Zhao Widow, seeing that Liu Jin seemed a little angry, hesitated for a moment, then slowly said!
"Marquis, you are now a Great Han Marquis, a person of immense value, so naturally, you cannot be called by your childhood name as before. If it were to spread, what kind of decorum would that be? It would even be beneath your status as a Marquis."
Liu Jin's face turned as black as a pot bottom when he heard this, and he said loudly!
"Aunt Zhao, your kindness to me is as heavy as a mountain; you even have the grace of raising me. I have always regarded you as my mother."
"Who dares to say no to you calling me by my childhood name?"
"And these so-called formalities, there's no need for them in the future. Just call me Jin'er as usual; that way, I'll feel closer to you."
"If you still call me Marquis, Jin'er will feel bad, thinking that Aunt Zhao is deliberately distancing herself from me."
Zhao Widow's body trembled slightly when she heard this, her eyes reddening slightly, a hint of tears seeming to flicker.
She hadn't expected that Liu Jin, even after becoming a Great Han Marquis, would still respect her as much as before.
She nodded, and softly called out!
"Jin'er."
Hearing this familiar tone, Liu Jin grinned and chuckled!
"Auntie, that's more like it."
Aunt Zhao looked at Liu Jin's honest smile, feeling very comforted.
She glanced at Yin Yue beside her, a loving smile on her face, and softly said!
"Jin'er, you must treat Yue'er well from now on."
"You mustn't let her down, coming all this way to Zhuo Commandery to marry you."
When Liu Jin heard this, he looked at Yin Yue, who was lowering her head.
He quickly nodded and said firmly!
"Auntie, don't worry, I, Liu Jin, will never let Yin Yue down in this life."
Aunt Zhao saw Liu Jin's resolute expression and naturally knew the weight of his words; he would certainly not let her down in the future. She nodded with satisfaction.
Time slowly passed!
As the end of the year approached, Zhuo Commandery city was filled with joy and bustling activity.
The common people, having worked hard all year, took advantage of this season to stroll around the city with their families, buying New Year's goods and preparing for a peaceful and stable New Year.
Suddenly, on the lively street, some children excitedly shouted!
"Our Marquis Liu of Zhuo Commandery is getting married!"
"They're giving out sweets, dried fruits, and peanuts! Let's go quickly!"
"If we're late, there won't be any!"
The sound was exceptionally loud on the bustling street. Many common people and children's eyes lit up when they heard this, and they all rushed towards Marquis Liu's Mansion.
At this time, outside the Marquis's Mansion, Min Chun, Li Li, Zhao Teng, and others, with smiles on their faces, threw all the dried fruits and peanuts from the trays onto the street.
The gathered common people eagerly scrambled for them, their faces full of excited smiles, and they all loudly offered their congratulations!
"Congratulations to the Marquis on his marriage!"
The entire street outside was filled with carriages, to the point where it was completely blocked. Officials, nobles, and powerful families from within the commandery city came to offer their congratulations.
Even some distant Liu clan relatives actively came to send their felicitations.
After all, it was Liu Jin's wedding day, and these people naturally dared not be negligent.
Although Liu Jin might not know if they came to give gifts, he would likely remember very clearly who didn't come.
So, no matter how busy they were or how far apart they lived, everyone had to personally come to present good gifts and offer their congratulations.
The entire Marquis's Mansion was adorned with red cloth, brightly lit, and the windows and walls were covered with large '囍' characters, presenting a lively and festive scene.
Inside the mansion, many tables had already been set up, and all those who came to congratulate were invited to be seated there.
As for those who could sit in the main hall, their status and position were very distinguished; they were all high-ranking officials of the commandery, or even heads of prominent families.
Most of them knew each other, so they chatted in small groups.
Wen Shu, sitting at the head of the right-hand seat, looked at Liu Chong beside him and said with a smile!
"Dele, I see you've been in the commandery for several years, always diligent and hardworking. Even if you haven't achieved great merits, you've certainly put in the effort. It's truly time for a promotion."
Liu Chong's heart filled with joy when he heard this. He didn't even need to think; his Nephew must have already spoken to Wen Shu about this.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have brought it up, wanting to promote him.
He quickly bowed and respectfully said!
"Everything is according to the Prefect's words."
Wen Shu nodded, stroked his beard, and continued!
"I will recommend you to the imperial court then, but it might be difficult to hold a high office in Zhuo Commandery."
"After all, you know the court's rules: one cannot hold a high office in their hometown. I can only seek a position for you in another commandery or state."
Liu Chong nodded upon hearing this. As a six-hundred-dan official in the commandery, he naturally knew the court's regulations.
As long as he could be promoted, it didn't matter where he held an official position.
He hoped that in his lifetime, he could hold a two-thousand-dan position. Even if he died afterwards, he would rest in peace.
He glanced around and whispered softly!
"Prefect, I have already sent some gifts to the Prefect's Mansion."
"I hope the Prefect will not refuse."
Wen Shu, upon hearing this, looked at Liu Chong with a smiling gaze, still very satisfied.
After all, if he were to recommend an official to the imperial court, he would also have to spend a lot of money to make arrangements. Otherwise, why would others help him?
Therefore, to have a long career in officialdom, one must bribe superiors, form factions, and engage in corruption.
However, the prerequisite is to do things beautifully and not mess everything up, leading to widespread complaints from the common people and displaced persons everywhere. That would only lead to one's own demise.
Regardless of the dynasty, truly incorruptible officials were extremely rare. As long as one genuinely considered the well-being of the common people, even if they engaged in corruption, many in power would turn a blind eye and tacitly approve.
Just then, the sound of trumpets and drums boomed.
Everyone who was chatting looked towards the front.
Liu Jin, holding Yin Yue, who wore a red headscarf, was led by the surrounding ceremonial attendants.
They stepped over the brazier in the main hall, and the ceremonial attendant beside them loudly shouted!
"To avoid misfortune and turn disaster into blessing, step into flourishing prosperity!"
The two, holding a red rope, came to the center of the main hall.
Since Liu Jin's parents died early, the clan elders sat in the high seats, acting as his parents.
Soon, various complicated ceremonies began.
First bow to heaven and earth, second bow to the elders, husband and wife bow to each other, then enter the bridal chamber.
After all the ceremonies were completed, the maidservants led Yin Yue, dressed in a black wedding gown, to the back courtyard.
Everyone also stood up, clasped their hands, and congratulated with smiles!
"Congratulations to the Marquis on his marriage! We hope for the early birth of a young Marquis!"
Liu Jin smiled wryly when he heard this. He looked at his relatives and friends in the hall, smiled, cupped his hands, and politely said!
"Thank you all for attending the wedding."
"Today, you must eat and drink well, until you're completely drunk!"
Everyone laughed heartily, clinking cups and exchanging toasts in the main hall, creating a very lively atmosphere.
Liu Jin didn't put on any airs; after all, it was his happy occasion.
He raised his wine cup and moved around the main hall, toasting everyone and showing his courtesy.
Soon, he saw Jian Yong, sitting to one side, raising his wine cup and saying with a smile!
"Congratulations to the Marquis!"
