The General’s Manor having two daughters marry on the same day naturally caused a huge sensation in the capital. Crowds of commoners had already gathered around, hoping to catch a glimpse of the spectacle.
Su Qingyao looked at Chu Ningwan, who was dressed in the same wedding attire as herself, and her jealousy only deepened.
Although both were brides, Chu Ningwan’s wedding gown, jewelry, and hair ornaments were several times more exquisite than hers.
Standing beside her, the contrast was even more striking.
Seeing Madam Qin leave to attend to other matters, Su Qingyao stepped closer to Chu Ningwan, her tone dripping with mockery.
“Elder sister, I thought you would be heartbroken after what Brother Yu said yesterday.”
Chu Ningwan only glanced at her indifferently and did not respond.
Seeing her reaction, Su Qingyao’s competitive spirit flared up.
Since it was only the two of them now, and the wedding was about to begin, she felt there was no harm in being a little more brazen.
Her tone turned harsher, and the malice in her eyes was completely unhidden.
“Elder sister, did you know Brother Yu told me earlier that he would prepare two bridal sedans today?”
“One for the main wife, and one for a concubine. And since I am pregnant, guess who will be riding in the concubine’s sedan?”
“Is that so?”
Chu Ningwan replied calmly, her expression unchanged.
“I didn’t expect Young Lord Shen to be so considerate.”
Su Qingyao had been closely watching her expression the entire time, yet Chu Ningwan remained far too calm.
“Elder sister, even so, are you still going to compete with me?”
Originally, Su Qingyao had worried that Madam Shen might interfere behind the scenes.
But now things had reached this stage—the bridal procession would arrive any moment.
With so many witnesses present, even Madam Shen would have to consider the consequences before acting.
As for Chu Ningwan, if she caused any disturbance now, it would only provoke Madam Shen’s displeasure and benefit Su Qingyao’s future position in the Marquis’s Manor.
Yet despite everything she said, Chu Ningwan remained completely indifferent.
Before Su Qingyao could continue, Chu Ningwan spoke again.
“I didn’t expect Young Lord Shen to be so thoughtful—to prepare two bridal sedans for you.”
“But in that case, what exactly are you? The main wife, or a concubine?”
She sighed lightly, as if genuinely troubled.
“This is quite confusing.”
Su Qingyao’s expression froze. Her smile vanished instantly as she frowned and stared at Chu Ningwan.
“What do you mean by that?”
Chu Ningwan stepped slightly closer.
“Let me make it clear to you—those concubine sedans were prepared by Shen Yu for you.”
“You… what are you talking about?”
Su Qingyao felt a sudden unease in her heart.
“I already broke off my engagement with Shen Yu,” Chu Ningwan said slowly and calmly. “Why do you think I am still marrying him?”
“Besides, even if Father has acknowledged you as the Second Miss of the General’s Manor, it cannot change the fact that you are still the daughter of a concubine.”
“If I truly had feelings for Shen Yu, you wouldn’t even have the qualification to stand here.”
Su Qingyao’s face turned pale with shock and embarrassment.
But what disturbed her even more was Chu Ningwan’s implication.
Was she saying… she wasn’t marrying Shen Yu?
No—impossible. She must be lying on purpose.
“Shen Yu’s wedding procession has arrived!”
A cry came from afar.
Su Qingyao immediately brightened, casting a triumphant glance at Chu Ningwan.
Still pretending at a time like this.
Once she is forced into the concubine sedan by Brother Yu, she will finally understand what regret means.
“Yao’er, I’m here to marry you!”
Shen Yu appeared in a bright red wedding robe, his face full of joy and excitement, completely basking in the happiness of finally marrying his beloved.
“Brother Yu!”
Su Qingyao rushed forward without hesitation, unable to hide her delight.
Chu Ningwan stood where she was, watching the two of them embrace.
Her thoughts drifted briefly to her previous life.
Everything she once experienced now felt utterly disgusting in hindsight.
Shen Yu, still holding Su Qingyao’s hand, finally noticed Chu Ningwan.
Seeing her dressed in wedding attire, his eyes lit up briefly before he sneered.
As expected.
Looking at her arrogantly, he said,
“Chu Ningwan, I didn’t expect you to still be so deeply attached to me even after the engagement was broken.”
“Forget it. Although I no longer remember anything between us, I cannot let my mother be disappointed.”
“So today, aside from marrying Yao’er, I will also take you into the household.”
“You will, however, only enter as a concubine.”
Shen Yu lifted his chin proudly, his tone full of disdain.
Su Qingyao’s last trace of worry vanished instantly.
She stepped forward and pretended to persuade him softly.
“Brother Yu, don’t say that. Sister will be sad.”
“Yao’er, even now you’re still speaking for her.”
Shen Yu sighed.
“In the end, it’s Chu Ningwan who insists on forcing herself into my marriage.”
Chu Ningwan looked at them coldly and interrupted him.
“Are you done?”
Shen Yu’s expression darkened at being interrupted.
“Chu Ningwan, do you think I’m wrong?”
“You and Yao’er are both dressed in wedding attire today. Isn’t that because you were waiting for me? Why pretend otherwise?”
Shen Yu’s tone was filled with arrogance and certainty.
“Shen Yu.”
Chu Ningwan stepped forward and calmly called his name, taking another step closer.
But in Shen Yu’s eyes, this looked like nervous submission or an attempt to cling to him.
Before he could say anything further—
Slap!
Chu Ningwan struck him across the face.
The sharp sound echoed clearly.
At that moment, Madam Qin and Chu Zhengnan arrived with others.
Seeing the scene, everyone was stunned—except Madam Qin, whose lips curved into a faint smile.
Well done, my daughter.
That young lord from the Marquis’s Manor had gone too far.
Justified.
“Wan’er, behave yourself!” Chu Zhengnan hurried forward, trying to intervene. When he reached them, he saw a bright red handprint on Shen Yu’s face.
“Today is your wedding day with Yao’er. How can you act like this?”
Then he turned to Shen Yu.
“Young Lord Shen, are you alright? Should I have someone—”
“No need!”
Shen Yu said coldly, his face full of anger.
He had not expected Chu Ningwan to strike him on the very day of the wedding.
“I’ve long heard that Miss Chu has a rather unusual temperament. Today, I’ve truly seen it for myself.”
“But in that case, she is not fit to be my wife.”
“General Chu, according to our previous agreement, I can only allow Miss Chu to enter as a concubine.”