Flowery Hair: A Maidservant

Chapter 153 The Wedding Night

It's no wonder that the beautiful woman longed for more; since ancient times, deep affection has been hard to hold onto, let alone in an imperial family.

However, on the other hand, Hua Yan's blunt analysis just now was indeed somewhat inappropriate, especially on the night of the Second Miss's wedding. If it were any other mistress, one wonders what she would have thought.

However, the second young lady and Hua Yan were very close, and upon hearing this, her face turned slightly pale. After a moment of contemplation, she opened her mouth but found that she didn't know what to say.

About the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Ruizhu reminded her that someone had arrived, and Huayan quickly covered the second young lady's phoenix crown with a bridal veil.

Upon hearing the voice, it was Granny Gong who, as previously instructed, personally brought Mengzhu and Donggua.

After the people from the Prince's mansion left, Mengzhu said:

"Miss, the dowry list was submitted to the Prince's Mansion beforehand. The Prince's Mansion's Chief Steward just sent someone to recount it and keep it on file. It's currently piled up in the backyard storeroom. We'll sort it out slowly after today."

Donggua carried a package with him and, without anyone asking, took out tea, snacks, and other items from it. Mingyue went to the side to get hot water.

Before long, two plates of pastries brought from the mansion were placed on the octagonal table next to the second young lady.

"Miss, you didn't eat much today. Please have something to eat first."

Donggua moved the pastries prepared by the Prince's Mansion from the table and took a light sniff.

Hua Yan looked at her with amusement, suddenly realizing that she had been telling Dong Gua too many private matters of the inner quarters these past few days, and Dong Gua was being a little too cautious.

Ruizhu, quick to speak, put her arm around Donggua's and said, "Don't worry, Donggua. The prince only has a few concubines without official titles in his harem. There will be no danger on the wedding day."

Donggua blushed deeply, quite embarrassed. However, Donggua's reaction put the Second Miss at ease, and she instructed Mengzhu to stay behind while Ruizhu took Mingyue and Donggua to settle in.

Needless to say, Ruizhu would take advantage of this free time to chat and inquire about news with the servants assigned to her in the courtyard.

Night was falling.

Aunt Mei, led by her maid, returned to Yunyi Courtyard. As soon as she entered, she exclaimed with delight:

“Miss, the wedding ceremony in the front hall has been completed. The eunuch Jing, who is by the Prince’s side, told me that the Prince will be here soon.”

The second young lady's eyes brightened slightly, but then, remembering Hua Yan's reminder, they dimmed again.

Aunt Mei sensed something amiss, and after inquiring, she gave Hua Yan a slightly displeased look. Then, she poured a cup of tea and handed it to the Second Miss, saying earnestly:

"Hua Yan is still too young. How could she say such things on such a joyous day? Wouldn't that upset Miss?"

Miss, I've been through this before. Although today is your wedding day with the Prince, you two haven't actually met in person yet. But whatever the Prince's reasons, what's important is that he's willing to put in the effort for you.

Whether it's the similar layout of the courtyard or the naming of this sleeping quarters, it's clear that some thought was put into it, isn't it?

After saying this, Aunt Mei turned her back to the second young lady and, with a hint of anger, tapped Hua Yan's little head.

Turning around, he saw that the second young lady's brows had relaxed considerably, and continued to persuade her:

“Miss, please forgive my bluntness, but this inner courtyard is not just for you and the Princess. In the future, there will be women of various ranks such as concubines, consorts, and imperial attendants entering the manor. They are all different in their own way, but what these women seek in their entire lives is nothing more than a little more favor from the Prince.”

"Ultimately, the Prince's favor is the foundation of your position in the Prince's household. The most important thing right now is to take advantage of the Prince's willingness to put in the effort for you and quickly establish yourself in the Prince's household."

Hua Yan lowered her head in thought, realizing that she had been too hasty.

Aunt Mei's words make sense. Her advice is profound yet simple, which is worthy of someone who has served the Madam since childhood.

In truth, her reminder to the second young lady was merely an attempt to advise her against indulging in romantic love and to remain clear-headed at all times. The Prince of Jin was ambitious and cunning; since he intended to seize the throne, he was destined not to give all his affections to any woman in his harem.

As the eunuch announced in advance, Prince Jin entered the main hall dressed in a bright red wedding robe. Perhaps he had drunk a few cups of wine, for his fair face was slightly flushed.

Hua Yan and the others knelt and bowed according to the rules.

The second young lady sat upright, and Jingming bent down to carry the tray inside, gesturing for the rest of the people to leave outside, leaving only Aunt Mei and Hua Yan.

Prince Jin took the scale rod from the tray and slowly lifted the bridal veil. The second young lady's eyelashes trembled slightly, as if she dared not look directly at the person in front of her. After calming down, she slowly opened her eyes, slightly shy, and looked at Prince Jin.

The flickering candlelight made the second young lady's face appear even more gentle and serene, with only a pair of plum blossom beaded earrings swaying gently by her ears, adding a touch of delicate beauty.

"I am delighted to meet you today. Consort Zhen is indeed dignified and elegant."

The second young lady raised her head slightly, met the Prince of Jin's gaze, and gently parted her lips: "Your Highness is too kind. I am but a humble woman."

Prince Jin smiled slightly, took the Second Miss's hands, and slowly held her fingertips.

"I have known your father for many years. The disaster relief in Jinzhou during my inspection tour of Jiangnan would not have been so smooth without the Tang family's business. I will remember this favor. Consort Zhen, there is no need to be so reserved."

After the Prince of Jin sat down, Jingming gave a slight nod to the maidservant in front of him.

Hua Yan bowed her head and stepped forward to pour wine. Her movements were extremely swift. After filling two cups, she gently put down the wine pot, bowed, and stepped aside.

Jingming nodded to himself. He had seen Hua Yan once from afar. Even though he knew that the person he met on the back mountain of Guangci Temple was from the Tang family, he was still slightly amazed by Hua Yan's appearance when he entered the main hall.

Then, recalling the maidservant named Yunshuang who had served the princess in the Ruyi Palace, whose actions while pouring wine were far from elegant, he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in comparison.

The Tang family still has a slight edge.

The girl in front of me stood there properly, a sight to behold in herself. After receiving my signal, she was poised and confident, and also very self-aware, her eyes never wandering.

It's a pity that the prince isn't a lustful man. The fact that both the General's Mansion and the Tang Mansion chose beautiful women as concubines means their efforts will likely be in vain.

Two amber wine glasses were connected by a red thread. Prince Jin gently picked up one glass and handed it to the second young lady. He then bent down to exchange glasses and drink the nuptial wine together.