Zhong Niangzi Wanfu

Chapter 17
一
The weather is getting hotter and hotter, and it will be midsummer in a blink of an eye.

Zhong Yan was afraid of the heat, so after two consecutive heat strokes in the field, he was locked up at home by the Chu family to be married, and all the farming work was left to Zhong Ren.

Fortunately, the matter of good farmland on the outskirts of the city started to take effect, and Zhongren took over smoothly.

Even if he doesn't go out, Zhong Lan is afraid that if the incident spreads, he will become a "man of the hour" in Wuding City again.

But in her heart, Shen Feng and You Hanting were different after all. Coupled with Shen Feng's words that day, Zhong Lan still had some expectations in her heart.

On the seventh day, Zhong Lan accidentally broke a jade bottle.

That jade bottle was the betrothal gift from the Zhong family.

Zhong Lan was startled and had a bad premonition.

"Girl, the concierge brought you a letter." Chang Huan entered the door with the letter, and was surprised when he looked down at the broken jade on the ground, "Is the girl injured? Let Chang Huan clean it up."

Zhong Lan took the letter hesitantly.

It's Shen Feng.

After reading ten lines at a glance, Zhong Lan asked Chang Huan to prepare the carriage.

On the Taibai Lake on the outskirts of Wuding City, the lotus leaves and lotus flowers that catch the sky and reflect the sun beautifully decorate the lake surface. The long wind blows and it is very cool.

Zhong Lan got off the carriage, wearing a white and green shirt. The breeze blew through her skirts, which complemented the lotus scenery on Taibai Lake.

At a glance, she saw a figure in a blue shirt on the long bridge, which was familiar yet unfamiliar. She finally made up her mind and stepped forward with an umbrella, as if she was coming through the wind.

Hearing the movement behind him, Shen Feng turned around quickly, his eyes full of friendship: "You're here."

He still has the same gentle and reserved appearance. After half a year apart, Shen Feng wears a decent blue shirt. After all, he is a little taller, and his eyebrows are as suitable as a landscape painting.

Zhong Lan stopped two steps away from Shen Feng and nodded slightly.

"The imperial examination went well. Wen Yi was awarded the title of Taiming County Captain, and I was awarded the title of Tanlin County Lieutenant." Shen Feng reunited happily, but his joy could still be heard.

"Congratulations, you got what you wanted." Zhong Lan deliberately maintained his pride, fearing Shen Feng's next words.

"I will go to work in autumn, and our wedding will be held soon." Shen Feng smiled warmly.

"Our marriage?" Zhong Lan hesitated for a moment, then calmed down. It turned out that he was still thinking about making herself a concubine.

"I don't want to." Zhong Lan took a step back slightly, "I don't know how to be a concubine."

"Concubine?" Shen Feng was also stunned for a moment, then laughed and took out the letter of separation that Zhong Lan had written to him.

"His Majesty intended to select a consort for Princess Liyang from among the talents in this year's palace examination, so he summoned me and five others to the palace to be selected."

"I was afraid of dragging down my family and you, so I didn't dare to refuse rashly. Zhang Zhuo and Wen Yi went to His Highness Prince Li, and His Highness took careful measures, so I lost the election early and was let back."

Shen Yan laughed softly, her gentle words were like a breeze blowing through the restless heart of the girl in front of her for a long time.

He actually left the consort alone and came back to marry him.

The book of Jueli in his hand looked extremely ridiculous. Shen Feng tore it into pieces and stepped forward to hold Zhong Lan's hand: "Now that I am an innocent county official, are you willing to marry me as your wife and inherit the teachings?" Please, follow me to my post? The road ahead is too far and unknown, but if you believe in me, I will not let you down."

Shen Feng's words of love were so sudden that Zhong Lan was stunned and did not dare to respond.

"The days are still long, I'll wait for you to respond to me." Shen Feng said.

two

After Shen Feng came back, the marriage between the two went very smoothly. Shen Feng was very hands-on, personally hired people, and picked an auspicious day, and the wedding day came in a blink of an eye.

August [-]th is a good time to get married.

Across the courtyard wall, the beating of gongs and drums outside was particularly lively.

In the girl's pavilion, Zhong Lan looked at herself in the mirror with her beautiful makeup.

"Are you stupid?" Wen Shu had just seen Mrs. Chu away who couldn't help but cry. In the blink of an eye, she saw Zhong Lan's dazed look and couldn't help but pat her.

Zhong Lan came back to his senses and said foolishly: "Am I going to get married now?"

Wen Shu was startled: "Isn't it Zhong Yan? Shen Feng's sedan chair will be here soon. Have you lost your memory now?"

Listening to Wen Shu's fussing tone, Zhong Lan couldn't help but laugh and quickly denied: "I just feel that the marriage between Shen Feng and me came in a hurry. The joke you and I made before actually came true, I just sighed for a moment."

Wen Shu understood Zhong Yan's meaning, sat on the soft chair beside Zhong Yan, and took her hand: "Wen Yi played with him all the time, don't worry, Shen Yan is a person worth entrusting."

Wen Shu's words also calmed Zhong Lan's heart a little. He couldn't help but think of Wen's backyard, Chengshan, and the gate of Gongyuan. Scenes of his interactions flashed through his mind like a canvas.

"Girl," Chang Huan stumbled into the house, full of surprise.

"What's wrong?" the two girls asked in confusion.

"The third son of the You family is here." Chang Huan wondered.

"You Hanting? He still dares to come?" Wen Shu stood up suddenly, "My aunt wants him to know whose place it is today!"

Zhong Lan quickly grabbed the angry Wen Shu and said, "He is now the county captain of Wuding City. The Zhong family is also considered a big family in Wuding City. There is no reason to drive him out."

Wen Shu had no choice but to endure the anger in her heart: "What should we do? Now that Shen Feng hasn't arrived yet, let him disgust you?"

Zhong Lan pursed his lips: "Let's go out and take a look first."

"Okay." Wen Shu handed the fan on the table to Zhong Lan and carefully helped her stand up.

In the main hall, the eldest aunt Yue is sitting in the hall, and Mrs. Chu and Mr. Zhong are sitting in the first place on the right side.

You Hanting, who was dressed in official uniform, was sitting at the bottom on the left side, drinking tea. There were also two groups of menacing servants in Xuanyi standing in the hall. They were obviously not here to drink wedding wine.

Wen Shu supported Zhong Lai and forced out a smile: "My lord, county captain, since ancient times, when you get married and worship in the high hall, the elders sit at the top. What do you mean by sitting in this position?"

You Hanting put down the tea cup in his hand and ignored Wen Shu at all. He only looked at Zhong Lan who was holding up a fan to cover his face: "Qingmei from the past is getting married today, so I came here to congratulate her."

Zhong Yan's body trembled slightly, now that there are so many guests, You Hanting actually said such words.

As expected, people everywhere began to talk about Zhong Lan's engagement being annulled.

Seeing that Zhong Lan didn't speak, Yue stood up and stepped in front of Zhong Lan, and calmly saluted You Hanting.

"Thank you for your kindness, Mr. You. When you got married to the magistrate's daughter, my second sister didn't go for some reason, but now I let you come to see her off. It's really rude to think about it. After my second sister gets married, she and her uncle must give it to her. Your Excellency, please make up for this with a congratulatory gift."

Old things were brought up again, and everyone began to talk about You Hanting's ridiculous story of withdrawing from the Zhong family for the Lu family.

You Hanting suffered a loss and sneered: "Why doesn't Miss Zhong say anything? I still have the mat that Miss Zhong specially sewed for me during the scientific examination. Even if I can't become husband and wife, I still have affection for you. Why are we strangers now?"

Now everyone around started pointing fingers at Zhong Lan again.

Mr. Zhong and Mrs. Chu couldn't say anything harsh, they could only act anxiously.Mrs. Chu even pulled Zhong Lan silently with red circles in her eyes.

Zhong Lan's heart palpitated, and she was filled with hatred, but she knew that the Zhong family wanted to lose face, and she could never start a fight with You Hanting on such an occasion, so she could only smile: "Then what do you want me to do? Is it in this case?" Did you come to the house to cause trouble when you married Madam Lu? Or did you weep all day long without knowing why, and stay with you for the rest of your life and never marry?" "That's not what I meant!" You Hanting suddenly fell into a trance when he heard Zhong Lan's voice.

"Then what do you mean..." Wen Shu raised her eyebrows and said angrily. Before she could finish her words, she was stopped by Zhong Lan.

Zhong Lan took a deep breath and said coldly: "Beizhao men and women have broken off their engagements throughout the ages, and it's not just the Zhongyou family. I have never heard of a woman being hijacked by a man during her wedding leave after breaking off her engagement."

"Now that I have a husband-in-law, I was just making an appointment with the Qin and Jin Dynasties, but Master You broke in with someone and made my wedding such a mess. You are so stingy. Do you have to use your power for personal gain and force me to death?" Zhong Lai felt aggrieved for a moment, with a hint of crying in her voice.

Mrs. Yue stepped forward to protect Zhong Lan: "Sir You, you are an official now, but my Zhong family is not just waiting for others. You should think twice before doing anything."

"But you know that mat," You Hanting didn't understand why the girl who used to always surround him, obeyed and accommodated him in everything, and couldn't drive away became so indifferent now.

The huge gap puts him at risk of being embarrassed and offending Magistrate Lu today, and he has to come to see Zhong Lan.

"It's just a mat. Sister Lai is a top-notch female worker. I don't know how many of her hand-training tools I have saved with my eldest sister, me, and Brother Feng." A burst of laughter interrupted You Hanting, and Wen Yi took the lead. He walked into the main hall, stood next to Wen Shu, and winked at Wen Shu.

Then Shen Feng, dressed in a bright red wedding dress, walked into the main hall like a meteor, blocking You Hanting's eyes from looking at Zhong Lai: "Three years of Qingzhi County, a hundred thousand snowflakes and silver. Shen Feng is a foreigner, and Master You can't even put a mat like this." To care, I must love the people like my own children and spend all my money and salary to help the people. This is why You Mansion lives so frugally."

"You are truly a role model for us. After getting married, Shen Feng and Lian Niang studied hard with Mr. You." Shen Feng bowed to You Hanting.

Lai Niang?Zhong Lan raised his eyes and looked at Shen Feng who was standing in front of him, silent in his heart.

There were a lot of discussions everywhere. Firstly, You Hanting was not that honest in governing Wuding City, and he was kind to the people and loved things. Secondly, if he cared so much about just a mat, it would make people think that Youfu's family tradition was too stingy.

"Don't worry, Lord You. After I return, I will discuss with Lady Lian to add some more cushions to the gift for Lord You in case the You family needs it in case of emergencies."

Shen Feng smiled warmly, making it impossible to make a mistake.

Seeing that the groom and the officials said this, everyone around was embarrassed to continue talking and all smiled.

"We will be colleagues from now on. I hope Sir You will give me your advice." Shen Feng bowed to You Hanting humbly, "If Sir You is here for a wedding banquet, please come and take a seat; if Sir You is busy with official duties, please forgive us and my wife. We can’t send each other off.”

You Hanting was severely slapped in the face, and he hurriedly said goodbye and left with others.

Shen Feng turned around and smiled at Zhong Lan.

Upon seeing this, Wen Shu quickly handed over the wedding silk.

The witness immediately announced that the wedding ceremony would continue.

The guests on all sides were all happy and kept saying auspicious words.

Mrs. Yue sat down at the bottom, Mrs. Chu and Mr. Zhong sat in the high hall, looking at their daughter in a bright red wedding dress, and couldn't help but blush again.

After three bows, Mrs. Chu had already burst into tears.However, Mr. Zhong was meticulous about everything and repeatedly told Zhong Lan to be filial to his parents-in-law and considerate of his husband when he went to Shen Mansion. It was not until the wedding official reminded him that the auspicious time had come that he hurriedly ended it.

Before leaving the house, Mrs. Yue, the eldest aunt, took Zhong Lan and told her that in addition to the 66 dowry provided by the Chu family and the 22 dowry provided by the old lady of the Zhong Mansion, the Yue family added 11 dowry for Zhong Lan from her own private treasury. A large amount of dowry, including a pair of red gold and emerald hair and face that he had given as a wedding gift, was enough to send Zhong Lan out of the house happily.

One of Wuding City and Taiming City is in the west of Danzhou, and the other is in the east of Danzhou. It would take a day and a night to travel by land, so the Shen family rented a three-storey merchant ship at a high price to meet the bell by water.

After bidding farewell to the clan's parents and brothers on the shore, Shen Yan took Zhong Yan's hand and boarded the boat.

There were fewer people on the boat. Shen Feng took the fan out of Zhong Lan's hand and said, "You must be tired from lifting."

Zhong Yan rubbed his sore wrist, glanced at him, and didn't speak.

Wen Shu understood, smiled, invited Yun Le and Chang Huan, and quietly pulled Wen Yi up to the second floor.

"What are you thinking about?" The two of them blew the air for a while, and Shen Feng also pulled Zhong Lan up the stairs.

"I have never seen you wearing such a rich color, and I think you look pretty good." Zhong Lan found a topic, and as soon as he finished speaking, he turned his face away in shame.

Shen Feng smiled softly and said, "I think so too."

The view from the second floor is particularly wide, and the river breeze blows through Zhong Lan's hair, which slightly relieves the shyness just now.

"Actually, the You family..." Zhong Lan bit his lip, "I have already,"

"I understand, of course I believe you." Shen Feng nodded, "You have been wronged before, and I will treat you well from now on. You can also put an end to everything in the past, so you don't have to worry about it in the future."

Zhong Lan's unorganized words were choked in his throat, and he looked at Shen Feng blankly: He was standing in the backlight, and he couldn't see his appearance clearly. He could only see the breeze on the river blowing his hair, and how he looked like A gentle smile.

"You are already married to me, and you are my wife. There will be nothing to do with the You family in the future." Shen Feng put the wedding fan aside, took Zhong Lan's hand and looked towards the river in the distance.

Zhong Lan followed Shen Feng and looked into the distance. He had only known her for a year before he married her. After becoming a Jinshi, he refused the emperor's offer of marriage and came back resolutely. He also believed in himself without hesitation.

Zhong Lan returned and held Shen Feng's hand: "You treat me with sincerity, and I will repay you with sincerity."

The two smiled at each other.

"It's not easy for Shen Da to come back, Miss Zhong Er must make it up to him." Zhang Zhuo walked out of the ship building and joked.

"Master Zhang?" Zhong Yan let go of Shen Yan's hand and turned around.

Wen Shu and Wen Yi also followed, and then a man and a woman came out: the woman was beautiful, elegant and dignified, with an exquisite bun and a bright smile; the man was handsome and handsome, with a magnificent instrument and a jade crown for his hair. He nodded to Zhong Lan and Shen Feng.

Both of them wore Ruyi cloud-patterned cloaks, making them a perfect couple.

"This is it?" Zhong Lan was confused for a moment and looked at Shen Feng beside him.

Shen Feng pulled Zhong Yan forward and saluted: "Shen Feng and his bride brought their wives to pay homage to their Royal Highnesses King Li and Princess Li."

King Li?Princess Li?

Zhong Lan followed Shen Feng in a daze and saluted, unable to realize who the two people in front of him were for a moment.

"You must be Miss Zhong Er, whom Shen Feng has longed for." Xu Songqing smiled and pulled Zhong Lai, "Today is your wedding day, so there is no need to be polite."

Only then did Zhong Lan realize that standing in front of him was King Li and Princess Li from the capital, and he became panicked for a moment.

"You just think that we are here to see you off today. If Shen Feng bullies you in the future, we will not spare him." Xu Songqing patted Zhong Lan's hand.

"Your Highness is joking, but Shen Feng doesn't dare." Shen Feng nodded slightly and smiled.

Zhong Lan calmed down a little and smiled at Xu Songqing and Qi Cheng: "Thank you, Your Highnesses."

The road was still long, Xu Songqing and Wen Shu took Zhong Lan to sit aside and whispered about their daughter's concerns.

Shen Feng and the four others were leaning on the railing and looking into the distance.

"I'm afraid I won't be able to enjoy your wedding banquet with Song Qing and Ze Ren when I visit the Feng family this time." Qi Cheng looked at Shen Feng and Wen Yi, "You two are going to take office soon, right?"

The two agreed.

Qi Cheng nodded with a smile and said: "You are this year's new Jinshi. No matter where you go, you should be high-spirited and use your knowledge and knowledge to fight for your own world in your place."

"If you have real talent and knowledge, I believe that the four of you and I will meet again in the royal capital."

Zhang Zhuo was also moved: "The four of us will definitely meet again in the royal capital!"

(End of this chapter)