Nine out of ten gamblers lose; I've run into a jerk!

Chapter 163 Divergence

Shen Qing's wedding procession was grand and impressive, attracting countless people to the streets to witness what was arguably the most unique wedding since the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The Marquis of Yongyi's mansion was packed with guests, but while there was plenty of courtesy, there was not enough enthusiasm. After all, it was hardly a joyous occasion if even a simple blessing of a long and happy marriage could not be uttered.

Anyone with eyes could see the true nature of this marriage, but out of consideration for the Shen and Lu families, and because even the Crown Prince had sent congratulatory gifts, they came politely despite their inner grievances, offering insincere compliments.

Shen Qing disembarked from the carriage amidst this atmosphere, and entered the main hall under the watchful eyes of the guests, where she alone paid homage to her parents and the heavens and earth.

Lu Xun watched intently from the side, his young heart deeply moved.

After the ceremony, led by a maid, Shen Qing went to the inner courtyard and entered the bridal chamber. She then dismissed the servants from the Lu family.

"Wen Ying, hurry, hurry, help me take off this headdress, my neck is about to break, this thing must weigh dozens of pounds!"

Wen Ying reluctantly stepped forward to help her bride disassemble the wedding dress. Since the groom was never coming, there would be no wedding night pranks.

With her black hair cascading down, Shen Qing finally managed to stretch her neck, catching a glimpse of a figure peeking in from the doorway.

"Who?"

A small head with pigtails peeked out from the doorway, its bright eyes looking at Shen Qing. It said shyly, "Sister-in-law~"

“It’s Yuan’er~” Shen Qing waved to Lu Yuan.

Lu Yuan then revealed her whole body, carrying the food box, and ran to Shen Qing, opening it like a treasure, "Sister-in-law, are you hungry? This is Yuan'er's favorite snack."

There is a custom that brides cannot eat before their wedding. This is mainly because the wedding dress is heavy and the etiquette is complicated, so that the bride's three urgent needs would not disrupt the ceremony. Shen Qing was indeed hungry.

"Thank you, Yuan'er."

Shen Qing picked up a piece of pea flour cake and invited Lu Yuan to eat with her. Lu Yuan held the cake and nibbled on it in small bites. She was obviously still a little reserved and shy, but it was clear that she liked her new sister-in-law very much.

The Marquis of Yongyi and his wife were entertaining guests outside, and they specially instructed their youngest daughter to keep Shen Qing company. Although Shen Qing felt it was unnecessary, she did not refuse their kindness.

The little girl's initial shyness wore off, and she quickly warmed up, chattering excitedly with Shen Qing about the new and interesting things happening in the mansion.

From the tutor hired by the family to the mischievous second brother, and then to the mother who was constantly getting headaches from anger.

"However, my second brother has recently turned over a new leaf and become very diligent. Even the teacher praised him as a promising young man."

"My mother has been acting strangely lately; it seems like she's had an argument with my father."

“My mother is usually very gentle; she doesn’t even raise her voice to the servants.”

……

The little girl talked on and on until she got sleepy, and then her head just slumped down and she fell asleep.

Helpless, Shen Qing covered Lu Yuan with the blanket and pondered the information revealed in her words.

·

The next day, as Madam Yang was organizing the gift list in the flower hall, the dowry maidservant beside her said, "It is truly unacceptable for a new bride to not serve her mother-in-law and show filial piety upon entering the household. Shouldn't the mistress establish some rules?"

Upon hearing this, Madam Yang frowned. Shen Qingqing served tea to the couple in the early morning as required by etiquette, and then went to the study with the Marquis to discuss the matter of returning to Pingshan Pass.

"Don't say such things again!" Madam Yang scolded. "You're stirring up trouble. Considering you've served me for so many years, I'll only fine you one month's salary. But if it happens again, I won't let you off so easily!"

The old woman was startled. Why had the mistress's temperament suddenly become so strong?

“Well said,” Lu Zhen said as he entered, waving his hand. “You may all leave.”

After the person left, Lu Zhen said to Madam Yang, "Madam is too kind-hearted. Such a gossip should be sent away immediately."

Seeing that Madam Yang remained silent, Lu Zhen continued, "We will set off in three days, and this time we plan to bring Erlang along."

“My lord!” Madam Yang’s eyes immediately reddened. “We only have this one son! I don’t want him to be successful or illustrious, I only ask that he grow up safely and have many children.”

Lu Zhen's face showed a mocking expression, "Madam, in this world, mediocre people are not qualified to continue their bloodline."