Yesterday evening, the emperor personally visited the Yan Mansion to see Grandma Yan.
To his shock, he found the elderly woman, who was supposed to be bedridden, gripping a pair of scissors and stabbing Yan Zheng in the left shoulder.
Blood immediately spilled across the floor.
Grandma Yan was screaming hysterically about revenge and killing the "ill-omened star," frightening the emperor so much that he rushed back to the palace and summoned his ministers for an emergency meeting that very night.
"His Majesty said the court has failed the Yan family this time, so aside from a grand funeral, he intends to bestow a marquis title with a stipend," Chu Huaishan announced.
Lady Jiang the Younger’s eyes flickered with envy.
Prince, duke, marquis, baron—though the marquisate was only third in rank, how old was Third Yan? Such a young marquis would be the first in Great Xia’s history.
But Chu Ruoyan’s thoughts were elsewhere.
If Grandma Yan had the strength to stab someone, did that mean she would survive?
As if reading her mind, Chu Huaishan said, "Don’t worry. The thousand-year-old wild ginseng truly worked wonders. But the Old Dowager’s mind has been shattered by grief, so His Majesty proposed another matter—"
"Moving the wedding forward. First, to bring her luck, and second, because the Yan household lacks a mistress."
Mrs. Yan had died in battle, Grandma Yan had lost her senses, and of the two young wives left, one had collapsed weeping in the ancestral hall while the other had been taken back by her family.
They truly needed a woman to manage the household.
Just as Chu Ruoyan was about to speak, Chu Huaishan suddenly gripped her arm tightly.
"Yan’er, I know you’ve always been sensible, but this time, don’t consider anything else. I only ask you one thing—do you still insist on marrying Third Yan?"
His gaze burned, silently begging her to say no.
But Chu Ruoyan answered firmly, "Father, I will marry him."
Chu Huaishan’s face fell as he released her.
Yin Shun, the emperor’s elderly eunuch, entered with a smile. "Congratulations, Lord Chu. A blessed union, a match made in heaven. His Majesty sends these gifts for Lady Chu’s wedding."
He gestured for servants to bring in lavish presents—gold-inlaid turquoise pendants, ruby-studded clasps, and other priceless items.
Chu Huaishan remained silent, his expression dark.
Chu Ruoyan quickly bowed. "Thank you, Your Majesty. This humble subject will remember His Majesty’s teachings, support her husband, and manage the household without negligence."
Yin Shun nodded approvingly.
This girl knew her place. The emperor valued Lord Chu, but he had little patience for ministers who constantly defied him.
"Since Lord Chu has no objections, this servant will deliver the decree to the Yan family. His Majesty believes the wedding should not be delayed—tomorrow would be best. The Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Astronomers will handle everything, sparing both families the trouble."
Tomorrow?!
This was far too rushed!
Chu Huaishan’s brow furrowed, but before he could protest, Chu Ruoyan stopped him. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you, Eunuch Yin."
She discreetly slipped two red envelopes into his hands. "For your celebratory tea, please accept this small token."
Yin Shun, who usually refused gifts from ministers, made an exception today. "Very well, I’ll share in Lady Chu’s joy!"
Once he left, Chu Huaishan slammed the table in fury. "This is an outrage!"
Forcing the daughter of a duke into a hasty wedding for luck—no noblewoman would endure such humiliation!
Chu Ruoyan smiled, afraid he might say something treasonous. "Why be angry, Father? Your daughter is getting her wish. We should rejoice."
"You—!" Chu Huaishan looked at her with anguish. "Foolish child! Blind love will only bring you suffering!"
She kept smiling, saying nothing.
Defeated, her father sighed. "Fine. There’s little time left—prepare quickly. Wife, go help her. We can’t afford any mistakes."
The ducal residence burst into activity.
By evening, the Ministry of Rites delivered the wedding attire. When Chu Ruoyan tried it on, the fit was perfect.
Yulu burst into tears. "My lady, you’re so beautiful in this dress. It’s just… just…"
She couldn’t finish, sobbing uncontrollably. Chu Ruoyan pulled her down to sit. "Hush now. I have something to ask you."
The maid wiped her face. "Whatever my lady needs, this servant will brave fire and blade to fulfill it!"
Chu Ruoyan laughed, tapping her forehead. "Silly girl. I wanted to ask—you’ve met Liu Min, Uncle Liu’s son, who serves in Father’s study. He’s tall, honest, and kind. If you’re willing, I’ll arrange your marriage. After the wedding, you two can move to the estate. With Uncle Liu as steward and an extra two hundred taels from me, you’ll want for nothing."
Yulu panicked. "My lady, are you casting me out?"
Chu Ruoyan pressed her lips together.
Marrying into the Yan family was like entering a dragon’s den—why drag her maid into danger?
Yulu kowtowed desperately. "I beg you, let me stay! I swear I’ll never overstep—I only wish to serve you!"
Her forehead turned red from the force.
Chu Ruoyan pulled her up. "Enough! If you refuse, so be it. Don’t hurt yourself."
Over the years, wary of Lady Jiang the Younger’s spies, she had few trusted servants—just Yulu, Uncle Liu (now at the estate), and Nanny Zhou (away for a funeral).
"Very well. But in the Yan household, you must be cautious. Never offend anyone. Understood?"
Yulu beamed through tears. "Understood!"
That night, Chu Ruoyan managed only two hours of sleep before the matrons roused her for preparations.
She moved like a doll through the rituals—bathing, makeup, hair—until the mirror reflected a resplendent bride in phoenix crown and red robes.
Was she really getting married?
In her dreams, the wedding had been amidst chaos. She barely saw the Pingjing heir’s face before fleeing.
Now, though everything proceeded smoothly, it felt surreal.
"My lady, Second Lady is here with a wedding gift."
Chu Ruoyin entered, holding a redwood box, and curtsied flawlessly. "Elder Sister, this is ‘Lotus Blossom,’ a new set from Eight Treasures Jewelry. Please accept it."
Inside lay pure gold pieces—likely costing months of her allowance.
"Why do this? Your mother will scold you again."
Chu Ruoyin shrugged. "This should have been yours all along. Mother has withheld far more than this set over the years. I’m only repaying her debts."
Chu Ruoyan said nothing more.
Truthfully, her tolerance of Lady Jiang the Younger was partly due to this half-sister.
Unlike her mother and younger sister, Ruoyin appeared delicate but hid steel beneath.
"Don’t just worry about me. Your mother’s plans for you to enter the palace—"
Before she could finish, firecrackers exploded outside.
The gatekeeper’s voice boomed:
"My lady! The groom’s procession has arrived!"
