The Heir Apparent Residence had always been efficient in handling affairs. By the time Gu Yanxi returned from his rounds, almost everything had been prepared. The only thing missing was the wedding gown.
In Daqing, wedding gowns were not sold commercially. Even the poorest families would buy a few feet of red cloth to make their own, let alone noble families. When young ladies reached a suitable age, they would begin preparations even if their marriages had not yet been arranged. Those skilled in needlework would make their own, while those less adept would have maids or seamstresses assist them. In any case, no one needed to purchase one from outside.
Wang Rong glanced at his master and reminded him softly, "The eldest young lady was previously engaged..."
That's right. A Zhi had been engaged to the Shen Family and must have prepared one. Gu Yanxi took the wedding robes and quickly changed into them before heading out. The matron hurriedly stopped him, picked up the red silk tied into a large flower, and chased after him to fasten it on him.
Gu Yanxi once again galloped on horseback, his bright red wedding robes drawing attention all along the way. Those who recognized him watched in silent solemnity. Everyone knew the Grand Tutor was critically ill, and the Regent King's actions were likely an attempt to ward off bad luck through a wedding. They could only hope it would truly be effective.
The Hua family was also stunned by his attire. From the moment he entered the main gate, their eyes followed him, their minds racing with thoughts they hardly dared believe. To put it bluntly, whether their eldest young lady would survive was still uncertain. How long could the Regent King's deep affection last?
If they married, everything would be completely different.
Hua Yizheng stared at Gu Yanxi, who had suddenly knelt before him, forgetting even to step aside. He repeated the other's words, "Marry Zhi Er?"
"Yes. Please entrust A Zhi to me."
What the servants had thought of, Hua Yizheng naturally considered as well. He swallowed to ease his tight throat and asked, "Have you thought this through?"
"Never more clearly. I want to stay by A Zhi's side in the most rightful way."
"You should know that in Zhi Er's current condition, I cannot allow her to leave the Hua family."
"I don't care where we are, as long as I am with A Zhi."
Hua Yizheng's beard trembled. The only silver lining in the Hua family's misfortune was that Zhi Er had met the Heir and received such profound devotion.
"Very well... I grant your request. I entrust the Hua family's eldest granddaughter to you."
Gu Yanxi kowtowed crisply and decisively—this gesture was on behalf of A Zhi.
Hua Pingyang stepped forward to help him up, his smile uglier than a cry. "I buried many jars of Daughter Red. I heard from the servants that Zhi Er dug them all out and stored them in that residence. I'll have someone bring them back, and we can share a drink."
"Not now. When A Zhi recovers, I will give her a grand wedding. Then I will drink Daughter Red with Fourth Uncle."
Gu Yanxi's eyes burned with an intensity that seemed to overflow with determination. Hua Pingyang suddenly turned away, covering his face as tears poured down. His niece had suffered such misfortune, yet she was also so blessed. If she could wake up, she would surely become the happiest girl in the world—if only she could wake up!
Gu Yanxi looked at Hua Pingyu. "A Zhi was engaged back then, so a wedding gown must have been prepared..."
Hua Pingyu could not answer him. In the past, he had paid little attention to matters of the inner household. As a father, all he could do for his daughter was to admonish her fiancé, hoping he would mature and become her support in the future.
"There is one." Hua Pingyang wiped his tears and spoke up, his voice still choked. "There is one. I heard her mention it."Back then she had complained that the phoenix crown was too heavy, saying it would surely make her neck ache if worn for an entire day. She had also grumbled about how troublesome the wedding gown was to put on, having tried it once and never wanting to wear it again. That lazy girl who once found even these things bothersome had silently shouldered the entire family's burdens over the past two years, bearing responsibilities that should never have fallen upon her.
Tears streamed uncontrollably down his face. Hua Pingyang wiped them away forcefully and strode out, saying, "I'll have someone retrieve them."
Gu Yanxi lowered his gaze, clenching his fists inside his sleeves. It took a moment for him to regain his composure before he continued, "We won't be hosting guests today. I've only notified the Anguo Duke's residence and the Zhu Family. The Grand Empress Dowager will preside over the ceremony. The Heir Apparent Residence has prepared all necessary items for the wedding. Please have your people arrange them."
"Steward Xu, you go. Have Fourth Sister-in-law assist in handling everything properly."
Steward Xu wiped the corners of his eyes and hurried away.
"As for the betrothal gifts, I've been making preparations over the past two years. Please believe me—once A Zhi wakes up, I will marry her with all proper ceremony in a grand sedan chair."
"I trust Zhi Er's judgment."
"Thank you for your consent." Gu Yanxi bowed deeply, expressing gratitude both for not being hindered by any excuses at this moment and for all the concessions made to save A Zhi during this time. Some actions were beyond what ordinary family heads would do, which was precisely why A Zhi had exerted herself so fully for such a Hua family.
The Hua family's efficiency was equally impressive. The once inconspicuous, later abandoned, and now highly anticipated courtyard was draped with red silk. Even the double happiness character was pasted on the doors. Maidservants changed into festive-colored clothing, while all members of the Hua family, young and old, donned new outfits and their finest jewelry, applying makeup and powder as if attending a joyous celebration.
The Zhu Family arrived, followed by members of the Anguo Duke's residence. Then came uninvited guests: the Grand Tutor, Old Master Qin, the entire Jiang Family, all six Ministers, General Zhou Jing, and many others. Even Old Madam Sun appeared in purple robes, standing quietly in the farthest corner, fearing her mourning attire might bring ill omen to the young lady.
No one paid attention to formalities at this moment. Civil and military officials coexisted in unprecedented harmony, crowding the small courtyard to capacity.
"His Majesty the Emperor arrives!"
"The Grand Empress Dowager arrives!"
At the announcement, everyone knelt in welcome.
After excusing them from formal greetings, the Emperor supported his grandmother as she took her seat in the central hall. Hua Yizheng led the Hua family men to pay respects once more.
"After today, we shall be relatives. There's no need for such formality." The Grand Empress Dowager forced a smile. "As I walked here, I thought to myself—no matter how much the outside world changes, the Hua family remains unchanged. Everything remains exactly as it was decades ago. It's us who have changed, grown old. Wan Niang is no longer here. The setting remains, but the people are gone."
Hua Yizheng bowed deeply. Many years ago, the Empress Dowager had visited the Hua family once, shortly after his marriage to Wan Niang. He hadn't understood then, but later realized she had come to show support for Wan Niang. When the Hua family faced difficulties, it was the Empress Dowager who extended timely assistance. Regardless of whether the Emperor would have actually punished the female family members, the Empress Dowager's demonstrated stance provided the Hua family with the greatest protection. The Hua family had genuinely benefited from this kindness—a debt of gratitude.
No one knew how much longer Hua Zhi could hold on. Without waiting for the formal wedding proceedings to begin, the ceremony commenced as soon as the officiant and guests had arrived.The door that had remained tightly shut finally opened. Four maids filed out in pairs, lining up on either side. Behind them, Gu Yanxi emerged slowly, holding Hua Zhi in his arms.
The tall man was clad in wedding robes, his hair tied up with a jade crown. The scar on his face was left completely exposed, yet at this moment, no one found it frightening anymore. The woman in his arms was also dressed in a red Wedding Gown, her body appearing so small and fragile. The swaying hem of the gown made her seem even more delicate and weightless. She did not wear the heavy Phoenix Crown; instead, her hair was loosely tied with a Red Silk ribbon. The maids dared not bind it too tightly, for the young lady had recently been losing hair at an alarming rate.
PS: I know I broke my promise. It’s not that I didn’t write anything—this chapter was actually finished yesterday. I just didn’t want to post it because I’m not satisfied with it. Honestly, I considered taking a break from updating; no matter how much I revised it, I just couldn’t be happy with it.
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