Free Web NovelChapter 1284: Chapter 1273: Illegitimate Son
"Ye Qiu is a good person, he’ll treat you well. Don’t worry, he’s a filial child. If you respect your mother-in-law well in the future, there shouldn’t be any big issues." Old General Lin looked at Zhong Yi kindly, with a hint of reluctance in his eyes.
Zhong Yi knew the mentioned mother-in-law shouldn’t be Ye Qiu’s legitimate mother but his concubine. Despite all the mental preparation she’d done, she still felt anxious. She only hoped both mothers-in-law were kind people, but thinking about it, that seemed unlikely.
"The groom has come in, the bride should put on the veil quickly." The nanny from the palace said with a smile.
Under the red veil, Zhong Yi’s face blushed more from nervousness, her heart pounding wildly. She clutched the handkerchief tightly.
Speaking of which, she didn’t know Ye Qiu’s true appearance yet. Although Grandpa Lin said he was handsome and had arranged meetings for them, that time they were too far apart, and she couldn’t see clearly.
Thinking about the jewelry and various trinkets he continuously sent over during this period, her heart calmed a bit. No matter what, at least for now, he seemed quite sincere towards her.
Actually, Zhong Yi’s tendency to overthink wasn’t due to pride, but because she felt a bit inferior inside. Being the County Lord, though, why hasn’t Your Majesty granted her a title before? Yet, after Grandpa mentioned the intention of her marriage to Ye Qiu, everyone said it was because Your Majesty remembered the face of her Father, but she knew that’s just one reason. Another was to grant Ye Qiu honor.
Her parents died early, which others saw as the destiny of a Heavenly Slaughter Star. If it weren’t for Grandpa Lin shamelessly facilitating this bestowed marriage, she might end up unmarried for life, or marry someone unsatisfactory and lead a muddled life.
Ye Qiu, though a bastard, had capabilities. At a young age, he already attained the second-class Marquis. From the contacts with various Princes recently, one could foresee his limitless future. So, in the end, she was reaching above her station in this marriage.
Outside, Ye Qiu faced only the last group of blockers left, ones who just served Zhong Yi in cleaning and dressing. These were the easiest to handle, a sincere gift would suffice.
As the door was pushed open, even with the veil on, Zhong Yi could feel a scorching gaze. She was more nervous.
Fortunately, she didn’t need to do anything at this moment. Her adopted brother, the grandson of Old General Lin, had crouched before her, and the nanny came again to help her lean on her brother’s back. Through the swaying shadows under the veil, she saw in front a red shoe, pacing steadily and powerfully, then she quietly curved her lips.
Arriving at the Ye Residence, it was even livelier. Zhong Yi felt many teasing glances, which made her more nervous, followed by a vague bowing ceremony, then fuzzily being sent into the bridal room. Once she came to, she was sitting on a bed filled with peanuts and red dates.
The nanny sang loudly: "The groom will lift the red veil!"
Then she saw a lever gently lifting her red veil. The bright room lights made her a bit uncomfortable, and once adjusted, she realized everyone inside was watching her, especially beside her, the gaze was even more intense.
Zhong Yi mustered the courage to meet Ye Qiu’s eyes, seeing his smile grow larger, finally couldn’t help but bow her head in shame.
"The bride is shy."
"So beautiful!"
"Big brother is so fortunate!"
"In the future, I also want to marry such a beautiful wife."
"Not shy, so young yet already talking about marriage."
Judging by the tone, it should be the juniors of the Ye Family, chirping away, not annoying but made Zhong Yi even less at ease.
"Bride and groom drink the nuptial wine."
Zhong Yi heard and looked up, only to see Ye Qiu had already handed the wine cup in front of her. She took it, blushing, glad that today she wore more Yanzhi than usual, seemingly undistinguishable, otherwise, she’d really die of shame.
Just as she was about to drink it all in one go, Ye Qiu said with a smile, "You don’t need to finish it, don’t get drunk."
The nearby nanny laughed more ambiguously: "Yes, if you get drunk today, it could ruin the big event."
Zhong Yi never disliked someone being so talkative, she felt her face was burning, then in a moment of excitement, she drank it all.
On top of that, Ye Qiu still "considerately" explained for her: "Drinking more might be better, give you courage."
Now there were chuckling sounds all around, making Zhong Yi want to find a hole to hide in.
With guests outside, Ye Qiu needed to go out and entertain them. Soon, after the others had their fun inside, they also lost interest, leaving only Zhong Yi and her maid and the nanny.
Then the nanny mysteriously handed her a book: "This will be needed tonight, Lady should take time to look at it. This old servant won’t disturb you and will go out to drink a cup of celebratory wine with the groom."
What is this?
Zhong Yi, curious, opened it casually, but at first glance, she shyly closed her eyes, shutting it quickly.
The little maid saw her like this, more curious, and asked bluntly: "Miss, what’s on this book? Why did you close it after one look?"
"It’s nothing." Zhong Yi forced herself to stay calm, "You should go out and eat something, I’ll be alone for a while."
"How could that be, you don’t know the place well, I can’t leave Miss here alone." The little maid straightforwardly said without tact.
Zhong Yi, a bit flustered, said: "I told you to go, so go, so much talk, aren’t there maids from the Ye family outside? I’ll call them if I need anything."
"Alright then, I’ll be back soon."
When Zhong Yi was truly alone, she gathered the courage to open the book again. She didn’t expect the nanny to teach her such embarrassing things, but if she didn’t learn, when Ye Qiu returns later, he might dislike her?
Anyway, it wasn’t just her needing to learn these things, there wasn’t much to be ashamed about, right?
Thinking this way, she focused on reading, opening and closing it repeatedly, until she heard sounds outside, quickly shoved the book under the pillow.
Facing the tall and handsome man in front, cheeks reddened, she softly called: "Husband."
Ye Qiu looked at her with a smile: "So shy? Is it because you’re a bit disoriented by today’s wedding?"
Zhong Yi asked in surprise: "Why does Husband say so?"
"Because your personality now is somewhat different from what Old General Lin described, so I guess you might feel anxious inside. But it’s okay, once you get used to it, it’ll be fine. Don’t be afraid, you’re my wife, I’ll protect you in the future, you don’t need to be too nervous."
Zhong Yi never expected Ye Qiu would say such words to her on their wedding day. Surprised and touched, she thought she was lucky, she shouldn’t have married the wrong person.
