...

Yun Tianbai and Shi Wenxia's wedding was set for August.

Since she had no maternal family, Shi Wenxia moved into the Yun family's estate in the suburbs of Beijing half a month in advance, and then married into the Duke's Mansion with the meager dowry prepared for her by Yun Tianbai and the old lady of the Yun family.

The dowry consisted of only thirty-six loads, but she had no other choice.

The Shi family is gone. Her only younger brother, whom she has hidden away, is not even fifteen years old yet, not old enough to be sent to Dingzhou to take charge.

In her previous life, she entered the Duke's mansion as a concubine, so naturally she didn't care about any dowry.

But when she was led across the fire basin into the Duke's mansion with her red veil covering her head, she heard the gossiping women discussing her dowry. It was then that she suddenly realized for the first time that a legal wife really does need the support of her family.

Her family's strength was mainly reflected in her dowry, which she had looked down upon in her previous life.

"This is all the dowry the young lady received when she married into the Duke's mansion? It's nothing compared to the magnificent dowry that stretched for miles when the second young lady got married a few years ago!"

"Isn't that right? I heard that the young master's wife's family has all died out! The fact that she can have such a dowry of over thirty loads is only because the Duke's mansion has given her face, right?"

"The Duke's family is truly a man of his word, willing to risk damage to their reputation to fulfill the marriage agreement."

"Isn't that right? I wonder if this bride is taking advantage of a debt of gratitude?"

"Hey, I heard that the Crown Prince is being ostracized in the army because the soldiers heard that the Crown Prince's soon-to-be wife is the daughter of a traitor!"

"Tsk tsk, what a pity for this promising young general. Once he returns to the capital, will he stay?"

"I'm afraid it's not that they're not leaving, it's that they don't want to leave! The soldiers in the army hate traitors so much, how could they willingly submit to this general who married the daughter of a traitor? Where is there any place for them? They might as well find a position in the army!"

Shi Wenxia was so angry when he heard this that he almost vomited blood.

She was just an orphan. Even if her father had done something to betray the Great Zhou, the entire clan had already paid the price. Wasn't that enough? She knew nothing at all!

Now they're putting all the blame on her, an orphan girl. Don't these people have any shame?

Moreover, she knew that although Yun Tianbai returned to the capital to get married three years later than he did now in his previous life, he also stayed in the capital after getting married and did not return to Liaozhou.

That's because he knew that even if his father Yun Yue was gone, the military power in Liaozhou would be taken over by Yun Zhao, the second uncle of the Yun family. There was no way it would be his turn as a young general. So he wanted to stay in the capital to see if there was an opportunity to take up a post and make meritorious contributions.

But at this moment, facing those discussions, Yun Tianbai said nothing. She felt that Yun Tianbai in this life was not as dedicated as he was in the previous life.

He bowed deeply, seething with anger, and was led into the bridal chamber.

Under the guidance of the matchmaker, Yun Tianbai picked up a scale and slowly lifted the veil.

In that instant, for some reason, he suddenly remembered Jiang Youran, whom he saw when he lifted the veil in his previous life.

The stunningly beautiful girl beneath the phoenix crown was breathtakingly gorgeous, smiling sweetly at him.

But at that time, he was distracted because he was thinking about Shi Wenxia from Mulan Academy.

Furthermore, just a few days ago, Shi Wenxia tearfully confided in him that the glory of being the legal wife would follow Jiang Youran for the rest of her life, while all she could look forward to was her wedding night.

Then, inexplicably, he agreed to let her enter the manor on the same day as Jiang Youran. Even more inexplicably, after entertaining his guests, he went to Mulan Courtyard under the influence of alcohol!

At this moment, he slowly crossed arms with Shi Wenxia, ​​who had changed into a bright red wedding dress, and drank the nuptial wine. Looking at Shi Wenxia's gentle and smiling face, a sense of loss welled up in his heart again.

After exchanging a few private words with her, I went out to offer toasts.

The women of the Yun family were also watching from the side. When he turned around, he saw Su Youran, who was also smiling and making faces.

Su Youran handed him a large red flower, "Big brother, congratulations! This flower is for you!"

For some reason, Yun Tianbai felt that her smile seemed incredibly heartless; she even gave him a big red flower? Didn't you know that your husband from your previous life was stolen away?!

He glanced at her expressionlessly and did not take the flowers from her hand.

Madam Su smiled and said, "This bright red peony pinned to your lapel is indeed a perfect match for the groom."

He stopped in his tracks, turned around and took the flowers from Su Youran's hand, clutching them tightly in his hand.

However, he did not fasten it to his lapel as instructed, but instead tossed it aside after stepping into the front courtyard through the hanging flower gate.

In the new house, after Su Youran spoke, Shi Wenxia looked up and saw that familiar face.

Su Youran smiled broadly, appearing genuinely happy for her elder brother's wedding.

Shi Wenxia couldn't help but raise his chin and look at her arrogantly.

Watching Yun Tianbai's figure disappear beyond the threshold, Su Youran turned her head and saw Shi Wenxia's gaze. She found it amusing, and feigned surprise, then said with a hint of grievance, "Sister-in-law, why are you looking at me like that?"

Yun Manyan also noticed Shi Wenxia's disdainful look and asked somewhat displeasedly, "Sister-in-law, what's wrong?"

Shi Wenxia quickly straightened up, "Big sister, I... I'm just a little hungry..."

Since she was the bride, Yun Manwan didn't want to pry too much, so she quickly told the old woman next to her to bring her a bowl of noodles.

Su Youran stood up naturally. "Elder sister, I suppose sister-in-law is tired too. Let's take our leave now."

Yun Manyan nodded, "Let's go, so the bride can relax a bit."

After giving the bride a few words of advice, the elder sisters-in-law, including Su and Li, left.

The new house fell silent for a moment.

Only then did Shi Wenxia have time to look up and examine the new house.

She didn't know until she saw it, and a sudden surge of inexplicable anger rose within her!

This...this new house is actually...her Mulan Courtyard!

Why should she?! In her previous life, she was a concubine living in the remote Mulan Courtyard, which was one thing, but in this life, she is the principal wife and the future wife of the heir apparent. Why should she still live in Mulan Courtyard?!

She moved out of the Duke's mansion half a month ago to a manor outside the capital to prepare for her wedding. Little did she know that Yun Tianbai would have the bridal chamber decorated in this Mulan Courtyard!

Pei'er, the personal maid, came in with a bowl of hot noodles. "Miss, oh no, Madam, the noodles are here, they're piping hot."

She walked to Shi Wenxia's side and said, "This servant will remove the phoenix crown for you, Madam."

Shi Wenxia suppressed her anger and grunted in agreement, letting her remove the phoenix crown and take off her heavy wedding dress, changing into a light nightgown.

As she sipped her hot noodle soup, she asked, "Go and find out if the Duchess specifically requested that the new house be located in the Magnolia Courtyard?"

Pei'er paused for a moment, "Madam, you're used to living in Mulan Courtyard. Isn't it good to have your new house here?"

Shi Wenxia slammed his hand on the table. "Just go and ask, why are you asking so many questions?"

“Yes.” Pere shrank back and retreated.