Chapter 50 The Day Before the Wedding
Chapter 50 The Day Before the Wedding
The day before the wedding, it was as if the strings of a musical instrument had been plucked by the skillful hand of fate, with subtle restlessness and unease hidden beneath the calm surface.
Lin Qianqian was surrounded by various pre-wedding preparations every day in the Prime Minister's mansion. Embroiderers moved about in her boudoir, their needles and threads like nimble silver snakes, embroidering exquisite patterns on the brocade. These patterns were phoenixes flying together, symbolizing auspiciousness and happiness, and every stitch was filled with beautiful expectations for her future.
Lin Qianqian gazed at the gradually taking shape wedding dress, her mind filled with countless thoughts. She knew that behind this marriage lay not only her personal destiny, but also the intricate web of interests and power struggles between the Prime Minister's Mansion, the Prince's Mansion, and even the royal family.
However, whenever she thought of Murong Yi, the figure that stood up for her at the flower-viewing and blessing ceremony, and the deep and gentle gaze he gave her, a ripple would rise in her heart, and she would vaguely look forward to their future married life.
Meanwhile, the entire Prince's mansion was bustling with activity. Servants swept every corner of the courtyard until it was spotless, and lanterns and decorations were hung everywhere, creating a festive atmosphere.
Although Murong Yi was unable to move easily due to his leg injury, he still personally oversaw every detail of the wedding. His heart was filled with guilt and pity for Lin Qianqian. He felt guilty that she had been caught up in so many conspiracies and schemes because of him, and he felt pity for her strength and courage in the face of adversity. He only hoped that in the years to come, he could give her endless love and protection, keeping her away from the troubles and harm of the world.
Inside Su Wan'er's boudoir, however, the scene was entirely different. She clutched a scripture tightly in her hand, but her mind was elsewhere. The words on the scripture seemed to transform into Lin Qianqian's image in her eyes, fueling her burning jealousy.
Her face was slightly contorted with anger, disdain and ruthlessness flowing freely between her brows. "Lin Qianqian, why do you get the prince's favor and become the mistress of the palace? As for me, in terms of family background and talent, in what way am I inferior to you? Is it just because I'm born out of wedlock! Hehehe~~~" She roared incessantly in her heart, a bitter smile on her face, her hands unconsciously clenching into fists, her nails digging deep into her palms, but the stinging pain did nothing to quell the resentment in her heart.
She secretly vowed that she would never let Lin Qianqian marry into the royal family so easily. She was determined to plot a shocking event before the wedding to bring Lin Qianqian down completely.
In this seemingly peaceful period before the wedding, all forces and figures are secretly gathering their strength. Like the calm before the storm, a turbulent wave surrounding this royal marriage is quietly brewing, waiting for the wedding day to arrive before surging forth and sweeping everyone into the vortex of fate. It is unknown who will be able to laugh last in this ever-changing situation, and who will be mercilessly swallowed by the torrent of history.
The day before the wedding, the mansion was filled with a rich yet solemn festive atmosphere. According to ancestral custom, the bride was absolutely forbidden from leaving the mansion on this day. She had to wait quietly in her boudoir until the wedding night, when her husband would personally lift the veil that symbolized mystery and the unknown, before she could step out of this small world.
Lin Qianqian sat quietly in her boudoir, everything around her decorated in a fiery red. The vibrant color reflected on her face, yet could not conceal the boredom and weariness deep in her eyes. She sighed softly. Accustomed to the carefree life of strolling in the courtyard, reciting poetry in the study, or going out to enjoy the scenery with Xiaodie, she now felt trapped in this small space, as if time had slowed down, each minute and second torturing her patience.
Only Xiaodie remained silently by her side. Xiaodie noticed her mistress's gloom and racked her brains for ways to dispel the surrounding boredom. She brought Lin Qianqian some delicate pastries, saying softly, "Miss, these are freshly made plum blossom cakes from the kitchen. Please try them; they're very sweet." Then, holding up some of Lin Qianqian's favorite embroidery patterns, she suggested, "Miss, why don't we embroider some sachets? It'll help pass the time."
Lin Qianqian simply shook her head slightly. Her thoughts had already drifted away from these towering buildings, imagining all sorts of scenarios for tomorrow's wedding. She felt both anticipation for the unknown new life and a slight melancholy about leaving the Prime Minister's residence.
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