The crisp winter air in the early morning was bone chilling, and the young bride, Xu Feng, finally stirred from his slumber. His eyes were still heavy with the magic of the moonlit night before.
The ring on his right index finger felt heavy. It felt more than just an accessory, it was more than just a comfort too, but that was something to ponder on another day.
His chamber was adorned with some silken tapestries and intricately carved wooden screens, which would be collector's items in his world.
Xu Feng had stolen away from his cozy chamber the night before, longing to savor a few moments of solitude under the stars.
His silver hair cascaded like a waterfall around his face, and his porcelain skin seemed almost ethereal in the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the lattice windows.
His servants, Si and San, entered the room with a playful eagerness and a few blushes here and there.
"Good morning, young mistress!" Si sang in a cheerful voice, followed by San. "Good morning, young mistress!"
They were used to greeting their young mistress in this more casual manner. Xu Feng had been greeting them so openly like this since he came to Nanshan Estate; it was almost natural for them now.
The two girls brought with them warm, fragrant herbal tea from Xu Feng's betrothal gifts and his red wedding garments from the outside room.
Xu Feng, still wrapped in the fluffy blanket, didn't want to start the day. Even though he knew he had to go through with this wedding to solidify his plans in Donghua, plus he had given his word. A man's words had to mean something.
The delicate patterns on the wedding garments still left Xu Feng in awe. Of all the wedding clothing the original owner of this body had seen, this dress was leaps and bounds above them. From the material to the finer details, the garment was above what a villager would wear.
Xu Feng was momentarily thankful Lady Xuan had commissioned such a beautiful garment. If it was up to him or Steward Wu, Xu Feng might just end up wearing a red sack. Even if the garments were commissioned to keep the Xuan family face, Xu Feng was still thankful.
This was a real wedding!
…His wedding! A once in a lifetime event.
There were small noises that could be heard outside of the courtyard. None of this concerned Xu Feng, he needed to only focus on getting ready for his groom.
Xu Feng finally decided to stop playing dead in the dark room. He stretched his long arms in the air before slowly rising from his safe space in the bed.
"Good morning, Si, good morning, San."
The girls seemed to be more excited than the bride to be, but that was only on the surface. The silver haired ger was, in fact, excited. Today was his wedding day after all, fake wedding or not, it was the start of a new chapter.
Today was a good day to let Si and San pamper him. Right?
Erlang had already filled up the tub in Xu Feng's bathroom with water. As Xu Feng checked the temperature of the water, it was steaming hot, even in the chilly air.
Erlang had either just filled up the tub or he had been working with the girls to maintain the temperature in the cold weather.
Xu Feng smiled brightly; his day was starting off well. His servants were the best, always keeping him in mind. The steam continued rising to chase away the chill of the winter morning.
Even on his wedding day, he still persisted in chasing the girls away. He was fully capable of washing himself. Funny enough, this was not something he could tolerate now as an "ancient" man.
After getting into the steaming bath scented with flowers from who knows where, as far as Xu Feng knew, well preserved flowers were an expensive commodity in the north, especially in the wintertime.
Xu Feng took his time massaging his limbs to awaken his senses and occasionally sipping the tea's soothing warmth. Even for a modern man, the atmosphere was very relaxing and indulgent with the candles left by Si and San.
He wanted to soak forever, but the water was cooling rapidly, and his soon to be husband might arrive at any moment. He needed to get clothed.
Outside, the courtyard lay shrouded in the chilly embrace of the pre-dawn air. Xu Feng shivered as the air seeped into the room. With his underclothes on, he made his way back to the outer section of his bedroom.
Drying the long silver locs took the longest time. By the time his hair was nearly dry, the courtyard began to lighten.
As Xu Feng donned layer upon layer of sumptuous robes, with San's help, each one a nod to the customs of the era. Both servants, with deft hands and bright eyes, carefully arranged his hair into an intricate updo adorned with delicate pins and jeweled ornaments.
The Xuan's betrothal gifts were being put to good use on Xu Feng. While he wasn't considered the standard of beauty because of his height, he was undeniably attractive.
His eyes with their seductive glint, the bright and full lips, and the otherworldly silver hair to top it all off. All that was needed was some snow, and he would look like an ice prince/princess. An ethereal that was somehow too perfect for the world.
As dawn's light began to pierce the horizon, a distant explosion shattered the quiet of the courtyard. Fireworks burst forth in a dazzling display, their vibrant colors painting the sky and announcing the imminent arrival of the groom.
Xu Feng's heart quickened, and a rush of excitement washed over him as he realized that the moment he had been waiting for was at hand. The marriage procession was about to begin, and he, the radiant bride, was ready to undertake this new chapter of his life.
With his servants' assistance, Xu Feng and the young servants were ready to move to the Budding courtyard, where they would be picked up.
Xu Feng was a vision of timeless beauty in the hushed, winter morning air. All three servants were dressed cleanly in new clothes, the two present, Si and San, were nervous and excited all at once.
"Young mistress, the young master's horse is here," Erlang brought the news.