“Why would I be unhappy?” Wei Luo continued as he wrested the wine jar away from Wei Xuan. He said calmly, “Back then, the treasury was empty, and Yandi was short of military pay. It was your third sister-in-law’s family who helped us.”
Wei Yan interjected, “Yes, but don’t you think the Yin family’s social status isn’t worthy of you? Of course, in my eyes, the Yin family is much better than the Jin people; at least, they are not enemies.”
Wei Luo responded, “Marriage is a positive connection between two families, and having a good marital alliance is advantageous for us. If your marriage can contribute to a truce between Wei and Jin, even if it lasts only for two generations or a few decades, it would be a blessing for Yandi and the people on the frontier.”
Wei Xuan pondered for a moment and expressed admiration, “Third brother, you have a broad mindset. Everything is for the sake of the overall situation, and I feel ashamed.”
Wei Luo chimed in, “You are still young, and you will understand it yourself in a few years.”
After their conversation, Wei Xuan no longer resisted the marriage as before. Instead, he began to wonder about the appearance of the Princess of the Kingdom of Jin hidden within the sedan chair.
Subsequently, each time Princess Jin entered or exited the carriage, Wei Xuan would discreetly gaze in that direction. However, the red veil adorning Princess Jin’s head seemed to be securely fastened and never once slipped off. Occasionally, when the wind blew, Princess Jin would extend her hand to secure it in time.
That hand was beautiful, possessing a fair complexion as if it had been pampered.
The more he struggled to catch a glimpse, the more he yearned for it. By the time the welcoming procession rushed back to Pingcheng on an auspicious day, Wei Xuan’s mood had settled, allowing him to smile like a genuine groom.
Outside the gates of the palace, guests gathered eagerly to witness the ceremony. Da Lang and his younger brothers stood to the side, anticipating the festive display of firecrackers.
For the children, it was a rare day of fun. Except for Da Lang, the other five younger brothers were all in high spirits, seemingly transformed into little firecrackers, joyfully leaping around.
At the banquet on the women’s side, Ji Xianxian listened to the sound of firecrackers outside and said with a smile, “They should be back. I have been looking forward to it for more than a month.”
People from all houses and courtyards were well acquainted with each other. Ji Xianxian was genuinely anticipating the arrival of a new face. Her happiness was evident, and Concubine Li shared in the joy, casting a gloating look at Concubine Guo.
As women, they took pride in their children’s marriages, wishing for them to find good spouses. Concubine Li’s daughter had married into the Yang family, highly esteemed by King Yan. Despite not having a lofty family status, her daughter safely gave birth to a son, and her son-in-law cherished her. In comparison, though prominent in the capital, they had their son marry a princess from the Kingdom of Jin. Regardless of the girl’s noble status, she was a foreigner. In Concubine Li’s eyes, it seemed more favorable for the third son to marry a merchant girl.
After enduring suppression from Concubine Guo for many years, Concubine Li finally savored the long-lost feeling of triumph this time. Witnessing her complacent expression, Concubine Guo was undoubtedly angered, yet she had to conceal it. Despite her frustration, even King Yan had to accept the marriage bestowed by Emperor Jianlong, leaving her with little room to voice her discontent.
But Concubine Guo felt a sense of relief, even expressing gratitude that it was the Kingdom of Jin that married off their own princess. She considered herself fortunate that they didn’t seek to marry Princess Wei, as that could have potentially led to her daughter being sent to the foreign land.
The thought of her daughter marrying outside the kingdom brought worries to Concubine Guo. She feared that her daughter might be mistreated by foreigners, especially considering the stature of the men on the grassland who were known to be big and rough. Concubine Guo shook her head, dispelling these concerns from her mind.
After the newlyweds worshiped heaven and earth, they proceeded to their new house. Yin Hui, along with Wei Shan and Wei Ying, arrived at Wei Xuan’s Songhe Hall in advance, eagerly awaiting the couple’s arrival. The children, curious and excited, also gathered around, eager to witness the unveiling and catch a glimpse of the new aunt.
Wei Xuan, walking alongside the bride with each holding a red silk, couldn’t help but blush upon seeing his sisters-in-law, nephews, and nieces gathered in the room.
Ji Xianxian teased him, “Oh, our fourth brother can blush!”
The second and third kids joined in, joking, “Fourth uncle is shy!”
The youngest, Xiao Heng, was about to add his comment when he noticed the stern glare from the fourth uncle and wisely decided to stay silent.
Observing the lively scene, Yin Hui reminisced about her own wedding to Wei Luo, noting the joyous difference with the added presence of more children this time.
However, with Wei Luo’s face, Er Lang and San Lang would not dare to make trouble, and Ji Xianxian would not dare to make fun of him.