Chapter 23: Wedding Dress

She has always known that her mistress is different from other girls from aristocratic families, but Fangyu never expected that she would be so bold. If she were to be discovered, the consequences would be disastrous.

But since it was the master’s intention, she did not say much, but lowered her head and said in a serious voice, “I understand, but I’ll need some time to prepare.”

“Just give it to me before the beginning of next month, but don’t let any news of this leak out.” Xia Tong couldn’t help but warned.

Fang Yu nodded seriously. “Rest assured, Miss. This matter will remain strictly between us.”

At that moment, a voice from outside interrupted them. “Miss, the master has arrived.”

As soon as the words were spoken, Fang Yu quickly bowed and stepped back. The door opened, and Xia Zhian strode in, his square face marked with seriousness and furrowed brows, clearly troubled by something.

“Father,” Xia Tong hesitated, unsure how to express her thoughts.

After sitting down on the soft couch, a cup of hot tea was served to him by Qing’er. Xia Zhian took a sip, still frowning, and glanced at his daughter. “I’ve heard about the betrothal gifts. I know you must feel wronged, but this situation caught everyone off guard.”

The atmosphere in the room became heavy. The weather had turned cooler in recent days, with autumn winds sweeping through and servants busy clearing fallen leaves, creating a feeling of desolation.

Xia Tong sat on the couch, her head bowed. Her delicate face was clouded with complex emotions, and her hands twisted nervously around her handkerchief.

“Even without this issue, we had wronged the Regent from the start. Your marriage is not inappropriate. But I understand your concerns about the Regent’s poor reputation among the people. However, the fact that he is willing to invest so much thought into you indicates that he does care. Even if you marry him, he will treat you well,” Xia Zhian comforted gently.

Xia Tong bit her lip, her expression far from pleasant. She didn’t expect her father to be trying to brainwash her!

The Regent’s generous betrothal gifts surely had ulterior motives. He married her to torment her daily, and she might end up as a human lantern one day. Her father’s naivety was astounding!

“The current political situation is complex. Although the Regent’s reputation is poor, he has never done anything against the court. In contrast, some individuals with good reputations secretly engage in actions that betray the people. With the emperor’s declining health, various princes are already forming factions. If it weren’t for the Regent’s presence, things could easily spiral out of control. You don’t need to feel wronged. Perhaps being the regent’s wife is better than being the crown prince’s wife.”

Xia Zhian gently touched the tea lid, his voice vague. Then he suddenly glanced at her, “I fear you may not understand all this, but just know that marrying him may not necessarily be a bad thing.”

Xia Tong paused, looking at her father with a strange expression. She felt that he was not as naive as he appeared. After all, how could someone rise to a high-ranking position in the court without ambition and cleverness? Perhaps he could see the bigger picture more than anyone else, but how could the antagonist possibly compete with the male lead?

“What about the betrothal gifts…”

“We in the Xiahou family are not the kind of people who are greedy for petty gains. You should take all these things with you when the time comes, so that people won’t look down on our Xiahou family.” Xia Zhian waved his hand and said in a serious voice.

Xia Tong didn’t comment. After comparing the two, she would rather return the things to the villain than let the vampire old lady get away with it!

After talking for a few more words, her father left. Xia Tong had already let it go. She decided to get married. If the other party really wanted to attack her, the worst that could happen was that they would die together.

*

Night was approaching, and it had turned cooler lately. The autumn wind was mournful, and the entire imperial palace was shrouded in darkness, resembling a massive beast lying in wait, creating a stifling atmosphere.

Inside Changle Palace, the atmosphere was even more solemn. The serving palace maids moved cautiously, afraid to even breathe heavily, lest they offend the empress and lose their heads.

A dignified and graceful middle-aged woman reclined on a narrow zitan wood couch, a stack of portraits spread out before her. As she looked through them, she casually tossed them aside, furrowing her brows in displeasure as she rubbed her temples, seemingly exhausted.

“It’s getting late, Your Majesty. Perhaps you could look at them again tomorrow?” one of the maids said, bowing as she presented a cup of hot tea.

The empress accepted the teacup, gently caressing the lid, lost in thought. Suddenly, she slammed the cup down onto the table, her gaze revealing her impatience. “What kind of silly noble ladies are these? None of them are even worth considering. And that vile traitor is so audacious, daring to lay hands on someone I had my eye on. This is truly outrageous!”

It was rare to see the empress so furious, and the maid understood that she was upset. After all, it wasn’t easy to find a suitable candidate for the crown princess, only to have her purity sullied by the regent. How could she not be angry?

“As long as Your Highness ascends the throne, these evil villains will not be allowed to continue to be disrespectful to the law. Why should Your Majesty let such a person upset your health?” the maid tactfully advised.

Hearing this, the empress’s anger seemed to lessen, but she still frowned as she sipped her tea. After a moment, she casually picked up a portrait from the table and sighed, “This daughter of Minister Dong isn’t bad, but her family background is lacking. She can only be a concubine. It seems the title of primary wife will have to go to that girl from the Duke’s family.”

Originally, the empress had planned to issue a decree to confer the title of consort in a few days. Who would have thought that such a thing would happen? Not only was the candidate lost, but the royal family also lost face. Moreover, the emperor showed no intention of punishing that scoundrel. However, the emperor’s health was declining day by day. As long as she waited for her Jing’er to take that position, she would see how that traitor continued to act so arrogantly!

*

The betrothal gift was like a piece of fat meat, and no one would not covet it. The next day, her eldest aunt came again. She apparently wanted to persuade her to put the things back to the warehouse in the mansion, but in fact, it was the old lady who asked her to come and grab the things. If she really gave them over, she might not even see their shadows in the future.

Thus, Xia Tong had been skillfully deflecting her attempts to take the items. The other party couldn’t forcibly seize them. However, the villain was indeed wealthy. As she gazed at the treasures filling three whole rooms, she couldn’t help but lament again how different it was to be a villain—making money was effortless.

“This… this… and this one too, take them all out and sell them for me.”

The chests in the room were all open, and the place was overflowing with countless treasures. Xia Tong’s eyes almost turned red with greed as she selected many items to give to Qing’er. Even if the money was taken by that creep, she still intended to skim a layer off him. After all, with so much stuff, losing a few pieces wouldn’t matter to anyone.

Qing’er’s arms were nearly full, and seeing her master still selecting items, she hesitantly said, “Miss, are you sure… this won’t be discovered?”

Xia Tong spotted a beautiful red hairpin and quickly tucked it into her sleeve. While handing a jade bracelet to Qing’er, she casually replied, “So what if they find out? Do you think the Regent will care about a few trinkets?”

Upon hearing this, Qing’er agreed, but her arms were getting too full. Fortunately, Xia Tong decided to stop there. She crouched down, looking at the room full of treasures with reluctance, realizing that she would have to return them after all. What a waste!

　”My cousin is getting married in a few days. How about giving this to her?”

Xia Tong suddenly pulled out a gilded golden hairpin, its shine dazzling. She thought the design was ugly, making it perfect as a gift.

Seeing her take such an expensive hairpin, Qing’er looked somewhat displeased. “That second young lady treated you so poorly before, and yet you’re giving her such an expensive gift. I think a simple bracelet would be enough to repay her.”

In Qing’er’s eyes, it was clear that last time, Xia Ning from Guanglu Temple was plotting against her. However, Xia Tong didn’t care since she had no intention of marrying that young master anyway.

She lightly tapped Qing’er’s forehead and scolded playfully, “Regardless, we will have to see each other in the future. It’s better to avoid unnecessary conflicts.”

Hearing this, Qing’er lowered her head and said nothing more, but she still felt indignant for her master. If it weren’t for the second young lady’s scheming, how could the position of the Duke’s family heir consort fall into her hands? It was outrageous that she used her master to pave the way!

“Master.”

At that moment, Fang Yu hurried in, bowing and saying, “Someone from the regent’s residence has come, saying they are here to present you with the wedding dress.”

Xia Tong’s expression froze. She hadn’t expected them to arrive so quickly. Glancing at the treasure-laden chests, she casually tucked another item into her arms and then followed them out.

There were several unfamiliar embroiderers standing in the small hall, led by a shrewd-looking maid. When she saw her come in, she immediately knelt down with her people to greet her, “This old servant greets the fourth young lady.”

Waving her hand, Xia Tong came to the seat of honor and sat down, glancing at a few people calmly, “How long will it take to make this wedding dress?”

It’s only half a month away from the beginning of next month. Their embroidered clothes don’t look like those from the palace, and I don’t know which embroidery workshop they are from.

“In reply to the young lady, the wedding dress is made of brocade, with double-sided Su embroidery, and the inner lining involves a total of 108 processes. However, this old servant will ensure they complete it within half a month. You can rest assured,” the old woman said respectfully.

Upon hearing this, Qing’er looked at her mistress in surprise. After all, only five bolts of brocade had been produced in a hundred years, so it was unexpected that the regent prince would pay such attention to her mistress. The wedding dress of their second young lady only used silk!

Xia Tong was well aware of what brocade was, and she wasn’t easily swayed. She wasn’t some lovesick girl who would naively believe that he truly cared for her; there had to be some ulterior motive!

“Let’s take the measurements then,” she said.

Without saying more, she stood up and opened her arms. Immediately, two embroiderers approached with measuring tapes and began to take her measurements.

The young woman was dressed in an elegant moonlight blue skirt, perfectly accentuating her graceful figure—just enough fabric, not too much or too little. As the embroiderers measured her, they couldn’t help but sigh. No wonder the Regent was so attentive. He had even offended the crown prince for her. It seemed that Fourth Young Lady Xia was indeed a remarkable person.

After measuring for a long time, when the other embroiderers had finished, the maid suddenly stepped forward with a smile, and said in a neither humble or arrogant manner. “The prince has something else for me to pass on to the young lady.”

With that, she handed over two familiar books. Xia Tong took them with suspicion and, upon seeing the titles “Women’s Virtue” and “Women’s Modesty,” her expression changed. She gripped the books tightly.

Taking a few deep breaths, she forced a calm smile and replied sweetly, “I will study them carefully. Please reassure the prince.”

“I will report back truthfully,” the old maid said respectfully. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.” She maintained a courteous demeanor as she exited with the others.

Once they were gone, Xia Tong angrily tossed the books onto the table, wishing she could stomp on them. They wanted her to learn about women’s roles? As if!

Seeing her mistress so enraged, Qing’er hesitated before approaching her. “Miss, the prince has truly treated you well. I heard that only the empress’s phoenix robe can be made from brocade. Perhaps you’re being too prejudiced against the prince?”

Qing’er felt that even if her mistress married the crown prince, she might not receive such treatment. Besides, the crown prince had many concubines and could not focus solely on her, unlike the regent prince, whose household had no concubines. In the future, Xia Tong would surely hold all the power.

“You don’t understand,” Xia Tong sighed, feeling conflicted as she returned to her room, leaving Qing’er muttering as she took the things out.

As the weather cooled, the capital grew busier. The Duke’s family heir was being transferred to Shanxi, making the wedding preparations rather rushed. The alliance between the Xiahou and the Duke families was enough to stir the entire capital, and today the city buzzed with excitement. Even beggars received alms from the Duke family, and the citizens were all talking about it.

Even though it wasn’t her own wedding, Xia Tong still got up early to send her cousin off. It was early morning, and the Xiahou residence was bustling with decorations and preparations.

Holding a jewelry box, Xia Tong made her way to Xia Ning’s room, where people hurried back and forth. When they saw her, they would stop to bow.

The room was adorned with auspicious characters, and her second aunt was anxiously instructing others, her eyes red with unshed tears, clearly reluctant to part with her daughter. Meanwhile, Xia Ning sat elegantly in front of a mirror, wearing a bright red wedding dress, as mother and daughter shared a tearful farewell.

“The Duke family’s people are coming soon!” Suddenly, Momo Liu rushed in, causing everyone in the room to flurry about. Madam Wang wiped her tears quickly and tried to leave but paused at the door upon seeing Xia Tong. She couldn’t help but take a second look before hurriedly exiting.

Inside, Xia Min caught sight of Xia Tong and sneered, “What are you doing here? So annoying!”

“Min’er!” Madam Zhang shot her a glare, then turned to Xia Tong and smiled, “This girl loves to joke. Don’t take it to heart.”

Afterward, she quickly pulled the unwilling Xia Min away, leaving the other people in the room silent, heads bowed.

Seeing this, the well-groomed Xia Ning glanced at the others and said, “You all can leave. I have something private to discuss with Tong’er.”

Everything was prepared. They just needed to cover her head. The others, not daring to speak further, obediently left, and soon only the two of them remained in the room filled with joy.

Xia Tong smiled as she approached the radiant bride, placing the jewelry box on the table. “This is a gift for you, cousin. I hope you and the heir have a lasting bond.”

As Xia Ning admired the jewelry box in the mirror, she suddenly cast a side glance and hesitantly asked, “You don’t hate me?”

The lively wedding atmosphere outside grew silent at her words. Xia Tong understood what she meant and simply smiled back at the bride in the mirror, replying calmly, “We’re family. As long as you’re happy, it’s enough. After all, we’re both from the Xiahou family, and we’re working for its future.”

Well, even she felt a chill from her own words.

Even though the woman behind her was not wearing any makeup, she was still very delicate. God was often partial to her in this way. Xia Ning’s eyes flashed, and she suddenly smiled and took her hand, saying sincerely, “I’m relieved if you think this way. No matter what happens in the future, I will definitely help you.”

Seeing her insincerity, Xia Tong feigned deep gratitude and nodded, “Thank you, cousin.”

“They’re coming! Hurry, cover her head!” The loud voice of the matchmaker echoed from outside, and a swarm of people rushed in. Madam Wang placed the veil over her head, and the matchmaker carried her out. Xia Tong followed to see the excitement.

By this time, it was bright outside, and everyone in the residence wore cheerful expressions, especially since the second lady had rewarded everyone with bonuses that morning.

Outside, drums and gongs resounded as the bridal procession lined up, drawing a crowd of curious onlookers. The noise was deafening.

In front of the wedding procession, a man dressed in a bright red wedding robe sat confidently on his horse. Despite the joyous occasion, his expression was devoid of any happiness; instead, he appeared unusually calm. However, when the bride was carried out, his gaze fell on a woman in blue standing nearby.

She seemed genuinely happy, her face radiating a bright smile, and her crescent-shaped eyes sparkled with delight. Even in plain clothes, she was hard to overlook.

Lin Yi felt a pang of bitterness in his heart. Seeing her so joyful at his marriage to another woman made him wonder if she truly felt nothing for him. If he had known his mother’s intentions that day, he would have never agreed to this arrangement. Perhaps he wouldn’t be in this situation today if he had.

“Young Master!”

“Young Master!”

Snapped back to reality, he heard someone from the Duke’s residence softly remind him, “It’s time to set off!”

After taking one last glance at the beautiful woman, Lin Yi pursed his lips, his eyes dimming. He suddenly urged his horse forward, leading the wedding procession, which immediately followed with drums and horns.

Once the procession disappeared down the street, Madam Wang was left behind, wiping her eyes with a sorrowful expression. Her uncles had to attend the wedding feast at the Duke’s residence, as women like her were not permitted to join.

With the excitement over, Xia Tong decided it was time to return. She had woken up so early and needed to catch up on sleep.

After having a light breakfast with her mother, Xia Tong returned to her room. Just then, Fang Yu suddenly slipped in quietly, closing the door behind her with a serious expression.

“What’s wrong? Is there something you need to tell me?” Xia Tong asked, lazily leaning back on the soft couch and rubbing her forehead as sleepiness washed over her.

Fang Yu pulled out a sachet embroidered with lotus flowers from her bosom, glanced around cautiously, and lowered her voice, “This is what you asked for.”

At her words, Xia Tong instantly perked up and took the item from her. With Xia Ning getting married, her own wedding was less than a week away. She needed to prepare for her wedding night!

“Miss, rest assured, this sachet will not harm you. You only need to hang it on the bedside that day, and then wait for the prince to drink the wedding wine, and the drug will take effect.”

After that, Fang Yu said solemnly. “But if you look at this thing alone, it’s just some spices that calm the mind and spirit. Even if the imperial physician comes to see it, he will definitely not find any clues. You can rest assured.”