Chapter 453: Tongwei's Wedding

Aside from Chen Yanshi feeling a bit awkward at the start, this trip to Modu for the Chen family was developing in a positive direction.

The knots in their hearts were untied, Wang Fuzhen could be considered to have returned to the family, Chen Yang and her younger brother now had a maternal grandfather and grandmother, and the atmosphere at home had also improved.

Qi Tongwei returned home and mentioned the matter of marriage to his parents.

"Good lad, you actually acted first and reported later, and it's the daughter of a Deputy Procurator-General at that; you really have capability. What did the in-laws say about the wedding?"

"My father-in-law and mother-in-law have no objections. I was thinking we should follow the customs of our hometown and hold a ceremony on both sides."

"We will go to the Chen family to propose before the New Year, and when the May Day holiday arrives, both Chen Yang and I will be free; we will come back then to get married."

"Fine, then your mother and I will prepare the things. There are only a few days left until the New Year, so there is plenty of time, and we can notify your brother when the time comes."

Qi Tongwei's younger brother, Qi Tongren, had already received key training in the military and had been developing well over these past few years.

"Good."

Afterwards, Qi Qinghai and his wife bought many items for the proposal, but they couldn't be too abrupt; after all, Chen Yanshi was an official, so they still had to be mindful of the impact.

On the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth lunar month, the Qi Tongwei family arrived at the family residential compound carrying items on a shoulder pole.

"In-laws, we don't know the customs here in Jingzhou. I followed the ones from Yantai; if there is anything you are dissatisfied with, please point it out, and we will handle it accordingly."

"No need, no need, it is already very good."

The items in the shoulder pole were basically the standard for a daily proposal—cigarettes, alcohol, tea, chicken, duck, fish, and meat were all there, but the quantities were not large. Chen Yanshi looked on with satisfaction, secretly thinking that the in-laws were sensible.

Ever since returning from Modu, Chen Yanshi had also untied the knot in his heart and began to view Qi Tongwei with a normal mindset, only then discovering just how stunning his resume was.

University students in the nineties were already rare, and Qi Tongwei was even more of an outstanding talent among them; this alone explained the situation well enough.

Now that he had his godfather to help clear the way, Qi Tongwei's future was simply limitless.

"Brother Chen, as for the wedding banquet, this is what I am thinking..." Qi Qinghai directly repeated Qi Tongwei's words.

"Brother Qi, there is no need for such trouble; just follow your Yantai customs."

"Father-in-law, you and Mother-in-law must have many colleagues here; it is impossible for them all to have time to go to Yantai, so it is more convenient to hold it on both sides."

"Very well."

What Qi Tongwei said was the truth; the groom's side definitely had to go back to hold it, and the bride's side also had to be considered. Holding it on both sides was good for both parties, and of course, it was also because Qi Tongwei was not short on money.

After both sides set the date, the Qi Tongwei family ate lunch at the Chen residence and returned to Yantai.

"These in-laws are quite approachable, aren't they? They look like two ordinary old people, with no official airs at all."

"..."

Qi Tongwei's mouth twitched, and he said nothing. If it weren't for his godfather's intervention, the best ending for him and Chen Yang would have been to elope and never have any contact with her maiden family again.

In the blink of an eye, the 1993 Spring Festival passed, and Qi Tongwei and Chen Yang returned to Sijiucheng to work.

Hou Liangping, meanwhile, spent the New Year period interacting and exchanging pointers with Liang Lu all day long, and he was completely drained.

It was fortunate that 'Big Wave' was already pregnant, otherwise he really wouldn't have been able to take care of both of them.

At this time, 'Big Wave' already showed signs of pregnancy and radiated the glow of motherhood; she felt some regret for making the deal with Hou Liangping.

This was, after all, her first child. Thinking that she wouldn't be able to see the child once it was born, 'Big Wave' felt a wave of distress in her heart and also developed different feelings toward Hou Liangping.

"Liangping, walk with me."

"Right, Liangping, go walk with Xiaoyun," said Mother Hou.

'Big Wave's' original name was Yuan Mengyun. The place where she lived now was a remote urban village with a large courtyard. She was usually taken care of by Hou Liangping's cousin-in-law, and Mother Hou would also come to check on her during her days off.

In fact, Mother Hou had a very good impression of this country girl; she was good-looking, had a good personality, and spoke pleasantly—she was simply a standard daughter-in-law.

If it weren't for Liang Lu, perhaps she and her son being together would be the best thing, Mother Hou thought to herself.

"Sigh."

Wanting both this and that was clearly impossible. Once Liang Lu discovered the truth, it was possible that their whole family could be dismissed from public service, or even bear trumped-up charges.

"Liangping, can I come to see the child in the future?"

"You can, but you cannot acknowledge each other, at least not for now, and you must wait until the child is a year old."

After this period of getting along, although it started as a transaction, they had developed a bit of affection over time, and Hou Liangping felt a tiny bit of guilt in his heart toward Yuan Mengyun.

"Okay."

'Big Wave' also agreed without hesitation. If it were before the deal, she definitely would have asked for more money, but now she wished she could spend more time with the child.

After returning to Jingzhou, Hou Liangping had a headache for a moment; he didn't even know what to do in the future.

Liang Lu was still completely unaware at this time and was sending people to every hospital to inquire about suitable infants.

Liang Qunfeng also knew what his daughter was doing; as long as she didn't use his name to do anything illegal, he couldn't be bothered to care anymore.

Bowing his head to Zhang Ping'an had already caused him to lose all face in the Jingzhou officialdom, and his career as an official was mostly at an end.

Originally, Liang Qunfeng had wanted to vie for the position of Provincial Governor, but now it seemed completely impossible. If he could keep his position as Political and Legal Affairs Committee Secretary in the future and retire in this position, that would already be quite good.

The reason Liang Qunfeng was so discouraged was also because he had inquired about Zhang Ping'an's background through his connections in Sijiucheng.

Someone who had intricate connections with powerful departments like the Ministry of Public Security, the Military, and the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection—let alone him, even his own backers wouldn't dare to easily offend such a person.

It was fortunate that Qi Tongwei hadn't suffered any major harm; otherwise, heaven knows if he would still be able to wear his official hat now.

Therefore, Liang Qunfeng was now letting Liang Lu do as she pleased, just wanting to pass his retirement in peace and, incidentally, save up some political resources for his two sons.

Zhao Lichun was now in his prime and was his best partner for cooperation; pushing him at a critical moment would also be helpful to his sons in the future.

Moreover, he also noticed Gao Yuliang, Qi Tongwei's mentor. Since he had already entered politics, and since he couldn't get in touch with Qi Tongwei, he could take a roundabout way to save the nation, and they were both in the political and legal profession.

Perhaps in the future, he could cultivate Gao Yuliang into one of his own, so that Qi Tongwei wouldn't be able to target their Liang Family anymore.

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, it was May. At this time, Qi Family Village was full of joy, with large red lanterns hung high—a sea of red.

Qi Tongwei's home had been renovated a few years ago and was now a large residence. The courtyard was filled with tables, chairs, and benches, and it was packed with people inside and out.

The Zhang Ping'an family who were free had all come over, and four small cars followed Qi Tongwei to pick up the bride.

The Chen Yanshi family also followed the wedding cars over and finally met Qi Tongwei's legendary "godfather."

"Brother Zhang, this is my in-law, Brother Chen Yanshi. Brother Chen, this is Tongwei's godfather, Brother Zhang Ping'an."

"Hello there, Brother Chen."

In his past life, Zhang Ping'an had complex feelings about this Old Cadre from watching the television series; he admired his Party spirit and selflessness, but did not approve of his state of refusing to retire.

Many people said Chen Yanshi was addicted to being an official, and his nursing home was even jokingly referred to as the "Second Procuratorate" for petitioning on behalf of the people.

No official was not annoyed by him; even Gao Yuliang treated him with great respect, yet he did not agree with many of his methods.