At the third quarter of the Rabbit hour (around 6:45 a.m.), the morning mist in the Capital had yet to disperse, but the deafening sound of drums and gongs already echoed before the Lu Mansion. Lu Jingyuan rode a tall steed, its black mane tied with red silk ribbons and gilded lanterns hanging from both sides of the saddle. The four characters "Lu and Marquis Union" on the lanterns were gilded by the morning light. He touched the jade pendant at his waist—it was adorned with a tassel that Jiang Wan had woven by hand the previous night, and his fingertips still retained the warmth of her palm.
"Heir Lu, the auspicious time has arrived," the Steward’s voice interrupted his thoughts. Lu Jingyuan nodded. Behind him, twenty palanquins of betrothal gifts were displayed in sequence; the lead wooden chest contained the Grand Madam’s "Twin Lotus Painting," with the corner tied with a Peace Talisman embroidered by Jiang Wan. The procession stretched for half a mile. Passersby stopped to watch, and children chased after the servants tossing wedding candies, their laughter shattering the stillness of the winter morning.
The red lanterns at the second gate of the Marquis's Mansion had been replaced with double-layered "Double Happiness" lanterns the night before. The Old Madame stood under the eaves, leaning on her cane, watching the Lu Mansion's betrothal procession flow toward them like a long red dragon. She suddenly wiped the corners of her eyes and whispered, "I have waited ten yea…
Chapter 229