A Tale of Golden Heiress: Lady Wanjin - Chapter 26

“Not at all. It’s just… isn’t it that the bride and groom aren’t supposed to see each other on the night before the wedding?” Wen Wan said, while subtly turning over the account book lying exposed on the table.

Zhao Heng naturally noticed her little maneuver.

It was only human nature for the Wen family to be wary of him.

Perhaps one day, his wife would truly trust him from the bottom of her heart.

Ignoring her action, Zhao Heng smiled and said, “I’m a bit nervous and couldn’t sleep. I wanted to see if you were just as excited and sleepless. I never thought that on the night before our wedding, Manager Wen would be reviewing account books.”

Wen Wan effortlessly spun a lie, “I couldn’t sleep either, so I got up to look at the accounts.”

Men.

A few sweet words could charm them senseless.

Sure enough, a smile spread across Zhao Heng’s face. “My wife’s hobbies are truly unique.”

“I heard Father called you over for another lecture today?” The two stood separated by a window frame. Under the bright moon, the young man and woman seized a rare moment amidst the bustling kitchen chaos to exchange a few intimate words. “My father, his nature isn’t bad; he’s just worried about me. You know, the Wen family has a vast business, and with only two daughters upholding the household, we often end up bullied by the clan. Although you’re marrying into the family, marriages where the woman is stronger than the man rarely last in this world. Father has hopes for you, but he’s also guarded.”

“But after tomorrow, you and I will be family. In time, Father will come to understand you.”

Zhao Heng smiled. “How could I not know how difficult it is to be a live-in son-in-law? But… you might not believe me when I say this, I truly have no interest in the Wen family’s wealth. You saved my life and gave me shelter. Perhaps soon, you will also bear our children. Our family living together in harmony is far more important than any fortune.”

Children?

Now you’re talking about something that really gets my attention…

Wen Wan was afraid her enthusiasm might startle Zhao Heng. Although she was certain in her heart that she and Zhao Heng were merely a fleeting romance, even so, if the man was unwilling… where would be the fun in that?
A skilled hunter always appears as prey.

So, the young lady slightly lowered her head, a hint of shyness coloring her cheeks, and lightly tapped Zhao Heng’s chest with her small fist.

Wen Wan couldn’t quite manage to affect a coquettish “You’re so annoying~” Her tongue faltered, and she chided instead, “Husband, your words are truly sweet.”

Zhao Heng quickly seized  the moment and took her hand.

The moment their fingers interlaced, the young man’s face also flushed red.

A gentle night breeze blew. In the distance, Wen Wan heard Lüping frantically shouting, “Why hasn’t my chicken been killed yet?” followed by a series of clattering busy sounds from the kitchen direction.

Very romantic.

Zhao Heng couldn’t help but laugh. Ultimately, his courage matched his skill. Emboldened by the slightly intoxicating night breeze, he gathered his courage and pressed a burning kiss onto the young lady’s forehead.

“Wife, rest early. Tomorrow will be exhausting.”

*****

The Seventh Day of the Seventh Month was an auspicious day for weddings.

The Wen residence was adorned early with red lanterns. Servants, either dressed in red or with red silk tied around their waists, were all neatly and cheerfully attired. The entire estate was filled with fresh flowers and fine wine, radiating a joyous atmosphere.

Firecrackers at the entrance of the Wen home crackled loudly through thirty-six rounds, their red shreds dancing in the air. The noise was so tremendous it echoed across the entire West Street.

It was said that Wen Weiming, the wine merchant of the Wen family, was taking in a son-in-law.

Nanny Chen and Lüping carried baskets filled with sweet treats and papaya candies, prepared early for the occasion. Every neighbour who came to offer congratulations received a share, and soon enough, children surrounded them in layers.

At the appointed auspicious hour, the groom appeared in an eye-catching green wedding robe, styled as a half-length gown. A string of beads hung from his belt, and his tall, elegant figure exuded an orchid-like grace. Particularly striking was the silver mask covering the upper half of his face, revealing only his nose and lips—yet even this could not conceal his handsome features.

Not a single guest who came to celebrate was neglected; each was warmly welcomed and entertained. Everyone was curious about what kind of son-in-law the Wen family had chosen, and so Zhao Heng’s every move was being watched closely.

Old Man Wen, in particular, guided his son-in-law through the greetings and farewells. The young man conducted himself with perfect propriety, neither arrogant nor humble—nothing like the subservient image often associated with a live-in son-in-law.

Whispers spread among the guests: Had Wen Weiming truly managed to secure such an exceptional son-in-law?

Meanwhile, Wen Wan had risen early.

Ancient weddings were far more complicated than modern ones.

She had been reviewing account books late into the previous night and had managed only about two hours of sleep before being roused for the rituals: bathing, purifying, perfuming, dressing, hair-styling, and makeup. The entire process took at least two hours.

Fortunately, though the wedding was grand, the procedures were simplified.

The reason was simple: since Wen Wan was the one “marrying in” a husband, many of the traditional customs were streamlined or omitted for convenience.

Moreover, Zhao Heng already lived with the Wen family, eliminating the need for fetching the bride—a step that saved considerable time.

Wen Wan resigned herself to being a ceremonial prop, letting the wedding attendants fuss over her.

Rouge? Apply it.
Lip color? Apply it.
Powder? Well… could we go a little lighter?

When Wen Wan suggested that her face need not resemble a painted palette, the makeup artist—a veritable Tony of her trade—had her own ideas. “Young Mistress Wen,” she insisted, “more powder means more blessings and more descendants!”

Nanny Chen, fired up, pressed her down. “Put two catties of powder on her!”

Wen Wan: ……

Some things never change—stylists throughout the ages are equally stubborn.

Lüping, seizing a moment when the crowd was distracted, sneakily passed her some snacks. “Young Mistress, it’s going to be a busy day, and we might not have time to attend to you. Both Hongmei and I have hidden treats in our sleeves. If you get hungry, just say the word—we’ll make sure you don’t starve!”

Tears welled in Wen Wan’s eyes as she hugged Lüping. Having gone all morning without food, she was deeply touched. “Dear Lüping, I knew you were the most thoughtful!”

Lüping blinked her large, bright eyes and asked, “Right? So, you agree I’m your most attentive maid?”

“Yes, yes, of course you are!”

The young maid’s eyes sparkled with competitive fire. “Then… who is more thoughtful—me or Nanny Chen?”

Wen Wan: ……

Lüping, since when did you become so competitive?

Seeing that Nanny Chen wasn’t looking, Wen Wan nodded like a chick pecking at rice. “Definitely you! Nanny Chen can’t compare.”

Lüping beamed with satisfaction. “I knew it.”

She was the young mistress’s most cherished maid!

Wen Yue arrived early with the Qi family’s two daughters-in-law, acting as though the recent tensions between the families had never occurred. She warmly congratulated Wen Wan as soon as she saw her, then bustled about helping with the festivities.

Notably, none of the Qi men showed up.

As the saying goes, you don’t strike a smiling face—and Wen Wan was far too busy today to pick a fight with her aunt.

“Didn’t they say some time ago that Old Man Wen was critically ill, beyond the help of medicine? But he looks much better now, and his voice is strong. It seems his family has pulled through.”

“Well, joy breathes new life into a person! Old Man Wen has always worried most about his two daughters. Now that they’re settled, of course, he’s in better spirits.”

(End of Chapter)