Chapter 5

Before Yuan Shi married Prime Minister Xia, she was a talented lady whose name could shake the world. She read many books. While she did not know everything in heaven and on earth, she was an able woman with a kind heart.

Yuan Shi looked at Zian and her heart ached even more. She knew that her daughter was as good as dead. How could she not wish to avenge her daughter?

...

On the eighteenth day of the fifth month, Xia Zian, the first daughter of Prime Minister Xia, was to be wedded to Murong Xin, Prince of Liang, Murong Xin. Their grand wedding was unparalleled.

Zian was dragged out from her bed before the sun rose. She was primped and preened. She looked beautiful and dignified in her phoenix coronet and robes of rank.

Madam Linglong and Xia Wan’er personally came over to watch. When Madam Linglong sent Zian out the door, she warned in a low voice, “You better get on that bridal sedan like a good girl or else...”

Xia Wan’er stepped forward and sneered. “So what if you’re the eldest daughter of the first wife? In the end, you still have to marry a cripple. I’ve long heard that the Prince of Liang is cruel and merciless. He loves beating his concubines. I wonder if you, this Princess Consort, will be able to survive a year? It would be such a pity if you die. I won’t have anyone else to bully in the future.” Then, she laughed smugly.

The red veil hid Zian’s eyes that were flashing coldly.

According to customs, Zian had to bid farewell to the Old Madam and the elders of her family before stepping out the door.

The palace had sent ladies-in-waiting to escort Zian onto the bridal sedan. Naturally, they were there to accompany Zian in completing the ceremonial customs.

“Once you’re married into the King’s mansion, you cannot kick up a fuss like you used to. As the Princess Consort, you must be prudent, dignified, and magnanimous in every action and every word you say. You must not be like your mother who knows nothing other than kicking up a fuss and being jealous,” the Old Madam said to Zian in a kind manner.

The Old Madam did not miss the opportunity to insult Yuan Shi despite the ladies-in-waiting’s presence. This was because prior to Yuan Shi’s marriage into the Prime Minister’s mansion, she was very famous. Moreover, she had failed to give birth to a son. For this reason, the Old Madam had wanted her son to divorce Yuan Shi since a long time ago.

Zian clenched her fists. “I’ll listen to your instructions, Old Madam.” She suppressed her rage for the time being. She would wait until the right time before she let that anger explode.

A large red bridal sedan draped in valuable silk curtains sat waiting at the Prime Minister’s mansion gate. The entry into the sedan had emeralds on its fringe, signifying the bride’s luxurious title.

Guards of honor stood on both sides in a tall and majestic manner. The wedding flutes sounded as loud firecrackers were set off over and over again. The explosions littered the streets with floating red strips.

The bridegroom, Murong Xin, Prince of Liang, sat majestically on a white horse decked in his bridal robes. He held the reins of his horse and watched arrogantly as the matron of honor carried the bride, Xia Zian, out on her back.

One would not be able to tell that his legs were crippled when he sat in such an awe-inspiring manner on the horse. One might even believe that he was just a handsome youth who wore luxurious clothes and rode horses all the time.

The current Crown Prince, Murong Qiao, had come along to escort the bride with his older brother. He was extremely happy. Xia Zian was marrying his crippled older brother. This meant that he could marry Xia Wan’er and receive the Prime Minister’s support. Most importantly, this meant that it was only a matter of time before the world was his.

Guests and citizens gathered around them to watch. The air was buzzing with excitement. It was the wedding day of the son of the current Emperor, the Prince of Liang, and the daughter of Prime Minister Xia’s first wife. Naturally, it caused a sensation.

Just as Xia Zian, the bride, was getting carried into the bridal sedan, she suddenly got off the matron of honor’s back and pulled off her red veil. She threw it to the ground and coldly announced, “I refuse this marriage!”

The sudden turn of events stunned the guests and citizens. Was the Eldest Young Lady of the Prime Minister’s mansion insane? How could she fool around and refuse to be married now that the bridal sedan was already at the gate?

The crowd clearly saw an expression of violent fury appearing on the Prince of Liang’s face.

Prime Minister Xia trembled in anger. His eyes flashed as he strode forward to pick up the red veil to drape it over Xia Zian.

However, Xia Zian took a step back, avoiding Prime Minister Xia. Then, she glared at him coldly.

“Stop making a fuss. It’s your wedding day with the Prince of Liang. You’re not allowed to make a fuss today.” Prime Minister Xia’s expression changed. He did not expect that Xia Zian would kick up a fuss today after being so docile and obedient for the past few days. He chided himself for being too careless and complacent. With so many colleagues around today, he had suffered great humiliation.