Time flew by and it was already February 15th. Although she was only a concubine, she was still a royal daughter-in-law, so she still had to have the minimum standards and pomp.
The Jiang residence was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and red silks covered the entire courtyard, exuding unparalleled joy. The servants' faces were also beaming with smiles as they carried trays of gifts and led guests in and out in a hurry.
Jiang Jing, dressed in a blue robe, had an impeccable appearance. He greeted the guests who came to bring gifts in the front hall, and his smile never faded.
The inner quarters were much more desolate in comparison. Most of Jiang Changle's friends were young ladies of the same age from prominent families. The other young ladies from his cohort of imperial concubines had all been betrothed, so naturally no one was there to help him with his weddings.
Wuyou was unwilling to get involved. The Third Prince appeared humble and polite, and was meticulous in his work, but in reality, he was a muddle-headed and incompetent man. He was only involved because of his mother, Consort Shu, who held a higher position and was adept at putting on a show.
Otherwise, Jiang Wuyou in her previous life wouldn't have been able to so easily win over the Third Prince, making him infatuated with her and completely obedient to her. It must be admitted that among Zhou Huaijin's five princes, the Fifth Prince is the most capable. He is cunning, capable, ruthless, and willing to stoop low, but he is too vicious in his actions.
After the fifth prince ascended the throne, his four elder brothers found various pretexts to imprison some and execute others, while his three sisters also struggled to survive in their husbands' homes. This shows he was a cold-hearted and ruthless man, utterly devoid of any brotherly affection.
The Third Prince is actually a womanizer, deeply fond of Jiang Chang Le's beauty. However, he will eventually grow tired of her, and the life of a resentful woman confined to her chambers will become the epitome of Jiang Chang Le's existence. If he were to give her a push, Jiang Chang Le would suffer greatly, at the very least until she had paid for the suffering that Jiang Wu You had endured.
However, since Jiang Changle's boudoir was too quiet and she had no mother to guide or help her, she asked her younger sister, Wuyou, to help take care of her. Since the person had already asked, Wuyou couldn't refuse, so she went with her maid.
Jiang Changle's courtyard is located in the very center of the Jiang family's inner residence. The two-story embroidered building is exquisitely carved, and the bright red silk hanging there makes it even more festive. It is surrounded by a lotus pond, with only a winding little bridge leading to the embroidered building. The weeping willows by the pond sway in the wind, like the graceful and light dance of a woman.
In front of the dressing table on the second floor, a woman in a light red wedding dress sat gracefully on an embroidered stool. Her long, ink-black hair was meticulously styled, and the hair ornaments on her head swayed slightly with her movements. The dense beaded curtain added a touch of hazy beauty to her appearance, and one could vaguely see her exquisitely made-up face.
The two maids behind him meticulously tidied his sleeves and hair, but Jiang Changle did not show the joy of a newlywed. She loved bright red, but now, on her only wedding day in her life, she could only wear light red, which inevitably made her feel a little unhappy.
"Miss is already beautiful, surpassing all others in beauty. Now, with her exquisite attire, she is even more like a celestial being descended to earth. We servants are delighted to see her. I imagine the Third Prince will dote on her greatly." Rouge spoke eloquently, trying her best to please Jiang Changle. After all, today was her wedding day, and she couldn't afford to have a cold face.
"Hmm." Jiang Changle glanced at Rouge. He had to admit that she was indeed his maid who had served him for three years. Her words struck a chord with him, which made him feel a little better. With her beauty, she would surely win the favor of the Third Prince and replace the principal wife in no time.
"Sister, you look so beautiful today, I can't help but admire you." The woman in the light blue dress walked gracefully into the boudoir, walking against the light, which cast a radiant glow behind her, making her seem even more divine.
Although it was meant as a compliment, Jiang Changle somehow detected a hint of sarcasm in it, and he couldn't feel happy at all. But remembering his plan, he forced a smile and spoke politely.
"My sister is here, please have a seat. To be honest, this is the first time you've entered my room since you returned to the Jiang family, and it will probably be the last. Rouge, go and pour tea for the second young lady."
"Why are you so stingy, sister? Why didn't you bring some pastries? I've been busy for days preparing for your wedding." Wu You was good at being polite, and her words sounded so grand that anyone who didn't know better would think the two sisters had a very good relationship.
"How could my sister be stingy? It's just that a bride isn't allowed to eat, and my room is quite empty." This wasn't a lie, and Wuyou didn't say anything more after hearing this.
Soon, the sounds of music and celebration came from outside, indicating the arrival of the wedding procession. The people in the bridal chamber sprang into action instantly, some packing things, others preparing the bride. Wuyou diligently helped coordinate the tasks, keeping everyone incredibly busy.
With the help of her maid, she bid farewell to her parents. After a tearful farewell, she learned that since Jiang Changle had no brothers, the person responsible for putting her in the bridal sedan chair was a member of a collateral branch of the Jiang family.
Led by attendants, the bridal sedan chair swayed and departed, gradually disappearing at the end of the street. Wuyou and Jiang Jing stood side by side, silent.
"Wuyou, don't worry, your father will definitely find you a very good match, much better than your sister's. You don't need to be envious." Jiang Jing saw Wuyou staring blankly at the bridal sedan chair and assumed he was envious, so he quickly smiled and patted his shoulder.
Marrying the emperor and becoming a concubine—isn't that the ultimate goal for women in the world?
Wuyou withdrew her gaze, glanced at Jiang Jing beside her, and smiled gently, "I believe that everything Father did was for my own good."
If the Fifth Prince dares to marry her, she will expose him completely and make him regret being reborn this time.
The swaying of the bridal sedan chair made people drowsy, while the music and festivities outside were incredibly lively, and occasionally one could hear the chatter of ordinary people on the street.
Jiang Changle gripped the plump red apple tightly in her slender hands. Her heart was filled with unprecedented excitement. She had finally taken the first step in realizing her life's dream. Next, she would climb up the ladder of success, trample everyone underfoot, and eliminate all those who were at odds with her.
The wedding proceeded in an orderly manner. The three concubines entered the mansion on the same day. Among them, Jiang Chang Le was the most beautiful and had the highest status. The Third Prince was very satisfied with this and went to Jiang Chang Le's courtyard that day.
The red veil before his eyes was lifted, and Jiang Changle smiled perfectly, her beauty enhanced by the dim candlelight. This would be the first step in his wonderful life, and he was determined to seize the opportunity.
As for Jiang Wuyou, Jiang Changle's lips curved into a smile, and a strange light flashed in her eyes. Want to marry into the royal family? Keep dreaming!
Her people had already laid the trap, just waiting for the fish to take the bait. He wanted to see how a withered woman could have the face to live in this world, how could she have the face to marry into the royal family, and whether the Fifth Prince would still want her.
There was only one path waiting for him: death.
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