The burly man who went to scout soon returned, shouting that there was no problem.
There were only a dozen people inside, most of whom looked like women, children, and beggars. They were likely also seeking shelter from the rain and an overnight stay. The Cheng family could rest assured and enter.
Patriarch Cheng shouted a cheer, then called for everyone to hurry. Those behind him were also delighted. They returned to their carriages and then sped up.
Heavenly Official Temple.
The temple was not small, even spacious, with three side rooms and a large courtyard.
However, in the strong wind, it appeared even more dilapidated. Wood chips weathered by wind and sun chipped off and fell with crackling sounds, but the stone structure still looked very solid.
It was a place where everyone implicitly agreed to rest. Moreover, being located near the mountaintop, far from the bustling city and villages, even the young beggars, who found it inconvenient to beg for food, did not live there permanently. It was merely a resting point.
Although the temple looked shabby, and the ground was covered with dead branches and fallen leaves, the framework and the land it occupied still hinted at its past prosperity.
Yet, after more than ten years of peace and recuperation, it had not recovered even a tenth of its former glory.
This showed how terrifying war was, capable of reducing a prosperous dynasty to such a state.
Su Miaomiao, following Cheng Hao out of the carriage, felt a sense of lament. Cheng Hao, however, covered her head with his arms and hugged her tightly as he walked towards the main hall, clearly not wanting her to look around.
After all, the wind was strong, and there was a lot of debris. It would be bad if sand or small objects got into her eyes.
Su Miaomiao obediently followed.
Cheng Hao brought her into the main hall of the temple, then scanned for a corner where he could place the person in his embrace.
Patriarch Cheng and Madam Cheng had already been escorted in and were affectionately dusting sand off each other’s clothes, while Jiang Xiyue was also attending to herself.
Two young maids were diligently cleaning a spot for them and laying down cloth cushions.
Seeing Su Miaomiao escorted in by Cheng Hao, looking clean and tidy, Jiang Xiyue felt a pang of sourness in her heart, regretting that she had made the man wait for too long back then.
Otherwise, the person being carefully held in Cheng Hao’s arms would be her.
A plan formed in Jiang Xiyue’s mind. With a harmless smile, she gracefully walked over, even reaching out affectionately to pull Su Miaomiao’s hand, and said joyfully, “Greetings, sister. Today was supposed to be a joyous occasion for cousin and you, but this happened, which is truly distressing. I should have greeted you earlier, but in the chaos, I couldn’t manage it. I hope sister doesn’t blame me.”
Unexpectedly.
Su Miaomiao immediately dodged, nestled in Cheng Hao’s arms, and playfully glanced at her with a smile, saying, “Cousin, you indeed seem flustered. Since I have entered the Cheng family, I am your cousin’s wife. Why are you addressing me incorrectly? You should call me sister-in-law.”
Hmph.
If you want to snatch Cheng Hao from me, either I’ll beat you to death, or I’ll strip off your hypocritical face.
The other party’s sharp tongue caused Jiang Xiyue’s expression to change. She immediately became flustered and said, “Oh dear, look at me. It’s all my fault. I was so eager to greet sister-in-law that my mind was unsettled, and I spoke nonsense. I hope sister-in-law will not hold it against me.”
The implication in her words was that she was so preoccupied with greeting her that she was unsettled and spoke carelessly, so Su Miaomiao shouldn't be angry with her for her muddled speech.
Su Miaomiao grinned at her amicably, but her smile seemed to hold a hint of malice.
Jiang Xiyue felt a bit uneasy. She furrowed her delicate brows, looking pitiful. In reality, she wondered why this delicate woman, raised in seclusion, was different from the rumors.
Su Miaomiao smiled again and said, “Don’t worry, I really won’t hold it against you.” If someone truly provoked her, she would simply beat them on the head.
Although Cheng Hao didn’t say much, he tacitly acknowledged Su Miaomiao’s status. Even though the wedding was not yet complete with the bridal chamber ceremony, they were considered husband and wife after the ritual.
Patriarch Cheng and Madam Cheng also noticed the situation. Understanding Cheng Hao’s attitude, they didn’t say much. In such times, being able to get married was a great fortune.
Seeing this, Madam Cheng whispered a few words to Patriarch Cheng. Patriarch Cheng called the three children over, and Cheng Hao also brought Su Miaomiao with him.
Jiang Xiyue also followed with a humble nod, feigning remorse for her misspoken words.
She was indeed disappointed.
She hadn’t expected Cheng Hao to be so devoted. He doted on his wife so much even before they had entered the bridal chamber.
He showed no intention of abandoning her.
Because he was so good, it made her regret her decision even more, making her angry that she had given him away, while he looked smug as if he had found a treasure.
It was truly infuriating.
Jiang Xiyue gritted her teeth viciously.
Madam Cheng lovingly pulled Jiang Xiyue to her side, then playfully chided her, “You foolish girl, your parents doted on you too much, raising you to be so inexperienced. You lose your composure and speak nonsense at the slightest thing.”
Jiang Xiyue lowered her head shyly, biting her lip in annoyance, “Aunt, please don’t scold me. Xiyue knows she was wrong, and she has apologized to sister-in-law. Sister-in-law is very magnanimous.”
Patriarch Cheng, who was fond of beautiful women, couldn’t resist the lively expression of the budding young girl and said with a soft heart, “They are all children. My dear wife, don’t blame her too much. What Hao’er and Miaomiao did was right. As the eldest son and daughter-in-law, they should have a magnanimous heart.”
Cheng Hao, thinking they still had to follow the convoy, nodded in agreement, then smiled and said, “There are still rules to be followed. Since Miaomiao married me, she is my wife. I don’t want anyone to look down on her or give her a hard time.”
Patriarch Cheng laughed heartily, “My son takes after me, valuing loyalty and righteousness. This is how it should be! Since Miaomiao is the eldest daughter-in-law of my Cheng family, I’ll see who dares to bully her!”
One who can lead a family and has experienced turmoil is naturally not a fool.
Patriarch Cheng understood Jiang Xiyue’s thoughts perfectly. She regretted not agreeing to become his daughter-in-law, and now seeing how good Cheng Hao was, she was jealous. He understood such childish emotions very well.
They were all minor matters.
Patriarch Cheng was merely happy about his legitimate son’s charm.
If he had his way,
Taking Jiang Xiyue as a concubine in the future would be no big deal.
It was just that his legitimate son had already stated his position, implying that he currently only wanted Su Miaomiao as his primary wife and would not allow anyone to bully her. Patriarch Cheng only had this one legitimate son, and after his wife’s passing, he was the white moonlight in his heart. How could he not indulge him?
Patriarch Cheng, in his generosity, said, “Although we are fleeing for our lives now, our family fortune remains. Later, when we find a place to settle down, Hao’er, you take Miaomiao to pick out some things she likes. The box of jewelry that your mother kept for her future daughter-in-law, give it all to Miaomiao.”
Cheng Hao was satisfied and nodded, saying, “Thank you, Father.” Su Miaomiao could finally speak, and she also said with a smile, “Thank you, Father!” Her voice was loud and clear, without any affectation.
Patriarch Cheng, seeing this lively young girl with bright eyes and pearly teeth, was extremely fond of her. He chuckled repeatedly, “Good, good, good. You are a sensible and generous child, a good child.”