After getting enough rest, the group resumed their journey. Having learned from the exhaustion she suffered earlier after overusing her mental energy, Qiao Zilin no longer dared to enter the space again so casually.
“Xiao Bai, why did I end up crossing into the body of this ancient Qiao Zilin? Is there some kind of karmic link between us?”
Xiao Bai had no real answer, so it improvised on the spot. “Master, you returned to ancient times to save the world. You’re here to use your modern agricultural knowledge to help this backward era thrive.”
Qiao Zilin was not convinced. In her previous life, she had only been an ordinary person. At most, she had turned her parents’ old estate into a small farm out of personal interest, growing crops she liked. That hardly made her an expert.
Sensing her doubt, Xiao Bai suddenly produced a stack of books and tossed them over. Qiao Zilin picked them up and glanced through the titles. The Encyclopedia of Crop Cultivation, Techniques for Animal Husbandry, Gourmet Cooking Strategies, The Little Healer’s Guide, and more.
With a dramatic wave of its paw, Xiao Bai declared, “Master, once you finish these, you’ll become an all around genius. Start reading.”
Qiao Zilin stared at the pile, feeling a headache coming on. Finishing all of them would normally take at least a month. What she did not realize was that her mind had already changed. She now possessed a near perfect memory. Anything she read would stay with her forever.
In the end, she finished all the books in just four hours.
The result was immediate. She fell into a deep sleep that lasted several days.
Because Xiao Bai had already informed him in advance, Long Zhenting was not worried this time. The group continued forward, though they slowed their pace slightly. While in her deep sleep, Qiao Zilin no longer felt the discomfort of travel and rested peacefully.
On the twelfth day, they finally arrived at Ping’an Town in Lingnan.
“Miss, you’re getting more beautiful every day. After such a long journey, you don’t look tired at all. You’re even more radiant than before,” Qing Mei said cheerfully as she finished arranging Qiao Zilin’s hair.
Today was the day of Qiao Zilin and Long Zhenting’s wedding.
Qiao Zilin allowed Long Zhenting to carry her out of the room. At this moment, she had to admit she was genuinely drawn to his handsome appearance. She could not understand why her younger sister in her previous life had been so foolish as to give him up. That really was a matter of poor fate. Of course, she had no idea that in that past life, her sister had never even seen Long Zhenting’s face until her death.
As soon as she stepped outside, Qiao Zilin realized they were not at an inn, but in the rear courtyard of a grand restaurant. Before she could take a closer look, the matchmaker’s loud voice rang out.
“The auspicious hour has arrived, bride, enter the sedan!”
At once, gongs and drums sounded loudly. The wedding procession moved through the streets with great spectacle. The eight bearer sedan chair was bright and eye-catching, carved with dragons and phoenixes, its red lacquer gleaming under the sunlight. Behind it followed a long line of dowry chests.
From the murmurs of the onlookers, Qiao Zilin learned there were eleven chests in total, symbolizing unity of heart and mind.
For ordinary farming families, even a single chest would already be considered fortunate. Qiao Zilin could not help but wonder, is he really just a hunter?
The sedan bearers were dressed in festive red, moving in steady, synchronized steps. The lively sound of the suona filled the air, drawing crowds of passersby who stopped to watch. Long Zhenting rode at the front on a tall horse, dressed in a magnificent red robe with a jade crown. His happiness was obvious as he frequently turned back to check on the sedan.
After about fifteen minutes, the sedan came to a stop.
Qiao Zilin lifted the small curtain slightly and looked out, only to realize they had arrived at a large and secluded manor, not a village. Her curiosity deepened. Just how much was this man hiding?
Following the matchmaker’s instructions, Long Zhenting lightly kicked the sedan door open and handed her one end of a red silk ribbon. Together, they walked toward the wedding hall.
Inside, red candles flickered as incense smoke curled gently into the air. Under the guidance of the master of ceremonies, they performed the traditional three bows.
First, they bowed to Heaven and Earth, honoring the creation of all things.
Second, they bowed to the elders. Since neither of their parents were present, they bowed toward the doorway as a sign of respect.
Third, they bowed to each other, marking the beginning of a shared life of mutual respect and companionship.
With the ceremony complete, they were led into the bridal chamber.
As she walked, Qiao Zilin quietly observed her surroundings. The manor was vast, yet it felt somewhat empty. Still, the rooms had been carefully decorated for the wedding, which made her feel reassured. It showed that Long Zhenting had truly put thought into this.
Inside the chamber, the atmosphere was warm and intimate. The bed was covered in bright red silk, and a table held dragon and phoenix candles along with the nuptial wine. Sitting on the edge of the bed, they completed the hair tying ritual. Then, facing each other, they shared the wedding cup, symbolizing that they would share both joy and hardship together.
Once everything was done, Long Zhenting handed a heavy purse to the matchmaker. She immediately began pouring out a stream of blessings, her voice growing more enthusiastic by the second. Before leaving, she added with a grin, “May Master Long and his lady be blessed with a son very soon.”
As the door closed, silence settled in the room.
Long Zhenting looked at the woman before him, a flicker of warmth rising in his eyes. “Wife, a moment of the wedding night is worth a thousand pieces of gold. Let’s not waste time.”
Qiao Zilin shot him an annoyed glance. “Husband, didn’t you say you were a hunter? Where did those eleven chests come from? And that restaurant, and this huge manor, were they just handed to you?”
Long Zhenting looked wrong. “Wife, that’s because of my mother. She insisted I go into the mountains to suffer and make my own living, so I truly am a hunter. I didn’t lie.”
He paused before continuing, “The dowry was prepared by my mother. The restaurant belongs to my parents, and so does this manor. I’m only staying here temporarily, I’m actually quite poor. Wife, you won’t look down on me, will you?”
As he spoke, he took out the property deeds and handed them over.
Qiao Zilin opened them and confirmed that the names indeed were not his. But when she reached the last page, she froze.
It clearly stated that all of the Long family’s assets would be inherited by Long Zhenting’s wife. Long Zhenting himself had no right to inherit anything.
Qiao Zilin was stunned. What kind of rule was this? The wife inheriting everything instead of the husband? It was strange, but she certainly did not mind. However, after glancing at the account records, she realized something else.
The businesses were losing money.
“Husband… was this manor built with borrowed money? And where are your parents? Why haven’t I seen them?”
Long Zhenting shook his head. He had no idea where they were. Most likely, they were enjoying themselves somewhere and had long forgotten about their son.
“This manor didn’t cost much. Ping’an Town is poor, and land belongs to whoever clears it. Building this probably cost less than five hundred taels.”
“Wife, the wedding night…”
Before he could continue, Qiao Zilin interrupted him.
“Husband, are you thinking about that already? I’m starving. Is there any food?”
The wedding had been exhausting. Normally, Qing Mei would sneak her something to eat, but today the matchmaker stayed by her side the entire time. She was absolutely famished.
Long Zhenting slapped his forehead. “How could I forget? Wait here, I’ll arrange it right away.”
He left and soon returned with several people.
Qing Mei entered first, placing the dishes neatly on the table. She leaned close to Qiao Zilin and, making sure no one was watching, slipped her a small booklet.
“Miss, tonight is your wedding night. This is a spring palace album. Take a look when you have time later.”
Her face flushed bright red as she hurried out.
Qiao Zilin glanced at it. It was nothing more than an illustrated guide. She had seen plenty in her previous life and felt no particular interest. Back then, she and the Prince Regent had never shared a true marriage, as she had grown disgusted with him after he took multiple concubines.
Right now, the food in front of her was far more appealing.
She picked up her chopsticks and began eating. The braised pig’s trotters were tender, though a bit greasy. If only there were some chili added, it would taste much better, she thought. Still, hunger outweighed any complaints, and she quickly moved on to the roast pigeon.
Long Zhenting watched her quietly, amusement flickering in his eyes. Eat well, he thought. Once you’re full, it’s my turn.
Qiao Zilin noticed his gaze. “Why are you staring at me? Can you fill your stomach just by looking? Hurry up and eat.”
“My wife is more enticing than any feast. Just being near you is enough,” he said lightly before finally picking up a piece of food. “The taste is decent, but it feels like something is missing.”
“Chili, right?” Qiao Zilin replied immediately. “If it were spicy, it would be perfect with rice or wine.”
Long Zhenting’s eyes brightened. “Exactly. No wonder the restaurant hasn’t been doing well. The flavors are too plain.”
The two quickly fell into an animated discussion about improving the dishes. It went on for quite a while before Long Zhenting finally stopped her.
“Wife, we can talk about business later. Right now, there’s something more important.”
Qiao Zilin hesitated slightly. “Husband… I’m not quite ready yet. Can you give me a little time?”
Long Zhenting gently took her hand and guided it toward him.
“Wife, do you feel that?”
Qiao Zilin was startled. Who said people in ancient times were reserved? Her husband was far from shy.
Still, they were already married. It was only natural for husband and wife to take this step.
With that thought, she quietly accepted what was to come.