Chapter 560: Here Comes Trouble

Yang Ye pointed out the procession behind him, an arrogant smile on his handsome face. “See this? This is a dowry laid out in the style of a noble lady from the Capital City. I’ve gathered everything from Bailu Town and Huai’an County to put together this marvelous gift.”

He deliberately stressed the words ‘marvelous gift’.

No other way about it, everyone could clearly see this was a complete dowry set; bed, tables, utensils, boxes and cages, it had everything.

But he and Qiao Xiaomai were only friends. Hence, he could only disguise this dowry as a simple gift.

With so many people watching, he didn’t believe Qiao Xiaomai would reject him outright.

Qiao Xiaomai glanced over at the carriage procession. This scenario felt eerily similar to Yang Wang’s previous attempts to curry favor by lavishing her with gifts.

But their motives were different. Yang Wang’s gifts were meant to win her over to him.

Meanwhile, for some unknown reason, Yang Ye was purposely stirring up trouble for her and Tong Sanlang.

The betrothal between her and Tong Sanlang was truly mystifying.

Initially, everyone had seen the interactions between her and Tong Sanlang. Yet, in the end, they ended up getting together under the guise of an urgent marriage proposal, and with the Tong Family rushing the preparations, her dowry looked rather shabby. Given how she was the village’s most sought-after maiden, and came from a well-to-do family in Anping Village, such a wedding only raised eyebrows.

It only served to further confuse everyone around, not to mention her and Tong Sanlang.

She felt disgruntled, and Tong Sanlang too was just as unsettled.

Now, Yang Ye had chosen to parade an extravagant dowry, which only added to her headache. How would others perceive her relationship with Yang Ye?

What would Tong Sanlang think?

Moreover, what was Yang Ye trying to accomplish by causing such a spectacle?

She took a deep breath and said, “Your Highness, thank you. Over here please.” She deflected. “Our house is rather crowded right now. We do not have a place for your gift. I would appreciate it if you could have this sent to my house first.”

She also emphasized the words ‘your gift’.

“Alright!” Yang Ye motioned with his hand and quickly spotted Qiao Changshun in the crowd. “Your father can guide the men to deliver these items.”

He theatrically looked up at the sun and then jumped down from his carriage. “Oh dear, it’s nearly noon. You and Sanlang should proceed with the formal bows.”

Qiao Xiaomai smiled and motioned towards the courtyard entrance, “Your Highness, after you.”

“No, no, no, you and Sanlang are the newlyweds. You should be the first to enter. I’ll follow you in,” Yang Ye cheerily replied.

Hearing this, Qiao Xiaomai decisively waved her hand, “Musicians, please start playing.”

Upon hearing this, Yang Ye let out a hearty laugh and started clapping. “Yes, start playing, everyone!”

Then, the musicians began to play, and the courtyard was filled with joy and celebration once again.

Qiao Xiaomai turned to look at Tong Sanlang.

He happened to be looking at her as well.

She gave a slight smile, revealing a small dimple on each side of her mouth. “Let’s go.”

Tong Sanlang nodded, and the two of them, each holding a big red flower, walked towards the hall.

Next, it was time for the ceremony of bowing to heaven and earth.

After the couple bowed to heaven and earth, and then to the ancestors, the turn came for the parents. However, because Madam Zhang was ill in bed and could not attend, Tong Xingda and Tong Tiehu took her place. It was not in adhering to traditions but country folks were more inclined to go with what made them happy.

Then came the couple’s bow to each other, followed by the bridal chamber ritual.

The bridal chamber part was omitted for the time being. Country brides weren’t that delicate. Usually, they just had a symbolic seat in the bridal chamber and once lunch was over, they resumed their usual work.

However, today, because of a distinguished guest, Qiao Xiaomai didn’t even have a moment’s rest. After the ceremony, she didn’t go with Tong Sanlang to visit Madam Zhang. Instead, she pushed Tong Sanlang and said, “Go and get the meal prepared for His Highness.”