Page 748

Capital

Jun Wuxian had spent quite some time preparing for the betrothal, mainly because he was unfamiliar with the local customs.

Today was the important day of presenting the betrothal gifts. The General Residence was decorated with brightly lit lanterns and red lanterns were hung up; a crowd of onlookers had gathered at the entrance.

There was also a group of children playing and laughing, clamoring for wedding candies.

It had already spread throughout the Capital yesterday that the daughter of General Xun was to be betrothed today.

And during these days, the news of Xun Qingqing’s disfigurement had already spread through every Main Street and alley; there was no one who didn’t know about it.

The onlookers at the door had all come upon hearing the news, curious about which young master had taken an interest in the disfigured Miss Xun.

"How come I haven’t heard of any young master coming to propose? Suddenly there’s a betrothal and an engagement?"

"I haven’t heard anything either. Before Xun Qingqing’s disfigurement, she was picky about her suitors, and after her disfigurement, others looked down on her. The high clans and distinguished families would certainly look down on her."

"I guess it’s a step down in marriage. Someone is eyeing General Xun’s power and wants to climb up the social ladder."

"I think so too. We’ll see the condition of the bridegroom’s family once the betrothal gifts arrive, right?"

"Quick, look, here they come." Someone in the crowd shouted.

The onlookers all turned their gaze in unison, only to see a grand procession approaching, carrying the betrothal gifts.

As they approached, everyone’s attention was captured by the man at the forefront.

The man leading was dressed in a dark purple gold-brocaded robe with a Jade Crown securing his hair. With a tall figure and handsome features, he caught the gaze of everyone present.

"Is the man walking in front the future son-in-law of General Xun?"

"This man’s demeanor is refined; he obviously doesn’t come from an ordinary family. With such outstanding looks, why would he take an interest in the disfigured Miss Xun?"

"Exactly, this young master must be rich or noble; he wouldn’t take a fancy to the disfigured Miss Xun."

Today was the joyous day of the young mistress’s betrothal, and Cai Xia, delighted, came out with wedding candies to distribute to the children and the onlookers. That’s when she overheard the crowd discussing her young mistress.

Xun Qingqing had faced much since she left the palace, especially her disfigurement—all of which Cai Xia, as her personal maid, had witnessed first-hand.

Today was a day of great joy, yet there were still endless discussions at the door. Cai Xia could hardly contain herself.

Smiling, Cai Xia approached the gossiping onlookers with her plate of wedding candies. "Would you like some wedding candies?" she asked.

The onlookers, caught up in their excitement, saw Cai Xia offering wedding candies and naturally wanted to partake and share in the joy.

Just as they reached into the plate, Cai Xia moved the plate away with a smile, leaving several hands grabbing at nothing.

As they looked on in confusion, Cai Xia continued with a smile, "You all seem too busy chatting to spare any time for wedding candies."

The onlookers looked at each other, perplexed.

One of the onlookers couldn’t help but ask, "What do you mean by this?"

Cai Xia snorted coldly, "Talking behind my mistress’s back and you still want to eat wedding candies? Can the candies shut your mouths?"

The very people who had been energetically discussing were now rebuked by Cai Xia, leaving them embarrassed.

Pointing to the prospective groom, Cai Xia said, "See that elegant and handsome Jun Wuxian over there? He is the one getting engaged to my mistress today."

Upon hearing this, the onlookers’ jaws dropped in astonishment.

Cai Xia then pointed to the betrothal gifts and said, "See those large and small boxes of betrothal gifts? They were all personally prepared by the prospective groom."

The onlookers involuntarily turned their eyes to the betrothal gifts. As common folk, they had seen many betrothals among the great clans and distinguished families, with gifts they couldn’t even dream of.

The betrothal gifts before them were more numerous than any they had seen before, clearly worth a great deal of silver.

Watching their expressions of amazement, Cai Xia finally felt satisfied and turned her attention back to distributing wedding candies.

At this moment, Xun Qingqing was sitting in her boudoir. Today was her wedding day, and she was dressed exceptionally elegant and generous, her cheeks veiled with a plain scarf, revealing only a pair of shimmering, watery eyes.

In the days prior, Xun Qingqing had been somewhat dispirited, her face constantly displaying a look of sullen defeat.

But as they say, Spirit blossoms during joyful times; Xun Qingqing looked even more beautiful than before, her eyes and brows hinting at smiles.

After finishing distributing the wedding candies, Cai Xia returned to the inner courtyard.

"Miss, Miss, Jun Wuxian has arrived." Cai Xia’s voice preceded her arrival.

Xun Qingqing looked up towards the doorway and saw a figure in blue hastily entering, a beaming smile spreading across her plump face.

Actually, Jun Wuxian had been staying at the General Residence all along, so the betrothal and engagement didn’t need to be so troublesome, but Jun Wuxian insisted on proceeding this way. He said that only by doing so would the entire Capital know that General Xun’s daughter was engaged to him.