The next day, the sky was clear and the air was refreshing. It was the beginning of May, a pleasant time when the spring faded away, and hints of summer subtly emerged in the air. The warmth was gentle, not yet sweltering, and the breeze was cool and refreshing.
At this moment, it was still dark before dawn, and a few stars were still faintly visible in the distance. Shen Qingyao had just fallen asleep not long ago when she was gently awakened by the soft voice of her maid, Cui Qiao. She rubbed her eyes drowsily and opened them to see the large red wedding dress hanging before her. She stared blankly for a moment before finally realizing that the day had truly arrived.
“Miss, please get up and prepare yourself quickly. There’s a lot to do today,” Cui Qiao reminded her.
Shen Qingyao blinked, then got up numbly, feeling a unprecedented nervousness as she stood.
Before long, Mother Shen hurriedly arrived, her eyes filled with both love and pity as she looked at Shen Qingyao. There was also immense joy in her eyes, along with a hint of reluctance. She gently guided Shen Qingyao to the dressing table, took a wooden comb, and began to comb Shen Qingyao’s hair. As they both remained silent throughout, tears welled up in their eyes.
“Mother…” Shen Qingyao called softly, her voice already trembling with tears.
Mother Shen responded with a soft tone, her heart melting with tenderness. She quickly stepped forward and embraced her daughter gently, smiling to reassure her daughter, “No crying today! Our Yaoyao is getting married today, what a wonderful thing! Let’s dress up nicely. Yaoyao will surely be the most beautiful bride in the entire capital!”
Shen Qingyao smiled through her tears at her Mother’s words. There were countless beauties in the capital, she dared not claim to be the most beautiful. But today was her day, and she allowed herself this bit of self-deception.
“Miss, please change into the bridal gown,” Cui Qiao said, bringing over the rack holding the wedding dress.
The wedding dress was prepared by the Lu family, reportedly at the request of Grand Princess Duanhua, who had specially pleaded with the Empress to have it made by the royal embroiderer using a lost needle technique from the folk tradition. What originally needed to take three years to embroider was completed in just six months.
Shen Qingyao had only glanced at it the day it was delivered, as it was made to her measurements and she trusted it would fit perfectly. Today was the first time she would wear it, and amidst the nervousness, there was also a hint of anticipation.
The outer robe of the bridal gown was embroidered with a complete phoenix in vibrant colors, its wings spread across the sleeves as if ready to take flight. The inner skirt had an exceptionally large hem, intricately embroidered with cloud patterns in gold thread, exuding elegance…
When Shen Qingli entered and saw Shen Qingyao dressed, she exclaimed in surprise, “Lu Zhao really has an eye for beauty.”
Clearly, Shen Qingli knew the origin of the wedding dress.
Shen Qingli walked over, touched Shen Qingyao’s forehead, and said nothing more. Everything that needed to be said had been discussed the night before. The sisters had developed a strange kind of tacit understanding, where everything was understood without words.
After Shen Qingyao was dressed neatly, she stole a glance at herself in the mirror. The phoenix crown on her head was not as extravagant as others’, but it was delicate and exquisite. The scattered crystal ornaments framed her already fair face, making her look exceptionally beautiful, with no trace of the lingering illness that plagued her usual days.
[Host, you look so beautiful…] The system couldn’t help but chime in with a comment.
Beautiful? Shen Qingyao stared blankly, as if she didn’t recognize the person in the mirror. She had always been self-aware; her appearance could only be considered above average in a world where beauties were abundant. But she hadn’t expected to look so beautiful on her wedding day…
As the sky gradually brightened, the courtyard outside became increasingly lively. In the distance, the sounds of guests chatting and laughing could be heard growing louder. Shen Qingyao took a deep breath, clenched her fists, and indeed, the next moment, someone pushed open the door and announced loudly, “Madam! Young Master is here to escort the bride!”
The room erupted into chaos. Shen Qingli hurried over, her eyes slightly red. She smiled at Shen Qingyao and gave her a big hug. “Yaoyao, you must take care of yourself in the future…”
“Eldest Sister…” Shen Qingyao nestled in Shen Qingli’s arms, feeling like crying. A perfectly good marriage had been turned into an atmosphere of parting by the two.
“Alright! Hurry, go out!” Shen Qingli released her, feeling a bit exaggerated herself. She then covered Shen Qingyao with the veil in Cuiqiao’s hand and led her out.
Outside the door, Shen Yushu had been waiting. Seeing them come out, he smiled and took Shen Qingyao from Shen Qingli. Once she was steady on her feet, he turned and squatted in front of Shen Qingyao, speaking gently, “Come up.”
Traditionally, the bride was carried by her brother on his back. Shen Qingyao obediently leaned on Shen Yushu’s back, her hands clinging to his neck. Shen Yushu looked thin but sturdy, his broad back exuding warmth, carrying her steadily.
“Yaoyao,” Shen Yushu took a step forward, suddenly calling her in a voice only they could hear. “When you reach the Duke’s Mansion, just be as happy as you want. If Lu Zhao dares to bully you, you tell Eldest Brother.”
He continued, “Although I’m not as powerful as him, I can still teach him a lesson for you.
“Just remember, whenever you want to come back, you can. We’ll always be waiting for you at home.”
Shen Yushu’s voice tightened as he spoke. Under the veil where no one could see, Shen Qingyao’s eyes welled up again. After half a year, the Shen family had given her the greatest love and acceptance. They would continue to be her strongest support. She tightened her grip on Shen Yushu’s neck, acting spoiled, “Eldest Brother…”
“We’re here.” Shen Yushu patted her hand gently, then let her down.
A hand reached out from the opposite side. Shen Yushu looked silently at the other person for a while. It seemed like an unspoken promise passed between them. After a while, Shen Yushu handed her hand over to the other person. Shen Qingyao’s fingertips twitched slightly. It was Lu Zhao.
She thought, now the one holding her hand was Lu Zhao.
Lu Zhao escorted her into the sedan chair. She could already hear the congratulations and discussions from the people around, some of which reached her ears distinctly.
“That’s Young Master Lu? Young Master Lu!!!”
“Wow! Young Master Lu is so handsome! Miss Shen from the Shen family is really lucky! To marry such a figure!”
“I wish I could marry him too! He’s too handsome!”
“Hmph! Do you think you’re qualified to marry him? All the young ladies in the capital are queuing up to marry!”
Listening to this, Shen Qingyao felt a lot of her worries dissipate. She twisted her neck, suddenly curious. What did Lu Zhao, praised so much, really look like? She had seen him in red robes before, during the top ranked scholars’ parade day. But compared to that day, how much more handsome would he be today?
She faintly heard Lu Zhao bidding farewell to her Father. The next moment, the sedan chair started to move. Shen Qingyao knew they were setting off.
Suddenly, the crowd erupted into enthusiastic cheers, followed by the congratulations of finding lucky money. With drums beating, the sedan chair swayed through half of the capital, finally arriving at the Duke’s Mansion.
Dressed in wedding attire, Lu Zhao took the bow and arrow from the attendant and shot three arrows steadily at the sedan chair, the arrows landing with a resounding clang on the door, symbolizing the dispelling of evil. After completing these rituals, Cui Qiao reached out and helped Shen Qingyao out of the sedan chair, handing her a piece of red silk. Through the gap in the veil, she could see the other end of the red silk, the familiar and elegant hand.
Because her vision was obstructed by the veil, Shen Qingyao didn’t walk smoothly, but Lu Zhao steadily guided her, matching her pace, letting her feel at ease. With boldness, she trusted him completely. Her dependent appearance seemed to please Lu Zhao. From a distance, she heard him chuckle softly, and she couldn’t help but smile herself.
The couple performed the three bows, served tea, burned incense, and completed all the formalities. Amidst the cheers of the guests, Shen Qingyao was led by Lu Zhao into their new chamber.
Curious onlookers were kept outside, although there was still noise, Shen Qingyao felt as if the world suddenly quieted down. She could only hear her own breathing and the slow footsteps of Lu Zhao approaching.
She settled on the edge of the bed, a shoe tip appeared under the covers. While the matchmaker beside her incessantly recited blessings, Shen Qingyao didn’t hear a single word. Unconsciously, she gripped her own clothes, trembling slightly.
[Host! You can do it!] the system sensed her nervousness.
Shen Qingyao, however, paid it no mind. Her mind was filled with thoughts, what if Lu Zhao looked more beautiful than her in the wedding attire? Wouldn’t she be embarrassed then?
System : […]
While Shen Qingyao was lost in her thoughts, the matchmaker finally finished her lines and handed Lu Zhao a pair of wedding scales, loudly declaring, “Groom! It’s time to lift the wedding veil!”
Lu Zhao took the wedding scales, Shen Qingyao nervously lowered her head. Images of her time with Lu Zhao flashed through her mind. If not for that strange task, they probably wouldn’t have crossed paths. With this pick, her future with Lu Zhao would be sealed. What was Lu Zhao thinking? Her heart suddenly raced, making it hard for her to breathe.
The scales hooked onto a corner of the veil and slowly lifted it. Light streamed in, and as Shen Qingyao lifted her head with the movement, she suddenly thought: today she was the last person to see Lu Zhao…
As the vail fell on the ground, Shen Qingyao collided with a pair of calm eyes.
Time seemed to stop, she felt like she was back to the day of the chaotic parade, where she had also collided into his eyes.
In this moment, the sunlight was dazzling, the flowers danced, and Lu Zhao stood just a step away, dressed in red like fire, completely different from the day he became the Top Scholar. He stood tall and elegant, with an unprecedented smile on his face, his deep black eyes like a vast sea… and in those eyes, there was only her…
Shen Qingyao was captivated by his gaze, unable to move.
Seeing her silly expression, Lu Zhao couldn’t help but smile. He leaned in slightly, whispering softly in her ear, “It seems like you’re quite satisfied, Yaoyao?”
Warm breath brushed against her earlobe, Shen Qingyao’s mind exploded with thoughts. She abruptly turned her head, stuttering to cover up, “N-no… I… I just…”
—I’m just dazzled by his beauty…
Really, he looked so handsome!
Shen Qingyao closed her eyes, unable to think of anything else to say besides praising his looks. No wonder everyone wants to marry him! Who wouldn’t want to!
And she did!
Shen Qingyao quietly, triumphantly, chuckled to herself…
Thanks for the chapter!!!!!