Chapter 276 - 274: Jing, I’ve Come to Take You (Second Update)

Chapter 276: Chapter 274: Jing, I’ve Come to Take You (Second Update)

Xu Jing looked at them with amusement, thought for a moment, and said, "I asked him not to come over. As we’re nearing marriage, he’s also quite busy. It’s just a minor cold; there’s no need for him to visit every day."

After saying this, she bid them farewell and left.

Once on the carriage, Xu Jing couldn’t help but feel a bit lost in thought.

She and Xiao Yi were not truly an engaged couple; his visit on the first day was already ample for deceiving outsiders.

There really was no need for continuous visits.

Soon it was October 28th.

That morning, the Xu Family home was unusually lively and celebratory. Xu Sihai was outside directing the servants to tally the dowry and prepare for the groom’s arrival at the auspicious hour. Inside the room, Xu Jing was seated at the dressing table, with Madam Cen and the skillful maidservants she specially brought leading Nanny Wen in helping her dress and apply makeup.

Madam Cen looked at Xu Jing with affection, personally smoothing down her hair. She said, "You’ve had a tough time, losing your mother at such a young age, and with your father... being like that. Today is all thanks to your hard work. A kind and resilient child like you will surely not be let down by heaven. In the days to come, you and Yanci will surely prosper. I’m also looking forward to you bringing glory to us women."

Today, both Madam Cen and Madam Song had specially come to accompany Xu Jing’s marriage. With the heads of two prominent families present, the recent turmoil from the Xu Family’s downfall didn’t affect Xu Jing.

The final red veil was personally placed on Xu Jing by Madam Song. After doing so, she took Xu Jing’s hand, gently patting it, and said, "This time, you must live well with Xiao Qilang. It takes a hundred years to cross a river together, and a thousand to share a pillow. Don’t part over trivial matters.

Previously, my daughter, Erniang, caused you trouble. She has regretted it deeply since returning but doesn’t have the courage to apologize to you. As her mother, I apologize on her behalf. I understand Erniang; deep down, she admires you."

Xu Jing was slightly taken aback and immediately recalled encountering Song Erniang during the investigation of the Imperial College case.

After that, the Ministry of Justice became aware of Yu Yang’s existence and swiftly captured him.

Presumably, it was Song Erniang who informed the Ministry of Justice about Yu Yang.

With a sigh, she said, "I never took these trivial matters to heart. Madam Song doesn’t need to apologize to me."

Though Madam Cen didn’t fully grasp the details of their conversation, she smiled and mediated, "Alright, alright, today is Jing’s joyful day, let’s not discuss unpleasant matters. Let’s quickly prepare; the groom is about to arrive!"

Considering that it’s a re-marriage, there weren’t as many formalities as a grand wedding. Moreover, Xu Jing repeatedly requested not to overcomplicate things. Thus, when Xiao Yi arrived, he almost effortlessly reached Xu Jing’s room. Gazing at the slender figure on the bed draped in a red veil, Xiao Yi was in a slight daze, thinking for the umpteenth time these days that he was dreaming.

Under the playful gazes of the onlookers, he slowly approached, extending his hand, and softly said, "Jing, I’ve come to take you."

Lowering her gaze to the proffered hand before her, Xu Jing pursed her lips with a slight smile, gently placing her hand over his. Xiao Yi immediately held it tightly, the red wedding attire of the two intertwined, blending seamlessly, making it hard to distinguish one from the other.

Finally, amidst the cheers and blessings of the crowd, Xiao Yi led Xu Jing out of the house and escorted her onto the bridal sedan.

Then, riding a black steed, Xiao Yi led the procession, with Xu Jing’s bridal sedan following closely behind. Behind them was Xu Jing’s dowry, attended by servants in festive red attire, joyously tossing Copper Coins from their baskets as they went along to the cheerful ritual music, prompting the crowd to scramble for them, making the scene even more lively.

The most eye-catching was Xu Jing’s dowry procession. Many assumed that with the Xu Family’s fall and Xu Jing being alone, there couldn’t be much dowry. Yet the endless stream of dowry items emerged from the door. Just when everyone thought it was finally over, a new dowry item would immediately appear. Even when the bride and groom were out of sight, the dowry procession seemed endless.

Such a display was not inferior to the grandeur of any noble family wedding!

Any last trace of disdain in the hearts of the people towards Xu Jing vanished in an instant.

Joking aside, let alone comparing this display—there were few who could match it. Even Madam Cen and Madam Song personally accompanying the marriage was a rare honor in the Western Capital!

The bridal sedan swayed gently as it reached Xiao Yi’s home. Xiao Yi dismounted and cautiously assisted Xu Jing out, whispering, "Are you very tired?"

Xu Jing immediately expressed her discomfort, saying, "The phoenix crown is so heavy, I feel like my neck is going to break."

Xiao Yi’s dark eyes revealed a faint smile as he said, "Once we’ve paid respects to my grandmother and second uncle, you can rest in the room."

Xiao Yi had informed her earlier that his father was stationed at the border with the army and might not be able to attend their re-marriage.

Xu Jing, understanding the subtle hint, perceived that there was likely discord between Xiao Yi and his father, possibly even with other Xiao Family members. Otherwise, when the Holy Emperor issued the decree for their re-marriage, the Xiao Family wouldn’t have remained so indifferent.

After all, the original bride’s reputation wasn’t the best, and her previous divorce was a notorious event. Generally, a family’s heir re-marrying such a woman would certainly involve the family’s intervention.

In fact, Xu Jing had yet to meet Xiao Yi’s grandmother or second uncle.

Xiao Yi led Xu Jing to the main hall, and after performing the ceremony, the gentle and aged voice from the front said, "Jing, finally seeing you. Yi, this child, never discusses important matters like marriage with us. However, since Yue was young, he has always been independent. He personally requested the Holy Emperor for the re-marriage, so you must be a wonderful child worthy of such an effort.

This outcome is the best for Chang Xiao.

Good child, I’m sorry I haven’t visited you sooner. In truth, I’ve wanted to come, but my health is poor, and traveling isn’t easy. But I’ve heard many things about you, and Yi’s fortune lies in winning you back."

The Xiao Family’s ancestral home is not in the Western Capital, but in Jinzhou. Though Jinzhou isn’t far from the Western Capital, it takes at least two days to travel here.

As Old Mrs. Xiao spoke, she suddenly said, "Good child, come over here and let your grandmother have a good look at you."

Without time to react, Xu Jing felt her hand being led by Xiao Yi to the front, where her hand was solemnly placed atop an aged, withered hand.

She felt a cool sensation on her wrist, and upon looking back, a pristine, invaluable gold-inlaid jade bracelet had appeared on her hand.

Old Mrs. Xiao’s voice followed, "Grandmother has nothing good to give you, so here’s a bracelet. This... is the bracelet passed down to the eldest daughter-in-law of the Xiao Family. Now, you are considered the eldest daughter-in-law of the Xiao Family."

Considered the eldest daughter-in-law of the Xiao Family?

Xu Jing was momentarily surprised, then heard the old lady continue, "Yi has been through a lot in the past, striving alone for many years. I’ve always worried about him but can see now that he genuinely wants to settle down this time.

Thank you for willing to return to Yi’s side. Although Yi is still young, he may sometimes err, feel free to speak up. If he wrongs you, come to me, and I will ensure justice for you."

Hearing the old lady’s earnest tone, Xu Jing couldn’t help but lift the corners of her mouth in a slight smile.

Initially, she worried the Xiao Family might be difficult to get along with, but now her heart was somewhat at ease.

Xiao Yi’s second uncle also treated Xu Jing with exceptional warmth. Being a practical person, he directly handed Xu Jing a hefty red envelope, his voice serious as he said, "You two must live well in the future and refrain from constant bickering like before. Marriage is not child’s play."

Xu Jing and Xiao Yi respectfully agreed and returned to the bridal room, which had been transformed from Xiao Yi’s room.

As Xu Jing sat on the bed, she took a deep breath.

Her tasks for the day were finally complete!

Now, she could totally relax... cough, utterly unwind.

Xiao Yi could clearly see what she was thinking and found it amusing yet heartwarming. His eyes, fixed on the woman not far away, began to deepen unconsciously as he watched her.

He approached, leaning down to whisper in her ear, "Wait here for a bit. Don’t feel too restrained. Do whatever you want; I’ll be back soon. Later... I have some things I want to say to you."