Chapter 66: Who’s Even with Whom?

Marriage, ultimately, is a matter between two people.

As for everyone else, they are secondary. It’s best they don’t interfere, lest they backfire and cause trouble for the couple.

Shen Qiuyue saw clearly that not only did Lu Jianshen like Jiang Xiangxiang, but Jiang Xiangxiang also liked Lu Jianshen.

Since they liked each other, things were much simpler.

No matter what happened or what difficulties they encountered in the future, as long as they worked together, they could solve them.

Jiang Xiangxiang looked at her with gratitude, somewhat unexpectedly finding her aunt quite reasonable, at least far better than people like Ye Meiping and Lin Shufen.

Shen Qiuyue waved her hand, “You two go for a walk. No need to stay here with us. We’ll handle the rest.”

Their acknowledgment of kinship was merely a formality, especially for them, since their families lived close by and saw each other constantly.

The purpose of this meeting wasn’t just a formal acknowledgment but also a discussion between the two families about how to proceed with the wedding preparations.

This was to avoid misunderstandings later on.

Shen Qiuyue, though without a son, was well-versed in the wedding procedures, having planned her own son’s wedding.

If Jiang Xiangxiang got involved in these matters, what if the Lu family resented her?

Therefore, it was best to let the adults handle the potentially offensive tasks. Jiang Xiangxiang should simply focus on being a beautiful bride; she didn’t need to worry about anything else.

Shen Qiuyue truly showed her consideration.

Jiang Xiangxiang appreciated her kindness, not because she felt blamed, but simply because she didn’t want to deal with the hassle.

She didn’t care about the betrothal gifts or dowry.

Her space contained so many treasures; she was secure and unworried.

Jiang Xiangxiang only cared about Lu Jianshen. As long as it was him, there were no problems. Betrothal gifts and dowry were irrelevant.

Lu Jianshen wanted to stay and listen, as it concerned his lifelong matter, and he couldn’t remain silent.

Though he trusted his parents wouldn’t mistreat him, he still had a watchful father-in-law to consider.

He felt he should stay and express his thoughts appropriately.

Jiang Xiangxiang didn’t give him a chance to speak, pulling him out.

After they left, a moment of silence fell in the room. Everyone looked at each other awkwardly.

Every family has its problems, but as long as they weren’t openly discussed, it was as if nothing happened.

But now…

Jiang Chengshan coughed, “Ahem, we’re pretty much even, let’s call it quits.”

Lu Heping glanced at him, “Who’s even with you? You have a green hat, I don’t.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Jiang Chengshan lunged at him.

The bastard! He offered a way out, yet Lu Heping not only refused but also sarcastically retorted. Was there any justice?

He was furious.

Tian Xiu’e quickly pulled Jiang Chengshan back, smiling, “My dear son-in-law is right, let’s call it even. The children’s wedding is the priority. We can discuss other matters later.”

Jiang Chengshan, confident that Lu Heping wouldn’t do anything in front of Tian Xiu’e, didn’t care. When Tian Xiu’e mentioned his daughter’s wedding, his smile faltered.

Jiang Chengzhong, seeing his brother’s protectiveness, pushed him. The matter was settled; there was no need for further arguments.

If the future in-laws didn’t mind, fine. But if they did, it would cause trouble for Jiang Xiangxiang.

Absolutely not.

Jiang Chengshan said sullenly, “I don’t care about anything else, but regarding the betrothal gifts and dowry, whatever you give, I’ll match it. And I won’t keep a single cent; it’s all for Xiangxiang.”

Tian Xiu’e nodded, “Exactly. We feel the same. Jianshen rarely likes a girl, so we’ll do our best to help them start their family.”

Although she had many sons, she never considered being stingy with Lu Jianshen.

There was no need; they weren’t desperately poor.

Jiang Chengshan felt slightly better and continued, “I only have one request: can their wedding be postponed? At least until Lu Jianshen returns next time.”

He had a clever plan. Lu Jianshen would be away for at least half a year before his next leave.

This would give him time to compensate Xiangxiang.

Lu Heping said impatiently, “Impossible. Since they’re in love, they should marry sooner rather than later. Men should marry when they’re older, and women should marry when they’re older…”

Jiang Chengshan was angered by his tone, “I disagree!”

Shen Qiuyue spoke again, “Lao Er, this isn’t the time for stubbornness. Xiangxiang’s opinion matters most. She seems eager to marry Jianshen, so it’s better to settle it quickly for everyone’s peace of mind.”

It was a good idea.

Besides, young people are impulsive. If they did something reckless, it would be bad.

Shen Qiuyue was worried they might do something inappropriate, especially given Lu Jianshen’s status and Jiang Xiangxiang’s reputation. If Jiang Xiangxiang’s reputation was ruined, or if she got pregnant unexpectedly, her future would be even harder.

Jiang Chengshan felt wronged but knew this wasn’t the time to insist. His opinion didn’t matter.

When Jiang Xiangxiang was mentioned, he deflated like a punctured balloon, unable to speak.

Jiang Chengzhong felt it was rushed and asked, “One thing’s bothering me. Are you sure there are no problems with Lu Jianshen’s background?”

They said he was found in a trash can, but what if there were complications?

Nothing was apparent now, but after Lu Jianshen and Jiang Xiangxiang married, things might change. If troublesome people appeared then, it would be unbearable.

If they didn’t know, it was fine, but now that they knew, they had to consider it.