Chapter 7 - Nuptial Chamber

Su Anan frowned. She was supposed to drug the sick man?

Judging from the severity of his cough today, he probably couldn't take it at all. What was there to worry about? Wasn't it just to let him die?

She knew that her aunt did not like him, otherwise she would not have let him live in the countryside for so many years. But she did not expect that she would not tolerate him.

She pursed her lips and pushed the medicine bottle away. She pretended to be afraid and said,

"No, what if an accident occurred? Those people would think that I tried to harm the young master. That's not right."

Qinghe coaxed,

"That won't happen. You just need to put a little, just a little, and no one will find out. It's just a natural feeling, and this is just to liven things up. Besides, don't all wedding nights have this custom? The truth is that I'm worried that you'll be embarrassed on your first night together. It's not a bad thing, so don't worry."

The Qinghe group explained the framing incident as an elder's concern. Furthermore, on their wedding night, some families were afraid that the newlyweds would be restrained so they would add some aphrodisiacs to their wine. However, that was for normal people and did not include the sickly.

Did she really think that she couldn't see through the mystery at all?

If she naively believed her and an accident happened, she would be the first one to be blamed.

Her aunt could find any reason to cut her off from the Su Family. After all, she was just a distant cousin.

Seeing that Su Anan was silent, Qinghe thought that she had been persuaded. She patted Su Anan's hand and said, 

"Don't be afraid. The eldest Madam wants you to serve the young master well. As long as you do as she says, the eldest Madam will introduce the Su Family's satin business to the capital. Your father has always wanted to make a name for himself in the capital."

The Qinghe group mentioned her father in the name of a promotion, but in reality, it was also a hint that if she didn't do it, her father's career would also be damaged.

In the end, the Su Family's business still had to look up to her. After all, her family had power and influence. The Su Family only developed because of their connections.

Su Sheng would never dare to offend her.

The Qinghe group understood the logic behind this and was certain that she would agree.

Su Anan glanced at Qinghe's shoes. It seemed like she had no choice but to give in.

She could only pretend to be hesitant.

"Aunt, are you serious?"

"Of course, I won't lie to you. Quickly keep it. Don't let anyone find out," said Qinghe.

Su Anan hurriedly hid it in her sleeve, and Qinghe said a few more words before opening the door and leaving.

As soon as she left, Cuiyan returned.

Su Anan's eyes darkened, and she told Cuiyan to get rid of the bottle.

Cuiyan was stunned. She knew that this was a difficult choice. She said worriedly, 

"What if..."

"It's alright, I know what I'm doing."

 ~~~

Two hours later, the maidservant passed on a message that the young master had woken up.

Liu-Shi went over and showed her concern. 

"Cheng'er, you're finally awake. You scared your aunt to death just now."

Shen Juncheng slowly sat up with the help of the maidservant. The red veil covered his eyes and hid his emotions.

He forced a weak smile and said, 

"I've been worried about my old illness. I've made you worry. Juncheng was unfilial. He's fine now."

"Mm, it's good that you're fine, it's good that you're fine."

Liu-Shi's voice sounded sincere and worried, but her expression was indifferent.

He was a blind man anyway, so it was fine to put on an act. Why did she have to put on a show of pouring out her heart for this blind man?

Shen Juncheng looked through the veil at the "loving" aunt in front of him, and a fleeting smile appeared on his lips.

Just like this, after a round of "filial piety," Mrs. Liu planned to get up and leave.

Before she left, she did not forget to sound him out. 

"Cheng 'er, this bride is aunt Li's cousin. Aunt Li had carefully selected a master to read her fortune. She has a good fortune for her husband, and her birth characters match your birth characters very well. She is definitely your wife."

"It's just that you're from a business family, so it's a little hard on you. But if it can wash away your bad luck and benefit your body, we won't mind it, don't you think?"

Shen Juncheng's eyebrows drooped slightly, and the red veil that covered his eyes concealed the indifference in them. He smiled and said, 

"Yes, aunt's kind intentions, Juncheng understands."

Mrs. Liu pretended to be happy. 

"Yes, it's good that you understand. Aunt was afraid that you would think too much and feel that the Shen family doesn't care about you. Don't think that way. Your second uncle has always doted on you. This time, there won't be any delay on the way back. Your second uncle will definitely make it in time to attend your wedding."

Shen Juncheng smiled gently to show his understanding.

Liu-Shi looked at his humble appearance, the corners of her lips curved up, and then she said, 

"Then after you take the medicine, if there's no problem, go see the bride. The bride has been waiting for you."

As soon as Madam Liu left, Chao Sheng came over and reported the Qinghe group's actions.

Shen Juncheng sneered. She was indeed a despicable person. No wonder she had hinted to him to visit the bride right before she left. She was afraid that he would say that he was sick and not go to the bridal chamber.

"Master, do you want me to get rid of it?" Chao Sheng asked respectfully.

Shen Juncheng paused and smiled. 

"No need. We'll play along."

"Yes."

Night slowly fell.

At the beginning of the night, red lanterns were hung along the corridor, swaying in the wind. The red silk ribbons were still fluttering. The lively atmosphere of the day had suddenly disappeared, leaving only infinite silence and desolation.

Shen Juncheng coughed three times with each step he took. With the help of a servant girl, he walked through the corridor and arrived at the door of his new room.

The other two maidservants quickly pushed the door open, and with a creak, the door was closed again, cutting off all line of sight.

On the red gums, Su Anan was wearing a veil with her hands clasped together. She was sitting in a standard lady's posture.

Although the other party couldn't see her, Su Anan didn't slack off on the proper etiquette.

Shen Juncheng glanced at the bride. His eyes were calm, and no one could tell his emotions.

The cane in his hand touched the ground lightly, making a muffled sound. Su Anan could only see his shoes as he walked forward slowly.

Just when she thought he was going to touch her and lift her veil, he suddenly turned around and said gently, 

"May I trouble Furen to lift the veil. This husband's eyes are not good, even if I lift it, I can not see you."

Su Anan was a little surprised. She had thought that the more disabled a person was, the more of a taboo it would be. She didn't expect him to say it so indifferently.

"Yes," she answered softly. 

She lifted the veil and finally saw the groom's face clearly.

His skin was cold and white, his hair was very dark, his lips were thin, his nose was high, and his chin was smooth. His eyes were covered by a red veil, so she couldn't see his full face, but the red candlelight made his figure seem even thinner. At first glance, he looked like a sick beauty.

After sizing him up for a moment, her gaze fell on the red veil that covered his eyes.

It was said that after this young master got an eye disease, he would cry when his eyes were under strong light. Therefore, even if he was blind, he would still wear a white veil during the day. Over time, it had become a habit, and the people around him were used to it.

Probably because of today's big day, the white veil was changed to red.

She retracted her gaze and walked over slowly. Looking at the wine pot on the table, she picked it up and began to pour the wine.

It was supposed to be the groom's job, but she had to do it herself because of his poor eyesight.

Shen Juncheng did not say anything. He glanced at her pouring the wine and then at her sleeve to see when she had drugged him.