Chapter 19

This was Yan Yi’s first time seeing Zheng Chun Yun in reality.

Compared to the emaciated figure in her dream—haggard, with eyes as desolate as a dead well—Zheng Chun Yun’s current state was evidently much better.

Shen Lingyue was also scrutinizing her carefully. She seemed a bit thinner than on her wedding day, but her overall spirit was still intact.

After all, the fact that she could go out to social events as the wife of the heir to the Duke of Ling’s household, rather than being confined in the dark and sunless little Buddha hall as in the dream, was itself a good sign.

Zheng Chun Yun was pleased to see Shen Lingyue too, taking her hand and asking after her health.

Shen Lingyue took the opportunity to introduce Yan Yi; the two had never interacted before but exchanged polite nods of greeting.

“I’m doing quite well in the Gu family,” Zheng Chun Yun said. “The heir of the Gu family sacrificed himself for the nation. As his wife, no one in the household dares to mistreat me.”

To be precise, anyone who dared to cause her trouble had been dealt with by her own methods.

This was all thanks to the divine decree bestowed by the Celestial Fate Mistress of the Ninth Heaven.

As the matters written in the letter were confirmed one by one, Zheng Chun Yun understood that meek submission was useless. The entire Gu household saw her merely as a tool to polish their reputation and build a public image. Her every concession only led to a dead end.

If so, why not use her existing advantages and fight back decisively?

Zheng Chun Yun could tell that Shen Lingyue’s concern was sincere, not feigned.

Therefore, she earnestly emphasized once more, “I’m truly doing well.”

She was well now, would be well in the future, and would only get better.

Shen Lingyue and Yan Yi looked into her bright, unyielding eyes.

Like a white plum branch battered by wind and snow, waiting for the snow to clear and the skies to brighten, still standing firm and fragrant.

How wonderful.

They had successfully saved an innocent woman’s fate.

“Sister-in-law, why did you come here alone? I’ve been looking for you everywhere,” a somewhat oily and frivolous voice came from behind.

Zheng Chun Yun furrowed her brow slightly, turning her head with a hint of coldness, “There were too many people over there. I came out to get some fresh air. No need for my cousin to worry.”

“That sounds so distant. You are the most honored lady of the Duke of Ling’s household; you must not have the slightest mishap.”

The young man in a brocade robe looked at her with shameless lingering eyes, his words seemingly proper but sounding very improper.

It was him!

Shen Lingyue and Yan Yi immediately recognized the man—the very one who ruined Zheng Chun Yun’s purity in the dream.

“Sister Zheng, is this also a son of the Duke of Ling’s mansion?” Shen Lingyue feigned ignorance. “I hadn’t heard there were other members of the Gu family.”

The young man’s gaze shifted to Shen Lingyue and Yan Yi, giving them another appreciative look before eagerly striking up a conversation: “My surname is Fan. The Duchess of Ling is my aunt. May I ask which family this young lady belongs to? You seem familiar; have we met somewhere before?”

Zheng Chun Yun’s frown deepened, and she warned softly, “Mind your manners. She is the daughter of the Minister of Rites and betrothed by imperial decree to the Marquis of Changning’s household.”

Fan Guangzu looked discontented, then glanced at Yan Yi.

Shen Lingyue quickly answered, “She is my future elder sister-in-law, also betrothed by the emperor’s command.”

Fan Guangzu: ...

Why are all these beautiful young ladies already betrothed? And all arranged by the emperor?

After Fan Guangzu left unwillingly, Zheng Chun Yun explained, “He is merely a distant relative from my mother-in-law’s family and has shamelessly clung here. He has lived in the Duke of Ling’s mansion for half a year now.”

Every family has a few poor relatives. The Ling household was wealthy and influential, and Fan Guangzu was smooth-talking enough to please the duchess, so he was allowed to stay.

But he was in his twenties without a fiancée or proper work, frequently sneaking into the women’s quarters. He was truly frivolous and disrespectful.

Shen Lingyue and Yan Yi exchanged looks, deliberately furrowing their brows and wearing displeased faces.

“This person clearly has ill intentions. He doesn’t seem like a good character. Sister Zheng, since you live alone in the heir’s residence, be sure to guard your household well, lest someone take advantage and damage your reputation.”

Yan Yi had not explicitly revealed that Fan Guangzu was the one who violated her purity in the dream, as they only had a sketch portrait at the time, which was unsuitable to present directly to Zheng Chun Yun.

Today was a good opportunity to hint at her indirectly.

Sure enough, Zheng Chun Yun’s expression shifted several times, as if recalling something, then nodded firmly. “Thank you for the reminder, sister. I will be careful.”

The Celestial Fate Mistress of the Ninth Heaven had said that Gu Yuan would find someone close to him to consummate on his behalf...

No normal person would agree to such a vile and despicable deed, but if it was Fan Guangzu, it made sense.

Zheng Chun Yun lowered her eyes, a cold glint flashing across her gaze.

If he dared to harbor such thoughts, she would not hesitate to strike first.

*

After parting from Zheng Chun Yun, the two continued happily strolling through the garden.

Princess Tong’an’s estate was vast, almost occupying half of Qi Yun Mountain, and the builders skillfully integrated the architecture with the natural scenery, truly achieving a harmonious blend with the mountains and views, like a hermit’s retreat.

They deliberately sought out less crowded spots, and Shen Lingyue finally understood why Zhao Lan encouraged her to come.

Because there was really a lot of gossip!

“Cousin, I miss you so much! That person treats me so badly. Why did our parents have to separate us?”

“Cousin, don’t say that. It’s all my fault for failing the exams for so many years and not being able to give you the happiness you deserve...”

“Cousin!”

“Cousin!”

Shen Lingyue hid behind a tree, biting her handkerchief excitedly.

“Ah! I’ve seen this person before! She’s the youngest daughter-in-law of the Minister of Personnel, just married last month!”

After walking a little further, they saw a young couple pulling and tugging at each other.

“You’re crazy! I’m your elder sister-in-law now!”

“Why? I was the one who saved you, and I left behind the jade pendant as proof. Why do you have to marry him? You belong to me!”

Shen Lingyue continued to bite her handkerchief.

“Ah! This is the crown princess of the Marquis of Chun and her younger uncle!”

Yan Yi quietly pulled Shen Lingyue back. She was truly afraid that if they made any noise, these lovesick fools might resort to murder to cover it up...

Walking while snacking, Yan Yi suddenly stopped and pointed to a pair standing by a creek ahead.

“Found them. It’s Qi Xiu and the county princess.”

Shen Lingyue formed a circle with her hands near her eyes, carefully identifying them for a while.

“Hmph, that seems to be the Rongcheng County Princess from the Prince of Heng’s household.”

The Prince of Heng was the eldest son of Emperor Qingxi, born by the virtuous consort. Although his talent was ordinary, he was known for being loyal and righteous. Without an official crown prince, many ministers supported the eldest son’s succession.

The Rongcheng County Princess was his most beloved daughter. If the Prince of Heng ascended the throne, she would be true blue-blooded royalty.

With such favorable conditions, how could Qi Xiuyuan not be tempted?

Shen Lingyue and Yan Yi stealthily crawled forward, but the clearing by the creek was wide and open, so they could only hide in the bushes about ten meters away.

The Rongcheng County Princess looked like a lovesick girl, gazing at Qi Xiuyuan with an infatuated expression, seemingly pouring out her feelings.

Qi Xiuyuan, however, was like a wooden statue, unmoved and indifferent. He shook his head at the princess, then turned and left without hesitation.

Shen Lingyue whispered, “Wow, he actually rejected her.”

Qi Xiuyuan, do you realize whose love you just refused?

As he left, the princess’s expression instantly darkened, her beautiful face looking somewhat fierce.

Shen Lingyue covered her mouth, barely daring to breathe.

This noble lady was clearly quick to anger and mood swings...

Soon, the princess called a nearby maidservant and whispered some instructions, then pulled out a small porcelain bottle from her sleeve.

So the princess, rejected in love and humiliated, planned to trap Qi Xiu’s purity by drugging him?

Shen Lingyue whispered to Yan Yi, “Let’s follow her.”

With the maidservant leading the way, they twisted and turned for a while until arriving at what looked like the kitchen courtyard.

Smoke rose from the roof, and the aroma of food drifted out. Maids and servants busied themselves carrying snacks and wine.

The maidservant bowed low before the princess, but in the kitchen, she stood arrogantly and blocked the stewardess.

“My lady wants a jug of fruit wine. Where is the wine cellar? Take me there—I want to choose personally.”

The stewardess dared not neglect her and led her to a nearby storage room.

It was a vacant courtyard stacked with dozens of wine jars prepared for today’s banquet. A long table stood in the middle, holding many small wine pots for use.

The stewardess personally poured a jug and said, “This is this year’s newly brewed bayberry wine. It’s sweet and not intoxicating.”

The maidservant pretended dissatisfaction, “My lady doesn’t like bayberry. Are there any others?”

She kept picking and asking questions to distract the stewardess, while clutching the porcelain bottle behind her back, already uncorking it.

Shen Lingyue and Yan Yi crouched outside the door, listening. Shen Lingyue wondered, “How does the princess know for sure that Qi Xiu will drink the drugged wine?”

Yan Yi recalled the young servant they met at the kitchen door, “I think each wine pot had a note underneath, probably with the guest’s name?”

Even without a name, it’s easy to bribe a maid to deliver the wine.

The princess’s calculated scheme was subtle but deliberate. If Qi Xiu was unguarded, he would surely fall for it.

While they whispered, the maidservant had already chosen a jug, which the stewardess brought out.

They quickly hid behind a corner to watch the two depart.

Shen Lingyue said, “Then I should find a maid too, send a note to Qi Xiu warning him not to drink the wine at the banquet.”

Yan Yi nodded in agreement, and they decided to find paper and pen.

But they hadn’t gone far when a sneaky figure approached from the opposite side.

They had to hide behind the storage again.

Soon the newcomer came closer—a young, unfamiliar man, furtive and cautious. He tried the door, found it unlocked, and slipped inside, picking up a wine pot and pouring some powder into it.

After finishing, he coughed twice and sneaked away.

Shen Lingyue was speechless.

Was this another person drugging the wine?

Yan Yi shook her head. “No wonder Princess Tong’an said those things earlier. These people are truly...”

After the drugger left, Shen Lingyue didn’t hurry away. She had a feeling things would get even more “interesting” here.

Don’t ask—being a gossip has its talents!

They picked a good spot and didn’t have to wait long before more people arrived one after another.

Some slipped laxatives to the concubine sister, hoping she’d embarrass herself publicly;

Some put red flower poison to cause miscarriage and premature birth to the sister-in-law;

Others, jealous that a certain scholar was more popular, sprinkled chili powder into his wine...

All sorts of schemes—astonishing in variety.

Shen Lingyue sighed, “Does Princess Tong’an have to face these every year?”

If it were her, she would have quit long ago.

What a bunch of monsters and demons!

Truly outrageous.

Yan Yi glanced at the sun. “It’s almost time to start the banquet. We should hurry back.”

But she looked worried. “With so many people being plotted against... how can they all be warned?”

Those petty jealousies and rivalries were one thing, but poisoning and miscarriages were serious and life-threatening.

“I have an idea. Wait here for a moment.”

Shen Lingyue’s eyes gleamed mischievously. She told Yan Yi to keep watch and not be discovered, then dashed toward where the carriages were parked.

Yan Yi waited a moment, then saw Shen Lingyue return, panting, carrying a small black cloth bag that looked heavy.

Shen Lingyue wiped sweat from her brow and casually asked, “Did anyone come by while I was gone?”

Yan Yi’s expression was strange. “Yes... your second sister, Shen Songyi.”

Shen Lingyue:!

She snorted, “Did she set her sights on some young master and try to force the issue?”

Yan Yi shook her head in ignorance, then looked at the black bag. “What’s that?”

Shen Lingyue smiled slyly. “Do you know where a drop of water is safest?”

—Of course, it’s in the vast sea.

She told Yan Yi to keep watch at the door while she entered the courtyard, lifting the covers on the wine jars and sprinkling the white powder from the bag evenly inside.

If they liked to drug people, then let them drink to their heart’s content.

She kept adding until the entire bag was emptied into the jars.

Shen Lingyue patted the powder off her hands. “Mission accomplished!”

She left quickly with Yan Yi.

When they arrived at the banquet, Zhou Yanling rushed over anxiously. “Eldest sister, where have you been? I’ve looked everywhere for you.”

She grabbed Yan Yi’s hand and stared suspiciously at Shen Lingyue, as if suspecting her of being a kidnapper.

The two families weren’t seated together, so Shen Lingyue had to part with Yan Yi, silently mouthing, “Don’t—drink—wine.”

Yan Yi nodded. Although she didn’t know what Shen Lingyue had added to the wine, thinking of all the previous scheming, she didn’t want to risk drinking poisoned wine, laxatives, red flower poison, chili powder, or whatever else.

Most guests had returned by then. Princess Tong’an wasted no time, waving her hand to signal the start and letting everyone serve themselves.

She sat alone at the head, in front of a black table laden with exquisite dishes.

A female official tested each dish with a silver needle to confirm no poison.

Another female official poured a cup of wine, took a sip, and frowned slightly.

Leaning to whisper into Princess Tong’an’s ear, she said, “Your Highness, the wine contains aphrodisiac powder, and quite a lot.”

Princess Tong’an snorted, “Which little brat dared set their sights on me?”

The official coughed lightly, explaining softly, “Perhaps the dishes were mixed up during service, over at the wine cellar...”

Princess Tong’an listened, her interest piqued.

“This year truly is a year of rising talents.”

She casually raised her hand, knocking over a wine pot. The spout tilted, letting the wine spill out.

“Let’s see how many couples this banquet can produce this year.”

She smiled and instructed the official, “It’s dull to drink alone. Let them play drinking games. Whoever fails to answer must drink three cups as punishment.”

Shen Lingyue was bent over her food when she heard the announcement about the drinking game, poetry relay, and passing the drum.

She glanced at the small wine pot on her table and quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

Luckily, she had asked Qing Chan to switch the wine to mint water. At worst, she’d have to punish herself with three cups and bluff her way through.

Besides, the original character wasn’t exactly known as a talented woman.

This, however, greatly reduced the amount of wine consumed.

Several maids passed through, refilling empty pots.

One maid approached Qi Xiuyuan and lifted the lid, finding it still full.

“Master Qi?”

Qi Xiuyuan sat upright, shaking his head gently. “I do not drink wine. Tea will suffice.”

For some reason, after rejecting the Rongcheng County Princess by the creek earlier, he suddenly recalled Shen Lingyue’s advice from a few days ago.

Since taking his seat, he had only symbolically picked at some vegetables and hadn’t touched the wine at all.

He glanced at the princess opposite him, who kept casting glances his way, then lowered his head and pressed his hand to his abdomen.

Just endure a little longer. After the banquet, he could go home and enjoy his mother’s chicken soup noodles.

...The princess was nearly frantic!

If it weren’t for Princess Tong’an’s presence, she would have rushed over and forced that drugged wine down Qi Xiuyuan’s throat herself.

Had he sensed something? But her plan was flawless—impossible to discover.

The princess, angry and anxious, accidentally drank several cups of fruit wine herself.

Suddenly, a fiery sensation surged in her lower abdomen; her body inexplicably went weak and hot. Her hand trembled, and the wine cup fell to the ground.

What was happening?

Qi Xiuyuan was fine, but she seemed... to have been drugged?

Clatter-clatter—

The effects began to manifest; cups and plates crashed to the floor.

“What’s happening? I feel so hot.”

“My hands have no strength...”

“Am I poisoned? Someone help!”

“Ugh!”

The banquet quickly descended into chaos.

Guests who hadn’t drunk or were feeling unwell were stunned by the scene.

“Could it be food poisoning?”

“Then why aren’t we affected?”

“This is odd. It looks more like...”

Before they could finish, a flushed young man with a foolish grin suddenly lunged at the girl in the pink dress opposite.

“Qingqing, I’ve liked you for so long. Please be mine!”

“...Help!”

The girl screamed and dodged, but the man chased after her like a madman.

The young woman who had spoken clapped her hands, “Isn’t this coming from herbal medicine?”

She was familiar with this scenario!

At a birthday banquet last year, the second master and his wife’s chief maid were caught in bed together, exactly like this!

Looking across, several young couples had already lost all restraint and were embracing passionately.

The woman covered her face with her hands, peeking through her fingers, shaking her head, “Such indecency, utterly indecent!”

Shen Lingyue pretended to be drunk and lay face down on the table, listening to the chaotic screams, secretly opening her eyes.

Goodness, it was her first time drugging, and she hadn’t controlled the dosage well—this was definitely an overdose.

Glancing at Shen Songyi at the next table, her face flushed with rosy cheeks, still trying to stay upright.

Shen Lingyue followed her gaze.

Lo and behold, it was the youngest son of the Marquis of Chun who had been pestering the elder sister-in-law earlier.

Ah! He had drunk plenty too and was heading straight for his elder sister-in-law!

No way! She had a beloved; he wouldn’t marry you—

Shen Lingyue grabbed Shen Songyi, tore off her shawl, and firmly tied her to the table leg.

No going anywhere. Stay put!

Amid the chaos, Princess Tong’an slammed the table and stood up.

“It must be poisonous mushrooms mixed in the dishes, causing collective hallucinations. Send for the doctor immediately!”

A squad of female guards in soft armor arrived swiftly.

The leader knelt on one knee, “Your Highness, what are your orders?”

“Separate the male and female guests and send for a doctor from the foot of the mountain.”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

*

Princess Tong’an’s female guards acted swiftly to regain control.

Pots of “antidotes” were brewed and sent to the rooms. Aside from a few severely affected guests still vomiting and having diarrhea, most had regained consciousness.

Recalling the banquet’s events and their own embarrassing behavior...

Everyone agreed on the cause:

“That’s right, we ate poisonous mushrooms!”

Shen Lingyue, still feigning drunkenness, was given a bowl of medicine.

After a sip, her face twisted in bitterness, her features contorted all the way to the top of her head.

What kind of antidote was this? It was more like a bitter herbal tonic!

But she heard such medicine was meant to cause internal heat, while Huanglian (coptis) cleared heat and detoxified, so it was effective.

Taking advantage of a distraction, she slipped out to find Yan Yi.

“I haven’t asked you—what exactly did you put in the wine?”

Yan Yi pulled her into a corner, anxiously whispering, “You really messed up this time.”

“But I indirectly saved many people too,” Shen Lingyue shrugged. “Since everyone was drugged, no one could be taken advantage of.”

Yan Yi: …

Absurd, yet somehow plausible?

*

At dusk, Princess Tong’an was urgently summoned to the palace.

Emperor Qingxi asked with concern, “I heard there was a poisonous mushroom incident at today’s banquet that knocked out the guests? How are they now? Is anyone seriously hurt?”

He cared about the marriage affairs of the young men and women in the capital, which was why he required Princess Tong’an to hold matchmaking banquets annually.

Everything had gone well in previous years; why such a big mistake this year?

“Father, no need to worry. After the incident, I promptly requested the doctor who prescribed the antidotes. Most are now safe.”

Before he could respond, a woman’s tearful wailing came from outside.

“Father, please grant the imperial doctor to save Rongcheng!”

A eunuch dared not stop her as the Princess of Heng entered, glaring fiercely at Princess Tong’an.

“How did you manage this banquet? My precious Rongcheng went happily to the feast and ended up eating poisonous mushrooms! If anything happens to her, how will you compensate me?”

Princess Tong’an rolled her eyes and refused to answer.

The Princess of Heng inwardly hated her. Once her husband ascended the throne, she would become Crown Princess, then Empress. She would see how to deal with Tong’an!

Turning to Emperor Qingxi, she said, “Father, Tong’an’s incompetence nearly wiped out the capital’s young families at once. How can the ministers and nobles still trust our royal family? This seriously damages the heavenly mandate.”

She was implying that Tong’an must be punished to set an example.

Emperor Qingxi considered, “Then... dock her salary for six months. Tong’an shall cover all medical and nourishment expenses for the families. Do you object?”

Princess Tong’an accepted without hesitation. “I made a mistake and will accept the punishment.”

The Princess of Heng looked displeased. “Only six months? Too light, isn’t it?”

Princess Tong’an glanced at her. “If you think I’m incompetent, why not let you organize next year’s banquet?”

The Princess of Heng’s face lit up—it was a good chance to win people’s favor.

But in front of the emperor, she pretended humility, “Your humble daughter-in-law dares not...”

Princess Tong’an interrupted, “If you can’t do it, I’ll ask the second sister-in-law.”

The Princess of Heng panicked, “I can do it! I can!”

*

After returning from Qi Yun Mountain, Shen Lingyue kept a low profile for a while, fearing the palace or Princess Tong’an might investigate and blame her.

But within days, palace rumors declared the poisoning a major food poisoning accident caused by poisonous mushrooms at Princess Tong’an’s banquet, resulting in hallucinations.

Every affected individual swore they had eaten poisonous mushrooms, explaining their irrational behavior.

The final verdict was that Princess Tong’an was fined six months’ salary, compensated the families from her own funds, and would no longer host the matchmaking banquets, which would be handed over to the Princess of Heng.

Just like that, it was brushed off lightly?

Shen Lingyue finally breathed a sigh of relief and patted her chest.

She was truly favored by Heaven—after causing such a big mess, she still escaped unscathed!

Heehee, she’d dare again next time :)

*

At the same time, in the Eastern Wing.

Shen Songyi swore to Auntie Liu, “I clearly drugged his wine, so why did I get affected too?”

And why did everyone claim to have eaten poisonous mushrooms?

Was it poisonous mushrooms or aphrodisiac powders? Didn’t she know herself?

Under the effects, she lay weak in bed for days, watched closely by the palace doctor who forced her to drink bitter herbal concoctions until she felt like she had been pickled in coptis.

Shen Songyi was anxious, clutching Auntie Liu’s hand. “If I miss this chance, when will I get close to the Marquis of Chun’s youngest son again?”

“Don’t worry. There’s still a chance.”

Auntie Liu wrung her handkerchief and reluctantly said, “Miss Three will soon marry into the Marquis of Changning’s household. Visit there often, and you won’t lack opportunities.”

A pity; this had originally been a match she wanted for her own daughter...

*

June 18, an auspicious day for weddings.

No matter how much Shen Lingyue tried to avoid it or dread it, the day had come.

Her peculiar pre-wedding jitters were half nervousness about spending her life with a stranger and half excitement about finally being able to stay with Yan Yi every day.

It made her seem split, sometimes good, sometimes bad.

Zhao Lan whispered to Madam Liu, “Is she eager to marry, or just looking forward to it?”

Regardless, the pre-wedding lessons had to proceed.

The night before the wedding, Zhao Lan handed her a small booklet, expressionless as she spoke those embarrassing words.

“...Hurry to bear a son to secure your position in the Pei family; then you can live life as you wish.”

Her daughter was about to be a bride tomorrow, and Zhao Lan didn’t want to spoil the mood—she wanted to leave her with pleasant dreams about the wedding night.

She reached out to adjust Shen Lingyue’s hairpin, her eyes full of reluctant affection.

“Mother hopes you will always feel happy here, as if at home.”

Shen Lingyue’s nose tingled. She leaned forward and hugged her.

Though they’d only been mother and daughter for a few months, she felt Zhao Lan’s wholehearted love.

On the last night at her maternal home, no quarrels, no disputes—just a peaceful evening.

*

Since the two sons of the Marquis of Changning were both betrothed by imperial decree, they were allowed to marry on the same day—a double celebration.

The Shen and Zhou families lived on the east and west sides of the city, respectively. The two grooms set out from the Marquis’s mansion separately to fetch their brides.

The wedding processions from both families were lively, winding through half the capital before reuniting at the Marquis’s grand gate.

On the left, riding a white horse, was the eldest son, Pei Jingyi—noble and upright, a gentleman like jade.

On the right, riding a black horse, was the second son, Pei Jinghuai—vigorous and sharp.

The capital’s citizens were treated to a grand spectacle, speculating eagerly about the brides chosen by imperial favor and their potential splendor.

Guided by the matchmaker, Shen Lingyue stepped out of the bridal sedan chair, holding a red silk ribbon, the other end in Pei Jinghuai’s hand.

She hadn’t eaten much since morning and was faint with hunger. The noisy, chaotic surroundings made her feel detached, as if her soul had left her body, watching her own figure bowing in the marriage rites.

Only when her gaze shifted and landed on the twin lotus embroidered shoes beneath the red wedding dress did she faintly regain focus—it was Yan Yi.

Thinking of this, she suddenly felt calm.

No matter what happened, they would always be together.

The couple bowed to each other and were led into the bridal chamber.

Shen Lingyue was seated beside the wedding bed. The veil’s tassels hung low, obscuring most of her view; she could only see a pair of black boots embroidered with flowing clouds in front of her.

Friends and relatives cheered loudly, “The groom should lift the veil!”

Pei Jinghuai picked up a scale beam, hooked a corner of the veil, and gently lifted it.

Their eyes met, both shocked to the same degree.

Pei Jinghuai: ...

Ni, Xiao, Die?