My Husband Became the Most Powerful Minister - Chapter 26

The marriage of the newly crowned Zhuangyuan and Miss Helan, when it was first heard, shocked everyone in the capital, and the sound of broken hearts could be heard throughout the city.

After all, that Zhuangyuan had just paraded through the streets not long ago, and the young ladies who had seen him in every nook and cranny still remembered him vividly. Especially upon learning that this exceptionally handsome young man was still unmarried, it sparked people’s imaginations—after all, the tale of the talented scholar and the beautiful maiden was deeply ingrained in people’s hearts.

Who wouldn’t want to have a romantic story under the moonlight with a talented and accomplished scholar?

Later, upon learning that he had already arranged a marriage back in his hometown, people just let it go. Some even sighed, saying that this top scholar was a man of deep feelings and loyalty, still being so devoted to his fiancée from his struggling days—then, in the blink of an eye, they saw him going to the Helan residence to propose.

Everyone: “……”

“……Food and s3x are human nature, so we can’t blame this Zhuangyuan.”

“After all, it’s Miss Helan; I wouldn’t be surprised.”

“A Zhuangyuan who passed all six exams with flying colors, never thought he would be tempted by a beauty…”

Everyone thought that this Zhuangyuan was after Miss Helan’s beauty, and indeed, many had coveted her beauty. However, no one expected that the Helan family would agree to it.

For a time, in the taverns of the capital, one could often hear men, filled with righteous indignation, drinking and ranting.

“I see that Lu Wuyou is nothing special.”

“What, even if he is the Wenchang Wang who topped six exams in a row, does he have more eyes and mouth than us?”

“My mother praised him as if he were a reincarnated god. He looks just about like me, not much more handsome. How could Helan Daren have fallen for his trick?”

“That Lu Zhuangyuan is untrustworthy and treacherous; in terms of character, he might even be worse than me!”

Unexpectedly, a few days later, news spread that the fianceé from hometown of the top scholar was none other than Miss Helan herself.

The story has also evolved into the two of them secretly promising to be together for life. Helan Daren looks down on the scholar’s background and tried to break up the couple. He was also the one who reached out to Cao Shizi—yes, no one expected that Cao Shizi would have a role at this time. Miss Helan had someone in her heart and refused to comply. The two sides quarreled bitterly, but finally, after the scholar passed the imperial exam and came to propose, and only then can the lovers become a couple.

This version actually has quite a few flaws, yet it happens to be the most widely circulated one, mainly because the plot is so appealing to the public, comparable to the most popular scripts of the time.

It is said that there are even opera troupes that have specifically adapted a few plays based on this, and the performances on stage have received quite a positive response.

Overall, this marriage was quite dramatic, becoming a topic of lively discussion among the people of the capital during their tea breaks and meals, reaching its peak on the day the Zhuangyuan was attacked and injured—this was just too theatrical.

“Who did it?” became a topic of heated debate. Some said it was someone from the Duke of Cao’s residence harboring resentment, others said it was a suitor of Miss Helan, and some even suggested it was the second and third place candidates from the examination. There were even rumors that it was Helan Daren himself, who outwardly agreed but inwardly couldn’t let go, leading a group of people to frequently visit the Zhuangyuan’s residence.

Looking at the white lanterns fluttering outside the scholar’s residence, everyone couldn’t help but think, if the scholar really didn’t make it, it would be just like the story of Butterfly Lover.¹

While everyone was watching the show, the wedding date was getting closer and closer.

****
Inside the Imperial Palace.

Emperor Shun was adjusting the chess pieces, playing a game of chess with his second son across the table.

Although the surroundings were filled with palace maids, the atmosphere was eerily silent, only occasionally broken by the crisp sound of a piece being placed, masking the deadly intent of the chessboard.

The slightly reflective chessboard reflects the completely different expressions of two people.

The face of Emperor Shun still bore a kind and amiable expression. He even picked up a nearby teacup and took a gentle sip, while the Second Prince, Xiao Nanxun, frowned slightly, staring intently at the chessboard, his lips pressed tightly together, as if he were extremely tense.

Playing chess is always a matter of one wrong move leading to total defeat.

Emperor Shun gently placed the final piece, then folded his sleeves, and declared to his most beloved son, “You were too hasty from the very beginning.” He pointed to a few spots, “If you had initially placed your pieces here and there, and plotted slowly, you definitely wouldn’t have been able to crush my pieces, but you insisted on taking risks.”

Xiao Nanxun showed no visible reaction, merely pursing his lips and saying, “It is my lack of skill in chess.”

“You are just too competitive, always wanting to compare and fight over everything.” Emperor Shun picked up the teacup again, “Those in power who are too overbearing will only make those below them feel uneasy.” He paused, “After all, she’s just a woman, is it worth it for you to act like this?”

As soon as the Emperor spoke, Xiao Nanxun knew he wanted him to endure.

In today’s peaceful and prosperous era, even though his father had many private interests in the past, it does not prevent him from having a good reputation now—an enlightened and generous ruler.

“I understand, Your Majesty.”

Seeing him with a face full of restraint, Emperor Shun couldn’t help but smile and said, “Don’t be so unhappy. I’m doing this for your own good. I would actually prefer it if your elder brother acted recklessly and tyrannically. You’ve been gloomy since you were a child and have a hasty temper. You really should be tempered… I will have the Hanlin Academy or the Grand Council arrange for someone to teach you some more scriptures. You should also practice being a bit more patient…”

“And Shao’an. Last time I asked her to choose a prince consort at the banquet, there were so many noble young men, but she didn’t like any of them. As her brother, you should keep an eye on her. She’s not a child anymore. If she doesn’t behave properly, others will laugh, even going to the house of a man who is already engaged.”

His father’s reprimand was actually for the sake of his own reputation, so Xiao Nanxun always had an attitude of distance from his actions.

As Xiao Nanxun walked out of the palace gate he felt an indescribable sense of irritability.

When going to Yude Palace, before even entering the door, he heard Xiao Shao’an crying and throwing a tantrum on Noble Consort Li’s lap, saying, “He’s avoiding me! He’s avoiding me! He goes to treat his illness, but why won’t he see me? Wuwuwu…”

So, Xiao Nanxun felt even more irritable.

His cold, piercing gaze swept over, and Xiao Shao’an immediately fell silent.

Noble Consort Li was still stroking her hair, her beautiful face full of helplessness as she said, “Your father said it’s truly impossible for him to marry you. How about we find another husband for you?”

Xiao Shao’an pouted and said, “I just want him.”

She jumped down to find Xiao Nanxun, her face full of flattery as she said, “Brother, can’t you think of another way?”

Xiao Nanxun looked at her coldly, but in his heart, he hoped her beloved would be buried soon.

Unfortunately, Lu Wuyou didn’t die. He had been staying with the famous divine doctor Fang Shiming in the capital for nearly half a month, and surprisingly, his condition had improved by the eve of the wedding.

Previously, Xiao Nanxun sent someone to spy and saw him lying on the bed, unable to move, looking like he was on the verge of death. But now, he could suddenly get up and move around, which was truly a miracle in the medical field.

Upon hearing the news, everyone in the capital couldn’t help but exclaim, “True love moves the heavens!”

This is all because of Miss Helan’s good fortune; others are half healed.

The renowned divine doctor also had patients flocking to him like clouds, all coming to seek treatment out of admiration, and trying to find out whether that Zhuangyuan was truly recovered or just having a last gasp. The divine doctor stroked his short beard and calmly said, “The Zhuangyuan is a star from the sky who descended to earth, naturally blessed by heaven and this secret cannot be revealed.”

Anyway, on the day of the wedding, the area outside Lu Wuyou’s newly bought house was crowded with onlookers.

The red lanterns were hung all over the front and back of the house, the courtyard gate was adorned with red silk, and the big red “double happiness” characters were pasted everywhere, as if overnight, the mourning hall had transformed into a wedding hall—everyone still remembers the white lanterns at the Lu residence, which had been drenched by the rain and wind not long ago.

The sound of firecrackers went off with a loud bang.

The marriage procession quickly started to move out with the sound of gongs and drums. The person on the lead of the procession ostentatiously displayed several signboards, the most prominent of which read “Zhuangyuan of the Imperial Examination,” “Top Scorer in the Metropolitan Examination of the Year of Xin Chou,” and “Top Scorer in the Qingzhou Provincial Examination of the Year of Gengzi.” Beneath these signboards of the ‘Three Times First in The Examination,’ all other titles seemed to have been crushed into dust, leaving only admiration from afar.

Before long, they saw the Zhuangyuan dressed in a bright red wedding robe emerge from the gate.

His face still looked somewhat pale, and he leaned on his body, moving very slowly, as if he were a bit unsteady, making people unable to help but worry about him.

“Zhuangyuan-lang, be careful!”

“Walk slowly, don’t be in a hurry!”

The scholar heard the voice, raised his affectionate peach blossom eyes, and gave a gentle and polite smile, saying, “Thank you everyone.” His face, which seemed to carry the lingering traces of his recent illness, had more of a heart-wrenching pity than the proud and self-satisfied demeanor he had when he was paraded on the street last spring.

He swayed slightly and with some difficulty mounted the tall white horse in the wedding procession.

They have to admit, the Zhuangyuan’s face is still excellent.

He wore a resplendent set of groom’s official attire. In addition, on his chest were tied a big red flower and several pendants. Coupled with his Xi Shi-like delicate features², which seemed ill but wasn’t, it added an indescribable, refined elegance to his handsomeness.

On the road, both young women and young married women can’t help but blush and have their hearts race.

But thinking that he will soon become another woman’s husband, they couldn’t help but feel a tinge of regret.

Upon further thought, that Miss Helan’s appearance… forget it, just pretend they never thought about it.

The distance from the Lu Residence to the Helan Residence is actually not far. In order to fully achieve the effect of the wedding procession, the planned route is slightly longer, making a slight detour. As a result, both those who know, those who don’t, and those who have heard the news all came out to join the fun.

“Hurry, hurry! Zhuangyuan Lu is going to marry Miss Helan!”

“Why are you still setting up a stall? If you miss this event, there won’t be another one like it!”

“Exactly! I’ve already asked the teacher for leave! Watching the Zhuangyuan’s wedding, maybe I can get some good luck too…”

For a whole hour, it was so lively that it could rival Lu Wuyou’s parade in the streets.

“When is Miss Helan coming out?”

“Almost there, almost there!”

“It’s a pity the bride can’t show her face; otherwise, they would look so good standing together!”

“Don’t even say it, I can’t even imagine. If they were to have a child, that would be so… amazing.”

In the midst of the conversation, this grand procession of nearly a hundred people had already arrived at the entrance of Helan Residence.

Helan Jian stood eagerly at the door. As per tradition, he had to make things difficult for the groom to prevent him from easily taking the bride. Last night, he spent half the night thinking about how to challenge this brother-in-law, like making him hold his left ear with his right hand and spin three circles, or jump over the fire basin in front of the door like a frog…

He was just thinking about it when he saw his future brother-in-law slowly dismounting from his horse.

——this guy does look pretty good.

Helan Jian was just thinking when he saw the groom walking towards him slowly, calling out “Brother-in-law.”

The voice is quite pleasant to listen to. This guy looks like the type who would make young girls unable to resist. If he doesn’t make it difficult to enter… Before Helan Jian could finish his thought, he saw his future brother-in-law smoothly take something out from his sleeve and place it in his hand.

Helan Jian lowered his head to take a look.

One note of a hundred taels silver.

“……”

His future brother-in-law continued with that clear and smooth voice, “If that’s not enough, there’s more.”

Helan Jian stammered, “… no, no, I can’t.” Seeing the person in front of him really about to leave, he suddenly snapped back to reality, grabbing him and saying, “Wait…”

His future brother-in-law stopped and patiently waited for his next move with a gentle gaze.

Helan Jian said seriously, “Will you really treat Xiao Ci well from now on?”

The other party smiled and said, “Of course.”

Actually, this kind of talk is quite common; no groom would say no. Helan Jian just felt that hearing his words would put his mind at ease… uh, even though he had just given Xiao Ci a beautiful new wedding dress.

Firecrackers started popping again.

Yao Qianxue supported Helan Ci as they walked out of the house. At this moment, she actually felt a bit regretful because Helan Ci, who had just been adorned in a splendid wedding gown, looked absolutely stunning—more beautiful than at the princess’s birthday banquet that day.

Unfortunately, with the veil covering her face, only the groom gets to see her.

Just as she was about to step out the door, Yao Qianxue couldn’t help but lean in and whisper to her, “If he bullies you, Xiao Ci, you mustn’t endure it. You have to tell cousin.”

Helan Ci was calm, really calm. She said, “Hmm.”

Instead of nervousness, there’s a sense of relief as if everything has settled down; She no longer have to worry about any mishaps before the wedding.

Although she felt a bit sad for a while while talking to her father last night, Helan Ci still managed to get through it.

This wedding dress, she initially didn’t plan to wear it because it was too extravagant, so she hid it in the cupboard. However, she really liked it, and when she secretly took it out to look at it, her father saw her.

Helan Jin asked her with a serious expression where she got it from.

She had no choice but to say it honestly.

Helan Jin walked back and forth in front of her for a while before saying, “You only get married once in a lifetime, so if you want to wear it, just wear it.”

Helan Ci knew that this was already quite difficult for her father.

Yesterday, Helan Ci entrusted all the household matters to the steward, made sure to clarify everything that needed to be said, and tidied up all the arrangements for her marriage. After a busy day, she finally met Helan Jin, who had come to find her in the evening.

Her father held a small pouch in his hand and carefully handed it to her: “These are a pair of gold bangles your mother left behind when she passed away. They were originally meant for your brother, but he is an unpromising person, so I’d rather give them to you. You are different from your brother; you are a smart child. I often regret why you are not a son. As a daughter you have been busy by yourself, I am busy with official duties and cannot give you much attention, so I have to trouble you with the household. And now you are getting married, when you go to your husband’s house, don’t be too stubborn. Don’t quarrel with your husband like your father did…”

He kept rambling on, even though he hadn’t said much, and yet it made Helan Ci’s eyes turn red.

Although Helan Ci often found her father to be overly old-fashioned, pedantic, and somewhat unreasonable, she was also very grateful to him for teaching her what is righteous, what it means that Wealth and honor cannot corrupt one’s mind, poverty and humbleness cannot change one’s integrity, and power and force cannot subdue one’s will.³

But she could only bite her lip and say to her father, “From now on, this daughter won’t be by your side. Take good care of yourself, and if you get sick, go see a doctor. Don’t always think about saving that little bit of money.”

Helan Ci was still thinking when she realized he was about to be handed over from Yao Qianxue to another person.

The hand that reached out from under the veil belonged to a man, with long, slender fingers as white as jade and clearly defined knuckles, waiting for her to place her palm in his. Helan Ci, coming back to her senses, placed her hand on his.

“Miss Helan, long time no see.”

Lu Wuyou’s voice floated over very softly, carrying a sense of relief, yet with a hint of a smile.

Just as Lu Wuyou said, the two did not meet again until the wedding banquet.

Helan Ci allowed Lu Wuyou to hold her hand in his palm, lowered her gaze, and then—she saw the strangely embroidered, hideously ugly pouch hanging at Lu Wu You’s waist. From a distance, it might not be clear, but up close, it was particularly hard to look at directly.

And it was indigo blue, of all colors! Couldn’t someone have told him?

Helan Ci immediately whispered, “You….Take off that pouch!”

Lu Wuyou helped her into the bridal sedan chair, speaking very gently, “Miss Helan, this pouch is embroidered by yourself.”

The implication was: if I’m not picky, why are you?

Others naturally couldn’t hear their whispered conversation; they could only see the bride, dressed in an exquisitely beautiful wedding gown, her figure slender and graceful, shyly placing her hand on the groom’s hand. The groom, who had just moments ago appeared somewhat aloof, now smiled as warmly as a spring breeze, his enchanting peach blossom eyes shimmering with light, his smile full of warmth and lingering affection. He took his bride by the hand and helped her into the bridal sedan chair, and there was no sign of sickness on his face.

Some people immediately thought that chong xi marriage might actually actually work.

Of course, there are also those who are sticking their heads out to express their dissatisfaction.

“Why does the lady have to cover her head?”

“Just… let me see Miss Helan! I want to see Miss Helan!”

Once the people got into the sedan chair, they naturally couldn’t be seen. Following behind was the bridal procession, making the line appear even longer.

Clearly, it was just the bridegroom coming out to welcome the bride, but because there were so many onlookers, it ended up feeling like the entire city had come out to welcome the bride, and the procession was momentarily slowed down.

After finally arriving at the decorated Lu residence with lanterns and festoons, Helan Ci got off the sedan chair and, hearing the noise outside, couldn’t help but lower her voice and said, “Why are there so many people…”

Lu Wuyou was helping her out of the palanquin and casually said, “They came to watch.”

Helan Ci said, “That’s… a bit too many, isn’t it?”

Lu Wuyou said, “Because we are famous.”

The wedding matron was nearby and heard their very casual conversation, looking at the two with some surprise.

One person held one end of the red silk, and with everyone’s eager gaze upon them, they slowly stepped into the wedding hall, one step at a time.

Before they entered, Helan Ci whispered very softly, “Your parents are here?”

…Can bandits enter the city?

Lu Wuyou said, “No.”

As Helan Ci expected.

Lu Wuyou said, “They’re out traveling outside the territory and won’t be able to make it for a while. However, my sister will bring a congratulatory gift over in a few days. The ones sitting at the top are my uncle and aunt, so in terms of seniority, it’s about the same.”

Helan Ci asked curiously, “Outside the territory?”

Lu Wuyou smiled and said, “I’ll tell you later. There’s a threshold, be careful of your step.”

Inside, of course, it was filled with esteemed guests, including Lu Wuyou’s superiors and colleagues from the Hanlin Academy, as well as some officials he was familiar with. Most of the people sitting in the inner hall held official ranks. The ceremonial guide, holding the red silk, was just about to lead them inside.

At that moment, a somewhat flustered voice came from outside the door: “it’s the Second Prince!.”

Helan Ci’s heart tightened.

But there was also a sense of inevitability, as if it were expected, and she couldn’t help but clench the red silk in her hand.

In the midst of the chaos, she vaguely heard Lu Wuyou’s voice saying, “Don’t panic.”

She suddenly calmed down slowly.

The Second Prince is coming, and the display of his procession is naturally quite impressive. From a distance, officials and soldiers are clearing the way, and the onlookers at the entrance are forced to make way, with a multitude of guards and attendants following behind.

Some commoners, seeing it for the first time, thought it was the Emperor himself and were so scared that their legs went weak.

Xiao Nanxun stepped down from the sedan, the jade and silver chain hanging from his collar clinking softly, still looking as precious and noble as ever.

He stepped into the room, and his gaze first fell on the bride’s wedding dress, which trailed elegantly behind her. The dress seemed custom-made, perfectly accentuating her waist without being overly tight. Her curves were alluring, and her bosom was prominently displayed. A pair of delicate hands emerged from the sleeves, clutching a piece of red silk, further highlighting her fair skin.

Xiao Nanxun couldn’t help but bend and stretch his fingers again, his throat tightening slightly.

“I didn’t know His Highness was coming, and I failed to welcome you properly. I hope you will forgive me.” Lu Wuyou stepped forward, just blocking Xiao Nanxun’s line of sight. He cupped his hands in a respectful gesture and said graciously, “May I ask, is His Highness here to attend my humble wedding?” He casually instructed Qingye, “Prepare a seat for His Highness.”

At this moment, the others also seemed to wake from a dream and greeted Xiao Nanxun.

Everyone suddenly remembered the rumors about the Second Prince being interested in Miss Helan, and their expressions instantly became very strange.

…Could it be that the Second Prince is here to steal the bride?

This shouldn’t be possible, right?

But everyone watched as the Second Prince actually walked straight towards the bride.

No one present dared to speak, all of them breaking out in cold sweats, while casting subtle glances at Lu Wuyou, who had just recovered from a serious illness and might not be fully healed yet. However, he himself appeared calm and composed, showing no signs of panic.

…Maybe he has gone sick and become stupid?

Helan Jin, who was sitting above, was furious and was about to speak when another voice came from outside the door.

“Old Master Xu!”

The crowd outside had already been scared silly, because the official’s insignia clearly indicated he was a first-rank official of the court. Who would have thought that he and the Second Prince would arrive just moments apart?

Elder Xu has a long beard and beautiful whiskers. This year, he is in his fifties. He is the Vice Prime Minister of the Cabinet, the Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, and the Grand Scholar of the Jianji Hall. On the surface, he is the second-in-command of the current cabinet. However, since Elder Zhou, the Prime Minister, has just been forced to return to his hometown due to mourning, he has effectively taken over the position of Prime Minister temporarily.

Of course, he is also one of the examiners for this year’s imperial examination, specifically the mentor of the successful candidate, Lu Wuyou.

Sure enough, upon seeing this bearded gentleman step in, Xiao Nanxun finally stopped, although he wasn’t actually planning to do anything.

He can ignore his father’s warning and threats, but when facing the current Prime Minister, he still has to think twice, because he remembers that it was the joint memorials from the cabinet ministers and the censors that almost forced him and his mother to the brink at the Qingquan Temple.

Now they are still eager to force him to go to his fiefdom as soon as possible.

Therefore, Xiao Nanxun smiled and said, “Imperial Father said that Lu Zhuangyuan has great talent and asked me to get closer to him, so I specially prepared a congratulatory gift to attend the wedding banquet. I didn’t expect to scare everyone.”

Elder Xu also smiled and said, “Your Highness, it is very considerate of you to care so much about my student.”

So, everyone sat down properly to watch the ceremony.

When Helan Ci saw Xiao Nanxun walking over, she was so scared that her palms started sweating. Seeing him sit down, she finally felt a bit relieved.

Lu Wuyou whispered beside her, “I told you not to panic.”

“You…” Helan Ci had just finished a syllable when the officiant on the other side had already loudly called for them to perform the wedding rites.

After all the ruckus, they completed the wedding ceremony.

Amidst the loud shouting of “Sending into the bridal chamber,” Helan Ci was led into the bridal chamber by Lu Wuyou. Only when she sat on the bed in the bridal chamber did she finally breathe a sigh of relief.

After Lu Wuyou sent everyone away, saying he wanted to have a private conversation with his wife, she couldn’t help but ask, “How did you know Elder Xu would come at this time? No, wait… how could he arrive so quickly?”

Lu Wuyou simply explained, “Because I had someone keep an eye on the Second Prince’s carriage, as soon as he moved, I would have someone inform my mentor—my mentor had promised me before.”

Helan Ci was still surprised and said, “Elder Xu likes you so much?”

Lu Wuyou nodded and said, “He almost wanted to marry his daughter off to me.”

Helan Ci said, “……??? You’re not interested?”

After all, at his age, Elder Xu is still considered young in the cabinet, and since his parents died early—this can still be seen as an advantage in the later period of the Dayong officialdom, sparing him the trouble of mourning—he can at least serve as the Prime Minister for a few years, which is enough for Lu Wuyou to rise to prominence.

Lu Wuyou raised an eyebrow, smiled slightly, and said, “If I was interested, what will you do?”

Helan Ci: “……” Indeed.

It’s still early evening, the ceremony has just finished, and there will be a wedding banquet later. The Lu residence has limited space, so they booked a nearby restaurant for the banquet—most of the guests are Lu Wuyou’s, anyway. In short, he still has to go out to entertain the guests, and the real wedding night will have to wait until after hài shí (9pm-11pm).

Helan Ci thought for a moment and said, “You go ahead and entertain the guests, I’ll wait here for you.”

Lu Wuyou said, “Come with me.”

Helan Ci was puzzled: “……Hmm?”

Lu Wuyou laughed and said, “Are you sure it’s safe for you to stay here alone?”

Helan Ci hesitated for a moment and said, “Alright…” She pressed her hand on the veil, “Then this…”

Lu Wuyou pressed down her veil and said, “It’s fine, no need to take it off.” He spoke slowly, dragging out the words, “Let’s keep some sense of ceremony.”

Quickly, Lu Wuyou led her to sneak out through the back door and onto the pre-prepared carriage.

****

At the same time, in the Second Prince’s procession, two small figures stealthily descended.

“Princess… this isn’t good, let’s hurry and go…”

Xiao Shao’an Gongzhu, wrapped in a black robe, angrily shouted, “Why do you have so much to say? If I tell you to follow, then follow!”

She knew her brother would definitely still be up to no good, and he didn’t even bring her along!

Fortunately, she was clever and managed to sneak into her brother’s convoy through threats and persuasion.

At this time, the sky was dim, and outside the Lu residence was a dense crowd. The wedding banquet was extremely busy, and they took advantage of the chaos to sneak in, surprisingly without being noticed.

Xiao Shao’an had been to this house before and remembered where the room was. Looking at the inside of the mansion, decorated with red silk and lanterns, she couldn’t help but feel jealous. Why did that woman get to marry Brother Lu?

As a princess, she couldn’t marry him!

The more she thinks about it, the angrier she gets.

Xiao Shao’an didn’t think twice and just slipped into the room. The boudoir was lit by only two red candles, casting an ambiguous light. She vaguely saw the bride sitting on the bed, covered with a veil, and her jealousy grew even stronger.

“You, come here…” She pointed at the firewood not far away and instructed her maid, “Use that stick to knock the person inside unconscious, then drag them and hide them in the cabinet, hurry up! … Ah, leave that veil for me.”

This palace maid had learned some martial arts, but unable to resist Xiao Shao’an, she had no choice but to comply.

Fortunately, the people inside seemed completely unprepared and were knocked out. She hid the person well, took the veil and came out, and it went surprisingly smoothly.

Xiao Shao’an held the veil, feeling somewhat pleased in his heart.

She had the personal maid wait outside, then entered the room alone, sat on the bed, took off the black robe she was wearing outside, revealing the red dress she had specially changed into underneath, and at the same time, she placed the veil on her head.

*****

Although it wasn’t some grand banquet, the wedding banquet still had around a hundred tables. As the father-in-law, Helan Jin never expected that Lu Wuyou, a person from Qingzhou, would have so many relatives and friends in the capital.

Lu Wuyou, dressed in the wedding robe, mingled among the guests, accepting drinks from everyone without refusal. With a warm, smiling face fixed in place, he moved with the grace of a skilled dancer, handling the situation with ease.

Xiao Nanxun and Elder Xu sat across from each other and had a drink. The other party left first due to official business. He understood that he had been set up, but it didn’t matter… He savored the wine in his cup, listening to the servant report to him in a low voice.

The servant said that Lu Wuyou has already drunk a hundred cups, and it’s still uncertain whether he can stand straight tonight.

He then made an excuse to leave.

The convoy set off first, but Xiao Nanxun took a detour to the Lu residence.

At this moment, the Lu residence was no longer bustling with the liveliness of the wedding; it was quiet, with only the red lanterns at the entrance diligently emitting their glow, and the people inside seemed to have also rested.

The guards at Lu Wuyou’s residence are unusually lax at the moment.

Xiao Nanxun’s people climbed over the wall and quietly opened the back door for him, and no one even noticed.

He then strode into the courtyard, as if it were his own house, and a strange excitement of impending success surged in his heart. Naturally, he would leave when the master of the house arrived—there was still time to do many things before that.

Pushing open the door to the bridal chamber, two dim red candles flickered. The bride, sitting on the bed with her head bowed and fingers intertwined, was partially obscured by the half-drawn wedding curtain, her figure somewhat blurred, making her even more alluring.

Xiao Nanxun let out a light laugh, and in his mind, Helan Ci’s stunning face appeared, stirring up a multitude of desires.

The lady was sitting with her legs crossed, unusually tense. Upon hearing the footsteps, she immediately straightened her back and murmured something in a somewhat trembling voice.

Xiao Nanxun thought it should be something like “husband.” He smiled, picked up the wedding scale beside him, and gently lifted the bridal veil.

1. The Butterfly Lovers is a Chinese folk tale of a tragic love story between Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai. It is one of China’s Four Great Folktales, the others being the White Snake, Lady Meng Jiangnu, and the Cowherd and the Weaving Maid. Find out more: Link
2. Xi Shi was one of the renowned Four Beauties of ancient China. Xi Shi is remembered as a symbol of beauty and intelligence.
3. 富貴不能淫 (Fù guì bù néng yín), 貧賤不能移 (Pín jiàn bù néng yí), 威武不能屈 (Wēi wǔ bù néng qū). It’s a teaching from Mencius. it emphasizes that a person of true integrity should remain incorruptible by wealth, unwavering in poverty, and unyielding in the face of power.

T/L: If there are any inconsistency or any grammar mistakes, please let me know! I’m still learning as English is not my first language! (◜ ᗜ◝ )