GBP Chapter 354 Wedding Day
Chapter 354 Wedding Day
The next few days were quite comfortable. Apart from treating thirty patients, he spent most of his time with Zhou Xiyin.
Their relationship entered a period of rapid warming up. After all, they were engaged, and Zhou Xiyin visited Xuanji Hall more often, even spending almost every day there.
Being together all the time isn't necessarily a good thing. For example, if two people have conflicting personalities, they feel uncomfortable if they don't bicker.
On the street, Zhou Xiyin became the most beautiful sight.
She personally promoted Zhou's clothing store, showing off every new style of dress in front of the crowd.
In this era of deeply ingrained feudalistic ideas, girls were always subject to gossip and judgment when they went out on the street.
However, since she and Lin Ping are engaged, the fact that they walk together on the street can silence many people's gossip.
Zhou Xiyin has grown into a graceful and elegant woman with an impeccable figure, making her a perfect example of a successful buyer's show.
The men on the street were drooling with desire, and the women... beat their own husbands!
Why do other people have such beautiful dresses? I need to earn money quickly and buy them!
It must be said that Lin Ping's marketing strategy was very successful. Zhoujia Clothing Shop had already accumulated considerable popularity even before its official opening.
Seeing the gleam in the eyes of those wealthy ladies, Lin Ping had already set a price: ten taels of silver per piece, take it or leave it!
This price is considered low. Lin Ping never doubted the purchasing power of the wealthy. To put it bluntly, even a piece costing one hundred taels of silver would sell out.
Ten days passed in the blink of an eye, and the couple's wedding was just around the corner.
For the past ten days, Xia Yiran has been at his wits' end. He thought about going to Lin Ping to discuss countermeasures, but he was afraid of lowering his status. There was nothing he could do; he was just that proud.
Even if they come, they will most likely be turned away.
Master Ping always handles things flawlessly, without needing anyone else's help.
If you want to profit from this, just stay home.
Speaking of which, Lin Ping also wanted to see Xia Yeran, all because of Xia Linglong's matter.
Neither of them could bring themselves to do it, so they maintained a tacit understanding and kept to themselves.
On the eleventh day, which was also the third to last day before their wedding, Zhou Family Clothing Shop finally opened for business.
Lin Ping gave it a catchy name: Lanmi, which specializes in women's clothing and welcomes men inside.
He even put up an ambiguous slogan: "The ultimate tool for playing cards, Lanmi Wardrobe."
What? You say the name isn't ambiguous enough? We're already so close, how much more ambiguous can we be?
Those hypocrites practically wore down the threshold, but they managed to keep the girl from getting in.
The girls were all crying. This is outrageous! Do you know how hard it is for me to buy a piece of clothing?
No, I have to let my boyfriend, let him squeeze in to buy it.
This is a virtuous cycle. The young ladies made it very clear: if they can buy clothes, they'll talk; if not, then forget it.
Of course, these are just a few isolated cases... Those well-bred young ladies who never leave their homes, waiting for their parents' orders and matchmakers' words, how could they dare to go find a boyfriend on their own, especially with the pure purpose of... a date?
On the first day of the clothing store's opening, all the clothes were sold out, and the needleworkers had to weave and sew clothes overnight.
Those checkered fabrics and even graffiti fabrics sold very well, not only recouping the initial investment but also generating a profit.
Looking at the piles of silver, Zhou Yecheng couldn't stop smiling; his previous minor illness had long since vanished without a trace.
"This money is all for Yinyin's dowry!" Zhou Yecheng seemed to be muttering to himself, but he was actually saying it to Lin Ping.
He knew perfectly well that the Lin family's turnaround was entirely due to Lin Ping, this golden son-in-law... 24K!
It's like a treasure falling from the sky and hitting you on the head; it doesn't hurt at all, it actually feels quite nice.
Lin Ping remained silent, staring at Zhou Xiyin with an adoring gaze that made her blush.
"How annoying..." came out of Zhou Xiyin's mouth.
Whoever called her a tomboy, step forward now!
How can a girl who can whine not be virtuous?
This incident illustrates a point: women dress up for those they love. In front of others, Zhou Xiyin is unrestrained, but in front of Lin Ping, she is violent!
She definitely has a tendency towards domestic violence. After a single "I hate you," comes a flurry of punches: "Do I have something on my face? Try looking at me again!"
Lin Ping was convinced, completely convinced. He suddenly didn't want to get married so early. He was still a child, yet he was suffering domestic violence that no one his age should have to endure.
Seeing the two bickering, Zhou Yecheng took the initiative to back down. Young people should be more lively.
"Wan'er, lock the room. Even if you hear a cat meowing, don't let the dog out." Zhou Yecheng smiled strangely.
Zhou Xiyin, who was inside the room, listened intently and blushed instantly. Was this really her biological father? It felt like he was sent by Lin Ping.
Zhou Yecheng understood the principle of "what's done is done." Before the two were married, everything was uncertain, so he figured it was better to have sex that night, which was more enjoyable and tangible.
He was an enlightened father, thinking to himself, "This is all the help I can give my father-in-law. If it doesn't work out... well, so be it. At worst, I'll just let my daughter live as a widow."
What a joke! Could Lin Ping be a beast?
Indeed, that lewd expression and dazed look are irrefutable proof.
Zhou Xiyin's face flushed, and she exhaled a delicate fragrance, showcasing her feminine beauty.
It's not Lin Ping's fault; after all, she's so beautiful. He's human too, with emotions and desires.
"You..." Zhou Xiyin uttered a single word shyly, thinking to herself: If you want to go, then go. What are you waiting for? Are you afraid I'll eat you up?
In ancient times, women were both reserved and open-minded; they would be wary of all men except their husbands.
If the two were destined to marry in three days, why didn't she exercise her rights in advance?
"Sleep on the floor then, it's not like I haven't slept on the floor before, I'm not afraid of you!" Lin Ping said angrily, boldly guessing what Zhou Xiyin meant.
"You blockhead, is it really okay to be so straightforward?" Zhou Xiyin was almost cursing. If it weren't for your good looks, intelligence, and wealth, I wouldn't be friends with you!
This is worse than simply being imprisoned; you have to hold back the things you want to do, lest Zhou Xiyin find them offensive.
“Here…” Zhou Xiyin handed Lin Ping a stack of Xuan paper.
This is the study. There's only one pillow in there, which Zhou Xiyin definitely won't give him. He'll have to make do with this stack of Xuan paper; it's better than lying on the floor.
Lin Ping looked at Zhou Xiyin gratefully, almost bursting into tears. "So understanding, marrying her wouldn't be a bad deal!"
He subconsciously softened the Xuan paper, not wanting to mistreat his brother.
"What are you doing?" Zhou Xiyin asked, puzzled. She didn't understand why Lin Ping was crumpling the Xuan paper into a ball. She continued, "Why don't you just rest your head on it?"
"Oh, it's a pillow..." Lin Ping was embarrassed, almost doing something shameful in front of Zhou Xiyin.
Lying on the ground was quite comfortable, very down-to-earth! It was just that Zhou Xiyin couldn't sleep because of his snoring.
Therefore, it seems that premarital cohabitation is still necessary, as some quirks become obvious at a glance.
In the past few days, a major event has occurred in Yingtian Prefecture; in other words, a momentous and joyous occasion has taken place.
The renowned physician from Xuanji Hall is getting married to the daughter of the Lin family, and he's sending out wedding invitations far and wide.
The renowned physician Lin had said that anyone who came to offer congratulations, regardless of whether they brought gifts, should be received.
This is practically a feast for all the poor people in Yingtian Prefecture; it would definitely cost at least several thousand tables.
These should be placed outside the Lin residence, since close relatives and friends should occupy advantageous positions.
Lin Ping didn't really have any close friends or relatives; most of his dealings were business.
In the past two weeks, Lin Ping has become quite famous, not only for his superb medical skills but also for his business acumen.
A single garment workshop can make a fortune every day, as for the salt business... Lin Ping was too embarrassed to even mention it.
That day, he instructed Zhou Yecheng to empty all the salt, and he made a lot of money from it.
Immediately afterward, the price of salt skyrocketed. Wang Ba's father risked his life to raise 60,000 taels of silver and begged and pleaded with Qi Tianzhang to buy a large amount of salt, intending to raise the price on the spot.
However, it was only the second day, just the second day!
Lin Ping, that shameless fellow, ordered his men to bring in a large quantity of salt, directly lowering the price to the lowest possible level.
Later, he heard that Wang Ba's father had vomited blood, and Wang Ba had been beaten half to death, not because he had done a bad job, but because he had offended Lin Ping.
Even a fool would know why salt prices plummeted. The mastermind behind it all was none other than the legendary doctor from Xuanjitang.
It is said that Lin Ping even pretended to prescribe medicine for Wang Ba's father, saying that without this medicine, the other party would not see the sun the next day and would not be able to beat Wang Ba.
This vindictive nature is simply outrageous.
Wang Ba understood a principle: it's better to offend the King of Hell than to offend Lord Ping!
Therefore, Lin Ping's fame soared, gaining not only a large number of loyal fans but also quite a few fake fans.
Even fake fans are still fans, and it's good to show your support.
Lin Ping didn't send out a single invitation to his wedding; he was afraid the paper mill wouldn't have enough paper...
But he said he would host a banquet for all the people of the city, including some high-ranking officials and dignitaries.
At noon, the street in front of the Zhou residence was already filled with tables, and there was not a single empty space inside the residence.
Chefs from various restaurants came to share in the festive atmosphere, not to make much money, but simply to become familiar with the place.
Everyone is born, grows old, gets sick, and dies one day. Having a divine healer to protect you brings more comfort.
As evening approached, the street in front of the Lin residence was completely congested, not just with traffic, but with people.
It's like a tourist attraction during a holiday; there's nowhere to even stay.
Lin Ping underestimated the enthusiasm of the people. He directly contacted major restaurants and offered to pay for all the meals in the city that night.
This relieved the pressure at the entrance of the Lin residence.
"The Prefect has arrived! Congratulations on receiving one hundred taels of silver!" The gatekeeper began to announce loudly, his face full of fawning smiles.
The prefect is a high-ranking official of the fourth rank, and for him to attend the wedding of a mere wealthy merchant is a great honor for Lin Ping.
In most people's eyes, he should be the highlight of the evening.
"Young Master Lin, how have you been?" Xia Yeran greeted Lin Ping with a smile.
Given that the other party was suspected of deceiving him, Lin Ping didn't give him a friendly look and uttered two words: "Poor bastard!"
If it weren't for the need for polite language, Lin Ping would have called him a poor bastard. You're a fourth-rank official, you really have the nerve to offer a hundred taels of silver.
Xia Yeran was also helpless. He had given up his father's title early on and only had the salary of a prefect. In addition, he had just taken office and the hundred taels of silver were probably all scraped together.
You, Lin Ping, are a businessman; your money comes from thin air. I, Xia Yeran, am penniless…
Now, Lin Ping, dressed in a bright red robe, greets all sorts of ghosts and demons with a smile.
"Salt Transport Assistant Magistrate, Lord Qi has arrived, congratulations on the arrival of a thousand taels of silver!" The gatekeeper continued to call out names, not only with a smile but also with his eyes shining.
A thousand taels of silver is no small sum, which shows that this Lord Qi is extremely wealthy.
If it weren't for the fear of arousing suspicion, Qi Tianzhang would definitely have given Lin Ping ten thousand taels of silver to thank him. Lin Ping had saved his life and relieved their urgent salt shortage. No amount of money would have been too much.
Qi Tianzhang's rank wasn't low either, so he could barely sit at the same table as Xia Yeran.
"This humble official pays his respects to the Prince," Qi Tianzhang said respectfully, though his voice was not loud.
Even if Xia Yeran deliberately gave up his title, his relationship with the king is still there, so calling him a prince is not inappropriate, and he might even get some benefits in return.
The next group consisted of wealthy merchants, including Zhang San, Li Si, Wang Wu, and Ma Liu, who were all carrying substantial congratulatory gifts.
"Salt Transport Ambassador Fu has arrived, bringing two thousand taels of silver as a congratulatory gift!" The doorman stared blankly at the invitation card and the announcement of the name, his eyes almost popping out of their sockets. This was a third-rank official, someone who went to the palace to meet the emperor every day. Ordinary people couldn't even get a glimpse of him by kowtowing. Now he had come to congratulate the young lady.
Zhou Yecheng probably doesn't have that much influence; it must be a distinguished guest brought in by his incredibly powerful son-in-law.
"This is the young master Lin I mentioned to you," Qi Tianzhang greeted him with a smile.
The Salt Transport Commissioner was his superior; if not now, when would he have the chance to curry favor with him?
Meeting in the imperial court is official business, but meeting here is a private matter. Who wouldn't want a private relationship with their leader? We have to thank Lin Ping for this.
"I have long admired Young Master Lin's reputation and have wanted to pay him a visit, but I have been unable to do so," the Salt Transport Ambassador said with a smile.
It's not surprising that this person could come; Lin Ping's gang wasn't just Qi Tianzhang, but the entire Salt Transport Commission.
This not only solved the immediate crisis but was also a major event to save the people from suffering. The Ministry of Personnel's assessment results had already been issued ahead of schedule, and he was about to take office as the Vice Minister of Revenue, and he was promoted to a higher rank.
Before taking office, the Salt Transport Ambassador recommended Qi Tianzhang to succeed him, which explains why he was so grateful to Lin Ping.
"You flatter me, Your Excellency. I should be the one visiting you!" Lin Ping said softly, directly addressing the other party by the official title he was to assume.
That flattery was so satisfying!
Fu Peiran laughed out loud with delight, found a seat for himself, and also wanted to build a relationship with this prince.
As dusk approached, there were only a few seats left in the courtyard, and the wedding was about to begin.
"Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, please tell His Excellency, congratulatory silver... one tael?" The gatekeeper was stunned as he called out the name. First, he did not expect this person to return, and then he did not expect that he only brought one tael of silver.
"The Minister of the Court of Judicial Review?" Lin Ping muttered to himself in confusion, as he did not recall having any dealings with this person.
If we really count it... there really was such a time.
Xiang Lian's arrival stunned everyone. He was a proper third-rank official, and immediately became the center of attention. Even the Salt Transport Commissioner and the Prefect had to step aside.
"The Dali Temple has always been poor, please don't take offense, Young Master Lin," Xiang Lian said insincerely. Without waiting for Lin Ping's response, he found a seat and specifically chose a private room.
There's nothing we can do; they're high-ranking officials, and nobody dares to stop them, right?
Just when everyone thought Xiang Lian was a big shot, the doorman called out the names again, "Minister of Personnel, Lord He has arrived, congratulatory silver... two taels?"