Chapter 179: Psychological Trauma
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
The matron’s cheerful voice echoed through the house, “First, bow to the heavens and earth. Next, bow to your parents. Now, husband and wife bow to each other, then proceed to the bridal chamber.”
Lu Jing Huai went through the ancient wedding rituals mechanically. His expression was vacant, his movements puppet-like. If one looked closely, they could see his fingers trembling subtly.
The atmosphere within the household was heavy with gloom. Just next door lay the body of Lu Wan Yi, and the elderly matriarch had collapsed, overwhelmed with grief several times today. Happiness seemed impossible for anyone. She sat stiffly in her elevated chair, her lips pressed into a thin line, incapable of even a faint smile. This somber scene only intensified the displeasure of the Jiang family.
The only face truly radiant with happiness was that of Madam Pei. Her eldest son’s lavish wedding to the legitimate daughter of a high-ranking official was a moment of pride for her. Recalling the recent loss of the marquisate title, Madam Pei felt a pang of sorrow. Yet, her son’s marriage regained some measure of dignity. As long as he excelled academically and relied on his father-in-law, Lord Jiang’s support, his future would be secure.
Lu Yuan Ze, who hadn’t slept all night, found the loud ceremonial music grating. Even with his careful plans to connect Lu Jing Huai with the Jiang family, the realization of these plans brought him no joy. Pain seized Lu Jing Huai sharply as he feigned smiles in response to the surrounding congratulatory voices, feeling almost numb.
Suddenly, an announcement cut through the noise outside. “The Saintess of West Yue is here to offer congratulations…”
Lu Yuan Ze immediately stood and hurried outside. Having been chastised by the king and stripped of his title just yesterday, none of his colleagues had dared attend the wedding, leaving him feeling snubbed. The arrival of the Saintess of West Yue, however, was a welcome relief.
“Saintess honors us with your presence; please, take the seat of honor,” Lu Yuan Ze greeted her with clear delight.
“I heard of the festivities and wished to share a cup of wine and partake in the happiness. I trust this is acceptable?”
“Absolutely! We are overjoyed by your visit!” Lu Yuan Ze responded, his smile broad.
The Saintess of West Yue entered, holding the hand of Lu Chao Chao, who clutched a dog’s leash. [Wow, I’m so clever to come and enjoy the feast openly!]
“Welcome, Saintess Jing Li.”
“Greetings, Princess Sunshine,” everyone present knelt in respect.
Lu Yuan Ze’s thoughts raced. This girl was his daughter! Yet he dare not acknowledge her as such, fearing further royal displeasure.
The Saintess took her seat of honor next to Lu Chao Chao. Upon her entrance, Lu Jing Huai’s body tensed, and he recoiled slightly. His eyes locked on the men following the Saintess, who smirked back at him.
“May the Saintess’s guards also witness the ceremony?” a maid inquired politely.
Lu Jing Huai, seeing these men, flushed with rage. “Get out!” he barked hoarsely.
The Saintess’s expression darkened. “What does the groom mean by this? Are we unwelcome?”
Lu Yuan Ze shot Lu Jing Huai an icy glare and quickly interjected, “A misunderstanding, purely a misunderstanding. Having the Saintess here is a great honor for the Lu family,” he affirmed, still glaring at Lu Jing Huai.
Lu Jing Huai, tense and breathless, fought the urge to flee. When the matron signaled for the bridal chamber, he grabbed the red ribbon and dashed out, pulling Jiang Yun Jin along. Jiang Yun Jin, her head covered by a red veil, stumbled and nearly fell but was swiftly steadied by a quick-thinking maid. Lu Jing Huai didn’t look back as he left, while Jiang Yun Jin, her eyes brimming with tears, felt only bitterness.
In the bridal chamber, she sat on the wedding bed, weeping. Lu Jing Huai’s indifference had soured her special day.
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
“What does the groom mean by this?” whispered one of the maids, also teary-eyed. “He himself urged the lady to break off her previous engagement, and now he behaves this way? Not a single smile today. He shows no concern for the young lady…”
“Given the Lu family’s recent misfortunes, they’re fortunate to marry one of the Jiang family,” another maid remarked indignantly.
“Let’s not dwell on this. The Lu family lost someone yesterday, faced royal rebuke, and lost their title. They’ve seen better days,” another maid counseled.
The maids dabbed at Jiang Yun Jin’s tears. “Madam prepared the dowry well in advance. It’s now in the courtyard. Shuang’er, please check on the dowry,” instructed one maid. The dowry, meticulously arranged by the noble family, was crucial, especially since the Jiang family might not have managed it otherwise.
The financial strains of banking on Lu Jing Huai becoming a scholar had cost the Jiang family dearly.
Shuang’er muttered, “The bride price from the Lu family is really meager. The groom promised to top his exams but fell short. It’s nothing compared to Yan…”
“Shuang’er!” scolded Jiang Yun Jin sharply. Chastened, Shuang’er left in tears to inventory the dowry.
“Miss, don’t fret. Master Jing Huai was merely unlucky last time. He’ll prove himself in the next exam. The Lu family’s fortunes will turn around after today,” reassured another maid.
Jiang Yun Jin nodded, her gaze distant. She had no desire to think of Lu Yan Shu any longer. Lu Jing Huai must outshine him. He simply must!
“Squeak…” Lu Jing Huai, now in fresh attire and having applied some salve, re-entered the room. Jiang Yun Jin lowered her veil and sat in silence on the bed. The maids quietly excused themselves.
Lu Jing Huai, more composed, approached her. Lifting the veil, he found Jiang Yun Jin’s eyes streaked with tears.
“Yun Jin, I was negligent today. Yesterday’s events left me unsettled. Please forgive my earlier behavior,” he sighed deeply, embracing her and gently wiping her tears.
Jiang Yun Jin’s heart softened, and she wept, finding some solace in his arms.
“I understand. I don’t blame you,” she murmured. But inwardly, she added, [But you mustn’t lose to Lu Yan Shu.]
She kept this thought to herself.
As night deepened, the red candles flickered. Jiang Yun Jin smiled shyly at Lu Jing Huai. Noticing his lack of response, she teased, “Husband, it’s time to extinguish the lights.”
Lu Jing Huai tensed, breaking into a cold sweat. He forced a smile, extinguished the lights, and began to undress Jiang Yun Jin with trembling hands. His anxiety peaked as he fumbled with her clothes, his hands shaking violently. His mind swirled with fear, unable to focus. All he could recall was that humiliating moment. His eyes reddened, his thoughts blurred.
In a sudden outburst, he kicked Jiang Yun Jin hard in the chest.
Thud!
Caught in a tender embrace, Jiang Yun Jin was thrust to the ground by the force. Her chest ached, and she screamed in pain.
“Ah!” she cried, sitting on the floor, her cries echoing through the silent chamber.
oof, man got traumatic experience and cant escape from it.