The First Madam's anger was instantly extinguished by the Old Ancestor's words.
The Old Ancestor had even brought up her own daughter. What else could she say?
After all, she didn't even add to her own daughter's dowry, let alone Xue Bitao, who he didn't like in the first place.
As for the First Madam, she only had so little dowry, and many of the things were already stale. Even if she wanted to add to Xue Bitao's dowry, she would only embarrass Xue Bitao. It was better not to give.
However, the First Madam didn't expect the Old Ancestor to be so indifferent even though Xue Bitao was marrying the Crown Prince.
The First Madam clenched her fists and said with a gloomy expression, "In that case, forget it."
"Of course. How can I trouble my grandmother with my granddaughter's matters?" The Old Ancestor continued.
The First Madam couldn't say a word.
After dinner, Jiujiu helped the Old Ancestor leave.
Zhenyuan Hou gave the First Madam a meaningful look, then waved his sleeves and left.
At first, he thought the First Madam was a good person. He didn't expect her to be so shallow. Xue Bitao had just been selected as the Crown Prince's Consort, and she was so ignorant to talk about the Old Ancestor.
Unknowingly, Zhenyuan Hou and the First Madam were estranged.
Watching everyone leave, the First Madam clenched her fists and vowed to Xue Bitao, "Bitao, don't worry. I won't treat you unfairly."
At night, Jiujiu sent the Old Ancestor back to her room and talked for a while before returning to the warm room. She opened the door and immediately sent Dong 'er away when she sensed an extra aura.
"Dong 'er, today is the Lantern Festival. Go out and play like the others. You don't have to keep watch for me tonight."
Dong 'er looked up at Jiujiu. Although she wanted to go out and play like the others, she was still worried about Jiujiu. "Miss, I'll keep watch for you."
"It's okay. Go and play. It's just one night. It won't be a problem."
Dong 'er looked at Jiujiu again.
Jiujiu smiled faintly and said, "Go, go. I'm fine."
Dong 'er bit her lip. "Then I'll be outside. You can call me if you need anything."
"Okay, go and play." Jiujiu smiled and nodded. Only then did Dong 'er leave worriedly.
Jiujiu opened the door and looked at Zhou Haiqing, who was sitting at the table calmly. She rolled her eyes in annoyance. Jiujiu didn't know what was wrong with Zhou Haiqing. He simply treated the Zhenyuan Marquis' residence as his own backyard and came and went as he pleased. He had already come three or four times this month. Today was the Lantern Festival and every household was gathered together. Jiujiu originally thought that he wouldn't come back, but who knew that he would still come.
"What's wrong? Are you unhappy?" Zhou Haiqing asked gently.
Jiujiu sat across from Zhou Haiqing and poured herself a cup of tea. She took a sip and said, "Is the general very free?"
Zhou Haiqing frowned and replied with a serious expression, "Not at all. The border has been rather unstable recently. There will definitely be a war in less than three years."
Jiujiu raised her head and looked at Zhou Haiqing. "Why is the general telling me this?"
"You are my wife. You have the right to know this. Don't you want to know what I am doing?"
Jiujiu pursed her lips. "I don't want to know at all." Furthermore, she didn't want him to come to her place at all.
Zhou Haiqing said, "Naughty."
Jiujiu gave Zhou Haiqing the middle finger in her heart. To hell with your naughty attitude. Jiujiu spat disdainfully in her heart.
Seeing Jiujiu's disdainful expression, Zhou Haiqing smiled faintly and raised his hand to ruffle Jiujiu's hair. He said softly, "I will be leaving the capital for a period of time in a few days. I will send someone to protect you. Be careful."
"Oh." Jiujiu nodded. "Will you be gone for long?"
Zhou Haiqing replied, "At most a month, at least half a month."
"Oh." Jiujiu blinked. "Be careful on the way."
Hearing Jiujiu's concern, the corners of Zhou Haiqing's mouth could not help but curl up into a faint smile. He raised his hand and brushed it across Jiujiu's cheek. Feeling the smoothness of his palm against Jiujiu's delicate skin, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly. "Thank you for your concern."
Jiujiu covered her cheek that was heated by Zhou Haiqing's calluses. She glared at him. "…"
As if it was really urgent, Zhou Haiqing hurriedly left after he finished speaking.
After he left, Jiujiu didn't see Zhou Haiqing for three months.
Because they were already betrothed, Jiujiu and Xue Bitao began to prepare their own dowry like other women.
Although most of it was taken care of by the elders, there were still some small things that she had to make herself.
Jiujiu wasn't very good at embroidery, but she couldn't beat Dong 'er's skills. Furthermore, because she had Xue Biyu's memories, Jiujiu managed to embroider some small things.
This time, he was busy for a few months. Very soon, it was Jiujiu's coming-of-age ceremony. The eighth of the next month was the date of her wedding with Zhou Haiqing.
Just like Xue Biyu's memories, Xue Biyu was set up to marry the Crown Prince on this day. The Zhenyuan Marquis' residence let Xue Biyu pretend to be Xue Bitao to hide the truth. Then, Xue Bitao's short and difficult life began.
Jiujiu wanted to contact Zhou Haiqing and remind him to look after her on the wedding day. However, ever since they parted on that day, Zhou Haiqing seemed to have disappeared from the face of the earth. Jiujiu could only count the days and hope that Zhou Haiqing would return on the day before the wedding. Otherwise, it would be very embarrassing if there was no groom at the wedding.
Very soon, it was the day of the wedding.
Early in the morning, Jiujiu was dug out of bed and dressed up.
Because Xue Bitao was also getting married on this day, the two were put together to dress up. For the sake of publicity, their wedding clothes were changed into identical ones in the end. Other than the different veils, everything else was carved from the same mold. In particular, the bride's makeup was painted on. If one wasn't familiar with them, one wouldn't be able to tell them apart.
There was still some time before the groom came to fetch the bride. Xue Bitao looked at the shy Jiujiu sitting next to her and couldn't suppress the jealousy in her heart. "Sister, after today, I don't know when we'll meet again."
Jiujiu turned her head to look at the veil placed not far away. She walked over and held her veil tightly in her hand before replying, "Today, Jiujiu is the Crown Princess. If you miss me, you only need to summon me immediately. Why do you say this?"
Xue Bitao hadn't thought that Jiujiu would be so vigilant and hold her veil so early. Her expression changed and she said, "People often say that once you enter the palace, it is as deep as the sea. The Crown Prince already had two Cefei before me. I'm afraid …"
Xue Bitao looked worriedly at Jiujiu. Her eyes were slightly furrowed and there was a layer of worry that couldn't be dispersed. She said in a seemingly distressed tone, "I really envy sister that you have the Great General's favor."
Jiujiu said, "I only met the Great General once. When did he favor me? Sister, be careful with your words."
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