The sunset descended bit by bit, and finally, as the last ray of sunlight withdrew from the horizon, the wedding procession returned to the Duke Mansion.
The place was festively decorated, with the sound of drums and gongs echoing around. The mansion was already filled with guests.
Shang Ruyi stepped down from the bridal sedan chair. As she looked up at this bustling mansion, her expression became momentarily dazed.
This place is the Duke Mansion.
It is also her home for the rest of her life.
Suddenly, before her, the bright lights blurred momentarily, and through the half-translucent fan in her hand, everything turned vague. She seemed to see the brilliance of this mansion transform into a dragon, soaring skyward!
At that moment, another wave of lively drumbeats sounded, pulling her senses back to reality.
It was time to enter the mansion.
By her side, Yu Wenye had already lifted his head and stepped inside, and Shang Ruyi followed him into the Duke Mansion.
Inside, the halls were filled with guests.
Shang Ruyi’s ears were nearly drowned by the overwhelming sound of gongs, and when she looked up, she saw two figures seated at the place of honor in the main hall.
The tall and robust figure was naturally Duke Yu Wenquan of Sheng Country. At this moment, he had changed into a cheery robe, with a jade pendant hanging at his waist. The air of authority and ferocity had completely faded, making him look like a wealthy, prosperous gentleman.
Beside him sat a slender figure.
That was his wife, Yu Wenye’s birth mother—Madam Guan Yunmu.
This Madam Guan was in her early forties, but due to years of illness, she appeared older than her actual age. Nonetheless, her graceful and dignified demeanor could not conceal her once-beautiful looks.
At the sight of her, Shang Ruyi’s breath tensed up again.
Previously, at the Shen Mansion, she had managed to pass the test of Yu Wenquan, her future father-in-law, but everyone knew the hardest challenge for a daughter-in-law is her mother-in-law. Even Yu had advised her that Madam Guan was rarely seen and her temperament unknown, urging her to be cautious.
Thinking of this, Shang Ruyi’s steps became heavier.
However, when she glanced around, she realized that someone seemed to be missing from the hall.
Yu Wenqian... seemed to be absent.
Could it be that he deliberately avoided the event? That would at least prevent any awkwardness.
By this time, the two of them had already reached the center of the main hall, and someone had set cushions before them. The ceremony officiant stood nearby, shouting, "The bride and groom are here. First, bow to the heavens and earth!"
The couple turned and bowed to the heavens and earth.
The officiant then proclaimed, "Second, bow to the parents!"
The couple turned again, bowing deeply to the Duke and Duchess.
"Stand up! Stand up!"
Yu Wenquan and Guan Yunmu hurriedly reached out to help them up.
Yu Wenquan was already very pleased with the daughter of an old friend, and when he saw the couple enter, his second son tall and handsome, and his daughter-in-law, despite her face being shielded by a fan, showed grace and composure with her elegant steps, like a refined lady from a noble family, a perfect couple.
Yu Wenquan chuckled proudly, "Look at my perfect son and daughter-in-law, truly a match made in heaven."
The guests all echoed, "Of course."
Yu Wenquan, beaming with pride, said, "Luckily back then—"
His words were abruptly cut off by a voice, neither loud nor soft, yet somewhat urgent.
Instinctively, Shang Ruyi turned to see it was none other than Yu Wenye standing beside her. Was it her imagination, or was Yu Wenye’s expression, though still faintly smiling, as stern and cold as when they first met?
Suddenly, the atmosphere in the festive hall seemed to freeze.