When Lu Wei had gone to change her clothes from that earlier mishap. The groom and his entourage had already arrived at the door steps of the Lu residence. The main gate was opened and the groom stepped down from his horse and entered along with his escorts. Lu Mei was in the main courtyard, ready to receive her groom when she noticed. There was only one groom approaching. Xu Da, was present but the general was no where to be seen. Mei was to be wedded to general who was the eldest among the Xu son's. Royal Eunuch Dai also came to the Lu residence to view the marriage on behalf of the palace. He was there to make sure that the decree was fulfilled.
Royal Eunuch Dai : "Due to general defending the borders is a matter of nation safeguarding. The Emperor, has made special concession for the general's wedding. Therefore he will not be present for the ceremony." Eunuch Dai looks around, searching for the second bride when asks, "Where is the second bride of the Lu family?"
Lu Mei was in her own trance, her thoughts winding. This humiliation! Her being a bride without a groom. Family, relatives and friends all invited for her wedding. She dressed up, prepared so much for this day; and he cannot show up! In her wedding dress, on their wedding day, she is to stand aside while her cousin completes her ceremonies with her groom! This humiliation, Lu Mei could not swallow. She would become the the laughing stock of the capital. Her mind thought thinks through, Lu Wei was not here yet, in her absences Mei could be able to change her fate. This situation was god send. With Wei, she requested a gamble, that could save her from this humiliation. After all something is better than nothing.
Lu Mei : "As the bride, I have a wish... If permitted, I could fulfil it.
Eunuch Dai : "What is it?
Lu Mei : "I am aware, that based on the age, I'm the eldest hence, to be married to the eldest of the Xu family. But if I were to lie and be untrue to my feelings, then I'll be living in shame, guilt, regret and yearning
Lu Ke : (with gritted teeth) "Don't speak nines on the day of our wedding."
Eunch Dai : "What is the young lady implying?"
Lu Mei : "I adore chancellor Xu da, since long. And if, I were to marry his older brother, today then I'll have to live with these immoral feelings. Therefore I, ask you to revive me of this sin and grant me, my wish."
Lu Ke was clenching his fist and gritting his teeth. He did not think that his daughter would act up with such a scheme and ruin a marriage bestowed by the emperor. The awkward silence between the immediate family and the treacherous whispers of the spectators, was broken when Eunuch Dai spoke : "So be it."
Everyone, including the bride and the groom were surprised. No one thought such a request would be agreed upon.
Lu Ke : "The decree was given by the emperor himself, how can it be altered?"
Eunuch Dai : "The imperial decree only mentions the union between the families of Xu and Lu, tied in matrimony. It does not specify which son is to marry which daughter."
It was true the marriage was only bestowed to the two sons of the Xu to be wedded to two daughters of Lu family. There was no mention of the eldest marrying the eldest or any such specification. It was a loophole! Lu Mei left a sigh of relief, she was grateful for this moment, that was brave enough to voice her opinion and have her groom changed.
Eunuch Dai : "If the chancellor does not mind with this exchange, then we can carry on with the ceremonies."
Chancellor Xu Da thought for a while. He had come prepared marrying the illegitimate daughter. Therefore this posed a better status and saved him some humiliation and mockery from his peers. Legitimate daughter of the Lu family. Although her father was a low ranking court historian, he may prove useful in the future. Lu ke was greedy for power and better position, isn't it the reason why he ventured into marrying his daughters for influence, thought Xu Da. He may be loyal, if a morsel was to be thrown at him, he will waggle his tail, which in turn could help Xu Da ascend in the court. He was pleased with how things may turn out in the future and thus he agreed for Lu Mei to be his wife.
Xu Da : "If it causes no problem, I will happily accept Miss Lu Mei as my bride (and bows)."
Eunuch Dai : "Then the brides have been exchanged. Lu Mei will be wedded to Chancellor Xu Da and Lu Wei will be wedded to the General Xu Guoqiang. This has been finalised!"
In the absence of Lu Wei, Mei was able to snatch her groom and set the table. After it was granted by the Eunuch so no one could retaliate even her father. This was all playing out well, Lu Mei though it was her good karma that saved her. It was only after that, Lu Wei entered the corridor, leading to the main courtyard. Her appearance made everyone whisper. One could here the gasping and the astound reaction of some present in the main courtyard. That reaction made Wei nervous who tightened her grip around her escorting maid Fu Lin's hand.
Seeing Lu Wei approach the the main courtyard, Lu Mei could not believe what she saw. Her new wedding attire out staged hers. It made the gloomy colourless Lu Wei stand out. She felt almost too made ruining her hair and clothes had she known she had another set this beautiful ready. But it was a necessary evil, Mei out of fit of anger ruining Wei's clothing gave her a chance to change her fate. It was less appalling considering what her feat, even tho Wei stole her limelight.
Wei, looked gorgeous. Lu Hua, her aunt couldn't help but stare, she was the splitting image of her mother's. She looked breathtaking, it was good that she changed, Lu Hua thought to herself. Lu Wei stood in the centre of the main courtyard, right next to Mei. In presence of the Royal Eunuch and the groom entourage and the groom himself, Lu Wei bowed, with her hand held in front of her face, hiding behind the fan.
Eunuch Dai : "Miss a little change has been made, since your absence here. For the General could not be present at his own wedding, as he is occupied protecting the nation. Under special circumstances the wedding will be observed for the General. Lady Wei while you were away an exchange of words took place, which resulted in your sister Lu Mei marrying Chancellor Xu Da. As for you miss, would be marrying General Xu Guoqiang. Is this arrangement agreeable with the lady?"
Mei thought if, she and Xu Da already agreed, then why is eunuch asking for her permission?
After a thought Lu Wei agreed to this arrangement. "Yes. I accept," said Lu Wei.
Eunuch Dai : "Then we shall proceed to the Groom's residence for the completion of the ceremonies!"
Before they left for the groom's mansion. Mei wanted make things bitter for Lu Wei, who now upstaged her with her appearance. She whispered to her maid, "Take out the dowel from Wei's wedding sedan." As instructed the maid snuck pass the crowd in the alley. The wedding procession formation was already in place. They were to follow the groom's horse, followed by groom's entourage and then the two wedding sedans of the brides. The dowries are usually carried up ahead before receiving the groom and the bride. The maid removed the dowel of the sedan prepared for Lu Wei. The servant removed one dowel of the hand drawn sedan. This would ought to break the sedan and interrupt with her timing to reach the Xu mansion on time, thus passing the auspicious time. This effort was in vein, as it was not the intended sedan Lu Wei will take for the wedding procession. Madame Rong had prepared a different sedan and set of porters and a wagon for Lu Wei. This disturbance was only giving the cause to switch the sedan.
In the meantime, everyone stepped outside to the door post. The groom boarded his horse and his bride Lu Mei entered her sedan. And they proceeded.
Lu Wei's sedan did not follow behind immediately, Madame Lu started to worry. When one of the porters hired by Madame Lu approaches her, "Madame we apologise for the mishap. The second sedan broke down. We are obliged to give you a replacement with no excess charge. The new sedan is already here." As the porter shows the new sedan, Madame Lu's eyes peered. The sedan was elegantly luxurious in its colour and structure. As the second sedan halted in front of the Lu residence, Madame thought that there was some divine power rescuing Lu Wei from all adversaries that happened today. Lu Wei bid farewell to her uncle and aunt, "I bid farewell to uncle and aunt; I'm grateful for your care." She bows to her relatives and enters inside the sedan. The wedding procession continues. The porters with dowry and the donkey wagon were already send ahead. On either sides of the bridal sedan Fu Lin walked along with 3 other female attendees, escorting the bride.