I live or die is up to the princess."
Duanmu Chen snorted coldly. He was under the influence of the drug and his limbs were weak. Only his mind was clear. Knowing that he could not escape, he did not beg for mercy. Instead, he hoped that the princess would give him a quick death!
"Kill you? You think I'm stupid enough to let you off so easily?"
Qingyao laughed in anger and ordered her men to search the man's body. They found only one mark. Then she ordered her men to tie him up and take him to the dungeon for severe torture!
......
Halfway through the welcoming banquet, the princess arrived.
Qingyao, already dressed in her finest attire, gracefully greeted her mother first.
Then, to give her fiancé face, she greeted his father and brothers.
After completing all the formalities, she took her seat and joined her mother in greeting the guests...
Wedding customs vary from place to place. In Yunshui County, there is no custom of not seeing each other for three days before the wedding.
The two families talked at length and were both very satisfied with the marriage.
After the banquet ended, the maids and servants invited the Xiao father and son to return to their guest room to rest.
Xiao Chang'an left the cup behind, knowing that his mother-in-law had something to tell him.
"Mother, Chang'an, do you know who I just caught?"
Qingyao kept her mother and fiancé in suspense, deliberately whetting their appetites.
Jiang Yue remained silent, but Xiao Chang'an was very accommodating and asked a question in response—
"who?"
"Duanmu Chen!"
Seeing that her mother didn't react, Qingyao became anxious and quickly said her name.
Jiang Yue didn't react after hearing that.
It was as if everything was under my control.
Yes, to be precise, the Princess's mansion was covered in wisteria, so how could she not know about everything happening inside and outside the mansion?
Xiao Chang'an dropped the folding fan he used to show off to the ground, a clear indication of his surprise.
After a long silence, he spoke:
"Is it really him?"
“I personally used a dagger to pry open his mask, how could I be wrong?”
Qingyao couldn't help but roll her eyes at her fiancé.
This silly guy, he's so good-looking for nothing.
“This person was sent by your godfather. Lock him up and torture him severely. Tomorrow I will summon your godbrother to discuss sending a letter to Jinling and asking your godfather for his opinion before taking any further action.”
As Jiang Yue spoke, she glared at her daughter. "She's still here. Why is she bullying her future son-in-law?"
"Daughter will listen to her mother."
"I will listen to my mother-in-law too."
Xiao Chang'an clung tightly to his mother-in-law, always treating her with the utmost respect.
Little did they know how clear this idea of his was after decades of marriage.
"Sycophant~"
Qingyao muttered to herself, "She's just taking advantage of his feelings for her, that's why she's so fearless."
Indeed, those who are loved often take it for granted.
Jiang Yue looked at Xiao Chang'an with pity. This kid's future status in the family was self-evident.
"You two are almost married, don't let trivial matters hurt your relationship."
After giving her instructions, Jiang Yue felt a bit tired and excused herself to leave, giving up the space...
After leaving, she walked around the pillar, signaling to the maid and Granny Ge to be quiet. She secretly hid behind the pillar and watched for a moment before leaving with peace of mind…
Ahem, this time it's really over.
With the princess of Yunshui County getting married and a son-in-law moving in, how could she, as the mother, not be worried?
Over the next two days, the eldest son and his wife, along with relatives from their hometown, arrived at the Princess's residence in ten carriages.
Don't get me wrong, most of it is for the girl's dowry. Relatives and friends from our hometown all spontaneously contributed a gift and sent it over as well.
The gift was small but the sentiment was deep, and Jiang Yue kept it in mind, instructing the person in charge to register it.
In the future, this will be the account of human relationships and social obligations, something that our children and grandchildren will have to repay.
Then came the second and third sons' families, who, in the same way, brought several cartloads of things, large and small bags, gold, silver, valuables, silks, satins, and rare treasures.
It's clear that both brothers dote on Qingyao; they're very generous.
The Xiao family has dwindled in number, leaving only the father and his two sons alive.
Cough cough, those words are a bit harsh.
However, the Xiao family father and son didn't care.
Marrying into the family is a good thing; it can save your life and ensure the continuation of the family line.
The mother-in-law said that she doesn't care about the grandchildren's surnames; they can draw lots to decide the outcome!
This delighted Xiao's father. Drawing lots was a good idea; there was a 50% chance that the child would bear the Xiao family name!
I'm content, I'm content!
The wedding day arrived quickly—
"The auspicious time has arrived!"
"Please let the newlyweds pay their respects to heaven and earth~"
"Bowing to Heaven and Earth~"
"Second bow to the parents~"
"Husband and wife bow to each other~"
"Send them to the bridal chamber~"
As Yunshui County became more civilized, the people gained wisdom.
The old custom of having to get married at night is no longer in place. As long as time allows, a wedding ceremony can be held during the day.
Not only that, many bad habits have also been abolished.
If things get too outrageous, you'll be held responsible; at the very least, you'll have to spend a few days in the dungeon.
Joyful music, suona horns, flower drums, performances, opera singing, dancing—you name it, they had it.
Today, the Princess's residence is filled with joy, and the people are celebrating together.
Twenty tables were set up outside the Princess's residence for a continuous banquet. Gifts were offered at will, as long as the sentiment was appreciated.
As long as they don't cause trouble, they are guests and will not be driven away!
Many people from Yunshui County came to see the princess marry off her daughter—or rather, to find a son-in-law!
Everyone knows that Yunshui County will be inherited by the princess in the future, which is why many men envy the man who marries into her family...
Amidst countless blessings, the two newlyweds officially entered into their marriage contract and became husband and wife.
......
Among the crowd, the tall and handsome young man did not look away for a long time.
"Yin, take your seat."
"Yes, it's here."
......
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