Volume One, Chapter Three: The Ritual of Joy

Ignoring the pleas for help from Lady Xu, Yan Huaicheng turned and walked away; after all, ensuring the wedding went smoothly the next day was the only thing that mattered.

"Mother must be tired. Let's rest for a while," Jiumu said, rising and walking toward the bed.

As Jiumu pulled her along, Lady Xu could no longer endure it. She tugged at the rope, shouting angrily, "You wretched girl! You broke your word! Untie me at once!"

*Slap!*

A sharp, ringing slap landed on Lady Xu’s face, cutting off her words.

"I just told you my name. Have you forgotten so soon? If you misaddress me again, I’ll cut out your tongue."

Jiumu’s tone was indifferent, yet laced with a ruthless edge that silenced Lady Xu instantly. She proceeded to bind Lady Xu’s hands and feet, secured her to the side of the bed, and lay down herself. Although she felt that her arrival had granted this body a recovery ability far beyond the ordinary, she was still injured, and after such a commotion, she needed rest.

Jiumu fell asleep quickly, but her slumber was restless, filled with the experiences of the original owner and Yan Liruo.

*Knock, knock, knock.*

"Who is it?" At the sound of the knocking, Jiumu’s eyes snapped open, clear and devoid of any drowsiness.

"M-Miss, I am here to bring you your medicine and dinner," a voice from outside said, sounding quite nervous.

Hearing the mention of food, Jiumu realized she was hungry. She glanced outside; the sky had already darkened. "Bring it in," she said flatly.

A young maid entered with a large tray, carefully placing the meal and a bowl of medicine on the table.

"What is your name?" Jiumu asked as she picked up her chopsticks.

"S-servant’s name is Xiahe," the maid replied hurriedly.

"Do I look that terrifying?" Seeing the maid’s trembling, Jiumu smiled and picked up a piece of meat.

Xiahe shook her head frantically. "No, Miss, you are very beautiful, not terrifying at all."

She had just snuck a glance; this young lady was even more beautiful than Miss Qingling, though she was a bit thin and her complexion was somewhat dark. The reason for her fear was that she had heard about the lady being held hostage. At this thought, Xiahe glanced over and saw Lady Xu sitting on the edge of the bed frame, bound hand and foot, with a cloth stuffed into her mouth.

Jiumu gestured with her chopsticks toward the bowl of soup. "Xiahe, the soup is no longer hot. Take it over and feed it to her."

"Yes." Xiahe was obedient and carried the soup over to Lady Xu.

Once Jiumu had finished her meal, she looked back to see Xiahe diligently feeding Lady Xu, completely ignoring the woman’s frantic winking and gesturing. Jiumu did not rush her, simply watching until the soup was finished and the sky had turned completely dark.

"Yan Jiumu, what exactly do you want before you’ll let me go?" Lady Xu asked once the maid had left.

"I am to be married tomorrow. Why don't you chat with me about the wedding?" Jiumu said with a faint smile.

Lady Xu curled her lip, which only pulled at the bruise on her face. "What is there to talk about?"

Jiumu was not offended, speaking in a measured tone: "Naturally, there is much. For instance, my dowry."

At the mention of the dowry, Lady Xu stiffened and averted her gaze. "Your father will prepare your dowry."

"Oh," Jiumu replied, falling silent as she watched Lady Xu close her eyes and drift into a heavy, drugged sleep.

She had realized earlier that the items the maid brought contained additives, though they were useless against her. Judging by the maid’s reaction, she seemed unaware of it; otherwise, she would not have been so diligent in feeding Lady Xu. It was likely another of Yan Huaicheng’s schemes.

Jiumu stood up, scanned the room, and went to bed.

That night, the Yan household was silent, save for a slender figure moving noiselessly through the dark.

"Miss, are you awake? Servant is coming in." As soon as dawn broke, Xiahe’s voice sounded from outside.

Jiumu sat up abruptly, rubbing her hair in irritation. "Why so early?"

"Returning to Miss, it is time for you to wash and dress," Xiahe said cautiously.

"I know." Seeing the young maid cowering in fear, Jiumu said nothing more.

"Miss, watch your feet..."

As Jiumu stepped down, she momentarily forgot about the sleeping Lady Xu, stepping directly onto her stomach and stumbling forward. Even so, Lady Xu did not wake up, which showed just how heavy the dose in that soup had been. It seemed they had intended to spirit her away while she was unconscious.

Xiahe’s mouth twitched; the lady was sleeping so deeply that just watching it made her feel the pain.

"Xiahe, are you willing to come with me?" Jiumu asked as she leaned back in her chair with her eyes closed, letting the matchmaker dress her.

Hearing the sudden question, Xiahe was stunned. "Miss, what did you say?"

"I asked if you would like to be my personal maid. If you don't want to, it’s fine." She just found Xiahe agreeable and had no intention of forcing her.

"No, no, servant is willing!" As if afraid Jiumu might change her mind, the words tumbled out of Xiahe’s mouth, surprising even herself.

Jiumu looked up and smiled at her, beckoning with her finger. Xiahe froze for a moment before leaning in, her eyes widening at what Jiumu whispered.

"Have you remembered everything?"

"Rest assured, Miss, I have remembered," Xiahe nodded and hurried out.

Jiumu added, "While you’re at it, go to the steward and reclaim your contract. Tell him it’s my wish."

Just then, the matchmaker chimed in, "Miss, it is time to change into your wedding dress."

Jiumu looked at her reflection in the mirror and couldn't help but admire the matchmaker’s skill; she looked quite stunning. However, when she saw the wedding dress the servants were holding up, she said with disgust, "What is the meaning of this?"

The fabric was not only wrinkled but covered in large, filthy stains. It looked nauseating and nothing like a new garment.

"Returning to Miss, it is because the eldest..." The maid caught Jiumu’s gaze and quickly corrected herself, "It is because Miss Qingling accidentally soiled the dress earlier."

This gown had been sent by the Marquis’s estate, but when Yan Qingling heard of the imperial marriage, she had thrown a tantrum and nearly ruined it. Because of the delicate material, it could only be restored to this state.

Jiumu guessed what had happened. She pointed to the cabinet in the corner and said, "Go to that cabinet and get another dress."

She had noticed yesterday that there was a wedding dress in that cabinet. It was likely one Yan Qingling had prepared for herself, but it would have to do.

The maid hesitated. "But that is..."

Before she could finish, the matchmaker urged, "Since there is a spare, why don't you bring it over? Don't let us miss the auspicious hour."

Half an hour later, Jiumu, wearing a phoenix crown and a vibrant red embroidered wedding dress, walked slowly out of the room. The matchmaker followed, holding the bridal veil, her face full of helplessness. "Miss, the veil."

At that moment, Yan Huaicheng entered the courtyard. He frowned at the sight. "Is it done? The Marquis’s estate is here to receive the bride."

"Receive the bride?" Jiumu asked, puzzled. "Didn't you say that young marquis has only one breath left in him? He can still go out?"