Chapter 88: Leaving the Family Home

February 28.

An auspicious day for weddings and moving homes.

The entire Xue family was bustling with activity. Even Xue Qinghe could feel the tension in the air.

The Xu family had all gathered, and even the Xue family patriarch had come to wait in the flower hall.

This formidable old man, known for his harshness, seemed to have softened today. Leaning on his cane, he praised Xue Qingyin, saying, “A good child.”

This stunned the Xue family’s aunts, who looked visibly surprised.

Even Xue Qinghe was taken aback.

She had thought her grandfather would scold Xue Qingyin for being unorthodox and embarrassing the family.

It turned out the name of Prince Xuan carried such weight that even her grandfather changed his tone.

Hearing this, the Xu family members enthusiastically agreed, praising, “Indeed, Qingyin is an excellent child—capable and accomplished.”

“She’s not just accomplished; she’s intelligent, gentle, and deeply affectionate. She respects her elders and values relationships. Now that she’s leaving, we’re reluctant to let her go,” added Aunt Gui, wiping away her tears.

The patriarch of the Xue family concealed his disdain.

The Xu family, so easily swayed by the allure of a marquis’ household, disgusted him. However, he refrained from expressing his contempt out loud.

Meanwhile, He Songning couldn’t help but twitch the corner of his mouth.

Was this really Xue Qingyin they were talking about?

Perhaps only Lady Xue thought this was entirely accurate!

He Songning left the hall quietly, heading toward Xue Qingyin’s courtyard.

Xue Qinghe, watching his retreating figure, felt a pang of pain. She forced herself to suppress her emotions and turned her attention back to the Xu family.

Xue Qingyin’s closeness to her maternal family was evident. No wonder she had once said she felt comfortable in the Xu household.

In contrast, Xue Qinghe had not seen her maternal family in a long time, feeling a twinge of envy.

Meanwhile, in the courtyard…

Xue Qingyin yawned softly as she sat before the bronze mirror, still feeling drowsy.

Zhishu quickly straightened her posture, whispering, “Miss, please endure it a little longer. Just a few more hours to go.”

A few more hours?

Hearing this, Xue Qingyin almost blacked out with regret.

Lady Xue’s concerns weren’t unwarranted. At this rate, surviving until the gates of Prince Xuan’s residence would be a miracle.

Lady Xue entered from outside, her face softening with pity when she saw Xue Qingyin’s state.

But she quickly composed herself and said, “A young general from Prince Xuan’s retinue is here.”

“Oh?” Xue Qingyin turned her head curiously. “He came alone?”

Lady Xue nodded. “He claims he has something urgent to deliver to you and is waiting at the door.”

Xue Qingyin’s curiosity deepened. What could be so urgent that it had to be delivered now?

“Let him bring it in,” she said without hesitation.

Lady Xue replied, “He doesn’t dare to enter.”

She turned to speak briefly to Du Hongxue at the door.

When Lady Xue returned, she held two purple sandalwood boxes exuding a faint sandalwood fragrance.

Through the door, Du Hongxue said loudly, “Please, miss, wear them.”

Lady Xue placed the boxes before Xue Qingyin with a smile. “Let’s see what rare treasures these are.”

Xue Qingyin opened the top box, revealing a pomegranate-red headdress adorned with precious gems. Its flowing tassels jingled softly, exuding opulence.

“What a vibrant red!” Lady Xue exclaimed.

Zhishu, too, was momentarily mesmerized by its beauty.

“Such a special delivery must have significance,” Lady Xue concluded.

Xue Qingyin, however, thought it would probably make her head ache.

With Zhishu’s help, she wore the headdress.

“I can’t even breathe properly now,” she sighed, licking her lips.

“Don’t lick it! The lipstick will get on your tongue!” someone cried out.

She reluctantly stopped herself. If she didn’t get back at Prince Xuan for this, it wouldn’t sit well with her!

She opened the second box, revealing a gold-edged silk fan.

The fan’s handle was crafted from gold-inlaid jade bamboo, adorned with jade pendants that felt cool to the touch.

Its surface featured double-sided embroidery in intricate patterns, symbolizing unity and prosperity, flanked by intricately carved jade spheres.

Holding the fan, Xue Qingyin marveled at its elegance.

At that moment, He Songning arrived at the courtyard gate and bumped into Du Hongxue.

“Is Prince Xuan already here?” He asked, surprised by the urgency.

“I’ve come ahead on His Highness’ behalf,” Du Hongxue replied, revealing nothing more.

He Songning assumed he was there to escort Xue Qingyin and felt a pang of sympathy for her.

He knocked on the door but was refused entry.

His frustration grew, especially when Du Hongxue witnessed his embarrassment.

Finally, Xue Qingyin emerged, resplendent in her wedding attire, her presence captivating everyone.

He Songning stepped forward, offering to carry her out as her elder brother.

But just then, a commanding voice announced, “Prince Xuan has arrived!”

Prince Xuan entered, his soldiers following him in an impressive display.

“There’s no need to trouble the young master,” he said. “I’ll take care of it myself.”

Xue Qingyin looked at him, curiosity flickering in her eyes. This cold, imposing man—what would he look like if he showed tenderness?

She tilted her head slightly, lost in thought.