Chapter 92 (1/2): A Wedding Worth Remembering for a Lifetime

Just as her name suggests.

Chunqiao possessed an exceptionally skillful pair of hands.

I looked at the girl in the mirror—her aura was worlds apart from before.

My cheeks had always retained some baby fat, which once made me appear more charming.

But now, under Chunqiao’s makeup, the cute impression was drastically diminished, and my features appeared far more mature.

Liu Yaotao was radiant.

Like peach blossoms in full bloom on the branch—vivid and dazzling.

Beauty can be described in countless ways, and it’s not necessarily about comparing who is superior in different domains.

This kind of makeup, I thought, was far more fitting for a wedding day.

A beauty that was immediately noticeable—stunning and lively in appearance.

“Miss, don’t move. I’ll put some blush on your cheeks.”

5:55 AM.

After nearly a month, there wasn’t a trace of dawn in the sky yet.

The room was filled with the scent of celebration; in the dim yellow corner light, the girl’s delicate profile was illuminated.

She wore a luxurious crimson wedding gown that trailed across the spotless floor.

She looked like the most radiant sunset glow at the edge of the horizon—about to release a final dazzling burst before sinking behind the mountaintop.

The phoenix embroidered in golden threads seemed ready to take flight, or perhaps like the eternal sun perched atop the peak, everlasting.

“Miss, you feel so cold, like you have no temperature at all. Is this wedding dress too thin? Should I put another layer underneath? The day is still long; you can’t catch a cold.”

Late December’s climate was only a few degrees in the early morning.

Pinching the thin layers of the gown, it was indeed not very warm to look at.

“No need.” I slowly lifted my wide sleeve, revealing a slender, snow-white wrist. “Put a piece of jewelry on this wrist as well.”

“Eh!” Chunqiao replied crisply, reaching into my jewelry box to take out a bracelet that looked like jade, gently placing it on my left hand.

The bracelet shimmered with a special hue under the light, as if fresh blood were flowing within.

I paused for a moment, staring at my pale wrist, then shook my head. “Take it off. It doesn’t look good.”

For an event that happens once in a lifetime, I remained calm on the surface.

But the constant worry that I hadn’t done everything perfectly betrayed the anxiety and nervousness inside me.

I couldn’t move much now and had to rely on my maid’s help.

Chunqiao removed the bracelet. “Miss, it’s off.”

I looked at the jewelry box ahead, filled with rare and exquisite pieces that could easily capture anyone’s attention—but I still wasn’t satisfied with any of them.

“Go check the Treasure Storage to see if there’s anything more precious.”

“I wear these pieces every day. On my wedding day, I want to wear something different.”

“Miss, please wait a moment. I’ll go search the Treasure Storage.”

The dowry had already been taken out in advance from the Treasure Storage, nearly filling the entire hallway of the residence like a winding little snake.

The first chest had long been placed in front of the main gate.

The strong men tasked with carrying the chests were eating a hearty breakfast in the kitchen.

The residence I lived in wasn’t too far from the Su Residence.

Each chest was heavily packed, and carrying them all in one go was no easy task.

Thanks to generous tips, the burly men showed no signs of fatigue; instead, they chatted excitedly about how much extra money they were getting and how generous the hosts were, immersed in their joy.

On the family’s wedding day, all the servants naturally enjoyed sharing in the happiness.

Chunqiao held the key that could unlock the Treasure Storage’s seals and cautiously opened the door by herself.

Countless defensive arrays inside emitted faint light from the intricate patterns.

The remaining dowry treasures and wedding gifts from others were mainly stored deep inside the Treasure Storage.

The Su family had many relatives and old friends.

My standing, in terms of titles, should belong to the bride’s family side.

Although I didn’t know many people, many of Su’s relations sent gifts along with their blessings.

There were many kinds and quantities of gifts.

In these past two days, besides learning the customs, I had been counting who had given what, so I could return gifts of similar value when needed.

As for—

Whether I’d ever have the chance to return such favors, I thought the probability was low.

I didn’t like the environment of the Su family residence—it carried an intangible pressure I couldn’t quite express.

After marrying, I probably wouldn’t live permanently in this courtyard, so there would be little opportunity to continue interacting with relatives and old friends.

Wait—

My thoughts paused for a moment. Maybe? I could stay until Zhizhi was born, then leave the Su family?

But that thought was dismissed the moment it formed.

Forget it.

Returning to a modern lifestyle suited me better.

Dealing with people whose mindset remained stuck in ancient times made me feel like my brain would turn rigid over time.

I was already quite influenced by the Su family.

I really didn’t want my whole life to live in the shadow of the Su family.

Right or wrong, I didn’t want to judge anymore.

If I could leave, I certainly wouldn’t hesitate.

“Miss, I picked three fairly good pieces from the most precious jewelry deep in the Treasure Storage.

One is a string of heavenly beads from the Southern Sea. Wearing them long-term can nourish the body—especially suitable for girls with a cold womb constitution.

There’s also a seven-colored fairy cord sent from Kunlun Mountain and a crescent moon stone bracelet from the Xuan sect.

This crescent moon stone bracelet is an artifact that can defend against a full-strength attack from a Benwo-level expert—an extremely rare treasure.”

Chunqiao returned quickly, placing the items neatly on the table.

I looked at the items arranged in a row and hesitated before choosing the first—the heavenly beads.

I had always had a cold womb constitution.

People who knew about that condition said menstrual pain would be severe.

I hadn’t experienced menstrual cramps before, but it couldn’t have been pleasant.

If I could start regulating my body earlier, I certainly didn’t want to miss the chance.

Besides, the beads weren’t unattractive in appearance.

“Just the first one, then.” I closed my tired eyes.

Like a puppet, I had been sitting still for so long, allowing the maid to repeatedly adjust and adorn me.

Coupled with having slept only a few hours, I was already somewhat drowsy but forcing myself to stay awake.

The formal time to receive the bridegroom was 8 o’clock.

I didn’t want Su Liumeng to see me looking tired.

In my heart, I went over the steps I’d have to experience today.

The red veil (hong gaitou) was an evolution of the ancient practice of hiding the face with a fan, replaced by a completely opaque red veil that the spouse would personally lift on the wedding night.

“Miss, why don’t you take a quick nap? When the young lady arrives, I’ll wake you.”

Chunqiao looked at my drowsy expression with pain in her heart.

I slowly lifted my eyes. “I’ve spent half the time putting on makeup, and I’ve worn this headdress for half an hour already.

Where could I possibly lie down to rest? If it gets messed up, I’d only be more flustered.

I’ll endure for now.”

7:57 AM.

I was already sitting upright on the crimson quilted bed, hands lightly resting in the most comfortable place.

Outside, suddenly, the clamor of gongs and drums rang out.

Even through several walls, the sharp sound of the suona horn could be heard.

Chunqiao glanced outside and excitedly said to me, “They’re here. The young lady has arrived.”

“Miss, hurry, cover the veil. The people will be here any moment.”

Due to the rules observed by the Su family, Su Liumeng was standing at the main gate of the wide-open courtyard, hesitating whether to enter and personally fetch her beloved.

Today, she was also dressed in a bright red gown.

However, the pattern was of nine golden dragons intertwined with each other.

The girl’s figure was tall and slender, with a cold beauty reminiscent of a high mountain snow lotus, somewhat softened by the red wedding color.

…

On the bed.

As the red veil covered me, my vision darkened, leaving only a layer of deep red translucent cloth.

“Chunqiao, come closer.”

“Help me out. Don’t let Su Liumeng come in to get me.”

I tried to stand up from the bed, startling Chunqiao.

“Miss!”

“I’m fine.”

I had already firmly planted my feet on the floor.

The shoes I wore today weren’t exactly suited for walking either.

Chunqiao immediately held my arm and guided me toward the door.

The servants carrying the dowry had already started moving.

Before the bridal sedan chair arrived, they had already set off.

I was to be taken to the Su Residence, and the dowry would be placed in the Treasure Storage there.

The person responsible for registration was another trusted aide Su Liumeng had assigned, who was already arranging personnel within the Su family.

The swaying hair accessories drooped beneath the veil.

Chunqiao’s pace wasn’t fast; she matched my condition, knowing I was essentially moving step by step.

Suddenly, the red glow before my eyes dimmed, and a shadow appeared abruptly.

“Da, young lady!”

Chunqiao bowed her head slightly, thinking, Today’s young lady is also very beautiful—truly dazzling.

This was—no less attractive than me.

In a sense, the two were overly well-matched.

“Leave it to me.”

Chunqiao released her grip on my arm.

My soft, boneless little hand was naturally clasped.

When the familiar fragrance reached my nose, my first impulse was to throw myself into her arms, excited yet aggrieved, to tell her everything that had happened these past days.

But I couldn’t.

I forced myself to hold back and simply asked calmly, “Shouldn’t you be waiting outside the door?”

Su Liumeng looked at the seemingly composed girl before her, impatient to lift the red veil and see just how beautiful she was today.

“I wanted to see you sooner, so I came in alone.”

A smile involuntarily tugged at the corner of my lips. I teased, “Always the chatterbox. Hurry up and go outside. Don’t keep the sedan bearers waiting too long.”

Hearing that I still cared about the servants, Su Liumeng’s heart twisted with a bit of sour jealousy.

“You care about others but never about me…”

I burst out laughing like a clear echo in an empty valley, “Alright, there’s plenty of time tonight to care for you. Isn’t that putting you in the most important spot?”

“Baby, are you tired?” Su Liumeng asked.

I slowly shook my head, which was all the answer she needed.

Hearing those two words “tonight,” Su Liumeng could no longer contain her excitement.

Just thinking about finally lifting the red veil on our wedding night made her wish the evening would come immediately.

Su Liumeng’s palm was warm.

Completely different from when Chunqiao was holding me.

I could see nothing ahead.

But as I held onto that gentle hand, all my panic was replaced by calm.

Married to Su Liumeng—Miss Su.

I thought—I should be happy.

Deep within my mind, Sizhiruo had remained silent, not disturbing me.

She handed over all the scenes to this couple, quietly resting her little chin in her hands, enthusiastically watching everything outside.

As the only daughter of her mother, growing inside Sizhiyan’s womb, she had experienced the entire wedding ceremony with her mother, giving Sizhiruo a novel experience and a faint smile of joy on her small face.

Hmph~

Mother was finally married.

They had consummated their union.

As the sole witness to their gradual romance and marriage, Sizhiruo didn’t particularly dislike Su Liumeng.

Otherwise, she would have stopped Sizhiyan from marrying her long ago.

Her sharp words toward Su Liumeng were mostly the possessiveness of a daughter.

Who wants her mother’s love divided?

Besides that, she actually thought Su Liumeng was quite decent, having done everything within her power.

In front of the sedan chair.

Su Liumeng’s gentle voice echoed softly in my ear.

“Baby, put your hand up. I’ll carry you.”

My gaze remained steady as I muttered more quietly, “Can’t you just pick me up?”

“Nope.”

Behind us, Chunqiao followed closely, holding up my long wedding dress train to prevent it from dragging on the ground and getting dirty.

I blinked gently, cooperating by placing my arm over hers.

Feeling the sudden lift, the shame of having my bottom held made my face flush bright red.

It was the first time in my life someone had carried me like this.

Su Liumeng was careful—not pressing against my belly, just pretending to carry me.

Even so, I was terribly embarrassed.

From today on, I was married to Su Liumeng.

Completely different from before.

I—was already hers.

Being carried once was nothing; in the future… even more embarrassing things would become commonplace.

Thinking this made my cheeks, already blushed with powder, glow even more stunningly.

Luckily, Su Liumeng couldn’t see my face—or she’d surely tease me mercilessly.

The red veil was also a profound magical item, blocking others’ divine perception from peeking.

Otherwise, if everyone used divine sight to secretly look at the bride, what meaning would the wedding ceremony have?

There were many more steps originally.

For example, when boarding the sedan chair, there would be the ritual of the Su family matchmaker urging three times while the bride pretended to refuse.

Before getting in, the bride had to sit on her mother’s lap and be fed a bite of the “going up the sedan chair” meal, symbolizing not forgetting the grace of birth and upbringing.

Then came the crying-on-the-sedan-chair ritual, signifying the bride’s family’s reluctance to part.

There were also rules about the path the chair would take, with brothers of the family escorting along—symbolizing the send-off.

Even halfway back, there were strict requirements for what had to be brought.

Su Liumeng had helped me skip many cumbersome steps.

First, I was an orphan with only Zhizhi and me in the family.

Even if I wanted to perform all rituals, it was impossible.

Second, Su Liumeng was worried about my exhaustion and insisted on leaving only the more interesting parts.