Murong Chancellors Mansion

  "One combing to the end, two combings to white hair reaching the eyebrows, three combings to children and grandchildren filling the ground, four combings to four silver hairs all standing on end..."

  Under the auspices of good fortune and amidst the joyful cheers, I saw my mothers tearful smile in the copper mirror.

  Tomorrow is the day of leaving office. I thought everything would go as planned, but in the end, I couldnt bear to cut off too many ties.

  "Qinger, you were separated from home when you were young, and I finally found you after much difficulty. I had thought of keeping you for a few more years, but who would have thought...". The jade comb in Good Fortunes hand slowly slid through my long hair like water, while Mothers words choked up, and she couldnt continue speaking.

  The maid Bi Zixiao, who was serving beside her, saw this scene and hastily handed a handkerchief to her mother to wipe away tears. With a clever smile, she comforted: "Miss is marrying the third prince of our southern dynasty tomorrow, born with noble blood, handsome and elegant, its an honor that many girls families cant even hope for. Such good fortune, what more could you be worried about, madam?"

  Her mother heard this and nodded with a smile, tears in her eyes: "I naturally know, its just that Im reluctant to part with you."

  With the blessing of "high promotion" from the good fate, my mother stood up from the noble chair and personally helped me sit down beside her. Perhaps seeing that I was too quiet, the smile she had just raised couldnt help but dim: "Qinger, at this moment there are no outsiders in the house, so Mother will speak directly. I know that this time things have wronged you, but the news of Miss Murong and the Third Princes grand wedding has already spread throughout the land. Ruoer made such a fuss and did something as crazy as running away from marriage, putting the entire family in great danger. If it werent absolutely necessary, how could your father and I bear to let you suffer the humiliation of being a substitute bride?"

  "I understand, and Ive never felt resentful." I smiled warmly, but in my heart, it was clear as a mirror. Although I was a substitute bride, everyone who knew the situation couldnt help but discuss my incredibly good fortune. If my sister hadnt unexpectedly run away on her wedding day, how could I have ended up with such an ideal husband? I didnt even have time to feel grateful, let alone resentful.

  I shifted my gaze to the dragon and phoenix candles shining brightly in front of the window, and I slowly opened my mouth: "Qinger is worried that she will ultimately disappoint her parents expectations."

  My mother smiled slightly upon hearing this: "This is where youre overthinking things. Everyone in the world only knows that a Miss Murong will be marrying the Third Prince on a certain day, but the imperial edict doesnt specify which Miss Murong it is. Your father has already rushed to the Third Princes residence to explain the situation, and with the prince agreeing to take responsibility, the Emperor wont pursue the matter too much."

  I didnt say another word, looking at Mothers expression, the Third Prince must have agreed, everything has been settled.

  My mother saw that I was still not speaking, a look of worry flashed across her face, and suddenly she seemed to remember something, grasped my hand and said: "Qinger, are you worried that the Third Prince values only Huaners beauty?"

  I slightly frowned, never expecting Mother to say such a thing. After a moment, I also let it go, after all, my younger sister Murong Yans beauty and talent had long been renowned in the capital.

  Before anyone could speak, the maid Pusui standing beside her coldly opened her mouth: "Those who serve with their beauty, how many have a good ending? Misss beauty is not something ordinary people can compare to."

  "Mother probably did not expect her to interrupt like this, after a moment of stunned silence, she smiled and said: "Good child, you and Qinger suffered together, always staying by her side, taking care of her like this, with such deep feelings, Im very grateful to you."

  I raised my eyes and smiled slightly at her. Five years ago, when our family moved to the capital, we encountered rebel troops from the previous dynasty on the way. My sedan chair fell off a cliff in the chaos, and I was only twelve years old at that time. The only one accompanying me in the sedan chair was Shuying.

  Shu Ying stopped talking, and Mother didnt continue the conversation from earlier. She just repeatedly reminded me of many things until late at night. Bi Lu laughed several times, urging that I should let the new bride get a good rest, so she can look her best on the big happy day tomorrow. Only then did she leave, with reluctance in her eyes.

  I saw her all the way to the gate of the small courtyard, my mother held my hand tightly, but was speechless along the way.

  Once you enter the nobles gate, its as deep as the sea; this has been so since ancient times, let alone the imperial familys threshold.

  We all know that after tomorrow, even meeting each other will be extremely difficult.

  Until my mothers figure disappeared in the depths of the garden path, I turned around, but saw the sky, a cold moon like a hook.

  Above the eaves and below the jade hook, a figure in white clothes stood out against the snow. Seeing me turn around, he raised the wine jug in his hand and nodded slightly at me.

  I smiled: "Since youve come, why dont you go inside? What are you doing under this eave?"

  He smiled, his toes lightly tapping, and in the blink of an eye he was standing steadily before me: "Lets go, Ill take you horseback riding. Who knows when well have another chance after today?"

  My heart felt slightly warm, and I smiled as I placed my hand in the palm he stretched out, Mu Rong Yi, my youngest brother.

  "Go get the zither from the music room first." I smiled and said softly.

  He nodded, grasped my hand and with a gentle lift, he supported my waist, exerted force from his toes, and leaped into the air.

  All I could hear was the sound of the wind whizzing past my ears, occasionally bringing faint shadows and some urgent voices: "Young Master Yan, where are you taking Miss? Shes getting married tomorrow and cant go out..."