Song Yanqing and Xie Ruotong were led into the bridal chamber.
Among the guests attending the wedding banquet in the main hall, one fixed his gaze on the departing figure of Xie Ruotong for a long time.
"Shuyang, go eat at the wedding feast. What are you staring at?" A young nobleman called out to another, "Could it be that you’re enchanted by the wife Song just married?!"
Qin Shuyang came to his senses.
He was just amazed at how the young mistress of the Duke Mansion could look so strikingly similar to Xiang Qin, the top courtesan of Yicui Pavilion?!
Although they had only met once or twice, he was confident his eyes weren’t deceiving him.
He had heard that the young mistress of the Xie Family was abducted and sold as a child before she ended up at the Duke Mansion. Couldn’t it be...
Qin Shuyang couldn’t be sure.
Pondering, he thought there couldn’t possibly be such a coincidence.
"Let’s go, let’s go." The young nobleman urged Qin Shuyang, "No matter how pretty she is, she’s someone else’s wife. A friend’s wife must not be coveted. Stop letting your mind wander and hurry up, let’s go drink to celebrate."
Qin Shuyang did not share his inner suspicions.
They, this group of friends, were accustomed to indulgence.
Coming from privileged backgrounds, they lived lives of leisure without any seriousness, though Song Yanqing was an outstanding exception among them. Nevertheless, having grown up together, they had a good relationship and would still gather to drink occasionally. The last time Qin Shuyang went to a brothel, he had dragged Song Yanqing along. Yanqing went once and never returned, while he himself, being unable to have the top courtesan accompany them for drinks, had gone back alone...
Qin Shuyang followed his friends and left.
There would always be a chance to meet and then he could confirm it!
Having been brought to the bridal chamber.
Following tradition, the couple was supposed to unveil the bride’s red veil and drink from the nuptial cups.
However, Song Yanqing left the room immediately after he and Xie Ruotong entered.
"Young master," Qiao’er called out to Song Yanqing as he left in a hurry, "You can’t just leave , you haven’t had the bridal cup drink with the miss."
Song Yanqing did not look back, just dropping the words, "I’m going to Ruilin."
Song Yanqing was already far away.
Qiao’er watched him leave from the doorway and turned to look at the lady who was now sitting on the bed’s edge, unsure of what to say.
Xie Ruotong said nothing either.
She must have guessed that it would end this way.
Song Yanqing went straight to Xie Ruilin’s room.
Xie Ruilin was naturally overjoyed.
Her mouth said otherwise, "Yanqing brother, why are you here again? Have you had the bridal cup drink with sister?"
"No, I will only have the bridal cup drink with you. In my heart, you are my wife," Song Yanqing said, then sat down beside Xie Ruilin.
Xie Ruilin’s maid Chun Tao quickly handed Song Yanqing the Jade Ruyi.
Song Yanqing took it and then unveiled Xie Ruilin’s veil.
Underneath the veil, Xie Ruilin wore a shy yet coquettish smile, her beautiful face radiant which stirred Song Yanqing’s heart.
"Lin’er, you are truly beautiful," Song Yanqing complimented.
"Yanqing brother, don’t say anymore, Lin’er is getting shy," Xie Ruilin bashfully responded, her cheeks flushing.
"Alright," Song Yanqing said with an indulgent smile.
"Young master, it’s time for the bridal cup drink," Chun Tao promptly brought over two cups.
Song Yanqing and Xie Ruilin each picked up a cup, entwined their arms, and drank the bridal cup wine.
Song Yanqing kissed Xie Ruilin’s forehead, "Wait for me tonight."
"Brother Yanqing, aren’t you going to sister’s place?" Xie Ruilin asked with concern.
"I won’t go," Song Yanqing stated bluntly.
Ever since receiving the reply from Xie Ruotong asking him to accept this arrangement, he had harbored animosity against her. Even just now, when Xie Ruotong’s red veil accidentally fell, he did not glance her way; he felt no fondness for her at all.
"Yanqing brother, it’s improper to do this. How can you come to the concubine’s chamber on your wedding night? Your parents will surely blame you. And if word gets back to Duke Mansion, I’m worried about grandmother..."
"Lin’er, as you are wed to me, I will always protect you. The grievances you suffered at Duke Mansion, I will ensure you do not experience them in the Song Family," Song Yanqing asserted firmly, "Don’t fear, from now on, I am here for you."
"Hmm," Xie Ruilin smiled tenderly, and at that moment, she leaned against Song Yanqing’s body.
In her heart, she was undoubtedly triumphant.
If Song Yanqing stays in her room tonight, she would like to see how Xie Ruotong will be ridiculed tomorrow!