Chapter 9: The Wedding Day—Murder and Heartbreak

Lin Wanqing was dressed in a vibrant red wedding gown, the flowers embroidered on the fabric edged with gold thread, shining brilliantly under the light.

She was naturally beautiful, her face as radiant as peach blossoms, a loveliness that made it impossible for one to look away, making Lin Xianyun, who had inherited her father’s features, look no better than a maidservant in comparison.

Seeing the dark expression on her sister’s face, Lin Wanqing asked deliberately, "What is the matter, sister? Still angry about the betrothal gifts from the Su family?"

"I warned you when you were choosing your marriage match. The Su family has had a difficult time these past few years; they were bound to slight you in every way, yet you refused to listen. If you had only listened to me, all this glory today would have been yours."

Furious to the point of wanting to strike someone, Lin Xianyun gritted her teeth and said, "Lin Wanqing, don't you dare gloat here. The Su family may be impoverished for now, but fortunes change. No, why wait thirty years? Three years will be enough. By then, you will realize how foolish your words today truly are."

Lin Wanqing smiled with gentle grace. "Is that so? Then I shall wish for your heart’s desire to come true. May your Mr. Su surely top the imperial examinations and carry you to the heavens."

Lin Xianyun was brimming with confidence. "Just you wait. One day, I will make you kneel and pay your respects to me."

Lin Wanqing, with a calmness that could infuriate anyone to death, replied, "Why wait? Once this wedding concludes, you will have to kneel and pay your respects to me every time we meet."

Lu Jinxiao was a fourth-rank general. Once she married into his house, although she would not yet hold a formal title, her status would be elevated far above the merchant-class Lin family and the commoner Su Jingcheng.

"Speaking of which, I really must thank you, Xianyun. I owe all this splendor today to your sacrifice. If you find life in the Su household difficult in the future, remember to come to me; I will support you."

Lin Xianyun trembled with rage. "Who wants your support! Lin Wanqing, don't be so smug. The General’s residence is not as comfortable as you think. Just wait to become a widow in all but name!"

She had deliberately made Madam Qin set Lin Wanqing’s wedding date for today, intending for Lin Wanqing to walk the same tragic path she had in her previous life!

Every bit of suffering she had endured in her past life, she would ensure Lin Wanqing suffered just the same!

Banxia and the other young maids were collectively incensed by these words. This second young lady was truly vicious, casting such a curse on her mistress on this auspicious wedding day!

Lin Wanqing stepped forward and slapped Lin Xianyun across the face. Lin Xianyun was stunned, and it took a long moment before she asked in disbelief, "How dare you hit me?!"

Lin Wanqing swung back and slapped her again. "I have already hit you. You are still asking such a foolish question."

"The General is an imperial official and a military commander. What evil intent do you have to curse me with living as a widow? Come with me now to the front courtyard to see Grandfather!"

As she spoke, she pulled Lin Xianyun, intending to drag her out.

Terrified, Lin Xianyun struggled, "Let go of me! I am not going anywhere!"

How dared she face the old master of the Lin family? Everyone in the household knew how much he valued this grandson-in-law; if he learned what she had said, he would surely never forgive her.

As they were bickering, Madam Qin hurried over. "What is going on? On such a joyous day, why are you two causing a scene?"

Lin Wanqing kept her face cold. "Madam has arrived at the right time. I was just intending to go to the front courtyard to ask Grandfather to judge this. Since you are here, let us go together, so that you won't complain about me later."

Once Madam Qin understood the situation, her vision went dark with rage. How could she have given birth to such a fool!

Even if she did not wish for Lin Wanqing to have a good life, were such words meant to be spoken aloud?

She feigned a scolding of Lin Xianyun, then turned to persuade Lin Wanqing. "Calm your anger. Today is a joyous day, and the front courtyard is full of guests. If you cause such a scene, what will others think of our Lin family? Xianyun has always been one to speak without thinking; she is the most brainless of people. Please, don't hold this against her."

Lin Wanqing released her hand. "If I am to let it go, then she must kneel and pray to the heavens for my husband to be safe and sound and victorious in every battle for the rest of his life."

This was truly a strike to the heart. Asking Lin Xianyun to pray for Lu Jinxiao was worse than killing her.

Lin Xianyun stood frozen. Madam Qin, anxious to resolve the matter, gave her a shove. "Hurry up."

She leaned into Lin Xianyun’s ear and whispered, "If you let her make this a bigger issue, your father and grandfather will not spare you!"

Lin Xianyun, truly afraid, had no choice but to endure the humiliation of kneeling in the courtyard and praying to the heavens.

After the simple prayer was finished, Lin Xianyun scrambled to her feet, covered her face, and ran away crying.

Madam Qin felt a splitting headache. She sighed and turned to Lin Wanqing with a polite smile. "The time is nearly upon us; I have come to give you some instructions."

Though she had no desire to be here, she had no choice, or she would be unable to answer to the old master.

Lin Wanqing returned the polite smile. "Then I shall trouble you, Madam."

Once the formalities were concluded, Madam Qin hurriedly followed after Lin Xianyun.

Banxia said with a triumphant air, "Mistress, the way you looked just now was truly imposing! Thinking that they will have to kneel and pay their respects to you in the future makes my heart feel so satisfied."

Lin Wanqing tapped her forehead with a smile. "You and your petty ambitions."

Amidst the laughter, the auspicious hour arrived.

Veiled, Lin Wanqing was helped to the front courtyard. After paying her respects to the old master and the others, she was handed a large apple and a length of red silk, and then led away by Banxia.

Through the veil, she caught sight of the man’s tall back, and she could not help but curl the corners of her lips.

The bridal sedan chair arrived at the General’s residence to the sound of music. After crossing the brazier and bowing to heaven and earth, the ceremonies concluded, and Lin Wanqing was escorted to the bridal chamber for the final rites.

Removing the veil, tying the knot of unity, drinking the nuptial wine, and eating the half-cooked dumplings—the two of them cooperated quite tacitly.

The matchmakers were delighted, and after receiving their wedding gifts and offering auspicious blessings, they withdrew. Banxia and Zisu exchanged a glance, smiled, and stepped out as well.

Only Lin Wanqing and Lu Jinxiao remained in the bridal chamber.

The atmosphere was somewhat awkward. As Lin Wanqing pondered whether to say something to ease the tension, Lu Jinxiao stood up. "You have been tired all day. Rest for a while and have something to eat; I must go out to attend to the guests."

With that, Lu Jinxiao walked away with hurried steps. Once he was outside, he secretly let out a sigh of relief.

Inside the room, Lin Wanqing also relaxed. She called for Banxia and Zisu to come in and help her remove the heavy finery.

"Mistress, the kitchen has sent over some food. Do have something to eat; you must be exhausted after such a long day."

Lin Wanqing was indeed hungry. She sat at the table, picked up her bowl and chopsticks, and ate.

As Banxia served her, she whispered, "I had heard some rumors about the General’s residence and was worried there would be trouble at the wedding. I didn't expect everything to go so smoothly. It seems rumors cannot be fully believed."

Lin Wanqing smiled without answering.

Rumors indeed should not be fully believed, because the situation at the General’s residence was far more troublesome than the rumors suggested.

In her previous life, when Lin Xianyun had married into this house, the three children in the residence had caused her to lose face during the wedding. She had kept that in mind, remaining on guard throughout the entire ceremony.

She had not expected everything to go so smoothly, without a single hitch.

She did not believe the three children had suddenly changed their temperaments; the most likely explanation was that Lu Jinxiao had made arrangements in advance.

First, he had personally delivered the betrothal gifts, then he had helped her secure her dowry, and now this smooth wedding—Lin Wanqing found it truly difficult to read Lu Jinxiao.

This man seemed very different from the rumors.