The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family-Chapter 1198 - 276: Imperial Decree to Grant Marriage_2

The house was already prepared with warm soup, hot dishes, and a stove.

As soon as Pei Qin returned, Jun Suxue immediately brought her a warming pan, helped her sit down by the stove, and brought her some hot soup, "When are we visiting Anping Prince Mansion to give New Year’s greetings? General’s hands are freezing; you should warm up inside for a while, and it’d be best to soak in a hot bath. The kitchen has prepared hot water."

"Let’s soak when we return in the evening! Just having some hot soup and noodles will do!" Pei Qin yawned, her schedule was full every day, and today she needed to prioritize visiting Anping Prince Mansion, since after all, she was to marry their daughter.

Jun Suxue smiled in response, "I knew the General would want hot and sour beef noodles when it gets cold. It’s already been prepared." Then she asked Mo Heng what he wanted to eat, "Marquis wants the same as the General, right?"

"Mm." Having resolved the issue with Xie Yi and the others so swiftly, Jun Suxue had some merit from earlier on. Mo Heng’s demeanor towards her had improved somewhat.

Soon, the hot soup noodles were served.

Both of them ate a large bowl each along with some side dishes.

"Do you want some more?" Jun Suxue asked with a smile, knowing that she always had a big appetite, which is why she had steadfastly believed Pei Qin was a man before.

Pei Qin considered it, "I could eat a little more..."

"Don’t eat too much," Mo Heng said coldly. Eating irregularly would only cause harm to her physical condition.

Pei Qin had to give up.

Jun Suxue then brought out some pastries, "Princess Xiyun will definitely like this dragon beard pastry and the overlord dumplings."

Princess Xiyun was skilled in making desserts and had become famous throughout the capital. On a previous occasion, when they came to apologize for the marriage proposal, the crystal and jadeite ore they brought were scorned, and the desserts were bought abalone and conch with bones.

Pei Qin tasted a piece first. The skill level of the cooks at home had genuinely improved—the ability to make such a fine dessert as dragon beard pastry and do it so well, it melted in her mouth.

After eating two pieces, Huang Qiu came over with a young maid to help her change clothes, "We will head to Anping Prince Mansion soon."

Pei Qin washed her hands and changed into a new outfit, a bright red gold brocade embroidered skirt, and a fox fur cloak, red and white in color, making her slightly pale complexion look even brighter.

Mo Heng gently stroked her face and took her hand, "Let’s go!" They would not skip any other visits, but they could not miss visiting Anping Prince Mansion.

Pei Wendong was already dressed and waiting; when he saw them coming, he bowed politely, "Big sister! Big brother-in-law!"

Mo Heng nodded with satisfaction.

The three of them went to Anping Prince Mansion together to give New Year’s greetings, bringing gifts.

Anping Prince Mansion had opened the main gate and let them in directly.

Pei Wendong glanced at it, his gaze following the impressive and majestic figure ahead. Although he and his sister did not have parents, big sister never let them feel pitied or looked down upon for their lack of parents. With big sister, wherever they went, they were received with respect and kindness. Wherever they went, it was with pride and honor!

Prince An Ping and the Princess personally came out to greet them, exchanged New Year’s greetings, and went inside to talk.

Today’s visit was not merely out of ceremonial duty for the New Year, but also to discuss the handling of Xie Yi’s affairs, about which Princess Anping had always been resentful, knowing that Xie Yi had already been considered as a concubine.

When it became known that Xie Yi had shifted her sights to Mo Heng and was rejected before an engagement could be agreed upon, and she was subsequently dealt with by Mo Heng, Princess Anping scrutinized Pei Wendong closely.

Pei Wendong’s face changed slightly, and she pursed her lips, maintaining her politeness.

Princess Anping, not entirely satisfied, retracted her gaze without further comment.

Pei Qin addressed her directly, "Although we come from a humble family, we have established our own rules. Once I set a rule, no one in my family may violate it."

Princess Anping’s face remained expressionless. This big sister of hers – she was the one with the least sense of propriety, wasn’t she? She was even disrespectful to the late emperor.

Pei Qin felt distinctly scorned and her mouth twitched, "Well, let’s not talk about other rules for now. The ban on taking concubines is an iron rule! One wife for life! No multiple wives or concubines, only widowhood!"

Princess Anping was taken aback. One wife for life? No multiple wives or concubines? That sounded good, but undeniably, philandering was in a man’s nature. Could Pei Wendong really be trusted when he took even someone like Xie Yi seriously?

Pei Wendong made no promise, "The responsibility of taking a wife is to be for a lifetime. I... will prove it through my actions."

Prince An Ping felt that Pei Wendong was also quite suitable, as he lacked the vices of the nobility and his thoughts as a commoner’s son had been mostly corrected by Pei Qin’s influence. He was looking forward to this young man marrying Xi Yun, giving her happiness.

Princess Xiyun also received the desserts.

"Commandery Princess! This dragon beard pastry may look unimpressive, but it seems quite difficult to make! They said it was specially made to offer to the Commandery Princess!" She was adept at making desserts, as were several of her senior maids who had been trained in culinary skills.