Chapter 37

The Yang family’s house and the East Grand Courtyard in the front hall had already been freshly painted. The frost, dew, and snow marks on the eaves and tiles were gone, and the columns and railings were newly lacquered and shiny. Red silk hung from the beams, and large red paper cutouts adorned the windows inside and out. After the servants and guards finished decorating, they even closed the doors to prevent the comings and goings of the past few days from messing things up. However, today, the doors of the East Grand Courtyard opened early. Before dawn, the Yang family welcomed two special guests.

Early in the morning, the men of the East Grand Courtyard’s outer study, which should have been quiet, gathered together. The Sixth Prince’s confidants, Chief Clerk Chen Cheng and advisor Jia Yongliang arrived together to bring Yang Yanzong some significant news before his wedding.

“Yesterday afternoon, the Ministry of Personnel and the Governor’s Office submitted a proposal to the Cabinet. By the hour of Xu, the Cabinet had approved it. In other words, the official promotion documents were issued last night!”

Jia Yongliang, smiling, handed over a small box sealed with the Cabinet’s seal, cupping his hands and saying, “So, Brother Chen and I rushed over early this morning!”

Everyone knew Yang Yanzong was getting married today, so they came to add joy to the occasion. Chen Cheng laughed, “A rapid rise in your career, and now a wedding—Brother Yang, today you are truly riding high on the spring breeze!”

The two laughed heartily, “Brother Yang, let’s encourage each other from now on!” Jia Yongliang placed the small box in Yang Yanzong’s hand.

Yang Yanzong took it and placed it on the desk, cupping his hands and smiling, “Naturally, thank you both. Today, let’s drink together and not leave until we’re drunk!”

“Good, very good!”

They exchanged many congratulatory words, and finally, Yang Yanzong personally saw them off, instructing Yang Yanxin to lead them to a villa at the foot of the mountain for a short rest before joining the ceremony and banquet later.

He returned to the now quiet inner study. The soft morning light filtered through the window screens, illuminating the large nanmu desk, where the small flat box lay quietly beside the pen rack.

Yang Yanzong reached out and opened the box. Inside, on a brocade cushion, lay two dark red silk-bound official documents. He took them out, untied the red silk ribbon, and examined the slightly yellow, firm paper lined with white silk. The ink was fresh, and one document read “Deputy Commander of the Left Guard,” while the other read “Commander of the Western Garrison,” each bearing three bright red seals.

Yang Yanzong smiled silently. After a perilous journey through the palace and much effort, he finally had them in hand.

After reading the two documents, he returned them to the box, closed the lid, and casually slipped them into the drawer on his left.

It was already late in the morning. Outside the East Grand Courtyard, people were moving around, shouting, and horses neighing. Guards carried buckets of steaming hot water, and maids brought in perfectly ironed wedding clothes without a single crease.

Yang Yanzong casually gave a few instructions, quickly wrote a few notes, handed them to A Zhao, and then put down the pen and paper, loosening his sleeve cuffs and collar.

Today was a significant day—it was the day he would marry his new wife and establish his household.

…

The sky finally brightened, and the loud, ear-splitting sound of red firecrackers filled the air, making everyone smile with joy.

Su Ci was woken up at the fourth watch of the night. She had to change clothes, wash, style her hair, dye her nails, and wear her crown, almost missing breakfast in the rush. She had slept for less than three hours the previous night and was so groggy when she was woken up that she couldn’t open her eyes. Mrs. Chen and Su Yan rolled up their sleeves and threw her into the water to wash, scrubbing her so hard that she almost lost a layer of skin. The pain woke her up, and her scalp was pulled so tight she thought it might tear off. When she complained, Mrs. Chen slapped and scolded her for talking nonsense on such an important day.

Mrs. Chen didn’t want to give her breakfast, fearing it might cause an urgent need during the long wedding and ceremony. But Su Ci insisted, arguing that she couldn’t function without food. She felt it was impossible to work on an empty stomach.

Mrs. Chen had no choice but to have someone bring half a bowl of noodles and two eggs for her. Note that the noodles were dry, without any broth. Su Ci grumbled and complained while cherishing the sip of warm water her sister gave her. Before she could put the cup down, a deafening burst of firecrackers sounded outside. The wedding procession had arrived, and joyful music and horse hooves grew louder. The voices and laughter at the main gate suddenly became much louder!

Yang Yanzong had come to fetch his bride. The procession left the Yang family home, circled the entire camp, and returned. The soldiers were quite rowdy, but most of those who came to join the wedding and were at the bride’s home were his subordinates. Yang Yanzong’s authority was significant, so they quickly let him in after some good-natured teasing.

Su Ci heard Su Yan mutter, “That was too easy for him,” and couldn’t help but smile.

The noise and footsteps quickly filled the backyard, and soon, Su Ci saw Yang Yanzong. Today, he wore a dark red wedding robe with gold trim. His slender waist, long arms, and tall and straight posture made the vibrant and fiery color look perfectly natural on him. His broad shoulders and back exuded an imposing presence, making him look dignified and stern.

Of course, he seemed to be in a good mood today. The bright red festive color seemed to soften his naturally aloof demeanor. He stood in the courtyard, waiting for the bride to be carried out and placed in the bridal sedan chair.

Yang Yanzong’s keen senses led him to glance at the new silk window in the eastern room as soon as he entered.

Su Ci couldn’t help but laugh. Did he have to be so sensitive?

In the customs from the capital to Suiping, the bride had to be carried to the sedan chair by her brother, ensuring her feet never touched the ground.

Su Ci had one brother by blood, Su Song, Su Rong’s twin brother. He was a quiet and reserved young man, unlike his mother and sister. He rarely sought attention and spent his days studying and practicing martial arts before becoming a personal guard. After being assigned as a guard, he was always punctual and never used his background for special treatment. However, he had yet to show any outstanding qualities. This was what Su Ci overheard the squad leader telling Su Di. The former praised him, while the latter was more reserved. Overall, he wasn’t particularly remarkable, but he didn’t cause trouble either. In the original storyline, Su Song was eventually promoted to a high position as the Commander of the Southern Dynasty’s Rear Guard, thanks to his sister and nephew’s status. In this life, without the benefit of nepotism, it was uncertain what path he would take.

These matters didn’t concern Su Ci. She was quite at ease, knowing she was the rightful fiancée. She owed nothing to anyone and had no regrets.

Although Su Song was dressed in new clothes today, he wasn’t the one carrying Su Ci. Su Yan had been adamant early on, viewing the west wing as the enemy and refusing to let Su Song carry her sister to the sedan chair. She wanted to do it herself, but their parents disagreed. So, she settled for the next best option and suggested that Lin Yichu should not be excluded.

This made a lot of sense.

Mrs. Chen and Su Yan both disliked the idea, and Su Ci wasn’t too keen on it either. Su Di, who cherished his daughter, didn’t want to upset her on her wedding day, so he made the final decision.

Su Ci held a silk fan, her delicate, water-like yellow fan covering her face, revealing only her expressive eyes. The wedding customs of Da Qing were similar to those of the Tang and Song dynasties, where the bride didn’t need to wear a veil but used a new fan to cover her face. After the ceremony, she would perform the fan removal ritual in the bridal chamber. The only difference was that the wedding dress was red instead of green.

She lifted her skirt and was supported by Su Yan as she came out. Lin Yichu was already waiting on the steps, bending down to carry Su Ci. Her long, bright red skirt trailed on the ground, and Su Yan quickly picked it up.

Su Di and Mrs. Chen frequently looked back, but today, they had to remain seated in the front hall. The noise and laughter outside quickly approached. Yang Yanzong entered the hall first, followed closely by Lin Yichu, carrying Su Ci. Lin Yichu set her down, and Yang Yanzong led Su Ci forward. When they knelt on the ground, the old couple were moved to tears.

After bidding farewell to her parents, Lin Yichu carried Su Ci again, taking her out to the main gate. Before placing her in the bridal sedan chair, they exchanged a glance. Su Ci held the fan to cover her face, revealing only her eyes, and said, “Brother Yichu.”

Lin Yichu smiled and helped her into the sedan chair. The bright red curtain swayed, and the youthful, charming figure disappeared. He thought, well, it’s better this way, a hundred times better than marrying him.

…

The wedding banquet and ceremony were held at a villa at the foot of the mountain, about ten miles away from the bride’s home. This villa was a gift from the Sixth Prince, given just a few days ago. At such a generous moment, he wouldn’t be stingy. With victory in sight and Yang Yanzong’s wedding imminent, he directly gifted a lakeside villa to Yang Yanzong as his residence.

This new villa was both beautiful and spacious. Although Yang Yanzong didn’t plan to move there, he decided to hold the ceremony and banquet there.

The reason was simple: the official documents were expected to arrive within the next two days. People in and around Yangdu were well-informed, and the number of guests attending the ceremony and banquet would likely be much higher than initially anticipated. The small homes of the Su and Yang families wouldn’t be able to accommodate everyone. Fortunately, with this villa, Yang Yanzong could easily relocate the event there.

Early in the morning, the wedding procession set off, and by the time they reached the villa, the sun was rising, casting a golden glow over the beautiful estate. By then, the place was already bustling with guests coming and going. Yang Chongying, supported by Yang Yanxin, stood at the main gate while the Yang family members waited behind the second gate to welcome the guests.

Many people came to celebrate, not wanting to be seen as impolite or offend their colleagues, especially since today was a day off. The positions of Deputy Commander of the Left Guard and Commander of the Western Garrison were significant, so many guests arrived, and by the hour of Chen, the place was packed.

First came some of Yang Yanzong’s old subordinates and those from the Left Guard, initially of lower rank. As noon approached, many of Yang Yanzong’s former superiors and colleagues arrived. The highlight was the Sixth Prince and his heir personally coming to congratulate him, taking the main seats.

Yang Yanzong was the Sixth Prince’s man, so it was normal for the Sixth Prince to show his importance by attending. As for the Fourth and Seventh Princes, Ji Yuanhao represented the Fourth Prince’s estate, and the Seventh Prince’s youngest son, Ji Yuan, represented the Seventh Prince’s estate. Lastly, there was a representative from the Kun faction, Prince Qian.

From early morning until noon, the place was lively and noisy, with carts of gifts wrapped in red silk being brought in. Mrs. Bai watched with envy—there was less than half a month between the two girls’ wedding dates, but it was certain that Su Rong’s wedding wouldn’t be on this scale. Due to the relationship between the Su and Yang families and the overlapping guest lists, they decided to hold the banquet together.

Mrs. Bai muttered, “If only we had known, we could have planned it together.”

But that was just the surface issue, not the main one.

Seeing so many guests at Su Ci’s wedding, Su Rong felt slightly bitter. Many people mentioned the bride, and Su Rong overheard them. She had also studied medicine privately after Su Ci showed her medical talent. She was smart and could understand the concepts through self-study, but she struggled with practical application. The theories in the books were clear, but applying them to real people was difficult, and she eventually had to give up.

Su Rong gathered her spirits and glanced at Yang Yanxin in the distance, but he was listening to Father Yang and didn’t look her way. Su Rong felt a bit disappointed. She had looked over several times today, but he hadn’t specifically looked in her direction.

Young girls often have some romantic dreams, and it’s inevitable to feel lost when faced with reality. But Su Rong quickly suppressed her emotions, swiftly tidying up the invitations and putting them into a basket. Compared to Yang Yanzong, Yang Yanxin was clearly much simpler. She glanced at Yang Yanzong’s distant figure. This man was like a deep pool, dangerous and unfathomable, always giving the illusion that getting close would lead to being swallowed.

Well, that’s good, Su Rong told herself. Because Mrs. Chen never deliberately hid Mrs. Bai’s methods of entering the household, most of the legitimate wives she knew didn’t like her. Yang Yanxin was already a pleasant surprise for her, and she was pretty satisfied. Yang Yanzong was capable, and as long as he didn’t cause trouble, his brother Yang Yanxin wouldn’t be bad either. This was already very good.

Su Rong sighed and called the maid to carry the full basket inside. Taking advantage of her stepmother’s absence, she quickly pushed Mrs. Bai, “Mother, you should go back! Don’t let Mother (legitimate) see you.”

Mrs. Bai still wanted to sneak a peek at the distinguished guests, but under her daughter’s repeated urging, she reluctantly left, turning back every few steps.

Watching Mrs. Bai enter the side door, Su Rong breathed a small sigh of relief, then turned to look at another distinguished guest among the male guests behind the flower wall.

This time, it was Prince Qian!

…

After being brought to the villa, Su Ci was taken to a two-story building to rest, along with the bridal party and matchmakers.

Ignoring elders’ advice leads to immediate regret. Halfway there, she already felt the urge to go. As soon as she reached the second floor, she rushed into the inner room, with Su Yan hurriedly following to help with her skirt.

After resolving their physiological needs, the sisters lay on the small balcony at the back, enjoying the view. They lowered the bamboo curtain for some privacy. The balcony faced the side door, where guests wouldn’t come.

Su Ci wasn’t interested in the so-called Sixth Prince’s heir, Ji Yuanhao, or the Seventh Prince’s youngest son. She didn’t sneak to the front window to watch the excitement; she only heard the matchmakers’ envious whispers- until Prince Qian appeared. His appearance was truly extraordinary. Not entering the palace today, he didn’t wear his royal robe but a light blue crane cloak, exuding an ethereal aura. The elegant young man walked gracefully, like an immortal descending to the mortal world. Suddenly, there was silence behind her, followed by gasps and excited whispers.

Su Ci’s sharp ears caught it, and her eyes lit up. Wow, that perfect celestial man from the other day!

She quickly pulled Su Yan along, squeezing to the front, peeking through the window slit and slightly widening it, using her fan to cover her face as she stole a glance—tsk tsk, such an ethereal man, yet even he was tainted by power. What a waste!

Of course, that didn’t stop her from admiring him from afar once more.

Su Ci’s eyes sparkled as she leaned on the windowsill. To be honest, the window slit wasn’t very big, and the position was quite inconspicuous, with Su Yan blocking the view. But just as she peeked out, Yang Yanzong suddenly turned his head and met her gaze perfectly.

Su Ci: “…”

Uh, she blinked, and Yang Yanzong’s eyes immediately narrowed, showing a familiar dangerous glint. Uh-oh, caught red-handed!

…

Yang Yanzong looked away, a faint smile on his lips, and exchanged a few polite words with Prince Qian.

Ji Yuanhao stood not far away, and their gazes met. Ji Yuanhao raised an eyebrow, “Congratulations on your triple promotion.”

In the past, Ji Yuanhao’s higher status due to his birth gave him an edge, but now they were on equal footing. Yang Yanzong had officially entered the highest level of the Da Qing court’s power struggle. He was now a well-known figure among various factions.

Today, they came not to congratulate on the wedding but on the promotion. Ji Yuanhao, always an interesting character, smiled faintly and said, “Congratulations.”

After that, he led Prince Qian and Ji Yuanhao to their seats. Besides them, just as the auspicious time was approaching, the villa welcomed its last distinguished guest.

—Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Guards, Huang Dewei.

In the highest circles of the court, regardless of political factions, most would still maintain appearances unless there was a deep-seated enmity. So today, there were quite a few people from other factions. The Deputy Commander of the Left Guard and the Northern Army had some interactions, and many from the Northern Army attended this year. Huang Dewei’s appearance was notable but not entirely unexpected.

“Congratulations, Brother Yang, on your promotion!” Huang Dewei smiled, polite but not overly distant, maintaining the right amount of formality. He discreetly assessed Yang Yanzong, noting how his status had risen significantly in just a few days.

Yang Yanzong replied, “Thank you. I am deeply grateful for your presence.”

Unlike the formal and distant greetings exchanged between civil officials, military officers were usually more direct and hearty. They cupped their hands in salute, and Yang Yanzong returned the gesture. As they patted each other’s shoulders, Huang Dewei discreetly slipped a small note into Yang Yanzong’s hand.

They quickly separated, and Yang Yanzong calmly held the folded note. Neither showed any sign of the exchange. Huang Dewei glanced at him, nodded politely, and followed the others to the main seats.

The auspicious time arrived, and the bride was brought out for the formal ceremony, which was followed by the banquet. The bride’s face was hidden, but her large, bright eyes revealed her beauty. Many people discussed her, mainly about the previous palace incident.

Su Ci ignored them, seizing an opportunity to flash a flattering smile at Yang Yanzong.

Yang Yanzong glanced at her and smiled back.

But that smile—why did it feel a bit forced?

After escorting the bride to the backyard, the banquet began. Other matters were set aside for now; today was his wedding day.

The wedding banquet was grand, with over eighty tables for toasts alone, not including the women’s banquet. It lasted until the third watch of the night before finally ending.

Yang Yanzong was helped away from the banquet area. Once they were out of the crowd, he waved his hand, and A Zhao and Yang Yanzhen let go. He staggered a few steps before steadying himself. At the door of the bridal chamber, the people following him dispersed. The red lanterns cast a warm, festive glow. He listened and heard light, quick footsteps coming from the small compartment. He snorted inwardly, knowing Su Ci wouldn’t be sitting obediently on the bed waiting for him.

However, when he pushed open the door, he was met with a beaming face. Her cheeks were rouged, and her eyes were slightly upturned with a hint of red blush—a makeup style he had never seen before. Her large, bright eyes were full of spirit, both charming and cute. She was eating at the round table, holding a large Four Happiness Meatball. When she saw him, her beautiful face lit up with a bright smile, “You’re back? Come over and rest. I saved some sour bamboo shoot pigeon soup for you. It’s good for sobering up and warming your stomach!” She pulled him to the table, took out the soup and two appetizers she had kept warm in the food box, and handed him a pair of chopsticks.

The hot, comforting soup eased his burning stomach from all the drinking. Her attentive and sweet behavior finally dissipated some of his anger.

After they were full, they washed up and returned to the inner room.

In the bright red room, Su Ci leaned on the antique shelf, watching as Yang Yanzong took out a small, finely folded piece of paper. He unfolded it and glanced at it.

“What’s that?” Curious, Su Ci quickly moved closer to see. As one of the people involved in the palace incident, she immediately thought of Huang Dewei. “Did Commander Huang give it to you? Did the old emperor give any instructions?”

She clung to Yang Yanzong’s arm, trying to see. Yang Yanzong flipped his hand, and the note disappeared. Su Ci protested, “Hey, Yang Yanzong, why are you like this?!”

Not showing it when it’s right there—wasn’t that just teasing her?

“Don’t worry about that.” Was tonight the time to deal with such matters?!

Yang Yanzong, like a voice-activated motor, immediately turned his head, squinting, “What did you just call me?”

“Tell me, who am I?” He flipped, trying to grab Su Ci’s wrist. She had seen this move many times and reacted quickly. Her left arm retracted, fist up; her right hand blocked and deflected!

This was a classic karate upper block, simple but effective. She used it for the first time and, unexpectedly, successfully blocked him. She quickly jumped back, hiding behind the antique shelf.

Yang Yanzong’s eyes narrowed dangerously. He snorted, and with a swift move, his left hand grabbed her with a small hold!

If it were a real fight, ten Su Ci’s couldn’t beat Yang Yanzong. In a few moves, he had her hands pinned.

Su Ci laughed heartily. Pinned on the bed, she surrendered, “Husband, dear husband, be gentle, haha.”

Yang Yanzong was both angry and amused. This girl would never be shy or timid. But he thought their relationship was different from that of typical couples, so he let it go. However, there was one thing!

He lifted her and flipped her over, “Remember this.”

“What?”

“What’s the matter?” What was it??

But Yang Yanzong didn’t continue. When the red curtain fell, at the crucial moment, he suddenly stopped, lifting her chin and staring intensely into her eyes, “Remember, I am your man! Your husband!!”

Oh, my heavens!

She hadn’t wanted to marry him at first, but now, he had finally married her. His woman should be tamed by him, from body to heart, not constantly looking at and thinking about other things!

“Do you remember?”

Su Ci didn’t really understand what he was saying; her mind was elsewhere. Hurry up, big brother. Are you coming or not? She mumbled “uh-huh” twice and reached out to wrap her arms around his neck.

As the night deepened, the voices gradually faded, and the bustling lakeside villa returned to peace. The guards exchanged a few words and rubbed their hands and faces.

The early spring night was freezing, and the charcoal in the brazier crackled, burning from bright red to a dull glow, gradually extinguishing and calming down.

Under the dark blue sky, the stars twinkled.

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