Chapter 70: The Wedding

“Alright, I trust your arrangements. Let’s do as you said. That’s enough, I won’t see you off—hurry on back now.”

At the entrance of Qianjia Village, Matchmaker Qian stopped walking.

After speaking, she glanced at Qian Xile.

Her eyes carried a trace of pity.

This child’s life is too bitter.

Her parents died early, her eldest brother doesn’t care for her, and her sister-in-law has a black heart and rotten lungs.

Luckily, she encountered the Jiang family, who will protect her. Hopefully, in the second half of her life, she can finally live in peace.

That was what Matchmaker Qian thought.

Earlier, she had seen everything clearly in the Qian household.

If Zhang Jinlan hadn’t stopped her, little Xile might have blurted out curses.

It would’ve felt good in the moment, but with so many people watching at the doorway, as a junior—even if she had reason—she couldn’t openly scold an elder.

An elder sister-in-law is like a mother.

If she dared to curse, even with reason, she would be the one in the wrong.

And if Zhu Pan’er shed a few tears and complained, even the clan head would have to intervene.

By then, the matter would blow up, and Xile’s reputation would be ruined completely.

After watching the Jiang family leave, Matchmaker Qian turned back home.

This marriage was the one she felt most satisfied with arranging.

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When they arrived in Jiangjia Village, Qian Xile was temporarily placed at Ma Chunxia’s home by Zhang Jinlan.

The wedding date was moved up—to just three days later.

Though it was rushed, there was no other way.

She couldn’t stay at Ma Chunxia’s house indefinitely.

In the village, gossip was the most feared thing.

Better to get married early.

At this time, the Jiang family’s house was still being rebuilt—the foundation just dug.

Originally, the three brothers shared one room. But because a room had to be vacated for Jiang Tongjin’s marriage, Jiang Tongmu and Jiang Tongshui took over Jiang Fubao’s room.

Poor Jiang Fubao had to squeeze in with her parents.

Meanwhile, Jiang Tongji and Jiang Tongxiang were crammed into a room with their grandparents.

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On the evening before the wedding day, after dinner, Grandma carried Jiang Fubao into a room.

With a serious look, Zhang Jinlan said to her:

“Fubao, promise Grandma one thing, alright?”

Though puzzled, Fubao obediently nodded.

“Tomorrow your eldest brother is getting married. Many people will come, plus the workers coming and going for the house construction. Fubao, promise Grandma—until the new house is built, don’t let that white-bearded grandpa from your dreams bring things, alright? If others see it, we won’t be able to explain.”

She worried deeply for her granddaughter’s safety.

The secret on this child was too astonishing.

If someone with ill intent saw it, it would all be over.

The fields often suffered drought.

People everywhere didn’t have enough to eat—yet her granddaughter seemed to be under divine protection, receiving eggs, grain, even washcloths in her sleep.

If she were kidnapped and locked in a room, forced day after day to produce things… what then?

Zhang Jinlan dared not even imagine further.

She hugged Jiang Fubao tightly, eyes full of fear.

“Alright, I promise Grandma. I won’t let the white-bearded grandpa send things anymore. Don’t worry.”

Fubao was hugged so tightly she nearly couldn’t breathe.

Struggling free, she replied softly.

“Mhm, Fubao is the best girl.”

Zhang Jinlan’s face softened with relief.

“Grandma, when the house is finished, I want my own room.”

Taking advantage of Grandma’s good mood, Fubao pressed her demand.

After all, the original body was only three years old.

The family wouldn’t allow her to sleep alone.

Most likely, she’d be forced to share with her two brothers again once the new house was built.

But she didn’t want that.

Every night was like living as a thief—she couldn’t even walk loudly.

It was unbearable.

“Alright, Grandma will agree. As long as Fubao is obedient, whatever you want, Grandma will grant.”

Zhang Jinlan smiled kindly, her rough hand gently stroking Fubao’s hair.

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Night fell quickly.

With a busy day ahead, the Jiang family went to bed early.

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Dong dong dong—
Kang kang kang—
Cock-a-doodle-doo—

Before dawn, Fubao was woken by the noises in the courtyard.

Chopping wood, roosters crowing—no matter how good her sleep, she couldn’t stay asleep.

Her parents had already left the bed.

Stretching with a long yawn, she dressed herself and carefully climbed down from the bed.

Outside, she looked up—the sky was still bluish. At least half an hour until sunrise.

She had risen too early.

But the Jiang family courtyard was already bustling.

Some pasted red “double happiness” characters on the door, some tidied the yard, some washed clothes or swept, some carried tables and chairs.

Even the children weren’t exempt—her two older brothers were helping as well.

Quietly, Fubao squatted in the yard brushing her teeth.

“Fubao’s up already? What a good girl. Mama will fetch hot water for you—wash your face, then eat quickly.”

Zhang Yanzi, carrying a basin of vegetables, came to fetch water from the vat. She spotted her little daughter brushing her teeth—a tiny bundle, looking so well-behaved.

Her heart melted.

“Mmm—” Fubao’s mouth was full of foam. She could only hum in reply.

After washing up and brushing teeth, breakfast began.

Today’s breakfast was simple—thick egg congee.

Several eggs were beaten into the pot, blending with the grains of rice, yellow and white intertwined. It looked good, but tasted faintly fishy, with no salt.

Honestly—not very good.

Fubao only managed half a bowl.

Just as she set it down, her mother grabbed her. A quarter of an hour later, two little buns sat high on her head.

Her round cheeks, big eyes, and the hairstyle made her look even cuter.

“My darling girl, how can you be so pretty?”

Overcome with love, Zhang Yanzi squished her chubby cheeks and kissed both sides before reluctantly letting go to return to chores.

By now, the sky had turned pale, the sun about to rise in the east.

The Jiang family’s main gate stood open. Five or six villagers arrived to help.

Every one of them had to pinch Fubao’s cheeks as they passed.

“How is this child growing prettier and prettier? Look at that hair—like a little immortal child. Come, let aunty hold you!”

“She’s three, yet my grandson’s the same age and runs like a monkey, dark as coal. Just looking at him makes me annoyed.”

“Haha, then have your younger daughter-in-law give you a granddaughter to play with.”

The women laughed and chatted.

Taking the chance, Fubao slipped away.

Rubbing her cheeks outside the gate, she winced at the soreness.

These aunts, with their rough hands from farm work and no sense of gentleness—how could her tender skin endure that?

Without even looking in a mirror, she knew her face must be red all over.

She looked utterly defeated.

Home—she wasn’t going back, not yet.

Instead, she’d go next door to see what her future sister-in-law was doing.

Today, her sister-in-law would be leaving Ma Chunxia’s house to get married.