Chapter 112 Marriage (Part 2) Why did you bite me?

Lin Daiyu subconsciously didn't realize she understood what he was saying.

"The auspicious time hasn't come yet, so you can't take me away now."

Lin Daiyu's voice was delicate and soft, so Mu Chuan said, "It's better for me to wait than for you to wait for me, so you won't get impatient."

Lin Daiyu laughed a few times, but then didn't know what to say.

Mu Chuan asked her, "Do you know why a woman wears a red veil when she gets married?"

There are so many legends about this place, Lin Daiyu said with a light laugh, "I don't know."

"So that the woman wouldn't see the way home," Mu Chuan deliberately startled her.

Lin Daiyu laughed again: "You said the same thing as my maternal grandmother. She also said that the sedan chair had to be locked so that the bride would run back halfway. She also said that the sedan chair had to be deliberately jolted along the way so that the bride would have a sense of awe and know that her husband's family would not be easy to manage."

"How dare she scare you!" Mu Chuan roared. "What's wrong with my family?"

Lin Daiyu laughed until her teeth ached: "So you weren't just scaring me?"

"I was just teasing you," Mu Chuan said. "Besides, the sedan chair I prepared wasn't locked—don't jump off halfway."

Just as Lin Daiyu was about to reply, the two matchmakers approached with smiles: "The auspicious time is almost here. If you two have anything to say, please save it for tonight."

Where is the place to talk at night?

Lin Daiyu's face flushed red as Mu Chuan's teasing words flashed through her mind.

Fortunately, since it's our wedding day and everything in sight is red, it doesn't really stand out.

Outside, Mu Chuan presented a red envelope and said with a smile, "Say one more thing, then leave."

The two matchmakers stepped aside, and Mu Chuan called out, "The journey is long, so the sedan chair will be pulled by a horse-drawn carriage. The phoenix crown is heavy, and there are cushions on it. They will help you up, so just sit however you feel comfortable."

Lin Daiyu wished she could put her veil on right now so that no one could see her face.

"I never imagined that someone of the Loyal and Brave Earl's military background would be so thoughtful," Madam Song said, smiling as she looked at Lin Daiyu.

Madam Wan looked at Lin Daiyu and said with a smile, "I do matchmaking three to five times a year, and I have never met anyone as considerate as the Earl of Zhongyong."

Lin Daiyu tilted her head to the side, looking at the roof, but not at anyone.

The two matchmakers laughed again. Madam Wan pulled Lin Daiyu down to sit, picked up a comb and combed her hair a couple of times before putting the veil on her head.

Lin Daiyu suddenly held her breath; she... was about to get married.

The deafening sound of firecrackers rang out again outside. The matchmaker and Madam Wan helped Lin Daiyu up on either side and whispered, "Walk slowly and carefully."

Lin Daiyu lowered her head, looking at the short path beneath her feet, and slowly walked to the carriage.

No one noticed that the corners of her mouth turned up.

Although she could only see a small area, she was used to stepping on the long bench in front of the carriage; she could get on and off with her eyes closed.

one two three.

Lin Daiyu stepped into the carriage in three steps. It was the same carriage she usually rode in, but the interior had all been changed to red.

Madam Wan and the matchmaker withdrew their hands after watching her go in. Lin Daiyu looked at the corner of her mouth, sat down in her usual spot, and even subconsciously reached out to touch it.

That's right, there are also snack boxes in the small compartments below.

Lin Daiyu's eyes crinkled with laughter. Amidst the steady, rhythmic clatter of the horse's hooves, she softly complained, "It's all Third Brother's fault. He even added some pastries. What if there are crumbs on my wedding dress?"

The convoy left the Imperial Clan Court's mansion and headed north.

Besides Mu Chuan leading the wedding procession, there were also people from the Marquis of Dingnan's mansion, and Linjia Village also sent a lot of people.

Mu Chuan's colleagues, including the other four generals of the Beijing Garrison who were outwardly at odds, also sent men to escort him.

"Where would we need so many people?"

"Who says otherwise? That's a bit too ostentatious."

At the teahouse at the street corner, Granny Huang and Granny Sun said sourly that they were both sent by Grandmother Jia to gather information.

Of course, Grandmother Jia's explanation was: "They are young and have never seen much of the world. Although they look down on an old woman like me, I can't just ignore them. You two go and take a look. If there's anything wrong, come back and tell me."

Just outside the Imperial Clan Court, this teahouse was the only slightly upstairs, so upstairs, besides Granny Huang and Granny Sun, there was also—

Ye Shan, the steward of the master, and Wang Shanbao, the maid of Madam Xing.

Qian Ning, the second master's personal attendant, and Wu Xing, Madam Wang's maid.

Xing'er, the servant of Master Lian, and Laiwang, the maid of Master Lian.

Although they were all family, they occupied seven tables on the second floor, making it feel like they had the whole place to themselves.

As the wedding procession departed, the group exchanged glances, and Granny Huang said, "Shouldn't we discuss what to say when we get back?"

We're all family, who doesn't know who?

What is your master's temperament, and what do you really want to know?

When they got back, they would definitely make up some unpleasant stories, such as firecrackers startling the horses or the cart shaft breaking.

Granny Sun tapped the table: "We need to say enough so that we can verify each other's statements in the future."

The group suddenly realized what was going on and began exchanging glances and discussing their plan.

Downstairs, after serving tea and snacks, the tea server came down and whispered nervously to the shopkeeper, "Boss, those guests upstairs are acting strangely. They pretend not to know each other, but they actually do. They're also using coded language."

The shopkeeper frowned: "Could it be that the Heaven and Earth Society or the White Lotus Sect are holding a meeting here? The Marquis of Zhongyong is outside welcoming his bride, so this place is indeed a good place to cover up their secrets."

"Should we report this to the authorities?" the tea server asked in a low voice. "Six men and two women."

The shopkeeper hesitated for a moment: "Let's see. If they really report it to the authorities, our shop might have to close for a while."

Fortunately, the only one who truly hated Lin Daiyu to the point of gnashing her teeth was Lady Wang. Grandmother Jia didn't want her to be happy, lest she become too close to the Earl of Zhongyong and forget her, her maternal grandmother.

Most of the remaining people were just watching the fun, so in the end, Wu Xing and Jia Mu's two nannies came up with a solution.

Miss Lin didn't see clearly when she got into the carriage, tripped, and her veil almost flew off.

After discussing it, the group looked at each other and felt increasingly awkward. They quickly called the tea server to come up and settle the bill, and then left one by one.

The shopkeeper breathed a sigh of relief: "What a nutcase! If I were the White Lotus Sect, I would definitely find a secluded place to hold a meeting. In the middle of the day, right next to the Imperial Clan Court, you're just looking for trouble here."

Mu Chuan rode a tall horse, dressed in red, and occasionally glanced at the carriage following beside him, becoming more and more satisfied and fond of it.

He controlled his speed the whole way, and when he arrived at the Marquis of Zhongyong's residence, it was still a quarter of an hour before noon.

The servants waiting at the door saw the motorcade approaching and set off firecrackers again. Lin Daiyu's heart pounded, sometimes fast and sometimes slow; she had never been so nervous before.

"What are you doing in here!" Lin Daiyu shrank back. "Wasn't it Madam Wan and the others who were supposed to help me?"

Mu Chuan grinned: "When you're on my turf, my rules apply. I'll carry you down."

"What kind of rule is this?" Lin Daiyu didn't know why, but she laughed despite feeling nervous.

"Why not? Do you think other people don't want to carry their brides down the aisle? They can't carry them. The wedding dress and headdress alone weigh forty or fifty pounds, not to mention there's a person on top of that. I can carry them, come here quickly."

Lin Daiyu chuckled: "Since you said you would carry me down, why are you telling me to move by myself? Come here."

Mu Chuan's smile... didn't seem like that of a good person. After all, he was standing under the carriage and couldn't see clearly through the curtain, so it was normal for him to reach out and grab Lin Daiyu's ankle.

Slender, taut, with a subtle resistance and a hint of warm fragrance.

Lin Daiyu let out a low, muffled gasp, which she swallowed back down her throat.

Mu Chuan extended his index finger and gently touched the silk fabric, but the outside was bustling with noise. He sighed helplessly, let go of the fabric, and stepped into the carriage.

Lin Daiyu truly shrank into the corner, her breathing becoming rapid and shallow. Mu Chuan said, "I didn't see clearly just now, so don't blame me."

Lin Daiyu didn't speak, or perhaps she did say something, but she was too nervous and her voice became soft and fragmented, so Mu Chuan couldn't hear it.

He stepped forward, put his arm around Lin Daiyu's waist, and pulled her closer with a slight pull.

Only when he was so close could he hear Lin Daiyu's words clearly: "...Hurry up."

With a beauty in his arms, Mu Chuan strode down from the carriage and carried her inside.

Lin Daiyu held down her phoenix crown with one hand and placed the other hand on Mu Chuan's side. She dared not move her whole body. Being tense was not good, but relaxing would be even more uncomfortable.

In such situations, her hearing becomes exceptionally sensitive.

"The Marquis of Zhongyong is really strong."

"What's so special about this? The general can lift the siege logs all by himself." He sounded quite proud.

Not only Lin Daiyu heard this, but Mu Chuan also heard it. He turned his head and said with a smile, "This is your general's wife."

A burst of enthusiastic laughter erupted from the surroundings, along with loud greetings: "Greetings, General's wife!"

Lin Daiyu's other hand gradually climbed up to Mu Chuan's side, gripping his clothes tightly: "Walk slowly, I'm dizzy."

Mu Chuan chuckled twice: "Don't you get carsick or feel dizzy?"

Even so, he slowed down and walked more steadily.

Mu Chuan carried Lin Daiyu all the way to the main hall before putting her down.

After bowing to heaven and earth, to the parents, and to each other, Mu Chuan picked up Lin Daiyu and said, "Next, you go into the bridal chamber and wait. I'll entertain the guests with food and drinks."

Lin Daiyu originally wanted to say she understood, but for some reason she just let out a soft moan.

This is really... thankfully, the veil covers her face, so no one can see her.

As we walked from the main hall to the inner courtyard, although the sound of firecrackers continued, the area gradually quieted down as we moved further away.

Lin Daiyu wanted to say something, but she was so nervous that she kept clenching and unclenching her hands.

Mu Chuan laughed and said, "If you use a little more force, my clothes will get wrinkled."

Lin Daiyu laughed out loud: "How could the wedding dress bestowed by the Emperor Emeritus be so easily wrinkled?"

That's what she said, but then she just tugged at it again, completely by feel, and then patted it gently: "Okay."

Mu Chuan quickly carried her into the main building of the courtyard, a two-story building with seven rooms.

With a wink, the old women and maids all stayed outside and didn't come in.

Mu Chuan placed the woman on the large bed in the east side room on the second floor, feeling a sense of satisfaction at finally bringing the beauty back to his lair.

Lin Daiyu sat on the bed, not hearing a sound for a long time, but through the small gap in front of her veil, she could see that Mu Chuan was still standing in front of her.

"Third Brother?"

Do you know why a scale rod is used to lift the veil?

"As you wish?" Lin Daiyu whispered. The surroundings were too quiet, and she was afraid that if she spoke too loudly, she might disturb something. She was also afraid that her third brother would come up with some strange reason again.

"I'm afraid the bride will bite my hand."

Lin Daiyu chuckled: "Why would I bite you?"

"Think about it, with the veil covering her head, she can't see the road clearly; with the sedan chair locked, she can't escape; and the bumpy ride lets her know that her in-laws are not to be trifled with. If I were the bride at this point, I would bite them too."

Lin Daiyu said softly, "Third Brother, I married into this family willingly. I won't bite you."

These words sounded strange, so Mu Chuan reached out to lift the veil.

Lin Daiyu backed away again, and Mu Chuan sighed, "Didn't you say it was voluntary?"

"Shouldn't there be matchmakers, peanuts, dates, and other gifts, and people making a ruckus in the wedding night?"

Mu Chuan chuckled twice: "Who dares to disturb my wedding night? Eating raw dumplings is a bad custom, and disturbing the wedding night is also a bad custom. Once you lift the veil, you can do whatever you need to do. If you're tired, you can lie down for a bit. I'll have someone bring you food in a little while."

Lin Daiyu was also well-versed in the Four Books and Five Classics. The time for lifting the veil was not limited to noon or evening. It varied depending on the dynasty, social class, or whether it was in the north or south.

She sat up straight again.

Mu Chuan reached out, and Lin Daiyu, for some reason, opened her mouth and bit him.

It's all Third Brother's fault! He insisted on saying they were biting each other!

The two people in the room were stunned. Mu Chuan's voice became low and his tone was very strange: "Why did you bite me?"

Lin Daiyu felt that the four teeth were somewhat out of her control; instead of loosening, they were actually being pushed a little harder.

It didn't hurt, but... Mu Chuan felt an itch in his heart. Instead of retreating, he advanced, inserting another joint into his index finger, which had only been bitten on one knuckle.

Lin Daiyu reached out and grabbed Mu Chuan's wrist, calling out indistinctly, "Third Brother..."

Mu Chuan sighed regretfully, reached out and lifted the veil.

Lin Daiyu lowered her eyes, her eyes half-filled with tears, and her face was red with no other expression.

"Red dates?" Mu Chuan sat down beside her and picked up a small basket from the bedside table. "Peanuts, and grapes too."

He also felt it was inappropriate to spill this stuff on the bed, as the bedding would have to be washed later. So he asked someone to bring a basket and put it aside, which was fitting for the occasion.

"You just said you'd order me a table full of food and wine." After lifting the veil, Lin Daiyu dared not look away and could only retort in a low voice.

"Let's have something to eat first, there will be food and drinks too. There's also a performance going on ahead, I'll take you to the small building in the east courtyard, you can see it clearly there."

"I'm not going." Lin Daiyu's voice was unusually firm. "Everything else is fine, but my feet can't touch the ground."

"Then how will you eat? And change your clothes?"

"I didn't eat or drink anything last night."

Mu Chuan felt that this kind of ritual might be a way for those weak scholars to torment people, first starving the girls until they were weak and powerless, so as to show that they were delicate and soft.

“We don’t care about these things in our family.” Mu Chuan poured her some tea and some snacks. “Eat and drink as you please. My maid will watch over you. If you misbehave, I’ll come back and feed you myself later.”

Lin Daiyu pushed him, "You should leave quickly, in case—" she hesitated again, "there are still so many guests outside."

Mu Chuan simply didn't want to move, not even ten Lin Daiyus could rouse him: "I know, I'll eat my fill and wait for you to come back. I don't like noisy opera performances, so in a couple of days, call the opera troupe from today and have them perform again."

Mu Chuan then stood up: "I'll have a maid wait outside. If you need to use it, just shake this bell."

Watching his figure recede into the distance, his footsteps echoing outside the main building, Lin Daiyu smiled and spat, "You're the most domineering one."

There's not much to say about drinking and feasting. Mu Chuan was accompanied by ten burly men, and since he himself had a good capacity for alcohol, no one dared to force him to drink. Instead, they would advise him, "On your wedding night, don't get drunk."

As for the play, Mu Chuan didn't like it at all, and he had no idea what was going on in the play.

At the end of Shenshi (3-5 PM), Mu Chuan saw off the last guest and then headed back to the main building with firm steps.

Lin Daiyu had already eaten and taken a nap. Although she hadn't gone downstairs, she had looked around the three rooms on the east side.

Judging that it was about time, she sat back on the bed and waited quietly for the person.

Soon, Mu Chuan's voice came from downstairs, and it was faintly heard that he wanted hot water to wash up.

Lin Daiyu was getting impatient when she heard Mu Chuan's footsteps coming upstairs.

I don't know why, but my impatience just now has turned into fear.

When Mu Chuan entered, he saw Lin Daiyu sitting cross-legged on the bed, not even raising her head.

"You don't even look up. What if it's not me coming up?"

Okay, I'm not nervous anymore.

"You're just trying to scare people," Lin Daiyu said irritably, glancing at him.

Mu Chuan walked to the bedside, reached for the prepared wine glass and wine pot, and poured the wine himself: "This should be considered the final step, right?"

Lin Daiyu deliberately said, "That doesn't count. It only counts if we enter the ancestral hall to offer incense three days after the wedding and have our names recorded in the family genealogy."

Mu Chuan was surprised: "What are you talking about? I'm talking about the final step before the wedding night."

Lin Daiyu blushed deeply again after being teased. She glared at Mu Chuan fiercely and then fell silent.

Mu Chuan handed over the wine cup, which Lin Daiyu took. The two women intertwined their arms, exchanged a smile, and drank the nuptial wine together.

"Hmm..." Lin Daiyu wasn't completely incapable of drinking, but for some reason, she started to feel dizzy after drinking this cup of wine.

"Third Brother," she looked at Mu Chuan with pleading eyes, "I feel dizzy."

Mu Chuan reached out and touched her forehead; her skin, now pink, felt warm and comfortable to the touch.

Mu Chuan traced his fingers down her cheek and neck.

"Maybe it's just too hot," Mu Chuan coaxed softly. "We'll loosen our collars and you won't feel dizzy."

"Still dizzy."

"That means you were shaking too much. I held you and stabilized you so you wouldn't feel dizzy."

"...You're lying."