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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