Chapter 556: 556: The Day Before the Wedding

For the next two days, the Tong Family grew busier by the day. They had their own pigs, and they hadn’t slaughtered them all during Tong Tiehu’s birthday banquet; this time, they were set to butcher another one. Tong Sanlang also went hunting to replenish their stock for the feast — they didn’t have a lot of silver, so hunting had become a necessary task.

Zhang Family’s matriarch was “ill” and hadn’t created much fuss. Today, Qiao Xiaomai ranked first in all of Anping Village; even their matriarch, who had held a grudge against her, had no choice but to accept it.

The day before the wedding, Qiao Xiaomai went to the Academy to invite Yang Ye to attend her wedding the next day.

After hearing her recount the chain of events, Yang Ye clucked his tongue, “What a bother… Why does this seem even more complicated than the politics at the Imperial Court?”

“What else can I do when I’ve set my heart on him?” Qiao Xiaomai felt tired.

“You could marry me, you know? How about becoming my queen?” Yang Ye asked jokingly.

“Your Highness, stop joking around. I’m just a simple country girl; my lowly status will only bring yours down.”

At her words, Yang Ye chuckled coldly. “That lad Tong Sanlang has really struck it big.”

To be able to taste Qiao Xiaomai’s culinary skills every day—what a wonderful life that would be!

“So, will Your Highness come tomorrow?” Qiao Xiaomai asked.

“Of course, I’ll be there to support you. Now you are someone with powerful backing; even your mother-in-law wouldn’t dare to bully you.” Despite his words, Yang Ye’s handsome face was clearly unhappy.

He had never harbored any romantic feelings towards Qiao Xiaomai.

But, now that Qiao Xiaomai was going to get married—to become someone else’s wife and make soup for another man… A sudden rush of bitterness filled his heart…

Qiao Xiaomai noticed the change in his countenance but didn’t say much. “Then, I look forward to Your Highness’s esteemed presence tomorrow.”

“Just wait!” With that, Yang Ye waved his hand while his eyes darted around restlessly.

After Qiao Xiaomai had left, Yang Ye immediately summoned his Personal Guard to prepare the congratulatory gift for the next day.

Upon leaving the Academy, Qiao Xiaomai headed straight for Ji Wei Ju, a local restaurant after some thought.

Though she was to be a bride the next day, the village customs were simple, and the wedding ceremony only took place at noon. In times of financial hardship, brides still worked in the field even on the morning of their wedding day.

What a life…

The wedding banquet at the Tong Family was certainly no place for a prince like Yang Ye. She decided to take initiatives into her own hands.

She bought a bunch of things and did her preparations. The washing, the soaking… By the time she was done, it was late afternoon.

Qiao Changshun returned driving a donkey cart. He had gone to the Tong Family’s residence.

Seeing that Qiao Xiaomai had returned, he sighed.

“Dad, what’s the matter?” Qiao Xiaomai asked.

“I’m feeling sorry for you.”

He’d been to the Tong Family’s residence a while ago. While the house had been cleaned thoroughly and her groom’s room had been well prepared, nothing else had seen any significant changes.

The wardrobe was the same; the bookshelf was the same; even the bedding remained the same.

Not a single new item had been added.

The conditions were as difficult as when he and Zhuang Luhe had gotten married, even though their family was affluent now!

“It’s okay.” Having heard Qiao Changshun’s complaints, Qiao Xiaomai chuckled nonchalantly.

All those things were items with which Tong Sanlang had spent many years; she didn’t mind them.

Now, she could rightfully move in and tidy up his room. That was enough to make up for all inconveniences.

“You silly girl.” Qiao Changshun couldn’t help but sigh.

Hearing this, Qiao Xiaomai opened her eyes wide; she didn’t expect her father to call her foolish too.

“Dad, leave my room as it is. If they ever make me feel uncomfortable, I can come back anytime. Don’t worry.” She reassured him.

Upon hearing this, the frown on Qiao Changshun’s face relaxed.

Indeed, he won’t touch anything of Qiao Xiaomai’s at home. If she ever felt uncomfortable, she could return anytime.

Whether that was the right thing to do or not, none of that mattered as much as Qiao Xiaomai’s well-being.

[The official wedding ceremony tomorrow! That’s it for today’s update!]