"Xingyun, this painting of yours is truly lifelike, so vivid!" Nian Jiaojiao exclaimed excitedly, forgetting even her usual affectionate address.
Xingyun looked at his painting and finally realized. The wife he had painted today was wearing clothes! What was he panicking about? After Nian Jiaojiao and Nan Qing left for the day, Xingyun had returned to his room to "create," but unfortunately, he lacked "material" and inspiration. Thus, he could only create this "Wife Playing the Qin." The painting depicted Nian Jiaojiao playing the qin under the willow tree that day. To be honest, even without hearing the music, the posture of the woman playing the qin in the painting suggested a master of her craft.
"Yun'er, could you give me this painting?" Nian Jiaojiao was completely enamored with it.
Seeing how much she liked his painting, Xingyun was overjoyed. He shyly nodded, "As long as Wife likes it, what belongs to Yun'er belongs to Wife."
Look at the way he spoke. It was truly tantalizing! Nian Jiaojiao couldn't resist stroking his soft hair for a while.
After a moment, as she walked out of Xingyun's room with the painting as if it were a precious treasure, she coincidentally bumped into Nan Qing. Nian Jiaojiao, full of joy, wanted to share with him: "Nan Qing, you're just in time, come quickly and see the painting Xingyun did for me!"
A flicker of strangeness crossed Nan Qing's eyes, and then he said with an unnatural expression, "No need, I'm busy." With that, he turned and walked away.
Nian Jiaojiao: ???
...
A month later.
Nian Jiaojiao had recently felt that something was off about Tong Fu. Every time she saw her, there was a smile in the corner of her eyes, and occasionally she could hear her humming a tune.
"Xiao Fu!" Nian Jiaojiao walked over with a smile.
"W-what do you want!" Tong Fu had just walked into the main door when she saw a figure block her path.
"Speak, have you found another dog outside?" Nian Jiaojiao cornered Tong Fu against the wall and, with a "snap," executed a wall slam. Tong Fu's eyes darted left and right, avoiding Nian Jiaojiao's gaze. "You, you, what are you talking about? I, I don't understand!"
"Young lady, please look me in the eye and answer this question!" httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět Nian Jiaojiao forcefully turned Tong Fu's head straight and continued to press: "Alright, alright...."
Seeing that she couldn't escape, Tong Fu could only honestly explain the whole story. Nian Jiaojiao patted her shoulder, her voice filled with relief, "You're finally going to have a man, this is a good thing!" She then cupped her chin in thought, "Hmm... let me think, your mother isn't here, and you've run away from home. As the eldest sibling, acting as a father figure, you can ask Young Master Tong to help you propose. Of course, as your friend, I will also go and will not mistreat your beloved."
Tong Fu swallowed hard, "Don't you think it's too soon....."
"Time waits for no one! Didn't you say that young master has reached the age of marriage? What if someone else snatches him up?" Nian Jiaojiao thought for a moment before saying, "No, we must plan carefully. First, we need to prepare the bridal chamber, then the betrothal gifts. There's so much to do!"
Hearing Nian Jiaojiao mention that "someone else might snatch him up," Tong Fu also started to get anxious. She responded eagerly, "Then I'll go find my brother right away!"
Nian Jiaojiao nodded with satisfaction, stroking her head like a doting mother, "A teachable child."
...
Three days later.
The house was ready. The house wasn't large, but it was exquisite, with features like rock gardens and ponds, making it look very elegant. The location of the courtyard was also good, situated on a street not far from the Nian family's residence. Therefore, the price of the house was not low, costing a hefty 4200 taels of silver. Tong Fu didn't have that much liquid capital, so Nian Jiaojiao contributed 1000 taels to make up the sum.
"Jiaojiao, I will definitely return this money to you in the future," Tong Fu said gratefully.
Nian Jiaojiao smiled, "Don't worry about the money, you know I recently came into some unexpected wealth."
At this moment, five men were also present. Tong Ziyao also thanked her, "Even sisters keep accounts clear, 6000 taels is not a small amount, thank you."
Because they were preparing the betrothal gifts, Nian Jiaojiao and Tong Ziyao spent 5000 taels. Tong Fu mentioned that the young master she intended to marry was from a noble family, so Nian Jiaojiao and Tong Ziyao prepared the betrothal gifts according to the basic configuration for marrying into a noble family. Nian Jiaojiao initially suggested preparing more, so as not to be looked down upon, but Tong Fu said with a happy expression, "He's not someone who places much importance on wealth." Thus, Nian Jiaojiao didn't insist further.
However... Nian Jiaojiao looked at her own husband, who was gazing at the piles of betrothal gifts with eyes full of astonishment, and thought about how they had been simply brought home by the original owner. A pang of heartache struck her. She decided then and there that after Tong Fu's wedding, she would arrange a proper wedding ceremony for them.
"Xiao Fu, have you and he agreed on everything? What is the stance of his parents?" Nian Jiaojiao confirmed before they departed.
Tong Fu nodded, "Yes, I asked. There are no issues. I visited his home a few days ago, and his parents are very kind people, they didn't make things difficult for me!"
Nian Jiaojiao looked at Tong Fu's innocent expression. She couldn't help but think: This is probably a case of the simple-minded being blessed. Tong Fu's naivety and lack of worldly experience were precious qualities in the eyes of those from noble families accustomed to intrigue and deception.
The three of them, with a procession of hired people, arrived at the entrance of the mansion. The Huang Residence. Looking at the three resplendent golden characters, Nian Jiaojiao's heart grew uncertain. When Tong Fu had mentioned the Huang Residence earlier, she hadn't thought of the Huang Residence she knew. But looking at the scale of this mansion now...
Just as Nian Jiaojiao was speculating, a familiar female voice came from ahead, "Case Leader Nian! Is that you?" When Nian Jiaojiao saw Huang Bantian, she knew her guess was correct. But she still confirmed with Tong Fu beside her, "What is your beloved Young Master Huang's full name?"
Tong Fu looked astonished, "Didn't I tell you? His name is Huang Mingxuan."
Nian Jiaojiao: !!! Amazing, sister! You snatched the heroine's man!
...
Inside the Huang Residence. The main hall. The head of the Huang family, Madam Huang, sat in the main seat, with Huang Mingxuan's biological father on her right. Huang Mingxuan was not present. After some pleasantries, Madam Huang suddenly said, "So, your parents do not plan to come to Qingzhou."
Upon hearing Madam Huang's question, Tong Fu thought she was implying a lack of sincerity and replied with some trepidation, "My parents are in Shanshui Town, and the journey is long. However, I can make my own decisions regarding my marriage!"
Madam Huang looked at Tong Fu deeply. When it came to her son's lifelong happiness, she wouldn't fail to investigate thoroughly. The other party had run away from home and seemed to have severed contact with her original family. However, she still confirmed, "If your mother were to come to Qingzhou and demand that you return home to inherit the family business, what would you do?"
Tong Fu repeatedly shook her head, "I'm not going back, I'm very happy here!"
Madam Huang nodded with satisfaction, "I heard you bought a small house outside...."
Tong Fu nodded. "You don't need to live in that house anymore, just stay at the Huang Residence."