Chapter 61 He grabbed a corner of her wedding dress...
The following day, after a series of storms and torrential rains, the weather finally cleared up temporarily.
Dark clouds still surrounded the sky, with only a patch of clear light overhead.
The morning sun pierced through the dark clouds and shone into the Frosty Flower Studio.
Xue Lanyi took out the books and bedding from the room and aired them out.
After all, the western sky was still covered with dark clouds, as if a bigger storm was brewing, and we had to prepare for the upcoming turmoil in advance.
When Su Yin entered the hospital, Xue Lanyi, with her slender figure, was carrying a heavy cotton quilt as she left.
Su Yin quickly put down the medicine box and helped her spread out the quilt to air it out.
Su Yin wasn't particularly sturdy either, and it took the two thin girls a lot of effort to hang the damp blanket on the clothes rack.
While pulling at the quilt to make it wrinkle, Su Yin lowered her voice and said to Xue Lanyi beside her, "When I came in just now, I saw a lot of people giving gifts to the Duke. The front yard was in complete chaos, and the line of people giving gifts almost stretched all the way to Longhu Street."
Xue Lanyi remained expressionless as she tidied her quilt.
Firstly, many people have always given gifts to Wei Zhang, so there's nothing unusual about it.
Secondly, she didn't care how illustrious Wei Zhang was.
Su Yin looked at her profile meaningfully, "Most of what was sent were specialties from the Western Regions, such as rice, noodles, spices, and wild game."
Xue Lanyi paused, realizing that these gifts were not presentable among the guests of the Duke's mansion.
Who sent it?
"They didn't have any names. I saw those people dressed in coarse linen clothes, driving donkey carts, saying they were thanking the Duke for quelling the war in the western border."
Judging from Su Yin's description, the people who came were clearly from the Western Territory.
Xue Lanyi pondered for a moment, then her eyes suddenly lit up, shining like the sunlight overhead.
"I..." Her lips moved as if she were very excited, "This time... I may have met a benefactor."
With such grand gestures that Wei Zhang was elevated to a pedestal, he had no way to refuse the marriage alliance.
Moreover, Wei Zhang is a man driven by profit, and Xue Lanyi doesn't believe he would disregard his own ambitions just to keep her by his side.
In that case, the question of whether she should stay or leave should probably be decided within a day or two.
Who came up with this method of flattery to their detriment, thus facilitating a marriage alliance?
Xue Lanyi was extremely grateful to him.
Next, she no longer needed to consider Wei Zhang's choice, but rather how to escape Xiao Cheng's control.
The path of a marriage alliance is unpredictable, and this presents her with the best opportunity.
Xue Lanyi grasped Su Yin's wrist and handed her a prescription. "Please make the pills according to this prescription within the next two days. Time is running out."
Judging from her words, Su Yin figured that she was about to get what she wanted.
Su Yin took the prescription, glanced at the herbs, and immediately blushed deeply, "This..."
Soon, shyness turned into worry.
"Where did you get this vile drug for men? It's dangerous, what do you need it for?"
"Don't worry, I have my own ideas. As for the consequences, I will bear them myself."
To escape a predicament where you're surrounded by threats, you always have to take risks.
Xue Lanyi squeezed Su Yin's trembling hand.
In the end, it was Xue Lanyi who comforted her.
Seeing her determination, Su Yin put the prescription into her sleeve and asked, "If you can really escape, where do you plan to go?"
This question stumped Xue Lanyi.
If it were in the past, she would have answered without hesitation: "Go find Ah Xuan!"
now……
She was unconscious all day last night, which was also the day of Wei Xuan's wedding.
After last night, he should already be someone else's husband.
The matter is settled, there's no need to disturb it further.
“Go…” Xue Lanyi looked up at the sky, watching eagles and wild geese fly by.
"Let's go to Penglai Island, the Peach Blossom Spring."
In the sunlight, her smile was radiant.
Su Yin could tell that she didn't want to tell others where she really went.
Although Wei Xuan had no intention of marrying anyone else, he still did so in the end.
Since her sincerity had been wasted, she didn't want to drag things out with either Wei Zhang or Wei Xuan anymore.
She doesn't want any of it.
She wants to be free as a bird in the sky.
With this realization, Xue Lanyi's mindset improved considerably.
That evening, as expected, Qingyang and the imperial eunuch from the palace came to find her, ordering her to depart for Xiqi for a marriage alliance three days later.
She calmly accepted the imperial decree.
For the next three days, Su Yin continued to bring her delicious food and drinks every day.
It suits my taste perfectly.
She also made a point of eating more to take good care of her health.
After all, although Xiao Cheng is not as intelligent as Wei Zhang, he is physically strong. To fight him, one must conserve one's strength.
Along with the imperial edict for a marriage alliance, there was also an imperial edict promoting the Grand Secretary.
With matters of marriage alliance and promotion falling to the Duke's mansion, a new round of busy work began.
Wei Zhang was at the height of his power and naturally wouldn't seek out Xue Lanyi again.
This was undoubtedly a relief for Xue Lanyi.
She felt at ease, rested quietly, ate three meals a day on time, and went to bed promptly as soon as it got dark. Her complexion improved in just three days.
Unbeknownst to her, the back window of Chong'an Hall had always been half-open.
While she was gnawing on a chicken leg by the window, Wei Zhang was in his room eating congee while reviewing the procedures for a marriage alliance.
While she slept peacefully on the couch, Wei Zhang worked through the night processing official documents.
One late night, after finishing his official duties, Wei Zhang got up and habitually glanced out the window.
Through the crack in the window of Shuanghuazhai, Xue Lanyi lay with her back to him, breathing evenly, a faint pink blush spreading across her cheeks.
Her dark hair at her temples rose and fell with her breath, the rhythm long and light.
She seems to be doing better on her own.
How can she live well on her own?
Delicate flowers grow alongside trees, which is in accordance with the natural order and human nature.
Wei Zhang's fingers, clasped behind his back, curled slightly. Though not clenched tightly, the veins on the back of his hands had become noticeably more prominent in recent days.
...
The hustle and bustle of Chong'an Hall and the tranquility of Shuanghua Studio came to an abrupt end on the morning of the fourth day.
At cockcrow, the east begins to lighten.
Xue Lanyi was still asleep when she heard hurried footsteps outside and saw figures moving about on the window paper.
Xue Lanyi was startled and lit a lamp before pushing open the door and going out.
Suddenly, a matchmaker with a large red flower adorning her temples appeared before us, her face adorned with bright red makeup.
Xue Lanyi was so startled that she stumbled.
The matchmaker quickly helped her up, "Today is a joyous occasion for the young lady, why are you still asleep at this hour?"
Xue Lanyi glanced helplessly at the sky.
Judging from the sky, it's no earlier than the hour of Yin (3-5 AM). When she was taken into the Duke's mansion as a concubine, she didn't get up this early, around the hour of Yin.
The matchmaker noticed the confusion on her face and said with a forced smile, "How can taking a concubine be the same as marrying a wife?"
"Not to mention that the ceremony is dozens of times more complicated, just the makeup, wedding dress, and hair washing alone will take more than an hour, so you have to get up early."
As they spoke, the envoys carried the betrothal gifts into the courtyard.
A dozen or so maids and matrons filed in, each carrying a tray with a phoenix coronet and wedding gown, a pair of jade pendants, and a pair of phoenix bracelets... The sight was dazzling.
Finally, the matchmakers surrounded her as she sat in front of the bronze mirror to wash and comb her hair.
The fiery red wedding dress was unfurled by a maid standing to one side of the dressing table.
The four-layered robe was adorned with pearls, and even the pendant was made of rubies.
Needless to say, the phoenix crown was surrounded by pearls and jade, shimmering with light and color.
Xue Lanyi used to fantasize about her wedding day in her boudoir, and she imagined herself dressed in such a gorgeous outfit.
On the Qixi Festival, she made a wish to the Old Man Under the Moon by the window: when she got married, she would be as gorgeous and beautiful as possible.
But from the moment Xue Lanyi was carried into Chong'an Hall in that blue sedan chair, she thought she would never have another grand wedding in her life.
She never imagined that one day she would possess such a perfect phoenix coronet and embroidered robe.
Even though she knew it was prepared by Xiao Cheng, at this moment, her heart was still inexplicably struck, and the longing of a woman about to be married arose in her eyes.
The bronze mirror reflected her watery eyes and her beautiful face adorned with red makeup.
High up in the pavilion, by the window, Wei Zhang could not see her face directly, only her back and a blurry image in the bronze mirror.
She put on her wedding dress, which was adorned with sparkling jewels, and that touch of red was particularly eye-catching.
Wei Zhang suddenly remembered that on the day he took her as his concubine, she had also been filled with the same anticipation.
However, at that time, she wore a pale yellow casual dress, which, although radiant, was still different.
"It's different in the end."
A very familiar phrase.
He then recalled that the night before he took her as a concubine, she lay on his chest and whispered tentatively, "Tomorrow night, on our wedding night, I'd like to do it quietly, when no one is around, and wear red to show Yun Jian, would that be alright?"
"Clothes are just for keeping warm, aren't they all the same? Why make such a fuss?" He closed his eyes and frowned.
Her voice trailed off in his arms, "It's just not the same..."
...
"This woman only wears bright red once, as the saying goes: 'Red makeup serves a good man, and they will stay together until old age.'"
"The young lady is so beautiful; it is truly a blessing for our prince to give her this one and only time in red!"
Outside the window, the matchmaker's flattery drifted in.
Wei Zhang pursed his thin lips, his eyes obscured by even deeper, darker clouds, and the surrounding atmosphere was somber.
When Qingyang came to serve tea to Wei Zhang, he caught a glimpse of red peeking through the crack in the window.
No wonder Master Dao has been standing here silently these past few days.
It turns out that from here, one can see everything in Shuanghuazhai in its entirety.
Qingyang also saw the bride's beauty.
It seems that in the few days since she left the master, Xue Lanyi has become much plumper and her skin has become much fairer and more radiant. Just looking at her profile, one can see the former charm of Princess Zhaoyang.
pity……
This splendor no longer belongs to the Duke's mansion.
Qingyang sighed inwardly and could only advise Wei Zhang: "My lord, you should set off. Today you are to receive the imperial edict and take office. You must not miss the appointed time."
Xue Lanyi's marriage to Wei Zhang coincided with Wei Zhang's appointment as Grand Secretary.
Wei Zhang had already changed into a python robe and jade belt, and by all accounts, he should be in the palace receiving congratulations from all the officials at this moment.
The Emperor and all the officials are waiting.
After today, he will rightfully be second only to the emperor and above all others.
My three-year-long wish can finally be fulfilled today.
Qingyang formally kowtowed to Wei Zhang, "Your subordinate congratulates the Duke and the Grand Secretary."
"Congratulations, bride! Congratulations, princess!"
Congratulatory voices could be heard coming from outside the window at the same time.
Wei Zhang gave a faint "hmm," his gaze lingering on Shuanghuazhai for a long time before he stood still, slowly adjusting his cuffs.
After a long pause, he asked, "Does Madam Xue not need to come to the main courtyard to pay her respects?"
this……
Xue Lanyi was merely Wei Zhang's concubine; concubines could be bought and sold, no different from commodities.
Now that Wei Zhang has given his concubine to Prince Xiao, the original owner and the concubine should part ways amicably and have nothing to do with each other.
Why bother with any formalities?
They're just strangers.
Qingyang bowed even lower and said in a trembling voice, "No need."
The two words echoed in the dormitory for a long time.
Wei Zhang said nothing more and walked out of the house.
Joyful music came from behind; the Lady of the Blessed had a loud voice that broke through the festive atmosphere.
"Comb through to the end!"
"Comb through twice!"
"Comb your hair three times a day until you're old!"
"Congratulations on your wedding, Princess Consort and Prince Xiao! Time to pick up the bride!"
The louder the celebratory shouts, the joyous sounds stretched all the way from Shuanghuazhai, as if the entire street outside the mansion was filled with people waiting to watch the bride.
Wei Zhang paused in his steps
...
On the other side, Xue Lanyi had already finished dressing and got up when she heard that the wedding procession had arrived.
"Don't be hasty, young lady!"
The matchmaker pressed Xue Lanyi's shoulders, taking the phoenix crown off her head while bending down behind her and saying, "Prince Xiao instructed that the journey for the marriage is long, and the young lady may tire her neck if she wears the phoenix crown. So, just try on the phoenix crown and bridal veil until they fit properly, and don't wear them on the way, so that the young lady can be more comfortable."
After removing the phoenix crown from her head, Xue Lanyi's neck felt much lighter, though she was somewhat surprised.
Why would Xiao Cheng have such good intentions?
The matchmaker was also surprised.
Prince Xiao not only brought wedding clothes from all the way from Western Qi.
Today, on their return to Western Qi, Prince Xiao specially instructed that soft cushions and calming incense be placed in the bridal sedan chair, and even what kind of dry food and fruit they would eat on the journey were specifically instructed.
"This old woman has never seen Prince Xiao treat anyone so considerately. The young lady is in for a treat."
Xue Lanyi's fingers were tightly clenched.
Perhaps it was because he had spent too much time with Wei Zhang that he often felt that beneath the calm surface, the storm was even more intense, and good intentions were often accompanied by evil thoughts.
Xiao Cheng's unusual behavior only made Xue Lanyi uneasy.
We must escape from Xiao Cheng as soon as possible.
Even if I die, I must never go to the Western Frontier to be a caged bird again.
Xue Lanyi was lost in thought as she was helped out of her bedroom without looking back.
Upon reaching the courtyard of Shuanghuazhai, the matchmaker reminded her, "Miss, you've been staying at the Duke's mansion for quite some time now. Is there anything you need to take with you? Or is there anyone you wish to say goodbye to?"
Xue Lanyi lowered her eyes slightly and shook her head expressionlessly.
In Shengjing, all the friends she cared about had already left the capital.
Su Yin also promised her that after she left, she would go back to her hometown to avoid the limelight.
Then there's Granny Liu. In the past three days, she had tried to send a message to the ancestral hall, wanting to say a proper goodbye to Granny Liu.
Unfortunately, the ancestral hall was not as good as other places for communication, and in the end, the meeting never took place.
She asked Su Yin to pawn some of her clothes and leave twenty taels of silver for Granny Liu, hoping that Granny Liu would be able to live comfortably in her later years.
Apart from that, I have nothing to hold me back; I just want to escape from the people and things here as soon as possible.
Having considered this, Xue Lanyi quickened her pace and went straight to the eight-bearer bridal sedan chair.
The wedding procession carries the sedan chair.
She bent down to get into the sedan chair, and a black-clad arm blocked Xue Lanyi's way.
At just a glimpse of coldness, Xue Lanyi's pupils contracted instantly. She looked up and saw Ying Qi.
"Master invites you, Madam, to the main courtyard. Since you are leaving the manor today, you should bid farewell to Master." Yingqi gestured for her to proceed.
Xue Lanyi subconsciously took a half step back.
A disturbance also occurred within the wedding procession.
Regardless of whether the envoys approve of Xue Lanyi, once she leaves this door today, she will be the principal wife of Prince Xiao, and there is absolutely no reason for the princess to bow to the ministers of another country.
"Prince Xiao is still waiting outside the city gate. We must return to Western Qi today and not delay."
"Besides, the imperial decree has already been issued. Miss Xue is now a member of my Xiao Wang Mansion and has no relation to the Duke of Wei whatsoever. So why should there be any formality of farewell?"
...
The crowd was buzzing with discussion.
Ying Qi shouted sternly, "If any of you have any objections, please move aside. The Duke will personally explain the rules of the Dayong Zhenguo Duke's Mansion to you all!"
Behind him, a row of guards held their swords, and the faint trembling of cold weapons echoed in the air.
Though light, it carries the power of a suona horn.
The envoy held his breath, his face showing resentment.
Xue Lanyi stood between the two sides, and seeing that a conflict was about to break out, she quickly stepped forward and said, "I'll go! I'll go."
Since the bridal sedan chair hadn't left the Duke's mansion or Shengjing City, it was still under Wei Zhang's control.
She was just one step away from leaving his grasp, so there was no reason for her to anger him now.
Xue Lanyi believed that Wei Zhang would not disregard fame and fortune for her sake and suddenly change his mind to prevent her from leaving.
At this moment, he called her to go...
Xue Lanyi couldn't guess the reason; it was either a scolding or a humiliation.
That's it, this is the last time.
Just bear with it and the storm will pass.
Xue Lanyi composed herself, forced a smile, and said to Ying Qi, "Please lead the way."
"Please convey the master's words: A neat appearance is a basic courtesy. Please, Madam, straighten your hat and clothes before you go to see the Duke."
ah?
Xue Lanyi was dressed neatly in four layers of wedding gowns, except for her hair crown.
Why does Wei Zhang have to concern himself with this?
Too lazy to argue with him any further, she went inside and put on the phoenix crown.
Yingqi then instructed the matchmaker, "The veil is also essential."
"..."
Although she was getting married today, it was indeed improper for her to meet him, a man from another region, without her usual attire.
However, Wei Zhang's insistence on seeing her before her departure was unnecessary and impolite.
He was clearly seizing the last chance to torment her!
Xue Lanyi frowned almost imperceptibly, her gaze still obscured by the red veil covering the mandarin ducks playing in the water.
To get from Shuanghuazhai to the bedroom in Chong'an Hall, one has to climb steps and go around ditches. With the veil covering one's eyes, it's really difficult to walk.
Even with the matchmaker's help, she still stumbled and staggered.
She was really annoyed and kicked away the stone blocking her way.
The pebbles rolled down the bluestone steps, and she went up the steps.
Upon reaching the corridor outside the bedroom, the matchmaker and Yingqi dared not approach further. Xue Lanyi could only peer through the red veil at the buildings outside and eventually found the bedroom door.
She stood still for a moment, took a deep breath, and pushed open the vermilion lacquered lattice door.
Just then, a gust of wind rose from behind her, causing her skirt to flutter and a corner of her veil to lift.
A faint scent of sandalwood wafted into the room.
At that time, Wei Zhang sat on a north-facing couch, solemnly flipping through a book on mountains and rivers.
A faint fragrance suddenly wafted into my nostrils.
He subconsciously looked up.
Directly opposite him, ten steps away in front of the door, Xue Lanyi was standing against the light.
Her wedding dress was stunningly beautiful, even more eye-catching than when viewed from afar.
The golden phoenix patterns on her wedding dress and veil reflected a shimmering golden light, like stars adorning her body, twinkling and shimmering.
The wind blew in, and her skirt flew toward him.
Wei Zhang's hand tightened slightly as he turned the pages of the book.
"Close the door and come in." The voice was completely emotionless.
Unable to discern his true intentions, Xue Lanyi obediently closed the door, nervously clasped her hands together at her lower abdomen, and slowly approached him with graceful steps.
On a rainy day, the room was dimly lit, with only two red candles crackling and burning on the incense table beside Wei Zhang.
Xue Lanyi's vision was even more obscured by the veil covering her face.
She walked extremely slowly, her jade-like steps barely swaying, only a glimpse of her lotus feet peeking out from under her skirt.
The hem of her red skirt fluttered with her steps, like ripples spreading across a calm pond.
Unfurl it round and round.
Wei Zhang's calm gaze fell on the hem of the gauze skirt, and he was momentarily stunned, unaware that Xue Lanyi had already walked up to him.
He remained as steadfast as a mountain, taciturn and reserved.
Xue Lanyi couldn't see his expression clearly, but she could vaguely see the man in front of her sitting with his knees apart, his thumb unconsciously fiddling with the black jade ring.
His tall and composed figure was magnified on the screen behind him, which depicted a dragon emerging from the clouds.
The menacing shadow filled Xue Lanyi with fear.
The less he spoke, the more confused Xue Lanyi became, and her heart raced.
The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
She simply knelt down voluntarily: "All that happened before was due to the arrogance of a common woman, which displeased the Duke."
"After leaving the manor, I will pray for you before the Buddha every day to atone for my disrespect."
"I sincerely pray that Your Majesty will be in good health and that everything will go smoothly. Please do not let me upset you."
These words were obviously meant to coax him into releasing the people quickly.
Seeing that he remained silent, Xue Lanyi knelt deeply to show her sincerity.
Before he could kneel down, the elaborate wide sleeves brushed against Wei Zhang's thumb ring.
The trim on her sleeve fell between his fingertips.
Knowing he disliked people touching her, she quickly tried to pull open her sleeve.
His long, slender fingers pinched a small section of fabric from her sleeve.
Xue Lanyi tugged at the other end of his sleeve, but he held it tightly and she couldn't pull it off.
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