As the leading family in Haishi, the Yan Family hosted an exceptionally grand wedding for Yan Songyu. Though certain matters weren’t explicitly stated, there was a mutual understanding: the Yan Family wasn’t marrying off their daughter but taking in a son-in-law. This was the best protective measure Yan Binghua could devise when Yan Songyu remained determined to marry Jiang Chengli.
“What a perfect match! The groom is handsome and refined, while the bride is gentle and beautiful!”
As Yan Songyu walked toward Jiang Chengli arm-in-arm with Yan Binghua, she overheard these compliments from the guests. Whether sincere or mere flattery, they filled her with joy!
Amid the romantic, lavish wedding filled with congratulatory guests and celebratory atmosphere, only Feng Yu feigned happiness while drinking himself into a stupor.
Despite mentally preparing herself before returning with Jiang Chengli to his hometown in Liangcheng, the terrible road conditions steadily diminished Yan Songyu’s anticipation for Xiaoxigou Village. Experiencing carsickness for the first time in her life left her completely drained.
The car could only reach the village entrance. Upon disembarking, they were immediately surrounded by a crowd of old and young villagers gawking as if watching a rare spectacle, chattering in a dialect she couldn’t understand. Had she not known they meant no harm, the overwhelming scene would have made her turn and flee.
After Jiang Chengli exchanged pleasantries with them in the local dialect, he wrapped his arm around her and guided her home. Curious, Yan Songyu asked, “What were they saying?”
Jiang Chengli chuckled softly, “They praised your beauty and said I’m fortunate! That we’re a perfect match made in heaven!”
Yan Songyu managed a pale smile, “They have good taste!”
Surveying her surroundings, she noted the pleasant environment—picturesque scenery and fresh air. The layered emerald mountains felt like a different dimension compared to the skyscraper-filled Haishi.
Mountain villagers lived scattered about, mostly in standalone households. The crowd at the village entrance had apparently gathered specifically to see her, since Jiang Chengli was considered Xiaoxigou’s “golden phoenix” who’d flown out of poverty and was about to marry a wealthy young lady from Haishi. They probably wanted to check if she had an extra eye growing somewhere.
Indeed, her identity had been broadcasted far and wide by Jiang Chengli’s family.
Yan Songyu had initially worried Jiang Chengli might resent this, but instead he comforted her: “Marrying you is the greatest blessing of my life. You don’t look down on my poverty, how could I possibly resent your privileged background? I was wrong to think that way before—you needn’t accommodate me.”
Beaming at his words, Yan Songyu exclaimed, “I like you so much!”
Jiang Chengli pressed his lips together, releasing her hand while unconsciously clenching his other fist behind his back. “We’re here.”
The house before them could only be described as dilapidated, though the yard was tidily maintained. Muffled conversations drifted from inside the dwelling. Weather erosion marks were visibly etched into the earthen walls, the roof half-tiled and half-thatched. A bee buzzed while drilling into the wooden doorframe, making Yan Songyu wonder—don’t bees live in hives?
After a brief moment of disorientation, Yan Songyu straightened her clothes, took Jiang Chengli’s recently released hand, and summoned her brightest smile. “Quick, give me some courage!”
Jiang Chengli instantly unclenched his fist, emitting a low chuckle as he clasped her delicate, soft hand. “Alright.”
“Dad, Mom, I’ve brought Xiaoyu home.”
At Jiang Chengli’s call, a group of eleven people—young and old—poured out from the house. All wore new clothes, their eyes brimming with curiosity and admiration.
“You’re… you’re back, that’s wonderful.” Mother Jiang stepped forward wanting to take Yan Songyu’s hand, but hesitated, afraid she might dislike it, finally wiping her hands on her clothes. “This must be Xiao Yu? Come, come inside and rest. You must be tired from the journey.”
Seeing this, Yan Songyu proactively took Mother Jiang’s hand. “Hello, Auntie. I’m Xiao Yu.”
Mother Jiang was pleasantly surprised, and the others looked at Yan Songyu with more warmth in their eyes. However, the uneven ground behind the threshold nearly caused Yan Songyu to stumble. Fortunately, Jiang Chengli had been watching her closely and caught her in time. “Be careful!”
Once inside their room, Yan Songyu breathed a heavy sigh of relief. “Thank goodness you were there!” Otherwise, she would have been the first bride to trip and fall right after entering the door.
“The conditions in my home… I’ve made you suffer,” Jiang Chengli said apologetically, holding her hand.
Yan Songyu shot him a glare. “Why are you saying things like that again?”
“Alright, I was wrong.” Jiang Chengli gently pressed her down to sit on the bed. “You rest for a while. I’ll go with my eldest and third brother to bring our things from the car.”
Yan Songyu nodded. Through the window, she watched the three brothers’ figures disappear beyond the doorway. The eldest and youngest Jiang brothers seemed to be apologizing about something—she vaguely caught words like “money,” “masonry,” and “sickness.”
Turning back, Yan Songyu surveyed their “bridal chamber.” The newspaper pasted on the walls was clearly new, the furniture was all fresh, and the thin quilt was clean, carrying the warm scent of sunshine—clear signs of the family’s thoughtful efforts.
Knock knock—
Opening the door, Yan Songyu saw a round-faced little girl with two braids holding a cup of water, smiling shyly. “Auntie, here’s some water.”
“Thank you!” Yan Songyu quickly accepted it and gently touched her braids. “How old are you? What’s your name?”
“My name is Zhenzhu. I’m eight years old.”
With that, the little girl darted away.
After a moment, Yan Songyu couldn’t help but laugh. Was she really that intimidating?
But—she suddenly began to doubt Jiang Chengli’s words. If he was truly neglected at home, then were all these preparations just to please her? Yet, the Jiang family didn’t seem at all like the “bloodsuckers” he had described.
The summer night was stiflingly hot. Frogs croaked incessantly outside the window, and relentless mosquitoes buzzed around. Tossing and turning, unable to sleep, Yan Songyu watched as Jiang Chengli rushed in and out, fetching water for her to wipe down, then wielding a large palm-leaf fan to cool her and ward off mosquitoes—staying awake the entire night.
At that time, though Yan Songyu felt love was enough to sustain her, she couldn’t help but feel relieved they only had to stay there for three days.
The wedding banquet was a lively affair with twenty tables. The entire village came to offer their blessings, and the Jiang relatives traveled from afar to celebrate. Unable to understand the local dialect, Yan Songyu relied entirely on Jiang Chengli’s translations.
Following Jiang Chengli, she greeted each guest and toasted with them. By the end of the half-day, her face ached from smiling, though she could barely remember any of the names.
The day after the banquet, they prepared to leave after breakfast. Mother Jiang had risen early to make dumplings for them.
The village entrance was crowded again by their car. After chatting with everyone for a while, Jiang Chengli got in and explained, “They heard we were leaving and came to see us off.”
Yan Songyu smiled and waved goodbye to the crowd. “They’re so warmhearted!”
“Country folks are just a bit richer in human kindness.”
…
Not long after returning to Haishi, they welcomed their little baby. Though unexpected, it brought more joy than surprise. Then the two began stumbling through learning how to be parents. Jiang Chengli spent every day studying books on caring for pregnant women and children, gradually earning Yan Binghua’s approval.
So foolish!
Utterly stupid!
Too embarrassing to watch!
Yan Songyu patted her head. Had she lost her mind? Why had she suddenly recalled those past “records”?