Liu Zijin was knowledgeable and ambitious, but he wanted to marry Wang Huilan now. Su Chong did not believe it at all. He felt that Liu Zijin must have been threatened into agreeing.

Su Chong was worried.

Su Hua also said, “Zijin, if you’re threatened, tell us and we’ll help you think of a way.”

They all treated Liu Zijin as a friend, and being a live-in son-in-law was something that was derogatory.

If Liu Zijin encountered any difficulties, as a friend, they should help. They couldn’t just watch their friend jump into the bitter sea.

Lin Pingsheng also said, “If you encounter any difficulties, tell me. Although I’m only a teacher, I was once an official. I can more or less say a few words. Marriage is a lifetime thing. You can’t be careless.”

Liu Zijin’s heart warmed. He smiled gratefully, cupped his hands, and said seriously, “It’s my fortune to have you treat me sincerely. Thank you.”

After thanking them, Liu Zijin said solemnly, “I wasn’t threatened. I’ve also made it clear to County Magistrate Wang that I have my own conditions. The Wang family will fulfill my requests and I will marry Wang Huilan.”

With just one sentence, everyone understood that his marriage with Wang Huilan was a win-win situation. There was no threat or grievance.

Su Chong and Su Hua understood.

Although they still felt pity for Liu Zijin, they also respected him.

1

It was best to give appropriate care and advice as good friends.

“I want to invite you to stay for the wedding banquet. It’s fine if you’re not free. I still have to invite the others, so I’ll take my leave first.”

Liu Zijin smiled. Then he turned and left.

He greeted the others he knew. He didn’t care what they thought of him.

He just had to have a clear conscience.

He had not taken the wealth of the Wang family for nothing, so no matter what others said, he did not care. He would still walk the path he had to walk.

After Liu Zijin left, Su Chong and the others looked at each other.

After a while, Su Xiaolu said,

“Eldest brother, second brother, putting aside Wang Huilan’s identity, Liu Zijin is getting married. Do you want to stay for the wedding banquet?”

After being here for so many days, Su Xiaolu had also heard some things about Anping County. The daughter of County Magistrate Wang had the most rumors.

In the past few days, many restaurants had been discussing whether the Wang family would succeed in finding a son-in-law this year, and whether someone would become the son-in-law of the fat Wang Huilan for money.

Su Chong and Su Hua did not care about this at first. It was only now that Liu Zijin had become a live-in son-in-law that they cared about it.

Su Xiaolu had never seen how fat Wang Huilan was either. Seeing how uncomfortable her brothers were, she felt that this matter had been complicated, so she came to ask.

Hearing Su Xiaolu’s question, Su Chong and the others paused. Then, Su Chong said, “Of course.”

Putting Wang Huilan aside, they were good friends with Liu Zijin. Since Liu Zijin was getting married and they were free, it was inevitable that they would stay for the wedding banquet.

“That’s enough. Let’s not care about Wang Huilan or whatever. We know that Liu Zijin is getting married. As friends, let’s stay for a glass of wedding wine to congratulate him on his marriage.”

Su Xiaolu spread her hands and made a decision.

Su Chong sighed. He had figured it out, but he was still depressed.

Su Hua ruffled Su Xiaolu’s hair and said, “Xiaolu understands. Xiaolu is right. No matter what Wang Huilan or Li Huilan, let’s stay for the wedding banquet and prepare some congratulatory gifts to congratulate Liu Zijin on his wedding.”

Zhou Heng also revealed a gentle smile and said, “That makes sense. Brother Zijin only came to invite us to the banquet because he treats us as friends. Let’s stay for two days and wait for him to get married before we go back.”

Lin Pingsheng stroked his beard and said, “That’s good. I haven’t attended a wedding banquet in many years. Let me get someone to send a letter to reassure the family.”

All three children were Elementary Scholars. The town official would report the good news.

But they would stay for another two days before returning. They also had to send a letter home explaining the reason. Otherwise, the family would worry if something had happened.

Su Chong and the others nodded. It was time to send a letter.

Su Xiaolu reported her bag back to her room. Anyway, there were still two or three days left. She could still make some ointment.

In less than a day, the entire Anping County knew that one of the first-class Elementary Scholars was going to marry the daughter of County Magistrate Wang.

For a time, the name Liu Zijin was discussed enthusiastically.

Despite what people say, the seventh of July arrived.

The mansion was hung with red silk, and there was joy everywhere.

Liu Zijin also put on his red wedding garment and rode a tall horse. She held Wang Huilan’s hand and led her from the county office to the bridal sedan chair. Then, they returned to the prince’s mansion together.

2

The gongs and drums sounded so festive.

After entering the mansion, Liu Zijin kicked open the door and led Wang Huilan out of the sedan.

Under the loud announcement of the matchmaker, the two of them kowtowed.

Among the guests, Liu Zijin saw Su Chong’s group.

They smiled at her, and she smiled back.

1

After worshiping heaven and earth, Liu Zijin and Wang Huilan would be husband and wife.

He held Wang Huilan’s hand and patted her gently. He approached her and comforted her gently to reassure her that he would go over as soon as possible.

Wang Huilan nodded. Under the red veil, her face was already red.

A toast followed.

County Magistrate Wang brought Liu Zijin to toast. Liu Zijin was humble and polite. He only took a sip when he heard County Magistrate Wang’s words.

County Magistrate Wang was not stupid. By getting Liu Zijin drunk, he was not giving him a reason to escape the bridal chamber.

At Su Chong’s table.

Su Chong and the others said to Liu Zijin, “Zijin, congratulations on your marriage.”

Liu Zijin’s eyes were smiling. He held his wine glass with both hands and said, “Alright, thank you.”

Liu Zijin drank this glass of wine in one gulp.

Because there were still many others, Liu Zijin did not have the chance to speak much.

After a round of toasts, Liu Zijin was about to rush to the bridal chamber.

Su Chong and the others went back after the wedding banquet.

Liu Zijin toasted them and was also pushed to the bridal chamber. With County Magistrate Wang around, naturally, no one came to cause trouble.

The new house was quiet. Only Wang Huilan was sitting on the wedding bed, waiting.

Liu Zijin lifted the red veil and looked at Wang Huilan’s red forehead. He gently helped her take it off and said gently, “This is too heavy. Take it off first. I’ll pour the wine.”

Wang Huilan’s voice was as soft as a mosquito. “Yes.”

Her heart thundered in anticipation and worry.

On the other hand, Liu Zijin was very natural. When he poured the wine, Wang Huilan did not seem to know how to drink it. Liu Zijin smiled and said, “Like this, I’ll teach you.”

Since they were husband and wife, they had to treat each other with care and respect.

The red candle was bright. Wang Huilan whispered, “Zijin, can you extinguish the red candle?”

“No, dragon and phoenix candles mean to grow old together.” Liu Zijin rejected Wang Huilan’s request.