Capital City, Chongrenfang
The Duke of Yu’s manor stood with vermilion gates and blue-gray roof tiles, its upturned eaves crisp and elegant, embodying the clean, straightforward style of northern mansion. Today, however, the entire estate was adorned with red silk and festive decorations, radiating joy from every corner.
It was Jiang Lingyuan’s wedding day.
She was marrying Lu Yun, the most outstanding young gentleman in the capital.
Though the Duke of Yu’s manor appeared flawless on the surface, and no one could fault its arrangements, the lively wedding banquet masked an entirely different atmosphere. Beneath the cheerful smiles, the guests whispered words of mockery.
“Three years ago, Fourth Young Master Lu took first place in the provincial examination. If the family hadn’t worried that entering official service too young might affect his character, he would probably have already passed the imperial examination and become a jinshi. He’d likely have ranked among the top three and be serving in the Hanlin Academy by now.”
“Not only is Fourth Young Master Lu exceptionally gifted in literature, but he has practiced martial arts since childhood. His spearsmanship is said to rival that of the Lu family’s eldest son, who now commands the Imperial Guard.”
“He’s accomplished in both civil and military pursuits, handsome beyond compare… yet he ended up marrying a village girl from the countryside. What a waste.”
Some spoke with insincere regret, while others openly treated the marriage as a joke.
Then someone sighed.
“Still, Miss Jiang really is blessed.”
“Isn’t she? Her ancestors must have burned incense and accumulated endless blessings.”
Indeed, this marriage had only come about because Jiang Lingyuan had employed a few clever schemes of her own.
It was early spring. A fine drizzle fell outside, and the lingering chill reddened Jiang Lingyuan’s nose.
She sat alone on the enormous wedding bed, waiting until her hands and feet had gone numb with cold and her eyes stung with fatigue.
Only a few pieces of silver charcoal had been tossed carelessly into the brazier in the corner, and by now they had long since burned to ashes.
The night had grown deep.
After a brief hesitation, she quietly lifted the red bridal veil herself.
Before her stretched a lavishly decorated room, bathed in the flickering glow of red candles.
Though the Duke of Yu’s household had clearly been reluctant to accept the marriage, they had at least not been stingy with money.
Her maids, Michun and Xunxia, were startled when they saw her remove the veil herself. But seeing how dark it had become outside, their surprise quickly turned into sympathy for their mistress.
The marriage might seem unequal in status, but it had been the Duke of Yu’s family who had made the engagement in the first place. Wasn’t fulfilling that promise only natural?
Besides, Fourth Young Master Lu’s reputation was merely what people saw from the outside. Who knew what he was really like? Their young lady was remarkable in her own right.
Yet after escorting the bride into the bridal chamber following the ceremony, the Duke of Yu’s household had simply left her there without another thought. The lively celebration outside stood in painful contrast to the cold, deserted bridal room.
Both maids felt deeply wronged on Jiang Lingyuan’s behalf.
“Miss?”
Michun stepped forward.
Jiang Lingyuan remained calm. Once her eyes adjusted to the candlelight, she instructed quietly, “Go see if there’s any hot water.”
On the way, she heard a brief argument outside, but it was quickly silenced by the composed voice of an older woman. Before long, two sturdy matrons carried in buckets of hot water.
The woman who had spoken never appeared herself.
As Xunxia helped Jiang Lingyuan bathe, she still couldn’t hide her indignation.
“They’ve gone too far!”
Jiang Lingyuan only smiled gently.
“Since we’re here, we’ll make the best of it. It’s late. Let’s wash up, get comfortable, and rest. Whatever needs dealing with can wait until tomorrow.”
At this hour, Fourth Young Master Lu probably wasn’t coming.
Still, being treated coldly was one thing. Compared to the Jiang family, the Duke of Yu’s household conducted itself with far more dignity. Life here, at least, seemed manageable.
After bathing, she changed into a rose-colored sleeping robe.
As her two maids dried her half-wet hair, a pair of steady, unhurried footsteps approached.
The door opened.
Caught off guard, Jiang Lingyuan turned her head.
It was Lu Yun.
The soft candlelight only accentuated his refined, handsome features. His deep eyes were half-lidded as he cast a brief glance at Jiang Lingyuan from above before looking away without the slightest pause.
He walked straight to a red lacquered armchair and sat down. His long, jade-like fingers idly turned a well-worn string of red sandalwood prayer beads. His entire bearing exuded unmistakable weariness…
And impatience.
Even Michun and Xunxia unconsciously lowered their breathing in his presence.
Jiang Lingyuan’s hair was nearly dry. She signaled for the maids to withdraw before rising and offering him a graceful curtsy.
“Fourth Master.”
Lu Yun didn’t criticize her for bathing before he arrived, nor did he care about the customary wedding rituals they had skipped, such as removing the bridal veil or drinking the ceremonial wedding wine.
He merely gave a slight nod.
“Wait a moment.”
It was almost as if he disliked being alone with her in the bedchamber.
He stood and entered the bathing room.
Soon afterward, two maids dressed in rose-red sleeveless jackets over pearly white skirts carried in hot water. One wore a goose-yellow silk flower in her hair and smiled politely at Jiang Lingyuan. The other ignored her completely and walked straight into the bathing room.
Jiang Lingyuan noticed that the second maid wore a hairpin set with two South Sea pearls the size of soybeans. Their soft luster and perfect roundness made them exceptionally valuable, they would fetch well over a dozen taels of silver at any jewelry shop.
The two maids emerged not long afterward.
The one with the yellow flower remained silent but gave Jiang Lingyuan a respectful bow before leaving.
The maid with the pearl hairpin merely let out a faint snort and walked away.
Less than half an hour later, Lu Yun emerged from the bath wearing a plain ivory-white sleeping robe, his expression as indifferent as ever.
He returned to the armchair.
Jiang Lingyuan poured him a cup of tea and placed it before him before quietly sitting on the wedding bed.
Lu Yun paid no attention to the tea.
Instead, he surveyed the room with a slight frown.
He had lived in this bedchamber for nineteen years, yet now so many things felt out of place.
The bottles and jars covering the dressing table.
The boxes left scattered on the side table.
And the unfamiliar woman now sitting quietly on his bed.
He pinched the bridge of his nose before finally speaking.
“Now that you’ve married into the Lu family, you are one of us. From this day forward, mind your words and conduct.”
His voice was calm and measured.
His lowered eyes concealed his emotions as his slender fingers slowly rotated the string of prayer beads once more. The loose sleeve of his robe slipped back slightly, revealing a lean forearm. Beneath his porcelain-white skin, distinct blue veins hinted at the strength hidden underneath.
Jiang Lingyuan looked steadily at him, her expression clear and composed.
From beginning to end, Lu Yun never once met her gaze.
Continuing in the same even tone, he said,”After accompanying you on your return visit to your family, I’ll be going back to the academy. I’ll have no time to concern myself with household affairs. You’ll need to learn to manage Yilan Courtyard. If you’re ever uncertain, ask Grandmother or Sister-in-law for guidance. The front courtyard is where I conduct important matters, so don’t go there without good reason. If you need anything, speak with Stewardess Jin or Head Steward Lin Feng.”
She understood.
He was telling her not to cling to him.
Lowering her head, she softly replied, “I understand.”
Her straightforward response eased some of the tension in his expression.
“When serving your elders at home, be filial and observe proper etiquette. Outside, watch your words and behavior. Don’t be arrogant or impulsive. Husband and wife are one body, your conduct reflects upon my reputation. Do you understand?”
These were the expectations he had for her.
Jiang Lingyuan understood perfectly.
She raised her clear eyes to meet him.
“I understand.”
Her answer was so direct that Lu Yun finally seemed less irritated.
He picked up the fine white porcelain teacup, took a small sip, and asked, “And you? Do you have any requests?”