Chapter 231: Bridal Attire
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When He Yan returned to the mansion, it was already late at night.
He Yunsheng informed her about the visit of Bai Rongwei to the mansion, and when He Yan heard that they had even chosen an auspicious wedding date, she couldn’t help but be surprised, “After the New Year?”
“Yes,” He Yunsheng observed her expression, “Do you also feel it’s too rushed?”
“Not really,” He Yan replied, “It’s just that there are many state affairs recently, and the Wutuo envoy just arrived in the capital today. We will be busy for the next two months. Where will I have time to prepare for the wedding with Xiao Jue?”
He Yunsheng frowned, “Don’t you think it’s a bit too fast for yourself?”
“It’s fine,” He Yan said, “The emperor arranged the marriage, and sooner or later, I have to get married. What’s the big deal?”
“But it’s still your own wedding,” He Yunsheng had a headache, “Can’t you put a little more effort into it?”
He Yan felt it was unnecessary.
In her previous life, when she got married, she also returned to the capital and married shortly after exchanging identities with He Rufei. The time was tight, but everything in the He family had been arranged in advance, from dowry to wedding attire, and she hadn’t done anything. She didn’t know if other women getting married were the same, but in her memory, getting married was just moving from one home to another.
He Sui scolded He Yunsheng, “Your sister knows what she’s doing, what are you worrying about?” Then he turned to He Yan and asked, “Yanyan, when Madam Xiao came today, she said the betrothal gifts were already prepared. You also have an official position. After marrying into the He family, you don’t have to take care of the daily affairs like before. As for your dowry, I’ve already saved up some for you. We may not be as wealthy as the Xiao family, but you don’t need to be ashamed. When our daughter marries, she comes with a salary every month. Isn’t that better than a dowry?”
“However, there is one last thing,” He Sui scratched his head, “You’ve been in Liangzhou for so long, and you haven’t embroidered your wedding attire. It’s too late to do it yourself now… In Shuojing City, there are several excellent embroiderers. You can choose which one you like, and I’ll ask her to make your wedding attire. It should be in time.”
“Wouldn’t that be expensive?” He Yan asked.
“My daughter is getting married, of course, she should have the best,” He Sui said nonchalantly, “Your father has plenty of silver.”
“I’m not short of silver either,” He Yan said, “As for the wedding attire, I have my own ideas. Dad doesn’t need to worry about it.”
“But…”
“My own wedding, of course, I’ll decide for myself.” He Yan stood up, “Dad, do you even want to pick out the wedding attire for your daughter?”
“I didn’t mean that.” He Sui hurriedly explained, but when he saw He Yan’s gaze, he gave in, “Forget it, if you think it’s fine, then it’s fine. But when you choose the embroiderer, be sure to let me know so I can invite her for you.”
“Got it.” He Yan looked outside, “It’s not early. Dad, you and Yunsheng should rest early.”
After washing up, Qingmei entered the room and took away the basin of hot water. She remarked, “Once the auspicious date is set, after the New Year, Miss will be married. Why does it seem like Miss is not nervous at all?”
“Marriage is not like going to the battlefield,” He Yan chuckled. “There’s nothing to be nervous about.”
“Miss has such a big heart,” Qingmei muttered, “What about the wedding attire? Miss hasn’t thought about how she’ll look when she wears the wedding attire and marries Commander Xiao?”
He Yan was slightly taken aback.
In her previous life, when she married Xu Zhiheng, the wedding attire prepared by the He family for her was indeed luxurious and exquisite. However, looking at herself in the mirror adorned with phoenix crown and red veil, He Yan always felt a bit uncomfortable. The scars beneath the delicate dress would inevitably catch the eyes of others, and what she was about to face was an unknown future, living as a woman in a strange mansion.
Even though she had expectations, deep down, there was also fear.
Now…
She was not afraid of getting married anymore. Perhaps it was because Xiao Jue had promised her that even if she married into the Xiao family, she wouldn’t have to sacrifice and dedicate herself. She could be her true self.
Seeing He Yan remaining silent, Qingmei thought He Yan was finally feeling shy. She smiled contentedly and left the room with the basin. The closing of the door jolted He Yan back to reality. She laid down on the bed, suddenly remembering something, and took out the black jade with snake patterns from her close-fitting clothes.
Under the lamplight in the night, the black jade emitted a cool yet warm feeling. After Xiao Jue gave her this jade, He Yan was afraid of losing it, so she found a string and wore it as a necklace around her neck.
A beautiful wedding attire would undoubtedly cost a significant amount of money. He Sui and He Yunsheng were already struggling for her marriage expenses. She wondered if others in the embroidery workshop would let her run up a tab on the account of Xiao Jue’s face.
But… if news of her running a tab for her wedding attire spread, it would not only affect her reputation but also tarnish Xiao Jue’s reputation.
No, it wouldn’t work.
He Yan put the jade pendant back in place, turned over, and thought no more.
Throughout history, getting married indeed required spending money.
…
On the mountain at night, in the spacious hall, two wooden giant tigers laid in front of the hall, as quiet as if they were asleep.
A grey-feathered dove fluttered its wings and landed on the small table. Its black bean-like eyes blinked as it pecked at the red wild fruits on the porcelain plate. A slender hand reached over, and the dove was untied from the bronze rod on its leg.
A moment later, with a crisp sound, the copper tube fell to the ground, making a clear noise. Someone yawned and mumbled, “What’s going on?”
The speaker had a round, fair face, with eyes squinted due to the flesh, but it didn’t look greasy and was somewhat amusing. If He Yan were present, she would recognize him as Lu Daichuan, the master skilled in swordsmithing whom she had seen before, Xiao Jue’s master.
“Oh,” Lu Daichuan noticed the grey dove stealing food, and he paused. “There’s a message, for whom?”
“For whom else? Your precious disciple.” The woman holding the letter turned around, revealing a charming face.
This woman was probably in her thirties or forties, not stunningly beautiful, but there was a hint of charm between her eyebrows. Her eyes were alluring, while her lips were thin, giving her a restrained and cold appearance. This contradiction was blended together quite well, leaving an inexplicable and enchanting aura. With such a face, she was dressed in coarse linen clothes, and her hair was casually tied with a twig, resembling a legendary mountain ghost hidden in the mountains.
“Huaiijin sent a message?” Lu Daichuan was surprised. “Why would he suddenly come to deliver a message?”
The beautiful woman sneered, “Of course, someone else is doing his dirty work. Do you think he came to show concern and respect for us, or to pay his respects?”
“Of course, I know he’s sending someone to do it.” Lu Daichuan grinned, “What’s the matter this time?”
“This guy is getting married after the New Year. His noble wife is missing a wedding dress, so he bothered me to embroider one for him.” The beautiful woman spoke with rising anger, “Is my place an embroidery workshop? He gives orders to me as if he’s not holding back!”
“Oh, don’t be angry.” Lu Daichuan poured her a cup of tea. “After all, our Miss Ruxing was once the top embroidery master in Great Wei.”
Ruxing was not moved by his flattery. “Am I still called Miss at this age? Besides, being the top embroidery master is something from many years ago. It’s difficult for me to believe that you still remember.”
Lu Daichuan blinked, “Of course, I remember. After you went up the mountain, many people searched for your whereabouts. The legend of you is still lingering in Shuojing City.” Lu Daichuan said, “Your embroidery skills, from heaven to earth, can’t find anything better. Huaijin also recognized this, that’s why he came to ask for your help.”
“I’ve never seen any disciple who can boss his master around so effortlessly.” Ruxing stared at him, “Among us back then, you spoiled him the most. The rotten behavior he has now is the result of your indulgence!”
Lu Daichuan looked very innocent. “The five of us were his masters together, so why blame it all on me? Besides, Ruxing, do you really think I spoiled him back then?”
Ruxing glanced at him and remained silent.
Of course not. When Xiao Jue went up the mountain, he was very young. By the time he came down at the age of fourteen, he was still just a teenager. However, in the dozen or so years in between, there probably wasn’t a single easy day. Xiao Zhongwu knew that he would have to shoulder the future of the Xiao family in the future, and he would walk a lonely and difficult path. He demanded that the five of them teach and train Xiao Jue in the most rigorous way.
Enduring what ordinary people could not endure is the key to obtaining what ordinary people cannot obtain. Everyone in the world says that Xiao Zhongwu is lucky; the eldest son is outstanding, and the second son is even more outstanding. If he were a bit more stern, he would surpass all the men in Great Wei. However, no one knows what kind of days Xiao Jue spent on the mountain.
It was definitely not a life of enjoyment.
The masters were human, not true immortals. They had emotions and desires, and sometimes when they saw a small child being mistreated, they couldn’t help but feel compassion. But they couldn’t show it. Over time, Xiao Jue didn’t develop a deep attachment to his masters. After he came down the mountain, except for the annual visit, there was not much contact.
Lu Daichuan understood very well. Who could have a good expression for someone who had abused, scolded, and often confined him to a formation since childhood?
The fact that Xiao Jue didn’t come back for revenge was already very well-cultivated.
“Fortunately, fortunately,” Lu Daichuan clasped his hands together. “I was originally worried that he would stay on the mountain for too long, and his personality would become unsociable and cold. I was afraid he would end up a lonely bachelor for the rest of his life. Now, it seems that I can finally set my mind at ease. If, because of our relationship, this kid doesn’t marry a wife, then the sin will be great. Fortunately, fortunately, Amitabha.”
Ruxing gave him a disdainful look. “How is that girl?”
Lu Daichuan asked, “What?”
“Haven’t you seen that girl?” Ruxing impatiently asked, “That girl from the Shen family has been pursuing the stinky kid for so many years, and the stinky kid hasn’t been moved. But he unexpectedly fell for this girl and even ordered me to embroider a wedding dress for her. I really want to know what’s so extraordinary about this girl,” she touched her own hair, “Is she more beautiful than me?”
Lu Daichuan chuckled twice, “She’s only seventeen or eighteen years old, in the prime of her life. You have already stepped half of your foot into the soil, how can you compare?”
“Have you not tasted the feeling of being beaten for a long time?” Ruxing smiled.
“I was just joking,” Lu Daichuan coughed lightly. “I think that girl looks pretty good. You should believe in Huaijin’s judgment.”
“A man’s judgment can never be trusted.” Ruxing sneered.
“Shouldn’t you believe in the judgment of a sword?” Lu Daichuan smiled slightly. “Huaijin’s Autumn Drinking sword really likes her.”
“What?”
“That day when she helped Huaijin take the repaired Drinking Autumn sword, I could feel that the Drinking Autumn sword liked her. I’ve been on the mountain for many years and have seen more swords than people. Drinking Autumn follows its master, and if Drinking Autumn likes Miss He, then she must be good.”
After a moment of silence, Ruxing said, “It’s uncertain. Perhaps that sword has been on the battlefield for too long, and its mind is not clear.”
“You make it less interesting by saying that.” Lu Daichuan said, “Do you know what you look like now? Like a resentful and sarcastic mother-in-law dissatisfied with the new daughter-in-law.”
“Who are you calling an evil mother-in-law?” Ruxing’s gaze turned deadly.
“I’m saying, you should relax a bit.” Lu Daichuan said, “Huaijin has a better eye for people than you and me. If he likes Miss He, as elders, we should support him. Huaijin, although he treats us indifferently normally, you also know that we’ve been safe and sound on the mountain for so many years, without any disturbances. There must be a reason for that.”
Ruxing remained silent.
“Now that he can marry and start a family, it’s not in vain that General Xiao entrusted him to us back then,” Lu Daichuan sighed.
The hall was cool, reminiscent of the nights on the mountain when a young boy, with a pretty face, practiced swordsmanship. In the blink of an eye, he had grown up.
After a moment of silence, Ruxing got up to leave, and Lu Daichuan stopped her. “Hey, where are you going?”
“Of course, I’m going back!” Ruxing gritted her teeth. “I’m helping your d*mn disciple embroider a wedding dress. I really raised a troublemaker. After enduring so much hardship to get him off the mountain, now that he’s about to get married, he actually came back to cause me trouble!”
“As the first embroiderer in Great Wei,” Lu Daichuan said with a sly smile, “the wedding dress you embroider will naturally be unparalleled in the world.”
“Of course,” Ruxing’s voice carried a bit of a playful tone, “I hope that girl is worthy of my craftsmanship.”
…
Xiao Jue invited his master to help embroider the wedding dress for He Yan, and He Yan was unaware of it. Bai Rongwei sent someone to say that Xiao Jue was already preparing the wedding dress. He Sui and He Yunsheng felt a bit uneasy, as it was unconventional for the groom’s family to prepare the bride’s wedding dress. However, He Yan felt that Xiao Jue was considerate, knowing that she wasn’t good at such things, so he took care of it, making her feel at ease.
The wedding date was finally set for the tenth day of the lunar new year.
The wedding invitations from the Xiao family had been sent out, and everyone in Shuojing knew about it. He family had fewer relatives and friends, mainly some good friends from the time when He Sui was a military official. He Sui felt a bit uncomfortable with the lack of guests, but He Yan didn’t think it was a big deal. Marriage wasn’t a fight; more people didn’t necessarily mean better.
She also didn’t want to be surrounded like a monkey for people to watch.
The wedding date was temporarily put aside by her because there were more important matters at hand.
The Wutuo envoy finally arrived in the capital on this winter day.
On the first day of their arrival, Emperor Wenxuan accepted their apologies and, more importantly, the Wutuo envoy’s desire for peace.
When He Yan heard this news, although not surprised, she didn’t expect it to happen so quickly. Emperor Wenxuan leaned towards peace, which was not a good sign for her and Xiao Jue.
He Yunsheng sat in front of He Yan and asked her, “Three days later, His Majesty will host a banquet at Tianxing Terrace. Those Wutuo people will surely take this opportunity to make things difficult. Can you handle it?”
“Whether I can handle it or not, I have to endure it,” He Yan sighed. “My position is not so high that I can disregard His Majesty’s wishes.”
The banquet at Tianxing Terrace was also intended to showcase the wealth and power of Great Wei, letting those Wutuo people see the prosperity and strength of the country. However, as a military general, He Yan couldn’t accept standing alongside the enemy forces that had slaughtered Great Wei’s people. She also didn’t want to see those vile Wutuo people swaggering on Great Wei’s territory.
“You think,” He Yunsheng pondered for a moment, “His Majesty will agree to them opening a market in Great Wei?”
Nowadays, it was widely known in the capital, and He Yunsheng knew it wasn’t a secret. He Yan occasionally shared some information about the current situation in the court with He Yunsheng. In her view, whether He Yunsheng entered the service from the civil or military side, he would probably do so in the future. Letting him understand these things early was beneficial and harmless.
He Yan shook her head, “I don’t know.”
She had also asked Xiao Jue this question, and he only said that Emperor Wenxuan had not agreed temporarily, but what would happen in the future was still uncertain.
“Ah,” He Yunsheng sighed heavily, “If those Wutuo people, who killed so many people in Great Wei, are allowed to come in and do business, what would those dead people and soldiers who died at the hands of the Wutuo people think? It’s really…” He wanted to say a few more words, but since that person was the emperor, he couldn’t interfere, so he had to swallow the words he wanted to say. However, there was disappointment in his eyes.
He Yunsheng wasn’t the only one disappointed.
He Yan knew very well that by agreeing to the peace with the Wutuo people at this critical moment, Emperor Wenxuan had also indirectly slapped Xiao Jue in the face. What about General Fengyun? Even if he was invincible in the Battle of Jiyang and gained the emperor’s favor, they could still enter Great Wei’s territory with great swagger, even enjoying the conveniences and benefits that Great Wei merchants couldn’t enjoy.
How ironic.
But…
Sometimes, being too clever only ends up hitting oneself in the foot. If everything goes smoothly, if Wutuo and Great Wei “exchange weapons for goods,” it might benefit He Rufei, Xu Jingfu, and even the Wutuo country’s lord who was thousands of miles away. But there would be no benefits for Great Wei’s citizens, Xiao Jue, or He Yan herself.
So, the blood of the soldiers who had died earlier could not be in vain.
Emperor Wenxuan had to be wary of these cunning Wutuo people and see through their true colors.
Three days later at Tianxing Terrace, He Yan lowered her eyes. At that time, there would be a real spectacle to watch.
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