Chapter 2016: Lixia Gets Married
Given their busy schedules, Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan enlisted the help of a maid and a valet to manage household tasks. Additionally, they hired a kitchen maid to tend to cooking and laundry duties.
In the latter part of the previous year, Songshi had diligently overseen the renovation of their new home, ensuring it was ready for Lixia’s wedding.
The festivities surrounding Lixia’s nuptials were joyous and spirited, drawing envy from both the staff within the state office and residents of Anze Prefecture City. The abundance of dowry items far surpassed anything seen in even the wealthiest households.
The wives of the state office clerks couldn’t help but feel envious and resentful. They knew that when their own daughters married in the future, they wouldn’t hold a candle to Lixia, a mere maid. The Prefect’s wife had been exceedingly generous.
As Lixia bid farewell to the pavilion, tears welled in her eyes as she bowed deeply to Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan, expressing her heartfelt gratitude.
Back when she was purchased from the human broker by her master, Lixia had only dared to hope for an existence free from beatings and scoldings. Who could have imagined that such a day would dawn upon her?
Following her marriage, Lixia assumed the role of Qiao Xuan’s wife while still managing household affairs.
Qiao Xuan also broached the topic with Mianmian and Ah Ye, expressing her desire to arrange weddings for them as well. However, Mianmian expressed a reluctance to marry just yet, preferring to continue working for a few more years. Qiao Xuan respected her wishes and conceded with a smile, assuring her that she could marry whenever she felt ready.
Despite their unmarried status, it was widely acknowledged that Mianmian and Ah Ye were a couple. Ah Ye, being straightforward, didn’t seem bothered by the delay; he would likely wait patiently, even if it meant another ten years.
As for Liqiu, although he showed no inclination towards marriage, his age indicated that he could only remain unmarried for another two years at most.
Meanwhile, despite the gradual accumulation of experience by Caihua, Caiyue, and others, the household still faced a shortage of manpower.
Continuing her efforts to bolster the household, Qiao Xuan purchased three twelve-year-old girls named Xiaoman, Dongzhi, and Xiaoxue.
Following Lixia’s marriage, not only Liqiu but also Caiyun and Caiyue suddenly found themselves inundated with suitors.
Qiao Xuan couldn’t help but feel torn between laughter and tears at the sudden surge of attention.
Yet, such reactions were only natural. Even families of moderate wealth might not offer the same lavish dowry as Lixia’s. It was inevitable that many would be tempted.
Beyond the dowry, the savings and possessions accumulated over time were not insignificant either.
Qiao Xuan found herself cautioning Liqiu and the other girls not to be swayed by sweet words from men. Marriage was on the horizon for them, and they deserved substantial dowries just like Lixia. Liqiu had followed Qiao Xuan through thick and thin, and even Caiyun and Caiyue had amassed considerable dowries.
Given these circumstances, it was difficult to discern whether suitors were drawn to the individuals themselves or their wealth.
At the very least, the girls needed to carefully assess each suitor, considering not only their intentions but also the dynamics within the suitor’s family. Compatibility with potential in-laws was just as crucial as the character of the suitor.
At the very least, a suitor shouldn’t be a troublemaker, right?
Qiao Xuan cautioned Liqiu and the others against being swayed into marriage hastily. Regretting such a decision later on would be too late.
Her words resonated with Liqiu and the others, who immediately regained their clarity of mind.
In mid-June, Liu Changming and Song Guangyao sent word that the results of the Spring Quarter Examinations were in. Lord Shao’s cousin, Shao Liulang, had achieved the status of an intermediate Advanced Scholar.
Having received the eighth-grade doctorate in five sutras from the Hanlin Academy, he was now considered to have established himself in the capital.
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