Jiang Mingyue sat in the bridal chamber in a daze. The wedding ceremony felt like a dream. Her cheek turned hot as she thought that she has now become Yang Yun's wife. Mingyue clenched her hands into a fist under her sleeve when she heard footsteps heading towards her.
"Master, it is now time to unveil your bride," someone said beside them.
Yang Yun nodded. He approached Mingyue and slowly lifted the red veil covering her face. Then, he stared at Mingyue's beautiful face absentmindedly. The red color of the wedding dress against her white, dewy skins made her look even more alluring.
"Congratulations, Young Master, congratulations Young Madam," the attendant said. "Good wishes for master and madam. May you grow together until the hair turns white with many children and grandchildren."
Yang Yun snapped out of his thought as the elderly madam spoke. His lips curved into a smile as he watched his bride lowered her gaze bashfully. Being stared intently for a long time caused Mingyue's cheek to turn redder as seconds tick away.
"It is time to drink the cross-cup wine," the attendant announced.
A servant appeared by their side with two cups of wine on a tray. Yang Yun picked up a cup, and Mingyue picked the other. The pair moved closer, linked their arms, and drank their wine in one gulp.
Yang Yun placed the cup back on the tray. His gaze never left Mingyue. There was a lot of things he wanted to say to her right now, but he suppressed his thought as other people surrounded them. Yang Yun swallowed. He opened his mouth and spoke a word, "wife."
Mingyue blushed at his words. She bit her lips as she looked at the people around them. She looked at Yang Yun timidly and replied, "husband."
Suddenly, a knock sounded on the door, causing everyone in the room to turn their head towards the door. "Master, the guests are waiting for your presence to join the celebration," a steward announced from the outside.
Yang Yun frowned. His expression softened when he turned to Mingyue again. "I have to go out toasting with the guests. It will be a while before I return."
Mingyue nodded. "Alright. You go first. Don't drink too much."
The smile on Yang Yun's face widened. "You should rest first. I'll have someone to deliver food for you," he said. Yang Yun left the chamber reluctantly. The others soon followed him out. The door closed and Mingyue was left alone with a maidservant.
The maidservant quickly helped Mingyue to remove the heavy accessory on her head and changed the wedding dress into a scarlet nightgown. Her hair was combed and braided into a simple bun for a married woman. A small flowery hairpin was inserted into her hair.
Mingyue rubbed her stiff neck and shoulder to relax. She was relieved now that the heavy ornaments were removed. As Mingyue stared at the bronze mirror, a knock sounded on the door.
A maidservant appeared carrying a tray of refreshments. "Madam, the master asked for refreshment to be sent to you. You should eat something to pad your stomach." She placed the tray on the table and retreated.
Mingyue took a seat at the table. There were various sweet and savory delicacies on the tray. Mingyue picked up a cake and tasted it. With just one bite, Mingyue could guess that the cake was made in Yan Zifu's place. A small smile appeared on her lips at Yang Yun's thoughtfulness.
The sky turned darker at night. Mingyue frowned when she could hear the joyful cheer coming from the outside. Although Mingyue knew that Yang Yun could always hold a huge volume of alcohol, she could not help but worry. It looked like the others were not going easy on Yang Yun on his wedding night.
Mingyue decided to sit down and read a medical book as she waited for Yang Yun to return.
Mingyue looked up when she heard footsteps approaching the room. She closed her book and put it aside. Soon, someone swung the door open. Mingyue smiled as she watched Yang Yun stepped in. But her smile quickly faded when she noticed her husband's nervous expression. "What's wrong?"
"You need to enter the palace," Yang Yun said. "Something happened to Her Highness. Her illness relapsed."
"What?" Mingyue's eyes were wide. Her hands trembled, and her legs felt weak.
Yang Yun stepped beside Mingyue and held both her shoulder. "Calm down. Your brothers have escorted Her Highness back to the palace. Ying Yi is by Her Highness' side. She should be able to look after the Princess for now. You need to get change now. I'll send you to the palace."