“Still better looking than you,” Jin Er replied with a grin.
“What’s there to argue about?” Butler Lin shook his head. “Whoever it is, today everyone is merely here to accentuate the master’s beauty. With such striking looks, the late master and mistress would surely be overjoyed if their spirits in heaven could see this.”
Unaware that they were mere sacrificial props to highlight Xiao Shao’s beauty in the eyes of Brocade Hero King Manor’s old butler—no different from the vases and paperweights around them—the crowd continued their enthusiastic celebration of the bridal procession. Jiang Xin Zhi escorted the bridal sedan, which circled Thousand-Year Quarter and Triple Prosperity Avenue, symbolizing “longevity” and “triple prosperity.” Along the way, the manor’s attendants flaunted their wealth by scattering silver coins, drawing eager scrambles from the onlookers.
The phrase “ten miles of red dowry” was no exaggeration—even a princess’s wedding would pale in comparison. The men of Brocade Hero King Manor were naturally handsome to begin with, and under Butler Lin’s meticulous arrangements, they became an even more delectable sight. Their lavish generosity emptied the streets of the capital, as nearly everyone turned out to witness the procession. Women came to admire the manor’s men, while men came to admire the manor’s silver. The shattered hearts of countless young maidens could rebuild another capital, and the envious gazes were palpable even to Jiang Ruan inside the sedan.
After this day, a saying spread throughout the Da Jin Dynasty: “Better to be a servant of the Xiao family than a daughter of an official.” For the beauty and wealth a Xiao family servant encountered daily would surpass what an official’s daughter might see in a lifetime.
Jiang Ruan couldn’t see the commotion outside, but the noise alone told her it was an extravagant affair. Such ostentation didn’t seem like Xiao Shao’s style—it was likely Butler Lin’s doing. Having spent an entire year planning every detail of the wedding, the butler wasn’t about to miss his chance to shine. Jiang Ruan couldn’t help but wonder how someone as reserved as Xiao Shao had ended up with such a flamboyant butler.
Inside the sedan, the ride was so smooth it hardly felt like movement. A small table had been placed within, stocked with delicate pastries to stave off hunger during the journey. She smiled faintly. In her past life, entering the palace as the Emperor’s woman had robbed her of the chance to wear crimson bridal robes. This unfamiliar yet novel experience wasn’t so bad after all.
After circling the capital, the bridal sedan arrived at Brocade Hero King Manor. A large crowd awaited at the entrance. With no living relatives or extended family, the guests consisted solely of Xiao Shao’s friends—fellow disciples and court officials. The Brocade-clad Guards stood in neat formation, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Guan Lianghan lifted his robe hem to set off firecrackers and music to welcome the sedan. Once it stopped, the door was removed, and a five- or six-year-old bridal attendant helped the bride step out. Assisted by the matron of honor, Jiang Ruan crossed a saddle and walked on red felt to the right side of the ceremonial hall.
Spectators had already gathered inside. Following tradition, Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao stood to one side, holding incense sticks for the ancestral rites. Zhao Guang and Su Shi sat in the seats of honor, visibly moved. Jiang Quan and Xia Yue, however, wore stiff expressions, their attempts at appearing touched coming off as forced.Among the crowd, if it were anyone else, Jiang Xin Zhi might not have paid much attention, but his gaze was drawn to one particular figure. The handsome young man was dressed simply in a moon-white brocade robe with a snow wolf fur cloak draped over his shoulders. His jade-like elegance made him resemble a delicately carved young master from some noble household.
That person was none other than Ye Pei. Standing beside him was Liu Min, though it was unclear how the two had arrived. The invitations personally handled by Butler Lin were all made of gold, representing a considerable expense, and thus meticulously recorded and highly valued. Jiang Xin Zhi had reviewed the guest list earlier and remembered that neither of their names had been included. In fact, Butler Lin had initially invited Liu Min when drafting the guest list, but for some unknown reason, his name was later crossed out.
Somehow, Liu Min and Ye Pei had shown up uninvited. Liu Min’s presence was somewhat understandable—Jiang Xin Zhi had heard rumors that the man harbored special feelings for Jiang Ruan. But Ye Pei? A prince leaving the palace to attend Jiang Ruan’s wedding ceremony? Frowning, he turned to Butler Lin and asked, "Why is the Thirteenth Prince here?"
"How should I know?" Butler Lin stroked his beard. "Perhaps he came out of respect for the master. Speaking of which, the Thirteenth Prince’s gift is truly extravagant—he presented twenty-six shops from He Han Quarter to the princess consort. Even the Jiang family couldn’t match such generosity."
He Han Quarter specialized in food and wine establishments, with branches all across the Da Jin Dynasty. Owning even one such shop guaranteed steady profits, let alone twenty-six—each year, they would generate immense revenue, ensuring a lifetime of comfort. It was baffling how a prince like Ye Pei could acquire so many shops, something even Ye Li might not have the means to do. What was even more astonishing was that he had willingly handed over such vast wealth to another.
Jiang Xin Zhi’s frown deepened. "Were all the deeds registered under A Ruan’s name?"
Butler Lin clapped his hands. "Now that you mention it, yes, they were all under the princess consort’s name. That is rather strange. If it were out of goodwill toward the master, there would be no need to use her name."
As the two conversed, Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao completed the ceremonial three kneelings and nine prostrations, culminating in the final bow between husband and wife. Xiao Shao turned to face Jiang Ruan, who, still veiled beneath her bridal cover, hesitated slightly in her movements. Then, someone took her hand—his fingers long and cool, yet exuding a reassuring steadiness as they gently supported hers.
"Bow to each other as husband and wife—" the ceremonial officiant announced loudly.
Together, they bowed. Beneath her veil, Jiang Ruan could only see the crimson hem of her gown. A complex emotion stirred within her—this moment felt like both an ending and a beginning. No matter what, the person before her would now share her life. Whatever trials lay ahead, he would be the one by her side.
After the ceremony concluded, two exquisitely dressed young girls holding dragon-and-phoenix candles escorted Jiang Ruan to the bridal chamber. Though she had lived a lifetime before, marriage was still a first for her, and the intricate rituals nearly left her flustered. Once Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao were seated on opposite sides of the room, the attendants quietly withdrew.
A faint unease settled over Jiang Ruan. With her veil still covering her face, she couldn’t lift it herself. Remembering the guests waiting outside, she softly reminded him, "The guests are still expecting you for the toast."After saying this, she heard Xiao Shao's voice beside her ear: "No need to be nervous."
"I'm not nervous." Jiang Ruan interrupted him, her slightly hurried tone betraying a hint of annoyance at having her thoughts exposed. "You should leave now."
Xiao Shao straightened up and instructed Lianqiao and the others to take good care of Jiang Ruan before leisurely walking out. Once he was gone, Jiang Ruan immediately lifted her bridal veil, startling Zisu who quickly tried to cover her again: "Miss, please put it back on quickly. What if someone sees you?"
"It's just a wedding, no need to be so cautious." Jiang Ruan sighed helplessly. The tedious wedding rituals were nearly driving her mad. She wasn't sure if it was Butler Lin's doing, but even the princess weddings she'd heard about in the palace didn't have this many formalities. While today's ceremony was grand and magnificent, it was truly exhausting.
Lianqiao, feeling sorry for Jiang Ruan, chimed in: "Well, no one's looking now anyway. We can just put the veil back on when someone comes. If not for the complicated hairstyle, we should take off the phoenix crown too—it's so heavy. Just looking at it on your head makes me tired for you."
"Your comfort matters most in this world." Luzhu took out some exquisitely made pastries from a box. "You haven't eaten anything all day, Miss, and there's still time before the banquet. You mustn't go hungry. I bought these from Jadeite Delights early this morning—not many, but enough to fill your stomach."
Indeed, since morning she'd only eaten some wedding fruits and hadn't had a drop of water. Now that Luzhu mentioned it, Jiang Ruan realized she was quite hungry. The delicate, sweet pastries were tempting, so she picked up a few to eat while Zisu handed her a cup of tea: "Wash it down with this."
After finishing the entire packet of pastries, Jiang Ruan actually began to feel drowsy. Noticing this, Tianzhu said: "If you're tired, Miss, you can rest for a while. The master probably won't come in for some time yet. We'll wake you when he arrives."
After some thought, Jiang Ruan complied, carefully finding a position that wouldn't ruin her phoenix crown before lying down on the bed for a short nap.
...
Outside at the banquet, the Zhao family and Jinying Wang Manor's people were so overjoyed they hardly knew what to say. Although Jiang Quan was Jiang Ruan's father, the Jiang family now consisted only of him and Xia Yue, appearing particularly desolate. Wherever he sat, an air of decay seemed to follow. Moreover, everyone knew his relationship with Jiang Ruan and her brother wasn't good. Since most guests today were friends of the Zhao family and Jinying Wang Manor, they naturally kept their distance from him, leaving Jiang Quan completely isolated.
Jiang Xin Zhi had drunk quite a bit by now. As Jiang Ruan's closest relative—both brother and father figure—he toasted each of Xiao Shao's martial brothers one by one on this joyous occasion. His words carried both humility and firmness, conveying both his request for them to look after Jiang Ruan and his promise to support her from behind. The three Zhao brothers—Zhao Yi, Zhao Feizhou and Zhao Guang—shared the same sentiment. Though Jiang Ruan hadn't interacted much with the Zhao family, she had helped Zhao Yi and Zhao Feizhou several times before. Combined with Zhao Guang's instructions, the Zhao family ultimately became another pillar of support for Jiang Ruan.Xiao Shao stood among the guests in his crimson robes, toasting with an aloof and distant expression that seemed no different from usual. Yet perhaps it was the joy of the occasion that softened his gaze, making it noticeably warmer. Amidst the clinking of cups, he stood out strikingly.
After making his rounds of toasts, Jiang Xin Zhi finally couldn't resist approaching Ye Pei. The young prince was seated beside Liu Min, his smile gentle and respectful. With naturally refined features and a quiet elegance in every movement, the boy already drew considerable attention despite his youth—one could only imagine how dazzling he would become upon growing up.
Noticing Jiang Xin Zhi's approach, Ye Pei smiled up at him. "General Jiang," he greeted. His delicate features when smiling appeared utterly harmless and innocent. Yet Jiang Xin Zhi sensed this youth was no ordinary figure and chose to be direct: "For the Thirteenth Prince to attend my younger sister's wedding banquet—this humble official is deeply honored."
"General Jiang need not undervalue himself," Ye Pei replied pleasantly. "The Princess of Great Peace is now like an elder sister to this prince. Naturally, I would come to offer congratulations on her marriage to Brocade Hero King Manor."
The words sounded reasonable enough, but for a royal prince to go out of his way—gifting twenty-six shops no less—to curry favor with Jiang Ruan seemed excessive for mere familial courtesy. Jiang Xin Zhi frowned. The boy was clearly playing dumb, offering no real explanation, leaving the general frustrated yet helpless.
Seeming to read his thoughts, Ye Pei raised his wine cup in a distant toast. "Regardless, today is her wedding day. Like you, this prince genuinely rejoices for her happiness."
Jiang Xin Zhi started, meeting the youth's gaze. Though he knew Ye Pei was more complex than he appeared, the boy's eyes now held unmistakable sincerity—wholehearted blessings with no trace of pretense. Before Jiang Xin Zhi could respond, Ye Pei drained his cup with a bright smile.
When royalty made such a gesture, further persistence would be discourteous. Jiang Xin Zhi could only follow suit, drinking deeply while his doubts remained unresolved.
Among the guests, Liu Min's smile was strained. Once a rising star among court officials, now the Emperor's trusted minister—the young, handsome, and unmarried Liu Min drew eager gazes from families with eligible daughters. A bitter smile touched his lips as he sipped slowly from his cup.
Unaccustomed to drinking, he turned to wine now to drown his sorrows. His mind kept returning to the newlyweds standing together in the wedding hall—the bride in her dazzling crimson gown, her beauty hidden beneath the veil, a vision reserved solely for her husband. He'd once believed the clever maiden held some special regard for him, but fate had intervened. Before he could even confess his feelings, he'd lost all right to do so—forever.Those who shared the same fate of being lovelorn were not alone. Take Qi Feng at this moment, for example. Shortly after Xiao Shao's return, he had shaved off the beard on his chin. Originally a handsome and elegant young man, his previous unkempt beard had lent him a roguish air. Now that he was clean-shaven, he seemed like a completely different person. With his naturally charming and intelligent demeanor, he drew the gazes of many young ladies standing there. Yet Qi Feng had no mind to look at anyone else. Though a faint smile lingered on his lips, there was an inexplicable loneliness in his eyes.
Jin Er crouched on the ground peeling shrimp, shaking his head with a sigh as he observed Qi Feng. "Young Master Qi Si is truly pitiful. He used to be the type who could flirt with countless flowers without a single leaf clinging to him, but now he's grown so thin. What’s worse is that his heart was taken by our master—now that’s even more tragic."
"The pitiful ones tonight aren’t limited to him," Jin Si remarked with a tight, high ponytail and a sardonic smile. "Look around—sorrow is everywhere. See? Here comes another one."
A young man in pale yellow brocade robes walked past. Amid the lively wedding banquet, even the slightest hint of melancholy was easily noticeable, let alone someone who hung his head so dejectedly. Jin San craned his neck. "Isn’t that Young Master Gu from the Governor’s residence? He once had feelings for our young mistress. Tsk, I thought a wealthy young master like him was just infatuated with her beauty for a fleeting moment. But now it seems he’s genuinely heartbroken—who knew he’d turn out to be such a romantic?"
Qi Feng admired Jiang Ruan because he had been deeply impressed by her wisdom through their daily interactions. Liu Min liked Jiang Ruan because she shared a kindred spirit with him. But Gu Yi—from beginning to end, his only real encounter with Jiang Ruan had been that brief meeting on the Exquisite Boat shortly after her return to the capital. Back then, he was just a naive young man from a wealthy family, smitten by her gentle beauty. Attraction based on looks seldom lasts, yet surprisingly, Gu Yi still carried a torch for her even now.
Jin San tossed his long hair. "This young master looks quite pitiful. I think I’ll go comfort him." Without waiting for Jin Er and Jin Si to stop him, he strode over.
Gu Yi had just reached a secluded corner of the garden, where the crowd thinned and the noise faded, easing some of the gloom in his heart. He lowered his head to look at the wine flask in his hand and was about to take another swig when it was suddenly lifted from his grasp. A playful voice sounded from across the way: "Young master, drinking alone is so lonely. How about I keep you company?"
Gu Yi looked up to see a young woman standing before him. She was quite pretty, but there was an indescribable air about her—a mature allure. With a smile, she tilted the flask to her lips, letting a stream of glistening nectar pour into her mouth. Her movements were casual yet seductive. When she finished, she wiped her lips, now glistening and rosy from the wine.
For a moment, Gu Yi was stunned by the sight. Then, realizing what had happened, his face flushed red. "What kind of woman are you? So shameless!"Though he admired beautiful women, his preference had always been for those gentle as water—like the fleeting glimpse of Jiang Ruan on the Exquisite Boat years ago. The youthful infatuation, though seemingly trivial at the time, had been forever etched into his heart, and the emotions it stirred couldn’t be easily put into words. Now, in his melancholy, he suddenly encountered this woman—undeniably beautiful, yet far too brazen in her actions—and dissatisfaction rose in his heart.
"That’s rather unkind of you," Jin San giggled. "I saw you were brooding tonight and came specially to chat and comfort you. Yet you treat me like this—it’s really quite unfair."
"What brooding? I don’t know what you’re talking about," Gu Yi frowned and tried to step past her to leave the garden. But then he heard the woman’s sly voice: "Oh? You don’t? Isn’t it because you like the bride? Feeling heartbroken watching her marry someone else?"
Her voice was crisp and quick, laced with a faint trace of malice, yet she made no effort to lower it, making it abruptly conspicuous in the quiet garden. Gu Yi was startled, a mix of guilt and anger at having his feelings exposed, and immediately denied it: "Nonsense."
Jin San shrugged. "So you don’t like the bride? Well, no matter. I happen to be somewhat acquainted with her—enough to exchange a word or two. I imagine she’d wonder if she’d done something wrong when she hears Young Master Gu attended the wedding banquet only to sulk and drink alone in the garden." She smiled innocently. "Of course, that has nothing to do with you, little master." With that, she turned to leave.
"Wait!" Seeing her actually about to go, Gu Yi finally couldn’t hold back his anger. Though he found it hard to believe this eccentric woman was acquainted with Jiang Ruan, the last thing he wanted was for Jiang Ruan to find out. Suppressing his irritation, he asked, "What do you want?"
Jin San tossed her long hair and turned back to pat Gu Yi’s shoulder. Though she only reached his shoulder in height, the gesture was oddly heroic, like an elder sister patting a younger brother. She grinned. "Don’t be nervous. Like I said, I’m just here to cheer you up. If you’re unhappy tonight, you can tell me all about it. Once it’s off your chest, you’ll feel better, I’ll feel better—isn’t that a win-win?"
Gu Yi: "..."
...
Ahead, the banquet had reached its third round of drinks, and the guests were beginning to disperse. The hall was littered with dishes and cups. Those who had come from afar had already left by carriage, and even close friends were preparing to depart. Jiang Xin Zhi stood in the hall, wanting to check on Jiang Ruan in the bridal chamber. Butler Lin, noticing this, immediately took his hand and said, "Eldest Brother-in-law, look how late it is. After tonight’s meal, we’ve got special arrangements. Come on, come on—Jin Er, come help Eldest Brother-in-law. Can’t you see he’s had too much to drink?"
Though Jiang Xin Zhi wasn’t exactly a thousand-cup drinker, he was far from as incapable as Butler Lin made him out to be. He protested, "I want to see A Ruan."
Butler Lin was inwardly cursing the elder brother's lack of awareness—what kind of elder brother would interfere on the wedding night? Though he thought so, he dared not show it. Everyone knew how fiercely the young mistress protected her own, and that elder brother was an untouchable treasure in her heart. Jin Er and Jin Yi came over to support Jiang Xin Zhi from either side. Butler Lin said, "Ah, Elder Brother, Old Lin understands how you feel. Seeing others fly in pairs while you're left alone must be hard to bear. Look at our Elder Brother, so outstanding, yet lacking attendants by his side. Not to boast, but Old Lin has quite some experience in this area. In fact, today, just for you, Elder Brother, Old Lin specially arranged a 'Hundred Flowers Bloom' at the Hundred Flowers House. Tonight, you can pick whichever flower you fancy—even take one home if you wish." He patted Jiang Xin Zhi's shoulder and added earnestly, "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, old time is still a-flying."
Jiang Xin Zhi: "..."
Having dispatched Jiang Xin Zhi, the bridal chamber was unusually quiet. Due to Xiao Shao's own temperament, no one dared to come and tease the newlyweds. As Xiao Shao reached the door, Tianzhu was about to announce him, but he waved her out. Lianqiao and Zisu also had no reason to stay any longer. Luzhu had intended to wake Jiang Ruan, but a single glance from Xiao Shao silenced her, and she retreated without a word.
Upon entering, Xiao Shao saw Jiang Ruan asleep on the bed. She was quite carefree, having already tossed aside her veil. Perhaps afraid of ruining her phoenix crown, she slept in a cautious posture, her hair slightly disheveled. Her face, resting on the pillow, was breathtakingly beautiful. With her eyes closed, her long lashes resembled butterflies poised for flight, her small nose and rosy lips like a stroke of color cut from the clouds. Her skin was as clear and radiant as snow. The bridal chamber was warmed by silver-thread charcoal, the slight heat bringing a faint blush to her cheeks, making her even more radiant than if she had worn rouge.
Accustomed to her usually distant and cold gaze, her closed eyes now made her appear gentle and alluring, like a fairy who had strayed into a mortal's home and, weary from her journey, had fallen asleep amidst a bed of flowers. Enchanting and beautiful, she seemed too delicate to disturb. Indeed, Xiao Shao did not disturb her. Seeing her sleep so soundly and noting that the wedding candles still had some time to burn, he decided to freshen up first.
After the maids prepared the bathwater, Xiao Shao stepped behind the screen, changed his clothes, and sank into the large wooden tub. Closing his eyes, he seemed lost in thought.
(End of Chapter)
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