Chapter 169: Kidnapping the Bride

Chapter 169: Wedding Interception

In early August, the Lin residence was adorned with lanterns and banners, echoing with gongs and drums. Today was the wedding day of Miss Lin and Qin Erlang. Her parents' faces and those of her elder brothers and sisters-in-law showed both joy and reluctance.

Their daughter had been raised in the inner chambers, never having suffered any grievances since childhood. Her brothers and sisters-in-law had doted on her like a treasure. Now that she was to marry into another family as their bride, Mrs. Lin couldn't help but worry.

"You're forthright by nature, which might put you at a disadvantage in the inner household. Fortunately, the Qin family is simple in structure, and Qin Erlang's brothers all live far away, so there won't be many social obligations. But if you ever suffer any injustice, don't endure it silently—come home to your parents and brothers. We'll set things right for you!"

Mrs. Lin feared her daughter might fall victim to the schemes of the inner household yet keep it to herself without telling her family.

"Mother, I understand."

Clad in a vibrant red wedding dress and adorned with a phoenix coronet and ceremonial robes, Lin Qingshuang appeared even more gentle and graceful than usual, her eyes brimming with tears as she held her mother's hand, unable to let go.

"I won't let you worry, Mother."

"Oh, you..."

Mrs. Lin took out a handkerchief and turned aside to wipe her tears. The mother and daughter were both overwhelmed with emotion.

Lin Qingshuang's father entered and patted his beloved wife's shoulder. "This is a joyous occasion—don't miss the auspicious timing. This will always be Shuang'er's home. It's not like she'll never return."

"Alright, alright, no more tears."

Mrs. Lin quickly composed herself and had the maids reapply Lin Qingshuang's makeup.

By then, the wedding procession had already arrived at the gate. Qin Erlang dismounted and entered the Lin residence, performing a deep bow to Mr. and Mrs. Lin.

Mr. and Mrs. Lin smiled and nodded, placing their daughter in Qin Erlang's hands. Holding Lin Qingshuang's hand, Qin Erlang led her out of the Lin residence and into the bridal sedan.

As the sedan gradually moved away, Mr. and Mrs. Lin, along with the brothers and sisters-in-law, stood at the gate, their hearts heavy with both reluctance and blessings.

However, just as the carriage left the Lin residence, it was suddenly halted.

The one who stopped the procession was Xie Zheng. Clad in red and seated atop his horse, his striking appearance made him seem more the groom than Qin Erlang. He gazed calmly at Qin Erlang, his expression unreadable.

Qin Erlang dismounted and clasped his hands respectfully. "General Xie, is there something you require? Today is Fangyu's wedding day. I ask for your courtesy."

Xie Zheng remained silent, his eyes fixed on Qin Erlang, a thoughtful gleam in his gaze. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and firm. "Do you truly intend to marry her?"

Qin Erlang stiffened momentarily, not expecting such a question from Xie Zheng. Nevertheless, he quickly replied, "Of course."

Though he hadn't known Miss Lin for long, he was quite fond of her. Moreover, the Lin family connections would benefit him.

Qin Erlang softened his expression. "Has Fangyu somehow offended the General, that you'd humiliate me on this day?"

Xie Zheng was his superior, and Qin Erlang was certain he hadn't provoked him.

But to steal another man's wife was akin to killing his parents. Marrying Lin Qingshuang would inevitably make them sworn enemies.

The corners of Xie Zheng's lips curled into a disdainful smile. "You want to marry her? Then how do you plan to explain your cousin in your household?"

Xie Zheng despised hypocrites above all else. If Qin Erlang truly treated Lin Qingshuang well, that would be one thing. But while he put on a show of devotion in his pursuit of her, he was carrying on with his cousin.

"I don't know what the General is referring to. Lin'er is merely my sister..."

"A sister? One who shares your meals and lodgings?"

Xie Zheng's voice rang out like thunder, effortlessly exposing Qin Erlang's deceit.

Here's the edited translation incorporating the expert suggestions:

The onlookers on the street almost lost their jaws, never expecting to catch such juicy drama while watching a wedding procession.

The carriage hadn't gone far when the Lin family also heard Xie Zheng's words. Upon learning that Qin Erlang had been sleeping with his own cousin, the Lin family's faces darkened like charcoal.

"Get to the bottom of whether General Xie's words are true. The wedding is postponed."

This concerned their daughter's lifelong happiness; they wouldn't tolerate even the smallest slip-up.

Inside the bridal sedan, Lin Qingshuang wrung her handkerchief, her thoughts in complete disarray.

She both hoped Xie Zheng's words were true and dreaded them being so.

That man was the biggest liar—this must surely be another falsehood.

But this time, she was wrong.

Qin Erlang and Hu Lin were childhood sweethearts, their families had them engaged since childhood. Later, the Hu family hit hard times, and after Hu Lin's parents passed away one after another, she became an orphan.

Qin Erlang's mother was her maternal aunt. She entered the Qin household at seven and had now reached twenty without being married off.

It wasn't that no one had come to propose, but Madam Qin had always refused, claiming her niece was too sickly to be a proper wife.

Others praised her kindness, saying she treated her niece better than her own daughter, willing to support her for life. Little did they know she was keeping her as her son's future concubine.

Now, Madam Qin was only waiting for Lin Qingshuang to enter the household before sending Hu Lin into her son's chambers.

"That Lin Fang, that Qin family—daring to bully our Lin household! How hateful that I once thought Qin Erlang was a decent man. I misjudged him terribly!"

Mrs. Lin was furious. She cherished this daughter most—how could she bear to see her wronged?

After such careful selection, they had nearly handed their daughter to a wolf in sheep's clothing. If not for Xie Zheng's warning, they would have thrown her to the wolves.

"Where is Young General Xie? He saved Shuang'er today—we must thank him properly."

"In the main hall, accompanied by my husband," replied Lin Erlang's wife.

The Qin family's wedding party had already been driven out. Fortunately, the ceremony hadn't been completed, or annulling the marriage would have been difficult.

In the main hall, Lin Erlang and Xie Zheng were hitting it off.

The Lin brothers all admired martial prowess, respecting real tough guys.

Xie Zheng, having pacified the frontier at such a young age, was especially regarded by Lin Erlang as a brother-in-arms.

Had his sister not been betrothed to the Qin family, Lin Erlang would have thought her a perfect match for Xie Zheng.

In the rear courtyard, Lin Qingshuang sat on the bed, having changed out of her wedding dress.

Her head was bowed, lost in her thoughts.

Lin Erlang's wife, fearing her sister-in-law might despair, brought her sweet wine soup to console her.

"Exposing the Qin family's true nature today is a good thing. Imagine if you'd married in and been stuck in that mess—wouldn't that have been worse?"

"Then why didn't he expose it earlier or later? Why pick today of all days, if not to humiliate me?"

Lin Qingshuang nursed a grudge toward Xie Zheng, muttering. Lin Erlang's wife was surprised. "How can you think that way? He owes our family nothing—just speaking up was kindness enough. Or is there some bad blood between you two?"

Lin Erlang’s wife showed rare perceptiveness this time. The girl was not one to make unreasonable demands, yet she seemed overly harsh toward Xie Zheng.

Lin Qingshuang’s expression stiffened slightly. "No!"

What issue could she possibly have with that fraud?

"That’s good. I think Young General Xie is quite a fine man and would suit you well. If not for this whole situation, Mother might have even considered arranging a match between you two."

But with this incident involving the Qin family, who knew whether Young General Xie would care?

Yet how could Xie Zheng mind? He’d be thrilled.

So when Lin Erlang casually remarked that it was a pity his sister’s marriage chances might take a hit, Xie Zheng blurted out without hesitation:

"I have long admired Miss Lin and wish to marry her. Would the Lin family grant me her hand?"