Chapter 9: Marrying Him

◎Vibrant Crimson Attire◎

After lunch, Yu Lian had no time to idle away the afternoon.

Having spent a long time in the professional world, she knew one thing well: before any action, provisions must come first. This applied to both battles and leaving home – wealth was always paramount.

She locked herself in her room, counting her dowry.

Ever since the engagement two years ago, the original owner's family had been preparing her dowry, which had since been augmented with various items. The major pieces were stored in the warehouse, locked away by her mother, but the silver banknotes were kept in her own chest, pressed beneath her embroidered wedding dress.

She was about to stage a grand drama and sever ties with her family. It would be neither convenient nor appropriate to parade her dowry openly. Thus, carrying the silver notes was the most suitable option.

Given the urgency of the situation, it wasn't fitting to send someone to sell off possessions.

Yu Lian carefully selected some valuable and attractive jewelry, filling a small box with them. She then placed two thousand taels of silver notes into the inner pocket of her clothing, securing it tightly to prevent loss.

Based on current prices, one tael of silver could buy a bundle of rice. Assuming the daily sustenance level for an ordinary citizen was a hundred copper coins, these two thousand taels would sustain her for twenty thousand days, or fifty-four years, if she lived alone.

Yu Lian reckoned that given the average lifespan back then, this sum was sufficient for her to live comfortably until the end of her days.

Of course, this was assuming there were no additional expenses. If she were to purchase property, two thousand taels wouldn't go very far.

According to local custom, good fortune came in pairs. For ordinary families, a daughter's dowry might consist of as little as two taels or two hundred or two thousand copper coins. For the nobility, it could range from two hundred to two thousand taels, while the most elite families would bestow twenty thousand taels.

This was the norm.

On the wedding day, elders from the family would contribute additional funds as a final touch to the dowry. This was typically the highlight, often resulting in a multiplication of the initial sum in silver notes.

Unfortunately, Yu Lian wasn't so fortunate. If she could avoid infuriating the elder matriarch tomorrow, that would be an accomplishment in itself. The thought of a dowry was out of the question.

Yet rather than spending the rest of her life engaging in domestic feuds with a man and his harem, she would prefer to forego these dowry riches, clutching instead two thousand taels of silver, and escape to live a carefree and unbounded existence far from the palace intrigue.

Under such circumstances, she couldn't embark on this journey alone. Her former betrothed's family was the ideal partner for shared living and her best source of protection.

As the saying goes, "A mountain need not be high if it is home to immortals." Similarly, "A marriage need not be perfect if it provides a home!"

After packing a few sets of clothes and shoes, she found the bundle surprisingly light.

That evening, during the family dinner, Yu Lian conversed with her father and younger brother. She particularly pulled her brother aside for a serious talk. Children weren't as perceptive, and after listening, he simply said he understood and asked his sister for candy. At his age, he was losing his baby teeth, so his parents forbade him from eating sweets.

Knowing that she would depart the next day, Yu Lian secretly stuffed his pockets with candies, instructing him to save them and savor them slowly. Finally, she patted his cheek, reminding him to take good care of their parents and not to misbehave.

Before leaving her parents' courtyard, she turned back for a glance, smiled, and then departed.

Should she have transmigrated into a younger version of the original owner and been able to remain at home without all these intricacies, she would have been more than willing to become a genuine part of this family, living together harmoniously with them.

In the end, fate had other plans.

Yu Lian strolled back to her courtyard at a leisurely pace. She stood before the entrance, gazing at the moon and taking two deep breaths before retiring to her room for the night.

Tomorrow, it would all begin.

The course of her future life would depend on how she performed the next day.

The following morning, Yu Lian proceeded as usual to pay her respects to the matriarch in her courtyard. Amidst a barrage of veiled taunts and ridicule from her fellow sisters, she maintained a composed smile and gracefully endured the ritual with humility.

The execution of her former fiancé was scheduled for the third hour of noon; typically, he would be escorted from the prison an hour beforehand, traversing nearly half the capital on the route to the execution ground.

Yu Lian calculated the time precisely. At the appointed moment, she sat before a bronze mirror, inserting a small white flower on one side of her hair and a crimson phoenix-shaped hairpin on the other.

The stark contrast between red and white was striking.

Applying a crimson tint to her lips, she wore a vibrant red wedding dress. Despite the oddity of the white blossom atop her head, her face's beauty remained impeccable.

She blinked, and a tear rolled down her cheek.

A subtle curve graced her lips as she lifted her skirt and stepped out with a small bundle in tow.

By now, her betrothed should have been paraded through the streets in chains, awaiting execution.

The day was unusually sunny, and the capital city bustled with activity.

It had been over a month since the new emperor ascended the throne and granted amnesty to the world. Yet, Hua Ji, the former heir of the East Yuan Marquis, was the sole exception. Sentenced to death, he was also the first to lose his head under the new reign. His execution day was a sensation throughout the city; virtually every idle citizen flocked to witness the spectacle.

Hua Ji, the erstwhile renowned heir of the East Yuan Marquis, was known far and wide. Even illiterate commoners in the capital had heard tales of his exceptional brilliance. From an early age, he displayed extraordinary talent in both literature and martial arts, outshining all his peers. He was a nightmare for the privileged children of the city, a constant reminder of their parents' aspirations for them.

Not only was he exceptionally talented, his conduct and speech were equally commendable, and his appearance was unparalleled, resembling a graceful orchid or a noble cypress tree, earning him countless admirers.

Scholars often lamented, "Such a refined gentleman, Hua Ji, with a tenth of the world's talent, he possesses eight parts."

Born into an illustrious family, endowed with prodigious talent, and incomparably handsome, he had garnered praise from prominent scholars since childhood. Upon entering the imperial court, he swiftly gained influence, becoming a trusted confidant of the former emperor. In concert with his father, they held sway over the realm, both in literary and martial affairs.

Before the calamity befell the East Yuan Marquis's residence, he was universally regarded as a brilliant luminary with limitless potential, a revered figure to the common folk. Now, however, he was shackled within a prison cart, clad in the ashen garb of a condemned man, publicly paraded through the city in humiliation.

For the common people, this was their first encounter with someone who had previously existed only in legends. Hence, upon hearing that it was the day of the East Yuan Marquis's heir's execution, they flocked in groups to witness the spectacle.

Curiosity piqued, one wondered – who was this East Yuan Marquis's heir? Was he truly as captivating and enigmatic as rumored?

And how would this heavenly-born noble, having fallen from grace, react to his current predicament?

"Here it comes! The execution cart is arriving!

As the carriage trudged along, vast crowds of commoners lined the streets, following closely, voicing their concerns, and engaging in heated discussions.

In the midst of the commotion, a figure stood within the dilapidated blood-stained cart, amidst the throngs of people.

Dressed in the executioner's attire, which was originally white but now stained a dull gray from dirt, his sleeves and the chest area on his back bore streaks of blood, clearly indicating prior torture.

Yet, he stood tall and straight, his phoenix-like eyes gazing ahead. Unperturbed by the surrounding crowd's whispers and gazes, he remained motionless.

Despite his current plight, the elegance and demeanor exuding from him were those of a refined gentleman.

His extraordinary beauty captivated onlookers, drawing a barrage of flowers and handkerchiefs thrown at him by young wives, even aunts and maidens, accompanied by excited screams.

One might mistake this scene for the procession of a noble prince or aristocrat.

The soldiers in charge of the escort couldn't help but smile; the name Hua Ji, son of the East Yuan Marquis, had long been ingrained in the hearts of the people.

The assembled crowd soon realized that the Prince of East Yuan was not the only one to be punished that day. Following behind were two more prison carts, upon which stood a man of middle age and a younger one. The younger individual appeared to be around the same age as the Prince of East Yuan and bore a striking resemblance to the older man, suggesting a father-son relationship.

Soon someone with knowledge of the matter told the common people, "My cousin who is an official in the Yamen said that the father and son were corrupt officials. He and his son were the former Ministers of the Ministry of Revenue. After the current emperor ascended the throne, someone exposed the father and son to him. According to theAs a rule, greed will not be forgiven, so today I will be executed together with Dongyuan Hou Shizi, so it’s good that we can go on the road together, so we won’t be alone on the road to hell.”

"Hahaha, my good friend, you speak wisely!"

"Corrupt officials pilfer the Emperor's wealth, they plunder the hard-earned money of ordinary folk. How can they be compared to the heir of East Yuan Marquis? They are not worthy to even hold his shoes! I advise all of you not to worry yourselves with matters beyond your station while enjoying meals at others' expense."

"Do you see the slightest hint of misery or loneliness in the East Yuan Marquis's heir? In my eyes, he possesses profound depths and grandeur, qualities beyond our common understanding."

"Nonsense! No matter how extraordinary or noble one is, their head will still roll today. Do you think Yama, the king of the underworld, would reattach your head and grant you a second chance just because you were once of high status?"

The man in the prison cart had been trained in martial arts since childhood, with keen senses and sharp hearing. Upon catching these words, the corners of his lips lifted slightly, a hint of amusement glinting in his dark, starry eyes.

Yet, his demeanor was as cold as frost, exuding a murderous aura.

While the cart was still far from the execution ground, a major incident occurred at the Duke's residence!

Yu Lian's unconventional exit had already alarmed the servants along the way. Her personal maid, startled, chased after her, asking why she was dressed like this.

Yu Lian hurriedly walked out, holding up the hem of her bright red dress. The servants of the Duke's residence whispered and gossiped, all assuming that the sixth miss had lost her mind!

Why would she wear a wedding gown if she wasn't mad?

The commotion quickly drew the attention of all the masters of the Wei Duke's residence.

Supported by her two daughters-in-law, the matriarch rushed over, followed by a group of young misses and concubines. Even the young masters studying in the front courtyard were startled, promptly rushing to see what was happening.

The elderly lady cried out for Yu Lian to stop, demanding an explanation for this bizarre situation!

"In the bright daylight, why are you behaving so wildly, Yu Lian? If you don't stop and give your grandmother an explanation, I'll severely punish you!"

As she shouted, she called for maidservants and nurses to restrain Yu Lian.

However, Yu Lian's steps were swift, and for a moment, no one could catch her. It was only the old lady's fault for arriving too late; it was now too late to stop her.

At this moment, Yu Lian's mother, Third Lady Yu, rushed over with her youngest son. Seeing her daughter in such a state, she nearly fainted from shock. What on earth was she doing?

"Yu Lian, Yu Lian..."

Panicked, she could only whisper soothingly, "Stop quickly, don't let Mother and your grandmother worry."

Yu Lian didn't turn back. With reddened eyes, she walked to the main entrance and stood on the steps. Facing everyone in the mansion, she lifted her head high and straightened her chest. Her bright red wedding dress accentuated her snow-white skin, making her look like a goddess. She bowed deeply three times to everyone, then turned to face the old lady and knelt down heavily.

With tear-filled eyes, she looked up and declared loudly, "Grandmother, I have long been smitten with my betrothed, Hua Ji. Since our engagement, I have secretly rejoiced every day. I had hoped to enter his family and marry him as his wife by this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, to spend our lives together. But who could have foreseen this accident? Ever since my husband was imprisoned, I've tossed and turned through each night, suffering bitterly. Yet, I was forced to distance myself from him, doing all sorts of heartless things that deeply wounded him. Today is the day of my husband Hua Ji's execution. After much thought and unbearable pain, I cannot bear to part from him, to let go. I wish to join him in death!"

"However, while my husband departs, his family, with their elders, women, and children, remain embroiled in strife. I have already broken his heart; therefore, I shall marry into his family today, becoming his wife! I will help care for his family, so he may rest in peace beneath the earth..."

As she spoke, tears trickled down her cheeks like dewdrops, painting her peerlessly beautiful face with a galaxy of stars. The onlookers were momentarily transfixed, none daring to intervene or reprimand her.

Her affection was so profound, and her determination so unwavering!

Yu Lian cupped her hands before her forehead and bowed deeply, pounding the ground three times without hesitation. Despite her hand shielding her brow, her delicate skin still flushed red from the impact.

"Grandmother, Father, Mother, please fulfill my heart's desire. He is about to leave. If Lian'er cannot wed him today, I would rather take my own life here and now, to be with him!"

The servants were stunned. Sixth Miss... was such a devoted lover?

They had misunderstood her all along.

Turned out, the young lady's apparent indifference was born of love, and her inability to be indifferent was also due to love. That's why after the heir of the East Yuan Marquis suffered his misfortune, she had humiliated him, hoping to forget him but failing to do so.

With the East Yuan Marquis heir facing execution today, she could not bear to be indifferent. Thus, she donned her wedding attire, resolutely left home, and married him.

The matriarch was so enraged that she nearly fainted on the spot. She shouldn't have trusted this girl. She should have confined her in her chamber the moment she showed that notion, not allowing her to step out even an inch!

She wouldn't have let this girl degrade herself or act recklessly!

She pointed at Yu Lian, her fingers trembling with shock and anger. "Do you know what you're doing, Sixth Sister? You want to marry a dying man? You're so young, and from the House of a Duke. You're going to be a common widow?!"

"Kneel and apologize to me, then go to your room for reflection. Kneel in the small shrine for seven days. Only when you realize your mistake can you come out!"

As she spoke, she instructed her servants to seize Yu Lian.

Tears streamed down Yu Lian's face again. She gazed imploringly at her grandmother and mother.

"Grandmother, Mother, if you don't let me marry today, I won't be able to live after this day. Even if you confine me, what can you do? If one is determined to die, there are countless ways!"

"Today, before all our elders, siblings, and parents, I, Lian'er, kneel to apologize. When Father returns home, please tell him on my behalf that it's Lian'er who has wronged you. I've left a letter for Father, on the desk in his study."

With that, she waved her hand. A rooster, seemingly appearing out of nowhere, crowed loudly as it strutted over with its non-functional wings. Yu Lian picked up the rooster and walked out without looking back.

Seeing this scene, the servants, somehow touched, suddenly found it amusing but dared not laugh. They could only suppress their laughter, shaking their shoulders uncontrollably.

At the entrance, Yu Lian stood, her eyes on the gatekeepers. They didn't dare move, for they couldn't open the door for the sixth miss without the old madam's permission.

Holding the rooster with one hand, Yu Lian used the other to push one side of the gate open. Unsatisfied with the look, she pulled the other side open as well, which proved quite heavy. She almost lost her composure as the devoted and desperate lover.

As the grand gates swung open, a crowd of onlookers had already gathered outside. The commotion from the Duke's residence was so loud that even passersby on the other side of the high walls could hear it. Yu Lian had deliberately spoken loudly, and with the unbarred walls, it was easy for others to overhear.

Upon seeing the gates part, a goddess-like beauty stood at the entrance, dressed in a vibrant red wedding gown. Her eyes were slightly reddened, indicating recent tears, and her voice held a hint of hoarseness. She stood tall at the entrance before stepping out and kneeling once more towards the inner courtyard.

This time, she didn't use the back of her hand to touch her forehead but instead struck the ground with her actual head.

After three solid knocks, she lifted her head.

Yu Lian's mother, Third Lady Yu, was already weeping uncontrollably. Seeing her daughter's swollen and bleeding forehead, she couldn't help but cry out, calling her daughter by her pet name, "Lian'er."

Why must she endure this? Why must she suffer like this?

If she liked Hua Ji, why didn't she confide in her mother? Even if she couldn't help, she didn't wish to see her daughter go through such torment. Since ancient times, great wisdom often brings pain, and deep emotions don't guarantee longevity. For her daughter to keep it all locked up inside for so long without revealing a single word showed just how much pain and suffering she was enduring.

If not for that damned husband-to-be's execution today, she might still be bottling it all up, too scared to speak, unable to speak.

No wonder she had been evading marriage these past few days, saying neither humble nor noble families suited her. She had wondered why her daughter was suddenly so picky when she had never expressed concern about concubines before. Now, it was clear that her heart was already taken, leaving no room for anyone else.

The more she thought, the more her mother's heart ached. Poor child, she was neither the lady of the house nor held an imperial title, thus having no say in family matters. She could not intervene on her daughter's behalf except by allowing such an extreme measure for her to marry her beloved and escape her grandmother's arranged marriage.

As Lady Yu the Third wept for her daughter, Yu Lian, with a hoarse yet resolute voice, declared, "Grandmother, I sever ties with Father and Mother, as well as with the Wei Duke's residence, today. Grandson is neither loyal nor filial, and I am deeply ashamed."

After saying this, she bowed in respect, then rose and turned to bow again towards the outside. By now, the entrance of the Wei Duke's mansion was surrounded by a crowd, all eager to witness the spectacle. There were passersby, street vendors, and even servants and stewards from neighboring prominent households who had come to watch.

On this rare occasion of the East Yuan Marquis's heir being put to death, most people had flocked to witness the spectacle, and yet a considerable crowd had still gathered here. As Yu Lian turned around, a gasp of astonishment rippled through the onlookers.

A single crimson droplet of blood trickled down from her forehead, while a teardrop of transparency rolled down her cheek. Adorned with a white pearl flower on one side of her head and a red pomegranate hairpin on the other, she appeared to be a picture of contrasts - one side pure as snow, the other deep as rubies. This dichotomy evoked an inexplicable sense of pity and awe.

Bowing to the crowd, Yu Lian rose and declared in a loud voice, "Today, before all of you, I, Yu Lian, sever my ties with the Wei Duke's residence. Any actions I take from this day forward will have no connection to the Wei Duke's household! I implore you, in pity for my husband-to-be who is about to meet his end, bear witness to this."

The spectators hurriedly waved their hands, urging her not to kneel anymore.

A weeping elderly woman said, "Good child, don't cry anymore, and please don't kneel. The sorrow of a lovesick soul is the most profound. In my long life, I've never seen a woman as deeply emotional and resolute as you. My dear child, you've endured too much...” Being betrothed to one's beloved was a joyous matter, but to have tragedy befall her fiancé just before their marriage, forcing her to endure such pain and, on the day of his execution, join his family in such a decisive manner - how heartbreaking, how profoundly moving!

The elderly lady was so moved that tears streamed down her face, rendering her unable to continue her words, save for repeatedly urging the girl not to kneel anymore.

The other onlookers, too, were deeply affected and chimed in with comforting words, vowing to bear witness to this scene.

Yu Lian offered a gentle smile.

She stood up and, gazing in the direction of the Duke's residence where her grandmother and mother were, said, "My husband is set to face the execution ground today. He is still young, leaving behind a family of the aged, women, and children. I, Lian'er, feel the pain acutely, and thus, I bid farewell to my grandmother, mother, and all my elders and siblings!"

With that, she embraced the rooster and descended the steps without looking back.

Her vibrant red attire contrasted beautifully with her unparalleled beauty.

The only anomaly was the chirping rooster in her arms.

The onlookers instinctively cleared a path for her.