As soon as the imperial decree was issued, this sudden marriage seemed to grow wings, spreading rapidly to every corner of the capital and becoming the hottest topic of conversation over tea and meals.
Those who knew nothing of the circumstances applauded in praise, calling it a “match made in heaven” and a “perfect union.”
—The cherished jewel of the Yongning Marquis’s household was to marry the young general of the Wuan Marquis’s household. Both families were distinguished by great military achievements and illustrious service. They were perfectly matched in status and background; it was, by all appearances, an exceptionally splendid marriage.
However, those who knew the inside story—and who were somewhat familiar with the “history” between the Third Miss of the Lu family and Young General Huo—could only exchange strange looks and secretly shake their heads.
Some close acquaintances even joked in private:
“These two families are becoming in-laws? From now on, I’m afraid there won’t be a single peaceful day!”
“Just wait and see. I wouldn’t be surprised if the newly repaired roof of the Huo residence gets torn right off by Third Miss Lu!”
The gossip and rumors outside were mostly blocked by the high walls of the Lu residence, but within the household, the oppressive atmosphere continued to linger.
Lu Jiaojiao had not given up these past few days. She had taken the classic routine of “crying, making a scene, and threatening suicide” and performed every part of it in turn.
At first, the Marquis of Yongning and his wife, Madam Chen, had tried patiently to comfort her. But when her behavior became increasingly unreasonable—when she even threatened to hang herself or throw herself into a well—they had no choice but to take the matter seriously.
They feared she might truly do something irreversible. They also feared that word of her fierce resistance to the marriage might spread outside and bring disaster upon the family.
In the end, Lu Jiaojiao’s parents had no choice but to harden their hearts and order that she be confined to her embroidered chamber. Without permission, she was not allowed to take a single step outside.
That only made Lu Jiaojiao feel even more wronged and resentful.
Her method of resistance changed from loud and dramatic protests to silent hunger strikes.
“Third Miss, please, have mercy on us and eat at least one bite. This osmanthus sugar steamed chestnut rice cake is your favorite. The kitchen just made it—it’s still warm.”
Her personal maid, Xiaochun, stood beside the bed holding an exquisite little gilded dish. Looking at Lu Jiaojiao, who lay completely still with her back turned and facing the inside of the bed, Xiaochun was so anxious that her voice began to tremble with tears.
“You haven’t eaten properly for two days. How can your body possibly endure this?”
Seeing that her mistress gave no response, Xiaochun carefully tried another approach.
“Your servant secretly went to the front hall earlier to take a look. The Huo family’s procession bringing the betrothal gifts was incredibly long—the chests nearly reached the second gate! And there were rewards from His Majesty and Her Majesty in the palace as well. Everything was glittering with jewels and treasures. It’s clear how much importance is being placed on this marriage…”
She had originally meant to reassure her mistress that the marriage was grand and honorable, and that she certainly would not be mistreated after marrying into the Huo family.
But the moment those words left her mouth, Lu Jiaojiao reacted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.
She suddenly sprang upright from the bed, clamped both hands tightly over her ears, and shook her head furiously. In a hoarse voice, she screamed:
“Ahhh! I’m not listening, I’m not listening! Nonsense, nonsense! Take it away! I’m not eating! Not a single bite! Don’t talk to me about any of this! I don’t want to hear it!”
What betrothal gifts?
What imperial rewards?
They were nothing more than golden shackles forged specifically for her!
The moment she heard the words “Huo family,” the scene from that day at the palace banquet immediately resurfaced in her mind.
After his initial shock, Huo Shiran had looked at her with that utterly infuriating, provocative expression!
That upturned corner of his lips—that smug look which practically screamed, “Lu Jiaojiao, so even you have a day like this!”—was like a red-hot iron needle stabbing viciously into her heart.
Whenever she thought about how she would have to live under the same roof as that “Huo Blockhead,” the man who had opposed her at every turn since childhood, watched her make a fool of herself, laughed at her, and even snatched things from her—
And that she would have to become his wife, of all things—
Lu Jiaojiao would tremble with rage. Her stomach churned violently, and any trace of appetite vanished completely.
She would rather starve to death than let that bastard have his way!
She stubbornly held out for several more days.
No matter how the maids pleaded with her, Lu Jiaojiao refused to eat or drink. Her once rosy, delicate cheeks visibly grew thinner, her chin becoming sharper. She curled up listlessly on the bed, like a delicate flower deprived of water.
The entire Lu household was truly at a loss.
The Marquis of Yongning was so angry that he practically blew his beard and glared, yet he could not bear to use harsh discipline on his precious daughter.
Madam Chen cried until her eyes were red, calling her beloved daughter and pleading with her, but even she could not defy the authority of an imperial decree.
In the end, after the entire family discussed the matter, they decided to send in the one person who might be able to pry open Lu Jiaojiao’s heart—
The best possible candidate.
Her elder sister-in-law, Wen Hui of the Wen family.
Wen Hui came from a scholarly family and was known for her gentle and quiet nature. She was exceptionally graceful and considerate in her dealings with others.
Ever since marrying into the Lu family, she had never once argued with anyone. She was also deeply caring toward her younger brothers- and sisters-in-law.
Since childhood, Lu Jiaojiao had been especially fond of this sister-in-law, who always spoke softly and gently and was willing to patiently listen to all her troubles.
Creak.
The door slowly opened.
Wen Hui entered carrying a small red sandalwood food box. Her steps were light, as though she feared disturbing the person lying in bed.
She placed the food box on the table and walked over to the bedside.
Looking at the small lump beneath the blankets, she sighed helplessly and affectionately before calling out in a soft voice:
“Jiaojiao, my little ancestor, get up and eat something. Your sister-in-law brought your favorite almond cream and crab roe pastries.”
The blanket shifted slightly.
First, a strand of messy black hair emerged.
Then, slowly, Lu Jiaojiao poked half her head out from beneath the covers.
After several days without properly washing or grooming herself, her hair was somewhat disheveled. Her large eyes, once bright and lively, were now swollen and red like peaches.
In an instant, her eyes filled with tears again, brimming with endless grievance and accusation.
She looked at her gentle-faced sister-in-law sitting on the edge of the bed.
Her nose suddenly stung.
With a thick nasal voice, she threw herself into Wen Hui’s arms, just as she had whenever she was wronged as a child, and sobbed:
“Sister-in-law… sob… I don’t want to marry him. I’d rather die than marry that Huo Blockhead…”
“All right, all right. You won’t marry him. You won’t…”
Wen Hui hurriedly wrapped her arms around her, gently patting her back with one hand as though soothing an angry, puffed-up little cat.
Her voice was so soft and gentle it seemed as though it could melt into water.