Longevity, starting from traveling and telling stories

Chapter 182 Wedding Night

Beijing.

The residence of Jingzhao Yin.

The mansion was surrounded by high walls and deep courtyards, with red gates and carved beams. Inside, there were rockery, flowing water, and lush flowers and trees. Lanterns hung under the corridor swayed gently in the breeze.

In a study deep in the mansion, an extremely handsome man was sitting at a desk, holding a paintbrush with a focused expression.

There was a faint smile on his lips, as if everything in the world was invisible to him and the painting in front of him was the only thing he cared about.

On the drawing paper, there was a woman who looked like a fairy from heaven, with a faint smile on her face. She was none other than the eldest princess of the current dynasty.

The man wrote carefully, fearing that even the slightest error would affect her charm, and he looked at it carefully after writing.

Just as he was concentrating, a burst of urgent shouts suddenly came from outside the study.

A servant hurried over and knelt outside the door, breathing slightly hurriedly, "Report...Report to the eldest master, the princess is safe in Qingshi Town...but..."

The pen in the man's hand trembled slightly, and a drop of ink accidentally fell on the drawing paper and spread out instantly.

He frowned slightly, his gaze still fixed on the painting. Although his tone was calm, it was still tinged with a hint of coldness as he said, "Speak?"

The servant looked nervous, swallowed his saliva, and said carefully: "It's just... the princess seems to be quite interested in a man, and that man seems to have revealed that absolute..."

The man was slightly startled when he heard this, then gently put down his paintbrush.

He slowly raised his head, looked directly at the servant, and said calmly in a tone as cold as a deep pool, "I understand."

After a pause, he continued, "How many times have I told you not to disturb me when I'm painting? Go down and break your leg."

Upon hearing this, the servant's face instantly turned pale, and beads of sweat instantly appeared on his forehead. However, he did not dare to disobey in the slightest, and could only grit his teeth and say, "Yes."

After saying this, he bent over and retreated with a slight tremor, his heart full of fear and helplessness.

Everyone in the mansion knew that the eldest son should not be disturbed when he was painting. Anyone who accidentally disturbed him would have one leg broken.

Although the young master will heal their legs, the pain of the broken legs is real torture. This is really a combination of kindness and severity.

In the study, the man picked up the paintbrush again and gently wiped the ink off the paper. His eyes became focused again, trying to erase the tiny stain.

Two days later.

The county magistrate's residence.

Zhang Zhiwei was kneeling on the ground with his head bowed, timidly saluting a handsome man with a calm expression.

"Tell me!" the handsome man asked calmly.

Zhang Zhiwei was terrified. It was rumored that Cui Mingyuan, the eldest son of Jingzhao Yin, was ruthless and resourceful, often killing people without anyone noticing. However, it was known to everyone that he only had feelings for the eldest princess.

"My Lord, the princess has fallen in love with something that has an extremely stinky smell, called stinky tofu. That's why..." The county magistrate finally recovered and said respectfully, "That's why she paid attention to Ye Aniu. I didn't dare ask about the rest."

"Got it." Cui Mingyuan stood up calmly and said, "Slap yourself ten times, until you see blood."

After saying that, he stood up and left.

The steward next to him whispered after the young master left, "Zhang County Magistrate, you said the princess likes extremely ugly things. This is an insult to her. The young master is kind-hearted and considers this your first offense. If it happens again, I will break your leg."

The county magistrate showed a bitter face and said, "How did I know you were so perverted?" Then he had to slap himself hard and make his face red under the gaze of the housekeeper.

Butler Cui nodded in satisfaction, patted his shoulder, handed him a bottle of medicine, and said, "Apply it on yourself. It will be effective within a day. Otherwise, your face will be seen as swollen like a pig and become a laughing stock."

He has mastered the art of hitting and lifting.

After saying this, the butler quickly caught up with Cui Mingyuan who was slowly walking towards the street.

"Sir, there's something I don't understand." After a pause, seeing Cui Mingyuan looking forward with a calm expression, the butler spoke carefully, "I'm just a commoner. Even if I can prove my worth, how can I compare to you, sir? Why worry?"

Not worried? Cui Mingyuan sighed and said, "How many sons of officials and nobles in the court are eyeing the eldest princess's marriage? Not to mention the distant ones, the Prime Minister's son Li Qingyun is a strong opponent."

"No matter who my opponent is, I will fight like a lion against a rabbit, giving it my all."

He paused, as if he smelled a strange odor. He looked over there calmly and said, "Come with me and see what kind of stinky tofu Her Royal Highness would like! And what kind of person would Her Royal Highness be interested in?"

the other side.

Ye Aniu and Ren Youlan were busy as their stall was crowded with customers who came to taste the stinky tofu.

Their stinky tofu is so famous that it even attracts diners from far away.

Ye Aniu skillfully puts the tofu cubes into the oil pan and fries them until golden brown, while Ren Youlan enthusiastically packs the tofu and collects money for the customers. The two of them work in perfect harmony and their business is booming.

At this moment, there was a slight commotion among the crowd.

Ye Aniu looked up and saw a man in silk clothes walking slowly towards him, followed by a respectful butler.

The man had a handsome face, and his every move revealed an innate noble temperament.

Cui Mingyuan walked to the front of the stall, his eyes swept over Ye Aniu and Ren Youlan, and finally stopped on the pot of stinky tofu that was emitting a fragrant and stinky smell.

He smiled slightly and said in a gentle and elegant tone, "I heard that the stinky tofu here is famous far and wide, so I came here to try it. Brother, please give me one portion."

Upon hearing this, Ye Aniu immediately stopped what he was doing and replied respectfully, "You are too polite, sir. Although this stinky tofu is not a rare thing, it is also something I carefully developed."

Ren Youlan was secretly watching Cui Mingyuan from the side, feeling a little uneasy. This young man was not from an ordinary family. Why did she always feel that he seemed to have some purpose?

This person's appearance, conversation, and temperament are not much inferior to Brother Niu.

Soon, Ye Aniu handed him a portion of stinky tofu that was fried golden and crispy and wrapped in oil paper.

Cui Mingyuan took the steaming tofu, sniffed it gently, frowned slightly, and seemed a little hesitant about the unique fragrance and stench.

But he quickly put aside his doubts, took a bite gracefully, savored it carefully, and instantly understood the princess's love for this kind of food.

After a long moment, he nodded and praised, "It really lives up to its reputation. It's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a unique aroma. No wonder it's so popular."

It was the first time that Ye Aniu saw a nobleman eating so calmly, and he couldn't help but feel a little surprised.

I thought such a noble man would sneer at it, but I didn't expect him to taste it so naturally and even show appreciation.

After Cui Mingyuan finished eating, he gently put down the bamboo stick and looked at Ye Aniu again. His tone was calm but with a hint of deep meaning: "Brother, could you tell me the secret recipe of this stinky tofu? I am willing to pay a large sum of money for it."

Ye Aniu smiled and answered frankly, "This secret recipe is an inheritance from my family. I have refined it many times to get the taste it has today. If you like it, you can come back to taste it anytime, but I won't sell the secret recipe."

Cui Mingyuan nodded slightly, without asking any more questions, and just smiled faintly: "Okay, in that case, I'll take my leave."

After saying this, he turned and left, followed closely by the butler.

After walking a distance, the butler couldn't help but whisper, "Sir, you are worth a lot of money, how can you eat something so filthy? If you get sick from it, ten lives of this couple wouldn't be enough to compensate."

Upon hearing this, Cui Mingyuan chuckled, his tone tinged with disdain. "Body? Whatever the princess likes, I naturally like too. If the princess's body is worth a fortune, then why can't I? Besides, this stinky tofu tastes really good, which actually surprised me."

Upon hearing this, the butler didn't dare to say anything more and just followed silently. Since the young master was satisfied with him, he naturally couldn't say much, as too much talk would lead to mistakes.

Cui Mingyuan seemed to be in a good mood, with the corners of his mouth slightly raised. The princess might just be attracted by this unique food, which is why she paid more attention to Ye Aniu, and besides, this man was already married.

In this case, there is no need to worry too much.

After finishing his stinky tofu, Cui Mingyuan suddenly said in a deep voice, "Come with me to meet the Zhou family."

Then he said in a cold tone: "What a fun thing it would be to be slapped by Miss Hanmei!"

The butler said in a sinister tone, "If you give the order, I will make them disappear immediately."

"No need, she doesn't like it." Cui Mingyuan then said calmly: "Even if we want them to disappear, we have to do it with good reason."

the other side.

Ren Youlan looked at Cui Mingyuan's back as he walked away, and her heart was still unsettled.

She turned to look at Ye Aniu and asked in a low voice: "Brother Aniu, I always feel that the young master has some purpose, and I feel a little uneasy."

Ye Aniu shook his head, touched her hand, and said with a smile: "Who cares? We just need to do our best and not be too suspicious."

"Our wedding is coming soon, don't look so sad"

Ren Youlan nodded reluctantly, but she always felt a little uncomfortable in her heart.

Three days later.

The Ren family courtyard was decorated with lights and was full of joy.

The courtyard gate was hung with red silk, and the lanterns hanging under the eaves swayed gently in the breeze.

The stone table in the courtyard was filled with fruits and snacks, the air was filled with the faint smoke of firecrackers and the noisy chatter of guests.

Snap, snap, snap, snap!

Mr. Ren was standing in the yard, holding a long bamboo pole, happily lighting a string of firecrackers.

Mr. Ren's face was full of smiles and his heart was full of relief.

Although they are not locals and do not have many relatives and friends, they are kind people. Today, many neighbors and people they have good relationships with came to congratulate them.

The wedding was simple, without any complicated bride-receiving ceremony. The bride and groom were only separated by a wall, which made it seem quite warm.

Ren Youlan was wearing a bright red wedding dress and a phoenix crown on her head. She was sitting in her boudoir with a shy smile on her face.

Ye Aniu was wearing his wedding attire and greeting guests and chatting.

Aunt Ren was holding the wedding candy, she grabbed a handful and scattered it on the roadside. Children on the roadside, in the village, and even in the neighboring village had been waiting for a long time, as if this wedding was a feast for them.

Candies were flying all over the sky, and the children were cheering and rushing towards the candies in an instant to see who could grab more.

And by chance, one of the candies fell on the chest of a woman in a bright red dress. She did not look unhappy at all. Instead, she picked up the candy with melancholy, looked at it for a while, put the candy carefully in her arms, and then walked slowly into the yard.

Holding a gift in her hand, she walked up to Master Ren, smiled slightly, and said in a clear and pleasant voice: "My humble daughter Yun Shang has come to congratulate Master Ye and Miss Ren on their wedding."

Although the eldest princess tried her best to appear kind, her every move and gesture still exuded an imposing nobility and majesty.

Master Ren was stunned, surprised. Who was she? This woman was so beautiful and had such an extraordinary temperament. Compared with her, his daughter was like a grain of rice competing with the bright moon.

He was a little overwhelmed, but he remained amiable and quickly bowed, saying, "Thank you for your generous gift, young lady. I wonder if you are..."

The princess smiled calmly and said gently, "Mr. Ren, there's no need to be suspicious. I once suffered from anorexia, but by chance I tasted your son-in-law and your daughter's stinky tofu, and it cured me."

"I've come here today to congratulate you and express my gratitude." Upon hearing this, Mr. Ren felt relieved. So that's what happened. I was so scared. I thought she was here to steal his son-in-law.

His face immediately lit up with a smile, and he quickly stepped aside to make way, saying respectfully, "No, no, you're too polite, young lady. Please come in, please come in!"

The eldest princess nodded slightly and responded with a smile. She walked slowly into the courtyard with her maid, found a corner to sit down, and kept glancing at Ye Aniu who was greeting guests.

Her arrival immediately attracted the attention of the guests, and they began to whisper and speculate about who this beautiful woman was.

After a while.

Mr. Ren was busy greeting guests when he suddenly saw an extremely handsome young man walking in from the courtyard gate.

The young man was as tall as a pine tree, with a handsome face, and an innate noble temperament in his every move.

He held a gift in his hand and walked up to Master Ren, handed it over with both hands, and said in a gentle tone: "Congratulations, Master Ren. I am Cui Mingyuan, and I have come here specially to congratulate you."

Master Ren was startled again. Who was this young man? He was so handsome, with such an extraordinary temperament, even more so than his son-in-law. When had he met these distinguished guests?

Although he was puzzled, his face was still full of enthusiasm. He smiled and said, "Thank you for the generous gift, Master Cui. Please come in, please come in!"

Cui Mingyuan smiled slightly, his eyes swept across the courtyard, and finally stopped on the eldest princess.

A complicated look flashed across his eyes, but he quickly returned to normal. He walked slowly into the courtyard and headed towards the eldest princess in the corner.

The eldest princess frowned slightly. Why was he here?

"Greetings." Cui Mingyuan was interrupted by a voice before he could finish his words.

"Master Cui, my young lady asked Master Cui what she was doing here?" Han Mei had been with the princess for so many years, how could she not know what she meant? So she interrupted immediately.

Cui Mingyuan spoke in a gentle tone, smiling calmly, "I heard someone came up with an absolute answer, so I came to see who possessed such literary talent, and to try the stinky tofu that even the princess admired."

The eldest princess frowned when she heard this. Although there was nothing wrong with what he said, the fact that there was nothing wrong with it was the biggest problem.

She was even more indignant in her heart. This was clearly a precautionary measure. If he was an opponent, she would kill him. If he was not an opponent, she would just treat him as accompanying her. She could kill two birds with one stone. Cui Mingyuan, you are still so annoying.

Snap, snap, snap, snap!

The sound of firecrackers brought everyone back to their senses.

The bridesmaid, holding a red silk scarf, stood in front of the hall with a smile on her face, and shouted loudly: "The auspicious time has arrived, the newlyweds are in the hall——"

Ye Aniu and Ren Youlan stood side by side, both wearing bright red wedding dresses, their faces filled with happy smiles.

Ye Aniu looked at Ren Youlan tenderly, while Ren Youlan lowered her head shyly, her cheeks slightly red, like a peony bud about to bloom.

"Bow to heaven and earth." The bridesmaid's voice was loud and festive.

Ye Aniu and Ren Youlan both knelt down and bowed deeply towards the heaven and earth outside the hall.

The eldest princess sat in the corner, her eyes following their movements involuntarily. A glimmer of longing flashed in her eyes, as if the person coming to the wedding hall was herself.

She opened the wedding candy and put it in her mouth. It was sweet, but for some reason it also tasted a little bitter.

Cui Mingyuan, who was sitting not far away, frowned. He keenly caught the flash of longing in her eyes.

He was slightly shocked. He had never seen the eldest princess show such an expression. It was a desire for ordinary happiness.

One day, I will give you a wedding like this.

"Bow to your parents twice." The festive voice sounded again.

Ye Aniu and Ren Youlan slowly turned around and bowed to Mr. Ren and Aunt Ren in the hall.

Mr. Ren couldn't stop smiling, while Aunt Ren had tears in her eyes. The two old people finally fulfilled their wish.

The eldest princess looked at this scene and felt a pang of sadness in her heart. She didn't know whether it was because she had never experienced such a warm family atmosphere, or because of something else, or maybe all of the above.

Cui Mingyuan noticed the eldest princess's subtle movements and was slightly stunned. You are so beautiful like this, but who are you blooming for?

"The couple bows to each other." The matchmaker's voice sounded again, drawing everyone's attention back.

Ye Aniu and Ren Youlan stood face to face, gazing at each other with deep affection in their eyes.

The two of them slowly bowed and worshipped each other.

The eldest princess looked at this scene and felt even more jealous. She turned her head slightly and didn't want to look anymore, for fear that her emotions would be revealed, which would bring disaster to this ordinary family.

"The ceremony is over. Send her to the bridal chamber!" the bridesmaid announced loudly.

Cheers and applause suddenly broke out in the hall.

Surrounded by the crowd, Ye Aniu and Ren Youlan slowly walked towards the bridal chamber.

The princess looked at their smiles, feeling mixed emotions. She decided to leave, otherwise it would only bring unnecessary trouble to them.

She stood up quietly and prepared to leave.

Seeing this, Cui Mingyuan whispered, "Princess, can we leave together?"

The eldest princess was stunned for a moment, then said calmly, "Let's go."

The two of them walked out of the Ren family courtyard one after the other, and the noise gradually faded away.

The eldest princess looked up at the sky. The moonlight was like water, sprinkling on her body, outlining her figure with a hazy beauty and also reflecting a hint of melancholy, which made Cui Mingyuan, who was standing beside her, intoxicated.

the other side.
As the night deepened, the hustle and bustle of the courtyard gradually faded away, and the guests left one after another, leaving only the red silk in the yard swaying gently in the candlelight and breeze, casting shadows.

In the wedding room.

The red candles were burning brightly, the candlelight flickering, the red bed curtains were gently hanging down, and the bed was covered with a brocade quilt embroidered with auspicious dragons and phoenixes.

Sitting upright on the bed was Ren Youlan, wearing a phoenix crown and a bright red wedding dress. The red veil covered her face, revealing only a pair of slender hands, which were gently folded on her knees. Her hands slightly grasped her knees, causing the wedding dress to wrinkle slightly, showing that she was obviously very nervous at the moment.

Ye Aniu stood at the door with a calm expression, as if he was an old coachman who often drove a carriage.

After closing the door, he slowly walked to Ren Youlan, stretched out his hand, gently lifted the red veil, and the red veil slowly slid down.

Ren Youlan's face gradually appeared.

Her cheeks were faintly flushed with shyness, her eyes were lowered, and her long eyelashes cast a shadow in the candlelight, making her look particularly soft and beautiful.

Ye Aniu was a little obsessed with her, and it took him a while to come back to his senses. He said softly, "My lady, you are so beautiful."

When Ren Youlan heard this, her cheeks turned even redder. She raised her head slightly and her eyes met Ye Aniu's, her eyes full of tenderness.

She responded softly: "Brother Niu, from now on, I am yours."

Ye Aniu nodded, feeling pity in his heart.

He sat down next to Ren Youlan, gently held her in his arms, and said softly: "Yes, we are a real family now."

Ren Youlan smiled slightly, a touch of emotion flashing in her eyes. She gently leaned on Ye Aniu's shoulder, raised her eyes to look at Ye Aniu, and opened her red lips slightly, waiting to pick the fruit.

The two of them snuggled together quietly, the candlelight illuminating their faces. Ye Aniu gently stroked Ren Youlan's hair, wondering, "Why am I so skilled? I seem to know every procedure? Have I been married before?"
Impossible! Shaking his head and letting go of his thoughts, Ye Aniu gently blew out the red candle on the table. The moonlight poured in through the window lattice, adding a hazy beauty to the room.

Ye Aniu gently embraced Ren Youlan in his arms, and their breathing gradually intertwined.

"Brother Aniu, I'm scared." Ren Youlan's heart beat faster and her cheeks burned hot, but she did not resist. Instead, she gently closed her eyes and let Ye Aniu do what he wanted.

"Don't be afraid." Ye Aniu's kiss fell on Ren Youlan's forehead, slowly moving down, gently kissing her eyebrows, nose tip, and finally stopping on her lips.

Ren Youlan's breathing gradually quickened, and her hands unconsciously wrapped around Ye Aniu's neck, their breaths intertwined.

Ye Aniu's hand gently stroked Ren Youlan's shoulder and slowly untied the laces of her wedding dress.

Ren Youlan closed her eyes shyly, her eyelashes trembling slightly.

The wedding dress slowly slipped off, revealing Ren Youlan's fair skin.

"Brother Niu loves me."

A warm feeling surged in Ye Aniu's heart. He gently kissed Ren Youlan's fingertips, then slowly leaned down.

in the courtyard.

The moonlight grew brighter, and suddenly a strong wind whistled past, and the long red silk fluttered in the wind, accidentally catching on a sharp thorn. With a "ripping" sound and a muffled groan, the silk was suddenly torn apart by the wind.

The liberated satin immediately fluttered in the wind, swaying back and forth rhythmically like a heartbeat.

In the bridal chamber.

Only the intertwined sounds of breathing and heartbeats remained.

The next morning.

After tossing and turning all night, Ren Youlan was still sleeping soundly. Ye Aniu was worthy of his name.

He got up early to study. He had promised his elders and wife that he would concentrate on his studies and pass the imperial examinations.

At this moment, there was a knock on the door outside the courtyard. Who could it be? Ye Aniu wondered.

Confused, he walked to the gate, opened it, and saw the maid who was as beautiful as a fairy. Ye Aniu remembered that her name was Hanmei.

Her face was gloomy, and she said in a bad tone, "The provincial examination will be held in two months. My young lady heard that you are going to take part in the examination, so she is sending you a letter of recommendation and a hundred taels of silver."

Ye Aniu was about to refuse, but Hanmei, as if predicting this, said, "Sir, I think you can't bear to see your wife toiling day and night for a few pieces of silver!"

That's what happened. Ye Aniu thought about it and realized, if you don't take advantage of this opportunity, you'd be a bastard. If you don't take it, it's useless. If you take it, it's useless.
"In that case, thank you very much." Ye Aniu finally accepted it. This would save him a lot of detours and his wife would suffer less.

Hanmei snorted coldly and turned away, seemingly dissatisfied with everything. But then she thought, if the princess succeeded in snatching him away and got married one day, she would be the first one to sleep with him and try out the marriage.
Hiss. Did I speak a little loudly just now?

Three days later.

The joy of the newlyweds gradually faded, replaced by a gradual return to the dullness of life.

Ren Youlan's family started selling tofu again. Ye Aniu also wanted to help, but Youlan was afraid that it would affect his studies and firmly disagreed. Ye Aniu couldn't persuade her, so he had to concentrate on his studies at home.

One day, Youlan and his family of three were returning home from selling tofu. Before they had rested for long, officials suddenly arrived.

"Someone ate your tofu and became poisoned. The county magistrate suspects you of poisoning him and has ordered us to bring you in for questioning."

Before they could object, the bailiff shouted coldly, "Take him away."

(End of this chapter)