Chapter 31: The Crippled Young Lady (Thirty-One)

Chapter 31: The Disabled Young Lady (Part 31)

Jun Mo had come to receive the bride in person; this was what Su Kui heard from Lu Yao, who whispered the news into her ear while she was still in her chambers.

At that moment, she was being attended to by a group of maids and matrons, who were helping her dress in her wedding robes and crowning her with a phoenix coronet. The bridal gown, adorned with gold-thread butterflies, made her look like a celestial maiden from the Nine Heavens—scarcely like a mortal woman.

Feng Zheng walked in just as this scene unfolded. He paused, a sense of melancholy washing over him. He had only been able to cherish his well-behaved little sister for a few months before she was to be whisked away by another man. He felt a strange, inexplicable urge to throw a punch—what was one to do?

Su Kui had sharp eyes. She spotted Feng Zheng the moment he stepped through the main entrance. Clad in a cyan robe embroidered with bamboo leaves, he appeared elegant and strikingly refined.

Narrowing her cat-like eyes, Su Kui offered a sweet smile, her dimples sinking deep. "Brother!"

Feng Zheng responded with a hearty call. Any lingering resentment in his heart regarding his sister had vanished. "The Prince is already waiting outside. Let your brother escort you to the sedan chair!"

Seeing Feng Zheng stoop down, Su Kui quickly said, "Wait, brother."

Supported by Lu Yao, she stood with effort, knelt before the Old Matron, and kowtowed respectfully three times. She said sincerely, "Thank you, Grandmother, for your care all these years. Your granddaughter has been unfilial, and from now on, I will not be able to serve by your side often. Please, take good care of yourself!"

Su Kui knew clearly who was sincere and who was false, so she performed these three kowtows willingly.

The Old Matron nodded repeatedly, tears glistening in the corners of her eyes. She pulled Su Kui up with affection and stroked her hair. "Good child, as long as you live a happy life, Grandmother will be at ease!"

"Do not worry, little sister. I will look after Grandmother, so you need not fret. Let us not delay the auspicious hour; let me escort you."

Su Kui nodded, casting one last lingering, reluctant look at the Old Matron before turning to drape herself over Feng Zheng’s slender back, allowing her brother to carry her to the sedan chair.

Jun Mo sat atop a tall steed. Clad in vibrant red wedding robes, the sharp edges of his features were softened. Seeing Feng Zheng approach with the woman who occupied his every thought, his expression grew even gentler, barely concealing his doting affection.

As Feng Zheng deposited Su Kui into the sedan and walked past Jun Mo, he said in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Treat her well."

Jun Mo did not answer, but his gaze said everything that needed to be said.

*I shall love only her, until death do us part.*

Before her eyes was a hazy blur of red. As the sedan swayed with the rhythm of the journey, Su Kui felt as though she might drift off into a deep sleep amidst the dizziness.

It was not until an unknown amount of time had passed that she heard the matchmaker chant, "The bride has arrived—the bride exits the sedan—"

Supported by two matchmakers, Su Kui could see nothing. She moved only when prompted, following every instruction the matchmaker gave.

"The bride shall step over the brazier, praying for a life that burns bright and prosperous—"

Su Kui could not step over it herself, but the rites could not be neglected. She remained seated as the two sturdy matchmakers carried her over the brazier.

Finally, the matchmaker released her, placing a length of red silk into her hand.

Her wheelchair moved forward. A crisp, clean scent drifted into her nose; she knew it was Jun Mo.

What happened afterward became a hazy blur in Su Kui’s memory. She could not recall exactly how much she had endured, but she bowed when told to bow and knelt when told to kneel, manipulated like a wooden puppet.

It was not until she entered the bridal chamber that Su Kui finally let out a sigh of relief. She quietly lifted a corner of her veil to examine the layout of the room.

It was simple yet elegant—it bore the unmistakable style of Jun Mo.

Red candles flickered, and the bride sat quietly upon the wedding bed, which was strewn with red dates and peanuts.

Jun Mo entered the room and saw this scene. His heartstrings plucked, he walked forward slowly and waved his hand, dismissing the maids and matrons who had intended to stay and serve.

He picked up a weighing rod and lifted the veil, watching as her bright, delicate face was revealed bit by bit. He said softly, "You must be tired, aren't you?"

Su Kui nodded without reserve, covering her mouth to stifle a small yawn. "A little."

With a low chuckle, Jun Mo took a wine cup and handed it to her. "Endure a little longer; let us drink the nuptial wine first."

Su Kui was already so drowsy her mind was drifting. She had been woken before dawn for her grooming and had been kept busy until the moon climbed above the willow branches; she was truly at her limit.

Taking the cup with her small hand, she looked at Jun Mo with wide, watery cat-like eyes and whispered, "Will you treat me well forever?"

Jun Mo hooked his arm through hers, entwining them, and drained the potent wine in his cup. Then, he pressed his lips to hers, the taste of the mellow wine lingering between them, tender and lingering.

"I swear it—"