The Husband I Snatched Is Not Right!-Chapter 262 - 259: Reuniting as Husband and Wife
The sky was bright, with gentle rays of light softly illuminating the plaque above the Goddess Temple, seemingly casting a golden glow.
The Goddess Temple was located on the west side of Wuyang City, not as bustling as the markets, but during festivals, it was crowded with visitors.
Especially on festival days, the place was buzzing with noise.
Buddhist chants lingered in the air, and the bell sounds echoed far.
The ancient trees at the entrance stood tall, and the blue stone slabs were wiped clean, without a trace of moss, a testament to the temple’s frequent visitors.
The father and son of the Zhu Family led the selected children away to change into clean and tidy clothes.
The steward stayed behind to comfort those whose children were not chosen.
Over the years, the reputation of the Goddess Temple had grown, partly thanks to the efforts of the Zhu Family, which also attracted many outsiders.
Even though it was known that the spots were limited each year, many would leave empty-handed, resulting in some complaints.
"If I’d known, I wouldn’t have come. We still have spring plowing to do at home. Just coming here by carriage took two days. If it weren’t for the old woman hoping our good grandson could catch some luck, why come all this way?"
"And the Zhu Family, really! Why select at all? If you’re going to select, why not pick a few more? The temple isn’t cramped. I say, just let all the children in."
This quickly gained agreement from many people.
"Who wouldn’t agree? I heard the Zhu Family is known for charity; perhaps they could make an exception?"
"Earlier, the sick child was chosen. I think he should be replaced. My nephew is smart, and if he receives protection from the Goddess Temple, he’ll surely grow up to be charitable and virtuous like the Zhu Family. That sick child, even if he lives a few more months, what can he contribute?"
The remark quickly faced cold stares from the people of Wuyang City.
"That’s not right. Does the Zhu Family owe you something? If you’re so capable, fund a temple festival yourself. The Zhu Family already graciously chooses two kids; it’s their goodwill. With so many children, the gods would be too busy if they had to protect each one." 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦
The premise of the festival held by the Zhu Family is to protect Mr. Zhu. The more people there are, the more the blessings meant for Mr. Zhu get divided.
It’s not just the Zhu Family who wouldn’t agree to that unfairness.
"Some people, if you offer them an inch, they take a mile. Acting like the world owes them."
"And what kind of nonsense about your smart nephew? So the sick child deserves to die? How can you say something like that? If your nephew is truly capable, he’ll make his own way. But that sick child, it’s still a life!"
The argument continued endlessly.
It was at this moment that the steward of the Zhu Mansion stood out, appearing anxious as he mediated.
"Harmony brings wealth. Everyone, please stop arguing. It’s not good to disturb the peace of the gods in the Goddess Temple."
Once he said that, the crowd indeed quieted down.
The steward played the mediator: "Selecting just two children was a decision our master made after considerable thought. The old lady of the mansion cherishes her son the most; she initially didn’t allow it. Adding more children is truly inconvenient."
At this, he shifted the conversation slightly.
"Come, pay your respects to Guanyin, and offer incense with sincerity and efficacy. But our master also sympathizes with everyone coming from afar with children and has instructed me to provide some travel money for each of you as a token of the Zhu Family’s goodwill."
Saying that, he waved his hand.
The maid from the Zhu Family came out carrying sugar glutinous rice balls to distribute to the children.
The boys who weren’t chosen happily ate the sweets usually reserved for festivals.
After receiving the money, no one had a bad word to say about the Zhu Family anymore.
Yu Tingwan wasn’t paying attention to the commotion there, but she wasn’t deaf either.
She couldn’t help but secretly admire the Zhu Family’s skill at winning people’s hearts.
People, really.
Putting evil on your face is far less effective than those wolves smiling behind a facade of hypocrisy.
If the Daoist’s earlier words were directed at another newlywed couple, they would have been embarrassed long ago.
But not Yu Tingwan and Wei Zhao.
Yu Tingwan knew better than anyone else whether Wei Zhao could have children after they had a substantial relationship.
Wei Zhao was someone who remained unmoved even if Mount Tai collapsed right before him.
Besides, it was the truth.
The Daoist was flipping his divination coins again.
He saw there were two threads of fate between Wei Zhao and Yu Tingwan.
One was deep, the other shallow.
The shallow one was gradually dimming at a speed invisible to the naked eye, while the deep one grew brighter.
This is...
A shallow bond last life
Continued harmony this life.
The Daoist calculated with his fingers again: "Seeing through the clouds to the bright moon. Your marital fate was destined long ago."
He paused briefly, then looked at Wei Zhao. Honestly noting what he calculated: "This journey will be fraught with danger, though the twists and turns and the ghosts encountered along the way will be pesky, the result will be good."
Wei Zhao slightly lifted his eyelids.
The people in the Imperial Palace were indeed little devils; the Daoist wasn’t wrong.
The Daoist: "Earlier in the year, you almost died once."
He was amazed: "Now you’re living quite well."
The Daoist: "You encountered a benefactor."
Wei Zhao agreed, with a low, deep voice: "Indeed, a benefactor."
Yu Tingwan suddenly sat up straight.
The Daoist glanced over: "It’s not your turn yet, don’t be anxious."
"Not anxious."
Yu Tingwan, disinterested in superficial fame, cleared her throat: "Mentioned me."
The Daoist: ...
Alright then.
"The Young Master clearly has a noble destiny, never lacking in gold or silver."
Unlike him, after the elder Daoist went on a pilgrimage, the Daoist Temple had no incense or offerings; it couldn’t sustain itself. But people need food to survive; it’s indeed a struggle.
The Daoist: "He also possesses great abilities, likely achieving significant accomplishments in the future."
Yu Tingwan: ...
Well, Wei Zhao’s achievements could indeed be terrifying.
After all, he intended to rebel.
Finally, it was her turn.
Yu Tingwan was solemn.
"Can I..."
The words "make a fortune" didn’t come out.
The Daoist: "Though life has been difficult these years, the days will grow smoother. A friend like you is bound to have many offering you money to spend."
He didn’t look at Yu Tingwan’s birth chart again, casually covering it with a nearby inkstone.
"This must not be your actual birth date and hour."
Yu Tingwan’s upright posture drooped slightly.
She frowned and pursed her lips.
When Yu Tingwan’s parents in the Yu Family picked her up, they likely considered that day her birthday.
"If it’s neither mistaken nor miswritten, shall I help you divine your origins?"
Yu Tingwan: "There’s no need."
The Daoist: "I won’t charge you."
Yu Tingwan: "I... already know."
The Daoist was surprised but tactfully didn’t inquire further.
Just then, Yu Tingwan heard voices behind her.
It was two women walking arm in arm.
The older woman carrying a basket asked, "You’ve only been married half a month, why so anxious? Why rush to offer incense?"
"My mother-in-law is urging me. She says there aren’t many descendants in the family, only my husband. Sister-in-law, my burden is heavier."
"Your mother-in-law is truly unreasonable. Why not suggest your husband gets a brother? Afraid you’ll distract him from his studies for the exams, not letting you consummate the marriage, yet turns around pressing you? No matter how spiritual the Goddess Temple is, without a man in bed, how can your belly grow big?"
The sister-in-law spoke more angrily as she went on.
She didn’t have parents-in-law, and her husband only had a younger sister.
She married early and cherished her sister-in-law like a daughter.
The younger woman spoke softly: "What can I do? Most mothers-in-law in the world are picky. Coming out like this lets me escape her nagging."
