The wicked mother-in-law doesn't try to whitewash herself; she only abuses her awful children.

Chapter 637 It's time to get married.
Then Gu Jingzhe said that his brother-in-law hoped he would go to the capital to enter the Imperial Academy after the New Year, so that he could study and prepare for the provincial and palace examinations at the same time.

“This is a good thing. Since you’re going to prepare for the imperial examination anyway, you might as well go to the capital sooner.” Tong Huaqiong agreed with Lu Zhaoyang’s suggestion.

Gu Jingzhe nodded, then suddenly blushed.

Tong Huaqiong asked, "Is something the matter?"

Gu Jingzhe hesitated before speaking, "Mother, Zhaozhao and I have been engaged for two years, and it's time for us to get married."

Tong Huaqiong realized that Gu Jingzhe wanted to marry Lu Zhaozhao.

Seeing that Tong Huaqiong remained silent, Gu Jingzhe added, "The Lu family also feels the same way."

Lu Zhaoyang also went to Shengjing after getting married, so when he came to Gu Jingzhe, the Lu family hoped that he would get married before going to Shengjing.

Logically, they should have gotten married after two years of engagement.

Previously, Tong Huaqiong had considered that Lu Zhaozhao was too young to have a child and that it would be dangerous for her, so she hoped that Gu Jingzhe would pass the imperial examination before they got married.

However, people of this era might not understand her concerns. She hadn't mentioned it to Old Master Lu. If the two weren't allowed to get married soon, the Lu family might think that Tong Huaqiong and Gu Jingzhe had ulterior motives.

Lu Zhaozhao has now reached the appropriate age.

In addition, Gu Jingzhe is going to the capital to take the imperial examination. If he passes with flying colors, he will inevitably become a popular and sought-after son-in-law, which will make things more difficult.

You'll incur hatred and offend a lot of people for no reason.

From any perspective, the two of them really should get married.

“Alright, I’ll go to the prefectural city in January to discuss with the Lu family and choose an auspicious day to arrange your marriage with Zhaozhao.” Tong Huaqiong agreed readily.

Gu Jingzhe's face turned even redder with joy.

Man'er walked in and clapped her hands, saying, "Third Uncle is getting married! Third Uncle is going to be the groom!"

Gu Jingzhe, who was about to become the groom, lost his composure and laughed foolishly at Man'er's shouts.

Tong Huaqiong said to Gu Jingzhe, "After you get married, you must treat Lu Zhaozhao well. If you have any other thoughts, don't acknowledge me as your mother."

Gu Jingzhe nodded repeatedly and assured him, "I will not like anyone else but Zhaozhao."

Tong Huaqiong sneered, "That's right, you won't like other people, you'll like power. When you get to Shengjing, what if princesses, noble ladies, and daughters of aristocratic families throw themselves at you? If you marry them, you won't have to struggle, you can rise to the top directly. Even if you're not attracted to them, are you not attracted to the power behind them?"

Gu Jingzhe shook his head and said, "I am only devoted to Zhaozhao. No, Mother, what you said will make others think that I am very popular. Your son is not that charming."

Tong Huaqiong thought to herself, "That's because you don't have a proper understanding of your own face."

Gu Jingzhe wiped the sweat from his brow. For some reason, his mother always suspected him of having ulterior motives and of trying to curry favor with the rich.

A sense of grievance welled up inside me. You just don't believe me, do you? I'll show you just how devoted I am.

Tong Huaqiong never expected that her reprimand would cause her adopted son to develop a rebellious heart, and from then on, he never looked at any other woman except Lu Zhaozhao.

Of course this is a story for later.

Once the twelfth lunar month is over, it's almost Chinese New Year.

In the blink of an eye, another Lunar New Year's Eve has arrived.

Chinese New Year is always a happy time.

Preparations for the Lunar New Year begin at home as soon as the twelfth lunar month begins.

Tong Huaqiong's business continued until the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month, and she took a holiday until the 16th day of the first lunar month when she would resume work.

That year, Taohua Dessert Jufulai's pig farm and weaving workshop were doing very well, with profits even higher than before. The employees had worked hard all year and deserved a prosperous New Year. Tong Huaqiong had always been a generous owner. In addition to giving everyone plenty of money for the festival, she also gave each person five catties of pork, two boxes of pastries, and a bolt of satin as a festival gift.

Everyone happily accepted the generous sum of money and gifts to thank their host.

At the same time, he secretly resolved to continue rolling out the project when it started next year.

On the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month, Master Su and Gu Jingzhe set up a table and laid out brushes, ink, paper and inkstones to write Spring Festival couplets for the villagers free of charge.

On New Year's Eve, bright red couplets were pasted on the doors of every household, their contrast against the white snow enveloping the entire Qinghe Bay in a peaceful and festive atmosphere.

The snow on the eaves, fences, and ground hadn't melted yet, and Man'er and Xiaolong led a group of children to set off firecrackers in the snow. The sound of firecrackers heralded the new year and a fresh start.

After a year of hard work, the preparation of the New Year's Eve dinner was handed over to Chen Sufeng and Liu Yue'e. Fortunately, they had hired maids and servants at home, so they only needed to give instructions and did not need to do anything themselves.

Tong Huaqiong sat inside the house reading storybooks with Madam Hong.

For the New Year's Eve dinner, we once again invited Tong Pandi's family of three, as well as Su Fuzi, to celebrate together.

Of course, there's also the Hong family, whose men work tirelessly for Tong Huaqiong's family business.

Manager Qian had driven away his son and daughter-in-law who were coming to Qinghewan for the New Year. At dusk, he forced his way into Tong Huaqiong's house with a roast suckling pig to join the New Year's Eve dinner party.

What could Tong Huaqiong say but invite him to take his seat?

Although Gu Dashu is still missing, the confirmed news of his whereabouts has eased the festive mood for everyone, unlike last year when worries about Gu Dashu and others on the border dampened the spirits of the holiday.
This year, everyone's mood was completely unaffected on New Year's Eve.

Not only were they unaffected, but they were also in high spirits.

Everyone sat around the dining table, and one dish after another was served.

Gu Dahan opened a jar of plum wine and filled everyone's glasses.

Tong Huaqiong raised her glass, said "Happy New Year," and clinked glasses with everyone.

Happy Chinese New Year!

"Good luck and good fortune."

"May you be happy and prosperous."

Adults and children alike exchanged auspicious words.

Tong Huaqiong took a sip of wine and, as usual, offered a silent tribute to her parents and herself from her previous life.

The New Year's Eve dinner was a lively affair that lasted until late, with dumplings still serving as the grand finale.

Large, plump dumplings were served. Granny Lei and Granny Chen were very good at making dumplings. They prepared three kinds of fillings: celery and pork, carrot and mutton, and onion and mutton.

"Boss, there are two copper coins in the dumplings. Let's see who's lucky enough to find one," Granny Lei said with a smile.

"Then the master will definitely get to eat it." Granny Chen hoped that Tong Huaqiong could get to eat it for good luck, after all, the more prosperous the master, the higher her monthly salary would be.

"Thank you for your kind words," Tong Huaqiong said.

No sooner had he finished speaking than Xiaolong spat out a copper coin along with a tooth.

Xiaolong is losing his baby teeth and can't eat hard foods. One of his teeth has been loose for a long time and won't fall out, which is affecting his eating. It was actually pulled out by a copper coin.

“I got to eat some too.” Man’er took a copper coin from her mouth with her hand.

Everyone: "."

Tong Huaqiong: "."

Granny Lei exclaimed in surprise, "The young lady and the young master have only eaten their first dumpling, and they've already found copper coins in them!"

That's so lucky!

If it weren't for Granny Lei watching the whole thing, she would have suspected the two of them cheating.

Tong Huaqiong's smile, what does it represent?
As expected of the male and female leads, their luck is extraordinary.

Even picking up a dumpling at random can bring good fortune.

After finishing the dumplings, it was almost midnight, and firecrackers began to sound throughout the village.

Soon, the entire Qinghe Bay was filled with the sound of firecrackers.

Gu Dahan was setting off fireworks with several children in the yard. Tong Huaqiong watched through the window as fireworks rose one by one and then exploded in mid-air.

The Western clock given to them by the Lu family rang a few times.

As we begin the new year.