TSWRLM -Chapter 295 The Wedding

The Marquis’s residence was to hold a wedding, and Shen Qingyuan had taken leave in advance.

On the morning of the wedding, guests arrived early. Three of the Shen family’s uncles were outside to greet them, while Shen Qingyuan, along with Shen Qingyue and Shen Qingyu, waited for the guests in the front hall.

This time, Chun Xi was not stingy at all. Red silk and “double happiness” characters were hung everywhere in the residence, creating a festive atmosphere, yet Shen Qingyu found everything irritating.

He couldn’t help but taunt Shen Qingyuan: “The first time is awkward, the second time is familiar. I heard that back then, big brother quickly started calling ‘Mother.’ Big brother, why don’t you teach us how to get past that mental hurdle?”

When Madam Mo married in, Shen Qingyuan was not yet ten years old and had no influence in the Marquis’s household. Shen Qingyu’s words made it sound as if he was naturally cold and could casually call anyone ‘Mother.’

After saying this, Shen Qingyu smirked mockingly—but the next moment, Shen Qingyuan slapped him.

Shen Qingyuan struck from both sides, slapping Shen Qingyu six times before stopping.

Shen Qingyuan was strong, and Shen Qingyu’s whole face swelled; it burned and throbbed, and his head buzzed.

After a while, he found his voice: “Shen Qingyuan, on what grounds are you hitting me?”

The slap had been so sudden and public that the guests could easily see it; Shen Qingyu was furious.

Shen Qingyuan adjusted his sleeves and raised his eyelids slightly: “Third brother, weren’t you asking for guidance? I was just teaching you how to change your words. What, third brother still hasn’t learned?”

The last sentence was spoken lightly, but carried undeniable authority.

If Shen Qingyu still didn’t understand, he would get more slaps.

Feeling the pressure, Shen Qingyu quickly covered his face and said, “I understand. No need for big brother to trouble himself.”

Once Shen Qingyuan went to entertain the guests, Shen Qingyu gritted his teeth in anger.

What the heck! After today, let’s see how arrogant he and Cao Chun Xi can be!

Early in the morning, the Marquis of Qingyuan went to escort the bride.

In the back courtyard, Old Madam Wu and Shen Jinhua mainly handled the reception. Chun Xi observed the etiquette for the younger generation and sat quietly, not trying to take credit. Shen Qingchi, sitting beside her, remained even quieter.

Soon, the First Madam of the Grand Tutor’s residence, Madam Zhao, arrived with Yun Wantang.

The Marquis’s household had few distinguished relatives; the Grand Tutor’s family was the highest-ranking among the guests. When they arrived, Old Madam Wu and Shen Jinhua happily greeted them.

Contrary to what Shen Jinhua had mentioned, Madam Zhao warmly congratulated Old Madam Wu and chatted casually. She also showed great concern for Shen Qingchi, the daughter-in-law.

“Chi’er is such a clever and sensible child. Now she has given me a little warm-hearted one—how happy I am! These past two days, with her and the child away, I’ve been thinking about them constantly.”

Madam Zhao smiled broadly, making it seem as if she doted on Shen Qingchi and her daughter. Shen Jinhua almost rolled her eyes, then heard Madam Zhao continue: “Fifth brother was just appointed as the Commissioner of Maritime Affairs, and Xian’er went with him to Wengzhou for training. The household has been very busy recently. Thanks to your careful care, Chi’er was able to recover so well. I prepared a shop to thank you, my dear sister-in-law. Please don’t refuse it.”

Shen Jinhua’s half-rolled eyes suddenly gleamed with delight.

Previously, Chun Xi had given her two shops, but the Shen family insisted they came from the dowry left by the Xiao family. This time, the shop Madam Zhao offered, Shen Jinhua refused to hand over under any circumstances.

Thinking this, Shen Jinhua smiled: “In-law, you are too kind. I am Chi’er’s aunt. With her mother gone, it is only natural I take care of her. You’ve all been busy with your affairs, which is understandable. Though Chi’er gave birth to a daughter, you haven’t shown any disdain. I truly appreciate your kindness.”

Shen Jinhua changed her tone, praising the Grand Tutor’s household wholeheartedly.

Old Madam Wu, jealous of Shen Jinhua receiving a shop, became even more attentive and polite to Madam Zhao.

Shen Qingchi bit her lip, her face turning pale.

She knew all too well what kind of days she had endured at the Grand Tutor’s household. Shen Jinhua often helped her scold them for being heartless, and she had subconsciously regarded Shen Jinhua as her support. Yet Madam Zhao just offered one shop, and Shen Jinhua immediately changed her tone—who would believe that she and her daughter had been mistreated at the Grand Tutor’s residence?

Lost in thought, Shen Qingchi was startled by Yun Wantang’s gentle voice: “Chi’er, why isn’t the child here?”

Shen Qingchi trembled, looking up to meet Yun Wantang’s calm, smiling face.

Previously, she had thought Fifth Aunt was gentle and considerate, even more caring than her own mother. Now, seeing her again, she felt a chill down her spine.

Shen Qingchi widened her eyes, staring blankly. Yun Wantang, not angry, gently asked again.

Old Madam Wu, chatting happily with Madam Zhao, frowned and scolded: “Chi’er, why are you standing there dazing off? Fifth Aunt is asking you something!”

Her loud voice made Madam Zhao stop and look over. Shen Qingchi regained her composure and instinctively stood: “Fifth Aunt, the child is too young to eat much. I fed her this morning and left her with the wet nurse inside, so as not to disturb everyone.”

Yun Wantang smiled: “It’s normal for children to be noisy. I have experience with two kids. You can bring the child to me, and I can help watch her.”

Old Madam Wu and Shen Jinhua immediately agreed. Whether Yun Wantang’s intentions were genuine or not, her willingness to be close to Shen Qingchi’s child was good.

Shen Qingchi clenched her handkerchief, unsure how to refuse. Just as the tension built, Chun Xi spoke: “There will be firecrackers later. It would be bad if the child got scared. Madam, you are a guest today. There’s no reason to make you help with the child. Someone unfamiliar might even think our Marquis’s household doesn’t have servants to watch children.”

Chun Xi glanced at Old Madam Wu and Shen Jinhua; they sulkily fell silent.

Shen Qingchi exhaled in relief. Yun Wantang smiled: “A-Xi really thinks of everything.”

Soon, the Marquis of Qingyuan returned with the bride, and firecrackers went off at the entrance.

After A-Li reported, Chun Xi, along with Old Madam Wu and the female guests, went to the front hall to witness the ceremony.

The Marquis, cherishing Madam Yao, carried her out of the bridal sedan chair himself. Holding her, he crossed the fire basin and entered the main hall. The guests erupted in cheers, teasing that the Marquis had married a wife over ten years younger and still might add heirs to the household.

Listening to the compliments, the Marquis’s face glowed, as if he had returned to the glory of his youth—when he had won fame on the battlefield, receiving promotions and praise wherever he went.

In the hall, he set Madam Yao down. Under the emcee’s guidance, the couple performed the wedding ceremony.

After the ceremony, they offered tea together to Old Madam Wu.

As Madam Yao reached to take the tea, her body suddenly shook, tipping the tray. The tea spilled with a crisp sound.

Everyone was alarmed. Madam Yao lifted her veil, revealing a pale face. She grabbed the Marquis’s hand, crying in pain: “Marquis, it hurts… my stomach… it hurts so much!”

Immediately, blood began to flow beneath her.