Two days passed in a flash, and the morning for the wedding arrived.
After much consideration, Su Feng and Lin Xu decided to hold the wedding at Lin Xu’s house instead.
Zu Shi and Yan i had slept over the night before in order to wake up early and help out.
Getting up from the bed, Lin Xu’s face wasn’t even as excited as those attending the wedding, even though she was the bride.
Forcing herself up, she walked toward the bath, Susu just hovering around and monitoring her.
Seeing she wasn’t in such a lively mood, she didn’t dare make any teasing remarks this morning.
After a bath that felt like forever, Lin Xu walked toward her dress, staring at her half-awake face.
"The big day is here, Susu!" she whispered, Susu finally given permission to speak.
[But you don’t look happy at all, Host. Shouldn’t brides be smiling like fools right now?]
Lin Xu gave a faint chuckle, shaking her head as she ran her fingers over the light red wedding dress laid neatly on the table. "Maybe I’m not like most brides."
[You’re not,]
Susu said bluntly.
[But still, it’s your wedding. Can’t you at least pretend to be excited?]
Lin Xu sighed and sat down in front of the mirror. "Excited? I don’t even know if I’m doing the right thing, Susu. Su Feng... he’s been kind and patient, but..." Her voice trailed off as she stared at her own reflection. "It still feels strange. Like I’m walking into sothing I can’t control."
[You’re just nervous. Every woman gets cold feet before marriage. Besides, Host! You were the one who agreed to this marriage in the first place. No one ever forced it on you... yet you are acting like it was forced upon you.]
Lin Xu looked up at Susu’s reflection in the mirror, her eyes calm but tired. "I know. I agreed because it felt right at the ti. Su Feng helped when no one else did. He’s done so much for and the children. I thought marrying him would be the right thing."
[Since when was marriage based on kindness? And why are you now doubting a decision no one forced you to make?]
Lin Xu didn’t answer. She picked up a jade hairpin from the table and turned it slowly in her hand, her gaze distant. "Maybe I’m just afraid of what cos after... I don’t want to make another mistake."
[Another mistake?] Susu tilted her head, pretending not to understand. [You an Mo Ying?]
Lin Xu’s hand froze. The pin slipped from her fingers and fell onto the table with a light clink.
"Don’t say his na," she whispered.
[Why not? You still think about him, don’t you?]
Lin Xu clenched her hands on her lap. "Today is my wedding day. I don’t want to talk about him."
[Hmm... if you say so,]
Susu replied with a doubtful hum.
[But I’ve known you too long to believe that.]
Before Lin Xu could respond, a knock sounded on the door.
"Xu’er! Are you ready yet?" Zu Shi’s cheerful voice rang out.
"Almost!" Lin Xu called back, forcing her tone to sound light.
[Saved by the knock,]
Susu teased softly.
Lin Xu stood and took a deep breath. "Co in."
The door opened, and Zu Shi and Yan i entered, both looking excited and glowing.
"Look at you! You’re still not dressed?" Yan i gasped.
Zu Shi grinned. "Don’t tell the bride’s having second thoughts already."
Lin Xu smiled faintly. "No... just thinking."
[Thinking too much,]
Susu muttered as she floated beside her.
Zu Shi clapped her hands together. "Well, stop thinking and start dressing! Su Feng’s people will be here soon."
"Right," Lin Xu nodded and moved toward the wedding dress.
As Yan i helped her into the gown and Zu Shi began fixing her hair, the room filled with chatter and laughter. But even with all the noise, Lin Xu’s mind wasn’t there.
She stared quietly at her reflection once again. The red veil beside her, the fine silk gown, the warm light streaming in, everything looked perfect.
But inside, her heart felt heavy.
[Host, you can still change your mind,]
Susu said softly.
[No one would bla you.]
Lin Xu’s lips curved into a faint, sad smile. "So choices... once made, can’t be undone."
Outside, the sound of firecrackers echoed, the signal that the groom’s procession was arriving.
[It’s starting,] Susu whispered.
"Yes," Lin Xu replied quietly, her voice barely audible. "It’s starting."
Soon they were done getting Lin Xu ready. anwhile, Su Feng and his family had already arrived at the household.
The entire courtyard was decorated with red fabrics and flowers as the maids moved up and down, so carrying food while others welcod guests.
And finally, after half an hour, the procession began.
Su Feng’s family had taken their seats at the left side of the small hall, while Yan i, her parents, together with Zu Shi and her kids, had also taken their seats but on the right side.
Su Feng stood tall at the front of the hall, dressed in a deep red robe embroidered with golden patterns.
His expression was too calm for a man about to wed.
The woman in charge of the ceremony lifted her voice clearly, "May the bride enter!"
The room quieted imdiately.
Everyone turned toward the doorway as Lin Xu stepped in slowly, her figure graceful and calm. She was dressed in a bright red wedding hanfu with gold thread along the sleeves, her face hidden beneath a thin red veil. The soft sound of her steps echoed through the hall as she walked forward.
Guests smiled warmly, whispering among themselves. Su Feng’s family watched proudly, while Yan i and Zu Shi bead with excitent. Even the maids standing by the walls couldn’t hide their smiles.
But Su Feng didn’t move, he only watched her. The mont she stopped in front of him, he stretched his hand out toward her.
She hesitated for a brief second, then placed her hand gently on his.
"You look beautiful," he said softly, his tone steady and comforting. "Don’t be nervous."
Lin Xu gave a small nod beneath the veil, her lips pressing together as if holding back her thoughts.
The woman conducting the ceremony smiled and raised her hands. "Now, let the ceremony begin! First, bow to the Heavens and Earth—"
They turned around in unison and bowed.
Then she voiced out once again, "Now bow to your parents!"
She faced Su Feng’s parents, who were seated, and bowed.
"Lastly, bow to yourselves!"
She announced the last part of the ceremony that would bind Lin Xu and Su Feng together for good.
Just as Lin Xu was about to bow, a loud crash echoed from outside, the sharp sound of a gate being slamd open.
Everyone froze.
The woman leading the ceremony stopped mid-sentence, her hand still raised. Murmurs spread through the hall as the sound of hurried footsteps approached.
"What’s going on?" one of Su Feng’s relatives whispered.
Then, a maid rushed in, her face pale and her breath uneven. She bowed quickly, but her voice trembled.
"G-General Mo... General Mo is here!"
The room went silent.
Lin Xu’s fingers tightened around her sleeves under the veil. The air around her seed to still completely.
Su Feng’s calm face darkened slightly, though he said nothing.
Zu Shi and Yan i exchanged startled glances from their seats, while the guests began whispering louder.
[Oh boy, there’s gonna be drama.]
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