Chapter 26: Becoming a Live-in Son-in-law
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After Deng Zixuan passed the imperial examination and became a Xiucai, he didn't feel particularly elated. He continued to live his life as usual, with the only consolation being that he could avoid many troubles on Wanyi's side. During this time, the Tongren Academy was newly established, and he went there every day to socialize with fellow book lovers, aiming to strengthen relationships. The people who were most thrilled about Deng Zixuan becoming a Xiucai were his family members - his mother and elder brother seemed to be in a state of perpetual excitement. Needless to say, the value of the Deng family increased exponentially overnight, bringing glory to their ancestors.
On the first day of April, my sister returned to her mother's home. Deng Zixuan walked into his mother's room and saw that his sister and mother were discussing something, so he knew they were discussing his marriage. "Zixuan, I've talked to your mom about arranging your marriage! Now that you've passed the imperial examination, you can proudly go to the Gao family to welcome your bride." "Xuan'er! What kind of family is the Gao family? We're lucky to be able to marry into them because your father helped Gao Juren avoid disaster in the past. Gao Juren was forced to agree to this marriage. I've heard that Miss Yuanner is born with a beautiful face and is knowledgeable about books, you can't miss this opportunity!" his mother said happily.
Mother nodded and said, "At first, the door was not facing the right direction, I've always been worried that the Gao family would regret the marriage. Now it's fine, I'm at ease! March 10th is an auspicious day, let's bring Miss Gao back home!" "Mom! I want to marry into the Gao family, please agree!" Deng Zixuan said straightforwardly, shocking everyone. "You want to marry in? No way! Why would you want to do that?" His sister immediately rejected him. Deng Zixuan smiled and said, "Sister, now that you're married out, don't interfere with our family's affairs."
"Mom, look! He doesn't even recognize me after I passed the imperial examination!" his sister said angrily. His mother calmly asked, "Xuan'er, is this a condition proposed by Gao Juren?" Deng Zixuan nodded. "No way, this is Gao Juren making things difficult for the Deng family, he wants to cancel the engagement!" his sister said angrily. Deng Zixuan had no choice but to lie, saying: "Mom, sister, don't be angry. Think about it, the Gao family has a huge fortune and Gao Juren doesn't have an heir, it's normal for him to think this way. I'm marrying into their family with conditions, after the wedding, Xiaohong will stay by mom's side, and I can live in both places."
"You think it's beautiful, can High Raise agree? You've been making a fuss all day, are you eyeing High Raise's wealth?" his sister said disdainfully. "What if I am eyeing the wealth? It's not easy for Brother to do business, and if I marry into their family, won't that also reduce our family's burden? Besides, High Raise is over 60 years old, how many days can he live? In the future, the High family's property will still be ours, the Deng family!" Deng Zixuan said shamelessly.
Sister pouted, mother sighed: "To marry into the Gao family, you have to endure humiliation every day. How can mom let you live that kind of life? Didn't you see Miss Gao last time you went to the Gao's?" "Yes, I secretly met with Miss Gao. Wanyu is as pure as ice and jade, I won't marry anyone else!" Zi Xuan was very determined. Mother ordered someone to call for Zi De, this matter must be agreed upon by Zi De. Deng Zi Xuan immediately thought of the three obediences and four virtues, mother's actions were in line with etiquette.
What are the Three Obediences and Four Virtues: The Three Obediences refer to obeying one's father before marriage, obeying one's husband after marriage, and obeying one's son when the husband passes away. This means that a woman should listen to her parents' teachings before she gets married and not arbitrarily refute their guidance, because they have rich social experience and fundamental guiding significance. After getting married, a woman should respectfully follow her husband, work together with him to manage the household and educate their children, and respect her in-laws. If her husband unfortunately passes away before her, she should adhere to her own duties, find ways to raise her children to adulthood, and respect her children's life ideas.
The four virtues refer to virtue, appearance, speech and work. As a woman, the first priority is moral character, which can cultivate one's body and establish the foundation. The second is appearance, referring to entering and leaving with dignity and stability, and being polite. The third is language, referring to conversing with people in a way that is adaptable and not frivolous or casual. The fourth is work, referring to the way of managing the household. The way of managing the household includes details such as being obedient to one's husband, filial to one's parents, respectful to the elderly, loving to the young, and diligent in managing the household. To be precise, Deng Zi Xuan saw the full connotation of the three obediences and four virtues in his mother.
Deng Zixuan was clear in his mind that his elder brother would be overjoyed to hear that he was willing to join the family, at least they wouldn't have to divide the family property. As expected, when Zi De heard his mother's words, he was ecstatic inside, but on the surface, he pretended to be surprised and said: "Younger brother! Are you really willing?" "Elder brother, with the wealth of the Gao family, do I have any reason to refuse?" Deng Zixuan deliberately showed a greedy expression. "Mother, since Zixuan is willing himself, let's just grant his wish!" Zi De exclaimed excitedly. His mother saw through his thoughts and said: "Zi De, you're the elder brother, you decide!" After finishing speaking, she looked dispirited and got up to walk into the inner room.
"Mother originally hoped you would be able to oppose your brother, but didn't expect you......!" Sister comforted mother and went. "Mu Mu will get used to it after a while. Brother, you're going to the Gao family, what about Xiao Hong?" Zi De asked tentatively. Deng Zixuan said: "Xiao Hong is already pregnant, so she'll stay by Mu Mu's side, and when the child is born, it will be a comfort to Mu Mu too. In the future, I'll come back often to visit, brother, do you think this is okay?"
"Looks like you've got everything arranged, so be it! When are you leaving? I'll get ready." "No need to prepare, since I'm marrying into the Gao family, I won't bring anything. After all, it's not a glorious thing, don't disturb the neighbors and leave some face for Mother. March 10th is an auspicious day, I'll set off with Shu Tong." "Young Master will follow your lead, this is what you wanted yourself!" Zi De left with a satisfied heart.
On the day of departure, my sister came from home to see off her brother. Three horse-drawn carriages were parked in front of the door, and the children of Deng's family were all sitting on the carriage with their luggage. My mother was too sad to come out and see us off, Xiao Hong stood with her big belly and sister-in-law, Xiao Hong cried like a tearful person, Deng Zi Xuan comforted Xiao Hong not to be sad, and said that he would come back often, and asked his sister-in-law to take care of Xiao Hong. Finally, he bid farewell to Zi De and my sister.
In the Rose Hill Manor, Gao Juren and his wife sat on either side of the Eight Immortals table in the spacious hall. "Master, it's possible that the Deng family will come to welcome us today, my heart is racing with anticipation." Deng Zixuan's success in becoming a Xiucai had taken Gao Juren by surprise, and he was now feeling somewhat stifled. In fact, he had been hoping that the young master of the Deng family would become a son-in-law of the Gao family, and the talk about being a Xiucai was just nonsense to fool people.
"Today, go ahead and dream on! This kid is too arrogant, not even a word of greeting!" High Huiran hummed. "Sir, are you thinking of backing out of the marriage?" Mrs. Gao asked anxiously. "I, High Huiran, am a man of my word, but today, don't think about taking Wanyu away from me, I won't easily agree to it. In the past, this kid secretly met with Wanyu, and now I'll make him suffer!" High Huiran decided to give Deng Zixuan a hard time.
His head was getting old, and there was still no news outside the door. Mrs. Gao was tired and went to rest in the house, while Mr. Gao was feeling anxious and got up to go out. Perhaps unconsciously, Mr. Gao walked to the gate and suddenly heard the sound of horses and people shouting outside. The servants immediately went out to check. After a short while, the servant rushed back and said: "Master! Young Master Deng has arrived!" Let him kneel at the door, Mr. Gao said and turned around to leave.
"Old master! Young Master Deng isn't here for the wedding, there's no wedding procession, he only brought a few dozen book boys?" The house servant stammered. Gao Juren heard this and was taken aback, anger surging in his heart: "Let this little rascal come in, what does he want to do?" Deng Zixuan smiled and entered, seeing Gao Juren immediately knelt on the ground and kowtowed three times: "Father-in-law is above, son-in-law has come to join the family, please father-in-law grant permission!" This contrast was too great, Gao Juren was somewhat bewildered.
"Father-in-law, it is often said that the three unfilial acts are without an heir, and we have two branches of the Deng family. My elder brother already has an heir, so it is reasonable for me to marry into the Gao family." Before High Zhi could respond, Mrs. Gao rushed out upon hearing the news and happened to catch the second half of the sentence. She immediately went forward without hesitation, personally helped Deng Zi Xuan up, and joyfully said: "Brother-in-law, please get up quickly! We are willing, we are willing!" Mrs. Gao seemed worried that Deng Zi Xuan would change his mind and was a bit flustered!
Originally wanted to punish Deng Zixuan, but this sudden change left Gao Juren unprepared. Fortunately, the lady appeared in time to save the situation. Gao Juren's anger turned to joy as he said: "Yanxi, you've given me a surprise! Are you sincere?" "Heaven above, if my son-in-law has even half a lie, may my child be born without an anus!" "You can't say that about children, sir. You're being unreasonable. My husband is sincere!" Gao Juren was shocked by the oath and changed his demeanor, saying: "Don't blame me, please!"
Deng Zixuan saw the housekeeper standing beside him and said, "My book boy is outside, you go arrange food and lodging!" The housekeeper didn't move, but his eyes glanced at Gaoju. "How can my words not work?" Deng Zixuan glared, and the atmosphere suddenly became tense. "Housekeeper Zhang, from now on, Young Master can be considered half a master of the house, his words can represent me!" "Yes, sir, I remember." The housekeeper walked away with a resentful glance at Deng Zixuan.
As soon as they entered the hall, Mrs. Gao sent someone to summon Wan'er. When Wan'er appeared with her lotus steps, Deng Zixuan quickly got up and grabbed Wan'er's hand, saying: "Wife! I'm here! I won't leave again, in this life we will never be apart!" Wan'er's face turned bright red as if she was oxygen-deprived and dizzy. Deng Zixuan took advantage of the situation to hug Wan'er tightly. The maidservants Biying and Danxia were deeply moved, their eyes moistening with tears, for they truly cared about their mistress.
Mrs. Gao was aware of the impropriety, but this intimate scene between a man and woman was something she had never seen before, and her eyes couldn't help but become moist. Unable to bear it any longer, Mr. Gao cleared his throat, and Wei'er immediately separated from him, her face bright red as she stood aside. "The scholarly family's reputation is at stake! Today's auspicious hour has passed, tomorrow morning we'll hold the wedding ceremony!" Mr. Gao declared with finality. That night, Zhang, the steward, grumbled with discontent: "Master, I think the son-in-law has an ulterior motive - he's after your vast wealth! We must be on our guard!" "What big waves can a young whippersnapper like him stir up? I have it all under control!" Mr. Gao replied nonchalantly.
The wedding ceremony went smoothly, and after a day of celebration, Deng Zixuan entered the bridal chamber at the time of the lantern festival. Yuanner wore a large red robe, with a red veil covering her head, sitting neatly on the bed. The two maids, Biying and Danxia, stood on either side. "I asked you two why are you still standing here?" Deng Zixuan asked. "We serve Miss and Master to rest!" The two replied in unison. Deng Zixuan felt amused and said: "How about this? You two also undress and get into bed to personally serve, wouldn't that be better?" Biying and Danxia heard this and immediately turned bright red, fleeing in a hurry.
Deng Zixuan gently lifted the cover, and Wan'er said with some shyness: "You scared them away!" "If I didn't say that, would they have left? On our wedding night, it should be just the two of us, I don't want anyone to disturb us!" Wan'er smiled shyly and said: "Husband, you are truly one of a kind. The sky is late, we should rest." After finishing speaking, Wan'er took out a white cloth and spread it on the bed, she wanted her husband to witness her chastity.
Deng Zixuan gazed at the beauty in front of him and couldn't help but suddenly hug Yuanner from behind, letting out a loud cry of surprise.
"Gunfire at the Border" is a novel written by "Free Old Gun", latest work.
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