“Prince, here is the bridal dowry list sent by the Duke Zhen’s Mansion for tomorrow. Please have a look.” Ming Mo’s face was full of joy—finally, their prince was getting married.

Gu Chengyu put down the document in his hand, glanced at Ming Mo, and suddenly found the bright smile on Ming Mo’s face somewhat dazzling.

“I find that you and Ming Yan aren’t that young anymore. You’re two years older than me, aren’t you? If you don’t marry soon, it will be too late; you’re almost getting old. After tomorrow, I’ll appoint someone for you to marry. If there’s no one you fancy, I’ll just appoint someone randomly—any woman will do.” Gu Chengyu took the list from Ming Mo’s hand, flipping through it and teasing.

“Ah?” Ming Mo instantly made a bitter face, rubbing the back of his head. How could they be old?

Ignoring Ming Mo’s wails, Gu Chengyu directed his attention to the list. Duke Zhen’s Mansion was, after all, an aristocratic family, and Yao Mengxian was marrying the Regent King; once married, she would be the rightful Princess Consort. Moreover, even the Little Emperor was overseeing this marriage, so Duke Zhen would naturally not dare to be careless.

The dowry list comprised a full one hundred and sixty-eight trays, excluding the eighty trays of gifts he sent over—everything else was gathered by Duke Zhen’s Mansion. Gu Chengyu glanced through it roughly; it was good, no deception; it was all genuinely good items. Clearly, Duke Zhen’s Mansion had invested heavily this time.

“Keep it safe!” Gu Chengyu tossed the booklet to Ming Mo; it had to be kept well. Although this dowry belonged to the woman, the husband must safeguard the list to prevent future disputes.

Of course, whatever those disputes may entail is not worth pondering too much; are there few separations and abandonments in this world? A woman’s dowry is unrelated to the husband.

“You may leave now!” Gu Chengyu instructed Ming Mo, ceasing further speech.

Ming Mo noticed Gu Chengyu’s expressionless face and could only exit the study. He was quite puzzled about what his prince was thinking—how could it be that his prince didn’t seem too pleased when Yao Mengxian was so beautiful, gentle, and came from a good family?

Gu Chengyu put down the document in his hand; he hadn’t actually read a word of it, pretending the entire time!

Earlier, he tried not to think about it, but this day had finally come. Tomorrow was the day to fetch the bride, and his feelings were indescribable.

“Xiao Bao! Mother has prepared your wedding attire for tomorrow; you should go see it!” His second sister, Gu Wan’s cheerful voice emerged from outside the study, pulling Gu Chengyu out of his stupor.

“Second sister! Didn’t mother already show it to me?” Gu Chengyu exited the study, smiling.

“Actually, mother is anxious; she’ll soon meet her daughter-in-law and just fears her etiquette isn’t good enough, fearing the daughter-in-law will laugh at her!” Gu Wan tugged at Gu Chengyu’s sleeve as they headed to the inner courtyard.

Gu Chengyu laughed upon hearing this, feeling a wave of bitterness rise within him. “It’s usually the bride who feels anxious meeting the in-laws, never heard of a mother-in-law being more anxious than the daughter-in-law.”

His mother had been diligently learning etiquette these past two years, always behaving properly when visiting other homes, fearing any embarrassment.

Who would say she wasn’t well-mannered now? He had become quite desirable—a connection many sought to establish. Whatever these people said behind his back, as long as it wasn’t in front of him, what difference did it make?

Due to his position, it was unlikely anyone would embarrass his mother directly.

“Mother has been so worried these past days! With a dowry of one hundred and sixty-eight trays, mother was so shocked she couldn’t close her mouth, always praising the aristocratic family’s deep foundation.”

Gu Chengyu couldn’t help but sneer; his mother who managed the household treasures, hadn’t she seen the rare items in their storerooms and been shocked speechless? It’s merely something to talk about.

The next day, Gu Chengyu was in deep sleep and suddenly awakened.

“Prince, wake up and freshen up! Don’t miss the auspicious time to fetch the bride!” Wintergreen shook Gu Chengyu’s shoulder, surprised that the prince, who always woke at 3:45 AM, slept in so late today.

Startled, Gu Chengyu sat up. He had been sleepless last night, falling asleep late, causing him to wake up late this morning.

“What hour is it?” Gu Chengyu asked huskily.

“Don’t worry; it’s not late, just early hour of Mao! Still an hour until the auspicious time!” Wintergreen chuckled covering her mouth; their prince, usually calm, had become muddled upon getting married.

Gu Chengyu hurriedly lifted the blanket, donned an outer garment, and got out of bed. Wintergreen blushed at the sight of his white underclothes. Usually, their prince was nearly dressed before she arrived; since she had served him, it was the first time she saw him disheveled.

…

“Oh dear! Hurry, the face is just done. Quickly apply the makeup and put on the phoenix crown; only half an hour until the groom arrives!” A richly dressed woman rushed over, seeing Yao Mengxian had just finished her facial, couldn’t help but urge.

“Alright, miss, come to get your hair and makeup done!” The wedding maid helped Yao Mengxian onto the stool in front of the bronze mirror; the complex bridal attire made her movements challenging. Despite her nervous heart, she didn’t closely examine herself in the mirror. Once the heavy phoenix crown was on, Yao Mengxian couldn’t move at all.

When the red veil was draped over her head, panic surged within her.

“The bridal party has arrived! The groom looks so handsome!” Amidst the clamor in the courtyard, upon hearing that the groom had arrived, Yao Mengxian’s heart raced.

“Miss, we must go bid farewell to the Master and Madame!” Lianxin was all smiles today, supporting Yao Mengxian as she carefully stood and walked towards the courtyard.

“Jinyu! Finally, it’s your turn; we’re definitely going to get you drunk today!” Zhu Pang laughed heartily, feeling a bit pleased.

There was a crowd accompanying Gu Chengyu to fetch the bride, his close friends definitely present.

Ye Zhiqiu laughed proudly, having married for over two years; Gu Chengyu’s wedding was more their concern than his own.

Wang Qikai also grinned widely, laughing boldly; he was now a scholar. After all these years, Gu Chengyu’s friendship with him remained unchanged.

A true friend is hard to come by; he didn’t choose wrongly.

Lowering her head, Yao Mengxian trod the red-carpeted path, surrounded by bustling people. Her heart was tumultuous. Seeing a pair of black cloud-pattern silk boots appear before her, she instinctively clenched her hands.

“Miss, quickly bid farewell to your parents!” Yao Mengxian was pulled into a kneel; she felt a bit dizzy; all she saw was red.

“A married daughter is like water poured; from now on, you are Mrs. Gu. Once married, you must support your husband, teach your children, be gentle and virtuous, and not capricious!”

Yao Qinglan now valued her eldest daughter, thus the expression on her face was gentle, her eyes displaying some reluctance.

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