The wedding date for Cheng Shu and Kou Wan was set for the deep autumn season. Originally, they were worried that Cheng Zhiyuan, who was far overseas, would have an uncertain return date and wouldn’t make it back in time for the wedding. Unexpectedly, he returned during the hottest days of June, the height of summer.

This overseas voyage had not only exchanged Great Zhou’s tea and silk for large quantities of gold and silver, but also brought back foreign spices, treasures, and other goods.

These foreign goods were extremely popular with wealthy families. Since Cheng Zhiyuan represented the government, all the silver earned was moved into the national treasury.

Ever since Qi Shuo became Crown Prince, he had shouldered the responsibility of regent. Emperor Tai’an only inquired and made decisions on particularly major matters, spending the rest of his time properly recuperating. Upon learning of Cheng Zhiyuan’s return, Emperor Tai’an not only rallied his spirits to meet with him once, but also had Qi Shuo accompany him to personally see the national treasury stuffed full with gold and silver.

The Ministry of Finance actually had detailed account books—a single look would make clear whether the treasury was full or empty—but could looking at account books compare to the feeling of seeing mountains of silver?

Emperor Tai’an had long suffered from an empty treasury. Overwhelmed by the gleaming white silver, in his great joy he not only promoted Cheng Zhiyuan but also bestowed a noble title upon him.

This meant even more families wanted Cheng Zhiyuan as a son-in-law.

These families all knew that the person who could make decisions for Cheng Zhiyuan was Old Madam Lin. Immediately, several more thresholds at the General’s Mansion were trampled to pieces.

Old Madam summoned Lin Shi and Cheng Zhiyuan, slapping a tall stack of calling cards and asking: “How should we handle these? Do you two have any thoughts?”

Last year when her adopted son left the capital, she had seen perfectly clearly when her daughter chased after him to deliver things. After that, each of her adopted son’s letters home grew thicker than the last, all written to her daughter.

Now that he had returned, these two hadn’t mentioned a single word about proper business—what did this mean?

“I, I’ll listen to Wanqing.” Cheng Zhiyuan, who was shrewd and capable when dealing with Westerners, now acted like a green youth, nervously looking toward Lin Shi.

Lin Shi glanced at him, rarely showing some embarrassment: “I’ll listen to Mother.”

Old Madam smiled: “Then shall I randomly pick one from this stack of cards? They’re all quite good anyway.”

“Mother!”

Cheng Zhiyuan was even more anxious: “Adoptive Mother, other than Wanqing, I don’t want to marry anyone!”

Lin Shi’s face warmed slightly, and she fell silent.

Old Madam’s heart completely relaxed, asking in puzzlement: “You two aren’t teenagers anymore. Since you know each other’s hearts, why have you both become sealed-mouth gourds?”

This time Lin Shi spoke: “Shu’er is about to get married. If we suddenly settle this, we’re afraid it will make them subject to ridicule—”

She didn’t care about others’ gossip, but she had to consider Shu’er and the Kou family girl.

Old Madam looked at Cheng Zhiyuan again. Cheng Zhiyuan still wore a simple smile: “Whatever is fine, I’ll listen to Wanqing.”

Old Madam snorted: “I think you two are confused as the parties involved. His Majesty values Zhiyuan highly now. Since he doesn’t need to attend court and has plenty of free time, aren’t you afraid he’ll suddenly arrange a match for Zhiyuan? If you settle things early, not only will it quash others’ hopes, but when Shu’er gets married, he’ll have both parents to bow to—wouldn’t that kill two birds with one stone?”

Cheng Zhiyuan suddenly stood up and bowed deeply: “Adoptive Mother, this child wishes to marry Wanqing. Please grant your approval.”

Lin Shi looked at Old Madam, looked at her adopted brother, and also stood up.

Old Madam looked at the two standing side by side and couldn’t help but smile: “I agree.”

Cheng Zhiyuan was remarrying, Lin Shi was remarrying—at their age there wasn’t so much hemming and hawing. They quickly followed protocol through the six rites and married in early August.

This wedding wasn’t held lavishly, only inviting the closest people. Various mansions that caught wind of it sent congratulatory gifts, filling the main courtyard of Earl Ruichang’s mansion to bursting.

Earl Ruichang was Cheng Zhiyuan’s title. Emperor Tai’an’s consideration was quite thorough—the mansion he bestowed wasn’t far from the General’s Mansion.

At the wedding scene, Lin Chan watched her mother kowtowing to Old Madam and couldn’t help but redden around the eyes. Han Baocheng quickly put his arm around her shoulders to comfort her.

The little daughter being held by the wet nurse saw her father comforting her mother and stretched out her hands wanting to be held. Unfortunately, neither young parent noticed, and she cried with her mouth pouting in grievance.

Seeing her elder sister and brother-in-law scrambling to coax the child, Lin Hao, whose eyes had originally been misting, smiled instead. After returning to the Eastern Palace, she said to Qi Shuo: “Elder Sister’s Zhuzhu is eight months old now, and she’s indeed much more handsome than when she was just born.”

At least now when Mother praised her granddaughter as beautiful as a celestial being, she could barely nod along.

“Mother and Uncle—Father are still young. Perhaps I can even become an elder sister.” Lin Hao was clearly in good spirits. After chatting about her little niece, she talked about her newly married mother.

It turned out that as long as people lived well, there would be unexpected possibilities, unexpected happiness.

A hand reached over and drew her into an embrace.

“Perhaps before becoming an elder sister, you could first become a mother.”

The palace attendants all lowered their eyes, thinking to themselves: here we go again, here we go again—the Crown Prince and Crown Princess are shamelessly showing their affection again!

The red silk at Earl Ruichang’s mansion hadn’t yet faded before it was replaced with new silk. Compared to the simplicity of Lin Shi and Cheng Zhiyuan’s wedding, the wedding of Cheng Shu and Kou Wan could be called grand.

The Mighty Marquis’s mansion had some idea of their responsibility for the Empress Dowager’s death. From that time on, they kept their tails between their legs, most worried that something would go wrong with Kou Wan’s match.

Fortunately, everything went smoothly. The Mighty Marquis’s mansion was especially grateful and added thirty percent more to Kou Wan’s dowry.

With fallen yellow leaves filling the city and maple forests red everywhere, a ten-li bridal procession entered Earl Ruichang’s mansion. The wedding guests were so numerous they could barely all be seated.

Jinlin Guard Commander Cheng Maoming came with Du Qing.

Watching Cheng Shu in bright red wedding garments toasting table by table, Cheng Maoming was filled with emotion.

He had once felt great fondness for this young man who shared his surname and had even considered adopting him as a son. Who would have thought not only had the fellow’s father returned, he also now had a mother, and a sister who was Crown Princess!

Thinking this, Cheng Maoming glanced at Du Qing sitting beside him, head down eating vegetables.

This lad’s luck just wasn’t good.

Du Qing frowned.

What kind of look was Commander Cheng giving him?

Cheng Shu walked over, accompanied by Han Baocheng and Qi Shuo.

Han Baocheng was one thing, but what kind of treatment was it to have the Crown Prince accompanying the toast?

Every table stood up before the group even approached. Not only did they not dare make a fuss and force the groom to drink, they drank quite readily themselves.

Amid a chorus of congratulations, Qi Shuo raised his cup toward Cheng Maoming, then gave Du Qing a deep look before following Cheng Shu to the next table.

Cheng Maoming immediately beamed with joy.

The Crown Prince truly was different with him!

He had discovered back then that Prince Jing’s Heir was his lucky star, but who knew the greater fortune was yet to come—Prince Jing’s Heir had actually become Crown Prince!

With his personal friendship with the Crown Prince, he no longer needed to worry about being kicked aside when the new emperor ascended the throne in the future.

The Jinlin Guard Commander got drunk at Earl Ruichang’s heir Cheng Shu’s wedding banquet and sang opera, and was carried away by a young subordinate. It was said to be because he had originally set his sights on Cheng Shu as a son-in-law and felt distressed.

After sobering up and hearing the rumor, Cheng Maoming felt deeply embarrassed: “People with the same surname cannot marry—how could anyone believe such gossip!”

Du Qing reminded him expressionlessly: “Perhaps it’s because you sang a female warrior role?”

Cheng Maoming flew into an embarrassed rage: “Why didn’t you stop me then!”

The Jinlin Guards who heard the Commander’s scolding outside weren’t even curious, continuing with whatever they were doing.

They were long accustomed to it. No matter how the Commander lost his temper, he would never punish that person with connections!

Sweet days passed swiftly. Before long, the weather was turning cold, and it was time again for Cheng Zhiyuan to cross the ocean.

This time he was expected to be away even longer, to allow the official merchant fleet to thoroughly establish its foothold overseas.

It was the same dock. Among those seeing them off were now Lin Chan and Kou Wan. Among those being seen off, besides Cheng Zhiyuan, was Lin Shi.

Watching her daughter and son-in-law bow, though Old Madam felt reluctance in her heart, she was genuinely happy for them: “Following Zhiyuan to see the foreign lands and customs overseas is a good thing. When your vision broadens, so does your heart—it’s better than being cooped up in the capital your whole life. Stop dawdling, go on.”

“Mother, you must take care of your health.” Lin Shi, usually rough and careless, couldn’t help but shed tears at this moment.

Lin Chan gently urged: “Mother, don’t worry. Sister and I are here.”

Lin Hao wasn’t as reserved as Lin Chan. She rushed over and hugged Lin Shi: “Mother, take care of yourself when you’re away. When you encounter fresh and interesting things, remember to write home.”

Hearing her say this, Lin Shi suddenly didn’t feel so sad. Gripping her two daughters’ hands and giving a few instructions, she kowtowed once more to Old Madam, then took Cheng Zhiyuan’s hand and slowly boarded the large ship.

The autumn sun, having risen not long ago, filled the river surface. The broad, rushing river water flowed with broken gold. The ship moved, breaking through wind and waves. As it traveled farther, it grew smaller and smaller, finally disappearing where sky and water met. Even when Lin Hao stood on tiptoe, she could no longer see it.

Only at this moment was her heart completely filled with the sorrow of parting and envy.

Reluctant to have her mother cross the ocean, unable to meet for a long time, yet also envying her mother for possessing such rare and precious freedom after going through hardships.

Qi Shuo took Lin Hao’s hand and softly promised: “A’Hao, in the future, I’ll also take you to see the lands overseas.”

After a moment of silence, the corners of Lin Hao’s lips lifted slightly: “Alright.”

Even if they couldn’t, as long as they remained true to each other, that would also be good.