Chapter 50 “Finally, today has come.”

Chapter 50: "Finally, the day has come."

He actually placed her foot on his lap...

In an instant, blood rushed to her head, and Jiang Congyan's face turned as red as a tomato.

She was both embarrassed and furious, her composure shattered. She used all her strength to kick him, hoping he would release her. Tuo Baxiao, unprepared, was indeed kicked by her. He let out a muffled groan, though it didn't seem to hurt him. Instead, his eyes gleamed with an intense, almost predatory light, and he once again grabbed her ankle.

Jiang Congyan resisted fiercely, thrashing with both her hands and feet. "Let me go!"

She propped herself up on her elbows to push against his chest and tried to grab his hands, but her efforts were futile against his strength.

The warm, delicate figure in his arms squirming around reignited the desire Tuo Baxiao had just barely suppressed.

"Don't move!" he growled in a low, commanding voice.

But the girl, consumed by shame and anger, failed to heed the warning in his tone. She just wanted to retrieve her foot; this was more than she could bear.

How could he do this? It was even more humiliating than if he had taken her directly.

Jiang Congyan ignored him and continued to thrash.

It wasn't until he pinned her down on the bed again, his imposing frame pressing down on her, and she heard his heavy, rapid breathing by her ear, that she slowly realized the danger.

She was still seething with resentment and was about to scold him when he spoke first.

"I won't go back on my word!"

Just that one sentence stopped her in her tracks.

His expression was deadly serious, and the veins bulging on his temples and neck clearly showed the man's current restraint.

Jiang Congyan stared at him, stunned.

...

The sole of her foot felt a bit itchy, and her toes had curled tightly.

Jiang Congyan clenched her teeth and closed her eyes.

The girl's jade-white cheeks were already flushed red, more splendid than the most vibrant rouge, as the aloof fairy finally descended to the mortal world.

In the quiet inner chamber, only the sounds of labored breathing remained.

After a long while, when the last bit of the candle was about to burn out, the man finally rose.

Later, he murmured something, likely words of reassurance, but Jiang Congyan didn't want to hear them. She buried her face in her hands.

Tuo Baxiao saw her simmering anger and didn't understand. Hadn't he kept his promise? And he hadn't even taken off his clothes...

"I'm going back. I won't come tomorrow. If you need anything, have someone call for me."

Not just tomorrow, Jiang Congyan wished he would never return.

She didn't speak, just buried her face and ignored him with her eyes closed. Tuo Baxiao reluctantly touched her face again, kissed her several times heavily, and finally left.

Jiang Congyan wiped her face with her sleeve in disgust. She had just washed her face, and now she had to wash it again.

The two maids, seeing that the Prince of Mobei had finally left the tent, hurriedly wanted to go in to check on the situation. But just as they were about to enter the bedroom, they stopped. A Chun held A Fei back and asked through the curtain, "Miss, do you need us to come in and attend to you?"

Jiang Congyan hid her face in the thin blanket, the heat behind her ears still not subsided, her earlobes still red as if about to drip blood. She was too embarrassed to face anyone, so she barely managed to raise her voice, "No, wait until I call for you."

Even speaking hurt, a testament to how fiercely he had bitten her. That brute!

After a while, Jiang Congyan sat up, her gaze unconsciously falling on her feet. She shrank back, cursing Tuo Baxiao in her heart, calling him a pervert!

She called out, summoning her two maidservants. First, they replaced the candles; then, she asked them to fetch water. She wanted to wash her face and her feet!

A Fei looked puzzled, "Miss, haven't you already washed up?" She glanced again, "Your feet aren't dirty either."

Jiang Congyan: "..."

How could she possibly explain this?

She didn't speak, just told her to fetch the water.

A Chun noticed something was amiss with the young lady and quietly pinched A Fei, signaling her to stop asking.

As A Fei went out to fetch water, A Chun slowly approached, gazing at the young lady's overly swollen lips, and whispered, "Miss, do you need me to fetch you some anti-swelling ointment?"

Jiang Congyan covered her face: "..."

She had never been so embarrassed in front of her maids before.

Though feeling very uncomfortable, she nodded. If the swelling didn't subside by tomorrow, she truly wouldn't be able to face anyone.

At this thought, she cursed Tuo Baxiao in her heart once more.

A Chun noticed the young lady's once snow-white skin now flushed pink, glowing like a pearl in the candlelight. Her long black hair tangled around her neck, creating a stark contrast, exuding a deep allure that drew one's gaze. Her watery eyes, brimming with shyness, displayed a delicate beauty the young lady had never revealed before, more captivating than the world's most tender flower.

Her lips, now fuller and redder from the swelling, were no exception, shedding some of their usual coldness and gaining a touch of charm. Even as a woman, A Chun couldn't help but feel moved, unable to resist the urge to get closer. No wonder the Prince of Mobei couldn't take his eyes off the young lady...

——

Though exhausted, Jiang Congyan struggled to fall asleep that night, so she woke up rather late the next day.

"Why didn't you wake me?" she asked A Chun.

A Chun smiled, "Aunt Ruo Lan said you've endured much on the journey and deserved a good night's rest, so she told us not to disturb you."

Then she waved her hand, signaling A Fei to bring over the outer robe, and asked, "What would you like to wear today, Miss?"

Jiang Congyan glanced and casually pointed to a light green ruqun.

After dressing, she went to the washroom to freshen up.

The washroom was adjacent to the bedroom, separated by thick felt curtains, and equipped with an incense bucket, bathtub, and a washstand.

As she washed her face, Jiang Congyan thought about opening a small door here and setting up a small tent outside as a privy. Back in Liangzhou and Chang'an, the bathroom and privy were completely separate, especially in Liangzhou, where her courtyard even had a drainage system to directly dispose of wastewater, which was very convenient.

After tidying up, she sat at the dressing table, using a small jade spoon to scoop a bit of face cream from a white porcelain jar, melting it in her palm before applying it to her face.

Sigh, in her previous life as a southerner, she was used to the humid weather of the south. Even now, she couldn't adapt to the dry climate of the north. The autumn and winter in Liangzhou were also very dry, and by winter, many people's hands and faces would chap, the cold wind cutting like a knife, no joke.

After washing up, she stepped out of the bedroom to find Si Zi already setting up breakfast.

Today's breakfast was quite lavish, with steamed dumplings, soup buns, rice porridge, sesame cakes, and a few plates of refreshing side dishes.

"Finally at the royal court, no more traveling. Aunt Zhu has been busy since early morning, eager to showcase all the skills she hadn't been able to use these past days. Everyone was holding their bowls, waiting for Aunt Zhu, like, like a bunch of puppies waiting to be fed, haha..." Si Zi's voice was clear and cheerful, making Jiang Congyan laugh.

"If they hear you saying they resemble little dogs, they'll surely give you trouble," Jiang Congyan teased with a laugh.

Si Zi stuck out her tongue, "I'm not scared; I'll just run away if they do."

Having arrived at the royal court, Jiang Congyan no longer had to worry about strict etiquette, so she replaced some of her furniture with high-legged Hu-style pieces. The current dining table was a pearwood high-legged square table, about half a person's height, with low stools beside it, making sitting and eating much more comfortable than kneeling.

As she ate breakfast, she listened to Si Zi recount the morning's events.

"General Zhang had everything in order early in the morning, and seeing that you hadn't risen yet, he proceeded with the usual drills, ready to await your orders at any moment."

Jiang Congyan nodded; she wasn't worried about Zhang Zheng's side.

"On our side, because the Prince of Mobei's wedding is approaching quickly, many people were called by Minister Wen to help with the wedding preparations."

"Aunt Ruo Lan went to Minister Wen's side to help them settle in, assigning tents by gender and setting rules: they shouldn't wander around these days, preferably fetch water in pairs, avoid conflicts with the Xianbei people but not yield excessively. If anything happens, they should report it immediately without taking matters into their own hands. She also took A Mao to communicate with the Xianbei people, exchanging cloth for firewood and fuel, and inquired about local rules and customs..."

Managing the daily needs of several hundred people was no easy task, but fortunately, Ruo Lan was methodical and had set rules for the teams early on.

As newcomers, it was best to be cautious and not give anyone a chance to find fault, but they also shouldn't be afraid if someone deliberately provoked them.

Seeing Ruo Lan's well-organized arrangements, Jiang Congyan felt relieved, realizing that it was wise to have Ruo Lan step out and utilize her talents.

Jiang Congyan took a rare moment of leisure. After finishing her meal, she stepped out of the tent to find everyone bustling about, especially in front of Tuo Baxiao's royal tent. There was a large open space, likely where the Xianbei people gathered for important events, now adorned with colorful silks forming various canopies and banners fluttering in the air, strikingly vivid against the clear blue sky and golden morning sun.

Jiang Congyan also noticed a tall bonfire set up in the center, as it was customary for the grassland tribes to dance around a bonfire.

Her side was quite different, with screens set up on both sides, tied with large red silk flowers, and lanterns hung in front of the tents. Despite using similar materials, the style was distinctly Han Chinese.

Wen Yu had discussed with Tuo Baxiao that since the two countries had different marriage customs, he didn't want to follow the Xianbei customs entirely, and the Xianbei would never hold a Han Chinese wedding. Thus, they compromised: the main wedding process would follow Xianbei customs, but the princess would still wear Han Chinese wedding attire.

When this was announced, many Xianbei people were dissatisfied, believing that since she had come to the royal court, she should follow their rules. However, Wen Yu was adamant, and of course, this was also Jiang Congyan's wish. In the end, Tuo Baxiao agreed without allowing further objections.

Tuo Baxiao didn't care which customs Jiang Congyan followed to marry him, as long as the wedding was held quickly.

Jiang Congyan didn't wander far, just circled around the camp, instructing to set up another tent as a washroom and continued to arrange the details inside the main tent, adding some seasonal decorations.

After the arrangements, the tent, which had been empty the day before, was now transformed. Though it still looked like a tent, the interior decorations were no different from a typical Han Chinese house.

Upon entering, there was a living room with a set of tables, chairs, and tea utensils on either side, separated by black sandalwood folding screens on three sides. To the east was the study, with two rows of large bookshelves against the tent walls and a large desk by the window, big enough to spread out a five-foot-long scroll. Currently, there was a stack of snow-white Xuan paper and writing tools on the desk, with a soft couch opposite for resting when tired. To the west of the living room was the dining room, much simpler, and further back from east to west were the storeroom, bedroom, and washroom, conveniently connected to the study and storeroom.

The tent floor was covered with wooden planks, though somewhat roughly made. Jiang Congyan laid ordinary felt rugs in the living and dining areas, and soft woolen rugs in the bedroom and study, thus creating a comfortable new home.

In both her past and present lives, she had rarely endured poor living conditions. The journey of over two months had been quite long for her, and although she could manage with the rudimentary travel conditions, who would refuse a more comfortable living situation?

Jiang Congyan personally arranged the books she had brought. She had many books, including classic histories, poems, works, military texts, agricultural books, local records, current political articles, as well as many account books and technical materials, all categorized accordingly.

Looking at the stack of snow-white Xuan paper before her, Jiang Congyan knew that producing such paper with her workshop's current technology was still not cheap, but the cost was much less than silk, and it was more convenient than bamboo slips. A single book could hold ten times more text than bamboo slips, and if released to the market, it would surely sell well.

The enormous profits from papermaking would far exceed those from her current wine shops and silver buildings. More importantly, paper could influence the structure of the commoner class to some extent.

She had already left Liang, and with Tuo Baxiao behind her, she didn't have to worry about attracting fatal trouble even if it became known. But should she reveal it now?

Jiang Congyan hesitated, then put the Xuan paper back into the bookcase. She would wait a bit longer, to see more of the Xianbei royal court, and establishing trade routes would also take time.

She was busy until the afternoon when she heard that Tuo Baxiao had proactively allocated supplies to her. Zhang Zheng's side was given cattle, sheep, and fodder according to the treatment of his Imperial Guards, and they were allowed to graze in his exclusive pastures. The remaining servants were treated as ordinary tribesmen, and some cattle and sheep were also brought over.

Jiang Congyan was momentarily stunned; she hadn't considered this aspect yet. She had brought plenty of supplies herself, enough to last for a while, and she planned to have the merchant caravans continue to deliver supplies later. She hadn't expected Tuo Baxiao to be so thorough.

Providing her with cattle, sheep, and grazing land was not just about resources; it was a statement, telling others that he valued her.

Jiang Congyan thought she ought to go and thank him.

But seeing the constant stream of people outside his tent and realizing he must be swamped, she decided not to disturb him, tucking the matter away in her heart for a better time.

That evening, as Jiang Congyan was going through her usual bedtime routine, Ruo Lan showed up.

"My lady, tomorrow is the wedding day," Ruo Lan sat by her bed, looking at her with a gentle yet complex expression.

Jiang Congyan noticed her hesitation and asked, "What is it?"

Ruo Lan hesitated, then finally pulled a small booklet from her robe.

Jiang Congyan was speechless.

From her expression, Jiang Congyan could guess what it was.

Jiang Congyan blushed and looked away, feeling awkward.

Even though she’d lived two lives, this was her first time dealing with something like this.

In her past life, she’d been too sick to think about romance or dreams, just focused on making it through each day. In this life, her situation was complicated, and the men of this era didn’t appeal to her, so she had no interest in marriage.

So, she wasn’t entirely ready and felt like she was being forced into this.

"This... before the wedding night... you should take a look," Ruo Lan said hesitantly.

This was something usually taught by the women in the family, but with no one else around, Ruo Lan worried the young lady might be too inexperienced. Over the years, she’d cared for the young lady closely but had never broached the topic of marriage, afraid she wouldn’t know what to do.

Jiang Congyan glanced at it. Truthfully, she already knew the basics. She’d learned about male and female anatomy in middle school and had even seen diagrams. She’d also seen love depicted in movies and TV shows. In fact, she might know more than Ruo Lan, who had never been married herself.

"Alright, Aunt Ruo Lan, I’ll take a look," Jiang Congyan said, her voice slightly hoarse but steady.

She took the booklet, but Ruo Lan still looked worried. Seeing how calm the young lady was, Ruo Lan wondered if she still didn’t get it. Ruo Lan leaned in and whispered, "...If the Prince of Mobei wants to... you know... just let him take the lead. Be gentle, and it might hurt a little the first time..."

The booklet was awkward enough, but Ruo Lan’s words made her even more embarrassed. Still, she couldn’t bring herself to admit she already knew.

"Auntie, I get it," she said, hoping Ruo Lan would drop it.

Ruo Lan was torn between concern and embarrassment, not wanting to be too blunt.

With that, they both settled down for the night.

The next morning, as the first light of dawn broke, Jiang Congyan was roused by the lively strains of music.

Summer mornings came early, and it was likely just past dawn. The wedding was in the evening, and the process wasn’t as complicated as Han rituals, so Jiang Congyan didn’t need to prepare early in the morning. But since she was already awake, she got up and washed.

Ruo Lan didn’t go to do anything else today, staying by the young lady’s side. She had taken care of the young lady for nearly eighteen years, and today she was getting married. Ruo Lan felt a strong sense of reluctance. Although she would still be by the young lady's side, a man would now be part of her life, and that man might occupy most of her life. Thinking of this made her sad, but she also knew that the young lady had to marry, and she couldn’t accompany her forever.

Following the procedures from Chang'an, Jiang Congyan also washed, changed clothes, tied her hair into an exquisite bun, applied delicate and bright makeup, and adorned herself with phoenix hairpins, golden hairpins, and twelve-tasseled hair ornaments, making her radiant and majestic.

At this time, the custom of the bridal veil was not yet prevalent, though some places had the tradition of the fan ceremony. However, Jiang Congyan didn't want it; she wanted to appear openly and without obstruction in front of everyone.

The idea that the bride's first look should be for her husband was just a shackle imposed by male dominance. Why not cover the groom's face and let his wife see him first?

The sounds of the horsehead fiddle, Hunnic instrument, and pipa outside never ceased, the music lively and passionate, accompanied by the laughter and chatter of many people. Although it was in Hunnic, the emotions were universally understood.

Si Zi kept going back and forth, updating Jiang Congyan regularly.

"There are so many people in front of the royal tent, all clad in vibrant, colorful attire, distinctly different from the styles of the Central Plains. They must be the tribal leaders General Modolou spoke of."

"They’re hosting wrestling and horse racing competitions over there, reportedly sanctioned by the Prince of Mobei. The champion will earn a reward from the prince. The Xianbei people are very enthusiastic. General Modolou even attempted to pull General Zhang into the fray, but General Zhang refused. However, that guy Chigan Balie went, boasting he’d win the prince’s reward. He’s insufferably cocky!"

But it seems he has the right to be cocky. After over a month, his wounds have nearly healed, and with no battles to fight, he’s been itching for a fight daily.

"They slaughtered many cattle and sheep early in the morning, and the air is thick with the scent of roasting lamb. But our roast is still the most aromatic. Many asked for the secret recipe. I told them it was a special spice we brought back from the Western Regions, priceless and rare. The Xianbei people left, mouths watering."

Just listening to Si Zi's description, Jiang Congyan could picture the bustling scene outside and couldn't help but smile.

Compared to a solemn and dignified wedding, she rather enjoyed this lively atmosphere.

After having some lunch, Ruo Lan double-checked her flawless attire. By the afternoon, the wedding entourage arrived.

As the drums and music drew nearer, Jiang Congyan could also hear the sound of hooves and footsteps mixed in.

Outside the tent, Tuo Baxiao rode atop a Li Eagle, leading the way, followed by dozens of Xianbei warriors clad in resplendent garments, all his subordinates or high-ranking Xianbei nobles.

He first led his men around the tent three times, with the people behind him continuously singing, almost encircling the tent.

Then he dismounted and approached the entrance, where the master of ceremonies proclaimed, "Please welcome the bride!"

The tent flap was rolled up, and sunlight flooded in. Jiang Congyan, supported by Ruo Lan, slowly rose and walked to the entrance, spotting Tuo Baxiao at the entrance.

He stood tall and slender, dressed in a bright wedding outfit, predominantly red with other colorful ribbons, a gem pinned to his chest, and a multicolored silk sash with a golden hook at his waist, accentuating his lean and powerful torso. He wore deer boots, exuding an extraordinary heroic aura.

Jiang Congyan rarely saw him in such bright attire. His sharp features seemed softened by the vibrant colors, especially his deep, emerald-green eyes, which no longer held their usual icy coldness but instead a profound tenderness. Just looking at his face, he was actually quite handsome, though a bit too tall.

Her pupils shifted as she glanced up at his head, but he was wearing a royal hat, so she couldn't see much. He probably had hair.

She had heard that the Xianbei people had a custom of shaving the sides of their heads a few months before marriage, letting the hair grow back by the time of the wedding.

"..." It was hard to judge.

In any case, she found it quite ugly. On the journey, she had told Tuo Baxiao not to shave his head, and the man had readily agreed.

As Jiang Congyan observed Tuo Baxiao, he locked eyes with her the moment she appeared. His emerald eyes reflected a brilliance even more intense than the gems on his royal hat, almost scorching to the skin.

Jiang Congyan met his gaze, instinctively blinking and looking away.

Tuo Baxiao stared at her unblinkingly, the laughter and noise behind him fading into irrelevance. At this moment, his eyes saw only her, his gaze unrestrainedly lingering on her radiant, flower-like face—from her smooth, full forehead, to her delicate, bright eyes, down to her pert nose, and finally resting on her full, crimson lips.

Her attire was the same as the day she left Chang'an, yet he felt she was infinitely more beautiful now, like a pink peony blooming in the morning sun, still dewy, radiant, and delicate, exuding a dazzling brilliance and a captivating fragrance, yet fragile and vulnerable.

Tuo Baxiao's throat moved. If he hadn't remembered they were in the midst of a wedding, if he hadn't retained a shred of reason, he would have fiercely pounced on her.

The Xianbei knights who had come to fetch the bride, as well as the people crowded on either side of the screen to catch a glimpse of the bride, were momentarily stunned upon seeing this Han Princess for the first time.

They had expected the princess from the Central Plains to be no different from the Han slave girls in their tribe—small, timid, and weak, like a helpless lamb, inferior to the bright and strong girls of the grasslands. But this Han Princess shattered their preconceptions.

The aesthetics of the two peoples were not entirely the same, yet they couldn't help but admit that this Han Princess was beautiful, more beautiful than the flowers blooming on the snowy mountains.

Her face was whiter than snow, her golden headdress reflecting dazzling light under the sun, almost blinding, yet everyone's first glance was drawn to her face.

It was strange. She didn't look strong, yet she didn't give off a sense of weakness. Instead, she exuded an aura that made people dare not look directly at her.

The long train of her dress trailed on the ground, as if her regal presence extended.

The onlookers fell into an eerie silence in that moment.

The two locked eyes for a while, but it was Jiang Congyan who first averted her gaze, looking straight ahead.

Tuo Baxiao only withdrew his gaze after being reminded by Wen Yu.

Wen Yu said, "Princess, please board the bridal carriage."

Before the maids could come to assist, Tuo Baxiao took a long stride, reached out with a strong arm, and effortlessly lifted her onto the bridal carriage by her waist.

"Finally, the day has arrived," he whispered into her ear, seizing the moment.