Chapter 324 - 197: Birth_1
Let’s not talk about how, after many years of longing, Wan Dazhong finally married the girl of his dreams and how overjoyed he was, or how lively the Wan family was. Let’s talk about Guiyuan instead, which, despite also being full of guests, lacked the jubilant atmosphere of the Wan family’s.
It’s the same with hosting a joyous occasion. The family marrying off their daughter always seems less cheerful than the one receiving a new bride. Perhaps this is the difference between marrying off and welcoming in. After raising a daughter for over a decade, suddenly she leaves and belongs to another family, and it just doesn’t feel right.
It was especially so for the Qian family, who had supported each other through thick and thin, always considering each member indispensable. But after today, they would be one member short. It was understandable why Lady Wu and a few others felt sad, but Qian Sangui’s constant red eyes and drooping brows were a mix of amusing and pathetic.
Old man Qian frowned upon seeing his son in such a despondent state, thinking to himself how his third son used to be so bold and strong. After falling ill, it seemed he had become overly sensitive and emotional, like a woman.
By the afternoon, the guests had left one after another.
Only those few who had come first remained, planning to start their journey home the following morning.
Liang Zechong didn’t want to leave at all the next day, but he also felt it would be inappropriate to continue his stay. He had no close relationship with the Qian family and had come under the pretense of congratulating them on the marriage of their daughter; to extend his visit would be unreasonable.
He did not wish to return to the provincial city, where there were too many social obligations—people constantly reaching out for official matters or trying to establish connections. He also did not want to return to the capital, partly because he was worried about his eldest grandson, partly because his wife wanted to spend more time with her ailing mother, and partly because he wished to enjoy a peaceful moment while he was free from responsibilities.
During his stay at Guiyuan, he either roamed around Hexi Garden or took the animals from the House of Animals for walks in the Mountain of Flowers and Fruits and the Moonlit Lotus Pond. He didn’t even show his face in the front courtyard on the wedding day itself, even though he knew many officials from Xishan County Town had come especially for him.
These few days, he felt were the most relaxed and joyful days he had ever had in his life. Free from the chaos of the court and concerns for his family’s future, he could breathe the fresh, moist air and let his mind become as clear as the sky after the rain.
Unfortunately, his stay only lasted three days before he had to leave.
But Qian Yixiu couldn’t wait for this imposing guest to leave; with him at home, the entire family was on high alert, fearing they wouldn’t cater to his needs well enough and offend him. Especially Grandfather Sangui, who would tremble every day as he went to pay his respects to the distinguished guest.