Chapter 150 Very Beautiful

Throughout the journey, the sounds of drums and horns filled the air, leaving Xu Ruojin’s heart in turmoil. Though she had tried to prepare everything in advance, she had forgotten to inquire about the wedding customs.

Could she eat the apple in her hand?

In the dead of winter, surely the fan she held wasn’t to ward off heat—so what was its purpose?

Embarrassing!

Xu Ruojin wore a bitter expression. She was someone who wished to arrange everything perfectly, seeking completeness, yet she was caught off guard on her own wedding day.

This would surely be a lifelong shadow!

Fortunately, Aunt Huang was with her. She planned to ask Aunt Huang later if she hesitated or was unsure about any step.

Her mind raced anxiously, forgetting the passage of time on the road.

Before long, she heard the booming firecrackers and the brightening sounds of drums and gongs.

Crowds gathered thickly along the roadside, with cheerful children darting in and out of the procession.

But no one could stop the joyous children; the maids and elderly women scattered candy and red envelopes containing two copper coins each along the roadside—an offering for safe passage.

The children scrambled to collect them, allowing the festive procession to move along more swiftly.

...

“Here we are!”

“Stop!”

The bridal sedan chair touched down, and Xu Ruojin hurriedly straightened her posture.

Outside, a cacophony of voices clamored noisily, as if many people had gathered.

Liang Xiao approached the sedan chair and lightly kicked the curtain three times. The wedding attendant promptly stepped forward, handing one end of the bright red wedding sash to Liang Xiao and the other to Xu Ruojin.

As the attendant released the curtain, she saw the bride holding the fan and apple, staring straight at her.

“Use the fan to cover your face,” the attendant said shrewdly, immediately recognizing the bride’s unfamiliarity with the custom.

Xu Ruojin quickly opened the fan to shield her face, gripping the apple in her other hand.

The attendant tied the red sash around her wrist and guided her step by step forward.

“You must step only on the mat, don’t walk too fast. When turning, be sure to stay on the mat and avoid stepping elsewhere.”

The attendant whispered reminders into her ear. Xu Ruojin responded softly, carefully following instructions.

Veiled, she could only faintly see the mat beneath her feet.

Sensing the bride’s nervousness, the attendant continued to offer constant guidance.

They finally entered the main hall, where Madam Liang sat regally in the seat of honor.

The attendant helped Xu Ruojin stand, and the master of ceremonies began reciting the traditional words.

Her head spinning, Xu Ruojin could barely recall the recitations—only hearing phrases about worshipping heaven and earth, parents, and the mutual vows of husband and wife—so she bowed respectfully.

...

At the phrase “Enter the bridal chamber,” she was led into the courtyard.

Laughter and chatter followed, accompanied by the playful teasing of those who had come along to the bridal chamber.

Xu Ruojin marveled at how vast the Liang residence courtyard was; her legs ached from the long walk.

Especially since the soles of her wedding shoes were quite high, causing sharp pain in the arches of her feet.

Two of the senior madams had already laid out the bedclothes, upon which people scattered dried fruits—peanuts and jujubes.

The crackling sounds filled the air until someone nearby said:

“That’s enough, Fourth Madam still needs to ‘sit the fortune.’ Too many scattered, it’s unsettling.”

“Master Fourth hasn’t even spoken yet, and you little miss are already trying to please the young mistress.”

“This was specially instructed by Third Miss.”

Xu Ruojin listened to the maids’ chattering but could not speak.

Liang Xiao waved his hand, signaling the maids to quiet down.

He asked the wedding attendant to cut a lock of hair from each of them, tying it into a knot and placing it in a pouch beneath the pillow.

Then he said, “If you’re hungry, have something to eat first. I’ll go attend to the guests.”

“That’s enough, everyone disperse.”

As Liang Xiao spoke, the little maids promptly withdrew.

With the room quieted and her veil still unlifted, Xu Ruojin sat cross-legged on the bed to “sit the fortune.”

At first, it was bearable, but after a while the pain grew sharp beneath her.

The ritual was not yet complete—how could she endure this posture?

Hearing footsteps approaching, she finally spoke, “Who is it?”

“I am your servant, Ning Xiang, bringing you some cakes. Master Fourth said you should eat a little first.”

Xu Ruojin nodded slightly. “Leave them here for now. Where are Chun Cao and Hong Xing?”

“They are preparing the items you will need for the evening. They will come shortly.”

“I see.”

She lightly lifted her veil, finally seeing this servant named Ning Xiang.

Her figure was ample, with a round, fair, and charming face, likely about the same age as Chun Cao and Hong Xing.

Perhaps sensing the Fourth Madam’s gaze, Ning Xiang stood upright and proper.

Chun Cao and Hong Xing entered carrying various boxes. Seeing Xu Ruojin watching, they quickly set down their loads and approached.

“Would you like something to eat?”

“Are there many things to prepare?” Xu Ruojin looked at them, seeing the sweat on their brows.

Chun Cao glanced at Ning Xiang before replying:

“There aren’t many things, but we are unfamiliar with them and need guidance from the madams and elder sisters to recognize everything. I have sent Xiao Ke with one madam to familiarize herself with the estate; she will report back soon.”

There was a hidden meaning in Chun Cao’s words, unspoken in front of outsiders.

“Where is Aunt Huang?”

Xu Ruojin asked earnestly. She had expected Aunt Huang to remain nearby but had not seen her since being helped out of the sedan chair.

“Aunt Huang is speaking with the cooks and maids in the courtyard.”

“Let’s leave it at that for today. Hong Xing is tired and should rest. Chun Cao, stay with me, and you can be relieved tomorrow.”

Xu Ruojin kept Chun Cao close, while Hong Xing agreed and left, rubbing a bump on her forehead where a money pouch had struck her. She was indeed feeling dizzy...

Ning Xiang followed to attend to other tasks.

Chun Cao immediately handed Xu Ruojin some food.

“There are many guests. Even if the master makes the rounds offering a toast at every table, it will take a long time. You should eat something first.”

“Tell Hong Xing and Aunt Huang that since you’ve just arrived, it’s best to be kind and avoid any disputes. As newcomers, don’t cause trouble.”

Xu Ruojin sensed the atmosphere had been somewhat off and offered this reminder in advance.

“There was no trouble at all,” Chun Cao’s face darkened slightly. “It’s hard to explain. Upon entering the estate, we were led to this courtyard, then the madams took us all over to busy ourselves—some learning the layout, some setting up the small kitchen, Yang Tao went to the main kitchen and back rooms, while Hong Xing and I prepared the items for your evening use.”

“Everything was explained clearly in advance, so we didn’t need to ask much or say anything more. It’s just... it all feels very unfamiliar.”

Xu Ruojin exhaled deeply. She knew she could not expect the Liang household to warmly welcome her and her attendants.

If Madam Liang disliked her, how could the servants show any friendliness?

“Let’s take it slow. We have a long life ahead.”

Chun Cao agreed without further comment.

After eating two pieces of cake, Xu Ruojin resumed sitting the fortune on the bed.

As dusk fell, the noise outside continued unabated.

Suddenly, a louder commotion arose, and she saw people stumbling in, supporting Liang Xiao into the room.

Xu Ruojin hastily lowered her veil as someone at the door shouted:

“Hurry and lift the bride’s veil so we can see her!”

“Yes, I heard she’s a great beauty.”

“And you personally fished her out of the water, then brought her straight home...”

“Ha ha ha...”

Before Xu Ruojin could silently curse the venomous remarks, her eyes suddenly brightened.

Liang Xiao looked up directly at her. His gray eyes showed mild surprise, a faint smile curling his lips.

“Very beautiful.”