Chapter 39: He Gently Picked Her Up

"The ceremony is complete!" Following the ritual officer’s final resounding announcement, the assembled guests erupted into enthusiastic cheers.

Once the rites concluded, Song Tang was assisted by the matron of honor into the bridal chamber, with Zishuang and Caidie following closely behind. Upon reaching the doorway, the matron gently pushed it open, and a rich, floral fragrance greeted them. Inside, red candles flickered, and vibrant, crimson "double happiness" characters were plastered across every surface. The bed was adorned with a quilt embroidered with a pair of mandarin ducks playing in the water; their feathers were rendered with such delicate realism that they seemed to be swimming joyfully. At the four corners of the bed lay peanuts, red dates, longans, and lotus seeds wrapped in red silk—a traditional wish for the early arrival of noble sons and a life of blissful fulfillment.

Song Tang was helped onto the edge of the bed. She felt no nervousness; after all, she had already experienced this ritual in her previous life. A maid from the Marquis’s estate approached with an exquisite tray holding a bronze mirror. The matron picked it up, chanting, "Mirror, mirror, cast away evil spirits, may the couple’s love be as sweet as honey; look twice, keep disaster afar, may the home be harmonious and prosperity long-lasting." As she spoke, she slowly turned the mirror, meticulously "blessing" Song Tang from front to side before placing it gently at the head of the bed.

Next, another maid brought over a box. The matron retrieved a peach-wood comb, walked behind Song Tang, and softly untied the ribbons in her hair, letting her waterfall of tresses cascade down. Holding the comb, she gently drew it through the hair, reciting, "First, comb to the end, may your bond remain unbroken forever; second, comb until your hair turns white together, leaning on each other in mutual support; third, comb for a house full of descendants, may your family flourish and your blessings endure."

Once her hair was groomed, a maid brought a bowl of red date and lotus seed soup. The matron said, "My Lady, please have some sweet soup. May your future life be just like this—sweet, harmonious, and complete." Song Tang took the bowl, scooped a small spoonful, and tasted it; the sweetness slowly dissolved on her tongue.

Just as she finished, Mu Changxiao arrived. He stood before her, and the matron handed him a weighing rod, reciting, "The rod lifts the red veil, may the couple love each other until their hair turns white." Mu Changxiao used the rod to gently lift Song Tang’s veil. In an instant, her breathtaking beauty was revealed to him. Her brows were arched with a faint smile, her eyes were clear, and a soft blush dusted her cheeks like peach blossoms in early bloom—exquisite and alluring. Song Tang lifted her gaze, meeting Mu Changxiao’s profound, affectionate look. His heart skipped a beat; she was exactly as she had been the first time he saw her under the red plum tree—a vision that had taken his breath away.

Song Tang, feeling somewhat self-conscious under his gaze, lowered her eyes, her flush deepening. The matron continued the proceedings, "Marquis, My Lady, it is time for the nuptial wine." Mu Changxiao regained his composure and resumed the ceremony. Before drinking, they performed the ritual of ablution. A maid brought a basin of clear water and towels. Song Tang and Mu Changxiao extended their hands in turn, and the matron used a ladle to pour the water over their hands. Once they had washed and dried their hands, a maid brought a tray with a pair of gourds connected by a red thread, filled with wine.

The matron handed them the gourds, chanting, "The newlyweds drink the nuptial wine together, a perfect match in heart and spirit; may your love last a hundred years, walking hand in hand for the rest of your lives." Song Tang and Mu Changxiao each took a small sip, then, guided by the matron, exchanged gourds. Mu Changxiao drank from the one Song Tang had used, and she took his. Perhaps it was the wine, but Song Tang’s cheeks burned even brighter, the color spreading to her ears. After finishing the wine, the matron took the gourds, tied them tightly together with the red thread, and placed them under the bed. With a smile, she said, "I wish the Marquis and his Lady a lifetime of unity and white-headed harmony!"

With all the rituals finished, Mu Changxiao was whisked away by his brothers to drink before he could speak to her. Mu Shu'an stayed to chat for a while before also heading out to join the revelry. Bored, Song Tang sat in the room, staring blankly at the gourds tied with the red thread.

"My Lady, are you hungry?" Caidie asked softly. "The snacks on the table were specially prepared by the Marquis; he said you could have some if you were hungry. He also sent word that the kitchen will bring dinner shortly."

Song Tang shook her head. "I'm not hungry." She felt a nervous tension that killed her appetite. The thought that Mu Changxiao would return tonight to consummate the marriage made her heart race uncontrollably. She had no experience with such things!

In her previous life, because she had forced her marriage to Mu Ziyu, he had never touched her on their wedding night—or ever after. Because she bore no children, Madam Sun had despised her, constantly threatening that if she didn't conceive, it would be grounds for divorce under the "seven reasons." Fear of being cast aside had driven her to ignore her status and visit the Wangyue Pavilion repeatedly to see him. She remembered her final visit there: Mu Ziyu’s attitude had been so cruel that she lost her temper and smashed his belongings, which led to a complete deterioration of their relationship and, eventually, her being kicked to death.

Song Tang bit her lip, forcing herself to stop dwelling on the past. Having risen early and endured a day of commotion, she felt drowsy. She leaned against the side of the bed and gradually drifted off.

Some time later, in a hazy state of consciousness, she felt someone gently lift her and lay her down on the bed, pulling a soft quilt over her. She opened her eyes to see Mu Changxiao sitting by the bedside, looking at her with eyes full of tenderness. She immediately sat up. "Marquis, you're back." Her voice was slightly raspy from sleep.

Mu Changxiao said warmly, "If you're tired, lie back down."

"Where are Caidie and the others? Why didn't they wake me?" she asked, feeling embarrassed.

"I told them not to. They’ve already left."

Song Tang murmured an "Oh," not knowing what else to say. She lowered her head, unconsciously fidgeting with the corner of the quilt. Seeing her unease, Mu Changxiao asked, "Do you want to know what has become of your cousin?"

Song Tang froze. She looked up at him, her curiosity piqued.