Chapter 91 A broken leg, the Cui family's red-clad beauty shines, the spring court's shadow grieves for herself. ...
A few days ago, Su Jinxiu was reading through the Miscellaneous Records of Embroidery Alley, which recorded the three evil deeds committed by Wen Shiqin when he was a treacherous minister. Now, it seems that there is not a trace of them.
If he could truly resign from his official post and retire into seclusion, abandoning worldly desires and ambitions, and not remain in officialdom for long, he would not have been needlessly drawn into the vortex of right and wrong.
With this in mind, her heart gradually calmed down, and she began to look forward to the days to come.
Today, the vermilion gates of the Cui residence are gleaming, and crimson silk curtains hang from the corridors, as it is the day of Cui Cheng's wedding.
As the head of Huayun Pavilion, Su Jinxiu was responsible for all the embroidery work for this wedding ceremony. Her needlework was exquisite and her craftsmanship was superb. Since Shi Qin was away on official business and had not yet returned, she was sent to deliver the gifts on his behalf. This fulfilled both the professional duty and the craftsman's promise, ensuring that all the formalities were properly observed.
Originally, an auspicious day was chosen, which should have been blessed with gentle breezes and clear skies. However, the heavens played a trick, and from dawn onwards, a light drizzle fell incessantly, yet this did not diminish the joyous atmosphere within the household.
When the auspicious hour arrived, the clear sound of the suona horn pierced through the clouds and tore through the silk. The bride, wearing a phoenix coronet and embroidered robe, with a red veil covering her face, was helped into the hall by the matchmaker.
Standing behind the others, Su Jinxiu looked into the distance and saw Cui Cheng dressed in a bright red auspicious robe, a jade belt around his waist, his figure as elegant and upright as a pine tree. She had originally thought that he was still attached to Ningzhu, and that this marriage was merely a temporary measure, so he would surely look reluctant and go through the motions. Unexpectedly, the man before her had a spring-like smile on his face, and when he bowed, his movements were solemn and proper, without the slightest hint of reluctance.
The newlyweds turned around, facing the misty rain outside the door, with heaven and earth as their witness, and bowed again.
As he stood up, Cui Cheng gently supported the bride's elbow with his hand, the movement natural and appropriate, his tenderness and affection seeming genuine and not at all like a performance.
Su Jinxiu quickly realized she had overthought things. Cui Cheng was a seasoned player in the world of romance, known for his amorous nature and tactful manner, even treating strangers with warmth and concern. His tenderness towards his bedmate was perfectly understandable and nothing to be surprised about.
Looking at the perfect couple in the hall, she felt that life was like a game of chess, and love was like dew. Even if there were past events, they could not compare to the bright red candles before her, a perfect match made in heaven.
Including this recent wedding, Su Jinxiu has witnessed quite a few grand weddings in the capital, and it's inevitable that the sights evoke memories of her own upcoming wedding with Wen Shiqin.
The thought of calling him "husband" on the wedding day, being helped up by his hand in the wedding hall, and going through the ancient rituals of drinking from the same cup and tying the knot brought a flood of romantic images to her mind, and her ears suddenly burned and her cheeks flushed like rouge.
After the wedding ceremony was completed, Su Jinxiu went to the bridal chamber according to the etiquette of the female relatives. In accordance with the old custom of bringing good luck, she had to serve tea to the newlyweds. She carried the brocade box, followed the corridor and the moon gate, and finally arrived at the bridal chamber after many twists and turns.
In the front hall, Cui Cheng was entertaining male guests at a banquet. The sounds of clinking glasses drifted through the curtains, creating a stark contrast to the tranquility inside the room.
She had expected the room to be filled with women, laughter and chatter, but when she gently pushed open the carved door, she found the room empty except for the bride, who sat alone in front of a dressing table covered with a bright red brocade rug with mandarin ducks. Her phoenix coronet and wedding gown were adorned with pearls and jade, which only made her slender figure look even more forlorn.
Su Jinxiu looked around, wondering if she was late or had arrived too early. Just as she was about to quietly close the door and wait, a clear and sweet voice came from behind the curtain: "Sister, come in."
She responded by closing the door and, following the proper etiquette of the capital, addressed others softly, "Sixth Sister, have I arrived too early and disturbed your peace?"
As the wedding curtains swayed slightly and the fragrance of sandalwood filled the air, the bride swiftly and decisively lifted her red veil from her head, revealing it to the ground. Her movements were swift and clean, without the slightest hesitation.
Su Jinxiu stepped forward in surprise: "Sixth Sister, you mustn't! It's against etiquette to lift your veil before seeing your husband, and it might be taboo."
The veil fell off, revealing a small, doll-like face. Song Xianhui had bright eyes, a delicate, round nose, and shallow dimples when she smiled. Although she wasn't a beauty that could topple kingdoms, she was charming and sweet, yet her eyes and brows concealed an untamed spirit.
"Really?" she asked, raising an eyebrow, her tone crisp and fearless. "Does lifting this veil mean I'll bring bad luck to my husband? Even if it were true, so what?"
Su Jinxiu quickly made a shushing gesture in front of her lips and whispered, "Sixth Sister, you can only say this in front of me. You must not mention it in front of Cui Cheng or the elders, lest it give others something to say and cause trouble."
This heartfelt concern immediately won Song Xianhui's favor, and she secretly thought that Su Jinxiu was an open, honest, and genuine woman. After several exchanges, Song Xianhui felt that Su Jinxiu treated people with sincerity, unlike the hypocritical relatives in the mansion, and without the affectation of worldly ladies.
"Don't worry, sister. I know what I'm doing and I would never offend the elders with my words."
After speaking, she moved to the wedding table, took a piece of jujube and yam cake from the dish, and chewed it slowly. Her demeanor was open and at ease, without any of the awkwardness of a bride.
Seeing that the bright red rouge on her lips had been smudged a little by the pastries, making her look even more naive, Su Jinxiu couldn't help but ask with a smile, "Sixth Sister, is there really no one else in this bridal chamber to celebrate? According to the old customs of the capital, there should be maids or familiar female relatives serving and chatting by your side."
Song Xianhui picked up her celadon teacup and took a sip of warm tea: "Those people are so noisy. They either pry into Cui Lang's romantic past or gossip about the complicated rules and regulations of the inner quarters, which disturbs my mind. I simply sent them all to the outer room to get some peace and quiet, which is quite nice."
Upon hearing this, Su Jinxiu's previous worries immediately vanished.
She had initially thought that if Song Xianhui, as the legitimate daughter of a vice minister, were merely a gentle, obedient, and taciturn lady from a prominent family, marrying a playboy like Cui Cheng would likely subject her to the torment of his philandering nature. But now, seeing her so outspoken, assertive, and neither servile nor arrogant, she was clearly someone who refused to suffer any loss.
It seems like one thing can subdue another; it's likely that Cui Cheng will be subject to her control and torment in the future.
As luck would have it, Su Jinxiu stumbled upon both scenes on this very day.
On one side is Song Xianhui, the newlywed and strong-willed first wife of Cui Cheng, in the bridal chamber of the Cui family mansion. On the other side is Ningzhu, who was once the beloved concubine of Cui Cheng and is now sitting alone in the Drunken Spring Pavilion, feeling dejected and alone.
She left the Cui residence specifically to visit her old friend Yu Sheng at Zui Chun Fang. After An Chisu left, she entrusted Zui Chun Fang to Yu Sheng. Unexpectedly, Yu Sheng, who had been bound by love in the past, was a lovesick fool. Her heart was entirely devoted to the poet Yuan Zhengming. Ignoring the advice of her friends, she abandoned her livelihood in the brothel and her past glory to secretly pledge her life to him and travel the world together.
What was thought to be a perfect match with a soulmate turned out to be nothing but a mirage.
Yu Sheng poured out her savings, willingly cooking and serving him, only to be met with Yuan Zhengming's cold-heartedness and indifference. He saw her as a sucker who could take whatever she wanted, not content with just enjoying her benefits, and habitually feigning a flirtatious attitude, seducing respectable women everywhere, without a shred of genuine affection.
Upon waking from her dream, Yu Sheng was heartbroken and devastated. She severed all ties of love and returned to the capital, seeking to reclaim her position at Zui Chun Fang in Bianjing. Having endured this ordeal, she no longer harbored any romantic feelings. Her eyes held only the clarity and resilience born of experience, and she had completely given up on all men in the world.
Su Jinxiu lifted the curtain and entered, just in time to see Yu Sheng checking the accounts with her slender hands. Her green dress and skirt had shed her former charm, leaving only a neat and capable air. In a corner of the hall, Ningzhu stood alone, her desolate appearance completely out of place with the festive atmosphere outside the neighborhood.
The situations of the three parties, the lovesick men and women, are all vividly portrayed. Love is the most fickle thing, yet it is also the most tormenting.
After the rain, the sky cleared, and the courtyard of the Marquis's mansion was cleansed of dust and noise. Dewdrops dripped from the eaves, making a soft sound, and the air was fresh and moist.
Su Jinxiu sat by the window, her fingers deftly twirling silver needles. On the table sat a half-finished tiger-head hat, adorned with pale yellow pom-poms at the four corners, looking adorable.
Beside her, Lan Shexiang, dressed in a loose-fitting satin jacket, was reading a yellowed herbal classic with her head bowed. Her complexion, now more radiant due to her pregnancy, was serene.
Su Jinxiu put down her silver needles, picked up the tiger-head hat and examined it against the light. She turned to Lan Shexiang, who was engrossed in her book, and smiled, "Shexiang, look at this, I embroidered it for the baby in your belly. Isn't it adorable?"
Lan Shexiang looked up, a gentle smile appearing in her eyes. She bent down to examine the hat more closely, her movements slow and gentle. She lightly touched the pom-pom on the brim with her fingertips and praised, "Do I need to affirm your craftsmanship? This tiger head is embroidered so powerfully. It will definitely make my child's eyes and brows look even more lively when he wears it."
Su Jinxiu stroked the delicate silk fabric, her tone full of anticipation: "If it's a boy, this tiger-head hat will be just right. If it's a girl, I've also embroidered soft-soled little embroidered shoes and a soft satin pullover with pearls. When she wears them, she'll surely look like a beautifully carved jade."
Before she finished speaking, hurried footsteps came from outside the courtyard. Mo Ci ran over on the wet bluestone slabs, his clothes covered with grass and dew. He bowed to Su Jinxiu when he saw her.
Su Jinxiu raised her hand, indicating that he didn't need to be so polite.
Mo Ci straightened up, slightly out of breath, and reported, "Miss, the Prince of Jing's mansion just sent five beautiful concubines, all of whom are carefully selected talented women from respectable families. Before leaving, the Marquis instructed that all personnel arrangements in the mansion must be made in accordance with your wishes. I have come here to ask you how to handle this matter."
Upon hearing this, Su Jinxiu paused slightly in the way she was holding the pom-pom.
She still vividly remembered the scene a few days ago when she met Kasyapa and Wen Shiqin, who had been acting strangely and then softening and begging for reconciliation.
She had always been too lazy to deal with the mundane affairs of the household. Major decisions were mostly made by Wen Shi, while trivial matters were handled properly by Granny Tanxi. She only needed to glance at them and nod. Now that Mo Ci had rushed over in such a hurry, Su Jinxiu had already guessed seven or eight parts of what was going on.
Sure enough, following Mo Ci's unconscious glance towards the corridor, she saw a figure hidden behind the vermilion pillars, a corner of his dark robe peeking out and fluttering gently in the wind. His attempt to conceal himself was rather comical.
Su Jinxiu couldn't help but chuckle. She casually put the tiger-head hat back on the table and said to Lan Shexiang, "Let's go to the courtyard and see what's going on."
Lan Shexiang smiled and nodded, then slowly stood up, supporting her belly. The two walked side by side out of the room and into the courtyard.
The cobblestone path was damp and slightly cool, reflecting the sky and clouds. The grass and trees around us were covered in dew, their green leaves glistening with moisture. The whole way was a refreshing sight.
Halfway there, we came across a pavilion with a pointed roof, and the figure hidden behind the pillars became increasingly close.
Su Jinxiu deliberately slowed her pace, her voice neither too loud nor too soft, just enough to penetrate the wind and shadows in the corridor and reach the man's ears: "I can't make a decision about the five beautiful concubines sent by the Prince of Jing's mansion."
She paused, deliberately drawing out her words, and seeing Mo Ci's increasingly solemn expression, she continued, "Well then, make sure you settle the person properly first, there's no rush. Also, please pass on a message to your lord for me."
Wen Shiqin, standing behind the pillar, was taken aback. He wondered if she was about to give in, and suppressed the urge to rush out, holding his breath and waiting for what she would say next.
Su Jinxiu and Lan Shexiang had already sat down at the stone table in the courtyard, and she looked up at Mo Ci.
“Tell your lord that if he dares to accept any of them, I will break his legs.”
Mo Ci was taken aback at first, then his face lit up with joy, and he quickly bowed and replied, "I understand! I will go and report back immediately, and will certainly convey every word the young lady said to the Marquis!"
Before he had completely retreated, Su Jinxiu heard hurried footsteps behind her, along with a cheerful question.
"Is my sister going to break my legs?"
As soon as she turned around, a pair of strong arms suddenly grabbed her waist, and Wen Shiqin lifted her up with one arm.
Wen Shiqin was overjoyed and, completely ignoring the servants in the pavilion, tilted his head back and planted a hot kiss on her lips.
"You!" Su Jinxiu exclaimed in shock, her cheeks instantly turning bright red. "They're all right here!"
Wen Shiqin was overjoyed by her jealous words. Ignoring the astonished looks of the servants in the mansion, he held Su Jinxiu tightly in his arms and carried her around the entire mansion.
The maids and servants around him all lowered their heads and held their breath, not finding it strange at all. Lan Shexiang, however, sat in the pavilion, dumbfounded, watching Wen Shiqin running wildly around the courtyard with Su Jinxiu in his arms. She almost dropped the teacup in her hand.
"Stop right now!" Su Jinxiu gripped his clothes tightly with both hands, her voice trembling. "What kind of behavior is this!"
After running around to his heart's content, Wen Shiqin stopped beside a rockery and carefully put her down.
His eyes sparkled with barely concealed joy: "Sister, it's so cute when you're jealous! When you said you'd break my legs, I was overjoyed!"
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