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Liu Rumeng had long known about Yuan Yingwu rescuing Liu Ruyi from the inner courtyard. Jealousy and resentment boiled within her like a fierce fire, growing stronger by the moment. Now, she could only focus on the order of their departure, determined to seize the opportunity and reclaim the dignity and prestige that belonged to her as the legitimate daughter.
As soon as she finished speaking, Liu Rumeng moved swiftly, stepping ahead of Liu Ruyi and gracefully climbing into the lavish sedan chair that had been prepared for her. The chair was adorned with eight red silk ribbons that fluttered gently in the wind, resembling a bride's festive headdress. The bearers exerted their strength in unison, lifting the chair to move forward steadily. However, just then, an unexpected incident occurred.
Yuan Yingwu had somehow produced a small stone in his hand. With a slight smile, he flicked it with his finger, and it shot through the air like an arrow, whistling towards the lead bearer. Caught off guard, the bearer was struck precisely on the leg by the stone, and a sharp pain coursed through his body. Unable to contain himself, he cried out, "Ouch!" stumbling and crashing heavily to the ground. The sedan chair lost its balance and toppled over, violently throwing Liu Rumeng out.
Liu Rumeng fell to the ground unprepared, her bright red gown becoming soiled with dirt, leaving her in a wretched state. She struggled to get up but grimaced in pain, lying on the ground and crying out repeatedly, "Ouch! I’m going to die from this fall!" Her voice was filled with terror and despair, resembling someone who had suffered a great injustice. The servants standing nearby stifled their laughter; some turned red-faced while others bit their lips, their shoulders trembling slightly. They never expected that this esteemed young lady would end up in such a predicament.
Liu Ruyi stood not far away, witnessing this absurd scene unfold before her. Unable to help herself, she leaned towards Yuan Yingwu and whispered, "You did this, didn’t you?"
Yuan Yingwu turned to look at her, wearing a nonchalant smile that sparkled with mischief in his eyes. "Seeing how much she enjoys being in the spotlight, I thought I’d let her have a big moment."
As he spoke, he gently took Liu Ruyi's hand in his warm and strong grasp, as if conveying endless strength and security. He applied a slight pressure and led her forward at a leisurely pace; each step was calm and unhurried as if that little incident was merely a wisp of smoke in someone else's life that did not affect their stride at all.
When they passed by where Liu Rumeng had fallen, Liu Ruyi paused slightly and turned her body to say softly, "It seems I must go out before my sister!"
Her voice was light yet carried an undeniable resolve that broke through the original tranquility like a spring breeze over a lake. Liu Rumeng stood frozen in place, disbelief and anger filling her eyes. She opened her mouth to retort but found Liu Ruyi already rising gracefully into the sedan chair.
"The eldest young lady is departing!" called out one of the attendants loudly. The sound echoed across Liu Family Courtyard like a final verdict on this sisterly rivalry.
Grinding her teeth in frustration, Liu Rumeng spat out angrily, "This is just the beginning! Who wins or loses is still uncertain!" Her voice brimmed with unwillingness and bitterness; yet she could only struggle back into her sedan chair. With another shout of "The second young lady is departing!" the chair began to move slowly away from Liu Residence.
An hour later, Liu Ruyi’s procession arrived at Duke's Residence. The entrance was already festooned with lanterns and colorful decorations; columns wrapped in red silk stood tall like giant vermilion dragons while two stone lions exuded an imposing majesty under the sunlight. The bride's sedan chair came to a steady stop at the entrance as attendants skillfully lowered the poles and gently lifted the curtain.
Supported by Zhang Yue, Liu Ruyi stepped out of the sedan chair slowly. Dressed in a bright red wedding gown with an ornate phoenix crown atop her head, intricate embroidery shimmered under the sunlight like twinkling stars. She stepped onto the red carpet with each stride steady and dignified as if she were not treading on soft fabric but on her own future happiness and destiny.
"I wonder what life will be like marrying into Duke's Residence? No matter where I go, I must live well!" Liu Ruyi silently thought to herself. The firmness of her tightly pressed lips revealed determination while her eyes sparkled with both anticipation and anxiety for what lay ahead; yet that upward momentum within her remained unyielded. She understood that entering Duke's Residence marked a new chapter filled with opportunities as well as hidden dangers; she refused to be controlled by fate but instead aimed to carve out her own path.
Yuan Yingwu stepped forward to take her hand, guiding her through the grand entrance of Duke's Residence. As soon as they crossed the threshold, they heard the officiant call out loudly: "The bride must touch the red silk for smooth sailing ahead!"
This was a long-standing local custom; upon entering the home, brides were required to lightly touch the red silk hanging from above with their heads as a symbol of wishing for a smooth life free from disasters after marriage. However, unbeknownst to anyone who arranged it, that red silk was hung too high. No matter how much Liu Ruyi tiptoed or jumped in place, she could not reach it.
Standing at the front of the crowd was Sister-in-law Mei Xin, dressed in an exquisite moon-white gown embroidered with golden peonies. The high-quality fabric and intricate embroidery accentuated her regal figure beautifully. Her makeup was flawless; brows like distant mountains shaded in green and eyes sparkling like autumn waters with lips resembling cherry blossoms dipped in rouge. Yet there was an unmistakable sneer dancing in her eyes like a snake ready to strike.
She deliberately raised her voice so it rang clearly at the entrance: "Oh dear! This is unfortunate; that red silk is hung so high! If our bride can’t touch it upon entering, that’s not a good omen—life here will surely be fraught with difficulties." As soon as these words left her mouth, what had been an atmosphere of celebration instantly turned subtly awkward; people began whispering among themselves while their gazes shifted between the red silk and Liu Ruyi.
Mei Xin felt secretly pleased; she understood all too well how significant this red silk incident was. In this world where auspicious signs were highly valued, if a bride failed to touch it upon entry into her new home, she would undoubtedly become a laughingstock among others—her status within Duke's Residence would also take a significant hit. This was her way of welcoming Liu Ruyi as her new sister-in-law—a warning right from the start that life here wouldn’t be easy.
Yuan Yingwu saw through his elder sister-in-law’s intentions clearly; he squinted slightly while a faint smirk appeared on his lips. As Duke's Residence's second son who had grown up amidst military training honing his courage and strategy skills since childhood—how could he not recognize such schemes? He smiled calmly with confidence and dominance before stepping forward boldly: "No worries! She will definitely touch it."
As soon as he finished speaking, he moved swiftly aside and wrapped his arms securely around Liu Ruyi’s waist. Startled by this sudden action, she gasped lightly—surprised and flustered all at once. Her cheeks flushed instantly while jewels atop her phoenix crown swayed gently along with movement. Yet soon enough she felt Yuan Yingwu’s steady strength emanating from his arms—a force that seemed magically calming down her racing heart.
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