Chapter 70: Bowing to the Hall Part 2

At that moment, Yuan Man also stood up. Watching Wei Lingci carry Xun Changqing to the back courtyard, she pulled Xun Yisu close. The wine rushed to her head, making her dizzy. She murmured, “Asu, I think those two are weird. Not like master and disciple. The way Wei Lingci looks at Xun Changqing feels off… just like… the way you look at me.”

Xun Yisu gripped the long flute tightly, pointed at the wine jars littering the ground, and said coldly with a smile, “Clean it up yourself. I don’t want to see a single jar tomorrow morning, or go live in your own yamen.”

Her voice was neither loud nor soft, just heard by Yun Shen and the others, who laughed until they slumped over the table. Yuan Man imperceptibly twitched her lips—always the same line… She turned and glared at them, “Hurry up and clean, or don’t come next time.”

They nodded deeply. A rank higher crushes to death…

The next day, Xun Changqing was still dragged out by Yuan Man to scour every shop big and small in Ji Province City. But Yuan Man had changed the Dragon-Phoenix Candles to two Phoenix Candles. The shopkeeper kindly reminded her that she’d bought the wrong ones…

Xun Changqing said nothing in front of others. Once out of the shop, she doubled over laughing, nearly dropping the two candles. Yuan Man glared at her and said bitterly, “Laugh all you want. Put a pair at your wedding. I don’t need them here.”

Unexpectedly, Xun Changqing bowed deeply, laughing, “I’m the same as you, A Man. When I get married, I’ll have you as steward—handling everything, breaking old rules for new rites.”

This confirmed her guess. Yuan Man gave her an odd look, slung her arm around Xun Changqing’s neck, and as they walked down the shop-lined street, she lowered her voice, “You and Miss Wei aren’t… She’s the one the Second Imperial Prince chased for years. Think it through. She’s cold as an immortal. Does she like you? Last night, when she carried you back, it seemed like she might.”

It was rare for Yuan Man to say something smart. She was always a bit slow with feelings. Xun Changqing said seriously, “You should worry about yourself. If you get dead drunk tomorrow night again, Big Sis Asu will really kick you out of the bridal chamber.”

Yuan Man recalled how this person had once solemnly told her that liking women wasn’t proper. Yet now she liked women too—her own master, no less, disregarding ethics. She shook her head, checked off the Phoenix Candles on the list, and headed to the next shop.

Yuan Man hadn’t been long in Ji Province. Her subordinates were still wary from former Governor Yao Kun’s scandal of selling tribute goods and unsure of her temper. Military folk were unruly and kept their distance.

The wedding preparations were all handled personally by Yuan Man. Ji Province officials saw her darting through the streets for days buying wedding items and guessed she was getting married. But the yamen was quiet, not like a joyous occasion.

Perplexed and afraid to send gifts rashly, they probed Yun Shen and the others. But Yun Shen had been instructed by Xun Yisu—if pressed, say it was a family relative’s wedding.

Even so, the yamen received piles of congratulatory gifts. After asking Yuan Man, Yun Shen accepted them. They owed Xun Changqing silver anyway; these could offset the debt.

On the wedding day, Yun Shen specially locked the courtyard gate. In this remote spot, the officials probably wouldn’t follow. Red gauze curtains draped the entire courtyard.

Xun Yisu had thought it would just be a formality. She had married before—her wedding to Ana Xuan in the borderlands had been grand, with throngs of guests, rare treasures, lavish banquets, and all the border heavyweights attending. It had been magnificent and extravagant, but she felt no joy. Now, in this small courtyard with few guests and no rarities, it was the result of that person’s months of careful preparation.

When she saw Yuan Man in red robes, her demeanor relaxed and proud, her heart seemed to stop, then beat rapidly. Yuan Man grinned but said nothing before someone pushed her, sending her crashing into Xun Yisu. She panicked a little as they pressed together, able to hear A Man’s heartbeat clearly.

Yun Shen, at the door, craned her neck laughing. Shang Hong gloated, “Lord, you can’t kick anyone today.”

The wedding required “bowing to the hall,” but since everyone present was of the same generation, they skipped “bowing to the high hall.” Yuan Man bowed to Xun Changqing and Wei Lingci, startling Xun Changqing into hastily moving aside.

The Imperial Capital was thousands of li from Ji Province; their arduous journey here was rare.

After the bowing, Yun Shen and the others seized the chance to drag Yuan Man out of the room to the courtyard. The feast was ordered from a restaurant, and the wine was the strong stuff Yun Shen had bought days ago—just to get Yuan Man drunk today.

The wine was the fiercest kind.

Military folk weren’t afraid of strong liquor, but Xun Changqing couldn’t hold it, especially since she hadn’t reached marriageable age. Wei Lingci wouldn’t let her have even a cup. She could only watch the others toast and laugh, warming the small courtyard.

Xun Yisu emerged from the room carrying a jug of fine brew, placing it before Xun Changqing. Everyone thought it was light rice wine, far milder than the strong stuff, and paid it no mind.

Xun Changqing picked up the jug, sniffed it, and was about to pour a cup when Wei Lingci snatched it away. She gave a sidelong glance at the nonchalant Xun Yisu, then walked to Yuan Man, personally filled her cup, and smiled radiantly, “Yuan Man, congratulations on achieving your wish.”

If she could handle the strong liquor, this small cup of clear wine was nothing—especially from Wei Lingci. After thanking her, she tossed it back, not noticing Xun Yisu pursing her lips tightly.

Having completed Xun Yisu’s “task,” Wei Lingci returned the jug. The two exchanged a look. While Xun Changqing looked lost and shifty-eyed, catching the faint smile on Wei Lingci’s lips, she suddenly understood—there was something in the wine!