Chapter 328 – The Bride’s Procession (Part 1)
“Who are you talking about?”
Mr. Yuanjing would rather admit his hearing was failing and he was imagining things than hear that name from his daughter again.
Wu Niang, confused, laughed and repeated, “It’s Liu Xi! Isn’t he one of your students, Father? If he’s recognized by you and has joined Langya Academy, he must be decent, right? But his character… I think I need to observe a bit longer…”
“She is not suitable!” Mr. Yuanjing’s insistence bewildered Wu Niang.
Previously, when she mentioned liking Wei Ci, her father hadn’t shown any disapproval; in fact, he had been pleased about it.
Unfortunately, Wei Ci already had someone in his heart, and Wu Niang didn’t want to compete for him, so she sadly chose to give up.
Now with Liu Xi, why was her father so resolutely opposed?
“Did Liu Xi get married already?”
Wu Niang contemplated Jiang Pengji’s age and appearance, feeling that the chance of Liu Xi being engaged or married was quite high.
Given the current trend, it was common for men to marry early; Wei Ci being twenty-one and still single was quite rare.
If that were the case, Wu Niang wouldn’t push for it.
“No… It’s just… you two are not compatible…” Mr. Yuanjing, usually eloquent, was now at a loss for words, uncertain how to explain it to his daughter, “Liu Xi is not a typical man; he’s wild, and I feel you would suffer.”
Wu Niang, a dutiful daughter, had only a slight fondness for Jiang Pengji. Since her father was not satisfied, so be it.
Mr. Yuanjing sighed, stroking his daughter’s long hair.
On one hand, he thought his daughter had an eye for people, whether it was Wei Ci or Liu Xi, both were outstanding individuals. Unfortunately, the former was already taken with someone special and the latter… well, he wasn’t the right gender! Mr. Yuanjing wanted grandchildren!
On the other hand, he felt it was a pity.
With a gentle smile, Mr. Yuanjing promised, “Father will find you the best husband in the world.”
Wu Niang blushed shyly; after all, she was an unmarried young lady. Discussing her marriage made her bashful.
“If you can’t find the best one, then I won’t marry at all, and you can support me for life.” Wu Niang nestled her arm around Mr. Yuanjing’s, acting cute, making her seem quite endearing, “By then, if I’m still at home, you mustn’t dislike me, ah.”
Mr. Yuanjing let out a relieved sigh inwardly, thinking this was an excellent solution.
Although he could foresee others’ destinies, he couldn’t grasp those close to him.
He didn’t know how his daughter’s future would unfold.
All he could do was ensure her well-being and find her a truly worthy match.
Jiang Pengji had already bid farewell to her friends a few days in advance, and Mr. Yuanjing had also made arrangements on his end.
Back home, Jiang Pengji returned with sleeves full of pear blossom fragrance, stepping into the golden twilight. Outside, many vehicles were parked, laden with rare timber, crafted furniture, textiles, jewelry, and numerous prime land contracts she had gathered…
Not to mention the dowry prepared from the Hejian side, the wealth of gifts Jiang Pengji garnered alone far surpassed that of an ordinary scholar’s illegitimate daughter.
Many items had been touched by Ta Xue’s hands; she understood the value of these gifts well and felt a tinge of discomfort.
“What are you thinking about? Your lips are so tightly pursed, looks like you could hang a pot of vinegar on them.”
After washing up, Jiang Pengji changed into her nightgown, letting her long hair fall down her back.
Back in her chamber, Ta Xue knelt, tidying the bedding with a fuming expression and somewhat exaggerated movements.
This wasn’t like her usual self; her reaction was overly intense, prompting Jiang Pengji to casually ask.
Ta Xue efficiently continued arranging and cast a glance at where the dowry ledger was placed, becoming increasingly annoyed.
“I’ve sorted out the dowry ledger and brought it for the Young Master to review.”
Jiang Pengji performed a slight bow to Ta Xue, smiling, “What did Lan Ting do today to make you this displeased?”
Ta Xue, seeing her joking about, threw the blanket aside on the couch, dissatisfied, “The Young Master is so carefree, yet I can’t help being petty. This dowry is more than even the legitimate daughters of typical gentry; let alone… let alone for an illegitimate daughter who doesn’t have a close connection with the Young Master. For another family, wouldn’t that empty their granary? What will the Young Master do then?”
In this era, the distinctions between legitimate and illegitimate children were starkly defined.
The Liu Residence giving such a generous dowry to an illegitimate daughter seemed like they were emptying their storehouse, leaving the legitimate heir in a difficult position. However, this also demonstrated the Liu Residence’s generosity and kindness, treating even illegitimate children so well.
Yet, this form of “kindness” may not be appreciated by everyone.
For a commoner, Ta Xue’s complaints might stir up discontent even if they initially had no objections.
Jiang Pengji smiled dismissively, “When my illegitimate sister marries, the dowry from her family becomes her reliance in her husband’s house, especially marrying into the royal family; we absolutely cannot allow others to look down on her. After all, I’m her brother; why should I compete with her over this?”
Ta Xue sighed, “The Young Master is magnanimous, but I fear she might not appreciate it.”
Though they shared the same father, the relationship between legitimate and illegitimate children rarely allowed for harmonious coexistence.
Jiang Pengji chuckled but said nothing further, and Ta Xue chose not to pursue the topic.
She lifted the blanket as she was about to lie down and said, “We’ll be setting off tomorrow; you should get a good night’s sleep to restore your energy. No need for you to keep watch tonight.”
Ta Xue smiled in agreement, still laying out bedding in the outer chamber.
Hearing noise outside, Jiang Pengji let out a long sigh.
That night, the moon shone brightly.
Mr. Yuanjing was restless through the night, tossing and turning, which inadvertently woke his wife.
“What’s the matter with you tonight?”
He tossed and turned, making a sound like frying pancakes.
“Did I disturb you with my movements?” Mr. Yuanjing looked at his wife, draping a cloak over her shoulders, apologetically saying, “Go back to sleep; I’m going to the study to wait the night out… my mind is uneasy tonight, I just can’t sleep…”
“You think too much…” His wife turned back to sleep, mumbling indistinctly.
Carefully, Mr. Yuanjing pulled back the covers, donned the cloak, and quietly left the bedroom.
Outside, the moon was bright; he glanced up and then down, frowning slightly in thought.
All the way until dawn broke, he could find no rest, spending the night in the study in silence.
Another person was also sleepless.
As dawn broke, the city gate opened wide, and a convoy quietly rolled out of the city.
Jiang Pengji rode on Big White at the head of the procession, followed by over twenty carts filled with various dowry provisions, while over a hundred guards stood by the convoy, tightly gripping their longswords, vigilant against any movements in the surrounding areas to prevent bandits or mobs from attacking.
Wei Ci, cloaked, stood at the Ten-Mile Pavilion, gazing at Jiang Pengji’s departing figure, letting out a soft, long sigh.
He knew all too well, once she left, she likely wouldn’t return.
