Turning her head, she patted Xin He’s hand and said, "He’s not too bad. If he was a man who couldn’t even wait for a little while, marrying him would indeed be troublesome!"
Xin He nodded and said, "What Grandmother says is true."
The old lady finally smiled, receiving the red veil from the wedding planner herself and carefully placed it over Xin He’s head. She said softly, "Remember what grandmother told you, you are the eldest daughter of Le Yuanhou’s household, you have nothing to fear! If in the future he dares to bully you, just tell your family, the Hou Mansion will stand up for you."
Xin He also smiled and said, "Mmm."
The old lady then instructed the maids and women, "Enough, we cannot delay any longer. Let Junming carry the Eldest Miss out." Junming is the only legitimate son of Le Yuanhou’s household, Xin He’s younger brother. Typically, when a girl gets married, it’s the brother’s responsibility to carry her out of the house."
"Yes!" The maids and women promptly responded. They busied themselves giving instructions, fearing they might miss the auspicious hour.
Xin He was lifted up, surrounded by a group of maids and women. It was lively beyond description.
From afar, Mu Houchu heard the commotion. He lifted his gaze towards the hall. His ordinarily cold eyes softened, filled with longing and anticipation.
After a short moment, he saw the maids and women escorting her towards him.
Junming carried Xin He into the hall before setting her down. Mu Houchu saw her in her wedding dress, stunning in radiant red. Even though a red veil hid her face, his heart still quickened at the sight of her.
Xin He walked to Le Yuanhou with the help of a maid, and then knelt before him, "I bid farewell to my father as a daughter."
Le Yuanhou’s eyes reddened slightly. He quickly helped her up, "Xin He, I had planned for you to stay home for a few more days, but I didn’t expect you to marry so soon. In the future, take good care of yourself and don’t allow yourself to be wronged."
Xin He nodded in response, "I understand, Father. Please take good care of yourself and Grandmother."
Le Yuanhou, usually not a man of many words, didn’t know what to say at the moment. Fearful of missing the auspicious time, he waved his hand and said, "Alright, you should go. Delaying any further wouldn’t be good."
After bidding farewell once again, Xin He, under the escort of maids and women, allowed Junming to lift her up and carry her out the door.
The bride cannot touch the ground before leaving the house. That’s the rule.
Xin He couldn’t see anything because of the veil covering her eyes. But when she walked past and her sight caught a hint of red clothing, she knew it was him.
This time, he kept his promise. He came to marry her.
Xin He couldn’t help but curve her lips into a smile, a touch of joy in her heart, brimming with contentment.
Xin He was escorted to the bridal sedan. Even through the red veil, she could feel a heated gaze that never strayed from her.
Mu Houchu quietly watched her until she was assisted by the wedding planner into the sedan and the curtain was pulled down. It took him a moment to come back to his senses.
The wedding planner teasingly waved her handkerchief, "My Lord, don’t just stand there gazing. Wait till you get her home, then you can look as much as you want. Let’s be on our way now or we’ll miss the auspicious time!"
On any normal day, if anyone dared to speak to him like that, they’d risk their life or at least be gravely injured. But today his mood was exceptionally good, and even this banter seemed pleasant to his ears. Mu Houchu slightly raised the corners of his lips in a subtle smirk and mounted his horse.
The wedding planner promptly called out, "Lift the sedan chair!"
The bridal procession was mighty; drums and gongs resonated without pause. Xin He, albeit veiled, was not deaf. Just by the sounds of the noisy crowd and the ringing, she could somewhat guess the grandeur of the wedding parade today.
Unable to resist, Xin He lifted the red veil, revealing her sparkling eyes. She looked around the interior of the sedan. Even the cushions were edged with golden threads. This was a little too extravagant! What happened to being frugal?
With the sounds from outside bustling and animated, Xin He was tempted to look outside, but she didn’t dare to lift the curtain. After all, she had been reminded of the customs that morning. If the bride’s face was seen by others before the ceremony, it would be terribly unlucky.
Helpless, Xin He shook her head, rubbing her neck which ached from supporting the heavy phoenix crown. At this moment, she truly envied Mu Houchu, the groom, who was able to freely ride a horse through the streets, not only enjoying the lively scene but also free from discomfort like hers.
However, the groom, who was currently the object of Xin He’s envy, clearly was not in the mood to enjoy such treatment.
The streets they passed were crowded with people, and soldiers had to clear the way. The tea houses and restaurants were filled with girls chattering and pointing at him. He was not marrying them!
Mu Houchu’s brows furrowed slightly, hiding a touch of impatience in his eyes. This was his wedding day, he would tolerate it.
It was said that seeing blood on a joyous day was very unlucky. Even though he didn’t believe in such things, he would be superstitious for the sake of their marriage.
Finally, they arrived back at the Prime Minister’s Mansion.
The Prime Minister’s mansion was bustling with activity. Even the Emperor felt a stifling atmosphere. Despite Mu Houchu having turned in the Prime Minister’s seal, no official in the Imperial Court dared to take him lightly. Even for his wedding, they tried to curry favor by offering their congratulations, showcasing his considerable influence in the court. It wasn’t something that could be concluded simply by turning in the Prime Minister’s seal!
Almost unable to wait any longer, Mu Houchu dismounted his horse. Since receiving her from Le Yuanhou’s mansion, he hadn’t been able to get close to her. She was surrounded by people and was carried by Junming, a so-called brother. As the groom, he had to stand ten meters away from her, unable to get close. It was driving him mad.
The wedding planner pulled back the curtain of the bridal sedan. Xin He saw a familiar hand extending towards her and couldn’t help but smile. She lifted her hand and placed it in his. Mu Houchu gently guided her out of the sedan. It seemed almost intentional as he nearly caused her to bump into him.
Through her red veil, Xin He glared lightly at him. This man couldn’t even behave on his wedding day!
Mu Houchu held onto Xin He’s hand, his lips curving into a smile. From now on, he would never let her go.
The wedding planner happily stepped forward, "Come, hold onto the red silk ribbon, first enter the mansion, then perform the rituals."
Mu Houchu and Xin He each held one end of the red silk ribbon, entering the Prime Minister’s Mansion under the escort of the crowd. Though it wasn’t her first time here, the feeling was inexplicably different, filling her a bit nervous as if being a new bride entering her husband’s family for the first time.
The hall was densely packed with people. Mu Houchu who typically disliked crowds didn’t turn any of the visiting officials away this time. He wanted to give her a grand wedding in front of everyone, serving it as a compensation for the past injustice done to her.
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