Chapter 47 (1/2)
The entire front courtyard of Ji Manor was filled with guests, all from notable families in Shengjing. Wealthy merchants came to give congratulatory remarks, as did spokesmen sent by governors of the imperial court.
Prince Yu, Prince Zhao, and Prince Rui all sent servants to deliver gifts, though none of the princes appeared in person.
Though the Ji family was a mere merchant family, they controlled over seventy percent of Daliang Country’s economy. The Ji family was not to be underestimated, a fact that was understood by many of the court factions. The wedding was a prime opportunity for different court factions to express their desire to ally with the Ji family.
A rather large sign that read “Joy” was pasted onto the central wall of the main hall. The hall itself was large enough to fit well over a hundred people and was adorned by carvings on the pillars, paintings on the ceiling, a red carpet that covered the floor, and red silken decorations. There were room-dividers, as well as chairs built of mahogany, adorned with copper rings and golden edges. The main hall was refined and elegant, drawing compliments from all who entered.
The two young masters of the Su family who came with the wedding procession looked upon everything in Ji Manor with both admiration and envy. There was a trace of pride in their eyes, almost as if a daughter of the Su family marrying into Ji Manor meant that their status would be elevated as well.
The altar table in the center of the hall displayed the memorial tablets of Ji Yuxian’s parents. The Second Mistress sat on the side, upon a grand chair garnished with floral carvings. She wore a shirt woven of silver thread, with golden edges and date-colored designs, and a silk skirt with auspicious floral patterns. A jasper hairpin rested in her hair, elegant and refined.
The Second Mistress smiled warmly as she watched Ji Yuxian and Su Jiu enter. She turned to the Master of Ceremonies and nodded.
The Master of Ceremonies announced loudly, “The time has come!”
The noisy main hall immediately quieted down.
“The bride and groom’s first bow will be to Heaven and Earth! May their fortunes last a lifetime!”
Su Jiu turned around with Nanny’s assistance and bowed.
“The second bow will be to Father and Mother! Their grace surpasses that of Heaven!”
Su Jiu and Ji Yuxian stood side by side and bowed, facing the front.
“Finally, the bride and groom will bow to one another! Joyfully they unite in blissful marriage, and will love one another until old age!”
Su Jiu lowered her eyes and looked at the hem of the groom’s red robe and his black boots. At that moment, she felt a tangle of emotions. Who knew weddings were so complicated!
If one day she took all of the Ji family’s wealth and ran away, would everything they’ve done today become a big joke?
Joyfully unite in blissful marriage?
Love one another until old age?
Ha!
“The ceremony is complete! Escort the bride to the bridal chamber!”
Following a shout by the Master of Ceremonies, joyful cheers once again erupted in the surrounding area. The Second Mistress stood up with a warm, gentle smile.
“I wish the couple many children. The more children, the more fortune!”
Nanny and a few of the bridesmaids giggled as they led Su Jiu towards the back courtyard.
Shangguan Yu, who was following Madam Shangguan, looked at the bride with blazing eyes. “She seems like an ungracious woman,” she said coldly. “I don’t understand what Cousin sees in her.”
Careful to go about unnoticed, Shangguan Yu stepped back a step, and lowered her voice, “Is everything ready in the back courtyard?”
The little servant girl Liuqin immediately nodded her head. “Don’t worry, Miss. I placed everything there myself!”
“Nobody saw?”
“No.”
Shangguan Yu nodded, and together with Liuqin, turned to follow the bride to the back courtyard.
Madam Shangguan looked back and asked, “Yu’er, where are you going?”
“Mother, why don’t you go enjoy the wine and the banquet?” Shangguan Yu replied. “I’m going to talk a stroll in the back courtyard. There’s no harm in some wedding day mischief.”