Chapter 271: Chapter 271

"If it weren’t for worrying that the Li Family would look down on you, your brother wouldn’t have invited Seventh Uncle and Fifth Uncle to attend the ceremony and drink wine. Those two, relying on their age, babble nonsense." Chai Eying’s sister-in-law thought of the incident just now, feeling very indignant.

Chai Eying knew that other than her brother and sister-in-law, the other Chai Family members did not approve of her marriage to the Li Family.

Some people, though speaking nicely, claiming to consider her, were actually pretending to be kind, waiting to see her regret marrying into the Li Family.

To see how she would repent marrying into the Li Family.

But she never regretted her actions.

No matter what others said, she only stuck to her decision.

"Sister-in-law, let them say what they want, they are elders, saying a few words about juniors is not a big deal." Chai Eying admired her wedding jewelry, speaking indifferently.

Her sister-in-law remained angry, "It’s usually fine to talk, but what time is it now? How can they say such things? Fortunately, Second Young Master Li has a good temper. If it were my second brother, he would have flipped the table."

"Sister-in-law, help me try on the hair crown." Chai Eying held the pearl flower crown, smiling and calling her sister-in-law.

"Coming." Chai Eying’s sister-in-law saw her little sister was not angry, so she said nothing more, sighed, suppressed the grievances in her heart, and went to help Chai Eying try on the headpiece.

Tonight, the most important task for Chai Eying was to try on the wedding dress and jewelry, so as not to make a mistake tomorrow that couldn’t be corrected in time.

Chai Eying’s sister-in-law called Nanny Jiang over, and the two helped together.

The dress embroidered with colorful peonies and flying phoenixes, and the splendid pearl headpieces shone dazzlingly under the light.

Nanny Jiang sighed, "Truly beautiful, Lady Li has good taste. This pearl flower crown perfectly complements the young lady’s face shape."

Chai Eying looked at her reflection in the mirror, filled with joy.

Marrying into the Li Family, she and her brother made no requests, but the Li Family managed everything perfectly.

Clearly, they valued this marriage, and Li Xingmao cared about her.

After the banquet, Second Young Master Li returned to the Li Family’s bamboo house with the Princely Heir’s wedding attire and the village chief.

The village chief, being the matchmaker, naturally followed along.

At the Li Family, the village chief conveyed Eldest Young Master Chai’s words, "Eldest Young Master Chai repeatedly said your family is too meticulous, claiming no need for a betrothal gift, yet you still send one? I talked for a long time before he accepted it."

Prince Luling said, "The Chai Family is to bring over a thousand taels of dowry, and we offer not a single coin as betrothal gift. How could that be appropriate? No matter what, we can’t let Miss Chai be wronged. It’s the right thing to do."

The Princely Heir, Li Xingmao, also gave two jars of fine wine to the village chief as a token of thanks.

The village chief was very pleased, "The hour is late, I will take my leave first."

Prince Luling laughed, "Village Chief, come early tomorrow to drink wine and join in welcoming the bride at the Chai Family, you are indispensable."

"Rest assured, Landlord Li, I definitely won’t miss the hour." The village chief, holding a wine jar, cheerfully waved to the Li Family members and walked towards the mansion’s exit.

Three miles from the village, as the sky darkened, Prince Luling called the Princely Heir to escort him.

The village chief repeatedly said no escort was needed, "I’ve walked this road for decades, I won’t stumble even with my eyes closed."

But the Princely Heir still carried a lantern to escort him, "You are an esteemed guest, not escorting you would be against etiquette."

Shortly after the Princely Heir and the village chief left the Li Family’s bamboo house, a carriage rushed from a distance and stopped at the entrance of the Li Family’s house.

It was Li Yuzhu, Li Xing’an, and Mu Yuanxiu returning.

At this time, the gate was not yet closed.

The two large red lanterns hanging under the eaves illuminated the entrance.

Also illuminating the large red character for joy on the gate.

Li Xing’an was the first to jump off the carriage, standing at the entrance, shouting loudly inside, "I’m back, is there anyone welcoming me?"

Second Young Master Li heard the voice and walked quickly.

He looked at Li Xing’an, whose cheeks had rounded significantly, with a frown, "Why are you returning at this hour? What did you eat? Your face gained three pounds."

"Not my fault." Li Xing’an pointed at Li Lixing, who came along, "It’s all his fault."

They left the county town after noon, according to the time, they could have returned to Li Mansion before dusk, just in time for dinner.

But Li Lixing was playful, insisting on riding Mu Yuanxiu’s mule along the way.

And somehow he startled Mu Yuanxiu’s mule.

The mule threw him off its back and ran away.

Everyone had to stop the carriage to search for the mule together.

The place was a wild area, the mule ran into the forest, they searched for a long time before finding it, thus delaying much time.

"I, I, I... I didn’t mean it, it was the mule that wouldn’t obey, you can’t blame me." Li Lixing, having made a mistake, drooped his head, biting his lip in defiance.

The young boy had changed from his former ragged look to wearing a silver-white long gown, like a sculpture of fine jade.

Second Young Master Li looked at him with a dark face, saying irritably, "Li Lixing, you’re not supposed to be at home? Why are you here again? With you running out , your mother will worry about you again."

Speaking of his purpose for coming, Li Lixing was justified.

He straightened his neck and shouted loudly, "My dad asked me to come, saying to represent him at Brother Li’s wedding feast."

Second Young Master Li widened his eyes, "You... you represent your dad?"

"Yes, can’t I represent him?" Li Lixing retorted with his hands on his hips, glaring back at Second Young Master Li.

Second Young Master Li immediately switched to a smile, pulling him toward the house, "Of course you are welcome. Come on, let’s go inside and talk."

Just kidding, of course he is welcome. This kid is here as the County Magistrate’s son this time; better cozy up to him.

"I’m not sleeping in the old room, I want a bed." Li Lixing demanded, "I’m a guest now."

Second Young Master Li repeatedly said, "Alright, alright, of course, no problem."

"That’s more like it." Li Lixing nodded in satisfaction.

Li Xing’an, standing at the entrance of the house, glared at them and shouted, "You’re just leaving like that? Want to tire out me and my third sister?"

Li Lixing turned back and slapped his forehead, "Ah, almost forgot there’s stuff still on the carriage. Li Er, come on, let’s move things. My dad and mom also asked me to bring gifts, can’t break them."

Second Young Master Li followed him back to the entrance of the house. This text is hosted at novel fire.net

Mu Yuanxiu and Li Yuzhu had already gotten off the carriage, everyone was moving things.

Second Young Master Li looked into the carriage, "Why are there so many things?"

Half a carriage of items was piled in the carriage.

"Some are bought by me, some by the second brother, and this pile of cloth is from Mu Yuanxiu." Li Yuzhu laughed.

"These two things were the gifts my dad and mom asked me to bring." Li Lixing pointed at two large objects.

Two hanging screens wrapped in wooden boards, placed in the corner.

After everyone had moved the other items down, they finally helped to move the two screens.

Food items were taken to the kitchen by Second Young Master Li and Li Xing’an.

Things for use were temporarily piled in the small storeroom at the entrance.

The gift from the County Magistrate couple was carried by Second Young Master Li and Li Xing’an to the North Courtyard Main House.

Mu Yuanxiu and Li Yuzhu also followed to take a look.

With joyful events at home, Prince Luling and his wife hadn’t slept, sitting inside the main house and discussing tomorrow’s wedding preparation, hearing laughter approaching from outside, they looked up.

"We were worried you wouldn’t make it back in time, is this just when you’re returning?" Prince Luling laughed and said.

"How could I miss the wedding day of my big brother?" Li Yuzhu laughed.

Li Lixing stepped forward and solemnly greeted Prince Luling and his wife, "Landlord Li, Lady Li."

Prince Luling nodded with a laugh, "You seem wiser after just a few days away."

Praise made Li Lixing even more proud.

Princess Consort Luling laughed, "Tiring journey indeed, I’ll make some midnight snacks for you."

She took a lantern to the kitchen, Li Yuzhu also followed over.

Princess Consort Luling waved her hand, "You must be exhausted after sitting in the carriage for so long, so no need to help. I’ll just cook a few glutinous rice balls, it’s a simple task, you go and rest."

Li Yuzhu laughed and said, "Alright, then I’ll go watch them unwrap the gifts."

She returned to the main house.

Li Xing’an, Second Young Master Li, and Mu Yuanxiu had already unwrapped the package, revealing the splendid feather paintings inside.

The content of the painting was a prosperous peony auspicious illustration, not painted with pigments, but pieced together with various peacock feathers.

Close up they were feathers, from afar it was a shimmering three-dimensional artwork.

For such decorative items, Prince Luling’s family of three were connoisseurs.

"This peacock feather painting by County Magistrate Li is quite valuable." Prince Luling praised, "He is indeed generous."

The painting is said to be worth at least several hundred taels.

Li Xing’an quietly told Li Yuzhu the price of the feather painting.

Li Yuzhu was very surprised, why is the County Magistrate so generous?

"Our family saved his son, after all. If he gives too much money, our family can’t afford it, but gifting a painting, at least we won’t sell it, right? Plus it has his stamp and signature, just like when the Emperor rewards officials, it’s a benevolence showing the loving magistrate spirit."

Li Yuzhu blinked, is that so?

Isn’t he just flaunting his inscription?

But honestly, although the County Magistrate’s gift can’t be converted to money, it hangs at home as a symbol of protection.

No one from villages nearby would dare underestimate their family anymore.

Bullying a family given gifts by the County Magistrate means disregarding the County Magistrate, who would have the gumption?

Then, Li Lixing brought out the County Magistrate wife’s gift, meant for Chai Eying.

The item wasn’t particularly expensive but rather meaningful, a trinket symbolizing a happy union, representing the County Magistrate’s wife’s blessings.