Chapter 3, The Wedding Chamber
Wen Chenxi chuckled in silence and said, "If the young master is willing... then since you have come, you might as well make yourself comfortable..."
Liu Chengfeng, with a hint of embarrassment, said: "I am merely someone who writes characters a bit better than the average person"
***
Only those who have weathered great storms can possess the composure of remaining unperturbed in the face of a mountain collapsing before them. Liu Chengfeng was once an ordinary person, but now, he subtly exhibits this quality.
Liu Chengfeng mockingly said: "I would like to leave, but I was inexplicably beaten up by someone named Chen Ruo. How can I just leave like that?"
The two young maids answered timidly.
Having said that, both felt that their politeness had gone too far, and they couldn't help but laugh. They exchanged smiles, and all the strangeness vanished in an instant. Liu Chengfeng thought to himself, when he first saw such a beauty, who would have imagined that he would encounter her here again? He felt a sense of secret joy, as if he had stumbled upon a treasure.
Having made up his mind, Liu Chengfeng quickly turned back to the bed and reached out to lift the bride's veil. The bride let out a startled cry and raised her hand to block him, and the two nearly got into a scuffle. In the midst of the chaos, the veil floated down, the candlelight flickered slightly, and the light in the bridal chamber flashed for a moment, revealing a breathtaking face before Liu Chengfeng's eyes
The bride smiled lightly, her icy demeanor beginning to melt, and said: "I naturally remember that every time I pass by the calligraphy stand of Young Master Liu, I cannot help but get down from the carriage to request a piece. Young Master Liu's calligraphy is truly excellent." A hint of admiration appeared in the bride's eyes as she sincerely sighed.
The entire bridal chamber exudes a delicate ambiance. To the west stands a finely carved, closed door, while the south wall is adorned with a painting of a lady, elegantly framed. The figure in the painting wears a gentle smile, and her eyes, seemingly smiling yet teasing, appear to mock Liu Chengfeng. Below the painting is a lamp stand and a small table, upon which hangs a diamond-shaped bronze mirror. Against the north wall is a screen decorated with double happiness characters, illuminated by the flickering candlelight, which casts a pink hue upon it. To the east is the bed where Liu Chengfeng sits, with a red gauze canopy rolled up by hooks. Naturally, the most captivating sight for Liu Chengfeng is the bride beside him, who remains utterly still.
At this moment, the bride, who had been sitting upright and composed, suddenly said: "This marriage is my father's idea. I am suffering from a serious illness, so you must think carefully. If the veil is lifted, from that moment on, we will be husband and wife, and we should support each other through thick and thin. However, if you are merely here because my father forced you, it would be better for me to have someone secretly send you out of the residence now, to spare you from ruining your future."
If Wen Chenruo has left, she has left behind a room filled with a faint fragrance. Liu Chengfeng simply decided to accept the situation and see what tricks those with the surname Wen are up to.
Liu Chengfeng was speechless, and the enthusiasm to get a glimpse of the truth was immediately doused by a bucket of cold water, extinguishing it completely. Liu Chengfeng thought to himself: if this continues, he would lose all interest in www.hetushucomcom, so he simply decided to leave.
Liu Chengfeng set down the tea cup, smiling as he followed the young maid outside. It was only then that he realized that in just a short while, the entire hall, both inside and out, was filled with people. There were servants in blue garments and small hats weaving through the crowd, maids in floral skirts bowing their heads to serve tea and water, and numerous guests dressed in fine clothes, some in brocade robes and others wearing black caps, continuously offering their congratulations.
He made up his mind, stood up to observe the doors and windows, contemplating how to escape. He pushed open the wooden window opposite the door; outside was deep and pitch black. Liu Chengfeng climbed up to the window, just about to leap down, but at that moment, a thought crossed his mind, suddenly giving rise to a sense of indignation. Damn it, this is too unfair; there isn't a good person among the Wens. She won't let me expose it, but I will definitely reveal his secrets before I leave. She said I am a rogue; today, Liu the fool will be a rogue.
After waiting for half an hour, I heard a commotion outside. Two young maids led Liu Chengfeng out, winding through numerous corridors and moon gates. As I looked around, the rooftops stretched endlessly, with pavilions and terraces rising one after another, dazzling to the eye. Liu Chengfeng was astonished and couldn't help but think: "What a grand spectacle"
To Liu Chengfeng, this scene seemed like child's play; before he could even savor it, it had already come to an end. It was so hurried that one could only fear that the Wen family was concerned about the young lady's health.
The Southern Town Protectorate... ? ... the Jinyiwei. ? Liu Chengfeng understood why that Wen Chenruo was so arrogant; having been in this era for half a year, Liu Chengfeng certainly knew the power of the Jinyiwei's elite troops. ? Even the small minions patrolling the streets from the Northern Town Protectorate could shake the ground with a stomp, and as for the Southern Town Protectorate, it was even more formidable. The Southern Town Protectorate specifically oversees the military discipline and laws of the Jinyiwei. Ordinary people might not perceive its significance, but it holds considerable deterrence over those arrogant Jinyiwei warriors and captains.
The two individuals locked eyes, initially sizing each other up with mutual wariness. Yet in the next moment, they could not help but reveal expressions of surprise, tinged with a hint of an indescribable joy unique to each of them. Liu Chengfeng was first stunned by this ethereal beauty; in later times, there were countless beauties on television screens, but compared to this dignified lady, they all paled in comparison. Subsequently, Liu Chengfeng was even more astonished, for he realized that he vaguely recognized this beauty before him. Liu Chengfeng was first stunned by this ethereal beauty; in later times, there were countless beauties on television screens, but compared to this dignified lady, they all paled in comparison. Subsequently, Liu Chengfeng was even more astonished, for he realized that he vaguely recognized this beauty before him
Pushed by someone, Liu Chengfeng was brought into a relatively spacious and antique room. He raised his eyes to survey the surroundings, estimating that this must be the bridal chamber
The bride's shoulders trembled slightly as she said, "I... I have someone I care for."
Wen Chenxi's eyes brightened as she said, "I still have the Young Master's cursive script. Would the Young Master like to see it along with the illustrations and the book?"
***
After passing through a month-long tunnel, the scene before him suddenly became clear. This must be the main hall. The young maid first arranged for Liu Chengfeng to sit quietly in the side hall, while outside, he could hear the sounds of people singing greetings. Liu Chengfeng did not recognize these individuals, but from their titles, it was evident that they were all formidable figures. Liu Chengfeng turned a deaf ear to it all; at this moment, his mood unexpectedly calmed down. Having arrived in this world inexplicably, Liu Chengfeng had once felt anxious, but gradually adapted. Now, encountering this sudden change, compared to the incredible experience of crossing over, it was truly a minor issue. Liu Chengfeng turned a deaf ear to it all; at this moment, his mood unexpectedly calmed down. Having arrived in this world inexplicably, Liu Chengfeng had once felt anxious, but gradually adapted. Now, encountering this sudden change, compared to the incredible experience of crossing over, it was truly a minor issue.
Liu Chengfeng let out a sigh and said: "You are the sister of that little girl Chenruo? Her name is Wen Chenruo. Let me think, could it be that your name is Mu Ruo?"
Liu Chengfeng seemed to be arguing playfully: "Flattering, flattering."
The morning light streamed in as Liu Chengfeng woke up after a good night's sleep, feeling refreshed. At that moment, two young maids entered Liu Chengfeng's bedroom and, upon seeing him, occasionally glanced at him with their eyebrows raised, giggling softly.
The coldness on the bride's face instantly vanished without a trace, replaced by a hint of undeniable shyness. After a gasp of surprise, she softly said: "Young Master Liu, it turns out to be you"
Liu Chengfeng sat down next to Wen Chenxi and said seriously: "Of course, since I am here, I will make myself comfortable. Even if that dead girl Chenruo tries to chase me away, I will not leave."
Liu Chengfeng had no particular thoughts; he mused that even if the Nanzhen Prefecture Office were involved, what of it? If they dared to be overly arrogant, he would simply accompany them to the end.
Liu Chengfeng closed his eyes, sitting on the couch to rest his spirit. Two young maids approached him, bowing respectfully. One said: "Today is the joyous day for the young master and the young lady; the new young master should change into new clothes."
Before long, a young maid finally arrived, urging, "It is time for the wedding ceremony, hurry, come with me."
At this point, the answer is already apparent
The young maid with a rosy complexion smiled and said, "Young master, my master is on official business at the Southern Town Prefectural Office"
The bride and Liu Chengfeng exclaimed in unison: "Is it you?"
Two young maids entered with blushing faces, glancing at Liu Chengfeng, who appeared calm and composed. Their eyes brightened involuntarily, and they bowed slightly, saying: "Young master, please wait a moment; the wedding ceremony will commence shortly."
The bride glanced at him and, slightly shy, said: "In fact, I have inquired about your situation. Young master, you have faced many hardships and were wrongfully accused, losing your reputation. At that time, I thought to myself, I hope you do not lose heart; as long as you still possess talent, there will come a day when you can astonish the world."
Liu Chengfeng was taken aback for a moment, and his hand instinctively retracted. Anger welled up within him as he thought: Who needs your filthy money? You are the one who kidnapped me, and now you want to dismiss me like this?
Liu Chengfeng nodded and said: "What does the Wen family do? How did they become so prominent?"
The woman’s face resembles a hibiscus, her brows like long willows. A pair of deep, ethereal eyes captivates the heart, while her snow-white skin appears slightly pale and sickly, which instead adds to her allure. Her black hair is elegantly styled into a high bun, adorned with pearls that shine with dazzling brilliance under the red candlelight. Her crimson lips slightly part, resembling a fallen fairy.
Liu Chengfeng stood up and quickly changed his clothes. The attire resembled a long red robe, made of very fine fabric, intricately carved with numerous patterns. On his head was a scholar's cap adorned with pearls. After dressing up, Liu Chengfeng stood before the copper mirror behind the screen to take a look, and he was somewhat unrecognizable in the reflection.
Liu Chengfeng wondered to himself, did Wen Chenru that little girl really deceive me? What would the eldest daughter of the Wen family be like
Once unaware, I now realize that wearing ancient attire makes me quite dashing. Liu Chengfeng raised an eyebrow at the bronze mirror, then sat back on the couch, coughed lightly, and said to the young maid outside: "Come in, the clothes have been changed."
Ah..." Wen Chenxi couldn't help but exclaim, and then she understood Liu Chengfeng's meaning, shyly saying: "Um..."
The young maid appeared somewhat puzzled, exchanging glances, and one of them, with a fair complexion, said: "This ... ... "
Liu Chengfeng extended his hand, filled with anticipation in his heart, reaching out towards the bride's red veil
Wen Chenxi's pale cheeks suddenly flushed with embarrassment, leaving her at a loss for words as she stammered a few sentences. Liu Chengfeng, however, smiled, thinking it was quite interesting that the person she referred to as her beloved was actually him. Reflecting on how they had almost missed each other earlier, Liu Chengfeng couldn't help but feel a bit sentimental. He gazed at Wen Chenxi with affectionate eyes and said dreamily, "I seem to remember that it should be the wedding night right now..."
Liu Chengfeng harbored little fondness for the Wen family, and thus did not regard the young maid with any warmth. Now that he could not escape, coupled with a slight curiosity in his heart, he always wanted to catch a glimpse of what the young lady looked like
Liu Chengfeng recalled what Wen Chenxi had just said about her beloved and couldn't help but ask: "I would like to inquire about the beloved that Miss mentioned earlier..."
Without allowing Liu Chengfeng to think too much, a young maid handed him one end of a red string, the other end of which was tied to the bride's wrist. Under the crowd's watchful eyes, the two returned to the main hall, where amidst the clamor, they paid their respects to heaven and earth. Liu Chengfeng, still feeling dazed, then heard someone shout: "It's time to enter the bridal chamber..."
The young maid found herself at a loss and had no choice but to place the new ideas and hat on the small table before quietly exiting the room
The new son-in-law is about to marry, yet he still inquires about the bride's family background. Those who are unaware, along with the books, would likely find it laughable.
Liu Chengfeng could not help but chuckle; the stunning young woman before him was indeed his old client. However, Liu Chengfeng had never expected that she would remember him. Being remembered by a beautiful woman was certainly a delightful matter, and Liu Chengfeng smiled, saying: "Not at all, Miss, you are too kind."
The bride's voice was cold and her tone was very resolute
Liu Chengfeng made a resolute decision, extinguishing the red candle. In the darkness, he wrapped his arms around Wen Chenxi, whose body was incredibly warm, exuding a captivating fragrance. With a soft murmur, she melted completely in Liu Chengfeng's embrace
Liu Chengfeng exclaimed in surprise, "Miss, do you still remember me?"
Liu Chengfeng listened and hesitated for a moment as he reached to lift the veil, reflecting on the bride's words. He steeled himself, thinking: "Everyone is here, and the heavens and earth have been worshipped; how can I leave without even looking at the person?"
Unfortunately, there is not a single person here that Liu Chengfeng knows. Liu Chengfeng is too lazy to pay attention and has been assigned to a loft to receive the bride. The bride's face is obscured by a red veil, but her ample wedding gown cannot conceal her graceful figure. Liu Chengfeng assesses the bride's physique and cannot help but think: "She is a bit more voluptuous than that girl Wen Chenru, but she seems to lack some vitality, as if she could topple over with a gust of wind. Could it be that she is truly very ill?"
Liu Chengfeng said: "My name is Liu Chengfeng. Ahem... I wish to ride the wind back, but inadvertently blew into the bridal chamber."
Later on, the two of them exchanged startled yet joyful words. A faint smile appeared on Wen Chenruo's face as she secretly thought to herself: "This is it. Every time my sister goes out, she always deliberately makes a trip to that scoundrel scholar's book stall, as if I don't know. I know that when my sister lifted the lid, she must have been delighted to see this scoundrel scholar."
Outside the bridal chamber, a petite figure curled up beneath the paper window, the red lantern hanging from the eaves casting a glow on her playful cheeks. Who else could it be but the second young lady of the Wen family, Wen Chenruo? Wen Chenruo's body stiffened, yet she was utterly engrossed in the commotion inside the bridal chamber. When she heard Liu Chengfeng scolding her as a little girl, Wen Chenruo couldn't help but wrinkle her nose, cursing inwardly: "Damn scholar, foul scholar, speaking ill of me in front of my sister."
Liu Chengfeng felt a sense of boredom. With a thought, he considered: since the one with the surname Wen has tied me up and brought me here, it would be good to tease her a little.
"So hasty, not even a moment to maintain some decorum!" Liu Chengfeng thought to himself, being pushed along, quickly departed.
The bride, draped in red clouds, remained motionless, without a sound
Liu Chengfeng opened his mouth to say he wanted to see, but then thought better of it. This wasn't a gathering of fellow townsfolk or classmates, nor was it a wedding night; what was the point of looking at calligraphy and paintings? With such a delicate wife sitting beside him, why pretend to be a virtuous man? He smiled and turned to look at Wen Chenxi, his eyes flickering with an unmistakable desire, and he felt a growing warmth within himself. He said, "It's getting late; looking at calligraphy and paintings is hard on the eyes"
Liu Chengfeng said: "Alright, you all put down your clothes, I will change my garments myself"
Wen Chenxi's coyness provided Liu Chengfeng with great encouragement. Liu Chengfeng cleared his throat and said, "Actually, when you came to the calligraphy stall to buy calligraphy and paintings that day, I..."
The bride smiled and said, "Young Master Liu need not be overly modest"
Miss, you flatter me
Resolutely, she reached out her hand. The bride seemed to sense something unusual, her delicate body trembled, yet a slender, exquisite hand could not help but press down on Liu Chengfeng's hand.
Liu Chengfeng could no longer continue speaking and inwardly scolded himself: You are such a fool, why say so much? It is better to act sooner rather than later to avoid unnecessary complications.
Liu Chengfeng opened his eyes, the breeze gentle and the clouds clear, and said: "So soon?"
Later on, the commotion inside became quite unbearable, filled with whispers and moans. Wen Chen's pretty face flushed red, and she clicked her tongue in disapproval, thinking to herself: "This scoundrel has such audacity, utterly despicable." Feeling embarrassed, she decided not to stay any longer and quickly slipped into the darkness under the moonlight.
Liu Chengfeng touched his nose, feeling quite speechless. It seems that this young lady has a rather poor temperament and a rather irritable disposition. Should I prepare in advance just in case? Otherwise, if she truly turns out to be a fierce woman, wouldn't that be disastrous
Liu Chengfeng originally thought that the preparations for the marriage would take at least a few days, but he did not expect it to be so rushed. It must be that the young lady is truly quite ill, causing the entire household to be in a state of panic.
Liu Chengfeng interrupted without hesitation, saying: "If you want me to be your family's son-in-law, you must do as I say. If you keep talking, I will leave right now"
After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Liu Chengfeng felt a warm sensation in his heart and couldn't help but chuckle, saying: "The bridal chamber has unexpectedly turned into a reunion with an old acquaintance; if this were to be spoken of, it would surely make others laugh their teeth out"
Liu Chengfeng could not help but frown, as he heard the bride continue: "He is cultured and refined, writes beautifully, is knowledgeable and reasonable, unlike you, who is so frivolous and unscrupulous."
A blush appeared on the bride's cheeks as she said, "Young Master, my name is Wen Chenxi"
Liu Chengfeng felt the bride's hand trembling. At that moment, the bride spoke almost in a sobbing tone: "I have changed my mind, I... I will give you money, consider it compensation for you, you... you can leave now."
The bride, feeling anxious, could not help but say: "Do not flatter me, do not flatter me."
Liu Chengfeng recalled the cold attitude of the young lady from the Wen family, and he couldn't help but feel angry. "You are the one who steals people, and you are also the one who drives them away. Do you really think I am a ball that you can kick around at will? If you don't want me to expose it, I will insist on doing so.
The bride remained unmoved, still ignoring Liu Chengfeng