Chapter 179: Psychological Shadows
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
“First, bow to Heaven and Earth.”
“Second, bow to your elders.”
“Husband and wife, bow to each other, then proceed to the bridal chamber,” announced the matchmaker, her voice lively and full of cheer.
Lu Jing Huai moved like a puppet on strings, devoid of joy, his motions mechanical as he followed the wedding protocol. Upon closer inspection, one might notice the faint tremble in his fingertips.
The Lu family estate was cloaked in a heavy gloom.
After all, Lu Wan Yi’s body still lay in mourning next door, and the Old Madam had fainted from grief multiple times, unable to summon even a hint of a smile.
Today, seated at the place of honor, her expression remained stiff, her lips frozen in a lifeless line. The forced somberness of the occasion had also ignited a quiet fury among the Jiang family.
Among the attendees, only Madam Pei’s smile was genuine.
Her eldest son’s grand wedding, marrying the legitimate daughter of a second-rank official, filled her with pride. Despite the pain of the marquis title being stripped away, the marriage was a rare glimmer of hope.
At least her son’s future could be secured—he would aim for the top scholar title, and with Jiang Darens’s influence as his father-in-law, his prospects would be boundless.
Lu Yuan Ze had not slept the entire night. His head felt heavy, his feet unsteady, and the endless noise of the wedding music grated on his nerves. He had spent years planning for this union—scheming to have Lu Jing Huai marry into the Jiang family. Yet, when the day finally arrived, he felt no joy.
For Lu Jing Huai, the day was a torment. His body ached so deeply that he had become numb to the congratulations echoing in his ears. A rigid smile stretched across his lips, though he felt utterly hollow.
Suddenly, the sound of commotion came from outside.
“The Saintess of Western Yue has come to offer her congratulations…”
Lu Yuan Ze immediately straightened in his seat and hurried to greet her.
Yesterday, he had endured the Emperor’s reprimand and lost his title. None of his colleagues dared to show up for the wedding, leaving him simmering with humiliation.
The arrival of the Western Yue Saintess was like a ray of light piercing through the dark clouds of his despair.
“Saintess, your presence honors us immensely. Please, come in and take a seat,” Lu Yuan Ze said with enthusiasm, hastening to escort her into the hall.
“I heard the Lu family was celebrating, so I came to share a drink and bask in the joyous atmosphere. I hope Lord Lu doesn’t mind?” the Saintess asked, her tone gentle yet commanding.
“Of course not, of course not! It’s an honor to have you here!” Lu Yuan Ze responded, his laughter bright.
The Saintess of Western Yue held a position equivalent to that of an emperor within her domain. To have her attend the wedding was an unparalleled glory.
She entered the hall, holding Lu Chao Chao by the hand. Lu Chao Chao, in turn, held onto a dog.
[Heh, I’m so clever, coming here openly to eat the wedding feast!]
“Greetings to Saintess Jing Li!”
“Greetings to Princess Zhao Yang!” Everyone present knelt to pay their respects.
Lu Yuan Ze’s thoughts churned in turmoil. That girl was once his daughter! Yet, he dared not claim kinship, fearing it would anger the Emperor again.
The Saintess took her place of honor, bringing Lu Chao Chao with her.
At the moment she entered, Lu Jing Huai’s body trembled violently. He shrank back, his gaze darting towards the burly men following behind her.
The men exchanged glances, smirking as if in mockery.
“These are the Saintess’s guards. May they stay to witness the ceremony?” a maid politely inquired.
At the sight of the three men, Lu Jing Huai’s face turned a deep red, his expression shifting to one of rage.
“Get out!” he roared, his voice trembling.
His outburst caused the Saintess’s expression to darken. “What does the groom mean by this? Are we unwelcome here?”
Lu Yuan Ze glared daggers at Lu Jing Huai and quickly apologized. “This is a misunderstanding, just a misunderstanding! The Saintess’s presence is the greatest honor for the Lu family.”
His gaze turned cold as he shot a warning look at his son.
Lu Jing Huai’s entire body was tense, his breaths heavy. He fought against the overwhelming urge to flee.
When the matchmaker announced it was time to escort the bride to the bridal chamber, he gripped the ceremonial red ribbon with trembling hands and stumbled towards the door. Jiang Yun Jin held the other end of the ribbon, her vision obscured by the crimson veil.
As she crossed the threshold, she nearly fell. If not for the quick reflexes of her maid, she would have landed flat on the ground.
Lu Jing Huai walked on without looking back. Behind him, Jiang Yun Jin’s eyes brimmed with tears of indignation.
…
In the bridal chamber, Jiang Yun Jin sat quietly on the bed, tears streaming down her face. The indifference she had experienced from Lu Jing Huai on her wedding day was a cold blow to her heart.
“What does the young master mean by this?” her maid whispered tearfully. “Back then, he insisted on breaking off Miss’s previous engagement, and now he acts like this?”
“Not a single smile today. He doesn’t care for Miss at all…” another maid muttered in frustration. “For a family like the Lu’s, this marriage is clearly a step up for them.”
“Enough,” another maid interjected. “The Lu family has suffered recently. First a death in the family, then the Emperor’s reprimand and loss of title. Misfortunes have been piling up.”
She dabbed at Jiang Yun Jin’s tears. “Miss, don’t dwell on it. The dowry your mother prepared is safely stored in the courtyard. Shuang Er, go count it.”
Despite the Jiang family’s strained finances after betting on Lu Jing Huai’s success in the exams, the dowry had been meticulously prepared.
Left alone, Jiang Yun Jin’s expression turned dazed. [Lu Jing Huai cannot lose. He must not lose to Lu Yan Shu.]
As night fell, the red candles flickered.
Jiang Yun Jin smiled shyly at Lu Jing Huai. “Husband, shouldn’t we extinguish the candles now?”
Lu Jing Huai froze, cold sweat pouring from his brow. Forcing a smile, he extinguished the lights and reached out with trembling hands to undo her dress.
His hands shook so violently that he couldn’t manage it. Terror overwhelmed him as a memory of humiliation surfaced in his mind. Bloodshot eyes filled with rage, he kicked Jiang Yun Jin hard in the chest.
With a dull thud, Jiang Yun Jin fell to the ground, crying out in pain.
oof, man got traumatic experience and cant escape from it.