As the winter snow melts and tender buds begin to sprout on the branches, the air carries a chilly edge, yet it also teems with the vitality of all things reviving. Inside and outside the Shen Mansion, lanterns and colorful decorations adorn the place, and red silk ribbons hang high, creating a festive atmosphere everywhere.

Today is the wedding day of Shen Huaiyu, the legitimate daughter of Shen Wenbai, the second son of the Shen family, and a joyous occasion as she marries into the Yongding Marquis's household.

Although An'an and Lu Xiao's family, who were spending the New Year in Jiangnan, and Shen Zhao and Lu Qi's family were unable to attend in person, they all sent extremely generous dowry gifts. An'an sent a set of top-quality red gold and ruby ​​headdresses and rare medicinal herbs unique to the northern frontier; Shen Zhao sent a white jade pendant made by skilled craftsmen from the northern frontier, symbolizing a harmonious marriage, and a quilt he personally embroidered to symbolize a harmonious marriage.

Although fewer close relatives came that day, the Shen residence was still bustling with guests.

What reassured Shen Huaiyu the most was that her aunt, Princess Consort Shen Yuewei, and her uncle, Prince Jing Xiao Chengjing, had personally returned from Jiangnan. Shen Yuewei was sitting in Shen Huaiyu's boudoir at this moment, looking at the bride in her finery in the mirror, her eyes filled with emotion and affection.

"Our Yu-jie, you are so beautiful today that it's hard to look away." Shen Yuewei picked up the warm jade comb from the dressing table and gently combed Shen Huaiyu's waterfall-like black hair. Her movements were gentle and full of ritual. "One comb to the end, may you be a perfect match; two combs to the head, may you fly wing to wing; three combs to the end, may you be forever united in heart..." She recited auspicious words, her voice slightly choked, as if she saw the shadow of her own wedding day.

“Yes, the child has grown up and will eventually get married.” Lin Qingrou watched with red eyes as Shen Yuewei combed Shen Huaiyu’s hair. She was filled with emotion. Her daughter had grown from a baby to a beautiful young woman getting married. Her nose tingled and she held back her tears.

Shen Huaiyu wore a bright red wedding gown embroidered with gold phoenixes, and a heavy red gold and kingfisher feather phoenix crown. A beaded curtain hung down, obscuring her shy yet radiant face. Listening to her aunt's gentle words and seeing her mother's slightly reddened eyes, Shen Huaiyu felt the soft touch on her hair. A warm feeling welled up in her heart, and her eyes also reddened: "Aunt... Mother..."

"Silly child, this is a joyous day, you must be happy." Shen Yuewei and Lin Qingrou said together. Shen Yuewei also put down her comb, picked up the bright rouge from the tray beside her, and carefully applied it to her lips, her eyes full of satisfaction. "The Yongding Marquis's family is a good family, and Xiao Ze is one in a million. Your aunt, uncle, father, and mother are all happy for you. From now on, you will be an adult, so you must be well."

Beside her, Ning-jie from the Prince Jing's residence, dressed in a brand-new peach-pink dress, chattered around Shen Huaiyu like a lively little magpie:

"Cousin Huaiyu! You look like a fairy descended from heaven today! You're even more beautiful than the goddesses in paintings!"

"When Cousin Ze comes to pick up the bride later, he'll be dumbfounded when he sees you!"

"Cousin, are you nervous? I'm a little nervous for you!"

Her innocent and cheerful words eased the sadness of parting. Several other close friends of Shen Huaiyu were also in the room, chatting and laughing, offering blessings and jokes, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.

Shen Huaiyu was amused by Ning Jie'er and burst into laughter through her tears. Through the beaded curtain, she scolded, "Ning Jie'er, you talk too much! Be careful when your brother Ze comes later, I'll have him give you a big red envelope to shut you up!"

"That's great! I'll be waiting!" Sister Ning clapped her hands with a smile.