Chapter 53

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

After the morning court session ended, Ai Sheng didn't even have time to drink a sip of water before he hurriedly rode his horse back home. The moment he entered, he went straight to his room, quickly changed out of his slightly fatigued official robes, and put on a set of new clothes that had been carefully selected — clean, tidy, and full of festive cheer.

After he had tidied his attire, he went to the living room to meet his wife. At this time, the wife had also finished dressing up, and beside her stood an excited Ai Chun.

With everything ready, Ai Sheng, bringing along Ai Chun and his wife, set off in a grand procession toward An Wangfu to present the betrothal gifts.

The imperial edict had just been issued, and this news spread throughout the entire capital in an instant, as if it had grown wings. People streamed out of their homes, curiously watching the movements on the streets. Before long, the Ai family's servants filed out one after another, each steadily carrying a huge chest.

A careful count revealed there were a full eight of them! These chests were exquisitely decorated, tied with bright red silk ribbons, making them exceptionally eye-catching.

Seeing this, the crowd couldn't help but start whispering and discussing animatedly. Some guessed the chests held priceless jewelry; others thought they contained rare antiques and calligraphy. Just as everyone was debating endlessly, a troupe of musicians beating gongs and drums appeared at the very front of the procession; the joyous clamor was deafening, rendering the festive atmosphere to its fullest.

Following close behind were the eight large chests carried by servants dressed in red. Every few steps, someone at the rear of the procession would light a long string of firecrackers; the "crackling" sounds rose and fell continuously, drawing cheers from the onlookers.

Just like that, this extraordinarily lively procession advanced all the way until it finally arrived at the entrance of An Wangfu.

According to the prior arrangement, the moment they reached the destination, another series of loud firecrackers went off, as if to blast the sky apart. All of this was specially arranged by Guo Lanxin with meticulous care; she simply wanted every commoner in the entire capital to feel this thick festive joy, and at the same time let everyone know that today the Ai family was coming to An Wangfu to present betrothal gifts, and they absolutely had to give enough face to Yan Xiner, this future daughter-in-law.

Not long after, the Ai family arrived before the gates of An Wangfu. At this moment, An Wang and Wangfei had long since heard the clamor outside and had already brought Yan Xiner out to welcome them together. After the two sides exchanged salutes, the Ai family's steward stepped forward and smiled as he paid the agreed-upon silver to the musicians beating gongs and drums.

The musicians, having received their reward, thanked the Ai family with great joy and then left on their own.

Ai Sheng, his face full of joy, looked at An Wang and said with a smile: "An Wang, today this old minister has brought his humble wife and dog-son specially to present the betrothal gifts, and hopes Your Highness will consent!" An Wang smiled faintly and replied softly: "Please, come in quickly."

Ai Chun stepped forward steadily and respectfully saluted An Wang, An Wangfei, and Yan Xiner, saying: "Your Highness An Wang, Wangfei, Miss Xin'er, this junior offers his respects." As he spoke, he raised his head, and his gaze happened to fall upon Yan Xiner.

At this moment, Yan Xiner wore a pink gauze skirt, standing tall and graceful, like a peach blossom in full bloom in spring — delicate and moving. Her eyes, clear as autumn water, and her slightly reddened cheeks made her appear even more shy and lovely.

Guo Lanxin, unable to wait, stepped forward a few paces and affectionately took Yan Xiner's hand, examining her closely, praising incessantly: "Oh my, this must be Miss Xin'er, right? I've always heard my Ai Chun mention you, and today I finally get to see the real person! One look and I understand why my son is so devoted to you — not just him, even I adore you dearly!"

Hearing Guo Lanxin's enthusiastic words, Yan Xiner couldn't help but blush, and called out softly: "Aunt Ai~" Guo Lanxin seemed to realize she had lost her composure, hurriedly adjusted her mood, then turned to look at An Wangfei beside her and said with a slight apology: "Wangfei, greetings. By rights I should have paid my respects to you first, but just now, seeing Miss Xin'er so beautiful and moving, I was momentarily entranced; I hope Wangfei will not take offense."

An Wangfei smiled and waved her hand, saying gently: "Why would I blame you? Seeing you dote on Xin'er so much, I couldn't be happier! Our household has never stood on excessive formalities; no need to be so restrained. Come inside quickly." As she spoke, she turned sideways and made an inviting gesture.

"Good, good, good! Servants, carry all the betrothal gifts into the courtyard!" Guo Lanxin instructed joyfully. At her command, a group of strong servants carried the eight enormous chests into the courtyard with heavy breaths. Each of the eight chests was like a small mountain — heavy and solid; when they were placed in the center of the courtyard, the entire courtyard instantly looked cramped, as if no extra space remained for anything else.

Ai Sheng, wearing a smile, held a carefully prepared betrothal letter solemnly in both hands, walked lightly to An Wang, bowed slightly, and presented the letter. After An Wang took the letter and carefully flipped through it, a satisfied expression appeared on his face; he then handed it to Wangfei beside him and said softly: "Wangfei, keep this betrothal letter safe." Wangfei smiled, nodded, and carefully tucked the letter into her sleeve.

Immediately after, Ai Sheng took out a long gift list and handed it to the steward who had been waiting for a long time. Then he waved his hand, signaling the servants to open the chests.

As the lids were lifted one by one, dazzling rays of light burst out, making it almost impossible to open one's eyes. It turned out the first four large chests were packed full of golden, glittering gold ingots! The mountain of gold ingots shimmered with a captivating luster, as if they would illuminate the entire courtyard in golden splendor.

From the fourth large chest onward, the scene presented was quite different. Inside were all kinds of precious gold and silver jewelry, simple and elegant antiques and calligraphy, warm and delicate jade artifacts, and other rare treasures.

Each time a chest was opened, the steward would raise his voice and loudly read out the detailed betrothal items contained within. Just like that, chest after chest, piece by piece, the rare treasures were displayed before everyone's eyes.

When the eighth chest was also fully opened, Guo Lanxin, who had been standing silently to the side, finally stepped forward. She held a small, exquisite box, gently lifted the lid, and inside lay a whole dozen deeds neatly arranged.

These deeds were no small matter — they were all for several shops under the Ai family's name located in the most bustling and prosperous districts of the city, with quite considerable returns. Guo Lanxin carefully handed the box to Wangfei, who received it with great joy, her eyes full of delight.

At this time, the steward also respectfully presented the detailed gift list recording all the betrothal contents to An Wang. An Wang gave it a casual glance, then, as before, handed everything over to Wangfei to handle.

Wangfei issued orders in an orderly manner, having the servants carry all these precious betrothal gifts to the warehouse for safekeeping. After everything was properly arranged, the few people present then together moved to the front hall.