Chapter Seven, The Bride's Worship

Upon seeing Ji Yang for the first time, Madam Xue felt that her worries would likely one day come to fruition. The little girl of yesteryear had grown into a woman, and her beauty exceeded even Madam Xue's imagination, surpassing what one could conceive of possessing.

Madam Xue graciously allowed Ji Yang to go first. If Ji Yang were to marry someone other than Shen Du, someone she looked down upon, she would indeed dare to go first. However, at this moment, Ji Yang respectfully said, "Aunt, please go ahead."

After Ji Yang had a beautiful sleep on the low bed, she woke up just past noon and saw Yu Sui'er directing people to organize her dowry. In just half a day's time, Ji Yang's Chongguang Hall had already been completely transformed.

Madam Qi had three sons, all of whom perished, having died in battle. As for the grandchildren, regardless of their legitimate or illegitimate status, there are a total of eight. In such a family, this is already considered a small number of descendants, primarily because all three of Madam Qi's sons passed away early, with the eldest not living past the age of forty, having died on the battlefield. It is truly sorrowful for a white-haired person to send off a black-haired one

Madam Xue remained obstinate, yet she heard Shen Du say: "Mother, please go ahead first." The favor that Ji Yang had done would naturally be repaid by Shen Du in the future, and there was no need to make Madam Xue feel wronged

According to the customary practice of the Wei Dynasty princesses in surrender, on the first day, Ji Yang is to perform the washing and meal service rituals for her parents-in-law

The Xinyang Hou residence has undergone renovations over several generations, covering a vast area. However, each courtyard looks almost identical from the outside, making it nearly impossible to distinguish the doors after one or two visits. Before long, Ji Yang could no longer resist and let her eyelids droop. The sheep cart swayed gently, and in the next moment, she fell into a deep slumber

Ji Yang's appearance does not belong to the category of seductive charm; it is elegant and exquisite. Her eyes are particularly rare in their clarity, resembling water that has been washed clean, akin to a refreshing mountain spring that soothes the heart. However, her striking beauty is so radiant that it captivates those who gaze upon her, much like the glaring sun, making it somewhat overwhelming.

It is said that Madam Xue led Ji Yang to Taihe Courtyard, where in the main room, Mother Qi and the women from the second and third households had been waiting for quite a long time.

Following this, each room presented their greetings to Ji Yang in order, and Ji Yang distributed gifts in return, which need not be elaborated upon

However, Qi's mother was indifferent, as she had no expectations of Anle, merely considering her a guest in the house, albeit one who would stay a bit longer. Moreover, with Shen Dushang in power, there were undeniable benefits to be enjoyed. While Qi's mother reveled in these advantages, she simultaneously looked down upon Su Jiang, truly embodying a lack of loyalty to country and ruler, solely focused on the wealth and glory of herself and her daughter, completely disregarding the territory of the Wei Dynasty, to the extent that she could easily hand it over.

Ji Yang only regarded Madam Xue as being bound by etiquette, and thus smiled, saying: "A woman marries and follows her husband; Aunt is a contented mother-in-law, so she should take the lead." After saying this, Ji Yang felt quite pleased with herself. Her virtuous and filial behavior could be seen as enhancing the reputation of the royal princess. Although she did not have a younger sister, there would still be nieces to marry off in the future, which would make it easier for them to find husbands, preventing those people from acting as if they had lost their parents at the mere mention of marrying a princess.

It was only when Qi Mu saw Ji Yang, who entered gracefully behind Madam Xue, radiating brilliance and resembling a celestial being or a fairy, that her previously unwavering confidence in Shen Du wavered slightly in her heart

At this moment, having just been nourished by the rain, Ji Yang's complexion resembled that of a newly emerged lotus, tender and full, with her eyes sparkling with a hint of softness and charm, truly a gift of nature's grace and the earth's beauty. This sight made Madam Xue's heart sink even further.

Later, Ji Yang came to realize that Shen Du's emotions were not something that could be easily discerned by just anyone; his displeasure on that day was merely a deliberate display.

Regardless, even if Ji Yang is being unreasonable, over the past few years, Qi's mother has made up her mind to turn a blind eye and even show a bit of affectionate indulgence. Therefore, she cast a glance at Ba Lang's wife as a warning

Empress Su sent Ji Yang to marry, lamenting that she could not empty the palace. What Mother Qi and others saw today was merely the tip of the iceberg

As for the casually placed spittoon and mirror, they are also exquisite and precious items, having consumed the efforts of countless skilled artisans.

The Shen family of Jizhou was originally a prominent clan, but now this direct line has seen a decline in its able-bodied men, leaving only the women behind. This made Ji Yang feel somewhat sentimental, and she cast a glance at Shen Du, wishing only for him to live well.

However, such words could not be spoken by Yucui to Ji Yang, for fear of upsetting her and causing discord between her and Duke Ji. Nevertheless, she had already made up her mind to persuade Ji Yang to write a letter to the Empress of Zhongzhou, requesting her to send a few female historians.

Madam Xue said with a stern face: "The rites between ruler and subject must not be neglected." In fact, she fundamentally did not regard Ji Yang as one of her own.

Shen Du took a step forward and called out "Mother." Only then did Madam Xue come to her senses, rising to bow to Ji Yang.

The ground is adorned with a beautifully patterned woven carpet from Dayuan, and the screen has been replaced with a magnificent twelve-panel silk screen featuring seasonal flowers on a zitan wood base, along with other arrangements of three-panel and five-panel screens. The hidden pouch on the Hu stool has also been replaced with a golden pouch embroidered with phoenix patterns, while the remaining furnishings have been replaced with Shang dynasty tripods and Xia dynasty ceremonial vessels brought from the palace, and there is even a two-foot tall bonsai made of red coral.

The youngest daughter-in-law of the Balu family had long been grumbling: "The princess certainly knows how to put on airs, making a whole group of us wait like this"

Madam Qi led the women from each household to pay their respects to Ji Yang. As it was their first meeting, Ji Yang had no choice but to accept the full ceremonial greeting. After the ceremony, she personally helped Madam Qi to her feet and sweetly called out, "Grandmother"

A gentle smile appeared on Qi's mother's face as she was assisted by Ji Yang to take her seat, who also held her hand and sat beside her, creating an affectionate atmosphere as if the grandmother and granddaughter had an instant connection upon meeting

Madam Xue of the Da family had three sons: the eldest Lang, the fifth Lang, and Shen Du, who is the sixth. The first two have passed away, leaving behind two widows. Among the young men from the other two branches, the second Lang died in battle, and the fourth Lang suffered a leg injury that rendered him unable to walk properly. Thus, among the entire Shen family, the only able-bodied young men remaining are Shen Du, along with the seventh Lang and the eighth Lang. Currently, aside from Shen Du, who is in Jizhou due to his marriage, the other two have been assigned to important posts in various towns, with even the fourth Lang, Shen Geng, being stationed in Youzhou, Fanyang.

After undergoing the washing ceremony, Shen Du and Ji Yang still needed to go to Taihe Courtyard to acknowledge their kinship with Lady Qi, while Madam Xue also had to go to attend to her mother-in-law. The three of them proceeded together, which presented yet another complication

After recognizing several aunts, sisters-in-law, and younger siblings, Ji Yang, who had already been lacking in sleep and energy, felt even more fatigued at this moment. Qi's mother patted her hand and said to Shen Du, "Ruopu, you accompany Anle to take a ride to the garden and also get familiar with the surroundings."

Although Ji Yang had some thoughts in her mind, she quickly reminded herself that they were doing this for the Wei Dynasty, to protect the world of the Ji family, so how could she feel discontented

Ji Yang smiled slightly at the words of Qi's mother, obediently stood up, and indeed felt somewhat tired dealing with all the people in this large room

Lady Qi inquired about the well-being of the Emperor in the palace, as well as that of Empress Su and Ji Yang, who all responded positively. Lady Qi then displayed a look of complete satisfaction. Ji Yang, noticing that Lady Qi was concerned about her own father and mother, felt a great sense of joy in her heart, as this at least indicated that the region of Jizhou remained stable.

After Madam Xue nodded in thanks, Lu Zhu held out a blue-glazed porcelain basin filled with clear water. Ji Yang allowed Yu Cui to roll up her sleeves for her, and then she stepped forward to assist Madam Xue in washing her hands. Once finished, Ji Yang entered the west side room to set the chopsticks and spoons, respectfully inviting Madam Xue to take her seat for the meal, while she stood to the side to arrange the dishes. After Madam Xue had a few bites, she set down her chopsticks, which signified the completion of the courtesy; no one truly expected the princess to serve them during the meal. According to Madam Xue's habit, she had already had breakfast, so the newlyweds' arrival was not considered early. After Madam Xue had a few bites, she set down her chopsticks, which signified the completion of the courtesy; no one truly expected the princess to serve them during the meal. According to Madam Xue's habit, she had already had breakfast, so the newlyweds' arrival was not considered early.

In September, in Jizhou, the autumn air is crisp and refreshing, and the sunlight is bright. At this time, the daylight has already brightened, and the light streams into the hall, yet it cannot compare to the brilliance of Princess Anle.

When Ji Yang stepped into the main hall of Taihe Courtyard, she was taken aback by the dark mass of women filling the room, with not a single man in sight

Yusui'er and others followed closely behind Ji Yang, presenting a red lacquer tray that held two sets of clothing, a box of handkerchiefs, two dressing boxes, and two bags of bath beans, along with silverware, fabrics, and other items. These were gifts from the bride to her elders. Typically, young ladies would personally prepare the clothing and handkerchiefs for their uncles and aunts to demonstrate the bride's virtue and ability in managing a household. However, for Princess Anle, there was naturally no need for her to exert herself in this regard

However, after several encounters, Qi's mother had already changed her address for Ji Yang from the distant "Princess" to the affectionate "Anle." Moreover, with her keen insight, she had long seen that Ji Yang had developed feelings for Shen Du. Under these circumstances, being able to maintain a stable relationship with this princess was naturally more beneficial than detrimental.

Upon leaving Taihe Courtyard, a servant was waiting with a sheep cart. Shen Du assisted Ji Yang onto the cart. Ji Yang turned her head to look at Shen Du, thinking that since they were alone, they could share some intimate words. However, it was only when the sheep cart passed through the black lacquered double doors that he would speak, inquiring which courtyard this was and which courtyard that was.

However, what truly shook Lady Qi's confidence was not this wealth, but rather Ji Yang's stunning beauty that captivated the world and her respectful demeanor towards Madam Xue. In Lady Qi's view, it would be better if this Princess Anle were a bit more arrogant and overbearing, as it would save trouble in the future

During this occasion of Shen Du's marriage, Fourth Brother was unable to attend due to mobility issues. Furthermore, with the northern front still unsettled, the Xianbei tribes of Tuoba, Murong, and Yuwen are all eyeing the situation closely. Seventh Brother and Eighth Brother had already received Shen Du's message and could not leave their posts without permission. Therefore, they did not return for Shen Du's wedding, and only the Sima under their command came to present gifts.

First the country, then the family; first the sovereign, then the subjects. It is not surprising that Madam Xue bowed to Ji Yang, but she is her own aunt. After receiving Madam Xue's bow, Ji Yang personally helped her up and escorted her to her seat. She then glanced at Shen Du, only to see his expression solemn, yet his lips slightly pursed, indicating that Ji Yang had already discerned some of his displeasure

Today, Ji Yang is dressed in a red brocade gown adorned with patterns of jade halls and wealth, cinched at the waist with a two-colored gold thread sash. She carries a white jade hollow double fish fragrance pouch, along with a purse and a gold box for lip balm shaped like a sunflower, among other gold accessories. On her feet are golden shoes embroidered with phoenixes and pearls, and on her head, she wears a gold hairpin with five phoenixes and hanging pearls. A ruby the size of a thumb dangles on her forehead, exuding an air of opulence that unmistakably marks her as a noble from the Central Plains, in stark contrast to the simplicity of the ladies from Jizhou.

Yusui'er waited outside the North Garden Princess Mansion for Ji Yang, who was dozing alone in the sheep cart. She couldn't help but feel a bit resentful; after all, they were newlyweds, yet Duke Ji actually had the heart to let the princess doze off alone in the sheep cart without even saying a word to protect her on the way back. According to Yusui'er's thoughts, Shen Du should have carried Ji Yang into the house to sleep, yet there wasn't even a shadow in sight.