Chapter 265 - 265 197 Welcoming the Bride

Words : 1366 Updated : Sep 29th, 2025

265: Chapter 197: Welcoming the Bride 265: Chapter 197: Welcoming the Bride After brooding for a long time, Zhao Yulan was sure things would go smoothly this time. She took a deep breath of relief, but alas, when Chuxia emerged from the bathroom, her cheeks flushed as she sat down beside her, the words that had reached her lips just wouldn’t come out... Back when she got married, her mother never taught her any of this; in fact, she had hoped she wouldn’t get married at all. So, Zhao Yulan, with no practical experience in these matters, now deeply regretted not asking her mother for advice first. But no matter how embarrassing it was, she had to give her daughter some guidance—it was a mother’s duty. With that thought, Zhao Yulan nervously began, “Chuxia, being someone’s daughter-in-law isn’t just about lip service.” Chuxia simply nodded: “Mhm.” “It’s just that...” Chuxia, coming from the twenty-first century, might not have any direct experience, but in an age with such developed information, hadn’t she at least heard about the birds and the bees? Not wanting to make it harder for Zhao Yulan, she said, “Mom, you don’t have to say it, I know what you’re trying to say.” “You know?” Zhao Yulan’s eyes widened in surprise, “How... how do you know?” As she said this, her cheeks grew even redder. “Well, when Xiaoqiong’s sister got married, didn’t Xiaoqiong and I stay over at her house that night? We heard it when Fat Auntie was talking to Xiaoqiong’s sister in the middle of the night.” Zhao Yulan breathed a sigh of relief, mistakenly believing that her daughter had seen her being intimate with Lin Baohe: “You should go to sleep early.” Having broached such a topic, she felt awkward facing her daughter and thus used this as an excuse to hide her discomfort. Seeing that Zhao Yulan did not pursue the matter further, Chuxia also quietly sighed with relief. Indeed, she had stayed over at Luo Xiaoqiong’s place during her cousin’s wedding, but the part about overhearing any advice was a complete fabrication. There was no helping it—she had to come up with some reason, or else how could her mother sleep? The night passed without incident. At five-thirty in the morning, Chuxia was dragged out of her warm bed by Zhao Yulan. Although there was no need for makeup in this era, a bit of grooming was still essential. With a delicate face, neat eyebrows, and well-cared-for skin, Zhao Yulan looked her over and couldn’t find a single thing that needed improvement. Seeing her mother holding a set of tools and hesitating, Chuxia quickly came to the rescue: “Mom, I’ll wash my face; you can just help me comb my hair nicely.” Zhao Yulan: “...” What was there to comb in that short patch of cabbage-stalk hair? In a family like the Zhou’s, to avoid criticism, they couldn’t allow the bride to wear a wedding dress. So, for her wedding, Chuxia simply changed into a new, more presentable military uniform, without any other alterations. Looking at her lovely and charming reflection in the mirror, Chuxia felt a twinge of regret. She resolved to take wedding photos in a gown once it was allowed in the future. Turning back and seeing Zhao Yulan proudly assessing her, Chuxia couldn’t help but laugh: “Mom, have I enchanted you?” “In this world, my daughter is the most beautiful.” “Mom...” Chuxia embraced her tightly, “If there is a next life, I still want to be your daughter.” With those words, Zhao Yulan’s nose tingled, and tears started to fall: “Silly child, of course, you’ll be my daughter, no matter how many lifetimes, you’ll always be my daughter.” “Thump thump thump...” Zhao Yulan quickly wiped away her tears and gently said, “Go open the door.” As the door was pulled open, Luo Xiaoqiong poked her head in, followed by Luan Xiaoxiang. They had shared a room the night before. After giving Chuxia a once-over, Luo Xiaoqiong clicked her tongue in approval: “The bride really does look different—even without any dressing up, you look so festive.” Struggling to suppress the panic in her heart, Chuxia rolled her eyes at Nuan, “You’re the bridesmaid today, so you need to protect me well. You’re not allowed to tease me like the others.” “Don’t worry, sis, I’ll guard you tight as can be,” Luo Xiaoqiong glanced at the time with a delighted squint, “The groom’s party will be here soon. Lock the door, and if the red packet is too small, we definitely can’t let them in.” “What are you rushing for, silly child...” Fat Auntie walked in, pulling her daughter to the side and giving Chuxia a once-over, nodding in satisfaction, “Beautiful! Like a proper bride!” Luo Xiaoqiong couldn’t help but purse her lips, “It’s all because our Chuxia is naturally pretty, she hasn’t even gotten dressed up yet, and she’s not wearing the flowers. How does she look like a bride now?” It didn’t take long before the whole family was bustling over, surrounding Chuxia with various instructions. In truth, Chuxia couldn’t make out a word, as she appeared calm, but inside, her heart was already in turmoil. Getting married, oh! This is marriage, oh! Who wouldn’t be nervous? Checking the time, Old Lady Zhao waved her hands as if shooing flies, “Everyone go out, I want to say a few words to Chuxia.” Li Aiyuan smiled as she pulled Zhao Yulan out of the room, “Mom tossed and turned all night without sleeping. If she doesn’t get to speak her mind, she won’t be able to sleep again tonight.” Once only the grandmother and granddaughter were left in the room, Old Lady Zhao’s rough hand caressed Chuxia’s cheek, “Xia, Grandma actually doesn’t have much to tell you, I just want to spend more time with Xia.” “Grandma...” Tears suddenly burst from Chuxia’s eyes. “You’ve been fragile since you were little, and it’s always been my biggest concern. Now seeing you marry into such a good family, I’m happy,” the old lady said, taking out a handkerchief to dry Chuxia’s tears, “Don’t cry, we’re going to be the most beautiful bride.” “Grandma, I will come back to visit you and Grandpa during my holidays.” “Mmm, bring your husband along.” “Okay, I’ll bring him to buy you some tasty treats.” “Mmm, let him buy some tasty treats for Grandma.” “...” ... At seven o’clock, the groom’s car arrived at the doorstep, and Zhou Mikang, in his brand-new military uniform, looked dashing and impressive, making the relatives beam with joy. Humph! Who dares say our Chuxia is marrying an old man now, with such a young and handsome one? Let those people gossip, just wait until Chuxia brings her husband back home. That’d show them! “Dad, Mom, I’m here!” Zhou Mikang greeted Lin Baohe and Zhao Yulan first, then turned to greet the other elders one by one. Zhou Huakang, serving as the best man and Zhou Mikang’s cousin, had never seen his cousin in such a light and momentarily forgot what he was there for, standing open-mouthed in a daze. Zhou Hanliang saw him and came over with an amused expression, whispering in his ear, “Comrade best man, mind your image!” Zhou Huakang quickly straightened up, greeting the uncles, aunts, grandpas and grandmas one by one. With Old Master Zhao and Old Lady Zhao holding fort, Luo Xiaoqiong and Luan Xiaoxiang had no choice but to open the door after Zhou Mikang handed out the red packets. Finally, the moment had come. Chuxia, standing by the bed, clenched her hands involuntarily. Her head was pounding. She was completely unable to think now; her heart felt like it was about to leap out of her throat. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote with recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. 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Chapter 265 - 265 197 Welcoming the Bride

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