Chapter 243 - Shi Lian Getting Married (2/2)

At that time, after he mentioned to his mother to fetch his eldest sister and left her courtyard, he knew that it would not be possible.

Wang Shi did not think of that, and said, “You’ll send someone there tomorrow! Even if they’re busy, can’t they write a letter? Don’t they even know how to do that?”

Shi Fengju smiled without saying a word.

On the next day, no one was sent. However, Shi Fengju went to meet Wang Shi with a brocade box. In the box was a pair of dragon and phoenix engraved golden bracelets, and he said to Wang Shi with a smile, “Big Sister and Brother-in-law really couldn’t come. He has to study hard and it’ll be hard for him to get back to studying if he took a break! They gave this pair of golden bracelets to Third Sister instead!”

Wang Shi was then relieved and said with a smile, “They don’t have an easy time either. They should’ve left that money for themselves, yet they bought this for your third sister! You have to tell your third sister about this so that she’ll remember how good her eldest sister and brother-in-law are to her. In the future, she ought to help them if she can!”

Shi Fengju casually acknowledged and left.

Very soon, it was the eighth of June. Since the night before, the household had been extraordinarily lively. The red silk brocades were hung everywhere and the huge red lanterns dangling by the door were not extinguished for the entire night. On the day of the wedding, it was even more lively. Every person in Qingzhou came as news about the marriage was spread far and wide. The news about the Shi family’s soon-to-be son-in-law coming in third in the imperial examinations was also a reputable matter, so of course they had to come. Not only did those who received the invitation come, but also those who did not. Fortunately, the Shi family had anticipated it and arranged adequate manpower to guide and serve the guests. Many were from the Shi business and country houses and they were temporarily transferred to help. Although everyone was busy, no mistakes were made and the Shi family successfully married off the bride!

Afterwards, a banquet was arranged in the largest hall within the household in advance and everyone was invited for dinner. It was not until the late evening that the last guests were sent off. Several head servants and the servants from the household department got busy with managing the cleanup, ensuring everything was accounted for, and handing them over to the storehouse. As the person overseeing all of it, Sang Wan had to utilize all of her servants from Ning Garden1 and barely managed to put everything back to order after two days.

On the third day after the wedding, the newly married couple returned to the bride’s parental home.

What was least expected was that Shi Yumei returned with Cui Zhu on the first day Shi Lian was to come back, saying that she came to see her third sister and brother-in-law. This made everyone flabbergasted, but Wang Shi was naturally happy.

It was a busy day and the kitchen was instructed to prepare the banquet dishes that were to be served at noon. Early in the morning, the ancestral hall was cleaned. Joss sticks, candles, joss papers, and offerings were prepared for Shi Lian and Sang Yufei to pray to their ancestors.

At noon, a head servant came to report, “Third Young Mistress and Third Young Master Sang is back!” Shi Fengju and Sang Wan went out to welcome them.

Seeing each other was naturally a sight of affection. Sang Wan had not seen her second brother for a long time and she finally got to see him this time. Her eyes could not help but tear and she stepped forward, congratulating him with a smile. Sang Yufei also had a lot of things to say, but held himself back and only smiled as he looked at her before he said with a sigh, “I’ve troubled you with my matters.”

Upon hearing that, Sang Wan smiled and replied, “Second Brother, please don’t say that. I’m glad to be able to arrange such a joyous occasion for you! I really did not expect to have this chance in my life!”

Several people laughed when they heard that. Only the newly wedded Shi Lian lowered her head and giggled as her face turned red.

Then, everyone went to Wang Shi’s courtyard. At this moment, Wang Shi, Second Old Master Shi and his wife, and Third Old Master Shi and his wife were already seated. Shi Yumei stood behind Wang Shi and the servants filled the place.

When Sang Yufei and Shi Lian came in, they greeted everyone and sat down. The room became lively again, and the servants immediately came in with tea for Sang Yufei and Shi Lian to serve the elders.

Sang Yufei was now an official. Before he could kneel, Wang Shi raised her hand to stop him before instructing Nanny Jiang to help him back to his seat.

Shi Yumei, who was standing behind Wang Shi, had her gaze on the newlywed couple ever since they came in. Everyone had a happy smile on their faces, but only she had an indifferent and reserved expression. Deep down, however, she was feeling sour.

Sang Yufei was a tad more refined and elegant than he was before. Indeed, a person who had successfully climbed the ladder of success was different. As for Shi Lian, she wore a red and gold embroidered outer coat with wide-sleeves, a dress with sixteen different depictions, and a gold hairpin in her hair. Upon seeing her dressed in a bright and neat manner, and with modesty across her face, Shi Yumei felt even more sour.

She could not help but complain silently. Why did her mother agree to this marriage? Isn’t this clearly indulging that wretch and making her climb over her head? Her own daughter could not compare with a bastard girl. Could it be that all the glory that was once hers would be shifted over to her?