The joyous celebrations of the day finally concluded at night, with Liang Pan successfully marrying the woman of his heart. Their wedding night lasted until dawn.
When Wei Lanxuan awoke, it was already Chen Shi.
Seeing the bright daylight outside, she grew anxious. She nudged the still-sleeping Liang Pan and said, "Pan Lang, quickly get up. We still need to serve tea to your father, and we mustn't be late." m..oΓg
Although her maternal family's status was higher than the Liang family's, she still had to observe the proper etiquette after marrying in. Liang Pan, stirred by her urgency, gradually woke up.
Looking at Wei Lanxuan's flushed cheeks and recalling the events of the previous night, he shyly leaned closer and said, "Lan'er, you're so eager today. It seems your husband wasn't diligent enough."
Wei Lanxuan was stunned at first, then her face turned crimson, reaching her ears. She reached out to playfully hit Liang Pan, "Husband, you're not shy at all! It's broad daylight, why are you speaking such nonsense?"
Seeing Wei Lanxuan's reaction, Liang Pan couldn't help but laugh heartily. "Alright, alright, let's get up, let's get up! We'll go serve tea to Father right away!"
The couple exchanged smiles. People say newlyweds are deeply in love, and this was perfectly embodied in them.
Liang Quanbin, seated above and having received the new bride's tea, looked at them with a face full of paternal affection. He then handed over the keys to managing the household and the account books entirely to Wei Lanxuan.
"Pan'er's mother passed away early, and I've been managing the household myself all these years. There were times I couldn't attend to everything, and the family's shops weren't managed very well. Now that you've married into our family, this household naturally falls under your charge. I hope you'll bear with it. I'm not home often, so you don't need to come to pay respects daily. Just come once on the first and fifteenth of each month."
These words left Wei Lanxuan somewhat overwhelmed with gratitude.
She had known beforehand that she wouldn't have to serve a mother-in-law after marrying in, but she hadn't expected her father-in-law to be so accommodating. It made her feel a little ashamed.
Liang Luo, standing beside them, chuckled and interjected, "Father is usually strict with us, but he's very kind to sister-in-law now. Sister-in-law, you must work hard and let Father embrace a grandchild soon. By then, let alone managing the household, even giving your heart away, I believe Father and brother would be willing."
"What nonsense are you spouting!" Liang Quanbin chided Liang Luo.
Such talk made Wei Lanxuan understand more. "Father-in-law, please rest assured. Since I have married into the Liang family, the Liang family is now my home. Continuing the lineage, managing the inner chambers, and contributing to the family are indeed my duties as a daughter-in-law."
Hearing her words, Liang Quanbin nodded. Other matters were secondary; "contributing to the family" could indeed be prioritized.
He cast a deep glance at Liang Pan, his meaning quite clear. Liang Pan suddenly spoke up.
"Father, Lan'er, I was so happy yesterday that I forgot to mention it. My maternal grandfather has agreed to let me work in the Imperial Guard. I expect news to arrive in the next couple of days."
This news was within Liang Quanbin's expectations, but Wei Lanxuan was pleasantly surprised.
"What position will husband take?"
"I don't know yet. We'll have to wait and see. I'll likely not be a high-ranking official when I first start."
"That's natural. But as long as husband is diligent, I believe those in charge will recognize your efforts."
It didn't matter who was in charge; what was important was for her grandfather to see her husband's diligence. She thought for a moment and then said to Liang Quanbin, "Father-in-law, please rest assured. When I return to my maiden home, I will speak with my grandfather again. Now that the Wei family and the Liang family are as close as kin, we naturally must support each other."
Hearing this, Liang Quanbin felt he had chosen a good daughter-in-law!
Liang Luo, standing nearby, was also overjoyed. If her father and brother could both be more capable, she would have more backing when she went to the Ninth Prince's manor.
She quickly ran to Wei Lanxuan's side and said, "Sister-in-law, please get up quickly. Be careful not to hurt your knees from kneeling for too long."
Regardless of whether her attitude was sincere or not, Wei Lanxuan was in a good mood to receive respect and consideration from everyone in the Liang family.
The day for returning to her maiden home soon arrived.
The Duke of Wei's manor had prepared everything in advance, awaiting the arrival of their young lady and her husband.
Among them, Yue Jian was the most diligent!
The three days her young lady had been away were the most difficult for her. Looking at A Li beside her, she increasingly found him shifty-eyed, regretting her actions and lamenting how she had ruined her bright future. She eagerly awaited her young lady's return to take her away.
The servants at the gate, seeing the Liang family's carriage approach, happily went to greet them.
With honeyed words, they said, "Welcome, young lady and husband, back for your return visit."
Their voices were so loud that they could be heard at the second gate. Yue Jian, who was under the covered walkway, heard this and bolted, completely forgetting that she was pregnant.
A Li, chasing after her, shouted, "Slow down, slow down!"
If nothing else, his child in her belly couldn't withstand such jolting.
As Wei Lanxuan entered, she saw her maid running towards her, tears in her eyes, filled with emotion.
"You're usually so composed, why are you like this today? Are you eager to return with me?"
"This servant has never been away from my young lady for so long. Every day, I wished for my young lady to return sooner."
The bond between Wei Lanxuan and Yue Jian was indeed extraordinary. Seeing her genuine emotion, Wei Lanxuan was also happy.
Liang Pan had recently learned the reason why Yue Jian hadn't accompanied her as part of the dowry, and he was somewhat surprised.
Just as he was about to speak, he saw A Li catch up, breathless. He didn't look particularly healthy, and his appearance was quite ordinary. He wondered why Yue Jian, who had seen the world, would fancy him.
Seeing her husband staring at A Li, Yue Jian felt quite embarrassed. She stepped forward and said, "Young lady, the courtyard has your favorite Jade Bone Drunk. The small kitchen has also prepared your usual favorite dishes. Young lady, please go in quickly. Duke and Old Madam and Elder Master have been waiting for a long time."
After all, she had served her the longest and knew her thoughts and preferences. Wei Lanxuan smiled faintly and moved forward, patting her shoulder. "Have all the things been packed? Can you return with me today?"
"Young lady, please rest assured. The items have been prepared long ago, awaiting only your command."
"Alright, then let's return to the Liang residence first. You two can hold your wedding ceremony at the residence, and then you can go to the estate."
"Yes, young lady." Yue Jian's excitement was palpable.
As they spoke, Yue Jian walked to her left, standing in her once most familiar position, as if everything had returned to the past.
She gave A Li a look. Seeing him trailing behind, walking timidly, she felt even more exasperated.
They passed through the covered walkway and entered the front hall, where they saw the Duke, the Old Madam, and the eldest young master of the Wei family.
The couple respectfully stepped forward to pay their respects.