Chu Mansion’s front hall
Chu Mansion’s front hall
Early in the morning, Master Chu and Madam Chu were waiting in the front hall with utmost solemnity, eager to drink the Bride’s Tea. They had been waiting for this moment for several years, and finally, the day had arrived.
Their son and daughter-in-law were late in coming, and they had already sent several servants to check on them. Each time, the response was the same, "The young master and young mistress haven’t woken up yet."
Seeing his wife’s anxious demeanor, Master Chu reassured her, "Madam, don’t worry. You’ll definitely get to drink the Bride’s Tea. Don’t you trust our son? I’m sure he sealed the deal last night."
"It’s not that I don’t trust our son, but look at the time. It’s almost lunchtime, and those two still haven’t come over." Madam Chu wore an expression of worry, afraid that their daughter-in-law was still angry with them since they had conspired to trick her into coming. Moreover, she was concerned about her son’s self-control.
"Mother, my sister-in-law must be tired. Yesterday, our family’s carriage took her on a long journey, and upon arriving, she went through the formal bowing ceremony. Then, she found out last night that the groom had been switched. Anyone would be exhausted, not to mention she’s pregnant." Chu Huan tried to persuade from the side.
The three of them sat in the front hall, waiting continuously. Finally, the maid who had been sent to watch came running back, "Master, Madam, the young master and young mistress are on their way here."
Upon hearing that her daughter-in-law would soon arrive, Madam Chu quickly straightened up, tidying her clothes and patting her hair down, "Xiaohuan, is my hair a mess?"
"Does this outfit look alright?"
"..." Xiaohuan was somewhat speechless. Her mother was supposed to be a formidable mother-in-law, the type to provide a stern test for the new bride. Why was she so flustered, acting as if she were the new bride herself? "Mother, you’ve asked so many times already. Your hair is fine, and the clothes are appropriate. Don’t worry."
As Madam Chu finally settled down, Master Chu became flustered as well. He stood up and straightened his own clothes, "Madam, do I look alright?"
"Yes, you look good. Please sit down, the children are about to arrive."
"..." Xiaohuan was dumbfounded. Her father had just been so calm and collected while consoling her mother, and now he too was acting anxious. She felt like crying at the foolishness of her parents.
Master Chu and Madam Chu quickly adjusted themselves and sat down in their places, waiting for their son and daughter-in-law’s arrival.
Outside, walking on the road, Wang Xiangxiang was also very nervous. She didn’t know what her father-in-law and mother-in-law were like. Were they good people, easy to get along with?
She had caused a scene at Chu Mansion the last time. Would they hold a grudge against her, think she was without propriety, and feel she wasn’t worthy of Chu Lian?
And her sister-in-law, Xiaohuan. The thought of the young girl made Wang Xiangxiang suddenly stop in her tracks.
"What’s wrong?" Chu Lian asked.
"Let’s go back, Husband. I forgot to bring a gift for your sister," Wang Xiangxiang replied.
"It’s okay, she won’t mind. We can make it up to her later."
"No, I mind." Wang Xiangxiang insisted as she ran back. She had brought a gift for her sister-in-law, but it was originally prepared for Han Yongsheng’s sister. Now it would have to suffice, and later she would buy whatever Xiaohuan liked.
Seeing Wang Xiangxiang so nervous and earnest, Chu Lian had no choice but to follow. As he ran, he called out, "My lady, don’t run, be careful with our child."
After catching up to Wang Xiangxiang, the two of them switched from running to walking quickly.