Blissful Days After Widowhood - Chapter 492

Upon recognizing Wu Qingyi, the smile on Gu Yin’s lips deepened. She glanced at Gu Ye, still peacefully asleep like a piglet, and whispered, “Why are you here? Did something happen in our home?”

Turning around to open the door, Wu Qingyi gently took her hand at the window wall, shaking his head and whispering, “No, you’ll wake up Xiao Ye. Nothing happened at home; it’s just that… I miss you a little.”

Though they hadn’t spent much time alone in the past, being in each other’s presence had become a daily habit. Now, separated by a wall, Gu Yin and Gu Ye occasionally felt a sense of loneliness.

In Duke Ying’s Mansion, with only four people left without them, something seemed amiss. Even Mrs. Wang, usually fond of chatting during meals, became more reserved, counting the days until the marriage with thoughtful fingers. Wu’an, too, pretended to encounter a challenging homework problem at night.

“It’s so tough, incredibly tough. Why is today’s homework so difficult?” Wu’an frowned, heading towards the door. Muttering to himself, he added, “Maybe Xiao Ye knows. If not, I’ll have to discuss it with him.”

Even the elderly members of the Wen family acknowledged Wu’an’s exceptional intelligence, considering him a rare prodigy in the realm of academics. Given that he began studying much earlier than Gu Ye, it was only logical that if Wu’an struggled with homework, Gu Ye would likely face similar challenges.

Eventually, Mrs. Wang intervened, grabbing Wu’an by the back of his neck and guiding him back to his desk. Wu’an, with an awkward smile, said, “Ah, Mother, it really broadened my mind. I can do it now, haha.”

Wu Qingyi then shared the amusing incident with Gu Yin, who covered her mouth and laughed. After the laughter subsided, she turned to Wu Qingyi, teasing, “So, only Mother and Wu’an miss me? No one else?”

Wu Qingyi cleared his throat and clenched his fist, admitting, “And our father…”

He caught himself mid-sentence, realizing it might not be appropriate to mention the father-in-law. With a cough, he continued, “Okay, of course, there’s me.”

If he didn’t want her, how could such a formidable general sneak to the next door in the middle of the night?

It had been a while since he had been there, evident from the ends of his hair and the hem of his clothes being soaked with dew. Gu Yin took his large palm in her hand, saying, “I’ll go back in three days.”

Wu Qingyi squeezed her fingertips, nodding in acknowledgment. His dark eyes resembled obsidian, emitting a soft glow of emotion. The two silently locked eyes for a moment, and Gu Yin smiled, saying, “Alright, go back. I need to go to bed early. If I don’t rest, I’ll have to use makeup.”

Wu Qingyi nodded reluctantly, releasing her hand. After taking a few steps, he hesitated, turned around, and hurried back, seeking confirmation, “We are about to get married. You have no regrets or hesitation, right?”

Gu Yin chuckled, “Why are you still asking such a question?” She continued more seriously, “From the day I accepted your proposal until now, I’ve never had any regrets or hesitations. I know very well that I want to marry you and spend the rest of my life with you. But why do you feel uneasy? What did I do wrong?”

Before Gu Yin could ponder further, Wu Qingyi smiled and quickly responded, “It’s not you; it’s me. I think too much. These days, I’ve been feeling like it’s unreal, fearing that one day I’ll wake up and realize it’s just a dream.”

Gu Yin pretended to raise her hand to playfully hit him, but Wu Qingyi instinctively evaded it. Seeing him take a half step back, Gu Yin promptly closed the window lattice without mercy.

“Go to bed earlier, you overthinking groom!” She teased.

Wu Qingyi’s muffled laughter echoed from outside the window, and then both retired to rest. As Gu Yin lay back on the bed, Gu Ye, still on the couch, twitched his eyelids, and a small gap opened.

Well, for the sake of the future sister’s face, I’ll spare my uncle this time!

 …… 

At dawn, Mrs. Wang enlisted help to assist Gu Yin in putting on makeup and changing into her wedding attire.

Following the marriage customs, there was an additional step before makeup and dressing – inviting a “blessed person” to comb the bride’s hair. The blessed person was typically a woman with living parents, a husband, and children, symbolizing a family blessed with longevity and prosperity.

Finding a suitable blessed person was a challenging task, especially considering the specific criteria required. Mrs. Wang had inquired extensively and learned about Mrs. Hou, who seemed to meet the requirements. Mrs. Hou had both children, and they were successful – a promising son and a daughter who was married to a good family and had children . However, Mrs. Hou, being over fifty years old, was considered elderly in that era and couldn’t participate in the ceremony due to physical limitations.

Despite the initial setback, Gu Yin later discovered that Mrs. Wang had gone to great lengths to find someone for the combing ceremony, causing her distress. Understanding the effort involved, Gu Yin insisted that Mrs. Wang need not go through such trouble, and the task could be eventually handled by Mrs. Wang herself.

Who was more eager than Mrs. Wang to see her get married?

Moreover, Mrs. Wang was a distinguished lady of the country, leading a harmonious married life with children and grandchildren. She treated Gu Yin like a mother. Who could argue that she was not blessed?

Upon reflection, Mrs. Wang still found it hard to believe because she held Gu Yin in such high regard that she felt unworthy.

However, Gu Yin’s words sparked a new idea for Mrs. Wang. She asked Gu Ye to deliver a message to the Empress Dowager, inviting her to be the honored guest.

The Empress Dowager’s parents and husband lived well into their sixties, considered a remarkable longevity in that era. Beyond that, who could compare to her accomplishment of raising a new Emperor who changed the dynasty?

The Empress Dowager gladly accepted the invitation, and they had already moved into Prince Lie’s Mansion the day before.

Seated in front of the dressing table, Gu Yin received assistance from the Empress Dowager and Empress Zhou.

“First comb for everlasting love. Second comb for love and respect till old age. Third comb to wish for many children and grandchildren,” recited the Empress Dowager as she combed Gu Yin’s hair. She smiled and combed it once more, as the task of styling the bride’s hair was handled by a hairdressing lady.

After the hair-combing ceremony, it was time for makeup, which was no less elaborate than the usual routine. Bridal makeup was intricate, starting with the hair. Initially engaged in conversation with everyone, Gu Yin eventually succumbed to fatigue and, perhaps due to the promptness of Mrs. Wang’s invitees, fell asleep, leaning on Mrs. Wang’s shoulder.