TPMCS(rebirth) 27 - Getting Married_Part 2

The spacious wedding chamber was steeped in silence. Jiang Li lightly touched her lips, her mind still in a daze.  

Moments ago, Huo Jue had kissed her through the veil, murmuring a soft "Wait for me" before leaving. The thin silk of the bridal veil had done little to mask the warmth of his lips, the fleeting brush of his tongue, or the faint scent of wine on his breath.  

Her cheeks burned at the memory.  

She hadn’t fully processed the kiss—if it could even be called that—until after he’d gone. Now, the delayed realization left her flustered.  

Why was he in such a hurry?

It wasn’t as though they had to wait much longer for the wedding night…  

At the thought, her throat went dry.  

---  

Huo Jue had just stepped out of the eastern courtyard when a servant approached.  

"Headmaster Xue and his wife have arrived."  

Huo Jue nodded. "Inform the maids to bring some food to the bridal chamber." With that, he strode toward the main hall.  

Xue Mao was a respected figure in Tong’an City, and upon entering Ruyi Garden, he and his wife, Madam Cao, were immediately ushered to the seats of honor.  

Madam Cao cast a disdainful glance around at the boisterous, common guests and silently congratulated herself for sending Xue Zhen to Yangzhou to marry into her maternal family.  

Had her daughter been forced to share a banquet table with these merchants from Zhu Fu Street, she would have retched. If not for her husband’s insistence, she wouldn’t have set foot here at all.  

What did it matter that Huo Jue was the top scholar of Changzhou Prefecture? Her son-in-law, Cao Fei, had earned the same honor in Jiangling—a region renowned across the Great Zhou for its scholars. How could Huo Jue possibly compare?  

In previous years, even the best scholars from Changzhou had only managed to secure second-tier rankings in the imperial exams.  

The more she thought about it, the more she longed to leave.  

"Let’s deliver the gifts and depart early," she said sweetly to Xue Mao. "The journey has left me exhausted."  

Xue Mao studied his wife’s strained expression and agreed. They had just returned from Yangzhou, where Xue Zhen had married Cao Fei a month prior. After a fortnight’s stay, they had rushed back just in time for Huo Jue’s wedding. For someone as pampered as Madam Cao, the constant travel was undoubtedly taxing.  

As Xue Mao comforted her, the groom entered the hall—tall, poised, and clad in brilliant red robes that accentuated his noble bearing.  

Xue Mao sighed inwardly.  

Once, he had entertained the idea of Huo Jue as a son-in-law. But after Xue Zhen’s scandal, he had abandoned the notion. Now, having learned of some of her misdeeds in Yangzhou, he felt a quiet relief.  

Huo Jue was not like Cao Fei—he was not a man easily swayed. Had Xue Zhen married him, their union would have been fraught with discord.  

After presenting their gifts, Xue Mao and Madam Cao took their leave. Huo Jue escorted them to the gate.  

From her sedan chair, Madam Cao peered through the window at Huo Jue’s striking figure and couldn’t help remarking, "A man of his talent and looks, marrying the daughter of a tavern-owning widow? What a waste."  

Xue Mao privately agreed.  

With his scholarly achievements, Huo Jue could have easily secured a noble bride in the capital, ensuring a smooth ascent in officialdom. Now, that path seemed uncertain.  

---  

Jiang Li, oblivious to being viewed as an obstacle to Huo Jue’s success, nibbled on pastries in the bridal chamber.  

She had only had a bowl of sweet congee since dawn and was starving. Though the maids had brought her honeyed water and osmanthus cakes, she dared not eat too much, stopping after just three pieces.  

As the hour grew late, the sound of laughter and footsteps approached.  

The wedding procession had arrived.  

The matron of honor pushed the door open, grinning. "Come now, groom! You’ve waited long enough to see your bride. It’s time to lift her veil!"  

Jiang Li’s face flushed. He had already seen her—and kissed her—through the veil.

A golden ceremonial rod slid beneath the fabric, lifting it with deliberate grace.  

The room came into focus, and Jiang Li instinctively looked up, meeting Huo Jue’s deep, intent gaze before shyly lowering her lashes.  

For a moment, the crowd fell silent, struck by her beauty.  

Even the matron of honor paused before recovering. "Heavens! The bride looks like a goddess descended from the heavens! Groom, don’t just stand there—drink the unity wine!"  

Amid cheers, Jiang Li and Huo Jue shared the ceremonial wine, its fiery burn spreading from her throat to her ears.  

Thankfully, the onlookers were soon shooed away—the scholars too intimidated by Huo Jue’s stern demeanor, the locals too wary of Yang Hui Niang’s sharp tongue.  

Once alone, Huo Jue guided Jiang Li to the bed, kneading the tension from her neck. "Are you tired? Shall I call the maids to help you wash?"  

Jiang Li shook her head. "Just have them bring water. I can manage." She studied him. "Did you drink much?"  

Huo Jue hummed in affirmation, his fingers deftly removing her hairpins and ornaments one by one.  

The weight of the bridal crown lifted, her hair cascading freely.  

Leaning back against the pillows, Huo Jue watched her, his dark eyes unreadable in the flickering candlelight.  

Jiang Li hesitated. "Are you... drunk?"  

She remembered her own childhood experience with wine—the throbbing headache that followed. Concerned, she reached up, pressing her palms to his temples. "Does your head hurt?"  

Huo Jue’s breath hitched as she leaned in.  

Without a word, he pulled her onto his lap, his fingers threading through her hair, smoothing it down to the ends before tracing the line of her lips.  

His thumb came away stained with rouge.  

Slowly, deliberately, he brought it to his mouth, tasting it.  

Jiang Li’s entire body burned.  

"H-Huo Jue—"  

"Shh." He pressed a finger to her lips, tilting her chin up. "Don’t speak, A Li."  

His breath was warm with wine, his gaze molten.  

Her pulse raced as his touch traced her features—eyes, brows, nose, lips—then trailed lower.  

The red bed curtains fell around them.  

Layer by layer, her elaborate wedding robes loosened under his hands, revealing skin like the tender flesh of a lychee, pale and sweet beneath its crimson shell.  

His calloused fingers explored with deliberate slowness, savoring every inch.  

The cold, lifeless body from his memories was replaced by this warm, trembling girl.  

Her heartbeat thudded against his palm, alive and frantic.  

The restraint he had clung to for so long shattered.  

Jiang Li clutched the rumpled fabric beneath her, shivering—whether from the cool air or his touch, she couldn’t tell.  

When his hands stilled, she worried he found her too slender. "M-Mother says I’ll fill out more," she whispered.  

The next instant, the world spun.  

Hairpins clattered to the floor as Huo Jue pinned her beneath him, his jade crown discarded, his dark hair spilling like ink.  

In the glow of the dragon-and-phoenix candles, his beauty was almost otherworldly—no longer the aloof immortal she had once imagined, but something fiercer, more intoxicating.  

He bent over her, his voice rough. "A Li, I can’t hold back anymore."

---  

Jiang Li had heard the tales.  

Days before the wedding, her mother had shown her an illustrated booklet, assuring her, "It’s only uncomfortable at first. Just close your eyes—it’ll be over quickly."

But no matter how tightly she shut her eyes, no matter how many tears dampened the pillows beneath her, it didn’t end.  

She felt like a tiny boat tossed by relentless waves, helpless against the storm, unable to find shore...

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TPMCS(rebirth) 26 - Getting married_Part 1

Huo Jue’s achievement as the top scholar in the provincial exams was the talk of Tong’an City. The doorstep of the Su family’s apothecary was nearly worn down from the constant stream of well-wishers.  

Su Shiqing, whose health had improved significantly, was in high spirits, cheerfully accepting congratulations from everyone who came by. Even Yang Hui Niang, now the most envied mother-in-law on Zhu Fu Street, received her fair share of visitors.  

Jiang Li, blissfully unaware of the excitement outside, had been diligently embroidering her wedding dress in her room. By late September, she had finally completed it. Though the needlework wasn’t flawless, she adored it—every stitch was her own.  

On the first day of October, Jiang Li was roused from sleep in the middle of the night by her mother. The entire back house of the tavern was brightly lit, and several shopkeepers’ wives from Zhu Fu Street—women who had watched Jiang Li grow up—had gathered to help prepare the bride.  

Bleary-eyed, Jiang Li sat obediently at the dressing table as they fussed over her—threading her brows, styling her hair, painting her nails. By dawn, her bridal makeup was finally complete.  

Chen Erniang, the cloth merchant’s wife, studied Jiang Li and smiled. "People say A Li is lucky to marry so well, but I say Huo Jue is the fortunate one! Where else could he find a bride as beautiful as our A Li? Even a princess couldn’t compare!"  

The other women murmured in agreement.  

Jiang Li opened her eyes and gazed at her reflection in the bronze mirror. The young woman staring back was radiant—bright-eyed, fair-skinned, with rosy lips that glistened like ripe cherries. She was beautiful. The sight chased away her drowsiness, and her heart began to race. If everyone thinks I’m pretty… will Huo Jue think so too?

Once her hair and makeup were done, it was time to don the wedding dress. Just then, Zhang Yingying and Liu Yan arrived to help her change.  

Yingying’s eyes reddened as she fussed with the gown. "Remember when we were little and wondered who’d marry first? I bet on Yan, Yan bet on me, but in the end, it’s you, A Li."  

Liu Yan patted Yingying’s back, laughing. "Don’t cry on A Li’s big day, or you’ll make her ruin her makeup!"  

Yingying quickly blinked back tears. "You’re right! A Li, keep those tears in check—no smudged rouge today!"  

Jiang Li’s own eyes stung, but she swallowed the emotion and quietly slipped into her wedding dress.  

When the auspicious hour arrived, Jiang Ling entered to carry her out. Though younger, he was the only man in the household and thus shouldered the duty of escorting his sister to the bridal sedan.  

As he walked, he whispered, "A Li, I might not measure up to Brother Huo Jue in anything, but if he ever mistreats you, tell me. I’ll make him pay."  

Jiang Li’s throat tightened. Though they were twins, Jiang Ling had grown taller, stronger—someone she could rely on. She gave a tiny nod.  

Outside the tavern, the bridal sedan awaited. Huo Jue sat astride a magnificent horse, his striking red wedding robes making him look even more dazzling. A crowd had gathered, buzzing with excitement.  

When someone shouted, "The bride’s coming!" all eyes turned to the tavern door.  

Huo Jue dismounted and strode forward as Jiang Ling set Jiang Li down. Solemnly, the younger boy said, "Brother Huo Jue, Mother and I entrust A Li to you. You must treat her well."  

Huo Jue inclined his head gently. "I will."  

Then he extended his hand to Jiang Li. "A Li, give me your hand."  

She placed her fingers in his—and instantly, his grip tightened around hers.  

Only when she was safely inside the sedan did he let go.  

Firecrackers popped, drums and flutes swelled, and the sedan was lifted.  

Alone inside, Jiang Li curled her fingers, still warm from his touch. She smiled softly.  

She was really going to marry Huo Jue.  

---

At Ruyi Garden, red lanterns lined the path from the gate to the main hall, every corner adorned for celebration.  

Nanny Tong directed servants to lay out red carpets and prepare the ceremonial brazier. At midday, a maid rushed in, breathless. "Nanny, the bridal sedan is coming!"  

Nanny Tong tossed aside the fabric she was holding and hurried to the gate.  

Given the crowd of guests, Wei Huan couldn’t appear openly, leaving Nanny Tong to oversee everything—a task she handled with ease, having once managed the Wei household.  

Before long, Huo Jue arrived on horseback, poised and composed.  

Tears pricked Nanny Tong’s eyes as she handed him a red silk ribbon. "Lead the bride inside with this. Walk the red carpet, cross the brazier, and you’ll be wed."  

Jiang Li took the other end of the ribbon beneath her veil. Side by side, they stepped over the threshold.  

In the main hall, incense curled around ancestral tablets—row upon row of the Wei and Huo family names—hidden behind a screen. Su Shiqing sat in the place of honor as the couple bowed in union.  

Once the ceremony ended, Huo Jue escorted Jiang Li to the bridal chamber, where she settled onto the red-sheeted bed.  

Nanny Tong promptly shooed Huo Jue back to the banquet, which lasted well into the night.  

Jiang Li sat primly, waiting.  

Then the door creaked open.  

Red boots appeared in her downcast vision.  

Huo Jue knelt before her. "A Li, is your neck sore?"  

His fingers brushed the edge of her veil.  

She caught his wrist. "It’s not time to lift the veil yet! Shouldn’t you be with the guests?"  

He chuckled. "I won’t peek. Just easing the stiffness." His hands found the tense muscles beneath her heavy headdress, kneading with practiced precision.  

Jiang Li melted under his touch.  

When the ache faded, she murmured, "I’m fine now. Go back before someone notices."  

Huo Jue hummed in agreement—but instead of withdrawing, his fingers slid to her chin, tilting her face up.  

Before she could react, his lips met hers through the thin veil.

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TPMCS(rebirth) 25 - Autumn Examination Results

Hey! Sorry for the delay. I was off traveling and couldn’t get any chapters up. I’ll try to make it up to you with three this week! 😊📖

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The provincial examinations consisted of three consecutive sessions, each lasting three days, with candidates entering the examination hall on the 8th, 11th, and 14th of the month. By the time Huo Jue returned to Tong'an City after completing the exams on the 15th of the eighth lunar month, it was already the 16th.

While Huo Jue was away taking the exams, Jiang Li hadn't been idle either. She had been diligently working on her wedding dress at home. However, her embroidery skills left much to be desired. From the sixth month to the eighth month, she had wasted countless lengths of fabric without producing anything remotely presentable.

During a surprise inspection, Yang Hui Niang nearly choked when she saw the crooked, unrecognizable twin lotus flowers Jiang Li had attempted to embroider.

Jiang Li stammered, "Mother, Huo Jue mentioned that Nanny Tong is skilled at embroidery. If I can't manage, I could ask her for guidance at Ruyi Garden."

Yang Hui Niang sighed in exasperation. "What kind of bride can't even embroider her own wedding dress?"

Despite her complaints, she still allowed Jiang Li to visit Ruyi Garden.

There, Jiang Li discovered that Huo Jue had already prepared a complete wedding dress for her—from the bridal veil and embroidered cape to the wide-sleeved red robe, skirt, and even the shoes. The fabric was clearly the finest Hangzhou silk, meticulously tailored with flawless stitching. The floral patterns, double happiness characters, and mandarin ducks were so exquisitely embroidered they looked like paintings.

Though Jiang Li was tempted by the ready-made dress, she hesitated. "Mother says the wedding dress must be made by the bride herself, or it's bad luck."

Wei Huan pulled out the cape from the dress, revealing the unfinished embroidery beneath. "The patterns here are only outlined. You'll need to complete the stitching yourself. That way, it still counts as your own work."

Jiang Li was taken aback. "That... that works?"

After a moment's deliberation, she shook her head. "I'd rather embroider it myself. The more effort I put into the dress, the stronger our marital bond will be."

This was a unique tradition in Tong'an—every stitch in the wedding dress symbolized the connection between the bride and groom. The more intricate the embroidery, the deeper their love would be.

Wei Huan exchanged an understanding smile with Nanny Tong and didn't press further. She understood her brother's reluctance to let Jiang Li strain her eyes and fingers, but she also respected Jiang Li's determination. Every stitch represented a young girl's dreams of marriage.

In Wei Huan's eyes, Jiang Li's wishes mattered more than Huo Jue's protectiveness.

That day, under Nanny Tong's guidance, Jiang Li finally managed to embroider a passable twin lotus and mandarin ducks.

By the time Huo Jue returned from the examination hall, Jiang Li had completed the cape and wide-sleeved robe.

When Huo Jue entered, Nanny Tong took his luggage and said cheerfully, "While you were busy with exams, A Li has been working on her wedding dress every day. Now, only the skirt and inner garments remain."

Huo Jue frowned slightly. "Did she not like the dress I prepared for her?"

Nanny Tong shook her head with a smile. "How could A Li not appreciate your thoughtfulness? But she insisted on embroidering every stitch herself, believing it would bring lasting harmony and devotion to your marriage."

Huo Jue fell silent, his eyes softening. Just from these few words, he could picture Jiang Li's earnest, determined expression as she declared she would make the dress herself.

A faint smile touched his lips. "Then let her have her way."

Noticing the fading daylight, Nanny Tong quietly instructed the maids to prepare a bath for Huo Jue and ordered food from the kitchen. Then she added, "A Li plans to release a sky lantern at the moat tonight. If you're not too tired, you might join her. She spent two whole days making a carp lantern for you. Seeing you there would make her very happy."

---

On the 15th of the eighth month, the Mid-Autumn Festival, lanterns adorned every street in Tong'an. By the next day, the decorations remained, and the townspeople organized an event to release sky lanterns over the moat, praying for the candidates who had just returned from the exams.

Naturally, Jiang Li participated.

She had spent two days crafting a large carp lantern from bamboo strips, cotton gauze, and sturdy paper, then asked Wei Huan to paint the design. Wei Huan's artistry was unexpectedly exquisite—the lantern was not only sizable but also remarkably beautiful.

After dinner, Jiang Li carried the lantern out through the side door. Zhang Yingying and Liu Yan burst into laughter at the sight.

Zhang Yingying teased, "A Li, your lantern is enormous! Most carp lanterns are at most an arm's length, but yours is half your height!"

Jiang Li adjusted the lantern to reveal her small face and declared, "Huo Jue is extraordinary, so his lantern should be too. It'd be best if it outshines all the others on the moat tonight."

Liu Yan nodded in agreement. "Father mentioned that Huo Jue might rank first in the provincial exams. A grand lantern like this suits him perfectly."

As the three chatted and laughed their way to the moat, Zhang Yingying and Liu Yan carried smaller lotus lanterns for making wishes.

By the time they arrived, crowds had already gathered along the moat.

The wind was strong that night, and Jiang Li struggled to light her lantern. The carp's gaping mouth made it impossible—every time she lit the candle, the wind blew it out.

Watching Zhang Yingying and Liu Yan's lotus lanterns glow steadily, Jiang Li grew frantic. Just then, a pair of black boots with bamboo-green embroidery appeared before her.

"A Li."

She looked up into Huo Jue's face, silhouetted against the light, and froze.

Earlier, Jiang Ling had returned, describing how exhausted the candidates looked after the exams—all except Huo Jue, who seemed slightly better. Jiang Li had assumed he would be resting at Ruyi Garden.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, staring at him.

Dressed in a dark green robe with a jade belt, Huo Jue wore the double-loop knot ornament she had made for him. His damp hair suggested he had just bathed, and the faint scent of musk and bamboo lingered around him.

Huo Jue crouched beside her, smiling. "How could I miss you releasing a lantern for me?"

At the mention of the lantern, Jiang Li snapped out of her daze, her voice crestfallen. "Huo Jue, the lantern won't light. If it can't fly, does that mean it won't leap over the Dragon Gate?"

Her eyes glistened, the corners tinged pink, her expression soft and pleading.

Huo Jue gazed at her for a long moment before lowering his eyes, his voice gentle. "Don't worry. Let me try."

Jiang Li watched as his slender fingers adjusted the lantern's mouth and lit the candle inside with a flint.

The flame flickered, then steadied.

Red light seeped through the thin paper, illuminating Jiang Li's dark pupils.

She jumped to her feet. "Quick, release it! The wind might blow it out again!"

Huo Jue murmured an acknowledgment and stood, wrapping his arms around her from behind. "Let's release it together."

He guided her hands to the bamboo frame at the lantern's tail, his larger hands enveloping hers.

In this position, Jiang Li was practically cradled against his chest, her back brushing his warmth. Her face flushed crimson, and just then, he leaned down, his breath hot against her ear. "Ready, A Li?"

Her heart pounded as she nodded stiffly.

The plump carp lantern floated upward, soon outpacing the others, its wide mouth seeming to swallow the full moon.

Jiang Li gasped in delight and turned to Huo Jue. "Huo Jue, you're going to pass the exams!"

His dark eyes reflected the sea of lanterns, like a shimmering river of stars.

Emotion flickered in his gaze as he bent to whisper in her ear, "A Li, I will take you as my wife with the title of Provincial Champion as my betrothal gift."

---

The exam results were announced on the fifth day of the ninth month. Early that morning, Jiang Li prepared to check the list at the county office but was stopped by Jiang Ling.

"No need. Huo Jue is guaranteed to rank in the top three. The officials will come to congratulate him."

Jiang Li saw the logic in this and stayed home.

Yang Hui Niang, knowing the results were due, had little interest in opening the tavern. She lowered the curtains halfway and took the morning off. Mother and daughter waited anxiously—one leaning on the table, blinking expectantly; the other peering out the window.

Jiang Ling shook his head. "Huo Jue placing in the top three is a foregone conclusion. There's no need for such nerves."

"How can I not be nervous? I barely slept last night..." Jiang Li rested her chin on the table, dark circles under her eyes.

Huo Jue had promised to win the Provincial Champion title for her. What if he didn't? Would he feel embarrassed?

As her thoughts spiraled, the sound of gongs and drums echoed outside.

"They're here!"

Yang Hui Niang flung open the curtains and rushed out. Jiang Li perked up and followed, lifting her skirts.

A group of yamen runners, clad in black uniforms, marched down the street amid a cheering crowd. A familiar neighbor called out excitedly to Yang Hui Niang from afar, "Madam Yang, your future son-in-law is incredible—he's the Provincial Champion!"

Yang Hui Niang and Jiang Li exchanged glances and burst into laughter.

After composing herself, Yang Hui Niang straightened her expression. "Huo Jue will be out soon. Go back inside—we mustn't break tradition."

According to Tong'an customs, engaged couples weren't to see each other in the month before the wedding. With Jiang Li and Huo Jue's wedding scheduled for the first day of the tenth month—just over twenty days away—they couldn't meet now.

As the gongs and cheers drew nearer, Jiang Li retreated reluctantly into the tavern, calling over her shoulder, "Mother, praise Huo Jue for me later!"

Yang Hui Niang rolled her eyes. "As if I need you to tell me! I'll praise him as his future mother-in-law! Now go inside. You're about to become a scholar's wife—no more childish antics!"

With that, she hurried to the pharmacy ahead of the crowd.

Back in the tavern, Jiang Li noticed Jiang Ling had also disappeared—likely next door.

She slumped into her chair, chin propped on the table again, ears straining to catch the commotion next door. Her mind wandered to Huo Jue's expression at this moment.

He must be thrilled! Provincial Champion—how impressive!

And as his future wife, she was just as impressive!

Jiang Li giggled to herself until Jiang Ling returned, shaking his head at his silly sister's antics. "A Li, Huo Jue asked me to give you a message."

Jiang Li sat up eagerly. "What is it?"

"He said the betrothal gifts he prepared for you have arrived and asked if you like them."

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TPMCS(rebirth) 24 - Engagement

Yang Hui Niang left with an unusually grave expression, leaving Jiang Li unsettled all morning.  

She didn’t know where her mother had gone, but it must have been about her.  

Jiang Li held the account book, her mind suddenly recalling Bi Hong’s words. Her heart gave a sharp thud.  

No… that couldn’t be. She had only exchanged a few words with that Young Master Zhang. Even if he were taking a concubine, why would he choose *her*? Besides, hadn’t Bi Hong said the old madam wouldn’t arrange anything until *after* the provincial exams? And it was obvious the old madam favored Bi Hong.  

She must be overthinking things.  

Jiang Li bit her lip, the ink-dipped brush hovering midair, unable to settle.  

Just as her thoughts churned, a tavern worker suddenly called out, "Proprietress!"  

Jiang Li looked up to find Yang Hui Niang had returned at some point. She dropped the brush and hurried over. "Mother."  

Yang Hui Niang’s expression was much lighter than when she had left. Though naturally delicate in appearance, years of widowhood and raising two children alone had tempered her with a sharp, no-nonsense edge.  

But now, as she looked at Jiang Li, that edge softened into something gentle.  

"Come to the back room. I have something to tell you."  

Jiang Li followed closely behind. Once inside, she couldn’t help but ask, "Mother, where did you go earlier?"  

Yang Hui Niang sat on the heated kang and took Jiang Li’s hand. "I went to Ruyi Garden to see Madam Wei."  

Jiang Li blinked. "Sister Wei?"  

Yang Hui Niang smiled and nodded. "A Li, Madam Wei and I have already exchanged betrothal documents for you and Huo Jue. In a few days, she will send someone to deliver the betrothal gifts."  

Jiang Li stood frozen for a long moment before the words registered. "B-betrothal gifts?"  

Seeing her daughter’s stunned expression, Yang Hui Niang chuckled. "Didn’t you say you wanted to marry Huo Jue? I went to discuss your marriage with Madam Wei."  

The weight in Jiang Li’s chest finally lifted, replaced by a rush of joy. Her willow-leaf brows arched high.  

"Mother, just a few days ago, you… you didn’t approve of Huo Jue marrying me. What changed your mind?" She quickly sat on the stool beside the kang, gripping her mother’s hand, her voice sweet and pleading. "You’re the unyielding Proprietress Yang of Zhu Fu Street! Since you’ve already agreed with Sister Wei, you can’t go back on your word now!"  

Yang Hui Niang rolled her eyes. "Don’t worry, I won’t. Starting tomorrow, you’ll stay home and focus on embroidering your wedding dress. Huo Jue will leave for the capital exams next spring. Madam Wei and I agreed—your wedding will be in October. Afterward, you’ll accompany him to the capital."  

A wedding in October! It was only mid-June now—three and a half months away. Just one wedding dress? She could manage that!  

Jiang Li scrambled to her feet. "I’ll go to the fabric shop to see Aunt Yang right now!"  

Yang Hui Niang laughed at her eagerness. "What’s the rush? Don’t you want to know why I changed my mind?"  

Jiang Li scratched her cheek sheepishly and sat back down. "Was it because of the Zhang family?"  

Yang Hui Niang nodded. "Partly. Old Madam Chen wanted you as a concubine for her grandson. I refused."  

Jiang Li paled. "I’ve only met Young Master Zhang a handful of times. We barely spoke. Why would she set her sights on *me*?"  

Yang Hui Niang’s expression darkened. "Whatever their reasons, I would *never* let you become a concubine! Even if I had to give up this tavern and leave Tong’an, I wouldn’t let my daughter bow her head and live at someone else’s mercy!"  

Jiang Li lowered her gaze.  

She had interacted with Old Madam Chen for some time. The woman was known for her kindness and charity. Surely she wouldn’t hold a grudge over a refusal… or take it out on them—or worse, Huo Jue?  

If she didn’t, all would be well. But if she *did*… Huo Jue was about to take the provincial exams. Nothing could go wrong.  

Jiang Li asked softly, "Mother, does Huo Jue know about this? The Zhang family is the wealthiest in Tong’an. If they interfere, it could affect his exams."  

"I told Madam Wei. She wasn’t worried." Yang Hui Niang patted her hand. "Madam Wei and Huo Jue are clearly from extraordinary backgrounds. I hesitated before because I feared you’d be dragged into noble families’ intrigues. But today, Huo Jue made a vow—"  

She paused, recalling the solemnity in his expression.  

Jiang Li waited eagerly until her mother continued, "He swore he would protect you for the rest of your life. And that he would *never* take a concubine. He will be yours alone."  

---  

How much weight did a person’s vow carry?  

Jiang Li didn’t know about others, but she believed every word of Huo Jue’s oath. If he said he wouldn’t take a concubine, he wouldn’t. If he promised to protect her, he would.  

She smiled down at her hands, then asked, "Mother, can I go talk to Huo Jue these next few days?"  

"Huo Jue needs to focus on preparing for the exams. Don’t disturb him."  

Yang Hui Niang exhaled slowly.  

Earlier, Matron Qian had been polite at first, but after the refusal, her tone turned sharp. She’d insinuated that becoming Young Master Zhang’s concubine was a *privilege*, that Jiang Li would be a nobleman’s favored concubine, and even Jiang Ling would benefit.  

Yang Hui Niang nearly spat. Her future son-in-law was destined to be a *jinshi*! Her A Li wouldn’t just be a provincial graduate’s wife—she’d be a *metropolitan graduate’s* wife! Who cared about some concubine’s title?  

The injustice burned in her chest. She wished the exam results could be announced *tomorrow*, just to wipe that smugness off Matron Qian’s face!  

Jiang Li knew how crucial the exams were, so she reluctantly gave up on visiting Huo Jue.  

But that afternoon, Jiang Ling returned from the academy with a letter from Huo Jue.  

Just four words:  

**"Wait for me to marry you."**  

Jiang Li held the letter, reading it over a dozen times, her smile unwavering.  

Jiang Ling, unaware of the contents, cleared his throat when she seemed ready to bore holes into the paper. "A Li, if there’s a character you don’t recognize, just ask. I won’t laugh."  

"I *can* read it," Jiang Li said airily, too pleased to mind his teasing. She folded the letter neatly and retreated to her room.  

---  

News of Jiang Li and Huo Jue’s engagement soon spread through Zhu Fu Street.  

The Zhang family, of course, heard of it.  

Old Madam Chen set down her teacup and summoned Steward Lin. "Find out which family A Li is engaged to."  

Steward Lin returned two days later with his findings. "It’s the adopted son of Apothecary Su, next to Yang’s Tavern. This Young Master Huo is Principal Xue’s prized student. This year, he topped three preliminary exams. The academy says he’s sure to be the provincial champion."  

He hesitated before adding, "Also, Young Master Huo has an elder half-sister living at Ruyi Garden on East Willow Street. Rumor has it this Madam Wei has powerful connections—she shares a past with the Duke of Dingguo’s heir, Xue Wu."  

"The Duke of Dingguo…" Old Madam Chen’s eyes flickered.  

The Duke guarded Suzhou and, alongside the late General of Qingzhou, was hailed as one of the Great Zhou’s divine generals.  

Once, the northern Xue and southern Huo families were legendary.  

Now, the Huo family was gone, and the Xue family’s influence had only grown—flourishing like fire fed by oil, their power nearly unmatched.  

The Duke’s sole heir, Xue Wu, had taken command of the Imperial Guards at a young age. Even the Emperor favored him.  

Regardless of Madam Wei’s exact ties to Xue Wu, the fact that Huo Jue—not yet twenty—had already achieved the "Little Triple Crown" spoke volumes.  

"A wise man never belittles a rising star," Old Madam Chen murmured. She would never provoke such a man.  

She sighed and instructed Steward Lin, "Keep the servants’ tongues in check. Don’t let the young master hear of A Li’s engagement. Once her wedding date is set, prepare a gift for Zhu Fu Street—a dowry addition from me."  

Steward Lin bowed in assent.  

The dowry gift arrived at the tavern in late July—a chest glittering with gold and jade.  

Yang Hui Niang hesitated. "This is too generous. We can’t accept."  

But Steward Lin was insistent. "Proprietress Yang, the old madam has always treated A Li like a granddaughter. This is nothing. If you refuse, I’ll be punished upon returning."  

Unlike Matron Qian, Steward Lin was courteous and sincere.  

Reluctantly, Yang Hui Niang selected the most modest hairpin from the chest.  

After he left, she brought it to Jiang Li.  

Madam Wei had sent the betrothal gifts weeks earlier—*eighteen* crates in total. No bride in Zhu Fu Street had ever received so many.  

Most families considered *one* or two crates a luxury.  

Yet when Nanny Tong delivered them, she’d apologized—saying Jiang Li deserved *forty-nine*, and they’d make up the difference later.  

Yang Hui Niang had nearly fainted. "No need!"  

---  

Jiang Li spent the next month confined at home, embroidering her wedding dress.  

It wasn’t until the eve of the exams, on the eighth day of the eighth month, that Yang Hui Niang finally allowed her to see Huo Jue.  

Besides the dress, Jiang Li had braided him a "Double Rings of Auspiciousness" cord with gold and blue threads.  

Huo Jue wore a black silk robe trimmed with golden cloud patterns, his fair skin and striking features lending him an air of noble elegance.  

Though they lived next door, the engagement and weeks apart made Jiang Li inexplicably shy. Her gaze stayed lowered, avoiding his.  

"I made you a cord and packed some food for the journey. Mother said A Ling will go with you. If you need anything in the exam hall, just tell him."  

Huo Jue studied her—flustered yet feigning composure—and smiled. "I know. A Ling is my brother now too. I won’t stand on ceremony."  

Jiang Li’s ears burned. She didn’t reply, just handed him the cord and food box.  

A few breaths later, Huo Jue sighed softly.  

"A Li, tell me… why is October so far away?"  

---

Author's Note: Next chapter—the wedding!  

To the little angel who sent me nutrient solutions—thank you! Mwah! ❤️

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