Chapter 84

Chapter 85: The Wedding (Part 2)

Early the next morning, matriarch and Madam Zhang, wife of the Chief Clerk of the Court of State Ceremonial, walked in with smiles on their faces.

Qiu Ju quickly presented two red envelopes to Madam Zhang.

Amber and the other maids were to accompany Eleven Miss to the Xu family's residence in the matron of honor's carriage today, so they also needed to dress up. Thus, Qiu Ju and Xinglin, the matriarch's maid, were left to manage Eleven Miss's room.

Madam Zhang accepted the envelopes with a smile and congratulated Eleven Miss. Eleven Miss was then assisted by Dongqing in bathing. When she came out, she overheard Madam Zhang saying, "...First, the eldest son became a Hanlin scholar, then Fifth Miss married a provincial graduate, Tenth Miss married the heir to a noble family, and now Eleven Miss is to wed the Yongping Marquis. This year has truly been a fortunate one!"

Matriarch beamed, "Thank you for your kind words, thank you for your kind words."

It truly fit the saying that outsiders only see the excitement!

Eleven Miss sat before the mirror, her emotions in turmoil, allowing Madam Zhang to comb her hair and adorn it with hairpins. Qiu Ju and Xinglin helped Eleven Miss change into her bright red wedding dress, then draped a pink silk handkerchief over her shoulders. Madam Zhang stepped forward to apply her makeup.

Soon, she was ready.

Eleven Miss looked at her reflection in the mirror. Her snow-white face, arched eyebrows, and small cherry-like lips, though transformed, looked like a lucky doll, very festive.

Thinking of how Fifth Miss had been dressed the same way when she got married, she realized this was the conventional bridal makeup and couldn't help but smile.

The kitchen then served the meal.

Eleven Miss, emulating Fifth Miss's wedding ritual, took a large mouthful of food and then spat it onto the red paper held by Madam Zhang—Madam Zhang would divide the spat-out food into two halves, one to be placed on the Luo family's rice cabinet and the other to be taken back by the Xu family's matron of honor and placed on the Xu family's rice cabinet.

What was the meaning behind this custom?

As she pondered, the second wife, third wife, Fourth Miss, and Fifth Miss, each flanked by their maids, entered.

Matriarch promptly invited them to sit.

Qiu Ju and Xinglin bustled about serving tea and water.

As they sat down, Fourth Miss looked at Eleven Miss and smiled, "You look so beautiful today!"

Eleven Miss smiled slightly and asked Fifth Miss, "Why isn't Tenth Sister here?"

Fifth Miss pursed her lips, "Mother sent someone to fetch her yesterday. Wang Lang claimed he was busy and only arrived late, just as the banquet began. Tenth Miss didn't come at all. When Mother asked, Wang Lang just said Tenth Miss wasn't feeling well. When pressed further, he became a bit impatient. With so many guests at home, Mother couldn't very well keep pressing him, could she?"

Eleven Miss felt a bit worried upon hearing this.

She hoped Tenth Miss was merely throwing a tantrum and not in any real trouble...

Then a young maid came to report, "The banquet is about to begin!"

Matriarch led everyone to their seats.

Qiu Ju brought a blue-and-white porcelain box filled with ginseng slices, "Miss, would you like to take a piece?"

Perhaps fearing that she might need to use the restroom during the wedding ceremony, Eleven Miss had not eaten or drunk anything since morning, and matriarch only allowed Qiu Ju to give her ginseng slices to hold in her mouth.

Eleven Miss shook her head, "No need. I'm not hungry!"

Having lived two lives, this was her first time as a bride... She felt a bit nervous.

"Did you pack my copy of 'The Nine Regions of Da Zhou'? I'd like to take a look."

Qiu Ju could sense that Eleven Miss was a bit tense and quickly went to fetch the book.

Eleven Miss leaned against the window on the heated brick bed, reading a book.

But her heart felt restless; though she held the book, she couldn’t read a single word.

She set the book aside, bored, only to pick it up again.

This continued for half a day, and by then, the banquet outside had ended.

Some people stayed in the main courtyard to watch the excitement, while others came to sit in Eleven Miss’s room.

The bridal procession arrived.

The third wife of the Luo family quickly grabbed Luo Zhenkai with one hand and Luo Zhenyu with the other: "You two stay right here and don’t cause any trouble."

Although no one had held them accountable for the last incident, the thought of Ten Miss’s situation at that time made them feel uneasy. They had become much more obedient.

Amid the crackling of firecrackers, Luo Zhenxing and the others symbolically requested red envelopes and then opened the door.

Lord Xu, dressed in a magnificent red wedding robe, walked in calmly.

Behind him followed two young men with respectful yet commanding demeanors.

Yu Yiqing was startled and exclaimed, "Prince Shun, General Fan!"

Qian Ming trembled all over.

Prince Shun’s father was the previous emperor’s younger brother, making Prince Shun the current emperor’s cousin—a true descendant of the imperial family, in charge of the Imperial Household Department. General Fan, named Fan Weigang, was originally the emperor’s personal guard, had once followed Lord Xu to quell the Miao rebellion, and was now a third-rank military officer—the Xuantong General.

Fan Weigang grinned and said, "Today, we’re here for the wedding, not as Prince Shun or General Fan!"

Luo Zhenxing murmured uneasily, "This... this isn’t proper..."

Lord Xu asked him, "Are you adjusting to the Hanlin Academy?"

Luo Zhenxing replied respectfully, "I’ve gained much knowledge."

Lord Xu nodded slightly and said, "Minister Zhou and Minister Hu are both learned scholars. Being able to attend their lectures is both a rare opportunity and a fortunate connection..."

Someone nearby chuckled, "Lord Xu, today is your wedding day. Perhaps you could save the lectures for another day?"

Both Prince Shun and Fan Weigang laughed.

Fan Weigang clapped the man on the shoulder, "Brother, may I know your name?"

"I am Qian Ming, courtesy name Zichun," Qian Ming smiled. "I am the fifth son-in-law of the Luo family."

Prince Shun turned to Lord Xu and said with a smile, "Your brother-in-law here is rather amusing!"

Lord Xu’s lips twitched faintly, showing a hint of a smile.

Qian Ming exhaled quietly in relief, his smile becoming even more serene. "It’s getting late. My father-in-law is waiting for you to present tea, Lord Xu!" He took the opportunity to lead them to the hall.

Lord Xu kowtowed to the family head and, following custom, went to the matriarch’s room.

The matriarch sipped the tea Lord Xu offered, remained silent, and handed him a red envelope. Lord Xu accepted the envelope, paid his respects to the matriarch, and returned to the hall. Qian Ming took a small wine cup and offered Lord Xu the "departure wine."

Prince Shun joked, "Afraid of getting the Marquis drunk? Don’t worry, he can handle his drink!"

Qian Ming nodded earnestly, "I’m just expressing camaraderie!"

Everyone was amused and burst out laughing.

The elder master announced, "It's getting late, let's send the bride off!"

Eleven Miss, veiled, couldn't see the outside scene clearly. When Luo Zhenxing carried her to the palanquin, she heard only the crackling of firecrackers, but no laughter or chatter.

She recalled her first meeting with Lord Xu in the small courtyard.

He had the composure of someone unfazed even if Mount Tai collapsed before him, but such people are often rigid and don’t take well to teasing...

As Eleven Miss’s thoughts raced, the palanquin was lifted, the firecrackers sounded more densely, and the gongs and drums started up.

Amid the noise, the palanquin swayed and began to move.

With each ceremonial call, Eleven Miss knew she had passed through the Luo family's hanging flower gate, the main gate, and the alley... then the firecrackers faded, leaving only the gongs and drums.

Was she really leaving like this?

Eleven Miss suddenly felt a bit uneasy.

Though that home had suffocated her, leaving it now filled her with a strange nostalgia.

She instinctively turned her head.

Her vision was still a sea of bright red.

Tears spilled without warning.

After what felt like an eternity, she heard someone shouting, "They're here, they're here..."

Followed immediately by deafening firecrackers, drowning out the sound of gongs and drums.

Eleven Miss hastily pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve to wipe the tears from the corners of her eyes, then clutched the treasure vase and sat up straight.

The palanquin stopped, and the Xu family’s matron of good fortune helped her out.

The cacophony of voices and laughter overwhelmed her, making her feel disoriented. The plush carpet underfoot made her feel as though she’d stepped into a sea of brocade, unable to find any leverage.

Eleven Miss, still dazed, stepped over the saddle, performed the wedding ceremony, and entered the bridal chamber.

The whispers of women mingled with the tinkling of hairpins.

A woman laughed, "My lord, lift the veil quickly so we can see the bride!"

The veil on her head silently fell.

The silvery light flashed in Eleven Miss’s eyes, and she felt the room was filled with dazzling jewelry and colorful brilliance.

"The bride is so beautiful..."

"Fair and clean, she looks like a blessed one..."

Praise washed over her like a tide, and the gazes directed at her were filled with curiosity, scrutiny, measurement, and doubt...

Eleven Miss couldn't help but search among the crowd.

She saw Lady Lin of Weibei, Lady Tang of Zhongshan, Lady Gan of Zhongqin, Lady Qiao of Chengguo... and Lord Xu standing by the bed.

He stood tall, his expression cold and composed, showing no trace of the joy or unease a groom should have.

For some reason, Eleven Miss suddenly calmed down.

She sat up straight, and a matron of good fortune came over to signal her to sit on the west side of the bed.

Xu Mama had once told her that this was called "performing the wealth ritual," and that when the time came, the people making noise in the room would engage in playful banter. She should not speak or move, and after half an hour, everyone would disperse on their own, and then they could drink the wedding toast.

Eleven Miss sat cross-legged on the west bed, and the matron of good fortune invited Lord Xu to sit on the east side of the bed.

Everyone in the room looked at them with smiles.

Eleven Miss noticed that the women in the room were mostly older, with only two or three in their twenties. Moreover, these women all wore ornamental hairpins, the least being six for a fourth-rank noblewoman, and the most being nine for a first-rank noblewoman.

A servant ran in: "Marquis, Marquis, the royal decree has arrived."

A woman laughed: "What a coincidence, let's go sit in the floral pavilion!"

Eleven Miss looked over and found that the speaker was Lady Gan.

Lady Gan gave her a slight nod.

Lord Xu instructed Eleven Miss: "Wait for me for a while, I need to change clothes."

Was he informing her of his whereabouts?

Eleven Miss responded with a "Yes."

Mutual respect was a good start.

Two attentive maids came forward to help Lord Xu change into his official robe, and they left the nuptial suite one after the other.

Outside was a courtyard, with colorful lanterns hanging on the covered corridors on both sides, the lights brilliant, and flowers in full bloom.

Eleven Miss followed Lord Xu to the west, walking for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, and arrived at a large courtyard.

The courtyard was brightly lit, and Lord Xu, wearing a fourth-rank official robe, was talking to a eunuch. The elder madam, Second Lady, Third Lady, and Fifth Lady were all dressed according to their ranks and waiting there. Seeing Lord Xu and Eleven Miss, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

The eunuch smiled: "Marquis, is everyone here? Then I will read the royal decree."

Lord Xu said, "Thank you, honored one," and led the way to kneel on the bluestone tiles of the courtyard.

The elder madam and others followed and knelt down.

Eleven Miss naturally knelt at the end.

The eunuch opened the colorful woven white cloud and crane patterned decree and began to read.

Author: yu2791 Time: 2010-12-16 03:43 PM

Chapter 86: Leaving the Boudoir (Part 2)

"By the decree of heaven. The emperor decrees. The state thinks of the prosperity of its founding, and should honor the rites of rewarding merit. Subjects who achieve great feats in assisting the state should be granted the grace of ennoblement. This is the grand rule of encouragement, a principle that holds true through the ages. Yongping Marquis, General of the Western Expedition, Lord Xu, has fulfilled his duties with loyalty and diligence, his achievements shining brightly, truly deserving of the title of a wise and capable minister, worthy of the selection of the emperor's trusted and virtuous, and is hereby granted the title of first-rank Junior Tutor to the Crown Prince. His original wife, Lady Luo, who assisted her husband harmoniously and set a model for the family, is posthumously granted the title of Lady of Chaste Obedience. His current wife, Lady Luo, gentle and virtuous, cautious and respectful, is granted the title of first-rank noblewoman..."

Eleven Miss quietly prostrated on the ground, but her mind was racing.

The highest official positions in Da Zhou are the Three Excellencies and Three Solitaries, the Three Excellencies being first-rank, and the Three Solitaries being second-rank... Not being granted one of the Three Excellencies but one of the Three Solitaries, the Junior Tutor to the Crown Prince... Could it be understood that the emperor still wants to use Lord Xu—if he were granted one of the Three Excellencies, once war breaks out again, Lord Xu could no longer lead troops into battle. Moreover, with no higher titles to grant, what would future successors have to reward Lord Xu with...

She couldn't help but let out a long sigh of relief.

Now, the security of the Xu family is the most important!

The feudal system's system of collective responsibility is no joke.

As for the posthumous honors for Eldest Miss and the honorific title for herself... it's probably compensation for not granting Lord Xu the corresponding noble title?

Eleven Miss had no time to ponder further.

After giving thanks, the Empress's rewards arrived.

This time, it was for her. A pair of hairpins, a pair of jeweled flowers, and four bolts each of palace brocade with patterns of "Everything as You Wish," "Flowers of Wealth and Honor," "Surplus Year after Year," and "Playing Infants."

After escorting out the Empress's eunuch, the Empress Dowager's rewards arrived.

Also for her. A bronze mirror engraved with the words "Loyalty and Chastity for Generations," and a bronze ruler engraved with "Precepts for Women."

All members of the Xu family knelt a third time to express their gratitude.

The eunuch smiled at Eleven Miss and said, "Take the mirror as a guide, and the ruler as a warning. Madam must remember the Empress Dowager's teachings."

After all, her marriage had slightly offended the Empress Dowager, and giving her a mirror and a ruler was already quite generous.

"Thank you for your advice, esteemed eunuch."

Eleven Miss replied respectfully, "I will remember the Empress Dowager's teachings and will be cautious in my words and actions, diligently fulfilling my responsibilities."

The elder madam couldn't help but glance at Eleven Miss.

So young, yet handling her first royal edict with such composure...

She noticed her son's gaze resting on his wife.

The elder madam couldn't help but smile slightly.

Seeing Eleven Miss's respectful attitude, the eunuch smirked arrogantly.

Lord Xu personally stepped forward to see to the eunuch—the eunuchs sent by the Emperor and Empress to deliver the decree and gifts were handled by Xu Lingkuan.

The eunuch's attitude grew even more haughty, smiling at Lord Xu and saying, "My Lord, you should visit Cining Palace more often. The Empress Dowager has been thinking of you. She often tells me about how you used to follow the Emperor around as a child, getting into mischief in the Changchun Palace... Who would have thought that such a mischievous child would grow up to be a pillar of the nation and a key figure in the court?" His tone was quite presumptuous.

It seemed that although the Xu family had secured her marriage with the Emperor's support, the process had not been easy. In fact, the Xu family's victory was not an absolute one... it might have been an opportunity grasped in a tight spot. Eleven Miss pondered, noticing that the Xu family members all wore solemn expressions.

The eunuch's attitude towards Lord Xu must have wounded the Xu family's pride.

Yet, Lord Xu smiled humbly, "My childhood mischief must have entertained you, esteemed eunuch."

The eunuch seemed satisfied with Lord Xu's attitude, chuckled warmly, and whispered a few words to him before taking his leave.

Lord Xu personally saw him off. The atmosphere in the courtyard relaxed.

Eleven Miss quickly stepped forward to offer her greetings to the elder madam and others.

The elder madam accepted her greetings with a smile, while the Second Lady, being a widow, immediately took her leave, "It's getting late, and the path back is not easy. I'll take my leave now."

No one tried to stop her, and they all watched her leave. The Third Lady then returned Eleven Miss's greeting, "Congratulations, Fourth Sister-in-law. It seems Fourth Brother couldn't wait to report to the Ministry of Rites and directly sought the honorific title for you."

According to protocol, after their marriage, Lord Xu should have reported to the Ministry of Rites, which would then seek the Emperor's approval before formally granting her the corresponding rank. Moreover, Eldest Miss was the principal wife, holding the first rank, while she, as the second wife, should have been granted the third rank. Unexpectedly, the Emperor posthumously honored Eldest Miss, and as a result, she was elevated to the first rank.

But how could such words be spoken at this time?

Not only had she just entered the family, but the Third Lady's words about "Fourth Brother couldn't wait to report to the Ministry of Rites" were highly inappropriate. If word got out, Lord Xu might be seen as indulging his wife, giving off an impression of frivolity. As for herself, it would be even worse. She might be labeled as seductive and frivolous...

Eleven Miss thought of the elder madam's decisive handling of her marriage arrangements and couldn't help but glance nervously toward her.

The elder madam indeed looked displeased and said, "Our entire family has gathered to receive the imperial decree. Have all the ladies who came to offer congratulations been properly accommodated?" She seemed to be urging him to go and attend to the guests.

Third Lady appeared slightly uneasy and smiled, "Everything has been taken care of."

Lord Xu, standing nearby, immediately said, "Since there's nothing more to attend to here, you should go and check the backyard! I also need to go to the front to attend to the guests. Today, we have four princes, two imperial sons-in-law, not to mention the second and third-rank officials... it seems like everyone of importance in Yanjing has come!"

The elder madam nodded, "We must not let anyone say we are lacking in manners."

Xu Lingning respectfully replied, "Yes," and Third Lady bowed to the elder madam, after which the couple left together.

Only then did Eleven Miss realize that the courtyard was situated between two halls. The front hall had seven rooms, and the back hall had five rooms, both with wide doors and brightly illuminated. Due to the angle, the back hall was clearly visible—it was furnished with long tables and armchairs, clearly a place for receiving guests. The front hall was less visible, but she could hear laughter and chatter from both sides.

Is the Xu family's banquet being held there?

She speculated, as the elder madam stepped forward and took Eleven Miss's hand, "Are you tired? Should I have a maid escort you back to your room first?"

Eleven Miss didn't know her exact location within the Xu family's residence, but the elder madam's use of 'first' made her realize that Lord Xu might return here. She lowered her eyelids, showing a hint of shyness, "I'll wait for Lord Xu to return with me..."

The elder madam's smile widened upon hearing this.

Fifth Lady, standing nearby, laughed, "Are you afraid to be alone in the bridal chamber? Unfortunately, I'm pregnant, and the astrologers say that those born in the Year of the Sheep shouldn't enter the bridal chamber—I'll visit you in a few days."

"Ah!" Eleven Miss exclaimed in pleasant surprise, looking Fifth Lady up and down, "You're expecting a baby? When is it due?"

She adored babies.

Whether it was due to her loose clothing or the early stage of pregnancy, there was no visible sign.

Fifth Lady blushed slightly, "It's only been four months..."

Xu Lingkuan stood by, grinning sheepishly.

"You should be careful then," Eleven Miss said happily for the couple, "You knelt several times just now. Are you feeling unwell?"

Fifth Lady shook her head slightly, "I wasn't feeling well earlier, but I'm better now."

Seeing her get along so well with Fifth Lady, the elder madam's eyes sparkled with even more joy.

After a few words, Lord Xu returned.

Seeing only them, he asked curiously, "Where are Third Brother and Third Sister-in-law?"

"They're in charge of entertaining the guests today," the elder madam smiled, "I let them go first." She added, "We were in such a hurry to receive the decree that you haven't had the wedding toast yet? Hurry back to the bridal chamber! The whole room is waiting for you to toast."

Hearing his mother's words, Lord Xu glanced at Eleven Miss.

Eleven Miss immediately lowered her head and eyes, appearing obedient as she followed behind Lord Xu.

Lord Xu bowed to the elder madam and then headed east along the covered walkway.

Eleven Miss hastily bowed to everyone and hurriedly followed Lord Xu back to the bridal chamber.

The onlookers in the bridal chamber had left, leaving only the two auspicious ladies invited by the Xu family and two pretty maids helping Lord Xu change clothes. Seeing the two enter one after the other, the two auspicious ladies sighed in relief and stepped forward. One took Eleven Miss's hand and led her inside, while the other called out to the kitchen maids, "Have the kitchen send up the banquet."

As soon as Eleven Miss sat down, the banquet dishes were brought up from the kitchen.

They were mostly chicken, duck, fish, and meat dishes with auspicious names.

The savory aroma of the dishes made Eleven Miss's stomach growl—she had only eaten three spoonfuls of a sweet soup made with lily seeds, lotus seeds, red dates, and peanuts since morning.

She held back her hunger and, guided by the two matrons of good fortune, shared the ceremonial wedding wine with Lord Xu.

With that, the wedding ceremony came to an end.

The two matrons of good fortune smiled and congratulated Lord Xu and Eleven Miss.

Eleven Miss gave each of them a large red envelope as a token of appreciation, and the two matrons retreated with smiles.

Lord Xu then told the maids in the room, "Go and call the lady's maids over."

One of the maids immediately complied and left.

"Help me change into something more comfortable."

Another maid promptly stepped forward and skillfully helped him change.

The bridal chamber was part of a four-courtyard estate. A side door on the west side of the inverted seat led directly to the covered corridor where imperial decrees were received. The three rooms along the passageway each had two side chambers, and the five rooms of the main hall each had one side chamber. Their private chamber was situated on the west side of the main hall.

As Lord Xu changed in the west side room, Eleven Miss sat by the window on the large kang in the west secondary room.

Soon, the maid helped him into a purple-red robe adorned with cloud patterns and floral designs.

Seeing Eleven Miss sitting primly on the kang, he was momentarily surprised.

Eleven Miss had already stepped down from the kang and curtsied to him.

Lord Xu hesitated for a moment: "I need to go toast the guests."

Eleven Miss replied softly, "Yes," and saw Lord Xu out of the main hall.

Back in the room, she smiled and asked the maid, "What's your name?"

The maid respectfully replied, "This maid is called Xiayi."

Eleven Miss nodded, "What's the name of the other maid you work with?"

"She is called late spring."

As they spoke, late spring led Amber and Dongqing in.

Though only two hours had passed, to Amber and Dongqing, who had been worried about Eleven Miss, it felt like an eternity.

Tears filled their eyes as they cried out together, "Miss, are you okay?"

"I'm fine, really!" Eleven Miss smiled warmly. But inwardly, she thought: I'm starving! So she blurted out, "Have you eaten?"

Both nodded repeatedly, "We have eaten. We have all eaten. Madam Tao personally brought the food to us with the help of the serving women."

Eleven Miss nodded with a smile and said to late spring and Xiayi, "You may both leave now! They will take care of me."

The two hesitated for a moment but eventually curtsied and left.

Eleven Miss instructed Dongqing and Amber, "Help me change my clothes? This outfit is too uncomfortable."

They nodded and went to prepare bathwater and fresh clothes for Eleven Miss, who sat at the table and ate a small bowl of rice.

When Lord Xu returned, smelling of alcohol, Eleven Miss had washed her face, tied her hair in her usual bun, changed into a lake-green jacket, and was reclining on a large pillow reading a book.

"The lord is back!" She hurriedly put down her book, stepped down from the kang, and bowed to Lord Xu.

Lord Xu's face was a little red, but his eyes didn't show any drunkenness, just a bit brighter than usual.

Eleven Miss, however, quietly grew more cautious.

There are people whose eyes grow brighter the more they drink; even when drunk, it's not obvious.

But usually, people have less control over their emotions... She didn't want to make Lord Xu upset.

Yet, Lord Xu didn't even glance her way, walked straight to the kang, picked up the book, and read under the horn lantern: "The Da Zhou Nine Domains Gazetteer!"

He must be really drunk, otherwise, he wouldn't be speaking each word distinctly.

Eleven Miss was just about to explain, but Lord Xu had already tossed the book aside and headed to the bathroom: "I need a bath!"