Rebirth of a Star General Chapter 247

Chapter 247: Getting Married (Part 1)

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From the New Year to the tenth day seemed to pass both slowly and quickly. In the blink of an eye, it was the day when He Yan was to get married.

Early in the morning, Xia Chengxiu arrived in a carriage.

The He family had very few relatives in Shuojing, and due to the death of Madam He in recent years, the connections had faded. Afraid that there would be no female relatives to help, Xiao Jue asked Yan He to invite Xia Chengxiu to assist. Yan He was, of course, unwilling, but Xia Chengxiu was more accommodating and came over early.

While combing He Yan’s hair, Xia Chengxiu smiled and said, “Miss He, rest assured, today you will definitely be dressed as the most beautiful bride in Shuojing City.”

He Yan smiled, “Whether I’m beautiful or not is not that important, actually.”

“True,” Xia Chengxiu put down the comb, “as long as Commander Xiao is satisfied.”

He Yan couldn’t help but cringe.

Qingmei walked over with a box, saying, “Miss, change into the wedding dress first.”

The dress was sent by the Xiao family yesterday evening, and it was a bit late at the time, so He Yan just hastily tried it on to confirm the fit. Now that the box was opened, Xia Chengxiu exclaimed.

He Yan wondered, “What’s wrong?”

“The embroidery…” Xia Chengxiu gently touched the pattern on top, “It looks like the Five Zhuang embroidery that was lost in Great Wei.”

“What is Five Zhuang embroidery?” Qingmei also looked puzzled.

“It was a famous cloth workshop in the past, but it disappeared later. The daughter of the owner, Lady Ruxing, had extraordinary embroidery skills, and the noblewomen in the palace could hardly get a piece of fabric like hers.” Xia Chengxiu smiled, “Commander Xiao found an embroiderer from somewhere to make this wedding dress. It seems he put a lot of thought into it.”

He Yan was slightly surprised, and took the wedding dress out of the box. Qingmei helped He Yan put it on.

The top of the wedding dress was embroidered with dragons and phoenixes, with a large red embroidered shirt underneath, and the hem of the long skirt was extremely wide. The edges of the skirt were embroidered with fine cloud patterns in golden-red silk thread, making it exquisite and beautiful. The phoenix veil hung from both shoulders to the front, with a golden jade pendant.

It was not easy to put on this dress, and it took Xia Chengxiu and Qingmei’s help for a long time to put it on properly. He Yan hadn’t tied up her hair yet. Qingmei took out the phoenix coronet and pretended to put it on He Yan’s head, saying, “Miss, take a look at this first!”

He Yan looked at herself in the mirror. Unlike the crowns of other noble daughters, which were made of gold and jade, fully embedded with emeralds and precious stones, this one looked particularly delicate, as if made of silk, thin as cicada wings. It was adorned with red rubies and pearls, giving the impression of being shrouded in a layer of red clouds. The crystal beads on the ears made her face appear exceptionally fair and beautiful.

“You look so beautiful, Miss…” Qingmei was a bit stunned. She had been with He Yan since childhood and knew that He Yan was born beautiful, but now it seemed like this gem had been brushed off the dust, making her stunning.

“Commander Xiao knows how to choose wedding dresses,” Xia Chengxiu also stared blankly, and after a while, she smiled and said, “Among the brides who got married in Shuojing City in recent years, if we talk about wedding dresses, none of them can compare to what Miss He is wearing.”

He Yan also felt that this wedding dress was beautiful. Unfortunately, she lacked talent in poetry and couldn’t praise it with beautiful words. She could only silently appreciate it in her heart.

When He Yan got married to the He family, the wedding dress was also precious and fitted well. However, when she wore it, He Yan felt somewhat uncomfortable. Later, she thought that the wedding dress was exceptionally charming and delicate, completely different from her own temperament. In contrast, the current dress, from head to toe, exuded a perfect and sleek elegance.

“You sit down first,” Xia Chengxiu took away the phoenix coronet, “I’ll comb your hair first. After that, we’ll put on the phoenix coronet, and you should look even better.”

He Yan was pressed into a chair by Xia Chengxiu, watching her combing her hair.

Qingmei stood on the side with a box of jewelry, occasionally handing pearls and hairpins to Xia Chengxiu. Suddenly, she felt a bit lost, “From now on, Miss will have to wear her hair up. Time passes so quickly.”

After getting married, He Yan naturally had to wear a married woman’s hairstyle. But when she was in this small courtyard years ago, He Yan was still a child. Qingmei remembered the first time she saw Miss at her own home. At that time, He Yan, with messy hair, stood at the door, staring at her aggressively, wanting He Sui to drive her away. Qingmei, suppressing her fear, timidly approached and said, “Miss, don’t drive the servant away. This servant can comb hair.”

That was the beginning of many years.

The woman in the mirror had her long hair combed like silk, skillfully coiled up by Xia Chengxiu, and adorned with pearls, agate, and silver hairpins one by one.

Xia Chengxiu was meticulous in her efforts, as if decorating a flower about to bloom, wanting to use all the beauty on He Yan.

The woman in the mirror gradually became clear from an unadorned appearance to a gorgeous one.

He Yan watched the person in the bronze mirror somewhat absentmindedly. She didn’t know that a woman could be so beautiful when getting married.

At this moment, someone knocked on the door outside, the sound was very light. Qingmei went to open the door, and when she saw the person outside, she spoke with some confusion, “You…”

“Young Miss He?” He Yan was stunned, then stood up.

He Xinying walked out from behind the door, seeming a bit nervous. She first looked at He Yan in a daze, until Xia Chengxiu softly asked, “Miss?” did she react.

“I heard that Miss He is getting married today and wanted to come and take a look,” He Xinying bit her lip, took out a small box from behind, “This is my congratulatory gift… After the family had an accident, there isn’t much left. This is the pair of earrings my Mother gave me when I got married. I heard it was left to her by my grandmother.”

“I don’t have anything valuable, only this…” He Xinying paused, lowering her head, “Miss He, if you find it inadequate…”

The next moment, the box was accepted, and He Yan smiled at her, “It’s great. Today, I have received several pairs of earrings that don’t seem very nice. She opened the box, and inside lay a pair of amber earrings with pearl pendants, which she took out. “These earrings look just right and match my wedding dress.”

“He Xinying,” she called affectionately, “Help me put them on.”

He Xinying was taken aback, uncertainly asking, “Me…..?”

“Yes,” He Yan pulled her hand, placing the earrings in her palm, “Help me put them on. It’s also good to share in the joy.”

Even though it was winter, holding her hand brought a warm feeling. In an instant, He Xinying’s heart felt extremely bitter. Today, she came here with twelve thousand courage. She, as the daughter and wife of a traitor, would have to endure the scornful eyes of others wherever she went. When she came here, she was really afraid that He Yan would look down on her. It took a lot of courage to explain to Madam Wei, and she hesitated at the door for a long time before she dared to come in. Now, He Yan’s gaze at her seemed as if she were no different from others.

He Xinying regained her composure and carefully picked up the earrings, putting them on He Yan’s ears. In the end, taking two steps back, she looked at the person in front of her and muttered, “Miss He, you are so beautiful.”

A hint of sourness slowly welled up in her eyes as she suddenly thought of the day she got married. Back then, she was also nervous and anxious, with a bit of anticipation and shyness. Second Madam He did just like what she did now. At that time, He Xinying thought she was about to start a new and happy life, but it turned out that the marriage was so unbearable.

The bride in front of her was so beautiful; He Xinying thought, she truly envied He Yan.

He Yan’s gaze fell on the somewhat dazed eyes of He Xinying for a moment, paused, then she suddenly took a step forward, disregarding her elaborate gown and hair bun, and gently embraced He Xinying.

He Xinying was stunned. “Miss He…”

“Someday, you’ll look like this too.”

The warmth in front of her was so real that it seemed like she had found someone to rely on in an instant. But she just lowered her head in confusion and said, “No… I won’t have a better time.”

With a series of unexpected events at home and the sudden change of status, it was enough to make the once proud and willful young lady become self-conscious and timid in a short period. He Yan’s heart tingled, and she tightened her arm around He Xinying. She whispered, “Don’t forget, you are Flying Phoenix General’s sister.” After a pause, she continued, “You are also my sister.”

He Xinying was shocked.

The bride had let go of her hand, stood in place, looking at her with warm and sincere eyes. “The first time I saw you was at Yuhua Temple. Xinying, you may not know, Yuhua Temple is truly spiritual.”

“The Buddha will bless those who are devout, so you will get better and better.” She said.

He Xinying was dazed for a moment, and after a while, she slowly smiled and looked at He Yan. “Okay.”

“Since you’re here,” He Yan pulled her to the side, “come and help. There are very few women in our family. Chengxiu can’t handle it alone. Xinying, I might have to trouble you for a while.”

He Xinying quickly waved her hand. “No trouble, no trouble.”

“By the way,” the new bride seemed to remember something, looking at herself in the mirror with a smile, “in the future, you can call me ‘older sister.'”

…

“Is it ready yet?” He Yunsheng paced outside anxiously.

“Why are you in such a hurry,” He Sui scolded him, “your sister is dressing up inside, of course, it will take some time.” Although he said so, he himself was full of anxiety, crumpling the new clothes made.

Both He Yunsheng and He Sui changed into new clothes. He Yunsheng had grown taller, and with a change of clothes, he looked like a handsome young man. He Sui, however, had been a martial artist all his life, rarely dressing up so carefully. Now, thinking about it, the last time he dressed so extravagantly seemed to be when he got married. Time passed in the blink of an eye, and now it was his daughter’s turn to get married.

Just as he was thinking about it, the door inside opened with a “creak.” Xia Chengxiu and He Xinying walked out, followed by Qingmei. Xia Chengxiu smiled, “Lord He, Miss He has finished her makeup. You can go in and talk to her.”

“Oh….Alright! Thanks, Miss Xia.” He Sui heard this and couldn’t wait to get up and walk towards the door. He Yunsheng followed suit, and Qingmei smiled, covering her mouth, and closed the door.

As soon as He Yan turned around, she saw He Yunsheng and He Sui standing in front of her, stunned and silent.

“What’s wrong?” She took a careful step forward, afraid of shaking off the hairpin on her head, and had to lift her head slightly. “Doesn’t it look good?”

“No, no, no… it’s beautiful!” He Sui came to his senses, “Yan Yan looks so beautiful!” As he spoke, he suddenly choked up, “You and your Mother… look so much alike…”

Since He Yan woke up, she knew that He Sui had a very good relationship with his deceased wife. Also, because Miss He resembled Madam He, He Sui had been doting on her from a young age. Now, seeing He Yan like this, he was probably reminded of his wife. She could only move a little and walked over to He Sui, gently patting his shoulder to offer comfort.

“Dad,” He Yunsheng rolled his eyes, “you’re crying on such a happy day. Aren’t you afraid of bringing bad luck? Besides, He Yan can’t compare to my Mother’s beauty. You’re exaggerating too much.”

This statement actually pulled He Sui back from his sorrow. He Sui scolded her, “Do you have to say that?”

“It’s true.”

“Get out, get out.” He Sui shooed her to the side and took out a thick stack of paper from his sleeve. “This is a deed and land title. Yan Yan, take it.”

He Yan was stunned for a moment. “What does this mean?”

“I’ve seen the betrothal gifts from the Xiao family,” He Sui said. “Our family may not be able to compare with the Xiao family, but considering our situation, the dowry you bring shouldn’t be embarrassing. This, it’s not listed on the dowry list. You quietly keep it and don’t tell Huaijin. If you’re short of money in the future or don’t have silver, you can use this…”

“Wait, Dad,” He Yan asked, “our family has almost emptied its funds just for the betrothal gifts. Where did the land deed come from?”

A proud smile appeared on He Sui’s face. “When I married your Mother, I was the one who married into her family. Cough, without a betrothal gift, but your maternal grandmother and grandfather pitied your Mother and sent these as dowry. After your Mother left, I haven’t touched a single penny of the dowry in all these years. I thought that when you get married, some of it could be shown to others. Although we, the He family, are not rich, we won’t be looked down upon by the groom’s family. Another part…” He pushed the land deed into He Yan’s hand. “You keep it yourself. You’re not marrying into someone else’s family like me. You’re going to someone else’s mansion. There will definitely be a need for money. Don’t ask Huaijin for it. Dad will give it to you. With money in hand, you will be more confident.”

He Yan never expected that He Sui, who seemed rough and straightforward, would be so meticulous. She reluctantly pushed the land deed back to He Sui, “Dad, I don’t want these. I have my own salary, so I won’t be short of money. Yunsheng is the one who needs money now. Keep these for him.”

“I don’t want it.” Before He Sui could speak, He Yunsheng refused first. He said, “How can a man only think about the family’s money? If I want something, I’ll earn it myself. You keep what Mother gave you for yourself.”

“I…”

He Sui slammed the land deed on the table, an unusual forcefulness in his tone as he faced He Yan, “No, you must listen to me on this matter, Yan Yan. Take it! If you don’t take it, I won’t let you out of this door.”

He Yan: “…”

She said, “Alright, I’ll take it.” In her heart, she thought, whatever, I’ll figure out a way to return it next time we meet.

Looking at He Yan, He Sui sighed, “When your Mother passed away, what she couldn’t let go of the most was you two, brother and sister. I swore at her deathbed that I would never remarry and would raise you two well. Yan Yan, you finding a good home means I can put down half of the stone in my heart.” He reached out, wanting to touch He Yan’s head, but fearing he would mess up He Yan’s hair, he just gently touched it and then withdrew his hand. “Your personality is very different from your Mother’s. I used to think you were willful and spoiled, afraid that you would suffer. Now it seems that you are strong-willed and determined. Even if you marry someone other than Xiao Huaijin, you can still live a good life.”

“Dad is proud of you.”

He Yan looked at the man in front of her. In her previous life, the word “father” had only brought her exploitation and disappointment. Now, as if to compensate her, heaven had sent the best father to her. She realized that a father’s shadow could be gentle and strong, silently loving his children just as before.

“Dad,” she held He Sui’s calloused hands, smiling brightly. “Thank you. I’m proud of you too.”

Outside, Qingmei’s voice came in, “Miss, the wedding procession is almost here. Master, when you finish, come out quickly, don’t delay the auspicious time.”

He Sui awkwardly let go of He Yan’s hands, giving her one last look with reluctance, as if there were a million words he wanted to say. In the end, he could only force out one sentence, “Yan Yan, Dad will go out first.”

He Yan nodded.

Qingmei came in, asking He Yunsheng to wait at the door. She tidied He Yan’s dress before carefully covering her with the veil. Holding He Yan’s hand, she walked towards the door, whispering, “Miss, please don’t be nervous, don’t be nervous.”

While speaking, her own voice was slightly trembling.

He Yan couldn’t help but want to laugh. She was getting married, not going to a funeral. The atmosphere the He family created was like a farewell to life.

When they reached the door, Qingmei announced, “Young Master, Miss is coming out.”

The bride is carried on the sedan by her brothers. He Yunsheng crouched down, looking nervous. “Get on.”

He Yan climbed onto his back.

The young man looked tall and thin, but his back was warm and broad. He Yan held onto his neck, and when others couldn’t hear, she asked softly, “Yunsheng, did you eat breakfast this morning?”

“Shut up,” He Yunsheng, who was initially a bit nervous, lost all melancholy. He said, “I told you not to eat. It’s too heavy.”

“Am I heavy?” He Yan frowned slightly. “If you can’t even carry me, what about your beloved girl in the future?”

“If that girl is as heavy as you, she won’t become my ‘beloved,'” He Yunsheng gritted his teeth.

“I was in Liangzhou Garrison. Stones as heavy as me, I could lift two at a time. Younger brother,” she reminded, “you need to exercise more.”

“Can you stop talking?”

“Okay,” He Yan responded, and indeed, she didn’t say anything more.

The distance from the door to the bridal sedan wasn’t long, but He Yunsheng walked very slowly. After He Yan stopped talking, he became a bit silent. After a while, he said, “He Yan.”

“What?”

“When you arrive at the Xiao family, eat whatever you want.”

“Aren’t you the one who told me to eat less?”

“If you really want to eat, just eat,” He Yunsheng furrowed his brows. “At home, you shouldn’t follow rules. Besides, treat the Xiao family like your own home. Don’t make yourself uncomfortable. If someone bullies you, tell me. Even if I have to tear down the doors of the Xiao family, I will stand up for you.”

He Yan laid on his back, and no one saw the smile on her face under the veil. She chuckled, “Thanks, but I don’t think anyone would dare to bully your sister. If someone bullies me, I’ll handle it myself. As for you,” she lectured He Yunsheng, “after I leave, don’t always go against Dad. He’s getting old. Don’t argue with him all the time. Show some respect to the old man. And as for yourself, be more generous in the academy. Your sister is at least an official appointed by the court, and your brother-in-law is a great Wei general. Let’s not talk about spending money like water, occasionally playing the role of a frivolous young master is also acceptable…” 

Seeing her digress more and more, He Yunsheng was speechless. After a moment, he said, “We’ve arrived.”

The bridal sedan was right in front of them. He Yan descended from He Yunsheng’s back and was assisted onto the sedan by Qingmei and Xia Chengxiu.

The wedding procession had arrived. She could hear the discussions of the people around, and their voices reached He Yan’s ears.

“Hey, is that Commander Xiao? Commander Xiao is here!”

“Look, look, he’s really handsome! So noble. How did the He family’s girl get such good luck?!”

“Our young peanut is not bad either. Are they recruiting people? Even if she becomes a concubine, it wouldn’t be bad. It would be beautiful when they have kids.”

“Pah, you’re thinking too much. Even if they recruit, your family won’t be the first. My little Yezi is still waiting in the wings!”

He Yan, inside the sedan, felt like her heart was being scratched as she listened to people’s comments. She wished she could lift the sedan curtain to take a peek at the groom, who was attracting so much attention from the neighbors. She hadn’t seen Xiao Jue in red clothes yet; she wondered if he would be as handsome as she imagined.

She could only vaguely hear Xiao Jue and He Sui bowing and bidding farewell. It seemed like they were exchanging betrothal gifts and sending wild geese. After that, the bridal sedan slowly rose and moved forward.

This was the starting point of the wedding procession.

With the sound of the bridal sedan rising, the children around immediately cheered. The streets of Shuojing City were crowded with people eager to witness Commander Xiao’s wedding. The Xiao family’s welcoming team was generous, casually throwing some lucky money, and the children eagerly scrambled to catch it. They distributed candy to their new companions.

Shen Han, along with Liang Ping and a group of people, was walking onto the bridge when they heard the sound of gongs and drums from afar. The instructors of Liangzhou Garrison, as well as Wang Ba and his group, rarely got time off but today, they were granted leave to personally attend the wedding banquet of Xiao Jue and He Yan. At the moment, they were walking along with the wedding procession towards the Xiao residence.

“I really want to see what Brother Ah He looks like in wedding clothes.” Xiao Mai stared fixedly at the approaching sedan.

“Still calling him Brother Ah He?” Hong Shan asked.

“I can’t change it.” Xiao Mai scratched his head.

Wang Ba snorted, “I can’t imagine what she looks like in a wedding dress. She’s just a female bandit.”

“No, Brother He’s beauty is unparalleled; she must be extraordinary.” Jiang Jiao smiled.

“We’re almost there,” Huang Xiong also smiled. “Why don’t we go and grab some lucky money? Get some good luck?”

“Uncle, you’re quite old,” Xiao Mai couldn’t help but say, “what’s the use of getting good luck? It’s better to let my brother do it.” He pushed Shitou, “Big brother, you go and grab it.”

Shitou looked at him seriously but didn’t say anything.

While they were joking, a group of children from the wedding procession ran over. The Xiao family’s lucky money was generous, and the children from less wealthy families followed them from the beginning, grabbing the scattered lucky money enthusiastically.

At this moment, the man walking in front tossed more lucky money. The coins, tied with red strings, bounced and rolled to the side of the sedan. A small, thin boy bent down to pick up the money beneath someone’s feet. Unexpectedly, he was lightly pushed and fell backward. As they were near the bridge, and the bridge railings were low, a gasp echoed from the crowd as the boy tumbled down towards the bridge.

“Ah!” The boy cried out in fear.

In the next moment, someone flew out of the bridal sedan. The robe was like red clouds, drifting like smoke. With one hand, the boy who was about to fall was pulled up and embraced, stepping on the bridge railing and landing gracefully.

The veil fluttered down the moment she flew out, revealing the face of the newlywed beneath the phoenix crown. With black hair cascading around her temples, amber earrings gently swaying, adorned in a phoenix-patterned red gown and intricate makeup. Her clear eyes resembled the purest stream in Shuojing City, carrying a hint of curiosity, a touch of realization. Unlike other shy and demure brides, she was like the morning glow reflecting on the snow, radiant and confident.

On the bridge and below it, a moment of silence prevailed. It was uncertain whether it was due to the sudden turn of events or the stunning beauty beneath the bride’s veil that left everyone astounded.

“Oh,” someone’s voice broke the silence, “the veil has fallen. This is not good, it’s inauspicious!”

He Yan released her grip, and the little boy, realizing his mischief, swiftly ran away. She stood there, momentarily confused. In the bridal sedan, upon hearing someone in trouble, she had acted instinctively, forgetting that this was the wedding procession.

Was this considered inauspicious?

He Yan felt uneasy.

Someone approached, walking to where the veil had fallen, bending down to pick it up.

He Yan looked up at him.

It was the first time she had seen someone wear the fiery color so solemnly yet perfectly fitting. The bright red attire complemented the young man, making him appear as if carved from jade and gilded with gold. As he approached step by step, a sense of elegance and charm emanated from him.

The beautiful youth on the white horse had gradually grown into a refined and spirited young man over the years. Adorned in fine clothing, his demeanor was elegant, cold, and radiant, like a clear stream reflecting the glow of dawn on snow.

He approached step by step until he stood in front of the woman in a phoenix crown and rosy veil. 

He Yan looked at him, able to see a clear reflection of herself in his autumn-like deep eyes.

“Young Master…” The old woman beside him mustered the courage to step forward and said, “The wedding veil has fallen on the ground, which is inauspicious…”

“And so what?” he calmly replied.

Without hesitation, he took the picked-up veil and gently, tenderly placed it back over the bride’s phoenix crown.

He Yan’s line of sight was once again obscured, but at this moment, even in the darkness, she felt an overwhelming sense of reassurance.

She heard Xiao Jue’s voice.

“It’s okay.”

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