Making you a son-in-law is not about making you conquer the world.

Lin Ping was not familiar with the name He Wei, but he knew very well the official position of Minister of Personnel.

The Ministry of Personnel, the head of the six ministries, was a high-ranking official of the second rank, responsible for the promotion and evaluation of court officials. It was second only to the emperor, above all others.

But where's the silver? What the hell is two taels? Is it for giving money to beggars?

This is blatant disrespect; they should have just greeted you when they arrived.

Lin Ping wasn't angry. He had no right to be angry. Even Xia Yeran would give the other party some leeway, let alone a mere commoner like himself.

Does Peter Hessler have any connection with him?

"It has absolutely nothing to do with us," Lin Ping immediately concluded.

Since they were strangers, they had only two purposes: first, to curry favor with Lin Ping; and second, to see Lin Ping make a fool of himself.

The first possibility has been ruled out, and these two taels of silver are the best evidence. So, the other party came to see him make a fool of himself.

He was just an ordinary citizen, and he didn't need a high-ranking official of the second rank to laugh at him. In other words, the other party had a deeper purpose.

"You little brat, Xia Yeran, I'll settle the score with you later!" Lin Ping glared angrily at Xia Yeran, instantly losing all interest in helping him.

He had thought that currying favor with the prefect would allow him to meet the king sooner, thus enabling him to achieve great deeds and eventually lead troops to attack the Lotus Palace. However, it now seems that Xia Yeran has made many enemies, and he shouldn't get involved in this mess.

Can you not jump into the hole you dug yourself?

What do you think?

Lin Ping gave him a perfunctory greeting, but the Minister of Personnel, as expected, didn't give him a friendly look and went straight to the best seat.

What a shameless bunch! They expect to get a VIP seat for such a small amount of money?

That meal was very expensive. If it weren't for the two officials from the Salt Transport Commissioner's Office supporting you, Lin Ping would definitely have changed the dishes at the last minute.

With their meager savings, they could at best afford pickled vegetables. No, salt is expensive, so drinking some cold water to soothe their throats would be better.

After meeting the Minister of Personnel, the two officials from the Salt Transport Commission put on fawning faces and kept flattering him.

This is a big shot; I don't usually have the chance to curry favor with him. He's far superior to Lin Ping, who's still a developing talent.

At this point, all the guests had arrived; those who arrived later would have to eat outside. They couldn't possibly miss such an auspicious day, could they?

As dusk fell, the sound of gongs and drums echoed through the Zhou family compound, symbolizing both joy and the start of the wedding.

Although the wedding was held at the Zhou residence, the custom of having an eight-bearer sedan chair to fetch the bride could not be omitted.

Eight sedan chair bearers dressed in wedding attire walked steadily, carrying a magnificent sedan chair around the mansion three times before entering the gate.

After alighting from the sedan chair, two old women lifted the bright red embroidered curtain, and Zhou Xiyin, dressed in a fiery red peony-patterned silk dress, appeared in everyone's sight.

Although her head was covered by a red veil, her slender figure and dignified demeanor were something that could not be imitated.

Her delicate, slender hands were exposed, captivating the hearts of countless young talents.

They all envied him but dared not be jealous, for only Lin Ping was worthy of such a beautiful woman.

Wan'er was also dressed in her finest attire, her hair styled in a flowing cloud bun. She held Zhou Xiyin's arm and carefully led the way.

"Miss is the happiest woman in the world. So many people want to marry the young master!" Wan'er said happily along the way, genuinely happy for Zhou Xiyin.

From the moment Wan'er first met Lin Ping, she felt that he was extraordinary, and her guess was proven true time and time again.

Lin Ping is not only handsome, but also incredibly capable and has an astonishing network of connections. Most importantly, he treats her young lady very well. If she could bring a dowry, she would be the first to marry into his family.

Wan'er was Zhou Xiyin's personal maid, and she knew that Zhou Xiyin liked Lin Ping, but she was just stubborn. Otherwise, she would not have tacitly agreed to the marriage.

"Miss, why aren't you saying anything?" Wan'er asked, pouting.

Wan'er has been praising Lin Ping to the skies. As his wife, shouldn't you at least say something? It's like Wan'er is getting married.

Zhou Xiyin remained silent, following behind Wan'er with her head down. This road, which she had walked countless times, felt somewhat unfamiliar.

Seeing his daughter appear, Zhou Yecheng was overjoyed. He was practically a main character himself, so how could he not be happy to have so many high-ranking officials supporting him?

I thought this rich guy would need to settle down for two years before taking off, but now it seems he can take off immediately and soar to the sky.

After exchanging a few meaningless pleasantries, Zhou Yecheng sat down in the elder's seat.

Lin Ping didn't inform his parents about the marriage, after all, it was just a conspiracy.

Zhou Yecheng didn't ask any more questions, assuming that his parents were genuinely having difficulties and couldn't come.

What he wanted was not Lin Ping's family background, but his own abilities.

Therefore, it doesn't matter whether or not to inform the parents, nor does it matter whether the other party agrees or not.

From the moment Zhou Xiyin stepped out of the sedan chair, Lin Ping's eyes never left her. He wanted to keep a close watch on this woman and ensure she was not harmed in the slightest.

"Silly woman, don't worry about me. I, Lin Ping, will never let anyone touch a hair on your head." Lin Ping subconsciously gripped the crossbow at his waist, and his confidence immediately returned.

He had spent a long time preparing for this grand wedding, including upgrading his weapons. He couldn't keep getting beaten up all the time; after all, he was a transmigrator.

At the same time, Lin Ping glanced at the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review and the Minister of Personnel, and immediately felt a strong killing intent. He could tell that these two were up to no good.

As Zhou Xiyin was about to step onto the stairs, Lin Ping personally came out to greet her, his warm, large hands tightly gripping her small hand.

For a moment, Lin Ping felt as if he had been electrocuted. He looked at the other person with a puzzled expression and thought to himself: Could it be that she took a milk bath yesterday and her hands are even more delicate?

Lin Ping had the honor of holding Zhou Xiyin's hand before; although it was smooth, it wasn't as smooth as it was now.

He had every reason to believe that Zhou Xiyin had taken a milk bath on purpose. Unlike modern women, women in ancient times valued marriage highly, and they might have done something strange the night before their wedding.

If it happens to coincide with menstruation, you'll probably have to take drugs to postpone it. The wedding night isn't just something to talk about; it has to be a real test.

Taking a milk bath will enhance your chances on your wedding night, and may even make the man love you to the core, wanting to become one with you.

Lin Ping's expression grew even more somber at this welcome change, and he felt even more guilty towards her.

Lin Ping wasn't the only one who got an electric shock; Zhou Xiyin's body also trembled, and her palms involuntarily broke out in a sweat.

Lin Ping clenched his fists tighter, his heart aching even more.

Holding her tighter was to give her a sense of security and prevent her from feeling nervous; the pain inside was because the more moved she was, the more hurt she felt.

"Silly woman, I'm here." Lin Ping whispered in Zhou Xiyin's ear.

These words startled her again, and she kept glancing at him through the red veil.

This wasn't a feeling of being moved; it was more like a feeling of anger.

"Sigh... Brother Lin, this is all I can do to help you." Xia Yeran, sitting at the table, shook his head helplessly, his gaze fixed on the two of them.

As the emcee announced their arrival, the two entered the hall, stood side by side, each holding a ribbon from a red embroidered ball.

Next came the most important part: the wedding ceremony. Erben's movements were noticeably clumsy, not just because he was nervous, but also because he lacked experience.

Although this wasn't Lin Ping's first time going through a wedding ceremony, the last time was with the original owner of the body, so he was a complete novice in this area.

He had long heard that modern weddings were very different from ancient weddings, and that modern people would only bow, not kneel.

I've never knelt before anyone, and I don't know the proper order of kneeling.

Lin Ping regretted his stubbornness all along; he should have yielded just once and taken it as a lesson in kneeling.

He even envied his former enemies who had wronged him; at least they could kneel smoothly.

Lin Ping bent his knee a little too hard, and it slammed onto the floor with a "thud," almost making Zhou Xiyin burst out laughing.

Zhou Xiyin's kneeling posture was quite fluent, not at all like a spoiled young lady.

Within the Zhou family, Heaven is the highest authority, and she is second only to Heaven. She can't always kneel before Heaven, and logically speaking, she has no opportunity to train herself.

Seeing this, the emcee stepped in and kept trying to smooth things over. What should have been a quick affair was dragged out for a quarter of an hour by the two men's comical antics.

"Send them to the bridal chamber!" The master of ceremonies revealed a lewd smile; compared to the kowtow, this was the most important part.

After the ceremony, the two stood there dumbfounded, at a loss for what to do.

"Young master, are you perhaps planning to leave Miss here?" Wan'er cleverly reminded him.

"Oh..." Lin Ping hurriedly grabbed Zhou Xiyin's hand, about to take a big step.

"No, no, you should carry him in," Wan'er hurriedly stopped her, clearly worried.

"Sorry, I have no experience," Lin Ping said casually, his face flushing slightly.

You've already admitted to being married, so why are you saying you have no experience? Nobody believes that!

Even Wan'er was so angry she stomped her feet. Some things are obvious to everyone, but people don't mention them just because they don't know them; they're giving you face. But you, you dug your own grave.

Next... a straight man hug!

That's right, Lin Ping spread his arms wide, his left arm resting on Zhou Xiyin's calf and his right arm on her neck, and suddenly exerted force!

I don't know who told me, but the princess carry is the most romantic way to carry someone.

A princess carry is fine, but you need to be strong enough. If you're already panting after just two steps, are you sure you can make it into the bridal chamber smoothly? What else could it be but a straight man's carry?

Zhou Xiyin was determined to make things difficult for him, and instead of putting her arms around his neck to lighten his load, she kept her hands firmly on the red veil, making sure it didn't fall off.

Lin Ping held back again. Girls value the sense of ceremony the most. The red veil should be lifted with a jade ruyi. How can it fall off halfway? Wouldn't that reduce the sense of mystery?

When they entered, Lin Ping was already using his knees to support Zhou Xiyin's light body, her tongue lolling out, looking more tired than after running a marathon.

After much effort, he finally managed to get Zhou Xiyin into the bridal chamber, and then he had to rush back to attend to other social obligations.

Inside the courtyard, and even along the entire street, dishes were being served, and the air above Yingtian Prefecture was filled with the aroma of wine. Lin Ping, his thirst for wine burning, couldn't resist having a few drinks.

Even if Lin Ping disliked it, he still had to toast the Minister of Personnel and others.

He had a huge capacity for alcohol, drinking a whole jar of liquor in one gulp before stopping, and he also uttered a lot of nonsense.

"I can't take it anymore, I can't take it anymore, ugh..." Lin Ping staggered for every step he took, and could only stand up by supporting himself on the table with both hands.

"My lords, please excuse me for a moment." Lin Ping ran towards the outhouse while vomiting, looking utterly disheveled.

"I am not a good drinker, so I will drink with you gentlemen." Zhou Yecheng took the opportunity to come over, determined not to miss the chance to curry favor with the court officials.

The Minister of Personnel and the Chief Justice of the Court of Judicial Review exchanged a glance, their lips curling into a smile, full of disdain.

This is not to look down on Zhou Yecheng; in other words, Zhou Yecheng does not yet have the qualifications to be looked down upon.

They felt that Lin Ping was rather incompetent. Most of the previous rumors were just hearsay. How could he get drunk on such an important occasion? Wouldn't he miss a good show?

Perhaps when you wake up, your head will be covered with lush green grass.

Not only that, Xia Yeran's official hat will also be removed.

Imagine what would happen if a flower thief kidnapped the bride at this famous wedding in the capital?

Can Xia Yeran shirk responsibility? Unless the king is thick-skinned enough to protect him against all opposition.

If that were the case, the monarch would have no authority left and would simply have to step down.

Just as the atmosphere was at its most lively, and everyone was completely drunk, a dark shadow swept across the sky above the Lin residence.

Lin Ping was pretending to lean against the wall when suddenly his eyes lit up, and he immediately perked up, thinking, "Finally here!"

Who else could that dark figure be but a flower thief?

Lin Ping orchestrated a massive scheme to wait for him to appear!

Regardless of the true purpose of the flower thief, flower picking is definitely one of them.

In other words, there are no flower thieves who aren't lecherous.

Since the flower thief was injured by the Imperial Guards last time, he has never dared to make any rash moves again. As long as he stays in hiding, Xia Yeran will have to take the blame.

Therefore, Lin Ping deliberately mobilized because of him.

First, he deliberately dressed Zhou Xiyin up beautifully and strolled around the streets twice a day to arouse the lustful desires of the flower thief.

Lin Ping discovered the flower thief peeping at Zhou Xiyin from the corner of the alley more than once, drooling all over the place.

He was certain that the flower thief would make a move on Zhou Xiyin sooner or later; he was just waiting for the right opportunity.

Since the other party couldn't find an opportunity, Lin Ping created one for him, which led to this marriage.

The scene, seemingly crowded with people, was actually the emptier one. Everyone was busy drinking, and no one was protecting Zhou Xiyin in her boudoir.

Lin Ping was certain that the flower thief would appear at this critical juncture.

Furthermore, he deliberately made a big fuss about it, letting everyone know about the wedding. Once the flower thief was caught at this time, it would be Xia Yeran's day of reckoning.

Lin Ping's heart was bleeding. He had taken advantage of Zhou Xiyin's feelings, and even their marriage was a sham.

He admitted to having some feelings for Zhou Xiyin, but it didn't develop into love.

To make up for this debt, Lin Ping did everything he could to help the Zhou family grow stronger, and even sent Wang Xiao'e to help.

"Hmph! Let's see where you run tonight!" Lin Ping pulled out his crossbow and charged forward.

The other party is a womanizer, capable of any underhanded trick. If you are even a step too late, it could lead to lifelong regret.

At this moment, Zhou Xiyin was sitting on the edge of the bed waiting for Lin Ping to return, her delicate hands clenched into fists nervously.

squeak...

The door was pushed open, and a figure slowly stepped in.

As the footsteps drew closer, Zhou Xiyin's heart pounded, threatening to leap out of her throat. Finally, she said shyly, "You...have come."

The voice was like a sweltering breeze, instantly arousing desire. A ferocious face lunged at Zhou Xiyin, lewdly saying, "Little lady, I'm here!"