After the ceremony of bowing to the Heaven and Earth was completed, two fair-skinned and jade-carved girls, holding the dragon and phoenix candles in their hands, led Jiang Ruan into the bridal chamber. Although Jiang Ruan had lived a lifetime, it was her first time getting married. This complicated arrangement almost made her flustered. When Jiang Ruan and Xiao Shao were escorted to the left and right sides respectively, the people quietly retreated.
Jiang Ruan felt slightly uneasy, but it was not good to remove the veil covering her head. She thought for a while and said, "You should go out quickly, the wedding banquet is waiting for you."
After saying this, she heard a light laugh from inside the room. It seemed to be Xiao Shao's laugh. Then Jiang Ruan felt her palm being held, and Xiao Shao's voice came from beside her ear, "Don't be nervous."
"I'm not nervous." Jiang Ruan interrupted him, her tone was slightly hurried, as if she was annoyed that something in her heart had been exposed, "Go out quickly."
Xiao Shao straightened up, ordered Lian Qiao and the others to serve Jiang Ruan well, and then walked out unhurriedly. After Xiao Shao left, Jiang Ruan took off the veil, startling Bai Zhi so much that she immediately wanted to cover her face again. "Miss, quickly cover yourself properly. What will happen if someone sees you later?"
"It's just a wedding, why do you need to be so cautious?" Jiang Ruan was helpless. The red tape of getting married was enough to drive people crazy. But she did not know if it was Housekeeper Lin's doing. She had probably heard that the princesses' marriages in the palace did not have so many tricks. Today's wedding was indeed grand and solemn, but it was really too much for people to bear.
Lian Qiao felt sorry for Jiang Ruan, so she echoed, "Aiya, no one is watching right now. Why don't we wait for someone to come and then put the veil on? If not for the fact that this hair is not easy to untie, it would be better to remove it together with the phoenix coronet. That phoenix coronet is so heavy, I feel tired for Miss. "
"The world is big, the most important thing is to be comfortable." Lu Zhu took out some small snacks from a box, "Miss has not eaten anything until now, and we still have to wait outside for a few hours. It is not good to be hungry. Early this morning, this servant went to Fei Cui Zhai to buy these. They are exquisitely made and will not stain your mouth. Miss, eat some to fill your stomach."
Since she had woken up early in the morning, apart from eating some wedding fruits, she had not taken in a single drop of water. It would have been better if she had not mentioned the dewdrops, but now that she had mentioned them, Jiang Ruan really felt a little hungry. The pastries were small and delicate, so Jiang Ruan picked up a few and ate them. Baizhi poured a cup of tea and handed it over, "Moisten your mouth."
Going back and forth, by the time Jiang Ruan had finished the packet of pastries, she actually felt a little tired. Seeing her expression, Tian Zhu said, "If you're tired, you can take a rest first. Young Master should come in after a while. When they come in, we will wake Miss up. "
Jiang Ruan thought for a moment and then did as she was told. She found a position in which the phoenix coronet would not be damaged and rested on the bed.
…
At the banquet outside, the Zhao family and the people of Jinying Wangfu were so happy that they didn't know what to say. Although Jiang Quan was Jiang Ruan's father, he and Xia Yue were the only ones left in the Jiang family. At first glance, it looked extremely cold and cheerless. It was as if wherever he sat, there would be a state of decay. In addition, everyone knew that his relationship with Jiang Ruan and Jiang Ruan was not very good. Most of the people who had come today were on good terms with the Zhao family and Jinying Wangfu. Naturally, they kept a respectful distance from him. In this way, Jiang Quan was isolated.
Jiang Xin Zhi had drunk a little too much. Today was Jiang Ruan's big day. As Jiang Ruan's closest relative, he was like an elder brother and also like a father. Together with Xiao Shao's fellow apprentices, he toasted them one by one. His words were humble and somewhat unyielding. It was most likely that he had entrusted someone to take care of Jiang Ruan, but also that he was supporting Jiang Ruan from behind. The three Zhao brothers of the Zhao family also shared a common hatred for a common enemy with Jiang Xin Zhi. Although Jiang Ruan did not have much contact with the Zhao family, she had helped Zhao Yi and Zhao Feizhou several times before. In addition, with Zhao Guang's request, the Zhao family was also Jiang Ruan's backing.
Dressed in red, Xiao Shao stood among the guests and toasted them. His expression was indifferent and cold, as if he was no different from his usual self. However, today, perhaps because of the big day, he was a little cheerful, for his eyes actually became much gentler. The exchange of toasts was very eye-catching.
After Jiang Xin Zhi had toasted one round, he finally could not help but walk up to Xuan Pei. At this moment, Xuan Pei was sitting next to Liu Min. His smile was gentle and respectful, and his appearance was very beautiful. In addition, each and every one of his movements had a kind of quiet elegance. At such a young age, he was already very eye-catching. When he grew up, who knew how radiant he would be.
Seeing Jiang Xin Zhi walk up to him, Xuan Pei looked at him and smiled slightly, saying, "General Jiang." When he smiled, his eyes and brows were delicate, making him appear harmless and innocent. However, Jiang Xin Zhi felt that this youngster was not a person of the pond. He did not beat around the bush and went straight to the point, saying, "Your Highness has come to attend my younger sister's wedding banquet. This humble subject is truly frightened."
"General Jiang need not belittle yourself." Xuan Pei smiled and said, "Hong 'an Junzhu can now be considered as this prince's sibling. Today, she is marrying into Jinying Wang fu, this prince naturally has to come to congratulate her."
There was indeed nothing wrong with these words, but Xuan Pei was a dignified Imperial Prince. There was no need for him to curry favor with Jiang Ruan to achieve any sort of goal. However, the sixty-six shops that he had made his move did not seem like something that a half-blooded brother would do. Jiang Xin Zhi frowned. This youngster was only pretending to be confused and not telling the truth. Jiang Xin Zhi could not get any information out of him, but there was nothing he could do.
Xuan Pei seemed to see through Jiang Xin Zhi's thoughts. He raised the wine cup in his hand and waved it at him, saying, "No matter what, today is her marriage. You and this prince are both sincerely happy for her."
Jiang Xin Zhi was stunned and raised his eyes to look at the youngster in front of him. In his eyes, Xuan Pei was not as simple as he appeared on the surface. However, at this moment, the affection in the youngster's eyes was sincere. It was as if his blessings and sincerity came from the bottom of his heart. There was not the slightest trace of acting, and one could not help but believe him. While he was still in a daze, Xuan Pei had already raised his wine cup and drained it in one gulp. He raised his lips and smiled at him.
The other party was a prince, and he had already made this gesture. If he continued to persist, it would appear that he was in the wrong. Jiang Xin Zhi could only raise his cup and drained it in one gulp. In the end, the doubts in his heart had not been resolved.
Among the guests, Liu Min's smile was somewhat forced. From the previous upstart of the court to the current Emperor's official, Liu Min was young and handsome. He had a bright future ahead of him and was still unmarried. As long as there was a daughter of suitable age in the guests' families, they all looked at him fervently. The corners of Liu Min's mouth revealed a trace of a bitter smile. He shook his head and slowly sipped the wine in his cup.
He had never been used to drinking wine. At the moment, because his heart was full of worries, wine was a good thing to use to drown his sorrows. In his mind, he recalled the scene of the newlyweds holding hands and standing in the wedding hall just now. That woman was wearing a crimson wedding dress. Her beauty was overwhelming. Under the veil, what kind of color was hidden? That beauty at that moment could only be seen by the newlywed husband. At that time, he thought that this intelligent woman treated him somewhat differently. But in the end, fate made a fool out of him. He did not even have the time to express his feelings before he lost this qualification forever.
There was more than one person who had fallen from grace. For example, Qi Feng at this moment. Not long after Xiao Shao returned, he had shaved off the beard on his chin. He was originally a handsome young man. In the past, he had looked a little unruly with the beard covering his face. Now that he had cleaned himself up, he actually had a new feeling. His appearance had always been romantic and wise. Standing here, he had also attracted the gazes of a crowd of women. However, Qi Feng was not in the mood to look at other people. Although there was a trace of a smile on his face, he inexplicably looked a little lonely.
Jin Er squatted on the ground and peeled prawns to eat. When he saw Qi Feng's appearance, he shook his head and sighed. "Fourth Young Master Qi is really too pitiful. In any case, he used to be a master among thousands of flowers and not a single leaf would touch him. Now, he has become so thin. It's a pity that he met the Young Lord. This is even more pitiful. "
"He's not the only pitiful person tonight." Jin Si's long hair was tied up high. With a fake smile, he said, "His eyes are filled with sadness. Look, isn't there another one?"
In front of them, a young man dressed in a light yellow brocade robe was walking past. In the midst of a lively wedding banquet, the slightest change in expression could be easily detected. Moreover, this person's head was drooping and he had a very dejected look on his face. Jin San stretched his neck and said, "Isn't that the young master of the Zongbing daren's fu, Young Master Gu? Originally, he admired Young Madam. Tsk tsk, I still thought that the young master of such a wealthy family was merely lusting after a momentary beauty. Now, it seems that his heart has really been hurt. I didn't expect him to be such a sentimental person. "
Qi Feng favored Jiang Ruan because he was impressed by Jiang Ruan's intellect. Liu Min liked Jiang Ruan because he and Jiang Ruan were close friends. Only Gu Yi, from the beginning to the end, seemed to have truly come into contact with Jiang Ruan on the Ling Long Boat when Jiang Ruan had just returned to the capital. At that time, he was just a young man from a wealthy family who didn't understand anything. His heart had been moved only because of that beauty's gentleness and beauty. Pleasing people with beauty would not last long. Unexpectedly, Gu Yi was still concerned about her even now.
Jin San stroked his long hair and said, "This young master looks quite pitiful. Jiejie, let me go and comfort him." After saying this, she ignored Jin Er and Jin Si's attempts to stop her and walked over.
Gu Yi walked to a secluded garden. There were fewer people here and he wasn't as impetuous. The gloom in his heart also dissipated quite a bit. He lowered his head to look at the wine pot in his hand. Just as he was about to take another sip, his hand felt light and the small silver wine pot slipped from his hand. A frivolous voice came from the opposite side, "Young master, it's very lonely to drink alone. Do you want jiejie to accompany you?"
Gu Yi looked up and saw a young woman opposite him. She could be considered dainty and beautiful, but there was an indescribable charm to her, a kind of mature charm. She smiled and raised her head to point the wine pot at her mouth. A small gush of sparkling and translucent bejewelled nectar was poured into her mouth. Her movements were casual and charming. After she finished, she wiped her mouth. Her lips, which had been soaked in wine, were rosy and glossy.
Gu Yi was initially stunned by this beautiful scene, but he immediately understood. His face flushed red and he said, "Where did this woman come from? She really doesn't know the rules!"
Although he loved beauties, the beauties he favored had always been as gentle as water. For example, a few years ago, he had caught a glimpse of Jiang Ruan on the Ling Long Boat. Although the love he had felt in his youth did not seem serious, it was forever engraved in his heart. The emotions he felt could not be explained with just a few words. Currently, he was feeling gloomy in his heart. Suddenly seeing this kind of woman, although she was beautiful, her actions were too unbridled. Dissatisfaction grew in his heart.
"These words of yours are not kind," Jin San giggled, "I saw that you are feeling depressed tonight, so I specially came to talk to you to comfort you. Yet, you treat me like this. It's really somewhat inexcusable."
"What depressed? I don't understand what you are talking about." Gu Yi frowned and was about to walk around her to leave the garden. Unexpectedly, he heard the woman's crafty voice, "Don't you know? Don't you like the bride? Are you sad to see her get married? "
Her voice was crisp and quick, but it seemed to contain a trace of indistinct malice. However, she did not suppress her voice in the slightest. In the quiet garden, it suddenly seemed very abrupt. Gu Yi was startled. He felt guilty and angry as if his thoughts had been exposed. He immediately denied it, "Nonsense."
Jin San shrugged his shoulders, "So, you don't like the bride. It's fine, I happen to be a little familiar with the bride, so we can probably exchange a few words. In the future, when she mentions that Young Master Gu attended the wedding banquet but ran to the garden to drown his sorrows in wine, the bride will probably suspect whether she did something wrong." She smiled innocently, "Of course, this has nothing to do with you, Young Master." She then turned around to leave.
"Stop right there!" Seeing that the other party was really about to leave, Gu Yi could not help but shout angrily. Although he did not believe that this strange woman was actually familiar with Jiang Ruan, this matter could not be known by Jiang Ruan. Gu Yi suppressed the anger in his heart and asked, "What exactly do you want?"
Jin San flipped her long hair and turned around to pat Gu Yi's shoulder. She only reached up to Gu Yi's shoulder, but this pat was very heroic, as if she was a big sister patting her little brother. She smiled and said, "Don't be nervous, I have already said that I am only here to relieve your boredom. Tonight, if there is anything that you are unhappy about, you can tell me. After you are done, you will be happy, and I will also be happy. Wouldn't that make everyone happy? "
Gu Yi, "..."
…
The banquet in front had arrived. After three rounds of wine, it was about time for the banquet to begin. The hall was a mess of cups and plates. Those who had traveled further had already boarded their horse carriages and left. Even those who were on good terms with Jiang Ruan planned to return home. Jiang Xin Zhi stood in the middle of the hall and wanted to go to the bridal chamber to take a look at Jiang Ruan. Seeing this, Steward Lin immediately pulled his hand and said, "Eldest Brother-in-law, Young Master, look, it is getting late. After we have eaten today, we still have special arrangements. Let's go, let's go. Jin Er, quickly come over and support Eldest Brother-in-law. I don't see that he has drunk too much."
Although Jiang Xin Zhi's alcohol tolerance was not so high that he would not get drunk after a thousand cups, it was not as bad as Steward Lin had said. He immediately said, "I will go take a look at Ah Ruan."
Steward Lin was on the verge of cursing in his heart that this Eldest Brother-in-law's eyesight was not just a little bit lacking. How could Eldest Brother-in-law's Young Master come to the bridal chamber? Although this was what he thought, he did not dare to show it. Everyone knew that the Young Madam was very protective of her people. In the Young Madam's heart, Eldest Brother-in-law was a treasure that could not be touched. Jin Er and Jin Er came over and supported Jiang Xin Zhi on both sides. Steward Lin said, "Ai, Young Brother-in-law, Old Lin understands how you feel. Seeing other people spend the night together while you are all alone, your heart must not feel good. Look at our Young Brother-in-law's appearance, why is it that he lacks two people to serve by his side? It is not that Old Lin is boasting, but in this aspect, Old Lin is indeed more experienced. Today, for Young Brother-in-law's sake, Old Lin specially went to Hundred Flowers Tavern to arrange a place where 'Hundred Flowers Bloom'. Today, Young Brother-in-law can pluck whichever flower you want. Even if you want to pluck one back home, you can do so. " He patted Jiang Xin Zhi's shoulder and said sincerely and earnestly, "When flowers bloom, they must be plucked. Don't say that there are no flowers but only branches."
Jiang Xin Zhi, "..."
After sending Jiang Xin Zhi away, the bridal chamber at the other end was exceptionally quiet. Due to Xiao Shao's own temperament, no one dared to come to the bridal chamber to disturb him. Xiao Shao walked to the door. Tian Zhu was just about to report when Xiao Shao waved his hand to let her go. Lian Qiao, Bai Zhi, and the others also had no reason to stay here any longer. Lu Zhu originally wanted to wake Jiang Ruan up, but Xiao Shao glanced at her indifferently and Lu Zhu left without saying anything.
As soon as Xiao Shao entered, he saw Jiang Ruan sleeping on the bed. She had a big heart and had long thrown her veil to one side. Most likely, she was afraid of ruining the phoenix coronet, so her sleeping posture was somewhat careful. Her hair was slightly messy. The face lying on the pillow was beautiful beyond compare. When her eyes were closed, her long eyelashes drooped down like a butterfly spreading its wings. She had a delicate nose and rosy lips that were like a smear of color cut from the clouds. Her skin was as clear and lustrous as white snow. The bridal chamber was filled with silver charcoal, and the slight warmth caused her cheeks to flush red. She looked even more gorgeous than when she did not wear rouge.
He was used to seeing her eyes, which were always distant and indifferent, but when they were closed, they were gentle and seductive. It was as if she was a demon who had mistakenly entered someone's room, and when she was tired of walking, she conveniently slept on the flower bed. Alluring and beautiful, people could not bear to disturb her. In fact, Xiao Shao really did not disturb her. He saw that Jiang Ruan was sleeping soundly and that the candles on the side were still burning out. He simply ordered someone to fetch some water and went to wash his body.
The servant girls who were guarding outside did not expect Xiao Shao to ask for water so early. For a moment, they were a little puzzled. However, they could not disobey their master's orders, so they quickly fetched some hot water. Xiao Shao went around to the back of the screen and changed his clothes. He was still immersed in the huge wooden tub, his eyes drooping as he thought about something.
After an unknown amount of time, Jiang Ruan felt that the room seemed to have become a little cooler, and she woke up in a daze. When she woke up, she saw that the servant girls in the room had all left. She was still a little confused, and subconsciously looked behind the screen where the sound had come from. The color of the huge glass screen was natural, and it was carved with a picture of a mandarin duck playing in the water. As the steam rose up, Jiang Ruan looked at it and suddenly felt that something was wrong. Only then did she discover that the picture on the screen had quietly changed. From a rich and joyous mandarin duck playing in the water, it had become a man and a woman. The higher the steam rose, the more intense it became. That kind of movement and posture was so ecstatic that it was easy to understand. Jiang Ruan was not a little girl who did not know how to read the situation. In her previous life, when she had entered the palace, the etiquette instructor had also given them pamphlets. It was just that this screen was made magnificently and majestically. Originally, it was assumed that no one had discovered anything strange about it. Otherwise, with Xiao Shao's serious temperament, he would definitely not have allowed this kind of thing to be placed here.
Of course, Jiang Ruan did not know that this screen was an imported product that the Imperial Bodyguards had pooled their money to obtain from the Western Hemisphere. This piece of colored glaze was a natural product. It had its own color and composition, and it had been specially carved by a skilled craftsman. Once hot water came to the surface, it would show a special shape. Wealthy families could use this to add some interest. For example, after Fang Yunyu had washed her body, wouldn't she be even more interested when she saw the pattern on this screen? This screen had also gone through Steward Lin's hands. Everyone was very satisfied, expressing the ardent expectations of the Brocade Guards towards their masters. It was just that these two masters were not aware of this.
Jiang Ruan looked at the screen in a daze and did not notice that the person behind the screen had already stood up. With a crash, the next moment, he appeared in front of her.
Jiang Ruan stared blankly. It was rare for Xiao Shao to see her staring at something in a daze. He could not help but follow her gaze, and when he saw it, his expression stiffened. Jiang Ruan reacted, and her face inexplicably turned red. Originally, this was not a big deal. She had always been able to easily control her emotions, but because Xiao Shao was present, she felt uncomfortable all over, and there seemed to be a trace of embarrassment and annoyance. Her gaze drifted around a few times, but in the end, she could not help but look at Xiao Shao's expression.
Xiao Shao appeared to be much calmer than her. He just casually placed his outer garment on the screen, covering the charming and gentle scene on it. He had just taken a bath, and at this moment, he was only wearing a snow-white inner garment. His long, jade-like hair was slightly wet, hanging down from his shoulders. Under the light of the lamp, his peerlessly handsome face appeared somewhat gentle. Although he looked cold and indifferent, the back of his ears was slightly red.
He walked towards Jiang Ruan. Jiang Ruan could not help but feel nervous. Although she secretly warned herself that nothing would happen, she subconsciously tightened her grip on the mattress under her hands. Xiao Shao noticed her movements and somewhat helplessly stopped a few steps away from her. He said, "I will sleep on the couch."
There was a soft couch in front of the window. As Xiao Shao spoke, he moved forward to take the quilt. Jiang Ruan glanced at it. It was next to the window, and she was afraid that it would be startled by the wind at night. After thinking for a while, she simply steeled her heart and said, "What do you mean by sleeping on the couch? We still need to put on an act. You can sleep here." She moved inwards a little to make room.
Xiao Shao was startled, and a trace of astonishment flashed through his eyes. He looked at Jiang Ruan and did not speak. Jiang Ruan was secretly annoyed. Why did these words sound like an invitation? She coughed lightly, probably to cover up her awkward expression. She confidently took off her outer garments and glanced at Xiao Shao. "After a tiring day, don't you feel tired? If you are tired, quickly go to sleep. We still have to enter the palace tomorrow, so I will sleep first. " She spoke quickly and nimbly. On the surface, she appeared very calm and composed, but Xiao Shao could not help but laugh. Normally, he did not laugh often, but when he did, it was like the first melting of ice and snow, and the color of spring's dawn. It was almost dazzling. Jiang Ruan glared at him. "What are you laughing at?"
"Rest assured and sleep." He held back his laughter and said, "I am very tired, and do not want to do anything."
Jiang Ruan's face immediately felt extremely hot. The culprit, however, slowly climbed onto the couch. The acacia quilt was in front of her. It was spacious and gorgeous, and there was a thin layer of incense sprinkled on it. None of this could compare to the cool and refreshing smell of the youth in front of her. Xiao Shao divided the quilt into half for her. His long eyelashes drooped, but they could not conceal the joy in his eyes.
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