Chapter 19
Marriage

At that time, the front courtyard wing room door was open, and Lin Qiao and Xu Li were inside counting things.

Xu Li had a habit of keeping accounts. She checked each item in the ledger as she counted. “Time is a bit tight, so let’s tidy up one room first. I think these should be enough for you. The army has a bathhouse, so there’s no need to make a wooden tub for bathing. We’ll talk about it when you have children.”

Ye Minshu, who had seen the world, could tell at a glance that these were more than double what she had when she married Ji Jun. She couldn’t help but feel a bit sour.

The old man and old lady always said that both sons were the same and that they should be treated equally. But when it came to the real deal, weren’t they biased towards the younger son? Having a mother who cares is different from not having one. If Ji Jun had a biological mother to speak for him, would he have only reached this level at such an age? But no matter how sour she felt, she knew she was here to seek forgiveness this time. She forced a guilty expression and asked Xu Li, “Mom, is Dad at home?”

“In the study, you can go find him yourself.” Xu Li’s expression was indifferent. She could forgive Ji Jun because it wasn’t Ji Jun’s fault in the first place. Besides, she had raised Ji Jun herself, so there was always some affection. Although Ji Jun was soft-hearted, he could be warmed up. Ye Minshu, however, was someone who couldn’t be warmed up.

When Ye Minshu gave birth to Xiao Ze, she was still young and, as a dancer, inevitably cared about her figure. Xiao Ze was raised by her almost entirely until he was three. She never shortchanged this grandson in anything Ji Duo had. But what happened? As soon as Xiao Ze got sick, Ye Minshu immediately took the child back, as if she had deliberately neglected him and mistreated him. Later, Ji Jun brought the child back again, and Ye Minshu apologized profusely. But since then, she never dared to interfere in Xiao Ze’s affairs again. Fortunately, she didn’t interfere in this matter as well. Otherwise, this incident alone would have caused endless gossip.

This attitude obviously made Ye Minshu feel a bit embarrassed, and her smile became even more forced, “Then, Mom, you go ahead, I’ll go over first.”

Xu Li responded with an “Hmm” and then turned to see Lin Qiao, who was focused and didn’t seem to want to ask anything. She couldn’t help but explain, “Your Grandpa Ji and I are in a second marriage.”

Lin Qiao was always discreet and never asked much, but she couldn’t help but explain to prevent Lin Qiao from getting into trouble due to ignorance. After all, she was a sister-in-law. Although they didn’t live under the same roof, they would inevitably meet in the future. If Ye Minshu dared to show her any attitude, she could directly confront her, and as a mother-in-law, she would never side with Ye Minshu.

Lin Qiao was indeed smart; she understood immediately. “I will respect my sister-in-law in the future.”

Respect from a distance.

While the future mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were getting along well, Ye Minshu was feeling very uneasy as she knocked on the study door. Fortunately, when the old man heard it was her, he remained silent for a moment but still let her in without turning her away.

Ye Minshu didn’t dare to say anything useless. As soon as she entered, she lowered her head. “Dad, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have thought that the Lin family hadn’t contacted us for so many years because they didn’t want to marry into our family and took it out on Lin Qiao. I shouldn’t have… shouldn’t have spread rumors about her and the second son, thinking that Xiao Ze wouldn’t have to marry her.”

Thinking about the day Ji Jun got angry at her, her eyes couldn’t help but turn red. “But I really didn’t think about letting the second son marry her. I thought compensating her a bit would be enough.”

There was obviously some truth missing in her words, but the old man didn’t bother to delve deeper and just asked her, “Does Xiao Ze have a girlfriend?”

This was making her admit to the lies she had told and reveal what she had done.

Ye Minshu bit her lip and finally told the truth, “No, Song Jing was someone I found to pretend.”

Saying it felt like slapping herself hard. Her face burned, but she had no choice. “Dad, please forgive me this time. I won’t dare to do it again. You don’t know, Ji Jun got so angry at me that he smashed things at home and didn’t come back for seven days. Xiao Ze also returned to the army.”

And that wasn’t all. As the wedding date approached, the Ji family had already started inviting guests. Among those invited, her family was not included.

The second son of the Ji family was getting married, and the whole family was busy, but she was excluded, which led to a lot of gossip. If the old man was any harsher, he might not even let her attend the wedding, and she wouldn’t be able to stay in this circle anymore. Ji Jun’s rank was average, and her current status wasn’t because she was Ji Jun’s lover, but because she was the daughter-in-law of the Ji family.

Ye Minshu could think of these things, and so could the old man. “The ones you should apologize to are Qiao Qiao and the second son, not me.”

Did he think she hadn’t humbled herself enough and wanted her to apologize to the second son and that girl?

Whenever Ye Minshu thought of Lin Qiao, she felt humiliated. But compared to the consequences, she gritted her teeth, “I’ll go…”

“No need to apologize. Qiao Qiao doesn’t even know that Xiao Ze is her fiancé.” The old man looked at her and saw her face change color several times. He added lightly, “You know, the eldest son knows, and Xiao Ze knows; that’s enough.”

Yes, Ji Jun and Xiao Ze knew what she did was enough. What difference did it make if that girl knew or not?

In fact, because she didn’t know, she wouldn’t feel awkward facing their family. Unlike her, she benefited the most from this.

Ye Minshu’s face turned ashen. “I understand. I won’t say anything to her.”

What good would it do to make Lin Qiao uncomfortable? If Lin Qiao caused a scene, she would be the one to suffer. If she had known this, she wouldn’t have taken this risky step in the first place.

Ye Minshu’s character was well known to the old man. Seeing that everything that needed to be said had been said, he was ready to send her away.

However, Ye Minshu didn’t move. “Dad, my work unit isn’t busy recently, and there are so many things at home. I’ll stay and help out. Also, on the wedding day, Mom will be busy entertaining guests, and someone needs to introduce sister-in-law to people.”

Although it felt awkward, she still managed to say “sister-in-law.”

The old man glanced at her, “No need to trouble yourself. I’ve already found someone.”

“Found someone?” Ye Minshu was stunned.

As she was about to ask who it was, the courtyard gate opened, and a cheerful female voice called out, “Can someone give me a hand? This suitcase is heavy. It’s killing me.”

Not only did Ye Minshu hear it, but Lin Qiao did too. Xu Li smiled and put down her ledger, “Xiao Yan is back.”

Seeing Lin Qiao also looking towards the sound, she pulled Lin Qiao along, “She’s the daughter of the second uncle’s family. Her parents passed away early, and she grew up with me. Her husband, Zhou Cunshu, works at the embassy, and she went abroad with him. She hasn’t been back for a few years.”

As they walked out of the wing room, Lin Qiao looked up and saw a tanned face.

The woman, in her thirties, had short hair, wore sunglasses, and had large earrings dangling from her ears, looking even more fashionable than Song Jing back then.

Seeing Lin Qiao, she hooked her sunglasses down with her finger. “The second son is lucky; an old cow eating young grass.”

Ye Minshu came out just in time to hear this, and her already not-so-good expression became even stiffer.

The old man, however, smiled and asked Ji Yan, “Why didn’t you bring the two kids?”

“They’re in school, no time to come back with me.” Ji Yan hooked her sunglasses onto her collar, quickly took out a gift box from her bag, and handed it to Lin Qiao, “Here, some skincare products from abroad. But I think your skin looks great even without them.”

Even though Lin Qiao had no experience with these things in her previous life, she could tell at a glance that it was a well-known international brand.

Probably afraid she couldn’t read the foreign language, Ji Yan added, “I put a label inside.” She was straightforward and considerate.

Lin Qiao immediately felt a good impression of her, “Then I must take a good look, maybe I’ll learn a few words of a foreign language.”

Her response was gracious, and Ji Yan, who feared she might be sensitive about her background and overthink, found her much better than Ye Minshu back then.

Ji Yan liked this straightforwardness and said to Xu Li, “The second son has good taste.”

From beginning to end, she didn’t speak to Ye Minshu, and Ye Minshu didn’t approach her either. “Dad, Mom, you go ahead. I have some things to do at home.”

Neither the old man nor Xu Li said anything, and Ji Yan, even less so, directly pulled Lin Qiao inside, “I also brought some chocolate, not sure if you like it.”

Ji Yan had been away for several years, and Lin Qiao knew she had things to discuss with the old man and Xu Li. After sitting for a while, she excused herself to read and went back to the backyard.

As soon as she left, Ji Yan immediately asked the old couple in a low voice, “Is this Xiao Ze’s childhood betrothed?”

“You still remember?” Xu Li hadn’t mentioned this when she called her.

Ji Yan knew she had guessed right, “I was already in my twenties then. How could I forget? Besides, I’ve seen her childhood photos, her eyes are exactly the same.” She then asked directly, “Why is Xiao Ze’s childhood betrothal now given to the second son? What happened?”

Since it couldn’t be hidden, there was no need to hide it. Xu Li briefly explained, “Qiao Qiao doesn’t know about this yet, so don’t let it slip.”

“She doesn’t know?” Ji Yan was obviously puzzled, so Xu Li had to mention the letter-writing incident from back then.

“This family…” Ji Yan didn’t know what to say, so she simply didn’t say anything, “I think it’s better not to be with Xiao Ze. That sister-in-law is unwilling, and if she really married Xiao Ze, who knows how she would torment her behind the scenes.”

Actually, Ji Ze was more decisive than Ji Jun. If he liked her and had the old man’s support, as long as he didn’t live with Ye Minshu, she couldn’t do anything to her. But the key was that Ji Ze didn’t like her, and he didn’t even want to interact with her, so it was better for her to be with the second son. At least the second son, once he agreed, wouldn’t mistreat the girl.

Thinking of this, Xu Li whispered in Ji Yan’s ear, “He gave her the passbook on the same day.”

“Really?” Ji Yan was obviously skeptical. Seeing Xu Li nod, she couldn’t help but click her tongue, “I didn’t expect it. He handed over the dowry so quickly.”

When Lin Qiao saw her again at the dining table, Ji Yan’s eyes scanned her up and down, as if getting to know her all over again.

Lin Qiao was a bit puzzled, but Ji Yan didn’t explain. Instead, she smiled and asked if she had time after dinner. “I want to go to the bathhouse for a soak. After being abroad for a few years, this is what I miss the most.”

She winked at her, “I haven’t seen you since I came back this time. Next time, I’ll bring you something nice.”

Lin Qiao found this future sister-in-law to be very enthusiastic but not annoying and quite comfortable to be around. She was a local expert, not only knowing which bathhouse in Yandu was the most comfortable but also many hidden food spots. After shopping, she would always take her for a bite.

A few days later, Liu Yulan’s reply arrived. Along with the letter came a package. Inside were two sets of neatly folded bed sheets, quilt covers, and a few cotton tickets.

In the letter, Liu Yulan said that Yandu was too far, so she wouldn’t go. The bed sheets and quilt covers were her dowry for Lin Qiao, and she should buy some cotton to stuff them herself. She also mentioned the situation at home, telling her to live well with Ji Duo and not to worry.

Liu Yulan was someone who didn’t like to trouble others, and the original Lin Qiao was not close to her, so she had expected she wouldn’t come.

Lin Qiao was just surprised that she would tell her about the Lin family’s situation, given the distance of over twenty miles between them. It seemed she had specially inquired for her, writing in detail. Not only did she mention Lin Wei being beaten by Lin Shouyi, but also that Sun Xiuzhi had a big fight with Lin Shouyi and returned to her mother’s home. The fight was probably over Lin Hui, as Lin Shouyi had publicly said he wanted to marry Lin Hui to Ma Rongliang. Although it didn’t happen, Sun Xiuzhi certainly wouldn’t let it go. The Ma family became even more lively. The day Lin Qiao and Ji Duo left, they came aggressively demanding an explanation. They listed a long list of the betrothal gifts, the things they had sent, and the wedding expenses. The friends accompanying Ma Rongliang to pick up the bride suddenly became debt collectors and would take things from the house if they didn’t get the money. The village secretary turned a blind eye, and the neighbors were all watching the commotion. In the end, Lin Wei went to the town to find the police, and the matter was resolved, but the Lin family was left with a debt that would take years to repay.

“Your uncle came to ask for your address, saying you were getting married and wanted to send you some of your grandmother’s old things. I didn’t give it to him, and you shouldn’t write back. Dawei is fine, just some minor injuries. You don’t need to worry, just live your life well.”

Even in this situation, they still wanted her address. Truly, their intentions were not good. If she and Ji Duo weren’t in a military marriage, which is protected by law, would they have come to take her away?

Lin Qiao thought the Ma family was still getting off too lightly. They should have been left with only enough food to survive, so they wouldn’t even have money to write letters.

She put the letter away and took the bed sheets and quilt covers to ask Xu Li, “Who makes the bedding at home?”

Hearing that it was her mother’s dowry, Xu Li quickly took it. “Just give it to me. It’s not finished yet, so I’ll have it made together. You can take these two sets to the new house, and the rest will stay here for you to use when you and the second son return.”

“Are you really getting married? To my uncle?” Ji Ling, who had come in at some point and was sitting in the living room watching TV, blinked her eyes at the news.

Lin Qiao hadn’t seen her for a few days, “You’re here.”

Ji Ling responded with a “Hmm.” Because her father and brother hadn’t been home, the atmosphere at home was tense, and she hadn’t dared to go out. She came today because she had something to do.

“Are you really going to marry my uncle?” She was still fixated on the previous question.

Lin Qiao nodded seriously, “Yes, we’re getting married next week.”

“I knew it. That night when Uncle undressing in front of you, you two must have been dating, but Uncle didn’t admit it.”

Ji Ling’s words were shocking, and even Lin Qiao, with her strong mental fortitude, was momentarily speechless.

Ji Yan pinched Ji Ling’s cheek, “Kids shouldn’t talk nonsense.”

“I’m not talking nonsense!” Ji Ling’s words were muffled as she was being pinched, “If you don’t believe me, ask my future aunt. She was in my uncle’s room at the time.”

Hearing her accurately describe the location, Xu Li was also puzzled.

The second son didn’t seem like such an impatient person. Besides, Ji Ling hadn’t been around for many days, and at that time, Qiao Qiao was still Xiao Ze’s betrothed. Even if she wasn’t, he shouldn’t have behaved like that towards her. That would be indecent.

Seeing Xu Li’s face change, Lin Qiao quickly explained, “He didn’t undress. He was dressed.”

What’s the difference between undressed and dressed? Weren’t you naked before you dressed?

Xu Li opened her mouth but didn’t know what to say. Ji Yan was also surprised that such a thing had happened, her eyes wide open.

Helpless, Lin Qiao had to explain the situation that night in detail, “I was just about to leave when Xiao Ling came in.” She thought Ji Duo had explained it to Ji Ling, but it seemed he hadn’t.

Xu Li also realized this, “That second son of mine, probably fell into his old habit of not explaining things. I wondered why he pushed the task to Xiao Zhang that day. Turns out it was because of this, deliberately avoiding it.”

With this, Lin Qiao realized that Ji Duo had been leaving early and returning late those days, making it hard to meet him.

Since the topic had already been brought up, Xu Li decided to say a few more words to Lin Qiao, “The second son doesn’t like to talk much, it’s not that he’s ignoring people on purpose. If you have something to say, just tell him directly.”

Lin Qiao nodded. However, Ji Ling seemed slightly disappointed after hearing this, but she still took a box out of her school bag, “My brother asked me to give this to you and my uncle.”

Xiao Ze gave something to Qiao Qiao and the second son?

Xu Li and Ji Yan glanced at each other and asked Ji Ling, “Where’s your brother? Why didn’t he come himself?”

“My brother went back to the army.” Ji Ling said, “He’s been swamped lately and hasn’t been home for many days. This was sent back through someone else.”

It seemed he was avoiding Lin Qiao on purpose to avoid embarrassment. But that was fine. It saved him from hiding his feelings from Lin Qiao poorly.

Ji Yan laughed and teased, “This kid knows how to give gifts, huh? Open it up and let me see what good stuff it is.”

Since everyone was urging her to open it, Lin Qiao didn’t hesitate. She took the box, placed it on the coffee table, and lifted the lid.

On the left side of the box were two watches, one for a man and one for a woman. Lin Qiao had seen similar watches on the Ma family members when they came to propose. They were said to be Roman watches, not a very famous Swiss brand, but each one cost over four hundred. On the right side was a pair of detachable double fish pendants, made of very smooth and warm mutton fat jade. Judging by the color and patina, they seemed to be antique. These antiques weren’t precious now, but in a few years, their value could skyrocket. It was hard to say which was more valuable at the moment.

Lin Qiao had only met this future nephew twice and hadn’t even spoken to him, yet he gave such a heavy gift. She couldn’t help but look at Xu Li.

Xu Li’s feelings were also complicated. Xiao Ze was not like his mother. Although he avoided things, when the matter came down to the second son, he was willing to take responsibility. “Keep it. You and the second son can give him a big gift when he gets married.”

Lin Qiao didn’t say anything more and handed the box to Ji Duo when he came back.

Ji Duo looked at it and returned it to her, “Wear it on the wedding day.” He took another box from the drawer, “You can switch between the two.”

Only then did Lin Qiao realize that he had also bought her a watch, the same brand but a different style. He was quite generous to his partners. If he really needed her help, she would do her best.

Two days before the wedding, the new house was completely tidied up. Ji Duo had someone move all the furniture and appliances over.

The day before the wedding, Xu Li and Ji Yan went to make the bed for the couple and put up the wedding characters and couplets. Not many people were invited on the wedding day, and there were only six tables, symbolizing smooth sailing in everything. One table was occupied by the Ji family themselves, half a table by Ye Minshu’s family and Ji Yan’s in-laws. Adding Ji Duo’s colleagues and comrades, and some close neighbors of the Ji family, all the guests were close friends and relatives, making it a very low-key event for the Ji family. However, because they were all close people, the looks towards Lin Qiao were more peaceful and blessing than scrutinizing and critical.

Only Ye Minshu felt bitter while eating.

In the end, the old man didn’t ask her to help with the wedding preparations. Today, at the banquet, she was kept at a distance, with only Ji Yan accompanying Lin Qiao. Moreover, the old man’s red envelope for the meeting gift was clearly a top-notch one, and Xu Li gave an excellent-quality bracelet. The more the old couple favored Lin Qiao, the more Ye Minshu, who had pushed Lin Qiao out, felt ashamed.

Her sister-in-law seemed to notice this and pulled her to the restroom midway, asking in a low voice, “Did you offend your old man, or are you unhappy because he gave too much to the younger daughter-in-law?”

What could Ye Minshu say? That those gifts were initially meant for her daughter-in-law?

Seeing her silence, her sister-in-law thought she had guessed right, “Your old man has been biased for a long time. Even if you’re unhappy, don’t show it. Xiao Ze is the eldest grandson, and with family planning, he might be the only grandson. What are you afraid of?”

Hearing her sister-in-law mention Xiao Ze, she felt even more annoyed but couldn’t tell the truth, so she said, “I just don’t want to call a girl younger than my son ‘sister-in-law.’ Look at her background. Anyone from Yandu is better than her. The old man used to dislike my background. What if he forces someone like her on Xiao Ze? How would I face that?”

When Ji Yan accompanied Lin Qiao to the restroom, she overheard this conversation and immediately raised her eyebrows. Just as she was about to loudly ask: What are you hiding in there talking about? she remembered Lin Qiao was beside her and quickly checked her expression, worried she might feel embarrassed.

Lin Qiao didn’t react much, just realizing that Ye Minshu had rejected her for this reason.

Before Ji Yan could act, Lin Qiao stepped forward and knocked on the door, “Are you done? There are people waiting outside.”

The voices inside abruptly stopped, and no one spoke for a while.

There was no shame or silent endurance. Lin Qiao knew from the beginning that Ye Minshu didn’t like her, and no amount of pleasing would help. It was better to live her own life well and be filial to the old man and Xu Li, who genuinely treated her well. Of course, she didn’t intend to argue with Ye Minshu in the restaurant. After knocking, she returned calmly, earning a thumbs-up from Ji Yan.

After a while, Ye Minshu and her sister-in-law returned, looking a bit embarrassed when they saw Lin Qiao.

Lin Qiao pretended not to notice and went to the restroom. When she returned, Ji Yan pulled her aside to touch up her lipstick. Just as she was about to continue toasting with Ji Duo, she saw someone unexpected.