Chapter 173: The Wedding (Part One)
Chapter 173: The Wedding (Part One)
[A very special thank you to dear LotusLin for gifting this story Magic Castle. I will update extra Chapters as a return gift]
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As the morning sun gently caressed the sprawling landscape, the Chen manor became abuzz in anticipation of the wedding ceremony that was about to take place within hours.
Despite the ceremony being held within the confinement of the walls of the manor, it didn’t take long before the entire Dongzhi City knew that Chen Xiang Ling was getting married again. Everyone seemed to be talking about only one thing - which poor soul was going to lose good days of his life this time? They all couldn’t help but feel pity for the groom.
Though Hao Ran went to the County Magistrate’s office to inform his parents about everything that happened early in the morning with Zhang Xuan’s sudden arrival, and requested their presence in the wedding ceremony, County Magistrate Chen didn’t hesitate even for a second before he announced that he and his wife wouldn’t be partaking in the ceremony.
Just a day before, the Village Head of Lin Family’s Village came to the County Magistrate’s office and rained praises over Chen Xiang Ling for the generous work she did in saving the entire village. County Magistrate Chen was not only surprised to know that his daughter indeed did something so benevolent, he was also surprised to know that she did all that in his name.
After so many years, he finally felt his heart swelling with pride because of his daughter who seemed to be finally turning over a new leaf. But little did he know that his happiness would be this short lived. Hearing about the news of her marrying another man, made his anger rise again.
Hao Ran didn’t try to persuade his father any further and returned to the manor to prepare for the wedding ceremony. Unlike his father, he wasn’t that mad at his sister, especially because he knew that she had indeed changed a lot in the past several months. Also, he gave her the benefit of doubt considering she married Zhang Xuan before she lost her memories and turned over a new leaf. Both he and his wife agreed that they could give Xiang Ling a chance.
And the morning of the wedding arrived within hours. The manor was adorned with red silk curtains and red lanterns, their color vibrant against the polished wooden panels. Fragrant incense danced in the air, mingling with the soft wedding melodies of instruments played by skilled musicians.
The main hall was adorned with crimson silk banners and golden lanterns, it served as the heart of the celebration. Long tables were overflowing with sumptuous delicacies, from savory dumplings to sweet pastries, enticing everyone with their tantalizing aromas. Exquisite porcelain vases filled with freshly-cut peonies and lotus blossoms graced each corner, adding a touch of natural beauty to the lavish surroundings.
On the other side of the manor, Xiang Ling was getting ready for the ceremony. Zuan Hu, Aunt Yan, Fu Xiao, and An Mei - all these women were surrounding Xiang Ling to get her ready for the wedding ceremony.
"You are looking so beautiful, Xiang Mei Mei." Zuan Hu expressed sincerely as she looked at Xiang Ling’s reflection in the bronze mirror. She had witnessed her young sister-in-law in wedding attires quite a few times before, but never in the past Xiang Ling looked this beautiful and mesmerizing in her wedding dresses.
"Thank you, First sister-in-law." Xiang Ling said with a soft smile as she turned to face Zuan Hu and added, "Also thank you for not taking this matter against me, and I’m sorry that I caused trouble again."
Zuan Hu shook her head before she took hold of Xiang Ling’s hands and gave them a light squeeze. "Ever since we returned to the manor, I have personally witnessed how hard you have been working to make amends for your past mistakes. So, don’t worry too much and just enjoy this joyful day. I can tell that Young Master Zhang is a good man... just like your other five husbands."
Her tone carried a teasing note as she spoke the last sentence, making Xiang Ling chuckle in response.
"I do have a sight when it comes to finding good husbands, don’t I?" She asked while trying to act proud of herself and it made Zuan Hu chuckle as well. Nodding her head, the older woman replied, "You do have a talent in that area, Mei Mei."
The room got filled with their combined giggles as the two talked for a little bit longer before Zuan Hu left with Aunt Yan and An Mei to make sure that everything was ready for the ceremony.
Left behind with Fu Xiao alone, Xiang Ling decided to use this moment to thank the woman for her timely help the day before. Taking out a wooden box from her sleeves (space), she moved toward Fu Xiao and handed it to her.
"What is it, My Lady?" Fu Xiao asked while looking at the box in confusion.
"It’s something you deserve for always backing me up no matter in what sort of situation I end up. Yesterday, you lied for me and helped me a lot. Thank you so much, Ah Xiao." Xiang Ling said with a warm smile on her lips.
A smile made its way to Fu Xiao’s lips as she slolwy shook her head and spoke, "You are my master. I will always support you no matter what. Besides, you are nothing like your past self anymore and that’s why I believe that whatever choices you will make, there will be a proper reason behind it... even if it’s a decision of marrying a new husband."
Xiang Ling couldn’t help but shake her head while a huge smile played on her lips. Her current state of relations with the people around her was a far cry of what she used to see when she first arrived at the Chen Manor. So much had changed in such little time, and a lot was going to change in the future as well.