Chapter 1038: Getting Married

March 28th, sunny, light breeze, very auspicious.

Early this morning, Wang Yan, dressed in a large red wedding robe, rode a tall horse, leading a team of musicians, as well as carriages and other personnel, to Yangzhou city to pick up the bride.

This tall horse was a reward from Zhao Zhen; it was the very one he rode when he rode through the streets, and it was only ridden back from Bianjing yesterday. This horse had a gentle temperament and was fine for normal riding, but it couldn't gallop on the battlefield and couldn't be a warhorse. Because the function of the imperial horses was different, and the direction of training was also somewhat different. Of course, there were warhorses, but for a civil top scholar, there was no need for that.

Besides this big white horse, there was the standard reward of 200,000 cash for passing the imperial examination, which was 200 strings of full cash. In addition, there were other silks, silk fabrics, satins, and so on, which were also worth dozens of strings of cash. Perhaps it could be seen as a small subsidy for the learning costs of those who passed the imperial examination, just like some units and companies, for those who passed certain certificates and obtained certain certifications, they would reimburse a portion...

In Wang Family Village behind the wedding procession, smoke had long been rising from every household, and it was busy and bustling with noise.

The pigs and sheep that had been raised for a long time, as well as the five old yellow cattle that had accidentally fallen to their deaths elsewhere, and the chickens, ducks, and geese, didn't need to be mentioned; they were all lined up waiting to have their necks wiped for a warm boiling water bath.

The old and young men in the village, as well as other merchant caravan members who hadn't gone out, and the physicians, shopkeepers, female physicians, and midwives working in the city, all came to the village in advance.

They were busy processing ingredients together, and also cleaning the tables and chairs that had been prepared long ago by the river, and then setting them up in the village.

Because there were so many people, the rooms couldn't host them, so they had to dine in the open air. However, Wang Family Village was very clean and was truly a wealthy area. Some scholars who came to participate might not even be as rich as the people in the village.

However, considering the huge class differences, it was still divided into two parts. Outside guests were one part, and villagers were another, separated by a distance. Of course, the liveliness was not bad; just the registered population of Wang Family Village was 586, and counting other workers in the city, members of merchant caravans, and so on, it was over 700.

And Wang Yan was truly widely connected; without involving interests or fighting, he could basically walk through all of Yangzhou. For such a good thing as marriage, many people were willing to show their support. Not to mention that Wang Yan had already started writing letters to invite people after taking the provincial examination in the capital. Today's scene would definitely not be small.

When they reached the South City Gate, the city gate had just opened.

"Young Master Wang... ptooey ptooey, look at my mouth, now it should be called Great Official." The little military leader guarding the city gate bared his yellow teeth and cupped his hands to Wang Yan. "Knowing that the Great Official is marrying the Sheng family's young lady today, I specifically changed my shift. Congratulations to the Great Official, may you have many children and grandchildren, and may your wealth be long-lasting."

"I didn't expect that after half a year, your words are becoming increasingly pleasant."

"Hey, I can't be called that by the Great Official." The little military leader waved his hand repeatedly, but he was happy.

Wang Yan became the top scholar and was sent to Hangzhou to be a prefectural judge; now it was known to everyone in Yangzhou. So for Wang Yan to still be polite to him, the little military leader was very honored. Of course, Wang Yan was polite to him, but he didn't dare to really treat himself as an older brother. He wouldn't before, and now that Wang Yan was an official, he would be even less likely to.

"Does it mean that Wang has changed because he became an official?" Wang Yan smiled. "Come, give the brothers some wedding money, and invite everyone to eat wedding wine."

"Thank you for the reward, Great Official."

"This is not a reward, it's letting you brothers help add some festive spirit."

After saying this with a smile, Wang Yan continued to ride the horse and entered the city.

The road was crowded with people, all looking at the excitement and grabbing wedding money. There was nothing to see in the excitement of ordinary people, but the excitement of a top scholar was obviously different. It was real money being scattered; it was scattered when going, and it had to be scattered when returning.

There were also children jumping and shuttling through the procession; in ordinary times, they would naturally be annoying, but marriage was different; the saying of "attracting wealth and sending children" could explain it very clearly.

Just like this, they were lively all the way to the Sheng Mansion.

And in the Sheng Mansion, Hualan had long been made up, wearing a green wedding dress, with many jewels on her head, sitting upright. Looking at her younger sister running around in her room, looking at her younger brother who was checking the dowry on the side, and her mother who was shouting there, she couldn't help but cry again.

She had always hoped to marry a wishful husband, but when this day really came, realizing that she was going to leave home and go to a strange environment, she still felt very reluctant.

"You're crying at this time, your makeup is ruined." Wang Shi walked over with dissatisfaction, counting the eldest daughter who was streaming with tears.

"Mother~" Hualan sobbed aggrievedly.

Wang Shi sighed, reached out to wipe her daughter's tears: "We women, sooner or later, have such a day. You are blessed; which family's young lady picked up a man on the street and he became a top scholar? Wang Yan's family is clean, there are no human relationships to deal with, no one to preach to you with seniority, and no one to use you as a raft. Looking at it over the past year, Wang Yan is a generous person, and will definitely not treat you harshly. The dowry our family gave is more than all of Wang Yan's family assets, so you don't have to suffer his anger. Although you are leaving home, you can still write letters, and it's not like you can't see each other. Your father will be transferred back to the capital when his term ends this year, and Wang Yan will only be in Hangzhou for two years; by then we can meet again in the capital. Hua'er, don't cry."

Her earnest words made Hualan cry even louder.

Seeing Hualan cry so loudly, Wang Shi lost her patience and slapped her not too lightly: "You were always thinking about getting married, and now you're crying endlessly. You guys, hurry up and tidy her up; the wedding party will be here in a while."

"Young lady, don't cry, the young master is coming, it won't be good if you ruin your makeup."

A few maids coaxed her with good words, and she had indeed cried past that sadness, so Hualan gradually stopped her tears, turning instead to her expectation of Wang Yan...

"The wedding party is here~"

A famous old matchmaker in Yangzhou city shouted at the top of her lungs.

A famous old matchmaker in Yangzhou City shouted at the top of her lungs.

Holding Hualan's hand, he walked out, sent her into the carriage, Wang Yan turned back to cup his hands and salute Sheng Hong and the others who had sent them out, looked at Changbai who was standing on the side watching the excitement, and smiled: "Changbai, want to come along and join the fun?"

Ouyang Fa, who had been following by his side watching the excitement, was more straightforward, bowed to Sheng Hong and the others, and then pulled Changbai away: "Senior brother's wedding is a great thing, why care about so many rules? Moreover, most of the Yangzhou scholars will come today, so it's good to make friends."

Seeing Changbai looking at himself, Sheng Hong shook his head with a smile: "Go."

Seeing Changbai looking at him, Sheng Hong shook his head with amusement: "Go."

Behind them was the Sheng family's dowry procession, which was truly a nouveau riche style, really sending a lot of things.

Some porcelain, calligraphy, and paintings, as well as various silks and satins, several large cabinets and dressing tables made, as well as various gold and jade ornaments in boxes, various land deeds, house deeds, account books, and so on.

It's no wonder that in the original drama, the Earl's mansion that married Hualan was greedy for Hualan's dowry; this is truly rich. Wang Yan had managed the industry for a year, and in terms of money, he was truly a poor man in front of the Sheng family. But in terms of actual effect, it was probably enough to easily wash the entire Sheng family in blood, and then go up the mountain to become a bandit.

Having money means having soldiers; whether they are loyal or not, there are people following to eat, and it is easy to be coerced into acting in unison. Having soldiers also means having money; the army passes, not a blade of grass grows, and they can't be without food?

Wang Yan actually felt a bit ashamed; on such a happy day, he actually used the lives of the entire clan of his generous father-in-law to make an analogy, which was really not right, really not right...

All the way back to Wang Family Village ten miles away.

Because it was a bit far, those who went to drink wedding wine naturally had to set off early. Wang Yan took some time to pick up Hualan, and by this time, on the road outside the city, there were already people walking together, or riding horses, or sitting in carriages.

Because the wedding procession was carrying many things and wasn't walking fast, Wang Yan couldn't ride on the tall horse and sway.

He dismounted and walked with the scholars who were going to drink wedding wine, chatting and answering various questions, mostly about his experiences in the capital and his insights on the imperial examination.

By doing this, he naturally received praise from many scholars. After all, he was already an official, and his position was not low; being willing to lower his body to talk to them was giving them face, not to mention walking on foot now.

So the returning wedding procession was very lively...

"The brother-in-law is walking on foot, talking to those scholars." A little maid lifted the curtain and took a look, then turned back to report the situation to Hualan, who was sitting upright.

Hearing this, another little maid couldn't help but take a look, then turned back and said: "The brother-in-law is truly impressive, so many people are competing to talk to the brother-in-law."

"Because he is now the top scholar and has become an official." Hualan smiled, and couldn't help but lift a corner of the carriage curtain, looking at Wang Yan who was surrounded by people outside; that was the husband she had been thinking about day and night.

After leaving home and bumping on the road to get married, she no longer thought about the messy things at home, and it was all about the happy life in the future...

Just like this, they returned home lively, and with the help of the matchmaker to host some necessary procedures, and after kneeling and bowing to the tablets of Wang Yan's parents, it was finally declared that the ceremony was completed.

"Uncle Fu, arrange the dishes, and host the guests well."

"Don't worry, young master... no, should call you Master from now on." Wang Fuli smiled happily, also with a look of gratification.

"Whatever you call me is fine." Wang Yan laughed, and turned to go to the back courtyard.

Hualan, wearing a green wedding dress, was sipping tea in the room, and the maids were tidying up the dowry and decorating the room.

Seeing Wang Yan come in, she couldn't help but be stunned, then exclaimed: "Ah, Master~"

Immediately, she panicked and put down the teacup; because she was in a hurry, the cup tilted, and the tea inside spilled on the table. And she wanted to take the round fan to cover her face, but seeing the cup tilt, she subconsciously wanted to straighten it, panicking extremely, not knowing what the procedure should be.

Wang Yan shook his head with a smile, stepped forward to straighten the teacup on the table, and reached out to take the round fan to look at it.

He looked at Hualan with a smile and said: "Why is Madam panicking?"

"Master... why is Master not entertaining guests outside? I heard my mother say that you have to entertain well outside, and you won't return to the room until the evening."

"How much time can it take to return to the room?" Wang Yan shook his head, held her hand, felt the trembling, looked at the blush on her cheeks, and smiled, "I'm afraid you'll sit here all day, so I came to inform you first. Thinking you must have gotten up early, didn't sleep well, and didn't eat a bite of food, right?"

"I did eat some pastries, just to pad my stomach, didn't dare to eat much." Hualan didn't look at her wishful husband, just blushed and stared at the hand Wang Yan was playing with.

"Then aren't you both sleepy and hungry?"

"A little hungry, but not sleepy."

She was just thinking about marrying the shameless Wang Mou, and she was excited and happy right now, so how could she not be sleepy? Wang Yan smiled: "I have already had people prepare food, and it will be brought over in a while; you eat and drink well. Take off many things on your head, and change your wedding dress. Hey, why did your face change so fast? You listen to me finish.

I'm afraid you'll be uncomfortable; the hairpins, head ornaments... and this wedding dress are too heavy. It's hot today, and wearing these clothes makes people feel uncomfortable. Since I've seen Madam wearing a wedding dress and head ornaments, why do I have to wear them until the evening? It's too uncomfortable. What did I say in the letter? Take your own comfort as the priority. Don't look for trouble for yourself, don't suffer for yourself."

"Master is truly considerate." Hualan's little face, which was about to cry for Wang Yan, was suddenly sunny and bright, nodding like a chicken pecking at rice, "Then I'll listen to Master."

Wang Yan patted her little hand: "We are all family from now on, you and I are husband and wife, and there are still decades of road to walk. You might not be used to it when you first come, but you'll be fine in a few days; there are many things to do in the family in the future."

"Master, it's all what I should do."

"Alright, you guys tidy up, eat and sleep after eating, don't force yourself. I just checked your pulse, your body is a bit weak, so you still need to rest well. We'll talk in the evening."

"Hmm~" Hualan responded shyly, watching Wang Yan sway away with a broad stride.

At this time, the little maids who had been lowering their presence in the room breathed a long sigh of relief, surrounded her to help Hualan remove her head ornaments and change her wedding dress, and they were also chattering on their mouths, all saying nice things, like the young lady has good eyes, the brother-in-law is really good...

Wang Yan's wedding scene was truly grand, and Wang Family Village was truly bustling with noise. He set up a flowing banquet, and those passing by outside the village could come over to eat a meal before leaving. So although he invited very few people, many people came; they were either rich people or cultured people, all from the upper class of Yangzhou city.

They came to drink Wang Yan's wedding wine with a simple and direct purpose: to see Wang Yan and talk to him. Even if they couldn't talk, they could brag in other places that they had attended Wang Yan's wedding. And there were many capable people present, which had already become a large-scale scholar gathering activity. Even if they didn't have much communication with Wang Yan, it wasn't a loss to come here, as they could get to know more people.

After all, scholars all over the world were not one family, and even Yangzhou scholars were not all familiar with each other. It was the same principle as when they were in school; those who studied and those who didn't were generally two circles, and among the classes, those with good conditions and those with poor conditions were two circles, while the sports students and art students who didn't appear often walked closer to the group with good conditions.

This gap was a high wall that separated various small groups.

And the grand event organized because of Wang Yan's marriage was a small opportunity to break through the circle constraints. And no one would make things difficult for Wang Yan at his wedding. Even people who were usually sharp-tongued would restrain their personalities and not act out at will. Giving Wang Yan face was also giving themselves an opportunity.

Behind the glory, there was always a price to pay. The villagers were easy to talk to; Wang Yan went to toast them, by the way, paid attention to the villagers' lives, and gave them a boost, and they would work hard with him.

It was more difficult on the scholar's side; he had to drink wine, talk to people, and occasionally give people a boost, and laugh and tell stories, and people kept coming over. Often when he arrived at a position, the people nearby stopped eating and surrounded him to talk.

It was still those topics, and they were never-ending. There were also many people who came to Wang Family Village for the first time, asking why Wang Yan did this, and so on.

Fortunately, Wang Yan was very patient, didn't forget to maintain his persona, and paid attention to self-marketing at all times, responding with a smile...

"Master~"

Seeing Wang Yan walking in, Hualan, who had already changed her clothes and had a good sleep and was full of spirit, came up to help Wang Yan take off his outer coat, and didn't forget to instruct the little maid to get hot water to brush his teeth, clean his face, wash his hands, and wash his feet.

Wang Yan was more straightforward; after Hualan took off his outer coat, he took off his middle clothes and silk socks himself, wearing only the big shorts he had had people make.

Hualan, who was hanging clothes, turned around and saw Wang Yan's strong body, couldn't help but be dazzled, her pretty face blushing. But she still endured the trembling body because of nervousness, leaned closer, and massaged Wang Yan's head, who had already sat down.

"Master must have drunk a lot of wine, tired all day, and is already exhausted; the nanny at home taught me the massage technique, so I'll massage for Master."

Wang Yan laughed and said "hmm," and started soaking his feet and brushing his teeth with the hot water brought in by the blushing little maid.

"Are you familiar with the house?"

"I walked around the back courtyard."

"We'll move to Hangzhou to take office at the end of next month, and we won't stay at home for long."

"I heard Fan Gong asked you to go over?"

"Maybe." Wang Yan said, "After you get used to it for two days, we'll return to the Sheng Mansion to pay a visit to the father-in-law and mother-in-law. Since it's close, we should visit more. The father-in-law's term has expired, and we'll have to meet in the capital in the future."

"Always returning to the maternal home, is it not good? Others will think I've suffered some grievances here with Master."

"Why care about what others think? Everyone is born by parents, and others want to go back but can't. Everyone envies you; just ignore those who speak sour words. There are not so many rules at home; let's just live a good life. You don't have to be trapped in the mansion all day in the future; go out more, take a look, and do something."

"Master, don't say that again, it will be ridiculed."

"Who says women are not as good as men? What's there to ridicule? You must have seen the female physicians in the medical clinic; they learned very well and can already cure some minor illnesses. You are smarter than them and will definitely be able to do bigger things."

"Then I'll try?"

"Do whatever you like, just don't waste your time trapped in the back courtyard."

"I'll listen to Master."

Just like this, they talked and talked, and finally reached the soft and wide bed.

Looking at Hualan, who was blushing and didn't know what to do, Wang Yan shook his head and smiled: "Don't be afraid, the matter of sharing a bed will have to wait two years. Hey, look at you, you never listen to people finish."

Looking at Hualan, who was blushing and at a loss, Wang Yan shook his head and smiled: "Don't be afraid; the matter of sharing a room will be in two years. Hey, look at you, you never listen to people finish their words."

I didn't lie to you; you can talk to those female physicians and midwives in the city in a few days and you'll know. Thousands of women, rich and poor, all summarized that the more tonics they eat, the harder it is to give birth. The earlier the childbearing age, the harder it is to give birth, and the more deficient the body is after childbirth.

I know my family is thin, and you want to expand the family, but you can't be in a hurry; safety is the priority. Moreover, you will be the one criticized by others, and others will inevitably say you can't give birth..."

Hualan's body, according to the original drama, was indeed not very good, a bit weak, and Wang Yan also confirmed it, it was indeed not very good. And Hualan was only sixteen years old; although the marriage age in ancient times was early, he, Wang Mou, was from a thousand years later, and eighteen was a line...

Under Wang Yan's presentation of facts and reasoning, and his good-natured persuasion, Hualan finally expressed her agreement with red eyes; she did have to bear pressure, and she actually didn't think it mattered.

She turned to say: "Master, but the nanny who taught me..."

"The Great Way of Dunlun (intercourse) is what people desire, and it is unavoidable."

Wang Yan naturally understood Hualan's meaning, hugged her and laughed, "If you really want to relieve your husband's worries, I actually have a method."

"What method?" Hualan blinked her innocent big eyes.

The shameless one whispered in her ear, Hualan's eyes widened, and even her mouth couldn't help but open, her pretty face already burning red.

She pondered for a long time, and finally, under Wang Thief's smiling gaze, she lowered her head... ===== CHAPTER 1039 =====

She pondered to herself for a long time, and finally, under Wang Ze's smiling gaze, she lowered her head...