**Unexpectedly Forced into a Marriage** 

"You must marry! Whether you like it or not!" The harsh voice pierced through the humble room, with Lin Shi's rotund figure nearly blocking the only window, casting a shadow over everything. 

"Today is the day for the General's wedding procession. Your sister is ill, so you must marry in her place!" 

Chu Yao, a Michelin three-star chef from the modern world, never expected to find herself transported to this backward ancient time. What was even more unimaginable was that upon opening her eyes, she was faced with the dilemma of a forced marriage. 

Once the legitimate daughter of the Chu family, her mother had passed away early, leaving her to suffer under the oppression of her stepmother, Lin Shi. Now, she was being coerced into marrying the infamous, cold-hearted general. 

Time was running out; the bridal sedan was waiting outside. 

Resistance was futile, and Chu Yao knew it well. 

Gripping the worn, tattered copy of "Modern Magic Apocalypse" hidden in her sleeve—her only possession from the modern world—she steeled herself. 

Rather than weeping and wailing, it was better to take a chance. 

What was the General's mansion to her? 

Chu Yao was not a soft persimmon to be squeezed at will! 

As the red bridal veil was lowered, a subtle smile tugged at the corners of her lips. 

"If fate has brought me here, then I shall make the best of it." Let her use the wisdom of the modern world to carve out a place for herself in this strange new realm! 

The sedan swayed, but rather than panicking, Chu Yao was already calculating how to navigate the situation ahead. 

"Whoa—" The sedan suddenly halted. 

A rough voice rang out from outside, "Who goes there?" 

"Marriage procession for the General's household! Open the door immediately!" the sedan bearers called impatiently. 

"Rules are rules," a man, identified as Guard Zhang, grumbled in a deep voice. "The bride must disembark, and her identity must be verified!" 

The sedan curtain remained motionless. 

After a moment, a soft voice came from inside, "Dear sir, I have been in the sedan for a long time and feel faint. Could you kindly allow me a moment to drink some water before I step down?" 

Guard Zhang hesitated. 

The bride's voice was gentle, and she hardly sounded like someone plotting mischief. 

But rules were rules—if something went wrong, it would be on him. 

"Someone, fetch some water!" 

Soon, a cup of water was handed to the sedan curtain. 

Chu Yao accepted it, casually slipping a piece of candy from her sleeve into the water. The candy, brought from the modern world, was a rare treat in this era. 

"Kind sir," Chu Yao spoke again, her tone laced with gratitude, "This is holy water from my homeland, meant to ward off misfortune and bring blessings. Please, may you also enjoy its good fortune." She offered the cup. 

Guard Zhang eyed the water suspiciously. 

This bride seemed delicate, yet she had such peculiar items. 

Still, the water smelled sweet, and there seemed to be no trickery. 

He took the cup and drank it in large gulps, finishing it off quickly. 

The taste… 

He had never encountered such sweetness! 

"Mmm..." Zhang smacked his lips, watching the bride in the sedan, his doubts gradually fading. 

"Alright, alright, go on in," Zhang waved his hand with an unusually warm smile. "You're the General's wife now, no need for these little tricks anymore." 

The sedan was lifted and carried into the General's mansion. Chu Yao secretly rejoiced. The first hurdle had been passed successfully! 

It seemed the charm of modern candy knew no bounds, crossing time and space. 

As the sedan came to a halt, Chu Yao, supported by the matrons, slowly stepped out. Her veil obscured her sight, but she could feel the countless eyes upon her—some curious, some appraising, some disdainful. 

Taking a deep breath, Chu Yao straightened her back. 

Even though she couldn't see them, she would maintain her aura! 

She, Chu Yao, was not someone to be bullied! 

After walking through the long corridor and arriving at the wedding hall, her heartbeat quickened. 

The ancient wedding ceremony was as tedious as it was long, and Chu Yao was eager to complete the formalities and see what kind of dangerous den the General's mansion really was. 

After the final rites, she was finally allowed to relax for a moment. 

Seated on the bridal bed with her veil still in place, she felt no bashfulness—only a sense of challenge and anticipation for the future. 

The General's mansion was even grander and more imposing than she had imagined. 

She knew this was just the beginning—more challenges awaited her. 

What was in store for her in the General's mansion? Would she be able to face it all? 

At that moment, a steady set of footsteps approached, halting just outside her door. 

The door creaked open with a soft sound.