Blissful Days After Widowhood - Chapter 494

After the ceremony, Gu Yin was escorted back to the new house.

The matron of honor spoke auspicious words, wishing for the early arrival of a precious son. She handed over the weighing pole and requested Wu Qingyi to lift the veil.

As the veil fell, Gu Yin’s vision was finally unblocked. With a smile on her face, she raised her head. The man in front of her wore a wedding gown with a pattern similar to hers. Unlike his usual bang that covered the red scar on his face, his black hair was now tied up with a golden crown. His face was fully revealed, and the scar on his thumb glowed warmly in the candlelight, devoid of any ominous aura.

As she gazed at Wu Qingyi, he found it hard to avert his eyes.

He had always known Gu Yin was beautiful, but he didn’t anticipate that in the bridal attire, she would appear incredibly beautiful—charming, slender, radiant, with a touch of fiery red flower between her eyebrows. She was utterly breathtaking.

Wu Qingyi parted his lips, ready to say something, when the guests outside the bridal chamber erupted in cheers.

While it was a current custom to make noise, Gu Yin and Wu Qingyi had intended to invite only those who were close and respectful. However, everyone playfully made noise outside, urging the groom to step out and join in the revelry. In fact, some even managed to break in to catch a glimpse of the bride.

The most boisterous among them were Wu Qingyi’s colleagues and subordinates from the army, many of whom were still bachelors. Having held a particular fondness for Wu Qingyi earlier, they were not about to let this wedding pass without a lively celebration. It had been agreed upon long ago that they would not stop.

“These loudmouths!” Wu Qingyi scolded, helpless laughter in his voice. He then turned to Gu Yin and said softly, “I’ll go entertain the guests. You can remove the bead crown yourself and take a breath.”

Turning around, he instructed Song Shiliu to arrange for a table of wine and food.

Song Shiliu assured him, “Don’t worry, General. The old lady has already informed this servant.” As Wu Qingyi left, the laughter immediately subsided.

He ushered everyone away, and the new house suddenly fell into silence.

Song Shiliu assisted Gu Yin in settling in front of the dressing table and gently removed the bead crown. Accustomed to rough hands and feet, Shiliu handled the delicate work with care. She skillfully disassembled the bead crown, maintaining the integrity of the bun underneath without causing any harm to Gu Yin.

Gu Yin overheard her mentioning that it was Mrs. Wang who had trained her in such practices.

Later, Song Shiliu went to the kitchen to request a light-flavored noodle dish, knowing it was a preference of Gu Yin’s.

During the evening banquet, Wu Qingyi became occupied, but Gu Ye and Wu’an found moments to visit her, ensuring she had eaten and drunk enough before returning to the main hall.

After Gu Yin finished her meal, Song Shiliu attended to her for bathing and changing clothes.

Contemplating the wedding dress on her body, Gu Yin briefly considered changing it. However, realizing it was her only grand wedding, she decided to retain a sense of ceremony.

Despite the warm weather, she had spent the morning in a sedan chair when the temperature was cooler and had mostly stayed in the new house since. An ice basin in the corner and maids with fans kept her comfortable.

After a busy day, Song Shiliu and the maids were given the chance to rest. Gu Yin picked up a book and leisurely read while leaning against the bed.

As the moon reached its zenith, the banquet for the female guests dispersed first. Mrs. Wang, finally free, came over to check on Gu Yin.

Observing that everything was well with Gu Yin, Mrs. Wang didn’t immediately leave. Instead, she retrieved a rolled-up booklet from her sleeve and placed it in Gu Yin’s hands.

Gu Yin understood what she was doing when she saw the topless little man on the cover of the book. Her ears turned red, and with a quick glance, she immediately pressed her head under the quilt.

“I know you’ve always been smart and knowledgeable, but in this matter…” Mrs. Wang touched her flushed face. “Anyway, it won’t hurt for you to take a look.”

Gu Yin responded with a soft, “Um.”

Outside the new house at the back, there were slightly messy footsteps, and Wu Qingyi was surrounded by a group of people.

Mrs. Wang was about to go out. Before leaving, she hesitated, but she still said, “He has taken several days off!”

Upon hearing that, Gu Yin didn’t react for a moment.

“Come on, let’s drink! I dare anyone to admit they wouldn’t today?!” Wu Qingyi muttered loudly and incoherently.

The people behind him fell silent, their conversation giving way to foolish laughter as they walked unsteadily.

Later, someone tripped, causing the group of people to fall to the ground.

A servant assisted his master, and upon hearing his words, he remarked, “General, is everyone okay? They’re all drunk!”

After speaking, the master and servant reached the door of the new house.

The followers stumbled, attempting to climb back up, but remained on the ground. They lay on the porch or pillars, finding a comfortable spot to sleep soundly.

Wu Qingyi instructed the servant to carry them all into the guest rooms, then clumsily opened the door.

Gu Yin had already risen to greet him, ready to offer assistance.

However, Wu Qingyi subtly winked at her.

He was pretending to be drunk. 

Gu Yin pursed her lips, pretending not to know, and helped him inside. She then went to the door, instructing the servants to carefully attend to the guests, and closed the door.

After the silence settled, Wu Qingyi, leaning on the slatted bed by the window, stood up. He picked up the cold water on the table, rinsed his mouth, and said helplessly, “Those people were really determined to make me drink. If I didn’t pretend to be drunk, I’m afraid I wouldn’t have made it to our room tonight.”

Gu Yin took a seat on the other side and inquired, “I didn’t know you were such a proficient drinker. I think those people outside will be sleeping for a day or two.” As she spoke, Wu Qingyi’s face became even more cheerful. “I’m not bad at drinking, but I’m not at their level. One person shouldn’t be able to consume so much. I asked the Master for an anti-drinking remedy to sober up in advance. And our Xiao Ye…”

Gu Ye didn’t play the role of Prince Lie but acted as Wu Qingyi’s aide, assisting with fetching the jug and pouring the wine. Being young, no one suspected him of deceit. However, the jug in his hand had been swapped several times, and no one knew how much plain water had been added.