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

Cat Egg was also very helpful today, getting dressed neatly and assisting at the wedding.

The wedding banquet hadn't started yet, so Xu Shi and Wu Ya, being close female relatives, went to the room to visit Zhu Zhu first.

Zhu Zhu was dressed in an elaborate bright red wedding gown and was sitting in front of the dressing table, where the old woman helping her put on her jewelry.

There were maids nearby helping to adjust the hem of her skirt.

The heavy gold hairpin crown was adorned with colorful flowers, pearls, and glass, making it extremely gorgeous.

This one gold crown alone would probably be enough for an ordinary family to live on for more than ten years.

Coupled with the dazzling wedding dress, it made her seem as if she was glowing all over.

Madam Xu looked on with satisfaction and emotion, saying, "Our Zhuzhu is so lucky. He only has this one set of phoenix coronet and wedding robes. Many women never get to wear it when they get married. At home, a woman obeys her father; after marriage, she obeys her husband. Whether a woman lives a good life or not depends on how well she marries. Our Zhuzhu's life will definitely be good from now on!"

Wu Ya looked on with envy and nodded in agreement while holding her son: "Yes, I never imagined that the chubby little girl from my eldest sister's family would look so beautiful on her wedding day. She's probably going to be the groom's dream girl today. If I have a daughter in the future, I'll make sure she wears a dress like this on her wedding day. How beautiful she is! I'll never forget it!"

"Pah, pah, pah! What kind of talk is this about dying on your wedding day? Go and get rid of this bad luck!" Madam Xu glared at her daughter. "Today is Piggy's big day! Don't you know how to watch your mouth?"

Wu Ya then realized she had misspoke. After giving an apologetic smile, she quickly followed suit and spat a few times, saying, "I didn't mean it. The Bodhisattva won't blame me."

Zhuzhu waved her hand generously: "It's nothing, Aunt Wu didn't mean it!"

She looked unusually shy and nervous.

She repeatedly asked Madam Xu, "Grandmother, do I really look good today? My face is too red, and my lips are too red. Is this makeup too heavy?"

Madam Xu slapped her thigh and nodded affirmatively: "Of course you look good. You are at the prime of your life, like a flower bud. You will look good no matter how you dress up. Besides, a bride should have a little more makeup to look more energetic. I even think your lip rouge is not thick enough. Should we put on some more?"

As she spoke, Madam Xu wanted the dressing lady to reapply the lipstick and blush, but Zhuzhu quickly waved her hand in refusal, saying, "That's enough, that's enough. I can't even recognize myself anymore. Let's leave it as it is and not bother you anymore!"

“Tsk, how is it troublesome? There’s still time. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Xu Shi patted Zhu Zhu’s hand disapprovingly.

Fortunately, the dressing lady also felt that the makeup was almost done and there was no need to apply any more. She said a few words to persuade Xu Shi, and Xu Shi stopped insisting.

A moment later, all the jewelry was on, and only the red veil remained to be put on.

The pig felt stuffy and wanted to wait until the wedding procession arrived before covering it up.

Xu thought that since it would be evening before she could lift the veil, there was still plenty of time, so she let it be.

He then held the pig's hand and rambled on, giving it some private instructions.

Zhuzhu nodded obediently in agreement.

Seeing the tension in her eyes, Madam Xu gently stroked her delicate face and said with a smile, "Don't be afraid. Girls always have to get married. The husband you chose this time is very good. Your parents, your uncle, and your second brother all approve of him. After you marry into the family, just live a good life. If you're unsure about anything, ask the man in charge. Don't rush ahead on your own, and don't be temperamental. I heard that your mother-in-law is easy to get along with and doesn't torment her daughter-in-law. You're very lucky. Once you're familiar with the situation at home, hurry up and have a son. Then you can completely establish yourself in the Li family."

Zhu Zhu felt a little relieved after hearing this, then stuck out her tongue and asked coquettishly, "What if I have a daughter? Actually, I really like little girls; they're closer to their mothers."

Upon hearing this, Xu quickly covered Zhuzhu's mouth and slapped her arm hard, saying, "Pah, pah, pah! Don't talk nonsense! Don't be like your fifth aunt, who speaks without thinking!"

"Ptooey, ptooey, ptooey!" Zhuzhu touched her arm and quickly spat a few times.

Just as Madam Xu was about to give a few more words of advice, the sound of firecrackers crackling outside came from outside, signaling the arrival of the wedding party.

"Quickly, quickly, put the veil on!"

Xu Shi didn't have time to scold anyone anymore and quickly helped the midwife put on the veil.

Zhuzhu tensed up immediately, sat still, and let her mother-in-law do whatever she wanted.

Amidst bursts of laughter outside, the groom, Li Yue, could be heard constantly throwing red envelopes and begging for forgiveness.

It was a joyous occasion.

Among them, Xiaoyuer's laughter was the clearest and loudest.

Standing by the window, Xu listened, feeling a mixture of pride and indulgent helplessness. "This rascal, relying on the knowledge he gained in school, actually dared to use a riddle to stop his cousin-in-law. He's really something!"

Wu Ya smiled and had long seen through her mother's insincerity. "Our little Yu'er is generous and never shy. That's a good thing. He's got the makings of an official. Isn't that wonderful? Besides, he's just a little kid. He knows today is his cousin's important day. He's sensible and won't do anything reckless. At most, he'll ask for a few more red envelopes."

“Now that you mention it, it makes sense. Our little fish is never shy, not even when he went to the palace to meet the princes and nobles,” Madam Xu said with a proud smile.

He then instructed Wuya, "They're coming soon. Go to the door and stand guard with the others."

Today, Daya invited several familiar women from the neighborhood to help out, the most important task of which was to stand guard at the door of the new house during the wedding procession.

This was considered a good job, as it offered red envelopes and brought good fortune, so many women were happy to take it on; it was quite a sought-after position.

Da Ya only chooses men she has close relationships with, who have both sons and daughters, harmonious families, and who know how to handle things appropriately.

Madam Xu wanted Wu Ya to guard the gate with these women, since she was her own aunt and she couldn't be left out.

Upon hearing this, Wu Ya put down her son, repeatedly instructing the maid to keep a close watch before leaving the house.

Xu's eyes ached at the sight of this behavior. Er Ya, Si Ya, and Liu Ya were all more sensible than her, but none of them were around. Only Wu Ya was there, and there was nothing she could do.

We had no choice but to let her be.

Fortunately, the child was well-behaved and didn't cause any trouble.

As the noise outside grew louder and closer, Piggy nervously clenched the handkerchief tightly.

Madam Xu patted him reassuringly, "It's alright, everyone has to go through this. This is a good thing, look how grand this wedding is for you!"

The women that Daya invited were all of some standing, experienced in such matters, and reliable in their work. They knew how to strike a good balance, neither making things too difficult for the groom nor letting him in too easily.

Li Yue had overcome numerous obstacles along the way and finally arrived at the door of the new house. He was so anxious that his collar was slightly damp with sweat.

After handing out red envelopes and saying a lot of nice things, I was finally allowed to enter.

For some reason, Zhuzhu, who is usually quite bold, was trembling slightly at this moment.

Amidst the cheers of the crowd, Li Yue approached step by step, his face slightly flushed with shyness, and said, "Mother... Wife, I've come to take you away!"

Those around him burst into laughter again upon hearing this.

Li Yue's tanned face immediately turned even redder. He had been raised with strict discipline and had never been to a brothel, let alone interact with women. Today, under the gaze of so many people, he was really nervous and at a loss.

Wuya stepped forward to help Zhuzhu and said with a smile, "Alright, the room is small, let's not have so many people crowding here. Let's go to the main room to serve tea, so as not to miss the auspicious time."

Upon hearing this, the maidservant, with keen insight, stepped forward and placed the two ends of the red silk in the hands of the two newlyweds.

The women who had helped saw that it was about time, so they spoke up and escorted the newlyweds to the main room to serve tea.

After serving the tea, Donkey Egg carried his younger sister onto the bridal sedan chair.

Feeling his sister's hot tears dripping onto his neck, Donkey Egg whispered comfortingly, "Don't be afraid, you have your family here. Whatever happens, your brother is here for you!"

"Mmm," Zhuzhu choked up, feeling both touched and reluctant to part.

The surroundings were noisy, and her voice was almost inaudible in the crowd. Only Daya noticed that something was wrong. She felt sorry for her, but also understood that this was something everyone had to go through.

After everyone boarded the bridal sedan chair, Li Yue stood at the front of the chair and respectfully bowed to the Liu family members.

Zhang Ping'an stood at the door and gave a few more instructions before waving his hand with a smile, "Alright, don't miss the auspicious time. Anyway, remember, I've always treated my niece Zhuzhu like my own daughter. I'll always back her up if anything happens."

"Don't worry, Uncle, I will definitely treat Zhuzhu well!" Li Yue promised earnestly.

He then bid farewell to everyone.

Daya waved her hand, tears glistening in her eyes, "Go on, don't be late."

Li Yue cupped his hands in greeting again before mounting his horse, turning it around, and riding off. The bridal sedan chair followed behind, followed by a long procession of dowry.

Faced with Zhuzhu's dowry, most of the guests were surprised and full of praise, and it was clear at a glance that this was a family that doted on their daughter.

Generally, there is a general standard for the dowry corresponding to different family backgrounds, and Zhuzhu's dowry clearly exceeds the standard for her family background.

The wedding banquet officially began only after the procession had completely disappeared from sight from the alley.

Little Fish was doing very well at the kids' table, and he received quite a few red envelopes today, which made him very happy.

"I wonder when we'll get to sit at the adults' table," said Wang Qingtan, Xiaoyuer's little follower, as she took a hateful bite of a chicken leg.

He was extremely envious of the adults sitting at the table, clinking glasses and exchanging toasts. "Nobody cares what they do, it's so great!"

The two little ones became friends after their encounter during the autumn hunt, and now they have a very good relationship.

"Yes, time is passing too slowly. I really want to grow up faster," Little Fish nodded in agreement.

When he grows up, he can do whatever he wants.

From a child's perspective, being an adult is the easiest thing ever. You can eat whatever you want, drink whatever you want, do whatever you want, play whatever you want, no one cares, and you're so free!

While drinking with others, Zhang Ping'an would occasionally glance in his son's direction. He happened to hear this sentence at that moment and couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle.

Kids have so many worries!

The wedding banquet didn't end until almost dark.

Wu Ya, holding her sleeping son, said goodbye to Daya.

After finally seeing all the guests off, Da Ya was directing the servants to clear away the cups and plates.

Hearing this, she nodded wearily and ordered the servants to bring over the prepared return gifts. "Alright, you should all go back now. You've all worked very hard today. Come over and have dinner together when Zhuzhu returns home for her third birthday."

"Okay, sure!" Wu Ya nodded.

She then went home with her husband and son.

Xu and Zhang Lao Er were old and needed less sleep, so they stayed with their son to help out. Little Yu'er was asleep anyway, so there was no need to wake him up.

Zhang Ping'an was checking the gift list with Donkey Egg and Cat Egg. This was very important. They had received so many favors, and they would have to repay them later. If they made a mistake, they would offend people.

Donkey Egg looked at the dense list and felt overwhelmed. "It's not easy for us to take these valuables to the Northwest. If we convert them into cash in a short time, people will probably talk about us."

"Of course you can't cash it out, at least not now, or people will laugh at you," Zhang Ping'an instructed.

"I'll talk to your mother later and have all these things locked in my mansion's private treasury. There's no need to worry about anything going wrong. Even though you'll be going to the Northwest, you still need to maintain good relationships in the capital. With these things here, your parents won't have to worry so much. If anything happens, I can just send you a copy."

Cat Egg nodded: "That would be best."

"You should also make a list of everything and pack it these next two days, so as not to forget anything. Your mother said she's leaving next month, so time is still quite tight."

"Yes, don't worry, Uncle," Donkey Egg and Cat Egg nodded at the same time.

After Da Ya finished her work and came in to hear Zhang Ping'an explain the gift list, she had a general idea of ​​what was going on. Regarding the pile of gifts, she shared the same thought as Zhang Ping'an: "Just put them in your private treasury. With your people watching over them, I feel at ease. In the future, when we go to the Northwest, you can help us bring them along for our social obligations in the capital."

“No problem, then I’ll take my parents and Xiaoyuer back first. You all should get some rest too,” Zhang Ping’an said as he got up to leave.

Little Fish seemed to be sleeping soundly, but woke up suddenly when picked up. Only after seeing that it was Zhang Ping'an did she soften up again, close her eyes, and fall asleep peacefully once more.

Zhang Ping'an affectionately touched his son's slightly sweaty hair and softened his movements even more.

A few days passed quickly. Daya acted swiftly, and after Zhuzhu returned home for her third wedding ceremony, she packed up all the valuables that she couldn't take with her and sent them to Zhang Ping'an's residence.

Even close brothers keep clear accounts, let alone something as simple as helping to keep valuables safe. Zhang Ping'an asked Xiao Hu to check the list, put it in a separate place, and carefully put it away.

By mid-June, Daya's family had bid farewell to everyone and gone to the Northwest to reunite with Liu Sanlang.

With elite guards escorting him, and the Silk Road now officially reopened with extremely strict security along the way, Zhang Ping'an was relatively reassured about his safety.

Apart from Donkey Egg's pregnant wife, who was very reluctant, Donkey Egg, Cat Egg, and Daya were all quite looking forward to it.

Living together as a family is what makes life meaningful!

Besides, going to the Northwest, where the emperor is far away, might not necessarily mean a worse life than in the capital.

At least Da Ya thinks that not having to deal with complicated interpersonal relationships is a pretty easy thing.