Chapter 580: United Hearts
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The crowd laughed and joked around, teasing the bride. The bride, however, just smiled openly, neither responding nor objecting. She remained calm and composed. Fu Mingzheng, on the other hand, couldn’t let it go. With a hint of a smile on his lips and a cold, distant gaze, he glanced at the others, causing them to immediately fall silent. Who dared to go against this living King of H*ll?
Gradually, everyone understood that while jokes could be made, they could only be made with Fu Mingzheng, not the bride. Showing care and concern, however, was acceptable. So everyone turned their attention to Fu Mingzheng. Fu Mingzheng naturally had a sharp tongue and wasn’t afraid of anyone. He didn’t mind friendly jokes, but any malicious words would quickly be shut down.
Seeing this situation, Lady Qian realized it wasn’t good. A wedding should be a joyous occasion, not one that offends people. She hastily arranged for everyone to move outside, saying, “Let’s start the banquet outside. Everyone, please go out for food and drinks.”
So everyone headed outside. Mingzhu noticed that Fu Mingzheng hadn’t come out of the bridal chamber, figuring he probably had something to discuss privately with Li Shumei. Not bothering about it, she went to the main courtyard. Lady Ai, sitting by Madam Cui’s bedside holding stone, asked as she entered, “Why didn’t you go to the front to eat? How did you end up back here?”
Mingzhu smiled, “I came to take over for Third Sister-in-law for a while.”
Lady Ai refused to leave, “You’re a guest. You should go to the front and join the meal. Besides, many guests are here because of you and His Highness. Greeting them upfront would be a great help to us.”
Mingzhu insisted, “I rarely come back. Let me accompany Mother for a while. I’ve already made an appearance. Third Sister-in-law should go and spend time with her family.” She often went to her maternal home for various reasons, but it wasn’t easy for Lady Ai to see her own family. On such a good day with guests from all over, everyone had family members to entertain. It was only right for Lady Ai to spend time with her family.
Lady Ai still hesitated, so Mingzhu directly pushed her out and sat down by Madam Cui’s bedside herself. Madam Cui was still the same as before, lying quietly on the bed, as if asleep. Mingzhu held Madam Cui’s hand, massaging it while speaking softly, “Mother, today is Fourth Brother’s auspicious day. Fourth Sister-in-law is very good, and she and Fourth Brother are a good match. I hope she can live happily with Fourth Brother. I hope Fourth Brother can be less harsh with his words when he’s with her…”
Just then, someone outside said, “It seems like I heard someone speaking ill of me.”
It was clearly Fu Mingzheng’s voice. Mingzhu was startled and stood up, peeking out the door. She saw Fu Mingzheng and Li Shumei entering one after the other and exclaimed in surprise, “Why are you two here?”
At such a time, shouldn’t the bride be sitting obediently in the bridal chamber, while the groom entertains the guests outside? These two were not following the usual rules; why did they come here?
Fu Mingzheng raised an eyebrow, “Today, we should bow to Mother. Since Mother is unwell and can’t go outside, I brought your Fourth Sister-in-law here to bow to Mother. What, are you not satisfied?”
“I dare not be unsatisfied. I’m very satisfied, extremely satisfied.” He respected Madam Cui, and Mingzhu was only joyful. Where could there be dissatisfaction? She was only worried that Li Shumei might feel bothered, but she saw Li Shumei lowering her eyes, looking very dignified but with a hint of a smile at the corner of her lips, showing no sign of displeasure.
It seemed like they were a harmonious couple. The most valuable thing between husband and wife was this understanding and tolerance. Mingzhu calmed her heart and playfully said to Li Shumei, “Sister-in-law, look at Fourth Brother. He never has a good word to say. Even a good thing has to be said in a way that pricks at people’s hearts. He often makes me not want to talk to him. It’s too much. Would you stand up for me?”
Though her words were meant to bring her closer to Li Shumei and show affection, they also reminded Li Shumei that Fu Mingzheng was cold on the outside but warm inside. If he really said anything unpleasant, please forgive him.
Fu Mingzheng caught on, half-lowered his eyes, and looked at Li Shumei, waiting for her response. Li Shumei lifted her eyes to glance at him and then at Mingzhu, saying frankly, “Don’t worry, Sister. His words may not sound pleasant, but he cares a lot about you. He often speaks well of you in front of me.”
Her protective tone and open-mindedness were evident. Mingzhu was amazed. Okay, these two were a perfect match.
Fu Mingzheng’s eyes showed a hint of pride. “Let’s bow to Mother.”
Sun Momo, with tears in her eyes and a smile on her face, brought two embroidered cushions over and placed them in front of Madam Cui’s bed. She whispered, “If Madam were awake and saw Fourth Master getting married and bringing such a good daughter-in-law, I wonder how happy she would be.”
Fu Mingzheng and Li Shumei bowed three times to Madam Cui before rising. Mingzhu gestured to Sun Momo, who quickly brought out a sandalwood box and handed it to Li Shumei. Li Shumei, puzzled, refused to take it and looked back at Fu Mingzheng.
Sun Momo explained, “This was prepared by Madam long ago, intending to give it to Fourth Madam herself. Since she’s unable now, I reported to Master and brought it out. Originally, it was meant to be presented tomorrow when the new bride serves tea. But since Madam can’t go to the main hall tomorrow, it’s the same to give it to Fourth Madam first.”
“In that case, Ah Mei, you should take it.” Fu Mingzheng looked at Madam Cui’s peaceful face, feeling uneasy. This stepmother was really not bad to him. She gave him everything he deserved and even what he didn’t. Such a stepmother was rare. Perhaps, as his father said, his biological mother and father met, and he was the result of an unexpected and then accepted outcome.
Mingzhu urged Li Shumei, “Sister-in-law, open it and see what’s inside.”
Li Shumei blushed slightly, hesitated for a moment, and gently opened the box. Inside were a pair of jade concentric rings. The jade was of excellent quality, warm to the touch, exquisitely designed to be worn together or separately. They were generous and warm, with a beautiful silk thread tying them together in a symbol of unity.
Li Shumei was deeply moved, and there was warmth in her eyes as she looked at Madam Cui. Mingzhu encouraged them enthusiastically, “This is from Mother to both of you. Fourth Brother, Fourth Sister-in-law, each of you wear one! Then live harmoniously and happily together, and give me a chubby nephew next year!”
“Are you talking so much because you’re afraid others won’t know you just gave birth to a big, chubby son?” Though Fu Mingzheng was teasing Mingzhu, he didn’t oppose her personally tying the jade rings onto them. Madam Cui was thoughtful; his ring was tied with a green silk thread, while Li Shumei’s was with a vibrant red.
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