Gou was a member of the imperial family in the late Ming Dynasty

Chapter 333: Defending the Sun Family

Wang Rong complained a lot in front of Zhu Shenzhui, and Zhu Shenzhui laughed secretly when he heard it.

He knew about Wang Jinwu's marriage proposal a long time ago, otherwise he would not have brought Wang Jinwu back from the grassland.

"Has it been decided there?"

"It's settled. We have to ask for the date in the next two days. The wedding date has also been chosen. If the Sun family has no objection, it will be held on the eighth day of next month." Wang Rong couldn't help but smile when talking about his son's marriage.

He picked a good marriage for Wang Jinwu. The other party was the daughter of the Sun family of Zhenwuwei in Daizhou. She was 28 years old this year. It was said that this woman was beautiful, virtuous and a good match for Wang Jinwu.

The Sun family of Zhenwuwei in Daizhou is quite famous. In the early years, the Sun family was also a hereditary centurion family like the Wang family. However, compared with the Wang family, the Sun family began to encourage their descendants to study literature six generations ago. From the fifth generation onwards, the Sun family has produced several scholars in succession, two of whom have served as officials, one is the prefect and the other is the county magistrate.

By this generation, the Sun family was even more prosperous. Several of their members passed the imperial examinations, and there was even one who won the third place in the imperial examination in the 47th year of Wanli and became a court official. Such a change in status was rare among the hereditary hundred households, and the Sun family gradually transformed from a military household into a scholarly family.

The ancestors of the Wang family and the Sun family had some friendship, but as hundreds of years passed, this friendship faded. If Wang Rong had not become the commander of Luzhou Guard, he would not have been qualified to marry into the Sun family. With his different status now, Wang Rong also had the confidence. When considering Wang Jinwu's marriage, he thought of the Sun family at the first time. He asked someone to inquire and learned that the Sun family had a daughter who was unmarried. After asking about her appearance, character and age, Wang Rong fell in love with her at first sight.

In order to bring this about, Wang Rong personally went to the Sun family of Zhenwuwei and met the head of the Sun family, Mr. Sun Yuanzhen.

Upon learning that Wang Rong was coming, Sun Yuanzhen gave him a warm welcome. The two sides sat down and talked about the past friendship between the two families, and said some other ordinary things. After chatting for a while, Wang Rong brought up Wang Jinwu's marriage directly and told the other party the purpose of his visit.

Although Sun Yuanzhen was somewhat surprised at Wang Rong's intention, he was also somewhat tempted. His little daughter was indeed old enough to find a husband. Some time ago, he had a private chat with his wife, wondering when to ask someone to find a good marriage for his daughter.

Just when he was about to fall asleep, a pillow appeared. The Wang family actually fell in love with his daughter and made this request. Sun Yuanzhen couldn't help but feel warm in his heart.

The Wang family and the Sun family are old friends. The ancestors of the two families were military households who went to Shanxi together. They were colleagues in the army and were hereditary centurions. The two families often visited each other in the early years, but as time went by and they lived far away from each other, they visited less frequently. However, it does not mean that the two families broke off their friendship.

The Sun family today is different from the past. After several generations, they have changed from a military household to a scholarly family. In particular, Sun Yuanzhen's eldest son became a formal court official after passing the imperial examination and is currently serving as the magistrate of Shangqiu.

Given the conditions of the Sun family, it is natural that they would have to find a marriage for their daughter with someone of equal status. If it was the Wang family in the past, Sun Yuanzhen might have considered it, but the Wang family is different now. Wang Rong is now the commander of Luzhou Guard, the highest military commander of the guard. In terms of rank, his status is much higher than that of his own son, the county magistrate.

Moreover, Wang Rong has only one son, and Wang Jinwu is now a centurion. It is very likely that Wang Jinwu will succeed Wang Rong as the commander in the future. Even if he cannot be the commander, he will surely be a commander-in-chief or a commander-in-chief. From this point of view, the marriage between the two families is indeed a good match, and even a little bit high for the Sun family.

In addition, the two families had a long-standing friendship and knew each other well, so he felt at ease marrying his daughter to the man. Sun Yuanzhen was immediately tempted. Although he did not agree immediately, from his expression it seemed that this was almost certain.

Wang Rong was treated to a good meal that night. After the banquet, Sun Yuanzhen discussed the matter with his wife and told her the purpose of Wang Rong's visit.

Upon hearing this, the lady, who was also concerned about her daughter's marriage, was very happy. She also understood the situation of the Wang family. The fact that Wang Rong came in person to propose marriage was enough to prove his importance to this marriage. Moreover, the Wang family had a good status and position, so it would be great if this marriage could be successful.

After discussing, the two decided to find someone to inquire about Wang Jinwu's situation and see the character of their "son-in-law". Since they were going to marry off their daughter, whom they had always loved and was the apple of the Sun family's eye, they couldn't marry her to an unreliable person, right? Even though the Sun and Wang families were old friends, they still had to go through the necessary procedures.

After keeping Wang Rong for a few days and waiting for the feedback they got, Sun Yuanzhen and his wife were completely relieved to learn that Wang Jinwu was a good person, had a handsome appearance, and had great martial arts skills.

Just like that, Sun Yuanzhen agreed to Wang Rong, and the next step was the subsequent procedures. After Wang Rong returned, he had to go through the processes of offering betrothal gifts, asking for the name, offering good luck, offering betrothal gifts, and asking for the date. Only after going through all these processes could the marriage be completed.

After returning to Luzhouwei, Wang Rong hurriedly wrote a letter to Zhu Shenzhu. At that time, Wang Jinwu was still in the grassland. He had to come back first, otherwise how could they get married? At the same time, Wang Rong was not idle either. He started the marriage procedures. When Wang Jinwu returned to Luzhouwei, the marriage was completed. The next step was to pay the betrothal gift and ask for the date.

The betrothal gift was just completed not long ago, and the day for asking for a date is approaching. According to the process, asking for a date means setting a specific date for the wedding. If both parties have no objection, they will go to the wedding ceremony on the appointed date and then get married in the hall.

No one knows what Wang Jinwu is thinking. He is an old man but he has never paid attention to this matter. He even has some resistance. But Wang Rong doesn't indulge him at all. This is a big deal. No matter what Wang Jinwu says, it's useless. This marriage must be completed. After the marriage, Wang Rong hopes to have a grandson next year.

"Congratulations, uncle. Once Jinwu gets married and has a son, you can rest assured." Zhu Shenzhui congratulated Wang Rong happily. This was indeed a happy event. He had been busy in the past two years and neglected Wang Jinwu's affairs. Moreover, the marriage that Wang Rong found for him sounded really good.

Wang Rong shook his head and sighed, "I've been busy all this time just for this kid, but this kid is so good, not only do you worry about him, but he also ran away secretly without telling me. If I don't send him back to you, how can I explain to the Sun family if I delay the application?"

Zhu Shenzhui smiled and said that it was indeed true. Wang Jinwu had done something wrong, but this marriage was a good one anyway. He comforted Wang Rong not to take it to heart, and he would stay in Luzhouwei for a few days until the date was set. As for the rest, he would warn Wang Jinwu before he left, so that the boy would not have to worry and get married peacefully.

"That's good, that's good." Wang Rong said comfortedly: "This kid has listened to you since he was young. With you by his side, I, as his uncle, feel relieved. By the way, how about staying for a few more days and returning after Jin Wu gets married?"

"Uncle, my identity is a bit inconvenient. I will not attend this wedding. It would be inappropriate for outsiders to see it." Zhu Shenzhui waved his hand and smiled.

Wang Rong reacted and nodded. Zhu Shenzui was right. He was a member of the royal family. According to the rules of the imperial dynasty, members of the royal family were not allowed to run around. Zhu Shenzui often used a fake identity when he went out and never let anyone know his real name. He usually either concealed his real name or avoided people he was not familiar with.

Just like now, he went to Yangtou Mountain, Zhaowuling and even Luzhouwei under a pseudonym. Except for a few people, outsiders didn't know that he was a member of the royal family. But Wang Jinwu's wedding was different. If Zhu Shenzhu showed up at the wedding, it would be troublesome if someone knew his identity. If someone reported him, it would be a big deal.

For safety reasons, Zhu Shenzhui did not plan to attend Wang Jinwu's wedding. Although this was a pity, there was nothing he could do about it.

Wang Rong had not thought of this just now, and only reacted after Zhu Shenzhui reminded him. He sighed and said that it had to be this way, the rules of the dynasty could not be violated, and he should not get into trouble because of this matter.

Although he would not attend the wedding, he still had to give gifts. Zhu Shenzhui said with a smile that he would prepare a big gift for his cousin after he returned. After Wang Jinwu got married, he could bring his wife to visit Pingyang Prefecture when he had time. They could still see each other then. Anyway, Wangjia Village was in Pingyang Prefecture. According to the rules, they had to go back to Wangjia Village after the wedding to burn some incense for their ancestors and tell them that Wang Jinwu had gotten married and that the Wang family would soon have another descendant.

That night, Zhu Shenzhu accompanied Wang Rong and his son to drink. During the banquet, Zhu Shenzhu criticized Wang Jinwu in front of Wang Rong, telling him not to think of anything evil, to get married peacefully, and to get his wife pregnant as soon as possible. If he couldn't do this, Wang Jinwu would stay in Luzhouwei and not go out, and he would have no part in anything in the future.

Upon hearing this, Wang Jinwu, who was about to say something, instantly withered. Zhu Shencui had directly grasped his weakness. If he could only stay in Luzhouwei in the future, wouldn't he be suffocated to death? You know, the golden swords and iron horses are what Wang Jinwu yearns for. Some time ago, he was thinking about going to the grassland to have fun again, but now Zhu Shencui warned him so that Wang Jinwu could only give in.

Seeing Wang Jinwu's dejected expression and his inability to do anything, Wang Rong was completely relieved. It was true that one thing could overcome another. Although he could usually suppress this brat, when it came to something like this, Zhu Shenzhui's actions were more effective.

On the second day after arriving in Luzhou Wei, Wang Rong was busy preparing for the date of marriage, and Wang Jinwu also calmed down and stayed in the mansion waiting for the wedding.

Zhu Shencui, who had nothing to do and could not help much, simply went to his sister's house. His sister's house was not far from the garrison. Every time he came to the garrison, Zhu Shencui would visit his sister and two nephews, and this time was no exception.

When they arrived at the place, they found that the doorman was an old man kept by the Zhou family. This old man had some connection with the Zhou family and was slightly related to the family. Zhou Anmin had taken good care of him when he was the postmaster. Later, after he was transferred to the position of a captain of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the old man followed him. On weekdays, he acted as a doorman and helped the Zhou family to guard the door, which was also a job.

When he saw Zhu Shencui, Menzi hurried forward to pay his respects. Zhu Shencui greeted him with a smile and asked if his sister was at home. Menzi said that his wife was at home. Zhu Shencui was anxious to see his sister, so he walked straight in and reached the main room in a few steps.

Just as he arrived at the door of the main hall, before he had time to go in, he heard the faint sound of a woman crying from inside. Zhu Shenzhu frowned suddenly, hurriedly took a few steps, and when he entered the door, he found that the crying was not from his sister, but a woman in her thirties sitting next to his sister, wiping her tears with a handkerchief.

(End of this chapter)