The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family
Chapter 901 - 199: Waiting for Three Wives and Four Concubines_2

Chapter 901: Chapter 199: Waiting for Three Wives and Four Concubines_2

Fang Liuming had waited until now, a man of no young age. He was only a year younger than Pei Qin, and just now at twenty-nine, he married as Jiuer turned three. Grandma Fang was also anxious to see her great-grandson, carefully ensuring Fang Liuming didn’t drink too much.

Pei Wendong, Chang Yonglin, and Xiao Yong had traveled twice and had slowly built up their tolerance to alcohol. The three of them took turns toasting, followed by Sun Chao and a few others who had come with the bridal party.

After three rounds, Fang Liuming had drunk just about enough.

At this point, as the feast concluded, Grandma Fang immediately served Fang Liuming sobering soup.

Fang Hui hadn’t left yet; watching Hong Xia and Lv Chun carry water into the bridal chamber, she remarked sarcastically, "Those two maids aren’t young either, still accompanying her in the bridal party. Are they here to be Liuming’s mistress maids?"

Huang Qiu and Xue Dong always attended to Pei Qin and Jiuer. Pei Qian didn’t require them, bringing Lv Chun and Hong Xia instead, along with two older maids, two young maids, two male servants, and two guards.

Before coming here, Pei Qin had given them a choice, "Those who wish to become servants under the steward’s wife, follow. Those who want to be concubines, just stay behind! Mo Heng is stronger than Fang Liuming, and you will bring honor even when you step outside!"

Though she spoke thus, Lv Chun and Hong Xia also clearly understood this as a warning that if they dared to think otherwise, she would not spare them.

Hong Xia, having made up her mind, retorted in the same sarcastic tone, "The affairs of madam’s family need not trouble Mrs. Feng too much."

Fang Hui’s gaze hardened, and she scoffed coldly, "Both of you are fortunate to eventually become concubines of an official family..."

"Hui Niang!" Grandma Fang came over and shouted in anger.

Seeing her approach, Hong Xia and Lv Chun kneeled to pay respects, "Grandma."

Fang Hui pouted, "Mother! We should be leaving!"

Grandma Fang’s face turned ugly, her eyes darkening as she glared at her. In front of the servants, she held back her words, but once Hong Xia and Lv Chun had left, she couldn’t contain herself, "Hui Niang! Have you turned a deaf ear to what your father and I said!? You brought yourself to your current plight, and now you want to drag down our family too!?"

Fang Hui’s expression instantly darkened, "What is mother talking about! How have I dragged down our family!? It’s just that I saw she brought a few pretty maids and asked one more question! All big families have beautiful maids in the bridal party, all serving in bed!"

"Others are others, and we are but a farming family! Whoever thinks of these crooked ways, disrupting peace in the family, I will not let them off!" Grandma Fang fumed.

Fang Hui walked out unperturbed, "Liuming is different; he’s an official with multiple wives and concubines! Who can keep tabs on him, restrain him!" She didn’t believe Pei Qian’s Love Potion could keep Fang Liuming enchanted for ten or eight years – once in hand, freshness fades!

She ignited this, and with Fang Li making trouble, Grandma Fang also worried that Fang Liuming might stoop to learn. Being an official, even if he had no such intentions, others might approach him unbidden. After dinner, Grandma Fang hurried Fang Liuming into the bridal chamber to rest. Qianqian was her granddaughter; she hoped to keep clear of those messy people and events. The couple should thrive, quickly have children, and lead a peaceful life.

Fang Liuming saw that both Lady Yu and Grandma Fang were urging him to hurry into the bridal chamber, his face flushed red. Finally having the bride by his side and gazing at her delicate loveliness, he suddenly didn’t know how best to treat her.

"How much did you drink? You reek of alcohol!" Pei Qian wrinkled her nose as he approached.

Fang Liuming groaned, "Is it that strong? Then I’ll go out for some air first."

Pei Qian rolled her eyes at him, "Drink the sobering soup and then go wash up."

"Yes!" Fang Liuming, prompted by her mention of washing up, suddenly felt his heart turn over, dizzy as he headed to clean himself.

Pei Qian had already freshened up, busying herself with her jewelry.

Fang Liuming approached and saw that her made-up face had been washed clean, revealing her fair, petite visage. He couldn’t resist pulling her close, "Qianqian... let’s... rest first!"

Pei Qian immediately tensed her face, thinking of the postures depicted in the Pictures of the Spring Palace, her innocent face becoming even more serious as she let him lead her into the inner chamber.

Fang Liuming turned his head, seeing her solemn expression, and suddenly couldn’t suppress a chuckle, "Qianqian..."

"What are you laughing at!?" Pei Qian glared at him.

Her expression, so endearingly innocent! Fang Liuming couldn’t resist embracing her, "Qianqian! I finally married you!"

The listener outside the chamber, hearing no commotion, pressed an ear to the window.