Chapter Ninety-Five: The Grand Finale

  Xu Mingjin's big wedding day with Xuan Yuanze is approaching, and it's coming so fast that Xu Mingjin hasn't even had time to react - she's getting married? For the first time in her life. To say she's not nervous would be a lie.

  Mrs. Xue and Xu Mingjin had already fallen out, but she thought that although Xu Mingjin's words were harsh, given his temperament, in the future he would at most just ignore her, as long as she didn't think of ways to deal with Xu Mingxuan, the two could still get along peacefully. Therefore, for Xu Mingjin's big wedding, Mrs. Xue was very diligent in handling it. Moreover, there was also Xu Ruoyi watching her with a hawk-like gaze!

  Xu Ruoyi wasn't marrying off his daughter for the first time, but to be able to marry her off so grandly, in their Xu family from ancestors to present, there was only one who could do it, and that was his daughter. How could he not be excited and proud? These days, people came unceasingly to give him gifts, and each person gave things that were rare treasures. He had been a high-ranking official for so many years but had never received such a large quantity of high-quality items. Xu Ruoyi still had some self-awareness, knowing these things weren't given to him, but to the future second prince's consort. From the gifts he received, he picked out the most valuable ones and handed them over to Madame Xu, adding them to Xu Mingjin's dowry list.

  Under Xu Ruo Yi's watchful eyes, even if Madam Xu was reluctant to part with those things in her heart, she didn't dare make any moves and could only honestly put them into Xu Ming Jin's dowry. However, the resentment in her heart was like a spark hidden under ashes, ready to ignite at any moment. Having given so many good things to Xu Ming Jin, what would happen to her own Cuan Er in the future? Despite her resentment, Madam Xu didn't dare touch Xu Ming Jin's dowry.

  Jade bamboo secretly went to see the dowry prepared by Mrs. Xu for Xu Mingjin, and came back to tell Xu Mingjin: "Miss, Madam has not done anything tricky in this matter, those things are all genuine and authentic, there is no phenomenon of using inferior goods as superior ones. The things prepared by Madam are indeed worthy of Miss's identity."

  Xu Mingjin nodded, not saying a word. Secretly, he calculated the silver he had divided with Fan Yicheng over the past year, as well as the share from Wang San Niang's place, and couldn't help but gasp in surprise - these sums added up to a staggering twenty million taels. All this silver was now his own private wealth. From now on, even if he were to marry Mingxuan off to a princess, the expenses would be more than covered. Xu Mingjin thought of this and couldn't help but smile.

  A few days before the grand wedding, the Imperial Household Department sent over the betrothal gifts from the Second Prince.

  The people carrying the betrothal gifts stretched out endlessly, extending to several streets outside, attracting many onlookers. Many people were envious of Xu Mingjin's good fortune. However, the person involved was completely unaware that when the betrothal gifts arrived, Xu Mingjin only knew from the excited chatter of a few maidservants that his future mother-in-law was quite generous to him, and although he hadn't seen the gifts himself, they should be considerable.

  By evening, Xu Ruoyi personally brought the betrothal gift list to Xu Mingjin with a beaming smile. Xu Mingjin took it and was speechless after glancing at it - she knew the gifts were many, but hadn't expected them to be so numerous! She had only looked at the beginning when her jaw dropped in astonishment. Three hundred taels of gold, ten thousand taels of silver, thirty-six boxes of jewelry and headpieces, a thousand bolts of silk... This was just the first page; there were over thirty more pages behind it. Xu Mingjin read on, sighing in amazement - after nearly an hour had passed, she couldn't remember what she'd seen, only that those things were more than the entire Shangshu Estate could produce.

  "Jin'er, don't worry, in a few days when you get married, apart from these betrothal gifts, Father will also prepare a big dowry for you!" Xu Ruoyi said with a smile.

  Xu Mingjin looked at Xu Ruoyi's arrogant appearance and wondered how he could speak with such confidence, but then she thought about it and understood that he must have received many good things recently. Since he wanted to give them to her as dowry, why not? Anyway, he owed her so much, just consider it as paying back some interest first.

  Thinking of this, Xu Ming's expression seemed worried and he said: "Dad, you've given everything to Jin Er, what will you do in the future?"

  Xu Ruoyi smiled slightly and said, "Dad owes you three mother and son so much, can only compensate you like this. When Mingxuan grows up, Dad will also find him a good wife and prepare as many betrothal gifts for him."

  This, don't bother. Xuming Jin wanted to say so. But this sentence was always inappropriate, Xuming Jin endured it. He just squeezed out a smile.

  After several days, it was the day of the second prince's wedding to Xu Mingjin.

  Unfortunately, Xu Mingjin's aunt arrived unexpectedly last night and was dragged out of bed early this morning. She was bathed, perfumed, and made up, which exhausted her. Xu Mingjin had a severe stomachache and didn't crack a smile, making Yuzhu anxious. After finally getting ready, Xu Mingjin sat there wearing a heavy phoenix crown that weighed down on his neck. In this state, all he could do was lament, where did he have the energy to care about anything else? The deafening music, firecrackers, and boiling crowd noise made Xu Mingjin want to escape.

  At last, the auspicious hour arrived, and Xuan Yuan Ze's wedding procession finally came. Xuan Yuan Ze was dressed in a bright red groom's attire today, which was different from his usual outfit, and it surprisingly complemented his handsome appearance, making him look even more dashing. The onlookers, including many young women, couldn't help but blush and flutter at the sight of him. Some girls started thinking to themselves that the sixth missus of the Xu family had really struck gold! Such a great man was won by her!

  Xu Mingjin was in agony when he finally put on the red veil and got into the sedan chair amidst everyone's anticipation. Some sharp-eyed people noticed that the bride seemed to be hunching her back a bit. They didn't know that Xu Mingjin had almost reached the sedan chair when she suddenly felt a cramp in her stomach, forcing her to bend over slightly and clutch at her belly. If she were in her own room, she would have squatted down directly. Once inside the sedan chair, after the curtains blocked out all view from outside, Xu Mingjin finally clutched at her belly, leaning against the chair with no regard for appearances. If someone had suddenly lifted the curtain, they would have been shocked by Xu Mingjin's state.

  Xu Mingjin cursed in his heart: Damn it, which bastard chose this day for the wedding, it's killing her!

  In the swaying carriage, Xu Mingjin felt that he was not in much pain at this time.

  When they arrived at the Second Prince's mansion, Xu Mingjin was supported down from the sedan chair. The whole way, Xu Mingjin couldn't see anything, she just felt that this Second Prince's mansion was really big, and her feet were sore from walking. Her stomach still hurt a little, but Xu Mingjin knew that there were many people around, so she absolutely couldn't make a fool of herself at this time. Therefore, Xu Mingjin could only grit her teeth and endure it. After finally paying respects in the ceremony, Xu Mingjin was sent into the bridal chamber.

  Jade Bamboo knew that Xu Mingjin was in a difficult situation at this time, so without her instructions, she sent away all the unrelated people in the house.

  At this time, Xu Mingjin had already reached out to remove the cover from her head and was about to take off the phoenix crown on her head. Yuzhu hurriedly stopped her, saying: "My young lady! The second prince has not come in yet! Wait a little longer." As she spoke, she put the red cover that Xu Mingjin had torn off back over Xu Mingjin's face.

  Xu Mingjin also knew that in ancient times, a wedding was not considered complete until the couple had finished drinking the nuptial wine. Now, Xuan Yuanze had not yet entered, and she was already going to remove her phoenix coronet and veil, which was indeed inappropriate. "But I'm so hungry and tired, and my stomach hurts, and I still have to wear this heavy thing on my head, it's really unbearable!" Xu Mingjin complained.

  After listening to Xu Mingjin's complaints, Yuzhu also felt unbearable. She knew that her young lady had suffered a great injustice today. But if she really followed Xu Mingjin's approach, soon the second prince would come in and see the disheveled state of the Xu family - what would he think?! Yuzhu made up her mind, determined not to let her mistress do such a thing. She thought for a moment and said: "Miss, why don't I get Autumn Cloud to go to the kitchen to find you something to eat? I'll go to the front to see when the second prince will return."

  Xu Mingjin nodded repeatedly and said: "Go quickly, go quickly."

  "Yes, miss"

  Yu Zhu responded with a sound, turned around and was about to open the door to leave, when she saw the Second Prince opening the door and walking in. Behind him followed several wet nurses, carrying steaming hot food. This time, Yu Zhu didn't need to bother. Yu Zhu happily greeted Xuan Yuan Ze, saying "Greetings, Young Master." Xuan Yuan Ze waved his hand at her and walked quickly to the bedside.

  Xu Mingjin already knew that Xuan Yuanze had entered, and while she felt shy, the bigger thought in her heart was that she could finally be free! She could finally take off the heavy phoenix crown and decorations on her body and head. Xuan Yuanze did not disappoint her as he reached out to lift the red veil, and Xu Mingjin's eyes were no longer covered by a sea of red.

  Xu Mingjin's first glance fell on Xuan Yuanze, and he couldn't help but stare for a moment. This guy was actually looking quite decent today. These were Xu Mingjin's true thoughts.

  Originally, Xu Mingjin was dressed up and looked stunningly beautiful... This was Xuan Yuanze's thought. However, the next second, he saw that the facial features of this beautiful face all wrinkled together, revealing a painful expression. Xuan Yuanze was shocked and hastily asked: "Xu Mingjin, what's wrong with you?" As he spoke, he reached out to grab Xu Mingjin's hand, but those hands were icy cold.

  Xu Mingjin was too embarrassed to speak, how could she say it out loud? But Xuan Yuanze saw that she wasn't speaking and became even more anxious in his questioning. Yu Zhu hastily said: "Second Prince, the Princess, the Princess's water has broken..."

  Xuanyuan Ze suddenly understood why Xu Mingjin was walking strangely today, with his head hung low. He asked Xu Mingjin: "Is it very painful?"

  Nonsense! Xu Mingjin cursed silently in his heart. Then nodded.

  Xuanyuan Ze hastily asked Yuzhu: "You're a doctor, tell me how to relieve it?"

  Yu Zhu said: "Make a bowl of hot brown sugar water for the young lady to drink, and then eat something, it should be better." Xuan Yuan Ze hastily instructed a servant to go to the kitchen to make brown sugar water. Then he turned his head to look at her. Yu Zhu thought for a moment, saying: "Although it's summer now, there should be winter-used hot water bottles in the mansion, take one and fill it with hot water to apply to the queen's belly, this will relieve more than half of the discomfort."

  Xuanyuan Ze hastily dispatched someone to do as Yuzhu said. At this time, a maid on the side brought over two cups of wine and asked the two to drink. Xuanyuan Ze picked up his cup, just about to hand it to Xuming Jin, when he heard Yuzhu hurriedly say: "Second Prince, the princess cannot drink wine! Drinking wine will make her feel more pain!" Xuanyuan Ze put down the cup in his hand. A nurse on the side said: "Second Prince, this is not in line with etiquette."

  Xuanyuan Ze glared, saying: "Didn't you hear her say that drinking wine would make the princess's stomach ache even more? I'll drink this cup for her." As he spoke, he picked up both cups of wine and downed them one after another in an instant.

  The auntie on the side widened her eyes, having never seen anyone drink cross-cup wine like that. She was only intimidated by Xuan Yuanze's majesty and didn't dare to make a sound. Xuan Yuanze waved his hand and dismissed all of them. He took off the phoenix crown from Xu Mingjin's head. Xu Mingjin suddenly felt her head lighten up, feeling much better. Xuan Yuanze helped her sit down at the dinner table. Xu Mingjin had been hungry for a whole day and didn't bother with courtesy, picking up her chopsticks to eat. Xuan Yuanze watched as Xu Mingjin ate happily and said softly, "I'll go greet the guests in front, you take your time eating. Later, drink some more red sugar water, if I haven't returned, just sleep first, got it?"

  Xu Mingjin didn't care about him at this time, and upon hearing the words, he nodded repeatedly. Xuan Yuanze looked at her with a lingering gaze before turning around and leaving.

  Xu Mingjin only ate half, the nanny who was instructed by Xuan Yuanze came in with a bowl of hot red sugar water. Another nanny who had poured the soup also came. Yu Zhu led the nanny to clean up all the longan, dates, peanuts and walnuts that were scattered under the bed, and then put the hot water bottle into the quilt. The two nannies retreated.

  Xu Mingjin drank almost half a bowl of hot sugar water and felt full. Since she had come to the bath, she was afraid of catching a cold, so she skipped the bathing and changing clothes program. Xu Mingjin took off the three layers of her wedding dress, and Yuzhu helped her put on her casual home clothes. Xu Mingjin looked around and saw that Xuan Yuanze hadn't returned yet, but since her stomach hurt, she didn't wait for him and went to bed with a hot water bottle to rest.

  。

  When Xu Mingjin was drowsy and about to fall asleep, Xuan Yuanze returned.

  Xu Mingjin opened his drowsy eyes and raised his head to ask: "Are you back?"

  Xuanyuan Ze let out a gentle "en" sound, walked to the bedside, and Xu Mingjin smelled the strong alcohol scent on him, furrowing his brow: "How much have you had to drink?"

  Xuanyuan Ze lowered his head and sniffed himself, indeed reeking of alcohol. No wonder Xu Mingjin frowned. He said, "I'll go take a bath first."

  Xu Mingjin saw him turn around and go to the bathroom, so she closed her eyes and fell asleep. She was really tired.

  He changed into casual clothes after his bath and saw that his little wife had already fallen asleep. He walked up, took off his outer robe, got on the bed, lifted a corner of the quilt, crawled in, carefully hugged Xu Mingjin into his arms, leaned down to gently kiss her forehead, then went to sleep.

  On the second day, Xu Mingjin woke up to find that it was already bright outside. She turned her head to look and saw that she was wrapped tightly in a quilt, but the person beside her was gone. Last night, in a daze, she felt like she had fallen into a very warm embrace. She thought it was Xuan Yu Ze. Could it be an illusion? Had he not come back last night? Just as Xu Mingjin was lost in thought, Qiu Yun and Yu Zhu walked in with one carrying a basin of water for washing her face and the other holding a towel.

  Xu Mingjin immediately got up, anyway she had slept enough. After a good night's sleep last night, her lower abdomen felt much better today. The pain seemed to have disappeared. Xu Mingjin was dressed in that elaborate dress under the care of Autumn Cloud, and sat in front of the dressing mirror with Autumn Cloud and another maid making her up. Xu Mingjin glanced at the old woman who was tidying up the bed, and twitched the corner of her mouth.

  Last night, because of her, they went to the Kui Shui, so they didn't go to Xuan Yuan Ze's room. Those women all knew what was going on in their hearts, why were they still standing there looking silly? Xu Ming Jin couldn't figure it out.

  Xu Mingjin finished gathering his things and sat down to eat breakfast, only to see Xuan Yuanze walk in wearing casual clothes, with a thin layer of sweat on his forehead. Xu Mingjin asked in confusion: "So early in the morning, where did you go?"

  Xuanyuan Ze had the maid change his usual clothes to a festive crimson robe, then walked over and sat down beside Xuming Jin, saying: "I'm going to practice my sword."

  Xu Mingjin had known him for so long, but it was the first time she knew that he practiced sword fighting in the morning. She couldn't help but blush slightly, thinking to herself that as his wife, she was really not doing a good job, not even knowing such a small thing about him. Xuan Yuze didn't know what Xu Mingjin was thinking, and seeing her shyness, thought it was because of him. After all, today was their first day as newlyweds, so it was normal for Xu Mingjin to be shy.

  After breakfast, the two of them went to the palace to meet with the Emperor and Empress. Xuan Yuan Ze first accompanied Xu Ming Jin to the Empress's bedroom, then he himself went to the Emperor's study.

  As the future daughter-in-law of the empress, Xu Mingjin received a very warm welcome from the empress this time when she entered the palace, and did not intentionally make things difficult for her. The gift given to her was a pair of valuable jade Ruyi. However, just as Xu Mingjin was about to leave, the empress sighed and asked about Xuan Yuan Jinglin. Xu Mingjin immediately knew that the empress was worried about Jinglin in her heart. Before she came, she had already thought that the empress would ask this question, so she calmly took out the only letter Xuan Yuan Jinglin wrote to her after going to the border and handed it over to the empress.

  The queen sighed and took it over. Xu Mingjin knew that the queen was heartbroken because Xuan Yuan Jinglin had written a letter to report her safety even to her sister-in-law, but not to her own mother. Xu Mingjin smiled and said: "Jinglin did this because she knew that her daughter-in-law would show the letter to her mother, so she wrote this one. It's not that she doesn't miss her mother in her heart. Please don't misunderstand her."

  The empress didn't know that Xu Mingjin was afraid of being blamed for Xuan Yuan Jinglin, so she made up a lie. However, this can be seen that Xu Mingjin is truly loving his daughter. The empress is delighted and hasn't had time to blame her yet.

  Returning from the imperial palace, Xuan Yuan Ze told Xu Ming Jin: Within two months, Xu Shangshu will voluntarily ask to retire and return to his hometown.

  。

  Xu Mingjin was shocked, his efficiency was too amazing. Xuan Yuanze raised an eyebrow: "Are you willing to let your father collect some more things before resigning?"

  Xu Mingjin didn't say another word.

  When Xu Mingjin returned to the mansion on the third day, she saw Xu Mingxia, who had not been seen for a long time. She had regained her former thin and frail appearance. Xu Mingjin couldn't help but wonder how she could be so thin? In her past life, she had tried so hard to lose weight, starving herself until she was dizzy and lightheaded, yet she couldn't shed even a few pounds. How did Xu Mingxia manage to become so thin with such ease? It was as if the effects of those diet pills, green tea, and slimming coffee were nothing compared to her natural ability to lose weight! When Xu Mingxia saw Xu Mingjin, there was no extra expression on her face. Her eyes were dull and lifeless, without a hint of sparkle. Xu Mingjin's heart sank, wondering if Xu Mingxia had been having a hard time in the Yu Shi Fu mansion?

  Xu Mingjin's guess was not wrong. Since Xu Mingxia had a miscarriage, Li Yu Shi had one after another married several small concubines. Xu Mingxia never thought that the Li family would treat her like this. In extreme anger, the harm caused by the miscarriage grew greater and Xu Mingxia gradually became what she is now.

  Xu Mingxia pretended to be nonchalant, but she was more painful than anyone else in her heart. She was originally a high-ranking person in the Xu family, a celestial being surrounded by stars and moons. When did this glory slowly become Xu Mingjin's? Everything that was originally hers, now she can only stand by and watch. The taste of it is really unbearable. Xu Mingxia really wanted to escape from here, she didn't want to see Xu Mingjin's increasingly charming face.

  This time when Xu Mingjin returned home, he surprisingly found that Xu Mingying, Xu Mingfang and many other sisters were all looking at their husband with warmth. Xuan Yuze, however, didn't even spare a glance.

  Xu Mingjin was furious! As soon as she got back, she immediately told Xuan Yuanze to speed up and do that one thing. Xuan Yuanze smiled wryly and said: "Earlier, who was it that complained my speed was too fast?"

  Xu Mingjin was embarrassed but firmly refused to admit that the person was himself. Xuan Yuanze smiled and stopped teasing Xu Mingjin.

  Sure, here is the translation:

  As expected, two months later, Xu Ruoyi suddenly submitted a memorial, saying that he was old and wanted to retire and return to his hometown.

  The emperor naturally did not allow it. The officials all came to persuade Xu Ruoyi. However, he was resolute and knelt for a long time without getting up. In the end, the emperor had no choice but to agree to his request.

  When the news reached the ears of the Xu family, no one was willing to believe it was true. Mrs. Xu had previously received an explanation from Xu Ruoyi and knew that this was the best way to protect the whole family. So, she endured her sorrow and instructed the people in the mansion to start packing their luggage. She didn't make a fuss, but others might not be so calm - Xu Mingying and Xu Mingfang rushed into Xu Ruoyi's study, questioning him why he had to resign from his official position.

  Xu Ruoyi calmly called for someone to come and escort them out one by one. A few people stood outside the study room, shouting for half a day, seeing that their father was unmoved, they could only leave with their heads hung low in dejection.

  When Xu Ruoyi was left alone in the study, he took out a few yellowed paper slips. He looked at them one by one and couldn't help but read aloud: "Parting is only met with reunion dreams, outside the door horse hooves have already moved. Resentful songs are left to be heard when drunk, distant eyes can't bear the empty sky. Who shares tonight's wind and moon, voice choked on the phoenix-shaped pipa... Human life has nothing more than multiple emotions, river waters are not deep mountains are not heavy..."

  This was given to him by Xu Mingjin. As soon as he saw it, he knew that this was the legacy of Mrs. Fan. Combining the implicit meaning of the emperor's words, what else didn't he understand? The shameful things he had done in the past, Xu Mingjin and his sister had known for a long time, even the second prince knew. When the emperor handed him the memorial about his own embezzlement, he was frightened out of his wits. However, the emperor did not pursue it, only asking him to return the silver. He was overjoyed, but didn't expect that the emperor would ask him to resign. In an instant, his heart sank to the bottom of the valley. He knew that the emperor's actions were already a great favor.

  The last time he walked out of the imperial palace with a deep and shallow step, Xu Ruoyi looked back at the magnificent palace and felt that his life was like a dream.

  Now that the dream is over, I have to leave, but I can't take anything with me. Can't stay. How much effort he had made for the sake of official position, how many things against his conscience he had done, in this life, there were many people he owed an apology to. The person he owed the most apology was his childhood sweetheart and fiancée.

  She ruined her own life, but also ruined her family and her loved ones. What did she look like? Xu Ruoyi suddenly found himself able to clearly recall every detail of Fan Yu Yao's face, the dimples on her lips, those eyes that always held a faint smile...

  It's myself who has let her down.

  This long life still has a long way to go, but there is no place for oneself to make a move. From now on, one can only return to his hometown and become an idle rich man, repenting in his heart for the evil deeds he did in the first half of his life...

  Xu Ruoyi had once asked Xu Mingjin to help several of his sisters find a good family to marry into in the capital, while he himself took Xu Furen and Can'er back to their hometown. The Xu estate's mansion was something he planned to leave for Xu Mingxuan to use after he got married. Xu Mingjin thought about it and agreed, but she had one condition: the families she found for them would have to be of equal social standing as the Xu family. If the sisters didn't agree, then that was their choice.

  Xu Mingying and others were still resentful in their hearts, but people under the eaves had to bow their heads. Xu Ruoyi clearly told them that if they disliked the matchmaker Xu Mingjin found for them, then they might as well go back to the countryside with him! The girls, including Xu Mingying, didn't dare make a sound at this time because none of them were willing to follow Xu Ruoyi back to the countryside.

  Mrs. Xü has already been sent back to the countryside by Xü Ruòyì, who is one step ahead of her. She's old now, and her late husband's grave is in Liu City; even if Xü Ruòyì didn't let her go back to the countryside, she would have had to go anyway.

  Xu Mingjin spread the word, and many families came to propose marriage to Xu's daughters. After inquiring about the man's background and asking Xu Mingying and others, she settled their marriages. Xu Mingying and the others didn't dare question it, fearing that if they didn't agree, they would be sent back to the countryside. Everyone hastily agreed.

  Xu Ruoyi was quite generous with the dowry, and each daughter didn't lose out. However, what he didn't know was that Madam Xu secretly hid many good things away.

  Soon, Xu Mingying and others got married before the year was out.

  The night before Xu Ruoyi took his family back to Liu City, Mrs. Xu secretly came to find Xu Mingjin.

  At that time, Xu Mingjin had just been found to be pregnant, Xuan Yuanze did not want Xu Mingjin to see those annoying people in the Xu family, and directly refused. This matter was only known by Xu Mingjin after a long time. At that time, her eldest daughter had already been born, and Xu Mingjin sighed: "She came to me just to entrust Can Er to me, wanting me to help Can Er find a good family in the capital, but she didn't even think about it, once unfaithful, a hundred times not used. How could I be foolish enough to continue helping her?

  This year when a hundred flowers were in full bloom, Yang Lian suddenly came to find Xu Mingjin with her own son and said: "Let's engage our children!"

  Xu Mingjin took a look at the delicate and pretty boy led by Yang Lian, who looked like he had walked out of a New Year's painting. Then she looked down at her own daughter sleeping in her arms, looking like a pig, and agreed resolutely. However, she made one request: if my daughter grows up and doesn't look down on your son, then this matter is off! Also, this is just our own oral agreement, it can't be considered an official engagement, and we can't tell anyone about this!

  Yang Lian nodded, then pulled her own son and whispered: "See? It's this little girl. Your father said that he regretted not meeting her earlier. He told you to keep a close eye on your wife from now on!"

  Two-year-old Xuan Yuan Ye nodded as if he understood but didn't really understand.

  Xu Mingjin burst out laughing.