Chapter 164 - 164: Substitute Bride
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“It’s convenient. Small items like handkerchiefs can be put in the bag. Tying them to the waist would be inconvenient if they get lost.”
“Could you make one for me and the old man later?”
“Sure, I’ll make one for both of you when I return.”
Everyone got ready, and the group of people from the entourage boarded the carriage heading for the Wang family mansion.
After about fifteen minutes, they arrived at the Minister’s residence. The main gate was wide open, and the red carpet had been laid out.
The old couple got off the carriage, stood in place, and waited for Qiao Mai. Qiao Mai brought her children and approached them.
“Grandfather, Grandmother.”
“Follow us, and don’t be nervous. We’ve got everything under control.” “Could you look after my children for a moment? I want to check on Ru’er.”
“Sure, let’s meet up later.”
The group entered the hall, where everything for the wedding, including decorations and congratulatory signs, had been arranged. The Wang family members were all in the living room, and a round table in the dining room was filled with snacks.
Upon their arrival, the people from the Wang family, including Wang
Zongsheng, his wife, and Zi Han, quickly came over and paid their respects.
Others also exchanged greetings and took their seats. They noticed Qiao Mai and her children.
“Who is this?”
Madam Pang immediately stood up and said, “Ruler’s foster sister, my god-granddaughter!”
Accompanied by her children, Qiao Mai paid her respects to everyone and stood behind the old lady. Before coming here, she had briefed Yue Hong, Yue Xia, and the children.
“Grandmother, I’d like to check on my sister.”
“Go ahead. I’ll watch over the children for you.”
Madam Wang looked at a maid by her side. “Lead the way for her.”
The little maid was disciplined, with her hands clasped in front of her abdomen
and her head slightly bowed as she led the way.
Qiao Mai followed her without a word, scanning her surroundings.
After walking for about fifteen minutes, they arrived. It was evident that the Minister’s residence was quite spacious. Upon entering the courtyard, they saw a sea of red decorations.
Red lanterns, red carpets, and red silk tied around pillars – create a cheerful and festive atmosphere.
Inside the house, the bride had changed into her wedding dress and covered her head with a veil. Many maids and servants surrounded her.
When she noticed Qiao Mai’s entrance, she was momentarily stunned. Only two of her personal maids recognized Qiao Mai.
“She’s the bride’s foster sister. Madam Qiao, greetings!”
“Very well, but why are you wearing the veil so early? I haven’t even had a chance to see my sister’s bridal appearance.”
“According to royal customs, the bride covers her face at this time.” One of the maids explained to her, and Qiao Mai nodded in understanding. She approached Ru’er, saying, “Sister, I am here to see you!”
Rul er would have stood up, but she didn’t move. She seemed quite abnormal. Qiao Mai noticed Ru’er was clenching her hands tightly, showing signs of nervousness.
“Ru’er, can’t you speak?”
“The bride can’t speak until the groom unveils her.”
Qiao Mai walked around the bride once, comparing her height and build. The bride was taller and heavier than Rul er. Moreover, her hands were far from Rul er’s delicate and slender ones.
Qiao Mai squinted, suspecting the Wang family was attempting to pull off a swap.
She immediately grabbed the maid who had accompanied her and whispered a few words into her ear. The maid quietly left the room and hurried toward the main hall.
In no time, Wang Zongsheng, his wife, and other family members rushed in. Their faces looked grim, realizing they had to confront the Wang family about this issue.
As they left the hall, many sharp-eyed guests followed to witness the commotion.
Since they entered the girl’s courtyard, most of the onlookers were women of high status, some of whom had bought hair accessories and dresses from Qiao Mai.
Qiao Mai remained by the bride’s side, not moving. Seeing that the people had come, Madam Wang and Old Mistress Wang focused on the bride.
“Girl, are you sure there’s no mistake?”
Qiao Mai showed them through her actions. She reached out and swiftly lifted
the bride’s veil.
When Madam Wang saw the bride in a red outfit, her eyes widened in disbelief.
She asked loudly, “How can it be you?”
Everyone was stunned. The bride turned pale, unsure of what to do. Furious, Madam Wang slapped her, knocking the headdress off her head.
A servant hurriedly squeezed through the crowd to relay the message. The women who had learned the truth were all shaking their heads in disapproval. “Oh, what a switcheroo! The Minister can really pull off something like this?”
The bride, who was actually the granddaughter of Minister Wang, knelt in fear.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. It was my idea. I admired the prince. This has nothing to do with my grandfather or father.”
“Nothing to do?”
Wang Zongsheng snorted. “I had so many people protect Rul er. If they hadn’t provided cover for you, would you be able to sit here?”
Qiao Mai spoke, “Where is my sister?”
The Wang family had been too mad to think clearly and had forgotten this crucial matter. Upon hearing Qiao Mai’s question, they stared at the bride intensely.
The girl bit her lip and remained silent. Seeing her reluctance, Qiao Mai took a fruit knife and pointed it at her face.
“If you don’t tell me where my sister is, I’ll leave you with a mark today!”
“Please, no. I’ll talk. She’s under her bed in her room.”
Qiao Mai glared at her, then went to the bedroom and found Rul er unconscious.
Madam Wang and Old Mistress Wang followed closely, their hearts nearly stopping at the sight of Ruler in such a state, fearing the worst.
Qiao Mai examined her and found no injuries. She might have been drugged and passed out.
They brought a basin of cold water and splashed it on her face while Madam Wang and the old lady called out to her.
At this moment, she was still in a daze. Ru’er thought she was in a dream.
“All of you, why are you in my dream? I’m so tired. I want to go back to sleep.
Please stop bothering me.”
“Ru’er, wake up. Today is your wedding day!”
“Wedding?”
Jiaru immediately sobered up and touched her head, being helped to her feet by her maids. She took tentative steps toward the living room.
Seeing a room full of people and then noticing a woman dressed as a bride, she became even more awake.
She pointed her finger, “It’s her! She got my maids away from me. She deceived me into the bedroom and drugged me!”
Without the need for her accusations, the women present had a clear idea of
what happened.
At that moment, Minister Wang and his wife entered the room along with their children. They looked at the bride in her red attire and then at Ruler.
“What in the world is happening?”
Madam Wang rushed over to them, regardless of whether they were older or held higher positions, and shouted.
“Is this your granddaughter? Is this the reason you insisted on having Rul er leave from your mansion? So you could play such tricks?”
“No, we didn’t do it. Don’t get angry right away. It’s not too late to address the issue later after the wedding. Right?”
“Yes, if something really happened, who would my daughter cry to? You’ve benefited from our family’s prestige, gained higher positions, and received money yearly. Now, you even want my daughter’s marriage. You have truly outdone yourself!”
Old Master Wang, whose beard had bristled with anger, was similarly furious. He snorted, “Elder brother, you’ve gone too far this time.”
“Third brother, it wasn’t us. It was this child who had an infatuation with the prince and did something foolish. Luckily, we still have a chance to rectify it. The prince is coming to take his bride soon. Let’s not make a scene now.. We can deal with the rest after the wedding, alright?”
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