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In the blink of an eye, it was Golden Autumn October. First House and Second House gathered at Three Courtyard West Garden, where Yun Yang warmly greeted his brothers and sisters-in-law, as well as his nephews and nieces. Fourth Brother Yun Cheng, along with relatives and friends who had come from afar, were all present for Yun Yun Kexin's wedding day. With Second Sister-in-law Yue Ziyun in charge of the arrangements, everyone was in high spirits, ignoring Fu Lianyin's long face that had been as long as a cucumber since yesterday.
Yun Yang surprisingly took out one-third of Third House's assets as a dowry for Seventh Sister, completely disregarding Yun Xiao. What frustrated her the most was that, in a show of rivalry, he even let Shui Lian take charge instead of her. How could she not be infuriated?! But despite her anger, she still had to maintain the demeanor of the main wife of Third House, forcing a dry smile to entertain the guests.
The Duke's residence enjoyed a rare atmosphere of "harmony and cordiality" during lunch. Mrs. He from Full Fortune Person arrived. After exchanging pleasantries, Mrs. He began instructing her skilled maidservants to assist Yun Yun Kexin with her grooming and dressing, preparing her for marriage.
Mrs. He had participated in many grand weddings, including that of Yun Yun Kexin's cousin Cheng Furong. At this moment, she skillfully instructed Seventh Sister's personal maid to check the personal items that Yun Yun Kexin would be taking with her, while Second Madam Yue Ziyun waited quietly with her two children nearby.
The Fu Family stood around for a while, feeling bored, so they took Yun Xiao to the hall to entertain their brothers and sisters-in-law and nephews—since they were relatives by marriage, it was essential to show some warmth when the Han Wangfu came to congratulate them; at least they needed to put on a friendly front. Second Brother Fu Yueheng harbored resentment towards Yun Ke and did not wish to see anyone from Second House, so he only sent gifts without showing up himself.
"Sister, are you still angry with Third Master?" Fu Yueze noticed Fu Lianyin's face that looked worse than crying throughout and understood her frustration. He tried to comfort her, saying, "Isn't it just about the dowry? How would outsiders know about the Duke's affairs besides you? Under such circumstances, it's reasonable for Third Master to want a grand wedding for his 'daughter'... Look at it now; instead of overseeing things himself, he let Water Concubine take charge. What good does that do you?"
"Brother, I can't swallow this anger," Fu Family's phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, accentuating the increasingly prominent lines at the corners. "Who is really his biological daughter here? Making such a grand show while disregarding me and Yun Xiao?!"
After saying this, Fu Lianyin couldn't help but lower her head and look at Yun Xiao, who was already eight years old yet still naive in understanding. She sighed inwardly.
"Mother, don't be sad," Yun Xiao placed her hand into Fu Lianyin's palm and said softly, "Today Seventh Sister is going to Big Brother, so I won't have a sister anymore."
Fu Lianyin felt even sadder: years of careful planning had led to today's situation where even her only biological child leaned towards "outsiders." Who could she blame?! Seeing Yun Xiao about to cry again with a red nose, the Fu Family quickly intervened:
"Xiao'er can go play for a while, okay? Mother needs to talk with Uncle and Aunt."
Upon hearing this, Yun Xiao immediately brightened up and replied cheerfully, "Okay," before running out of the main hall.
Yun Xiao wanted to find Yun Yun Kexin, because their father had come yesterday; with Seventh Sister getting married, there would be fewer opportunities to return to the Duke's residence at Third House. From within came Cheng Furong's cheerful voice: "Yun Kexin, this phoenix crown and bridal gown are simply tailor-made for you! So beautiful and noble! I’m sure there are even more beautiful clothes waiting for you once you become Consort Jun."
Yun Kexin smiled lightly, knowing how many days and nights she had hesitated and struggled before deciding to wear this phoenix crown and colorful robe.
Yun Xiao paused and smiled: "It seems that Seventh Sister is already dressed up." She then entered the inner chamber with Second Aunt, whom she met halfway.
The tall Yun Kexin sat gracefully by the window on a large kang, dressed in bright red.
Aunt Zheng He and Aunt Yue Ziting couldn't help but shed tears, murmuring in unison, "Our Seventh Young Lady has become a grown woman..."
"Xiner, you truly look stunning and noble today." Second Matriarch Qian looked at Yun Kexin's increasingly youthful and beautiful face due to her marriage, feeling jealous but forcing a smile to flatter her.
Yun Kexin remained silent, simply listening with a smile on her lips.
Yun Xiao ran in front of Yun Kexin, gazing at her in awe, then said with a smile, "Seventh Sister looks just like an immortal."
Yun Kexin smiled and pinched Yun Xiao's cheek: "Xiao'er will be even more beautiful than Seventh Sister when she grows up."
Yun Xiao blushed and changed the subject: "Seventh Sister, when will Big Brother arrive?"
"Xiao'er should now call him 'Brother-in-law'," Yue Clan corrected with a light laugh.
Yun Xiao playfully stuck out her tongue and said, "Oh, Father told me about it. I forgot for a moment. When is Brother-in-law coming?"
"He should... be here soon," this question made Yun Kexin feel shy and awkward.
Yun Xiao was about to ask again but fell silent as the auspicious time had arrived. Madam He symbolically combed Yun Kexin's hair and made her drink lotus seed and silver ear soup. Before long, night fell, the colors darkened, and the Yun family members gradually squeezed into Yun Kexin's boudoir, enthusiastically praising her "noble lady fate."
Moments later, the sound of firecrackers crackled from afar, growing closer, as someone in the manor shouted at the top of their lungs, "The bridal sedan has arrived! The bridal sedan has arrived!"
In an instant, the room of Yun Kexin erupted like a pot boiling over. Many female relatives, including Shan Ying and Shan Yue, rushed out to see the commotion, leaving only Shan Ling behind to assist a few ladies with the final preparations.
Yun Kexin looked at her busy relatives and was surprised that after two lifetimes, she still felt nervous and flustered about getting married. She had thought that the calamity on her wedding night in her previous life would leave her indifferent or even dead inside regarding marriage. Yet, unexpectedly, she had been calm until just a moment ago, but now her heart raced wildly at the sound of firecrackers.
"Seventh Sister, are you nervous?" Shui Lian gently placed a hand on Yun Kexin's shoulder and smiled warmly. "It's nothing to worry about; every woman feels this way. Once it's over, you'll be fine."
Yun Kexin nodded with a smile but then shook her head, unsure how to describe her feelings as festive drums and suonas played outside.
Shan Yue ran in excitedly. "Sister, the Young Lord—oh no, I mean Seventh Uncle's bridal sedan has arrived!"
"Seventh Sister! Seventh Sister!" Yun Xiao rushed back in after just stepping out, holding a gold bar in her hand. "This is a special gift from Seventh Brother-in-law to me! How generous! The rewards are all gold coins, and he even scattered stars all over the Third House!"
Yun Xiao playfully flaunted the gold bar in her hand with a silly grin, making Yun Kexin unable to help but smile.
Aunt and another relative both looked serious as they urged Yun Kexin, "Quickly sit down!"
Immediately after, Jin Xiu also rushed in to deliver news. "Seventh Uncle's bride has come!"
Madam He quickly welcomed them with a smile and brought the bride inside. After exchanging pleasantries with Aunt and others, they took Yun Kexin to the North Courtyard.
The Feng family was here to fetch the bride while the Yun family sent her off. The sounds of drums and suonas from both families crowded around the North Courtyard, creating an unprecedented uproar and lively atmosphere.
Yun Kexin immediately recognized Feng Yinxiao dressed in bright red wedding attire—such vibrant colors accentuated his handsome features even more elegantly. It seemed that even if he stood there without saying a word, people couldn't help but be drawn to him.
Yun Kexin was somewhat dazed: she remembered Feng Yinxiao just returning from the battlefield, his skin tanned to a wheat color. When did he become so fair and jade-like again?! It made his deep black eyes under his sword-like brows appear even more striking.
Suddenly, a blush crept onto Yun Kexin's face: is this really Feng Yinxiao? The man she had longed for, the one she believed would marry her in this life, how had she never seen him so handsome and extraordinary before?!
In her daydreaming, Mrs. He’s low voice urged from the side, “It’s time to say goodbye to your parents.”
She hurriedly pulled her thoughts together, respectfully tidying herself up to look neat and composed before bowing three times to Yun Yang and Fu Lianyin.
Yun Yang restrained his emotions; ever since he agreed to the adoption conditions, he had never imagined that the Seventh Young Lady would come out of the Third House to bid farewell to him. He always thought that his years of raising her could not outweigh the grievances from the past in the household. He never expected today…
In an instant, tears welled up in his eyes, his voice choked. This was a situation that had never occurred with the highly self-disciplined Deputy Minister of Justice Yun Yang, surprising everyone present.
Yun Kexin looked at her adoptive father, Third Uncle, who treated her like his own daughter, feeling a mix of emotions: if it weren’t for her adoptive father, or if he were as cold-hearted as the Fu Family or indifferent towards her, then even if she were reborn, she wouldn’t have fared well. She might have ended her life just as hastily as in her previous life. However, the reality proved that although she lost her biological father, she did not lack paternal love. This was enough for her to remember for a lifetime.
Recalling everything from the past decade or so, Yun Kexin couldn’t help but burst into tears and cried out, “Father…”
“Alright, alright, Seventh Young Lady mustn’t cry anymore; get up quickly,” Yun Yang sniffed and restrained himself. “Today is your big day; you should be happy and grand when you go out. Don’t ruin your makeup with tears.”
He gestured to Shanling and others to help lift Seventh Sister. The three complied and assisted Yun Kexin to rise. Mrs. He, who was mindful not to delay the auspicious time, quickly broke away from the sorrowful atmosphere and said with a smile, “The bride should get on the sedan chair now; it’s time.”
However, Yun Kexin said, “Wait, I need to go to the Second House to do something.”
Amidst everyone's astonished gazes, Yun Kexin followed her brother Yun Ke to the Southern Courtyard. Feng Yinxiao seemed to understand Yun Kexin's intention and followed along as well. Apart from the Yun Clan members, the Yue Clan waited for them in the courtyard.
In a secret room, Yun Kexin knelt before the spirit tablet of Second Master Yun You in front of all the members of the Yun Clan and softly said, “Father, your daughter is getting married today; I came to see you.”
Upon finishing her words, Yun Yang could no longer hold back her tears, and the Yue Clan along with her children, Yun Ke and Yun Yan, were also unable to contain their emotions—after so many years, Seventh Sister finally acknowledged her biological parents in front of the Yun Clan members without any hesitation. This was something Father had longed for before his demise; although he could no longer see it, it could be considered the fulfillment of his wish.
Feng Yinxiao quietly stayed by Yun Kexin's side, offering incense at the spirit tablet and bowing three times.
Then, Yun Kexin knelt before Second Madam, bowed her head, and called out loudly, "Mother—"
Yue Ziyun was moved but did not forget the importance of not missing the auspicious time. She hurriedly helped Yun Kexin up and said:
"Seventh Young Lady, your mother's wish has been fulfilled; quickly get into the sedan chair and do not delay." She then turned to Yun Ke and said, "Ke'er, why aren't you carrying Seventh Sister onto the sedan chair?"
Feng Yinxiao quietly watched this touching scene, deeply moved, and her gaze toward Yun Kexin grew increasingly affectionate.
Yun Ke bent down, and the bride's maid hurriedly placed the red veil over Yun Kexin's head, guiding her to climb onto her brother's sturdy back, feeling warm and secure.
Amidst the crackling firecrackers and the rising sounds of drums and suonas, Yun Kexin got into the flower sedan.
Throughout this time, Yun Ran had not appeared at all, amusing herself by breaking cups and plates in her own room.
From beginning to end, Yun Kexin was unaware of Fu Yihang who had quietly followed until he could no longer see the shadow of the flower sedan; nor did she notice Prince Qin Ke who stood near Duke of Yan's Residence, watching as the wedding procession approached step by step before he finally left after keeping an eye on the flower sedan entering the mansion.
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