“This salted roasted pine nuts are savory and fragrant, with a strong pine aroma—delicious,” Third Aunt praised while eating.
“I also really like stir-fried pine nuts. The original flavor ones are good too,” Second Aunt Su Qingqing said.
“Most of these pine nuts were purchased from Chen Family Village in Meilin County, where Third Uncle is stationed. Liu Family Village doesn’t have many pine trees and produces few pine nuts, but thankfully Chen Family Village has many,” someone explained.
Recently, I received reports from my subordinates that the living conditions in Chen Family Village have improved. Many young men who had gone out to work have returned home. I was wondering about this and had planned to investigate these days—so that’s the reason.
Good job, my niece. She solved a problem for me.
“That’s good. At least they don’t need to leave their hometowns to earn money anymore. Third Uncle, aside from Chen Family Village, are there other poor villages in Meilin County?” Su Lele asked. Whether in ancient or modern times, rural revitalization is very important.
“There are. Many villages under other counties in Nanzhou Prefecture are also remote and very poor,” Su Qinghai said with a worried expression. After taking office in Meilin County, he truly realized how many backward and impoverished villages the Great Yun Kingdom still had.
Su Lele thought for a moment and said:
“Third Uncle, when I have time, I’ll go take a look at Meilin County.”
It was impossible to travel across the entire kingdom or help every poor village, but she still wanted to support Meilin County under her uncle’s jurisdiction. It would also help his official performance.
“Alright.”
On the Day of the Wedding
Before the hour of Chen had even arrived, Su Lele was pulled up by her maid Qiuyu to dress and prepare.
Seeing her daughter—beautifully made up, golden hairpins in her hair, dressed in a bright red wedding gown, charming but not vulgar—Wang Huilan couldn’t help but cry, full of reluctance.
“Alright, Mother, don’t cry. Your makeup will smudge,” Su Lele said, hugging her mother.
“Today is a happy day. Everyone should be joyful,” Grandfather Su Dong said. The old man was full of energy today.
At that moment, a servant came to report:
“The Second Prince has arrived.”
Su Lele let the matchmaker cover her with the red veil.
Her elder brother Su Yixing carried her on his back, walking out of the hall to auspicious chants from the matchmaker. Firecrackers began to sound outside.
Su Dong watched his eldest grandson walk slowly and heavily, tears welling in his eyes. He himself could not help but tear up as well.
“She’ll be back in a few days,” Su Qingqing comforted.
“I know, I know. I’m just happy—yes, happy,” he said, but tears still fell. He quickly wiped them away with his sleeve so others wouldn’t notice.
“I’m entrusting my sister to you. Please treat her well and don’t let anyone bully her,” Su Yixing said seriously to Leng Yi Chen.
Although the marriage was a transaction, Leng Yi Chen still gave proper respect.
“Rest assured. With me here, no one can bully her.”
Hearing his promise, the Su family felt relieved.
Su Yixing then handed his sister over to him.
Leng Yi Chen gently placed Su Lele into the bridal sedan chair. Festive trumpets sounded.
“Lift the sedan!” the matchmaker called.
Firecrackers crackled loudly as the procession set off.
Watching the sedan depart, everyone withdrew their gaze.
The distance from Su residence to the prince’s mansion was not far. Along the way, many people gathered to watch—some offering blessings, others quietly doubting the match.
Among them, hidden in a corner of the street, was Yun Zhishu, daughter of the Minister.
Watching the tall, handsome, and imposing Leng Yi Chen gradually move further away, she was heartbroken.
Why wasn’t she the one marrying him?
She had heard that Su Lele was not skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, or painting, and her family background was not as good as hers. Why did she get to marry the prince?
The bridal sedan was large and very comfortable. Su Lele sat inside, feeling quite at ease.
Her thoughts were complicated. She hadn’t expected to get married so soon after arriving in this ancient world—even if it was just a contractual marriage.
“Please ask the prince to kick the sedan door,” the matchmaker called cheerfully.
After a moment, the door was not kicked open. Instead, the curtain was gently lifted, and she felt herself being carried out.
Suddenly, cheers and congratulations erupted outside.
The bride had to cross a brazier. Seeing the flames burning brightly, Su Lele hesitated slightly. At that moment, Leng Yi Chen picked her up again and carried her across it.
The surrounding women watched with envy and jealousy, staring intently at Su Lele beneath the veil.
At the main hall, he finally set her down.
By then, the Dowager Empress, Emperor, Empress, Crown Prince, and others were already waiting.
The matchmaker handed her a red silk embroidered ball, used for the ceremony.
“First bow to Heaven and Earth!”
The wedding was presided over by the Grand Tutor. Along with him, several elder statesmen—the Grand Marshal, Grand Commandant, and Chancellor—were all present to offer congratulations.
“Second bow to the elders!”
“Send the bride to the bridal chamber!”
Finally, under the Grand Tutor’s chants, the ceremony was completed.
So tired… my bones feel like they’re falling apart.
After being sent to the Yanyu Pavilion, Su Lele quickly removed her veil when no servants were around and drank several cups of tea.
An hour later, a maid brought food in.
Su Lele thought: This prince actually has some conscience. Though he looks Leng and indifferent, he didn’t forget I was still waiting in the room.
After eating and drinking, it was already night.
Since this was a contract marriage, there would obviously be no wedding night.
She told Qiuyu to prepare hot water for bathing.
“Alright, Miss.”
Qiuyu, her maid from the Su family, had accompanied her. The family had originally wanted to send more servants, but Su Lele refused—one was enough, and the prince’s mansion had plenty of servants anyway.
The prince’s residence truly was different. Even this side courtyard’s main room was twice the size of her family home, decorated luxuriously and elegantly.
After bathing, feeling refreshed, Su Lele lay on the large bed. She thought she might not be able to sleep in a strange place—but she fell asleep instantly.
The Dowager Empress and guests had already left.
Leng Yi Chen had returned to Yijing Pavilion.
“Master, the Princess Consort has already fallen asleep,” Leng Feng reported. He had originally planned to remind her to wake early for tomorrow’s palace visit, but learned she was already asleep, so he informed her maid Qiuyu instead.
“Mm,” Leng Yi Chen responded lightly, the corner of his lips twitching slightly. This woman adapts quickly and lives quite comfortably.
The Next Morning
Early the next morning, Su Lele was sleeping soundly when she was suddenly awakened by shouting.
“Miss, wake up quickly and get ready! You need to go to the palace with the prince to pay respects!”
Su Lele instantly sat up.
Right… newlyweds must go to the palace the next day to greet the Emperor and Empress, especially in the royal family.
Soon after, she finished dressing. Without even having breakfast, she boarded the carriage with Leng Yi Chen and headed toward the imperial palace.