Since Shitou’s family were all honest and hardworking people, they were considered a well-off household in this village. Shitou took out the silver he had saved over many years and went to town to have two silver bracelets made in the simplest style—nothing compared to the gold jewelry sent by Bojue Fu.
On the day of A-chun’s wedding, Guo’er’s Mother sat before A-chun for a long time, holding the two silver bracelets, before finally speaking: “Your father and I have no ability. We watched you suffer injustice but couldn’t stand up for you, and now you’re marrying that… that man who wronged you. We have nothing to give you except these. You… you must take good care of yourself!”
A-chun had never cried before, but on her wedding day, she wept so hard she nearly fainted.
The official who came to fetch the bride was the same one who had come before. He said that Wuwuye was away on business elsewhere and couldn’t come to greet her. Shitou had inquired and learned that, as a concubine, she naturally wouldn’t be welcomed by her husband. His heart ached even more for her.
“Master Cheng, my surname is Luo, given name Tian. Once Miss Cheng Chun safely enters the residence, someone will come to inform you. Please rest assured!” Seeing the worry on Shitou’s face, Luo Tian couldn’t help but add a few words.
Cheng Chun sat inside the bridal sedan chair. Outside, the wedding procession played music loudly. She clenched her hands tightly, her nails digging deep into her palms. Her cheeks ached, and she couldn’t hold back her tears. But she remembered her mother’s repeated warnings before leaving home—she must not cry. So she gritted her teeth and remained silent.
The sedan chair traveled for a long time. By the time it stopped, the sky was already growing dark. The wedding attendant lifted the sedan curtain and helped Cheng Chun step out: “A concubine cannot enter through the main gate, only the side entrance. You must not walk with your head held high. Bow slightly and follow me. The threshold is quite high, so be careful!”
The wedding attendant’s voice was soft, but it felt like a poisoned blade, stabbing Cheng Chun’s heart again and again.
There was no wedding ceremony, no congratulations. Cheng Chun was taken directly to the side chamber.
“The Fifth Master is out and likely won’t return today. You may rest early, Madam!” After saying this, the wedding attendant left.
Cheng Chun felt deeply wronged, but she remembered her mother’s words and gritted her teeth without uttering a sound.
Only when there was no one left outside did Cheng Chun lift her Xipa. She looked around the room. Aside from the pair of red wedding candles, there was not a hint of the joy of a newlywed. Suppressing the grievance in her heart, she prepared to get up and tidy herself.
Just as she stood, the door was gently pushed open. A young maid entered, and the two stared at each other in silence. Finally, the maid spoke first: “Madam, my name is Hongdou. I’m here specifically to take care of you.”
Cheng Chun was somewhat flustered but nodded: “My name is Cheng Chun. You can also call me A-chun.”
Hongdou smiled: “Madam, you jest. We servants cannot address our mistress by her given name. You must be tired after such a bumpy journey today. I’ve asked the kitchen to prepare some food. Please change out of your wedding attire first!”
Hongdou had fair skin, bright eyes, and pearly teeth—she looked like a well-behaved young girl. Her voice was as pleasant as a lark’s, which helped ease Cheng Chun’s unease.
In the side chamber’s dressing table, there stood a beautiful glazed mirror unlike any Cheng Chun had ever seen. She sat before it, removing the hairpins and silk flowers from her head. When she caught sight of her own reflection, painted with heavy makeup, she was startled.
Just then, Hongdou entered carrying water. Cheng Chun quickly washed her face, and only after taking the silk cloth to dry it did she breathe a sigh of relief.
“Did the makeup startle you, miss?” Hongdou stood to the side, watching Cheng Chun with a smile.
Cheng Chun clutched the silk cloth in her hand, feeling somewhat embarrassed. “In our village, brides usually look like this on their wedding day!”
Hongdou took the cloth from Cheng Chun’s hand and gently guided her to the dining table. “Please eat something, madam. Before Fifth Master left, he repeatedly instructed me to take good care of you, as you saved his life!”
Cheng Chun’s mind drifted back to that night, the low voice whispering in her ear. Her face paled slightly, and she fell silent, instinctively clenching her hands.
Seeing Cheng Chun quiet, Hongdou didn’t dwell on it and began serving her food. “Madam is truly blessed. Our Fifth Master is like an immortal—handsome, from a good family, and gentle even to us servants. I’m sure he will treat you very well in the future!”
Cheng Chun stared blankly at the delicate dishes in her bowl. After a long pause, she finally asked, “Then… where has your Fifth Master gone today?”
“How would we know? Fifth Master has been away for nearly half a month and hasn’t returned. He only sent a letter, telling us to take good care of you. Beyond that, we know nothing.” Hongdou looked at Cheng Chun, her eyes still carrying a gentle smile. “Please eat more, madam. You must be exhausted after today. Once you’ve eaten, you can rest early.”
Cheng Chun had never been cared for like this before and felt deeply uncomfortable, but she remained silent, simply lowering her head to eat.
After washing up, Cheng Chun lay down on the bed. Compared to the wooden plank bed at home, this one was much softer, and the bedding, sewn from silk, was light and gentle.
Hongdou blew out the lamp and left. Alone in bed, Cheng Chun gazed into the darkness above her, her eyes gradually dimming before tears began to fall from the corners of her eyes.
She curled up, carefully wrapping herself in the covers, burying her face in the quilt until her tears soaked the bedding. Only then did she slowly drift into sleep.
Perhaps because she was new here, no one woke her the next morning, and she overslept. By the time she awoke, the sun was already high in the sky. As she hurriedly got up, she heard the door open.
It was Hongdou, who entered slowly carrying water. “Did you sleep well last night, madam?”
Cheng Chun felt flustered. “I… I overslept, I…”
“In this courtyard, aside from Fifth Master, you are the mistress. There’s nothing in the household that requires your attention, so it’s only fitting for you to sleep a little longer.” Hongdou smiled and helped her wash up and change.
Sitting before the mirror, Hongdou combed Cheng Chun’s hair—thick, soft, and jet-black. “Your hair is truly beautiful, madam—so soft and dense. What do you usually use to care for it?”
“Just homemade milk soap,” Cheng Chun replied shyly. “I’ve never used hair oils or creams, nor could I afford them.”
Hongdou didn’t find this strange and simply smiled as she continued to help Cheng Chun with her makeup.
The cosmetics on the dressing table were already there, all appearing new. It seemed Hongdou and the others had helped prepare them. Looking at those items on the table, Cheng Chun felt much more at ease.