Starting from 1618 of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 147 The Cui Family Marriage (Part 2)

Chen Shi (7-9 AM).

Dengzhou City, City God Temple.

Today is the temple fair at the City God Temple, and it's packed with worshippers.

Lu Yan, dressed in a light blue casual outfit, mingled with the crowd with two attendants.

"Master," Shen Qing said in a low voice, "Miss Cui has arrived and is offering incense in the back hall."

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"Okay." Lu Yan nodded. "Lead the way."

The two walked through the bustling crowd and arrived at the rear hall.

The rear hall was much quieter than the front hall, with only a few worshippers offering incense.

Lu Yan spotted Cui Wanqing at a glance.

She stood before the incense table, holding three sticks of incense, and was praying devoutly.

She wore a light blue ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), with a jade hairpin in her hair; her figure was graceful and her demeanor dignified.

Even though they were a few steps apart, Lu Yan could sense the refined and elegant demeanor emanating from her.

"Boss," Shen Qing said in a low voice, "it's her."

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Lu Yan nodded without saying anything.

He watched quietly as Cui Wanqing finished offering incense, then turned and walked out of the hall.

Just then, Lu Yan "casually" went to meet him.

The two "bumped into" each other at the entrance of the palace.

"Please wait, young lady." Lu Yan bowed respectfully. "My name is Lu Yan. I apologize for disturbing you."

Cui Wanqing was slightly taken aback and looked up at Lu Yan.

Her eyes were clear and bright, carrying a hint of curiosity and a hint of wariness.

"Lord Lu?" she said softly. "This humble woman, Cui Wanqing, greets Lord Lu."

She curtsied gracefully, her posture dignified.

Lu Yan nodded inwardly.

She truly is a lady from a distinguished family; her manners are impeccable and she exudes grace and poise.

"Miss Cui," Lu Yan said, "I have heard that the Cui family intends to form a marriage alliance with me, so I have come to pay my respects. Please forgive my intrusion."

"6

Upon hearing this, Cui Wanqing blushed slightly.

"Lord Lu, this matter should be decided by the elders in my family. It is not appropriate for me to say more."

"I understand," Lu Yan said. "However, since marriage is such a significant matter, I would like to meet Miss Cui in person first. I hope you will forgive me if I have offended you."

Cui Wanqing was silent for a moment, then said, "Since Lord Lu has come, I cannot refuse. May I ask what you wish to ask?"

'

Lu Yan smiled slightly.

"Miss Cui, I've heard that you're good at managing a household and are skilled in poetry and painting. Is that true?"

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Upon hearing this, Cui Wanqing's lips curled up slightly.

"Lord Lu's information network is indeed impressive," she said. "I've been studying and reading since childhood, and I have a basic understanding of poetry and literature, but I wouldn't call myself a talented woman. As for managing the household—"

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She paused for a moment and then said, "When my father was alive, I managed all the household accounts. After he passed away, I observed three years of mourning for him, and I did not neglect my duties."

"6

Lu Yan nodded.

"Miss Cui, I have another question."

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"Please speak, Lord Lu."

"I come from a military background and am usually busy with official duties, so I don't have much time to spend with my family," Lu Yan said. "If Miss Cui were to marry into this family, she might find it lonely. Does Miss Cui have any concerns about this?"

'

Cui Wanqing listened and remained silent for a moment.

"Lord Lu," she said, "I have been taught since childhood that a wife should regard her husband as her heaven. When a husband is busy with official duties, he is being loyal to the country; when a wife manages the household affairs, she is fulfilling her responsibilities to the family. Each of us has our own duties, so how can you say that things are lonely?"

Upon hearing this, a hint of admiration flashed in Lu Yan's eyes.

"Miss Cui is indeed a lady from a distinguished family, with extraordinary insight."

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Cui Wanqing smiled slightly and remained silent.

The two chatted for a few more minutes before saying their goodbyes.

Three days later.

April 18th.

The magistrate's office, the study.

Lu Yan sat behind the desk, with Shen Qing standing in front of him.

"Master," Shen Qing said, "news has come from the Cui family."

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"What news?"

'

"Cui Mingyuan said that Miss Cui has a good impression of the family," Shen Qing said. "The Cui family is willing to formally discuss the marriage."

Lu Yan nodded.

"Okay. Arrange for both sets of parents to meet."

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"Yes."

April 20th.

Dengzhou City, Cui Residence.

Lu Yan brought Shen Qing to visit the Cui family.

Cui Mingyuan personally came out to greet them.

"Lord Lu, it's an honor to meet you!" He smiled broadly, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Please come in, please come in!"

Lu Yan followed him into the Cui residence.

The Cui residence was not large, but it was decorated elegantly and neatly, exuding the atmosphere of a scholarly family.

The two sat down in the main hall, where a maid served them tea and snacks.

"Lord Lu," Cui Mingyuan said bluntly, "our Cui family is sincere about the marriage. What are your requirements, Lord Lu?"

"Mr. Cui, you're too kind," Lu Yan said. "I have a very good impression of Miss Cui. As for the marriage, I don't have any special requirements; everything will be done according to the rules."

"Alright, alright!" Cui Mingyuan laughed. "Lord Lu is so straightforward! Then let's discuss the specifics."

6

After discussing it, the two set their wedding date for the eighth day of the fifth month of the fourth year of the Tianqi reign.

The details of the betrothal gifts, dowry, and wedding ceremony were all agreed upon.

"Lord Lu," Cui Mingyuan said, "our Cui family will fully cooperate with the wedding arrangements. We will make sure it's a grand and spectacular affair."

"6

"Thank you, Mr. Cui," Lu Yan said. "I will do my best to prepare."

The eighth day of the fifth month of the fourth year of the Tianqi reign.

Auspicious day.

Dengzhou City, the office of the Prefectural Magistrate.

Today is the day Lu Yan marries Cui Wanqing.

The government office was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, creating a festive atmosphere.

Important figures from Dengzhou's official, business, and military circles were all present.

Prefect Zhou Wenyuan personally came to offer his congratulations and presented a generous gift.

"Lord Lu, congratulations!" he said with a broad smile. "The bride is a lady from the Cui family of Qinghe. They are a perfect match, a match made in heaven!"

"Thank you, Lord Zhou." Lu Yan returned the greeting with a cupped hand.

The naval commanders also arrived, and Wang Tiezhu, along with a group of officers, presented congratulatory gifts.

"Congratulations, sir!" Wang Tiezhu said with a smile. "You've married such a wonderful wife, sir. You must treat her well from now on!"

"Don't worry," Lu Yan said with a smile.

Business people also came, and Hu Jingshui led a group of merchants to present congratulatory gifts.

"Congratulations, boss!" Hu Jingshui said with a smile. "With your new family and business, your future will surely be even more prosperous!"

"6

"Thank you for your kind words," Lu Yan said with a smile.

Noon.

The wedding procession has returned.

A bright red sedan chair was carried into the yamen amidst the sound of firecrackers.

Lu Yan, dressed in a bright red wedding gown, stood at the door to greet them.

The bridal sedan chair landed, and the matchmaker helped the bride out of the sedan chair.

Wearing a bright red wedding dress, a phoenix crown, and a red veil, Cui Wanqing walked slowly towards Lu Yan with the help of the matchmaker.

Lu Yan took her hand and together they stepped over the brazier and entered the main hall.

"I bow to Heaven and Earth!"

'

-

"Bowing to the parents twice!"

'

"Husband and wife bow to each other!"

"The ceremony is complete! Lead them to the bridal chamber!"

'

night.

The bridal chamber.

Red candles are lit, and joy is everywhere.

Lu Yan lifted Cui Wanqing's red veil.

In the candlelight, Cui Wanqing's face was beautiful and dignified, her cheeks slightly flushed, and her eyes filled with a hint of shyness.

"My husband," Cui Wanqing replied softly.

The two looked at each other and smiled.

-

after marriage.

Cui Wanqing quickly took over the internal affairs management.

She managed the backyard of the yamen (government office) very well, with clear accounts and servants each performing their duties.

Not only that, she also helped Lu Yan contact the gentry in Shandong.

Although the Cui family was a collateral branch, they still had some connections in the Shandong area. Cui Wanqing used these connections to help Lu Yan make friends with many gentry.

"My lord," Cui Wanqing said, "the Zhang family in Jinan, the Li family in Qingzhou, and the Wang family in Laizhou are all prominent families in Shandong. I have already written visiting cards for you, and you can pay them a visit when you have time."

Upon hearing this, Lu Yan secretly admired him.

This lady is indeed a virtuous and capable wife.

"You've worked hard, Madam," he said.

"It is my duty to share my husband's burdens," Cui Wanqing said with a slight smile.

Lu Yan looked at her, a hint of tenderness flashing in his eyes.

He made the right choice in this marriage.