Chapter 483 Xing Xiuyan's Visit
The next day, the small courtyard next to Muring had been tidied up, with colorful silks and red lanterns hung inside and outside!
In the east courtyard, Xing Xiuyun, who had not slept all night, sat in front of the dressing table, and Wang Xifeng and several maids were dressing her up.
Jia Cong naturally would not favor one over the other, otherwise, when Xing Xiuyan came to visit, even if no one said anything, she would feel inferior to others. Therefore, he sent someone to deliver the phoenix corona, bridal veil, and all kinds of jewelry and head ornaments early in the morning, which was basically the same as when Yuanyang came to visit.
Xing Xiuyan was a little shy, but there was joy in her eyes!
Was she really going to marry this cousin? Even though she was only his concubine, why did she care about that? As long as he treated her well, he would be her true love.
Xing Xiuyan's mother was delighted at the moment. Mrs. Xing had just shown her the gift money that Jia Cong had sent. Apart from the other gifts, the three thousand taels of silver alone was enough to make her happy. Even if her daughter got married, she wouldn't necessarily be able to get such a large gift with several thousand taels of silver.
In fact, Jia Cong not only gave three thousand taels to Yuanyang's parents, but also gave twenty thousand taels to Mrs. Xing!
My stepmother wasn't exactly kind to me, but she wasn't harsh either. Furthermore, she'd given me money when I took the imperial examination, despite her stingy nature, so I felt obligated to be somewhat filial. Besides, having a reputation for being kind and filial would also benefit me.
Mrs. Xing was naturally extremely satisfied. Although she had spent a fortune on her niece's dowry, it was only a few farms, shops, and three thousand taels of silver, which was not worth ten thousand taels at most. And now, she had doubled it back. If her niece could gain favor with Congge'er in the future, wouldn't she be worried about not getting some benefits herself?
"You know Cong'er's personality!" Madam Xing said, pulling Xing Xiuyan in her arms. "He's a caring person. He's been very kind to you before, let alone now that we're even closer. However, you should also understand how difficult it is for Cong'er. You should take good care of him when you get to the East Palace."
"Our East Courtyard is your mother's home. If you are free, come and chat with your aunt. Moreover, if you have any problems, your aunt can also help you with advice."
Xing Xiuyan's mother also nodded quickly and said, "Remember what your aunt said. Your aunt will take care of your father and me, so you don't have to worry. We live nearby anyway, so when it's convenient, we will come over to your house and talk to you."
"I've remembered what my mother and aunt said!" Xing Xiuyan said solemnly, "Although I don't understand much, I know that I must take good care of Cousin Cong and not let him worry."
"Where is Sister Xiuyan? We are here!" As they were speaking, there was a chattering sound coming from outside.
Wang Xifeng smiled and said, "Your sisters have arrived."
As soon as she finished speaking, Xiao Xichun, Baoqin and Xiangyun rushed in first, followed closely by Baochai, Daiyu, Yingchun and Tanchun.
"Good sister-in-law, when you go to the East Palace in the future, you must give in to me and play with me!" Xiao Xichun said happily while pulling Xiu Yan.
Although her face was blushing, Xing Xiuyan still nodded gently. Since she had become Cousin Cong's woman, she would naturally do her duty. Seeing Baochai and Daiyu enter the room, Xing Xiuyan lowered her head slightly, and then mustered up the courage to step forward and greet, "Sister, I greet Sister Bao and Sister Lin."
Although they usually call each other sisters, they are obviously different at this moment.
"Oh, Madam, why do I feel like we've suddenly become outsiders? Look, they're a real family!"
"This is both a sister and a sister-in-law. Shouldn't we give them some space to talk about family matters? "
"Tsk, second sister-in-law, you only know how to talk about me and Sister Bao!"
Baochai's expression remained unchanged. She had already gone through the Nacai ceremony and was destined to be Cong'er's. So what if she was joking? Besides, she would have to deal with Feng Lazi later.
When the time was almost up, they heard the sound of drums and music outside. Madam Xing hurriedly grabbed the girls and said, "Jiaohong, take the girls to the flower hall for tea. Mother Fei, go and call my brother in!"
Xing Xiuyan has no brothers, so her father sent her off to get married!
The girls left noisily. Not long after, Xing Zhong hurried in. With the several thousand taels of silver, he no longer had any objection to his daughter marrying the Marquis of Guanjun as a concubine.
Moreover, Marquis Guanjun is so generous. If his daughter becomes favored in the future, he and her mother will benefit greatly.
A moment later, a maid from the East Palace came in and said, "Young lady, please get into the sedan chair!"
Mrs. Xing personally stepped forward to help Xing Xiuyan cover her head with the red veil. Xing Zhong pulled the colorful silk and took his daughter out of the door and into the yard, while Jia Cong was already waiting with a sedan chair.
"The son-in-law pays his respects to my father-in-law and mother-in-law!" Today is the day when Xing Xiuyan comes to visit. Although she is taking her as a concubine, Jia Cong does not want to embarrass her, so he takes the initiative to bow and salute Xing Zhong and his wife.
Xing Zhong and his wife hurriedly waved their hands and bowed, saying, "How can we be worthy of being called Marquis?"
As he spoke, he handed the colorful silk to Jia Cong, "My Lord, Xiuyan is now in your care."
Jia Cong took the colored silk and said sternly to Madam Xing and the others, "Madam, father-in-law, mother-in-law, although my cousin is my concubine, I will not neglect her, nor will I let her suffer any injustice."
"Okay, okay!" Madam Xing nodded repeatedly. "I knew Cong-ge was a very good person. I'm relieved to leave my niece in your hands. Hurry up and get in the sedan chair. Don't delay."
Jia Cong led Xing Xiuyan to the sedan chair, holding the colorful silk. A maid came forward to open the curtain of the sedan chair and led Xing Xiuyan in. Jia Cong then turned around, mounted his horse, and returned to the East Palace with the sedan chair and ceremonial guards.
They returned all the way to the courtyard prepared by the East Palace. The old women and maids had already prepared everything. The two of them entered the room after being welcomed by the matchmaker, lifted their veils, and drank from the wedding cup. Xing Xiuyan looked shy but happy under the backdrop of the red candles!
She carefully raised her head and looked towards Jia Cong, only to see that Jia Cong's eyes were also looking at her.
Shyly avoiding Jia Cong's gaze, Xing Xiuyan said timidly, "Cousin Cong, why are you looking at me like that?"
Jia Cong stepped forward and took Xing Xiuyan's hand, "Sister, do you still call me cousin?"
Xing Xiuyan's face flushed, and she glanced at Jia Cong before whispering, "Master!"
"Hahaha!" Jia Cong laughed loudly and walked forward to hold Xing Xiuyan in his arms. Although Xing Xiuyan felt a little uncomfortable, she enjoyed lying in Jia Cong's arms very much.
She secretly looked at Jia Cong's cheek and said in her heart, "Cousin Cong, from the moment Xiuyan and you first met, I fell in love with you..."
