Quick Travel to the Clouds

Chapter 696 My Family 14

As Fan Shaojie issued that vicious order to Afu, Yun Chu, far away in the embroidered pavilion of the Prince's Mansion, sat quietly facing a newly arranged chrysanthemum, her fingertips seemingly tapping the table unconsciously. Suddenly, she paused, and a cold, icy glint flashed across her usually clear and gentle eyes.

"Heh, you couldn't hold back after all." A cold sneer curled at the corner of her lips.

Yun Chu didn't directly address the sordid rumors that were about to be released—that would be too passive. What she wanted to do was to eradicate Fan Shaojie's ability and confidence to commit evil deeds.

A meticulously crafted, well-researched, and logically structured letter, exposing Fan Shaojie's father, Vice Minister Fan of the Ministry of Rites, for accepting a huge bribe from a salt merchant in Jiangnan during performance evaluations, engaging in favoritism and malpractice, and promoting unqualified individuals, was quietly delivered to the Censorate, a censor known for his integrity, through Yun Chu's extremely secretive channels.

Meanwhile, copies of the ledgers showing how key businesses in the capital were openly and covertly transferring profits with the Fan family were conveniently "lost" on some paths leading to the Eastern Palace and a certain prince in charge of salt and iron affairs.

Furthermore, a drunken outburst by Fan Shaojie, in which he spoke disrespectfully of the nation's foundation, was "coincidentally" relayed to several officials of the Eastern Palace.

This series of actions was precise, ruthless, and targeted the vital points.

Just a few days later, a fire broke out in the backyard of the Fan residence!

First, Vice Minister Fan was impeached by the censor in court. The censor's words were strong and the evidence was irrefutable, which angered the emperor. He then ordered the relevant officials to investigate the matter thoroughly!

Immediately afterwards, during a public lecture, the Crown Prince's tutor subtly criticized certain "nonsensical" and "ungrateful" remarks, each word like a whip lashing at the rumors that were alluding to Fan Shaojie.

With his head in turmoil and barely able to protect himself, Vice Minister Fan had no time to concern himself with his son's sordid thoughts of love and lust.

With his family assets under investigation, Fan Shaojie was thrown into a state of panic. His monthly allowance was cut off, and his former cronies, who used to fawn over him, avoided him like the plague.

Afu, who was sent by Fan Shaojie to carry out the poison plan, had not yet found a suitable beggar when he was shocked to hear that his master had been impeached. He was so frightened that he turned pale and dared not do this messy thing that could get him into trouble at any time.

Clutching the burning silver ingot, he hid at home and dared not show his face again.

"Useless! They're all fucking useless!" Fan Shaojie roared and cursed in the mansion, smashing everything he could in the study.

Immense pressure and fear replaced resentment.

His mind was now filled with thoughts of whether his father could be exonerated and whether he himself would be implicated. As for revenge against Tang Yunmo, that was long forgotten. The seeds of gossip were nipped in the bud by an unseen hand.

Outside the windows of Qingfeng Tower, the city was still bustling and noisy, but inside the Chang Le Prince's Mansion, all was peaceful and serene.

Preparations for the wedding were proceeding intensively under Du Feiqin's supervision, and the precious items transported back from Jiangnan were being inventoried and stored.

Tang Yunmo was focused on embroidering her wedding dress. Gold and silver threads outlined a magnificent pattern of phoenixes flying on the brocade. Occasionally, she would look up at the sky over Kangdu outside the window, her expression serene and content, completely unaware of the approaching yet quietly dissipating storm.

Yun Chu sat in a corner of the embroidered pavilion, with several pots of newly cultivated autumn orchids placed by the window. She casually picked up a book of poems and flipped through it. The sunlight outside the window fell on her now healthy and rosy face, and her clear eyes were calm and undisturbed, as if the silent contest just now was merely a wisp of dust brushing past her fingertips.

Only a small, green insect that had quietly landed on an orchid outside the window fluttered its wings, as if silently reporting back, before disappearing back into the autumn light and shadow.

July of the 55th year of Tai'an, Kangdu, Chang Le Prince's Mansion**

At dawn, in Yunmo's boudoir of the Chang Le Prince's Mansion

Outside the window, the morning light had not yet fully pierced the night mist, but deep within the Prince's mansion, the lights were already blazing.

Tang Yunmo sat in front of the brass mirror. The person reflected in the mirror had a face that was originally bright and beautiful, but had been carefully made up to look like snow reflecting the glow of the sunset.

Her black hair was styled into a high bun, piled up like clouds and mist. The phoenix hairpin, adorned with red gold and rubies, trembled gently with her subtle movements, and the hanging beads shimmered with iridescent light.

Several experienced matrons were surrounding her, meticulously carrying out the final step—dressing her in a phoenix coronet and embroidered robe.

The wedding dress, which had taken countless days and nights of effort, was finally worn. The bright red Shu brocade was thick and beautiful, its subtle patterns shimmering under the lamplight.

A phoenix, outlined in gold thread, spirals down from the shoulders and neck, its tail almost trailing on the ground. Each feather is meticulously embroidered, and the edges are adorned with tiny, lustrous rice beads. The wide cuffs and hem are embroidered with auspicious patterns of many children and peonies, the stitches so fine they are astonishing.

Du Feiqin stood behind her daughter, personally adjusting the tassels of her wedding gown. Her eyes were slightly red, but her lips held a proud and gratified smile: "My dear Mo'er... is so beautiful, the most beautiful bride in the world."

Her movements were gentle, as if afraid of damaging the exquisitely carved jade. Tang Yunmo gazed at her mother in the mirror, her heart burning with warmth, and gently grasped the back of her mother's hand.

As the auspicious hour approached, Tang Yunmo, dressed in her finest attire, walked slowly toward the main hall of the Prince's Mansion, supported by Chunhua and Xialian.

The hall was covered with scarlet carpet, red candles burned brightly, and incense wafted through the air. Tang Wencheng and Du Feiqin, dressed in their finest attire, sat regally in the main seats.

Tang Yunmo walked into the hall and bowed gracefully to her parents.

Tang Wencheng's face was solemn, his eyes filled with both reluctance and expectation: "Today you are married into the Jiang family, you must be filial to your parents-in-law, considerate to your husband, and good at managing the household. But remember, the Chang Le Prince's Mansion will always be your home."

Du Feiqin's voice was choked with barely perceptible sobs, which she suppressed, and only uttered a word of advice: "After you marry into the family, don't lose your true self, and learn to be considerate and harmonious... Think things through carefully in everything you do."

"Your daughter will heed the teachings of her father and mother..." Tang Yunmo's voice came through the red veil, clear and firm. This bow marked the end of her carefree girlhood and the beginning of a new chapter in her life.

The gates swung open, and a burst of joyous celebration filled the air. A large crowd of onlookers had already gathered in front of the palace, and upon seeing the bride, they all gasped in amazement.

The first thing that catches the eye is the red gold sedan chair inlaid with jewels and carved by eight people, with tassels and necklaces hanging down, and the sedan chair is decorated with exquisite Suzhou embroidery of dragons and phoenixes, which shines brightly in the sunlight.

Before the sedan chair, stretching as far as the eye could see, lay the breathtaking ten-mile-long red bridal procession!

Leading the way were the exquisite treasures brought back from Jiangnan: a canopy bed inlaid with mother-of-pearl in sandalwood, a cabinet carved with cloud and dragon patterns in huanghuali wood, a complete set of official kiln famille rose porcelain, a purple bamboo screen... all draped in festive red silk.

Following closely behind were brand-new furniture hastily made in Kangdu, and mountains of red lacquered and gilded chests filled with silks, gold and silver jewelry, writing implements, and clothing for all four seasons.

There are also wooden box models symbolizing land, shops, and money deeds, baskets of exquisite snacks and pastries, and finally a pair of plump white geese stretching their necks and cawing.

Although not the main residence of the Jiang family in Jiangnan, this new Jiang family mansion located in the east of Kangdu City has already been newly decorated. The mansion gate is wide open, the vermilion paint is bright and shiny, and a large red silk flower is tied to the plaque. Red carpets are laid along the road, and wedding banners are hung high.

Jiang Junyou, dressed in a brand-new crimson wedding robe, looked even more handsome and radiant. He arrived at the gate of the Prince's Mansion amidst the deafening sounds of drums and music, accompanied by a group of dashing young groomsmen and riding tall horses also adorned with red ribbons.

He dismounted swiftly and cleanly, his joy and eagerness barely concealed. He first bowed deeply to Tang Wencheng and Du Feiqin, his manners impeccable and his words sincere.

Amid cheers, deafening firecrackers, and a shower of red paper scraps, Tang Yunmo, with her mother's reluctant farewells and the help of the "blessed one" (a person believed to bring good fortune), stepped over the vermilion saddle symbolizing the warding off of evil and misfortune, and sat into the magnificent wedding sedan chair.

"Get up the sedan!"

Amidst joyful music, countless envious glances, and a procession of red-clad beauties symbolizing a bright future, the sedan chair finally arrived at the Jiang residence.

The master of ceremonies' loud and clear voice resounded throughout the mansion: "The auspicious hour has arrived!"

Covered with a bright red veil, Tang Yunmo was led by one end of the red silk by Jiang Junyou, who guided her onto the long path paved with red carpet. Every step she took was on the soft carpet, as if she were walking on clouds.

"First bow to heaven and earth—" The two turned to heaven and earth and bowed deeply.

"Bowing to our parents for the second time—" Jiang's parents, sitting upright in the main hall, were filled with joy and satisfaction.

"Husband and wife bow to each other—" When Tang Yunmo and Jiang Junyou stood facing each other, exchanging greetings through their red veils, the instant closeness and harmony they felt made it seem as if only they remained in the world. The surrounding noise became the background sound of blessings.

"The ceremony is complete! Lead them to the bridal chamber!"

With a final shout, thunderous cheers and applause erupted inside and outside the wedding hall. Firecrackers exploded once more, accompanied by the sounds of gongs, drums, and stringed instruments, bringing the festive atmosphere to its peak.

The groom carefully led the bride, surrounded by the family of the newlyweds, towards their new home in the backyard. Under the bright red veil, Tang Yunmo could only see the steady steps of the man beside her and his hand tightly holding the red silk ribbon. She felt an unprecedented sense of security and happiness.

A grand banquet was held in the main hall of the Jiang residence, with toasts and congratulations filling the air. The combination of the refined heritage of a prominent family from Jiangnan and the grandeur of the marriage alliance with the Kangdu Prince's Mansion made it the most dazzling event in Kangdu that day.

In a corner amidst the joyous and boisterous atmosphere, Yun Chu, her complexion rosy and radiant like a pearl, stood quietly. A gentle and serene smile graced her face as she watched her sister's figure disappear into the depths of the corridor leading to the bridal chamber, her eyes sparkling with immense joy and satisfaction.

A gentle breeze stirred, causing a stray strand of hair to flutter at her temple, like an invisible, tender guardian. During the long and perilous ten years of the Kangzhao era, her cherished family was steadily and firmly marching towards a hopeful future.