Love at First Sight Chapter 51 The Twentieth Day of the Twelfth Lunar Month

On the twenty-sixth day of the twelfth lunar month, Wen Xiu-jie wore a peach-pink cross-collar wedding gown. Because she was not the principal wife, she could not wear a red gown with a straight collar. Beneath her bridal veil, she gently pressed her lips together. Today, her face was adorned with vivid crimson makeup, and atop her head sat a golden crown in the shape of a rising sun, set with pearls and jewels. Her features, already mature, appeared even more elegant and lovely.

The auspicious hour had arrived. The ceremonial attendants from the First Prince’s residence were ready. Led by the matron of honor, Wen Xiu-jie entered the main courtyard, where her entire family had already gathered, waiting for her.

“Father, Mother, today your daughter leaves to marry. Thank you both for all the years of nurturing me. I am unfilial and henceforth will no longer be able to serve at your side. I ask only that you both take care of yourselves,” she said, then knelt to the ground and bowed three times.

“My good child, quickly get up,” Madam Wen wept as she spoke. “You’ll be all alone at the prince’s residence from now on—take good care of yourself.”

Wen Yi-ru, who had always doted on this daughter, was filled with sorrow now that she was truly leaving to wed. Witnessing this scene, he could not help but choke up.

“Jie’er, be strong. Once you arrive at the prince’s manor, you must uphold the virtues of obedience and propriety, serve His Highness well, and never act recklessly. Listen to him and, in time, bear children for the royal family.”

He knew he had pampered his daughter too much all these years, and now his worry was genuine. But the road ahead was hers to walk alone.

Tears welled in Wen Xiu-jie’s eyes as she listened, and, half-kneeling, she performed a formal bow. Reluctantly, she said, “I will always remember Father’s teachings.”

Her elder brother, Wen Xiu-zhou, wiped tears from the corners of his eyes and stepped forward, saying, “Sister, let me carry you to the door.”

He crouched down, and Wen Xiu-jie leaned forward onto his back, wrapping her arms around his neck.

“Brother, from now on, I leave Father and Mother in your care,” she murmured.

Though her brother was simple and a bit dull, he was a good man who had married a dutiful wife. Both of them were filial, and Wen Xiu-jie felt reassured.

“Don’t worry. The family is in my hands now. But you—remember to endure whatever you encounter in the future,” Wen Xiu-zhou whispered.

At the front gate, Wen Xiu-jie climbed into the bridal sedan chair and, in this quiet and unceremonious fashion, was carried off to the residence of the First Prince.

Everyone’s faces showed their sorrow at her departure, except for Wen Yue-che, who looked on with cold indifference, letting out a contemptuous snort before bowing to his father and stepmother and heading to his own room.

“Who knows where he learned such heartlessness? His second sister is getting married and he can’t manage a word of blessing,” Madam Wen grumbled, her dislike for him deepening at the sight of his expression. In front of Wen Yi-ru, she could not resist voicing her grievances.

“Today is Jie’er’s wedding day. Can’t you let it go, just for today?” Wen Yi-ru felt uneasy, but still took his son’s side.

Wen Yue-che was almost fifteen now. Over the years, his stepmother and second sister had never treated him kindly. He recognized only Wen Yue-qing as his sister. When his mother was alive, things were bearable, but now, left alone in this household, he always felt out of place, like an outsider. He felt no affection for this family, convinced that they had driven his mother to her death.

He hated only that he was still too young to avenge her. The thought took root in his heart: “One day, I will settle accounts with you all.”

Now, all he wished for was to follow his brother into the military and sever his ties with this family once and for all.

Meanwhile, the residence of the Third Prince was alive with joyful bustle. The entire household was immersed in festivity as the new year approached. Maids and eunuchs scurried about, hanging lanterns and banners, scrubbing and decorating, preparing everything for the coming spring.

Wen Yue-qing and Tong’er were tidying up her quarters. Recently, her room had acquired several new items. As she’d requested, Zun You had crafted a pair of folding screens depicting scenic landscapes, and had custom-made a wardrobe to her design, modeled after the walk-in closets she remembered from the modern world.

The wardrobe, though simple in appearance, was spacious inside, with perfectly arranged compartments that made use of every inch, leaving no space wasted. Beside the canopy bed stood a wooden clothes rack shaped like a deer’s head, both delicate and charming, making it especially convenient for hanging clothes.

With all these additions, the room had become a jumble, utterly at odds with its original antique elegance.

Zun You often complained about her taste, having chided her several times. Seeing that she remained unmoved, he gave up and let her do as she pleased. Though her choices clashed with the room’s classical décor, Wen Yue-qing was perfectly content.

Today, Zun You had gone to the palace, leaving Wen Yue-qing to enjoy a rare day of peace. Lately, his constant presence had become a bit of a nuisance, so this quiet day was especially precious.

Upon waking from her afternoon nap, a delightful idea struck her: in the heart of winter, nothing could be better than a hotpot feast.

“Tong’er, come, let’s go to the kitchens. Tonight, I’m treating you to something delicious,” Wen Yue-qing exclaimed, dressing quickly and hopping off the bed in high spirits.

“Huh? Now? Isn’t it a bit early?” Tong’er was crouched on the floor, grooming Jinzi.

At the sound of her mistress, Jinzi shook his head, gave a little shiver, and, tail wagging furiously, scampered over.

“Greedy dog, always so excited at the mention of food. Don’t worry, you won’t be left out,” Wen Yue-qing laughed.

“Our meal tonight is a bit complicated, so I need them to prepare in advance,” she said, taking Tong’er by the hand as they made their way to the kitchens.

At that moment, Chef Wu was making his rounds. Seeing that it was Wen Yue-qing, he greeted her warmly.

“Good day, Miss Wen.”

“Hello,” she replied, beaming at everyone, unfamiliar with the kitchen staff since this was her first visit.

Tong’er, on the other hand, was a regular, having come here often to collect meals.

“Chef Wu, you’re here bright and early today,” Tong’er said, bowing with a smile.

“And you, always trying to sneak a bite,” Chef Wu joked, good-natured as ever.

“So you’re Chef Wu? Do you always prepare His Highness’s meals yourself?” Wen Yue-qing asked with a smile. She’d always eaten with Zun You and found the food perfectly suited to her tastes, but had never known who the chef was.

“That’s right. I generally cook only for His Highness in this household—the rest is handled by the staff,” Chef Wu replied.

“I knew it! Your cooking is marvelous—the dishes are so delicious! Not only does His Highness love them, but I do too,” Wen Yue-qing praised him effusively.

Everyone in the household knew that Miss Wen dined at the same table as His Highness. Hearing her compliments, Chef Wu was delighted. He was well aware of her fondness for sour and spicy flavors, so he made sure to prepare one or two such dishes at every meal.