It was winter, so her makeup wouldn’t easily smudge. If it were summer, a bride would only need to break a sweat for her makeup to run completely. The moment her veil was lifted, revealing a smeared, messy face, it would be a wonder if the groom didn’t faint from the shock.

Xu Su Ying had long wanted to do her daughter’s makeup, but her daughter had only ever allowed her to practice on her. Even after a perfect application, she would quickly wipe it off, worried that outsiders might see it and cause unnecessary trouble.

But today, her daughter wasn’t worried about attracting trouble. Today was Qing’er’s big day, and she deserved to be the most beautiful bride.

Xu Su Ying’s abilities were brilliantly showcased on her daughter’s face.

Now, sitting on the bed dressed in red, Chen Wanqing was utterly radiant. Her face was as exquisite as a lotus blossom, and a light seemed to dance in her bright eyes. Her every expression, be it a frown or a smile, was vivid, dazzling, and breathtakingly beautiful.

It wasn’t just men; even women who saw her found themselves rooted to the spot.

Mrs. Ying was just thinking, ’With a bride of such beauty and a groom of equally noble features, the child they have will probably be as beautiful as a celestial pageboy.’

Before she could even finish the thought, more guests arrived at the door.

The crowd all rushed to see the bride, and the west room was soon packed with people.

As the room buzzed with noise and excitement, Chen Wanqing watched the scene unfold, feeling a bit lost in a daze.

’Am I really getting married?’

The sound of firecrackers erupted outside, and someone seemed to be shouting, "The groom is here! He’s here to escort the bride!"

"What a handsome groom! He must be an immortal reincarnated from the heavens."

"He’s talented and she’s beautiful—a perfect match for Wanqing."

"What a fine son-in-law they’ve found! Now this is a match made in heaven."

Just then, Chen Lin was shoved forward by Mrs. Li.

They had arrived a step too late and found themselves blocked outside by the groom’s procession.

When the members of the Zhao family saw the couple, they couldn’t even be bothered to acknowledge them. Even one of the groom’s aunts, who had come with the procession and should have at least offered some pleasantries, didn’t say a word.

The crowd entered the Chen family’s home in a boisterous procession. Chen Lin and Mrs. Li, however, waited until everyone was inside before slinking in like thieves to find Chen Dachang and the old matriarch.

Mrs. Li grumbled, "A match made in heaven, my ass. Just wait until Zhao Jing fails to pass his exams. Then we’ll see the looks on their faces."

Chen Lin hissed, "Shut your foul mouth. This isn’t the time for that kind of talk."

The old matriarch looked from side to side. "Where’s Yue’er?"

"What would she be doing here? She’s at home. Bringing her here would just give people more to talk about."

"Well then, when the food is served, put a generous portion aside and take it home to her while it’s still hot."

Mrs. Li curled her lip, thinking, ’Why don’t you take it yourself?’

But the old matriarch was an elder, after all, and no one would side with her if she talked back. So, she kept her mouth shut.

’The main branch hired a famous chef from all the surrounding villages for today,’ she thought. ’And they’re serving all the best dishes. If I take food home for Yue’er now, I won’t get to eat anything hot myself. By the time I get back, the plates will probably be picked clean. I’d better just wait until I’ve had my fill and the banquet is over before I go home.’

’It’s a shame I didn’t have my son take leave from his studies to come home for the feast,’ she mused.

’But then again,’ she reconsidered, ’Li’an’s loyalties are all mixed up. He’s already siding with them over his own family. If he were home today, he’d just be running around helping them, wouldn’t he?’

’My son’s studies are the most important thing. How could I let him be delayed by a trivial matter like Chen Wanqing’s wedding?’

Mrs. Li’s mind was racing, but her eyes weren’t idle. She scanned the courtyard full of guests, and when she overheard that constables from the county government would also be arriving, she couldn’t help but wonder just how much gift money the main branch would rake in today.

The more she calculated, the more sour she felt, and the more she couldn’t help but resent Chen Lin for his lack of ambition.

’If only he could also become a county deputy,’ she fumed internally. ’The gifts from marrying off just one daughter would be more than enough to afford the betrothal gifts for two new daughters-in-law!’

’Unfortunately, all of this belongs to the main branch. It has nothing to do with us!’

...

Chen De’an stood at the door with his younger brother, Yao’an, and several cousins from the Chen family, ready to block the way.

When a girl from the family gets married, it’s tradition for her brothers and cousins to give the groom a hard time. It’s a custom known as "good things must withstand trials," and it also serves as a playful show of force to ensure the groom will cherish his new wife.

However, Chen De’an had grown up with Zhao Jing and knew exactly what he was capable of.

’So, how were they supposed to challenge him?’

’In a battle of wits, none of them were a match for Jing. As for a physical fight, they probably wouldn’t fare any better.’

’What about a test of strength, then?’

A test of strength it was.

A table was set up on the spot, and Chen De’an pointed to one of his cousins, telling him to arm wrestle Zhao Jing.

He was worried they wouldn’t win, but also worried his cousin might be too strong and injure Zhao Jing’s hand. He hovered nervously to the side, reminding him, "Easy there, cousin. That’s the hand he uses for writing essays to become a Scholar. You can’t injure it."

Then he added, "But don’t throw the match, either! Let him know my sister isn’t someone you can marry so easily."

The crowd of onlookers erupted in laughter.

Even the cousin, who had rolled up his sleeves to reveal a brawny arm, couldn’t help but retort, "I’m not so sure I can manage that fine a balance. If you think you can do it, why don’t you step up?"

Chen De’an immediately waved his hands in refusal. "I’d be even worse! You do it, cousin, you do it. I’ll stop being a backseat driver."

The crowd roared with laughter again.