On the tenth day of the ninth month, as golden osmanthus blossoms filled the air with fragrance, the Liu Shangshu’s household in Shengjing City was brimming with joy from top to bottom. Today marked the auspicious occasion of the Third Sister of the Liu family’s wedding.
Liu Qingwu sat upright before the dressing table, while the auspicious matron combed her glossy black hair from roots to ends, chanting: “First comb for a lasting marriage, second for growing old together, third for a house full of descendants…”
Once Qingwu’s makeup was complete, the female relatives of the Liu family, who had been waiting nearby, gathered around to present their wedding gifts.
When it was Liu Qinghuan’s turn, she reluctantly offered a slender cosmetic case: “Sister Wu, this is my gift. After entering the Hou Manor, you must take good care of Hao Ge’er.”
Qingwu glanced up, noticing Qinghuan’s awkward demeanor but chose not to dwell on it during this happy occasion. She signaled Fuling to accept the case: “Thank you, Second Sister.”
Second Madam Liu, who had already established a separate household, had arrived early to help. Seeing the tension, she quickly stepped between the sisters: “Sister Huan, your cousin Yao is looking for you to watch the festivities outside. Why don’t you go together?”
Upon hearing her mother’s words, Liu Qingyao smiled and linked arms with Qinghuan: “Second Sister, let’s go see how far the wedding procession has come.”
Though inwardly resentful, Qinghuan knew she couldn’t cause any disruptions today and compliantly left with Qingyao to watch the excitement.
Soon after, crackling firecrackers erupted outside.
Cuiguo rushed in cheerfully: “Miss, the Shizi has come to fetch you!”
If this weren’t her own wedding, Qingwu—with the innate curiosity ingrained in her heritage—would have been at the forefront of the spectators.
Fidgeting restlessly, Qingwu felt as if needles were pricking her seat.
Just as her patience was wearing thin, commotion finally arose at the entrance. Qingwu nearly sprang up in excitement—after preparing since mao hour (5-7 am), he had finally arrived.
“Miss, the Shizi hasn’t entered yet,” Fuling whispered urgently upon seeing her reaction.
Qingwu smiled sheepishly and straightened her posture.
Sunlight streamed through the doorframe, casting a glow on the bright red wedding fan. Through its thin surface, the silhouette of the approaching figure became faintly visible.
The crimson wedding robes accentuated his tall, straight-shouldered frame and slender waist. With steady steps, he advanced and extended a hand—its fingers slender and joints distinctly elegant.
Qingwu lowered her gaze. What felt like an eternity, yet it might have just been a moment, she raised her hand and placed it in his broad, dry, and warm palm.
Jiang Yueheng paused briefly before enclosing her cool, delicate hand in his.
The pair proceeded to the main hall to kneel and bid farewell to Liu Fu and Madam Liu.
Gazing at his third daughter adorned in red bridal attire, Liu Fu realized he hadn’t studied her this closely in years. Since Sister Wu’s mother passed away early, she had initially been raised in the Zheng courtyard where he saw her often. But after moving to another residence, encounters became rare except on the first and fifteenth days of the month.
“Once you’re there, act with prudence and don’t be as willful as at home. Our family upholds integrity—remember to maintain your dignity always and consult your husband in all matters.” Liu Fu paused before adding, “Visit home often when you can.”
Zhang Shi watched the scene with a dazed sense of familiarity.
She vividly recalled sending Sister Yu off in the same manner years before.
Yet in just a few years, the son-in-law below remained unchanged, while the daughter had become another.
The affairs of this world are truly unpredictable. I only hope the two of you will live in harmony as husband and wife and raise Hao Ge’er well.
After Liu Fu finished speaking, Zhang Shi gently advised:
“Wu Jie’er, I’ve taught you all I can. Remember to respect your parents-in-law, maintain harmony with your sisters-in-law, and live in marital bliss with your husband.”
“Thank you for your guidance, Father and Mother. Third Sister will remember.” Liu Qingwu bowed her head.
The bridal veil was placed over her head, and she took hold of the red silk ball. Liu Qingyan, the eldest son of the Liu Estate, crouched down with his back to Liu Qingwu: “Wu Jie’er, climb on. Your elder brother will carry you out.”
Carrying his third sister on his back, Liu Qingyan walked out the main gate toward the wedding sedan.
From her position on his back, Liu Qingwu lifted her head and peered through the thin red veil. The road ahead appeared both long and radiant.
Firecrackers crackled incessantly. Commoners who had scrambled for wedding coins offered diverse blessings, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.
The groom ahead rode a tall horse while the procession beat drums and played music. Yet inside the eight-person sedan, the bride was munching on a pastry.
Having risen at five in the morning to present her best appearance, she hadn’t been allowed food or drink before the ceremony concluded. Under constant supervision since dawn, she had gone half a day without even water and was nearly faint with hunger.
Lianxin, well aware of her young mistress’s appetite, had secretly hidden two pastries in her sleeve. Seizing the moment when no one was watching, she quickly offered them to her mistress.
Liu Qingwu’s eyes lit up at the sight of the pastry. Despite her dry mouth, she swallowed large mouthfuls eagerly.
“Young mistress, no need to rush. Eat slowly. The wedding procession still has quite a way to go through the streets—there’s plenty of time.” Fuling continuously patted her mistress’s back, worried she might choke.
The wedding procession entered the gates of Hou Manor with drums beating and gongs clashing.
“First bow to heaven and earth—”
“Second bow to parents—”
“Husband and wife bow to each other—”
“Escort to the bridal chamber—”
Liu Qingwu was led into the nuptial chamber, where young men and women from various families had already gathered, all cheering and clamoring.
“Lift the veil! Lift the veil!”
Jiang Yueheng appeared not to hear them. He leisurely picked up the wedding stick and lifted the veil. As the red silk smoothly fell away, he froze in place, stunned. The beauty before him wore crimson bridal makeup, with dark eyebrows and bright eyes, her face like a peach blossom—a veritable paragon of earthly charm.
Liu Qingwu blinked, momentarily dazzled by the sudden light. Lifting her gaze, she saw a man in scarlet robes, his face seemingly veiled in red gauze by the interplay of light and shadow. His deep eyes reflected her image, adding a touch of allure.
Her heart skipped a beat. For some reason, she felt a wave of shyness and slightly turned her face away—only to widen her eyes in surprise: Goodness! So many people!
After drinking the ceremonial nuptial wine, Jiang Yueheng shooed the boisterous crowd out of the room, leaving only himself and Liu Qingwu inside.
Dusk deepened as the sun slanted westward.
“I still need to go out and toast the guests. I’ll return later,” Jiang Yueheng said somewhat helplessly. “The maids are waiting outside. Send for anything you’d like to eat.”
Once he left, Liu Qingwu collapsed onto the bed, only to spring up a moment later. She threw back the quilt—revealing the customary “early birth of precious sons” symbols.
“Lianxin! Fuling!”
Hearing their names, the two entered the room and immediately saw their young mistress digging through the quilt for red dates.
“Come quickly and help me remove this headdress. It’s squeezing my head and giving me a headache.” Leaning against the bedpost, Liu Qingwu kept sliding downward. “Send Cuiguo to the kitchen to find some food. I’m starving to death.”
A quarter of an hour later, Liu Qingwu, freshly bathed and dressed, sat relaxed at the table. With a cup of hot tea in one hand and a pastry in the other, warmth slid down with the tea to comfort her stomach that had been empty all day, while the sweet taste balanced the tea’s astringency. Liu Qingwu silently sighed: This is how life ought to be lived~
Soon after, Cuiguo returned with the meal, which consisted of light dishes when opened. Though not her preferred flavors, they suited Liu Qingwu perfectly after a day of hunger.
After taking a few bites of vegetables and finishing a small bowl of rice, Liu Qingwu set down her chopsticks. She had tasks to attend to tonight and couldn’t eat too much.
The maid cleared the dishes and replaced them with hot tea. The maid brought from the Liu Estate was organizing the embroidery and cosmetics brought over today, while also taking out and hanging tomorrow’s clothes to be ironed smooth.
Seeing there was nothing to do for the moment and uncertain when Jiang Yueheng would return, Liu Qingwu decided to lean against the headboard and take a short nap.