The Villainous Classmate is My Lucky Star Chapter 268
Translated by Pure
Extra 4: Marriage (2) The Inaugural Season of Wen Yantong and Chi Jingxi's Initial Encounter
Wen Yantong was experiencing her first wedding, so it would be dishonest to say she wasn't nervous.
However, Wen Qin seemed even more anxious.
He was attired in festive garments, a blend of brown and red hues, embellished with embroidered gold ingots, resembling the God of Wealth.
Outside the door, he paced nervously, unsure of where to place his hands, repeatedly calling out, "Tongtong, are you ready yet? I can already hear the drums!"
Wen Yantong's lips had just been adorned with rouge as she glanced at her reflection in the mirror, letting out a laugh. "Dad, you've been hearing the sound of gongs and drums for an hour now."
Wen Qin replied, "Aren't I afraid the Little Marquis is waiting outside the door?"
"He asked for my hand in marriage, so he can wait a little longer," Wen Yantong retorted, gesturing to Mo Li to place the jade beaded hairpin on her hair.
Wen Qin admonished, "Hey, don't speak disrespectfully of the Little Marquis."
Wen Yantong pouted and smoothed the fabric of her wedding dress.
She had risen early that November morning to don the wedding dress, layered with cotton to ward off the November chill. Despite this, the cinched belt still highlighted the slimness of her waist.
Before dawn, the Commandery Princess Mansion illuminated with lights and buzzed with activity.
Red lanterns adorned every corner of the residence, while large double happiness signs[1] adorned the walls, radiating an aura of joy and celebration.
Wen Yantong patiently sat before the bronze mirror for four hours, meticulously getting every inch of face applied with makeup. As she gazed at her reflection, she couldn't help but feel that today, after transmigrating into this novel for so long, she looked her most beautiful.
Feeling a slight pang of hunger after her lengthy preparation, Wen Yantong requested Mo Li to bring her some food to snack on.
As Mo Li stepped out, the crackling of firecrackers outside the door and the melodious tones of suona reached her ears. With a start, she turned back and exclaimed in excitement, "Commandery Princess! The groom has arrived to escort the bride!"
Before Wen Yantong could fully process the news, the maids hurriedly assisted her to rise, adorning her head with the red wedding veil adorned with ruyi-patterned embroidery in golden threads.
Her vision was enveloped in a crimson hue, limiting her sight to the shoes shuffling back and forth beside her feet. Gradually, she felt herself being guided out of her room.
"Tongtong," Wen Qin's voice trailed after her, measured and deliberate. "As you enter the Marquis Mansion, remember to adhere to their customs and protocols."
"The Marquis Mansion is different from our home. You can't speak freely as you do here. Even though the Marquis is not overly strict, you must maintain the proper decorum," Wen Qin continued, his voice carrying a weighty undertone, steeped in profound reluctance.
"You've been pampered since you were a child. It's a relief that you're marrying into the Marquis Mansion; at least, no one will dare to bully you," Wen Qin said with a sigh. "I still remember when you used to ask me to climb trees to pick fruits for you. You were barely knee-high back then. But in the blink of an eye, you've grown so much. Time flies..."
When Wen Yantong heard his voice choke with emotion, she couldn't bear it any longer and said, "Dad, I'll visit you often in the future. We won't be apart."
Wen Qin didn't say anything in response. He simply uttered, "Go on, your mother is waiting for you ahead."
Wen Yantong acknowledged, hearing Wen Qin's voice gradually fading behind her, "Take your time, be careful not to trip..."
As Wen Yantong proceeded, the one assisting her shifted. Madam Wen's voice came alongside, "Our Tongtong looks stunning today. You're getting married now."
Wen Yantong called softly, "Mother."
Madam Wen replied in a subdued tone, her voice tinged with emotion as if drying the tears from her eyes, "Your father cried half the night last night. I teased him then, but now I find myself unable to hold back."
Wen Yantong felt her eyes welling up.
She couldn't deny her deep affection for the Wen Residence’s Madam and Master.
Wen Yantong had seldom experienced such doting affection before, and the love of her parents, as far as she could recall, had been present only during her earliest years.
But since arriving here, Wen Qin and Madam Wen had never hidden their affection for her, despite her differences from other girls. She enjoyed sleeping in, lacked skills in feminine arts like needlework, and possessed none of the grace expected of a lady. Yet Wen Qin had never chastised her for it.
At times, she found herself even envying the original little cannon fodder. After all, she had parents who loved her so deeply.
Yet upon reflection, she realized that the little cannon fodder didn't warrant pity.
It was her own foolishness that had led to the demise of the entire Wen Residence, resulting in the loss of everyone who cared for her, including herself.
Now that she had become that character, she had the opportunity to safeguard those dear to her and preserve this happiness and love indefinitely.
Madam Wen's words were both comforting and pragmatic. "Your father has amassed a considerable fortune, enough to last several lifetimes. If you encounter any hardships in the Marquis Mansion, don't hesitate to speak up. We can always leave if needed. With our wealth, finding a suitable son-in-law to live with us wouldn't be a challenge."
Wen Yantong gently cautioned, "Mother, let's refrain from such words."
Madam Wen promptly corrected herself, "You're right. Today is your joyous occasion; I shouldn't speak of such things."
As she spoke, the lively sound of suona music grew nearer, and suddenly the dark red field in front of her brightened.
The door swung open, revealing the bride being escorted out with care.
Upon spotting Wen Yantong, adorned in vibrant red, Chi Jingxi dismounted from his horse.
Mu Yang and the others, dismounting from their horses, joined Chi Jingxi in standing beside the horses, their faces radiant with smiles.
Mu Yang, particularly jubilant, let out a loud whistle. "Sister-in-law Tongtong, we've come to escort you!"
Amidst the clamor of the crowd, Wen Yantong caught Mu Yang's familiar voice and couldn't suppress her laughter.
Wasn't it just a few days ago that he claimed he wouldn't change the way he addressed her? Yet here he was, calling out the name so smoothly now.
As Wen Yantong crossed the threshold, several firecrackers exploded simultaneously, and the suona reached a deafening crescendo, causing her ears to ring momentarily.
Chi Jingxi's gaze fixed on her as she approached, and he stepped forward, extending his hand towards her.
Wen Yantong recognized the slender white hand reaching out from beneath her veil immediately. It was the hand she had held countless times over the past two years.
So, she delicately lifted her hand, meeting the warmth of his skin as Chi Jingxi firmly clasped it. Amidst the laughter and applause surrounding them, Chi Jingxi's voice cut through clearly, "Tongtong, I've come to pick you up."
Wen Yantong replied with laughter beneath the crimson veil.
Chi Jingxi's fingertips possessed a subtle coolness, yet upon contact with her palm, they left a trail of warmth that seemed to spread to her heart, comforting her. Holding Wen Yantong's hand, he guided her toward the sedan chair with a gentle command, "Mind your step."
Following his instructions, Wen Yantong ascended into the sedan, then, as she settled, she felt something being placed in her hand.
Wen Yantong glanced down and noticed a package of pastries in her hand. Just as she registered it, the sedan curtain descended, enveloping her in a gentle darkness.
Wen Yantong found the interior of the sedan carriage surprisingly spacious. She removed her veil and set it aside before opening the paper package, revealing her favorite pastries inside. It was evident that Chi Jingxi had prepared them, likely anticipating her hunger during the journey.
She took a piece and savored its sweetness, feeling it spread from her tongue to her heart like honey, warming her from within.
As the command to "lift the sedan carriage" resounded, the carriage was hoisted up steadily, albeit with a slight sway. The procession escorting the bride grew longer, trailing behind with a lengthy tail laden with dowry items provided by Wen Qin.
This was hardly surprising, considering Wen Qin's reputation as a wealthy businessman in Chang'an City. With his only daughter getting married, the dowry was bound to be substantial.
However, what many weren’t aware of was that Wen Qin had allocated nearly half of the family's wealth as a dowry for Wen Yantong. As the wedding procession traversed the bustling streets of Chaoge, the long crimson procession extended for miles.
Typically, the journey from the Marquis's Mansion to the Commandery Princess's Mansion would take less than an hour. However, this time, the bridal escort and return trip extended well over two hours. The sedan bearers changed several times along the route, indicative of the length and grandeur of the procession.
The procession wound its way through every bustling street of Chaoge, accompanied by the lively melodies of suona that echoed throughout the city, reaching every household. It was as if the music itself announced the marriage of the Commandery Princess of Ningguang, her union with the Marquis Mansion, and her marriage to the Little Marquis, Chi Jingxi.
Chi Jingxi, adorned in a crimson robe, stood out against the golden sunlight, his fair complexion glowing even brighter. His eyes held a gentle smile, rendering him even more handsome than before, and earning the admiration of all who beheld him.
Weddings were a frequent occurrence in Chaoge City, nearly daily affairs, yet this one stood out as the most grand and sensational in recent memory.
As the auspicious time drew near, Chi Jingxi led the lengthy procession to a halt at the entrance of the Marquis Mansion. With a dismount, he was met by a synchronized bow from the servants stationed at the door.
Chi Jingxi approached the sedan carriage and lightly tapped the door. Sensing the faint sound, Wen Yantong reciprocated with a gentle kick from the inside.
Before anyone could intervene, Mu Yang couldn’t bear it any longer and rushed forward, halting Chi Jingxi. "Brother Xi, no! You’re doing it wrong."
Chi Jingxi regarded him with surprise. "What?"
Mu Yang explained earnestly, "You need to kick the carriage firmly, not lightly."
"Why?" Chi Jingxi questioned, attempting to brush him aside, but Mu Yang stood his ground, determined to make his point.
"Because otherwise, others will think you’re henpecked, Brother Xi!"
Chi Jingxi glanced at the sedan curtain and replied casually, "It's sufficient."
"No, no, that won't do," Mu Yang objected, shaking his head.
Unable to tolerate Mu Yang's insistence, Chi Jingxi kicked the sedan once more, this time with greater force.
Mu Yang promptly shouted, "Sister-in-law Tongtong, quick! Kick back harder!"
Wen Yantong smiled and complied, kicking the sedan door hard, producing a resounding thud.
Mu Yang stepped back, smacking his lips in resignation, almost inaudibly muttering, "Looks like Brother Xi is completely henpecked..."
Chi Jingxi opened the curtain and extended his hand inside. Wen Yantong grasped it and stepped out of the sedan, then climbed onto Chi Jingxi's back.
The delicate tinkling of her hairpins reached Chi Jingxi's ears. He gently curved his lips, turning his head to say, "You smell lovely."
Wen Yantong nestled close to his ear, whispering, "I applied some rose perfume."
Chi Jingxi smiled, lifting her up onto his back, and proceeded through the main entrance of the Marquis Mansion amidst cheers from the crowd.
As a guest, Fu Zixian had been waiting in the Marquis Mansion for quite some time. Upon seeing Chi Jingxi enter with the bride on his back, he joined the others in moving forward to greet them.
Spotting Mu Yang in the crowd, Fu Zixian went over and helped remove the red silk draped over his body before greeting him with a smile, "Thank you for your hard work."
Mu Yang rubbed his shoulders, replying, "Getting married is really tough. I nearly got into trouble."
Fu Zixian's eyebrows furrowed in concern, "Did something happen on the way?"
Mu Yang shook his head, "It was all Brother Xi's doing. He insisted I change how I address Wen Yantong to 'Sister-in-law'."
Fu Zixian chuckled, "Of course. You can't call her by name now."
Mu Yang sighed, "I've lost a good buddy, but gained a sister-in-law."
Fu Zixian pondered for a moment before responding, "Sounds like a fair trade."
Mu Yang and Fu Zixian exchanged smiles before following the procession towards the main hall.
Seated at the high table in the main hall, Chi Shu and his wife awaited their arrival, wearing smiles as they watched Chi Jingxi carrying Wen Yantong inside.
After Chi Jingxi gently set her down, a servant approached and handed them a red silk cloth. Chi Jingxi held one end while Wen Yantong held the other, and together they walked towards the center of the main hall. As they reached their destination, a gong sounded from outside, signaling the arrival of the auspicious moment.
"The auspicious time has arrived——"
"First, bow to the sky and earth!"
Wen Yantong gazed at the cushion before her, lifting her skirt slightly as she knelt upon it, offering a slight bow with her head lowered.
"Second, bow to (mutual) parents!"
Chi Jingxi, supporting Wen Yantong, turned slowly to face his parents seated in front. Lifting his robes, he knelt down and before the tinkling sounds of Wen Yantong’s hairpins, bowed once more.
"Now, the couple bows to each other!"
They both rose simultaneously, taking a step back before bending down to bow once more.
In that moment, a gentle breeze swept through, delicately lifting Wen Yantong's red veil and causing it to flutter to the ground. As Chi Jingxi raised his head, he beheld the sight of Wen Yantong's ink-black hair styled elegantly atop her head, her golden hairpin gleaming in the light. Her black eyebrows framed her eyes, which sparkled with a lingering smile, while her red lips added a touch of delicacy to her countenance.
She smiled at Chi Jingxi, her eyes forming gentle crescents.
At that moment, Chi Jingxi was reminded of a time three years ago, also in November.
It was the beginning of classes at Songhai Academy, and Chi Jingxi found himself constantly bombarded with flattery from his peers, which left him feeling weary and irritated.
One of his peers had mentioned a foolish student at the Academy who, driven by hunger, attempted to sneak out in the dead of night to slaughter a chicken for food. However, he was caught and punished by the teacher, forced to stand outside the school building the next morning.
Chi Jingxi couldn't help but inwardly think the student was actually quite clever to head out and do such a task at night.
Then someone beside him said, "Look, there he is."
Chi Jingxi glanced up and saw a beam of gentle winter sunlight illuminating the figure.
She leaned against the wall with her eyes closed, appearing as if she were asleep, displaying a relaxed and content expression on her face.
Then, someone nearby chuckled at her, and she heard it, prompting her to swiftly open her eyes, resembling a startled hedgehog, and shoot a fierce glare, every movement of hers observed keenly by him.
Quite adorable.
That's what Chi Jingxi thought back then.
Wen Yantong never knew why Chi Jingxi chose November for their wedding date.
Only he held the reason close.
Because this was the season when they first met; when they had first locked eyes amidst the chill of the second month of winter.
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The author has something to say: As we all know, Wen Yantong has the ability to sleep while standing up.
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Footnote:
[1] double happiness (双喜) - The literal meaning of 喜 (Happiness) is joy, while 囍 (double happiness) are twin Chinese characters of joy, a symbol of celebrations of marriage.