Chapter 119: Shen Sisi’s Wedding

In the Jianjia Courtyard, Pearl, having been sent away, wandered about in boredom. To her surprise, she spotted Yicui and Hanyu talking behind the rockery. In an instant, Hanyu’s figure vanished.

Curious, Pearl walked over. "Yicui, what is it? Is there some news that needs to be reported to the Young Lady?" She reconsidered immediately; usually, if Hanyu or Hanfeng discovered something, they would report directly to Shen Qingyun.

Hearing Pearl's voice, Yicui stiffened. She turned around quickly, the corners of her eyes still tinged with a redness that had not yet faded. Pearl paused, about to ask what was wrong, when Yicui offered a smile first. "I accidentally tripped just now; fortunately, Hanyu helped me up." Looking closely, Pearl saw that Yicui’s skirt was indeed crumpled and stained with dirt.

"Did you hurt yourself? Come, let me help you change your clothes." Pearl was relieved, thinking it was nothing serious. Yicui waved her off, saying it didn't hurt and she could change herself. Fearing Shen Qingyun might call for her, Pearl nodded and continued her patrol of the Jianjia Courtyard.

Once Pearl left, Yicui lowered her head and let out a deep sigh. Moments earlier, she had discovered Hanyu standing behind the Young Lady’s room, holding a hairpin. Recalling the way she had occasionally seen Hanyu gazing at the Young Lady, her heart had skipped a beat. She had stepped forward to ask, "What is this... do you know what it means to give a hairpin on the day of the capping ceremony? If someone else finds out, it will bring trouble upon the Young Lady."

Hanyu, caught with his secrets exposed, grew impatient and tried to push past her into the room. Yicui reached out to stop him, only to be tripped and sent to the ground. As they argued, they had seen Pearl approaching with a box and had ducked behind the rockery. Feeling a pang of bitterness, Yicui glanced around, brushed the delusions from her mind, and went to change her clothes.

No one else witnessed this small episode. With Shen Qingyun’s capping ceremony concluded, the Shen Duke’s Mansion prepared for another major event: Shen Sisi’s upcoming wedding. Their horoscopes had already been matched, with the matchmaker calling it a union made in heaven, a destiny forged over two lifetimes. Shen Qingyun found this amusing; after all, in both their past and present lives, these two were finally ending up together.

The day after the capping ceremony, the Marchioness of Jiang arrived at the Duke’s Mansion with the betrothal gifts, and the Old Madam received her cordially in Yansong Hall.

However, upon hearing the wedding date was set for seven days later, the Old Madam frowned. "This... is the date not a bit too rushed?"

The Marchioness of Jiang covered her lips with a handkerchief and laughed. "Oh, there is no help for it. The fortune-teller calculated that seven days from now is the most auspicious time, ensuring the two will stay together forever, never to be parted."

Shen Zhifeng interjected to smooth things over. "The marriage was already agreed upon, and Sisi’s dowry is mostly embroidered. Since the auspicious day has been chosen, let it be. As long as they live harmoniously in the future, that is all that matters."

Shen Qingyun thought it was a fine idea. The fortune-teller was actually quite capable; these two should stay together and stop wreaking havoc on others. The Old Madam, genuinely concerned for Shen Sisi, still felt it was too hasty, but seeing that Shen Zhifeng agreed and fearing that any delay might bring complications, she readily consented.

Because Shen Sisi’s status was somewhat delicate, the wedding was not to be grandly celebrated. They invited few guests and followed the standard procedures.

On the day of the wedding, Shen Sisi rose before dawn to dress, apply her makeup, and comb her hair. Clad in her bridal robes and veiled in red, she clutched an apple in her hand, waiting for Jiang Lin to collect her. Jiang Lin met with almost no resistance, handing out small, festive pouches to the maids and matrons, which drew cheers from the servants. Amidst the sound of firecrackers, Shen Sisi was carried away in the bridal sedan.

Sitting inside, she felt a surge of anticipation for the days ahead, a rosy flush staining her cheeks. Lost in thought, she heard the cheering and congratulations, and soon, she was helped out of the sedan—they had arrived at the Marquis of Jiang’s residence. Through her red veil, she could dimly see Jiang Lin standing nearby, looking tall and dignified in his wedding attire. She lowered her head, her heart filled with sweetness as a smile graced her lips.

The master of ceremonies shouted, "Bow to heaven and earth!"

Supported by a matron, Shen Sisi bowed alongside Jiang Lin, followed by bows to their parents. Since each had only one parent present, Shen Zhifeng and the Marchioness of Jiang sat in the seats of honor. Though both appeared jubilant, their inner thoughts were vastly different.

Shen Zhifeng felt a sense of relief. After raising Shen Sisi for fifteen years, she was finally married off. Once her affairs were settled, he could look forward to the Marchioness of Jiang bearing him a son. Not bad, not bad at all.

The Marchioness of Jiang, however, was filled with resentment. If it weren't for Shen Sisi holding a piece of leverage over her, she would never have agreed to let Lin’er marry her. Looking at the meager dowry, she suspected the large chests were likely empty, just for show. It was truly a grievance for her Lin’er.

Shen Sisi, however, felt only nervousness and longing. After the final bows, she was led to the bridal chamber, where she sat upon a bed strewn with peanuts and dates, waiting for Jiang Lin to lift her veil. Jiang Lin remained outside to host the guests; while the crowd was not large, there was still drinking and merrymaking to be done.

Shen Sisi waited for a long time in the room. Her stomach began to rumble with hunger, and the weight of her elaborate hair ornaments made her head heavy and dizzy. Without warning, the door was pushed open, and a boisterous group crowded in, surrounding Jiang Lin. Jiang Lin, slightly intoxicated, laughed and shooed them all out. The people pushed out simply pressed themselves against the door, peeking and giggling as they listened to the sounds from within.

Ignoring them, Jiang Lin turned back to see Shen Sisi sitting on the bed. A surge of joy washed over him; no matter what, he had finally realized his wish. From now on, Sisi would be his wife. He cautiously picked up the ceremonial scale and gently lifted her red veil, revealing her charming and bashful face.

Her fair skin was adorned with exquisite makeup, and her eyes shimmered like water. As their gazes met, both could not help but smile. "Sisi, you look exceptionally beautiful today," Jiang Lin praised, unable to restrain himself.

Shen Sisi tightened her grip on her fingers, cast a coquettish glance at Jiang Lin, and whispered, "Husband, you have come."

Jiang Lin shivered at her words. He let out a low laugh, took up the wine cups from the table, and they drank the nuptial wine, the atmosphere growing increasingly intimate.

The room was filled with romance, while in the main hall, the others continued their rowdy drinking. A few mischievous guests began to clamor about teasing the newlyweds in the bridal chamber. A young dandy, his face flushed with wine, grabbed a passing maid: "Hey, where is the bridal chamber? Take us there for some fun."

The maid lowered her head, a flash of mockery in her eyes, though her voice remained sweet. "Please follow me this way, sir."