Chapter 9: Is My Good Brother Getting Married Today?

The two guards remained steadfast in their duties, diligently protecting the carriage as they fought off the bandits charging toward them.

Fu Junyan was quite skilled in martial arts, having already slain six bandits in succession. However, after a long and arduous journey with numerous battles along the way, and having traveled through the night to save time, he was utterly exhausted and had reached the end of his strength.

The bandit leader noticed his weakened state and waved his hand, immediately sending over twenty bandits to surround Fu Junyan from all directions. They attacked simultaneously, aiming to strike him down in one fatal blow.

Just as he was losing hope, Fu Junyan suddenly saw, in the hazy morning light, Cheng Honglang clad in a bright red wedding robe, leading a team of Brocade-Clad Guards in Flying Fish Uniforms, galloping toward him on horseback!

Before they even arrived, sleeve arrows whistled through the air.

The bandits surrounding Fu Junyan were instantly struck down in droves.

The bandit leader turned and saw Cheng Honglang, his heart sinking in terror. He roared, “The Brocade-Clad Guards are here! Retreat, now!”

Fu Junyan breathed a sigh of relief and collapsed to the ground.

Cheng Honglang rushed to his side, reined in his horse, and leaped down. He helped Fu Junyan up and checked him over, relieved to find no serious injuries. He sighed helplessly, “What exactly happened? I sent three batches of men to meet you, but none managed to reach you.”

Fu Junyan gave a weary smile. “Someone must have leaked my whereabouts. I encountered eight waves of assassins and treasure hunters along the way. I had no choice but to keep changing my route.”

“If you hadn’t arrived in time today, I would have met my end here. If Yao Yao found out, who knows how hard she would cry.”

“Let’s hurry, or we’ll miss the auspicious hour,” Fu Junyan said, snatching Cheng Honglang’s horse and preparing to whip it into a gallop.

Cheng Honglang grabbed him firmly. “Not this horse. Ride another one.”

Only then did Fu Junyan notice that Cheng Honglang was dressed in a wedding robe and that his horse was adorned with a festive red flower.

Was his good brother getting married today? Why hadn’t he been informed?

Fu Junyan pulled several banknotes from his pocket and shoved them into Cheng Honglang’s hands. “You’re getting married and didn’t even tell me? I had no time to prepare. Since Yao Yao is getting married today, I won’t be able to attend your wedding banquet. Take these thirty thousand taels (Tael is a Chinese unit of weight) as my gift. I’ll make it up to you with something better later.”

With that, he turned, commandeered a Brocade-Clad Guard’s horse, and galloped away.

Before Cheng Honglang could explain that he was marrying Fu Junyao, Fu Junyan had already ridden off into the distance.

Left with no choice, Cheng Honglang spurred his horse and gave chase.

The Brocade-Clad Guard who had lost his mount had no alternative but to jump onto the cart carrying the luggage.

The group hurried on toward the capital.

The auspicious hour was approaching fast. Feng Ning had already arrived at the Duke’s residence with the wedding procession, complete with musicians playing festive tunes, but Cheng Honglang was nowhere to be seen.

Fu Junyao grew increasingly anxious, repeatedly glancing outside. If not for the Wedding Matron and the matron of honor blocking her way, she would have rushed out long ago.

Fuliu returned, sweating profusely, and knelt directly before her mistress, her face full of remorse. “My apologies, Miss. I went to the Cheng residence but couldn’t find Commander Master. His attendant said he left the city last night with the Brocade-Clad Guards.”
“I went to find the old general. When he heard the young master hadn’t returned yet, he immediately sent people to assist, but until now, there hasn’t been any news. I was afraid you’d worry, so I rushed back first.”

Fu Junyao’s heart tightened even more. Brother Lang had left the city last night, but they still hadn’t returned. Could something really has happened to them?

“The auspicious hour has arrived. Bride, please proceed to the main hall to bid farewell to your parents,” the Wedding Matron announced cheerfully.

Finally able to leave the room, Fu Junyao immediately stepped forward.

The Wedding Matron quickly caught up and stopped Fu Junyao, who was heading straight for the main gate, saying earnestly, “Miss, you’ve already sent out all the people you could. Going out now won’t help matters and will only cause more chaos. No matter how anxious you are, please wait patiently, alright?”

Fu Junyao looked at her with red-rimmed eyes. Of course, she knew that going out now wouldn’t accomplish anything, but waiting like this was even more unbearable for her.

Fu Qingqing, supported by her wedding matron, emerged from the adjacent courtyard. Seeing Fu Junyao’s anxious expression nearby, the anger she had been holding in all morning finally eased somewhat.

Hah! So, what if Fu Junyao had everything better than her, and so many people gathered around her for the wedding preparations?

The fierce god she was marrying had arrived late to fetch his bride. When she first heard the maid report this news, she nearly laughed aloud. If Cheng Honglang didn’t come to fetch his bride, then even with the imperial decree arranging the marriage, Fu Junyao would become the laughingstock of the entire capital.

After restraining herself several times, Fu Qingqing couldn’t resist approaching Fu Junyao and whispering in a sarcastic tone, “Sister, the auspicious hour is almost here. Why hasn’t the Commander arrived yet? Could it be that he’s changed his mind and doesn’t want to marry you?”

“Let me guess why the Commander isn’t coming to fetch his bride. Could it be that you were drugged, had an affair with some ruffian, and only managed to force the Commander to marry you by relying on your brother’s influence?”

“Oh my, if he’s unhappy about it, of course he wouldn’t want to come. When he doesn’t show up to fetch you, you won’t have to send yourself to his doorstep in the wedding sedan, will you? Haha, that would be so humiliating.”

Fu Junyao shot a sharp look at Fu Qingqing and asked coldly, “What did you say?”

Ruffian?

She seemed to know quite well about that.

Fu Qingqing wasn’t afraid now. Everything was settled she was about to become the Heir Apparent’s Wife of the Duke’s household. That’s why she dared to act so boldly.

“Oh dear, sister, why so fierce? I’m just kindly reminding you. In a man’s eyes, a woman’s purity is more important than her life. Once you lose your purity, you don’t deserve to live.” After saying this, she suddenly covered her mouth with her hand, as if just realizing she had spoken improperly, and emphasized with an innocent expression, “I’m sorry, sister, I accidentally spoke the truth.”

Fu Junyao frowned at Fu Qingqing and said coldly, “I originally thought you were just selfish and greedy. I didn’t expect you to be so malicious. Were you involved in this incident?”

Fu Qingqing took a step back, looking innocently at Fu Junyao and playing dumb, “What are you talking about, sister? I don’t understand what you mean.”

Feeling uneasy and extremely irritated, Fu Junyao looked at Fu Qingqing’s innocent face and directly slapped her.

“Slap!” A crisp sound rang out as Fu Qingqing’s face was knocked sideways, five distinct finger marks instantly blooming on her cheek.

“Ah—you’re insane! How dare you hit me!” Fu Qingqing snapped back to reality, roaring as she lunged forward.

On such an auspicious wedding day, if the two brides were to start fighting, the maids and Wedding Matron would surely face consequences. Fu Junyao had struck too quickly for anyone to react initially. But now they sprang into action, immediately stepping between the two. Fu Qingqing’s maid and the Wedding Matron went so far as to physically restrain her, preventing her from advancing another step.

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Zephyr Yizelle

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