The journey of the only child of a peasant family to take the imperial examination

Chapter 404: Ten Miles of Red Makeup

"Thank you, brother-in-law," Zhang Pingan hurriedly expressed his gratitude.

Green Bean Eyes laughed and pushed everyone in: "Hurry in, go pick up the bride!"

Uncle Qian was right. There were indeed many male members in the Qian family, and every time they entered the yard, they had to pass a test.

The first part tested poems, riddles, and couplets, but the latter part was outrageous, requiring students to memorize "The Book of Filial Piety" and "Tao Te Ching". "The Book of Filial Piety" was easy, as the imperial examination would have covered this aspect, but generally no one would go out of their way to memorize "Tao Te Ching".

Zhang Ping'an only remembered a rough outline of the whole thing. He almost couldn't keep up after reciting the more than 5,000 words. Fortunately, Green Bean Eyes was there to remind him.

"Hehe, my grandfather often went to the Taoist temple for meditation, and I have been influenced by him so I am quite familiar with these things," the man with green eyes smiled like a Maitreya Buddha, feeling quite contented.

He was very happy to be able to help, and said that his trip was not in vain!

He passed through many gates and defeated many generals along the way. Finally, when he arrived at the inner courtyard, he began to be tested on his martial arts by the female members of the Qian family.

After all, Zhang Ping'an had learned the six arts of a gentleman, and knew a few fancy moves, which looked quite capable. In addition, he was handsome and had a good demeanor. The female relatives thought the time was right and let him go.

"I was ready to take your place, but it didn't work. Hahaha!" Xiao Yifei laughed teasingly.

It is really not that easy to marry the daughter of a wealthy family. He is tired of reading all the complicated rules!

I wonder if my good brother can bear it in the future! Xiao Yifei thought.

Zhang Ping'an had no idea that some people had already begun to sympathize with him.

As he was getting married for the first time in his two lives, he had many expectations.

Everyone looked at the door nervously.

Miss Qian, supported by her maid and wet nurse, opened the door and walked out.

Her head was covered with a red veil, so her face could not be seen, but judging from her exposed fingers, she must be a white-skinned woman.

She was wearing a bright red wedding gown with intricate embroidery, and she looked very thin.

There are people on both sides who can liven up the atmosphere, so the scene is always lively and never dull.

Next, Miss Qian was supported by her aunts and led everyone to the main hall to kowtow to Mr. and Mrs. Qian.

The Qian family has a deep network of connections, so naturally there are many people coming to congratulate them. Some of those who came early have already arrived and are now gathered in the lobby.

When Zhang Ping'an walked in, he looked at the room full of people and felt a little nervous for a moment.

If this turns out to be a joke, I won't be able to stay in Lin'an anymore.

Lin Junhui smiled, patted Zhang Pingan on the shoulder, pushed him in, his eyes full of encouragement.

Minister Qian and Madam Qian also changed into more festive clothes today.

The two of them sat on the high hall, occasionally speaking a few words to the people around them.

After Zhang Ping'an came in, a servant stood aside with a tray of tea.

"Oh, the groom is here, he looks so handsome," a guest praised.

"Very good, very good, a talented young man. Minister Qian has good vision. He has spotted such a good son-in-law with good character and appearance in advance," others echoed.

After Zhang Ping'an greeted all the guests and Qian's father and mother, he turned sideways and helped the bride to kneel on the mat, kowtowed to Qian's father and mother and served tea.

"Father-in-law, mother-in-law, please have some tea!" Zhang Ping'an kowtowed and raised the teacup respectfully.

"Well, I wish you and my daughter will live in harmony and grow old together," Minister Qian took the teacup, took a sip, and responded softly while stroking his beard.

After Mrs. Qian finished her tea, she said softly, "I am kind-hearted. I hope you will treat me well!"

"Please rest assured, father-in-law and mother-in-law. I am lucky enough to marry your daughter today. I will cherish her and stay with her for the rest of my life!" Zhang Ping'an said firmly.

"Okay, okay, okay," Mrs. Qian said three good words in a row and asked the maid to bring the prepared gift of changing her name.

Each person was given a small wooden box.

It would definitely be inconvenient for the newlyweds to take it, so after Zhang Ping'an and Miss Qian took it, they gave it to the servants beside them to keep first.

After the two of them got up, Uncle Qian carried Miss Qian out.

The Qian Mansion occupied a vast area, and it took everyone more than a quarter of an hour to reach the main gate.

"Brother-in-law, we don't have many daughters in the Qian family. Each of them is treated like a treasure and brought up with great love. If my second sister is impolite in any way, you must be more tolerant. If you bully her, I will not tolerate it," said the eldest brother-in-law Qian with a smile.

It seemed like a joke, but Zhang Pingan could hear the deeper meaning behind it.

I couldn't help but wipe the sweat off my forehead. My brother-in-law is so difficult to deal with. There are so many male members in the Qian family. I'm afraid I'll have to suffer a lot in the future!

After putting the bride on the sedan chair, Brother Qian stood up and said, "Okay, let's go. Don't miss the auspicious time. When you return home, I'll have a drink with you!"

"No problem, let's go," Zhang Pingan said with a smile.

Then he jumped on his horse and turned back home.

The sound of music followed, and the atmosphere was joyful.

After walking a distance, Zhang Pingan looked back.

I saw that the Qian family's wedding procession had already reached the end of the street, and no longer could be seen beyond it.

A rough estimate is that there are several hundred people.

The dowry includes large furniture such as a carved bed and an embroidered screen, as well as daily necessities such as clothes, jewelry, fabrics, ornaments, calligraphy and paintings, and the four treasures of the study.

This was the first time that Zhang Ping'an saw what a real ten-mile red makeup was in ancient times.

And she is my own wife!

It's really amazing!

No wonder wealthy families have to have side jobs. If they don’t make money from side jobs, they won’t be able to afford weddings and funerals!

"Well, this scene is even bigger than what my wife did back then. The Qian family is indeed very powerful," Lin Junhui commented objectively.

"The Qian family loves their daughter," Zhang Pingan said.

Lin Junhui shook his head. "It's not just about loving my daughter, it's also about appearances. If the dowry is too meager, it will be difficult for the remaining daughters of the Qian family to marry up in the future."

"That makes sense. I really envy Ping An. Not only is the bride's dowry so generous, but her Yue family is also capable. It's true that being good-looking means having an advantage." Green Eyes was really envious from the bottom of his heart.

No matter what others say, he just likes to live off others. Why would he work so hard when he can take shortcuts?

While chatting and laughing, everyone had already arrived at the gate of the mansion.

The plaque of the house given by the Qian family had already been changed to Zhang Mansion.

The butler was waiting at the door on time.

After Zhang Ping'an got off the horse, he waited for the sedan chair behind him to stop, then stepped forward, took off the red hydrangea on his body, held one end in his own hand, and the matchmaker put the other end in the bride's hand.