Chapter 59 The Grand Wedding of Pi and Zhen (Part 2) Zi Huan, it's over...
Zhen Mi had been living in the inner garden of the Sikong Mansion until today, when she was sent back to the Zhen family mansion in the city and married from there.
The Zhen family mansion was decorated in a solemn and festive style, but it could not hide the heavy and lonely atmosphere of the family.
The eldest brother, Zhen Yu, and the second brother, Zhen Yan, had both passed away, leaving only Zhen Yao to manage the household.
As the eldest brother in the family, this was the second time he had represented the family in sending her off to her wedding.
Fortunately, there were four older sisters to support her, who brought Zhen Yu and Zhen Yan's children, along with their husbands and children, to accompany the bride.
Zhen Yao solemnly handed a gilded treasure box to Zhen Mi: "This... is the only dowry your elder brother left you... When Guo Jijiu came to ask for your name before the betrothal, he specifically mentioned this item, saying that the other half of the token was already with Cao Gong. Today you take this with you, so it can be considered as a reunion... a new bond meeting an old one."
Zhen Mi understood that it contained the other half of the trade route token that Zhen Yu and Xu You had agreed upon years ago.
Zhen Mi silently accepted it, her eyes swirling with emotion, but she suppressed her feelings and handed it to the maid beside her.
The youngest sister, Zhen Rong, looked at her younger sister's calm face and couldn't help but frown. She held her hand with heartache and sighed softly, "What's going on here..."
She dared not openly express her thoughts: to suddenly remarry an enemy, even though the glory remained, how many people knew the bitterness within?
Zhen Yao stepped forward and whispered to stop her: "Fourth sister, be careful what you say! It is a blessing for the Zhen family that Ami has won the favor of Lord Cao and the young master! This marriage not only saves the lives of the Yuan family's old relatives, but also helps the Zhen family prosper. Sister, you are always reasonable and understanding. There is no need for your brother to elaborate on the importance of this matter."
Zhen Mi naturally understood that the political significance of this marriage was even greater for the Zhen and Yuan families than for the Cao family. If it weren't for Cao Zihuan's genuine kindness, she would have died in the mansion that day along with the Yuan family members.
"Brother, don't worry, I know what I'm doing. That young master Cao... treats me well, so sister, don't worry either. I will be a good wife to the Cao family."
This is both to appease her family and to set a clear goal for herself.
Seeing that they had finished explaining, Zhen Yao's wife stepped forward to take her place as the deceased mother, tying the sash around Zhen Mi's waist and instructing her on proper wifely virtues.
Looking at his younger sister's serene and beautiful face, Zhen Yao was filled with mixed emotions. In the end, he could only squeeze her hand tightly: "Alright, alright... The time has come. Go and prepare... I hope that my sister will have a bright future and many descendants..."
As dusk fell, drums and music sounded outside the Zhen residence, growing louder as the wedding procession arrived.
The seventeen-year-old boy, dressed in a brand-new black ceremonial robe and wearing a noble hat, nimbly leaped down from the ornately decorated black carriage pulled by four jet-black horses.
Behind him were elite cavalry guards, their banners fluttering and their armor gleaming, making them appear so majestic and imposing among the crowd of onlookers.
Cao Pi stood tall and proud, full of vigor and confidence. With his head held high, he strode in with a group of attendants and ushers. He entered the Zhen family mansion with the betrothal goose in his arms, greeted by Zhen Yao. He bowed respectfully to the Zhen family members, his manners and words impeccable, befitting a proper and upright noble young master.
A moment later, supported by her maids, Zhen Mi, dressed in a formal pure white robe and crimson sash, with her hair styled in a large bun adorned with gold hairpins and gold hair ornaments, and a five-beaded pendant hanging from her chest to her waist, the pendants around her waist jingling as she walked slowly.
Cao Pi's eyes lit up with joy. He was already proud of the beautiful woman he had taken in, and seeing Zhen Mi dressed up in such finery today made her beautiful face even more radiant and captivating, surpassing even his father's favorite, Lady Du.
Unable to hide his amazement and pride, he stepped forward, bowed deeply to Zhen Mi, then turned to the side, extended his arm, and gestured for her to enter, saying, "Please, Madam, step aboard."
The newlyweds boarded the carriage, accompanied by a grand procession, and headed to Cao Pi's residence to perform their wedding ceremony.
Inside the mansion, the wedding hall had already been prepared. Cao Cao and Lady Bian sat in the main seats, their faces beaming with joy, while the rest of the relatives also lined up to watch the ceremony.
The waiter presented a ladle filled with clean water and a tray to receive it, and the two performed the ablution ritual to show cleanliness and respect.
The two then sat facing each other on a brocade mat, and waited for the servants to serve them cooked meat that had been offered as a sacrifice. They each took a small amount to eat, and performed the ritual of sharing the same food.
Then the waiter presented a gourd cut in half, and the couple performed the nuptial ceremony.
The attendant stepped forward and untied the hair ornaments of the two.
Finally, the two bowed to Cao Cao and Lady Bian, the couple exchanged vows, and then bowed to the guests in gratitude.
Under the guidance of the wedding officiants and with the attention of relatives and friends, Cao Pi and Zhen Mi completed the elaborate wedding ceremony one by one.
When the ceremony concluded, the guests below offered their congratulations, creating a lively atmosphere.
The other young masters of the Cao family present knew that the woman in the inner garden was beautiful, but they usually dared not venture out. Today, upon seeing her, they were utterly astonished and stared at her with wide eyes.
The thirteen-year-old Cao Zhi made no attempt to hide his admiration, and immediately recited: "Like light clouds veiling the moon, like swirling snow in a flowing wind," which drew applause and praise from everyone present.
Cao Cao was overjoyed and said to everyone with a smile, "Zijian, your literary talent is outstanding! Since you appreciate beauty so much, I will also arrange for you to marry a virtuous lady of equal social standing and with both talent and beauty from among the gentry of Hebei."
Cao Zhi, being young and impetuous, disregarded the occasion and blurted out, "Thank you, Father! Then I will also marry the most beautiful one!"
Children's innocent remarks drew laughter from the entire room.
Cao Cao laughed heartily and said loudly, "Good! I see that Cui Ji Gui is handsome and elegant. I imagine that the daughters in his family are also quite remarkable. When you meet Ji Gui, I will personally propose marriage to the Cui family for you!"
These words set the tone for Cao Zhi's marriage.
Cao Pi glanced at the smiling Bian Shi, maintained a polite smile, and congratulated his younger brother, "Congratulations, Zijian!"
However, a strange displeasure stirred within him. Today was supposed to be his wedding day, yet his father insisted on arranging such a prestigious marriage for his younger brother at his own wedding.
It was always like this in the past; whenever he was in the spotlight, it seemed that the brilliance of Zijian and Cangshu would always divert his father's attention.
After the ceremonies in the mansion are completed, according to custom, the guests should proceed directly to the bridal chamber and then leave.
But today is different. Cao Cao is determined to make a big deal out of this incident. Firstly, it is to deliberately retaliate against Kong Rong's rudeness, and secondly, it is to take the opportunity to win over the gentry of Hebei.
In fact, he had long harbored the idea of a marriage alliance with the Cui family, but he had only mentioned it through his son. When they returned to the banquet at the Sikong Mansion, other relatives would greet Cui Yan in advance on his behalf.
Cao Pi and Zhen Mi also had to travel by carriage to the Sikong Mansion.
Since the two prefectures are not far apart and the ostentatious display to the public had passed, a carriage draped with brocade curtains was used instead.
The private atmosphere at the meeting finally allowed Cao Pi to drop his fake smile.
Zhen Mi keenly noticed the disappointment on his face, gently stroked his hand which was neatly placed on his lap, and asked softly, "Zi Huan, what's on your mind?"
The pleasant voice alone improved Cao Pi's mood considerably. When he looked at her beautiful face, he opened his mouth, but hesitated to speak.
Zhen Mi hesitated for a moment, then softened her voice, speaking as gently as if soothing a child: "You will be a father in the future, so don't be so childish. As your wife, you can tell me whatever is on your mind."
Seeing Zhen Mi's concerned gaze, Cao Pi relaxed his guard.
He glanced at the thick curtains, and just like a child, he pouted and threw himself into Zhen Mi's fragrant and soft arms, complaining in a muffled voice, "Today is supposed to be my wedding day, my most glorious day, but Father insists on arranging a marriage for Zijian in front of everyone!"
Zhen Mi was slightly taken aback by his sudden display of affection, then gently embraced him and patted him, saying, "My dear husband, this is a double celebration. You've said before that you and Zijian are true brothers who understand each other perfectly. Today, on your joyous occasion, Sikong has arranged Zijian's engagement. Isn't this also thanks to your good fortune, and a way to celebrate for both of you brothers? This shows how much Sikong values you."
“You should call him Father now,” Cao Pi corrected her, then lifted his head from her embrace, his eyes reddening and glistening with tears as he looked at Zhen Mi. “Do you really think that?”
Zhen Mi met his gaze and nodded gently.
"Good lady... good Lord Mu." Cao Pi was somewhat discouraged. He straightened up and said with a hint of resentment, "It's a pity you don't understand my father."
He slightly lifted the curtain to look outside, but the surrounding guards were so imposing that no one noticed him glancing at the outside.
“I know that my father has never valued me. He has always valued Cang Shu, and secretly he also favors Zi Jian.”
You don't know, when I was young, my father was supposed to bestow a courtesy name upon me and perform the proper rites, but instead, he used my name to give all my brothers the same one. We were all given names like 'Zihuan,' 'Ziwen,' and 'Zijian,' but only Chong'er was called 'Cangshu.'"
He looked at Zhen Mi. With her talent and learning, she would surely understand the difference between "Zi Huan" and "Cang Shu".
Zhen Mi smiled gently and comforted him, “Zi Huan, you are mistaken. ‘Cang Shu’ is your father’s affection for Chong’er, wishing him to be carefree and unrestrained, which suits Chong’er’s weak constitution. Your husband’s ‘Huan’ is the magnificent ornamental column standing in front of the ancestral temple, which means that he regards you as the pillar of the family and the foundation of the great cause, and he places high hopes on you.”
Cao Pi finally stopped crying and laughed at her words, taking Zhen Mi's hand and saying, "You really know how to coax me."
He then sighed and said, "But my mother also privately warned me not to have any unrealistic ambitions, and to be down-to-earth... But as the 'eldest son,' if I shouldn't have any unrealistic ambitions..."
His eyes lit up as he met Zhen Mi's beautiful gaze again, his eyes sparkling, "Then I can only... be your husband!"
At this moment, Zhen Mi felt that the young man before her had revealed everything to her, and a feeling of tenderness welled up in her heart, replacing her previous loneliness. She reached out and cupped his face, smiling, "You are my husband, aren't you? What else could you be?"
Cao Pi pursed his lips, unwilling to accept it, and said, "I... I was originally unwilling to just be your husband. I also wanted to be a great general, and my father's most important and trusted son! But now..."
He was captivated by Zhen Mi's bright, clear eyes, his gaze becoming hazy and tender. Following her hand, he moved closer to her lips and murmured, "Good Mu Jun..."
Sensing his presence approaching, Zhen Mi tilted her head slightly, gently pressed her fingertips against his lips, and whispered, "We'll be there soon... We have to see guests later."
Cao Pi suddenly seemed to wake from a dream, straightened up, and exclaimed, "Yes, yes!"
The gloom on his face finally gave way to the spirit of a young man, and he laughed, "It seems that the best thing I ever did in my life was to ask my father for you!"
As he spoke, he fastened the jade pendant with a phoenix design at his waist to the jade ring with a dragon design at Zhen Mi's waist, saying, "In this life, we will be intertwined like these jade pendants, never to be separated!"
As they got out of the carriage, the two forgot about Cao Pi's fastening. Cao Pi turned around and pulled hard, accidentally snapping the silk tassel that held his jade pendant. Zhen Mi reacted quickly, grabbing the tassel and the loosened jade pendant in her hands, and murmured blankly, "Zi Huan, it's broken..."
Cao Pi turned back and smiled. After Zhen Mi got out of the carriage, he quietly wrapped the silk ribbon in her hand around his own hand twice and whispered, "It won't break."
Deng Jie also maintained the habit of providing free medical consultations in Yecheng. Fortunately, compared to their youthful arrogance, chaos, and rampant rumors in Xudu, their lives are much more peaceful now.
Ye City was teeming with dignitaries, wealthy merchants, and nobles. The number of people coming for the free clinic was far less than in Xudu. No one cared that after she left the clinic, she would enter a small alleyway in the residential area where the strategist's residence was located. This fact made her feel particularly at ease.
As winter approached and the cold wind howled, it could not dampen the tense atmosphere within the Sikong Mansion.
In August, Yuan Tan attacked Ganling and Bohai, and his military might is still strong. Now is the time to counterattack; it is time to completely eliminate Yuan Tan's forces.
On this day, Guo Jia returned home from a meeting at the Minister of Works' residence, his steps somewhat heavy.
What are you doing here?
The moment their eyes met, they couldn't help but chuckle because of the coincidence.
“Look at her pitiful state,” Deng Jie broke the last bit of dry biscuit in his hand into pieces and handed it to Guo Jia, explaining, “so I let Huai Niang take the things back first.”
The cat pricked up its ears warily when it saw someone approaching.
Guo Jia naturally took the crumbs and sat down next to Deng Jie. The small nook was just big enough for the two of them, their shoulders touching.
The cat, smelling the aroma of the cakes, fearlessly climbed up Guo Jia's robe and onto his knee, rubbing against him affectionately.
Seeing this, Deng Jie couldn't help but feel jealous and said angrily, "It's really strange. What kind of magic treasure do you have? Why do these cats always pounce on you?"
Guo Jia deliberately lifted the cat onto himself, raised his eyebrows at her, and smiled, "What, you want to hold it too?"
Deng Jie nodded without hesitation and replied, "I want to hug you!"
Guo Jia smiled smugly, picked up the cat, and made as if to hand it over.
Just as Deng Jie reached out to take it, he twisted his wrist, deftly placed the cat on the ground, and then swept her into his arms.
Deng Jie chuckled and gave it a gentle push, but it wouldn't budge: "At your age, you're still acting like this."
But then she heard Guo Jia sigh behind her ear, "Another war is about to break out..."
Deng Jie's eyes dimmed, and he wrapped his arms around his back: "Is it Yuan Tan again?"
"Hmm." Guo Jia buried his face and responded in a muffled voice, "Only Nanpi City remains... We will surely face Guo Gongze."
Deng Jie recalled the scene seven years ago when Guo Tu saw him off. The two of them bowed deeply to each other at parting, saying harsh words to one another. Was it really going to come true after all?
"I really wanted to take you with me..." Guo Jia murmured, reluctant to part.
Deng Jie could roughly understand that, despite their numerous disagreements and conflicting pride, Guo Tu was one of the few people in this vast world with whom he cared for each other.
"I'll wait for you at home," Deng Jie comforted her.
The two were cuddling in this corner when a cold figure loomed over them, blocking the last rays of warm sunlight from the alleyway.
"In broad daylight, in front of everyone... You really are something else." The tone carried the usual contempt.
"Brother Changwen?" Guo Jia looked up at him, meeting Chen Qun's stern face.
Chen Qun pursed his lips helplessly and handed over a bamboo slip: "Your Excellency just decided that you will bring your female relatives on this expedition." He then snorted coldly, "That suits your wishes."
Deng Jie was startled, and saw Guo Jia take the document and hand it back to her.
"Why bring women on a campaign?" Deng Jie looked at the order in disbelief. It seemed to say that the Bian family should organize the women, and Zhen Mi was specifically named to be brought along.
"Madam Zhen is pregnant!" Deng Jie exclaimed in surprise, but Guo Jia stopped her from continuing her complaints.
"Thank you for informing me, Brother Changwen." Guo Jia gently raised his hand.
"My lord's intention is to use Lady Zhen's status and the child of the Cao family she is carrying... to undermine the morale of Yuan Tan's army. Therefore, you need to accompany him to take care of him, and Master Hua will naturally be there as well." Chen Qun patiently explained to Deng Jie, making it clear that she would also be accompanying him.
"This..." For some reason, Deng Jie thought of Consort Dong and couldn't help but clutch the hem of his clothes.
Guo Jia noticed her little movement, slipped his fingers into her palm, and held her tightly, but a relaxed smile appeared on his face: "Very well, just what I want." He then helped Deng Jie to her feet.
Watching the two walk away hand in hand, Chen Qun remained silent for a moment before suddenly speaking: "...The army will set off soon. Come to my house for a meal today."
The two men turned to look at him in shock. Guo Jia even let go of Deng Jie's hand and quickly turned back, asking in surprise, "Really? Brother Changwen, why have you suddenly changed your mind? Wasn't it hard to swallow your feelings about being in the same case as me?"
Chen Qun looked away, avoiding his undisguised scoundrel's gaze, and feigned impatience: "If you're not coming, then forget it."
"Come! Come! How could we not come!" Guo Jia laughed loudly, patting Chen Qun's shoulder with one hand and pushing him forward, while holding Deng Jie's hand with the other. "To be able to taste the delicacies of the Chen family is a great blessing for Jia Tian! How could we miss such a good thing!"
In December, the army set off, and the women of the Bian family, who had been managed by the Bian family, were incorporated into the logistics troops.
While the vanguard swept through the enemy with overwhelming force, they merely served as the morale foundation of the army, following at their own pace.
Cao's army pushed all the way to the walls of Nanpi City, and Yuan Tan finally had only this isolated city left in his hands. His younger brother Yuan Shang, who had once fought against him, was hiding far away in Youzhou, together with Yuan Xi.
Yuan Tan held his ground for several days and refused to engage in battle, so Guo Jia sent an envoy to request that Guo Tu meet with him on the battlefield.
A biting wind howled before the tightly closed city gates, whipping up the banners of the two armies arrayed on the battlefield.
Archers from both sides lined up on the city walls and the battlefield, their bows drawn and ready to fire.
Guo Tu, alone, carried a bamboo scroll and went down from the city.
Guo Jia arrived in a horse-drawn carriage.
Guo Jia helped Deng Jie down from the carriage as if nothing had happened.
Dressed in plain clothes, she stood out from the grim battlefield.
Zhen Mi stopped and calmly looked toward the city gate.
Guo Tu glared fiercely at Zhen Mi and shouted at Guo Jia, "What do you mean by this?!"
Guo Jia ignored him, protecting the two women and leading them around Guo Tu. He then raised his voice and shouted towards the city wall:
The lives of Yuan Shao's entire household of over a hundred people were all saved thanks to her! At this moment, Lady Liu is still enjoying her twilight years in Ye City!
The loud voice pierced through the cold wind and reached the top of the city wall clearly.
Sure enough, morale among the soldiers on the city walls was rising.
Even if some people couldn't hear clearly, the appearance of two women below the city, especially the pregnant lady, was enough to cause Yuan's army to lose its composure. The soldiers ignored the order and began to peek out and whisper among themselves.
"Shameless!!" Guo Tu was furious. He rushed forward, grabbed Guo Jia's sleeve, and roared, "Didn't you send me?! What are you doing, bringing women and children and shouting towards the city wall?!"
He untied the wine gourd from his waist, took out an exquisite double-eared celadon cup from his sleeve, poured a cup into it, and said to Guo Tu, "We agreed in the past that we would each serve our own master and do our best!"
Guo Tu tightened his grip, his brows furrowed. "Guo Fengxiao... I know you've always thought highly of yourself and looked down on me. I also understand that you finally found a place to stay and became acquainted with your Cao Gong. I just never imagined you would stoop so low!"
He angrily grabbed Deng Jie's wrist, pointed at Zhen Mi's pregnant belly, and shouted, "This is your wife! She's pregnant! How dare you drag these innocent people into the war and onto the battlefield?!"
Deng Jie's heart clenched suddenly.
Before Guo Jia discussed this matter with her, she hesitated. But when she thought of Chen Qun's words that day and Cao Cao's deliberate arrangements, she thought that if this was something she could do for Guo Jia and for the two of them, then she would have no fear.
Deng Jie's head trembled slightly, and she withdrew her hand. "Mr. Gongze, there is no need to worry. I came here voluntarily. On the contrary, I hope that you can recognize the situation and submit to me, so as to avoid a lot of slaughter."
Guo Tu recalled Deng Jie's prescription from seven years ago and gave a helpless, bitter smile. "Madam is a doctor by profession, yet she has learned such rhetoric from Guo Fengxiao?"
Deng Jie was speechless, stung by his words. She didn't want to delve into the morality behind the accusation, nor did she want to create a rift between herself and Feng Xiao. She simply pursed her lips, turned her head to one side, and chose silence.
Guo Jia pulled Deng Jie behind him to protect him and whispered, "Don't pay any attention to him, take the lady to the carriage first."
Deng Jie followed her instructions and carefully helped Zhen Mi back into the carriage.
Guo Tu sneered, took two steps back, and said loudly, "Fine, fine, I'm not afraid to be frank with you all. You are acquainted with Cao Mengde, and my lord Yuan Xiansi also treats me sincerely!"
In the past, I was not well received by Yuan Shao, and we scholars from Yingchuan hindered me at every turn. Zuo Zhi's family was slaughtered by Shen Zhengnan! Therefore... in this battle, I will surely repay him with my life!
You need not add to this sin; quickly take the women and children back! If we are fortunate enough to win this battle, I will surely persuade my lord to spare their lives!
Once the flames licked the cloth, Guo Tu threw the fireballs on the ground, letting them dissipate into ashes, drift away with the wind, and return to dust.
Guo Jia smirked, "Excellent! Absolutely excellent!"
Before Guo Tu could even take the wine, Guo Jia's eyes hardened, he poured the wine onto the ground, picked up the celadon cup, and threw it to the ground, shattering the cup instantly.
Guo Jia didn't look at it again. He suddenly turned around, nimbly leaped onto the carriage, and shook the reins. The carriage turned around like an arrow and rushed towards Cao Cao's army formation.
Almost at the same instant he started the chariot, the shouts of Cao Cao's infantry shook the heavens:
The infantry charged in formation, surging towards the south gate of Picheng, raising clouds of dust.
Guo Tu looked at the billowing dust in the distance, his clenched fist trembling slightly.
The city gate behind him opened a crack, and Yuan Tan, with one hand on the reins and the other holding an empty horse, shouted to Guo Tu, "Master Gongze!"
Why not order the arrows to be fired?
Guo Tu took the reins, leaped onto his horse, and sighed, "There are women and children in the carriage..."
"Then what should we do...?"
"...Defend!" Guo Tu shouted fiercely, and rode into the city with Yuan Tan.
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