The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme - Chapter 653

Chapter 653: Chapter 640: The Grand Wedding

But it was good this way, without any tasks to delegate, and enough money earned for spending, she could finally do the things she wanted.

Like the roast duck she was planning to make.

Also, she could finally make up for the regrets of not being able to properly spend time with some people due to their busy schedules.

Zhuang Qingning pursed her lips, smiled at Chu Jinnian.

Chu Jinnian also curved the corner of his lips in response.

Their eyes met, filled with tenderness, and the surrounding atmosphere seemed to heat up and fill with pink heart bubbles in an instant.

Jing Zhao on one side, was like “…”

Knowing this, she should not have come. Now there’s a good chance she might not be able to eat lunch.

—-

The Crown Prince had been established, Chu Yunzhao, diligent and unpretentious, gained the support and trust of the ministers of the court.

Mrs. Qiao, Concubine Hui, had become the queen, having previously shown herself as a virtuous and capable woman. With Chu Shengrui’s favor and Chu Yunzhao’s stable position in the previous reign, as well as the prestige of Mrs. Qiao’s clan, all the concubines in the harem held her in high esteem.

It can be said that everyone in the harem and the previous courtiers were performing their duties, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

Chu Shengrui was very satisfied with this, and hence trusted and loved Queen Qiao and Chu Yunzhao even more.

Winter in the north was usually long and boring, but this year was different.

For one thing, the country was peaceful and prosperous, the common people were wealthy, and even during days of heavy snow, they had enough stored grain, so they didn’t fear the weather.

Secondly, every state, along with the capital city, were holding football matches.

All districts, streets, and even counties were holding trials to select individuals with the strongest physical and technical abilities. The winners would receive generous rewards.

The eyes of the common people were fixated on this event.

Even the palace was buzzing with activity. Guards, eunuchs—from one garden to another—all were vying for victory to receive rewards from the emperor and gain honor and face.

All these activities deflected the energy and attention that were usually spent on petty fights among the servants, reducing rumors within the gardens.

Chu Shengrui appreciated and agreed with these events very much.

“The Crown Prince is resourceful, coming up with such a solution to many problems.”

“Had it been any other occasion, the consort would have taken credit for it. But this time, it’s not the Crown Prince’s achievement. It was the Lord of Ninghe County’s idea. After Jinnian returned to the capital, he told Xiaosi about it, who jotted it down.” Queen Qiao laughed.

“So, in terms of granting rewards, Lord Ninghe should be the key contributor, followed by Jinnian, and finally Xiaosi.”

“As the New Year is approaching, your Majesty should think about what to give Lord Ninghe and Jinnian as gifts.”

“Of course.” Chu Shengrui nodded, “In addition to this, the Submarine Fire Soldiers in the capital have extinguished more than twenty fires since the beginning of winter, avoiding many potential disasters. This is also the achievement of Jinnian and the Lord of Ninghe. When it comes to granting rewards, it’s indeed necessary to give them something substantial.”

“Just now, I’m observing their current behavior. This young couple probably doesn’t want any reward, and would be happiest if we all keep our distance and let them live their casual lives.”

“Jinnian has always been mature and decisive, having grown up away from home. After returning to the capital, he was constrained in many ways. Naturally, he wanted to get as far away from the capital as possible. Lord Ninghe, who originated from the countryside, probably also got used to the leisurely life. These two enjoy taking it easy. The fact that they don’t want to come back probably comes from not wanting to deal with all these troubles,” said Queen Qiao, laughing.

A thought passed through Chu Shengrui’s mind and then he nodded.

The words of Queen Qiao were indeed correct. If Chu Jinnian and Zhuang Qingning returned to the capital, they would probably not benefit from it, but rather create more anxiety instead.

Even though Mrs. Ruo had been divorced, there was still the trouble with Hang Xueyun in the house. Furthermore, the King of Qi was a profligate father, not getting along with Chu Jinnian.

Whoever looked at this situation would find it extremely vexing.

Not to mention that Chu Jinnian’s affection for Zhuang Qingning was plain for all to see. Chu Jinnian probably didn’t want Zhuang Qingning to return to the capital and face all these unpleasant things.

“Jinnian has always been steadfast and decisive. Since he has his own ideas, let him do as he wishes.”

Chu Shengrui laughed, “If he wants to return to work in the Ministry of Justice, that’s fine, if not, he is still the heir to the Prince Qi. He could be a lord in the future, there’s no harm in living a carefree life.”

He would still have the noble status and wealth, no one would give him trouble in the future.

Seeing this, Queen Qiao laughed and refilled Chu Shengrui’s cup with tea.

Chu Shengrui’s intentions were soon conveyed through a letter to Chu Jinnian.

After reading the letter, Chu Jinnian was full of smiles and the next day was in a cheerful mood as he accompanied Zhuang Qingning to check on the expansion of the textile workshop.

Winter left, spring came, and it was the end of spring and beginning of summer.

In a flash, it was the end of summer.

In mid-July, morning and evening, there was a hint of coolness in the air.

About a month before their wedding day, Chu Jinnian and Zhuang Qingning arrived in the capital and settled in the house Zhuang Qingning had bought. They were preparing for their big day.

The eighteenth of August, an auspicious day, was perfect for a wedding.

As it was a wedding bestowed by the Empress and the Emperor, the wedding of the heir to King Qi, with Queen Qiao herself overseeing preparations, it drew everyone’s attention. It was grand, lively, and remarkable.

What attracted the most attention was Zhuang Qingning’s dowry. Looking down the long street, the dowry seemed endless, indeed a display of a long red procession.

That night.

While the outside world was bustling with happiness and toasting, Zhuang Qingning sat in the large red wedding room, secretly lifting the slightly heavy red bridal veil in an attempt to sneak a peek.

“Miss.” Xiangqiao rushed to lower the veil, “Before the groom arrives, the bride is not allowed to lift the veil by herself, otherwise it would be inauspicious.”

That was true, but according to the norms of weddings here, Chu Jinnian would only come after all the guests had left. By that time, who knows what time it would be.

She had already gone through the complicated wedding ceremony during the day. The complex bridal clothes and headgear were already causing her backaches despite her excellent physique. To stay in the dark like this was beyond her endurance.

However, since it was the tradition, having been restricted by it for a day, a little more time wouldn’t hurt.

Zhuang Qingning sighed, had no choice but to put her hand down, obediently assumed the correct posture again, while calculating what to order to eat when Chu Jinnian returned.