Chapter 1: Insulted on the Wedding Day
"The bridal sedan chair descends—"
"The coffin rises—"
Jiang Lingzhi’s bright red bridal sedan chair came to a halt outside the State Duke Xiao's Estate, yielding the path to a funeral procession carrying a coffin.
Crimson silks flickered like fire, and white mourning banners filled the sky.
She lifted the curtain and looked at the primitive black coffin passing beside her. Inside lay Xiao Jingyi, the War God General of Dayong. Throughout his life, he had achieved brilliant military exploits and guarded the borders of the nation, but it was a pity that his life was cut short.
Although the eldest branch of the Xiao family had humiliated her by holding a wedding and a funeral on the same day, she was willing to yield the path to such a hero.
Yet, she had not expected that this wait would last until nightfall.
A bridal nanny yanked the curtain open and urged impatiently, "Get out of the chair."
Jiang Lingzhi sat still and asked softly, "Where is Xiao Yan? Is he not coming out to welcome me?"
When she was in the countryside, she had seen the village head’s son get married. The groom would lift the curtain, place the red silk in the bride's hand, and lead her inside. Even if the funeral took precedence today and there was no formal ceremony, a welcome should still be possible, right?
"Pah! Do you really think you’ve flown up the branch to become a phoenix? You still want our First Young Master to come and pick you up?" The nanny sneered with contempt. "You bumpkin, don't you know in your heart how you snatched this engagement from Miss Lingyuan?"
Jiang Lingzhi replied calmly, "The person engaged to Xiao Yan was always me."
This marriage had been arranged by the State Duke and her grandfather when they were young, set in black and white—a contract stating that the eldest grandson of the Xiao family and the eldest granddaughter of the Jiang family were to be wed. She was the legitimate daughter of the first wife, while the Jiang Lingyuan the nanny spoke of was a niece adopted by her stepmother from within the clan. She did not like this grabbing of hers.
Seeing the nanny had nothing more to say, she lifted the red veil herself and stepped out of the sedan chair.
"Oh, how can a bride lift her own veil..." The bridal nanny followed behind, anxious and furious. How unlucky!
However, the moment she thought of the scene about to unfold, her eyes darted around, and she hurriedly stepped forward with flattery. "Oh my, is the bride in such a hurry to enter the bridal chamber? Come, come, let me show you the way."
The white silks and banners within the State Duke Xiao's Estate had not yet been taken down. Everywhere, servants were dressed in hemp and sackcloth, and mourners were arriving. Jiang Lingzhi’s appearance in a bright red wedding dress seemed incredibly bizarre.
But she had no interest in what others thought and followed the nanny into Xiao Yan’s courtyard.
Just as she was about to push open the door, she heard voices from within:
"Yu'er, come up here~"
"First Young Master, be gentle... ah~"
The woman let out a few tender whimpers before sobbing, "No, after today, I should be calling you brother-in-law..."
"Call me husband!" the man’s voice was extremely overbearing. "Yu'er, my heart belongs only to you. In a few days, I will bring you into the house, and then I will make that slut Jiang Lingzhi kneel and serve you foot-washing water!"
"Husband, thank you for cherishing Yu'er so..."
Jiang Lingzhi stopped in her tracks, looking coldly at the two figures entangled behind the half-closed door.
She had sat in the bridal sedan chair for an entire day, thinking Xiao Yan was busy with the funeral rites. She never imagined he was busy in the bridal chamber, committing adultery with her stepsister, Jiang Lingyuan.
No wonder there wasn't a soul in this courtyard. It was likely this pair of scoundrels had planned it all, intending to trample her face into the mud on such a joyous day.
Jiang Lingzhi almost immediately wanted to kick the door open and curse them for being lewd and shameless. If they didn't want to marry her, they could have fought the engagement and brought their beloved woman into the house. Why marry her just to humiliate her?
A cold smile played on her lips. So, they liked to sneak around, did they?
She would not let this despicable pair have their way!
There were guests everywhere in the Duke's estate today; she would let everyone see exactly what was happening.
She fished a fire-starter from her sleeve, lit her red veil, and tossed it at the door. Thick smoke began to billow.
...
The servants in the estate saw the smoke and immediately cried out, "Fire! The bridal courtyard is on fire... everyone, hurry and put it out!"
The guests in the courtyard fell into chaos. Some took the opportunity to leave, while others, driven by curiosity, rushed over to watch. In an instant, the courtyard was packed.
The commotion finally startled the two on the bed.
Jiang Lingyuan was terrified and stopped immediately. "Husband, no, it's bad, it sounds like people are coming..."
Xiao Yan had been on the verge of losing his mind with pleasure and was furious at being interrupted. "Don't worry about them..."
At the same time, the eldest master, Xiao Jingping, and his wife, Lady Lu, rushed over in a panic.
It was only a small fire, already extinguished, but Lady Lu saw the blackened door and, in her excitement, led the servants to barge inside regardless. "Yan’er! Mother is here to save you!"
With a *bang*, the head nanny kicked the door open.
Lady Lu looked up, saw the lewd scene inside, and froze instantly. When she finally reacted, she let out a piercing scream. "Ahhhhhhh!"
The State Duke’s son-in-law had thought something serious happened and rushed over, followed by the crowd of guests and servants.
Thus, everyone saw Xiao Yan, who had just sat up, and the disheveled woman hiding behind him.
Someone with sharp eyes recognized her. "Isn't that the Second Miss of the Jiang family, Jiang Lingyuan?"
The words were like a thunderbolt striking the ground. The crowd’s expressions turned complex as they whispered.
"How is it that the sister is getting married, and the younger sister is the one entering the bridal chamber?"
"Need you ask? Fornication without a matchmaker—the Second Miss Jiang is clearly shameless! She usually looks so demure, who would have thought she was such a slut!"
"And there’s a funeral going on outside! They dared to lure a man into her brother-in-law's bed!"
Jiang Lingyuan was flushed with shame, unable to lift her head, clutching the quilt to cover her face. She had clearly arranged everything—it was supposed to be Jiang Lingzhi who came in!
Xiao Jingping was so angry his face turned livid. He stepped forward and slapped Xiao Yan across the face, roaring, "You bastard! Don't you see what day it is? How can you be so absurd!"
Lady Lu hurriedly turned to arrange for the servants to see the guests out, then closed the door and rushed over, shielding Xiao Yan behind her like a hen protecting her chicks, complaining indignantly, "Master, things are already like this, what’s the use of hitting him?" She then turned to point at Jiang Lingyuan under the quilt. "The daughters of your Jiang family really have excellent manners!"
Xiao Yan grumbled, "Mother, don't say that. Lingyuan and I are in love, and she is already carrying my child. Be nicer to her."
Once these words were spoken, Xiao Jingping and Lady Lu fell silent.
Xiao Jingping was the eldest legitimate son of the State Duke. Now over forty, he had only Xiao Yan as his sole heir. The State Duke had been delaying the official conferment of the Heir title, partly out of consideration for the lineage. Xiao Yan and Jiang Lingyuan had seized upon this point, which was why they were so unscrupulous.
Lady Lu’s expression turned complex. She was happy, yet felt it wasn't the right time for happiness. Finally, she chided, "You... if you wanted children, you should have followed the rules! Your new bride is entering the house today..."
It was Xiao Jingping who finally sensed something was wrong. He looked around and said coldly, "Xiao Yan, where is your bride?"
"Her?" Xiao Yan couldn't care less. "I don't know. She never entered the house..."
Lady Lu immediately ordered Mammy Wang, "Hurry and find her!"
"Yes!"
***
Chapter 2: Changing Grooms in the Mourning Hall
When Jiang Lingzhi was found, she was kneeling in the mourning hall in hemp and sackcloth, holding Xiao Jingyi’s spirit tablet in her arms.
"What is the meaning of this!" Lady Lu shrieked again upon seeing this. "Today is your wedding day with Yan’er, and you’re here wearing mourning clothes and cursing him? And holding your uncle-in-law’s tablet? Why are the women of the Jiang family so ill-bred?"
"Heh," Jiang Lingzhi sneered, glaring at Lady Lu without backing down. "Who said it was Xiao Yan’s wedding? The one who came to welcome me today was General Xiao’s coffin, so I am his wife!"
The crowd’s expressions stiffened. Could Jiang Lingzhi have been driven mad by anger?
One had to know that the title of the Duke's estate was hereditary. No matter how much of a scoundrel Xiao Yan was, he was the eldest grandson and would eventually inherit the title; Jiang Lingzhi would then be the noble Duchess! Getting rid of a woman who had climbed into his bed would be easy. Yet, to settle a momentary grudge, she was actually choosing to switch grooms and marry Xiao Jingyi?
Even if Xiao Jingyi was a legendary hero, he was dead! Dead meant everything was nothing!
Lady Lu’s mouth twitched, her hand pointing at this "crazy woman" trembling constantly. A lunatic! Truly a lunatic!
Jiang Lingzhi didn't care what they thought. She held the tablet calmly, looking determined.
The State Duke had four sons and two daughters. There were other cousins suitable for a marriage swap, but Jiang Lingzhi felt that whoever she chose to marry, the person wouldn't be comfortable, so a dead man was the most appropriate choice. To be the widow of Xiao Jingyi—with wealth, power, and status—wasn't that far better than getting tangled up with that pair of scoundrels?
Moreover, Xiao Jingyi had a high seniority. By marrying him, she would be able to suppress Xiao Yan in the future and vent her anger!
Old Madame Xiao arrived at this moment. She was the second wife of the State Duke and the eldest sister of the current Emperor, holding the title of Princess Rongan. Having seen all kinds of women in her life, she looked at Jiang Lingzhi with some surprise. This girl was interesting. Having been raised in the countryside for so many years, she had developed such a stubborn and spirited character, which made one feel a touch of pity and admiration.
She advised gently, "Child, you are young and impetuous. Don't act out of anger; the life of a widow is not easy to endure."
At this point, Jiang Lingzhi had become even calmer. She said unhurriedly, "Old Madame, I am not speaking out of anger. No matter how hard the days ahead are, they will not be harder than marrying Xiao Yan! I have heard that the General never took a wife. I am willing to adopt heirs for him so that he will have incense and offerings after his death. I only ask that the Old Madame grant this."
The mourning hall was silent.
After a long while, Old Madame Xiao narrowed her eyes, the warmth on her face fading slightly. "If you are determined to switch grooms and marry Jingyi today, then I will say the ugly words first."
Jiang Lingzhi held her head high. "Please instruct me, Old Madame."
"Once you become Jingyi's widow, you must remain chaste for him for the rest of your life. If you harbor any unseemly thoughts, I will have you buried with my son!"
Jiang Lingzhi believed the Old Madame meant what she said, but she nodded without hesitation. "Naturally."
"If you regret this in the future, our Duke's estate will not give you a letter of divorce. From now on, you are a member of the Xiao family in life and a ghost of the Xiao family in death."
"I agree!"
Old Madame Xiao’s eyes turned red. "Good. I shall decide this marriage—it is settled!"
She stood up, leaning on her dragon-headed cane. "Then, here in this mourning hall, perform the rites with Jingyi and become husband and wife!"
"Yes."
"First bow to heaven and earth!"
"Second bow to the ancestral hall!"
"Husband and wife bow to each other!"
"The ceremony is complete—"
Holding the tablet, Jiang Lingzhi finished the bows, her frantically beating heart finally settling down. She knew she had been bold today, but she did not regret it! Her mother had risked her life to give birth to her, so no matter what, she would live her life with dignity and let her mother’s spirit rest in peace.
Old Madame Xiao looked around and said solemnly, "Listen well: from this day forward, Jiang Lingzhi is the Fourth Mistress of our Duke's estate!"
"Yes." The crowd responded, their thoughts drifting in different directions.
Just as Jiang Lingzhi was about to stand up with the tablet, a loud shout came from the courtyard: "The Fourth Master... the Fourth Master has returned..."
"What?"
Everyone in the mourning hall was stunned!
What did it mean that the Fourth Master had returned? He had been buried that very day—was this a corpse rising, or was it a ghost?
In the blink of an eye, the caller rushed into the hall. It was Di Hong, Xiao Jingyi’s most trusted personal attendant.
Di Hong fell to his knees before the Old Madame, so excited he could barely speak coherently. "Old Madame, the Fourth Master, the Fourth Master is not dead! He, he is back!"
"Is that true?" Old Madame Xiao swayed, gripping her cane tightly. "Speak clearly! What is going on?"
Di Hong struggled to catch his breath. "Yes, yes! The General was ambushed on his way back to the capital and fell off a cliff. Everyone thought he was dead, so we came back to report it. We didn't expect he had fallen into a subterranean river and, by great fortune, drifted to Medicine King Valley. He has been in a coma for over a month. Fortunately, someone recognized the General, and Medicine King Valley sent him back."
Old Madame Xiao was both overwhelmed with emotion and heart-stricken. "Quick! Take me to see him!"
"Yes!"
She took two hurried steps, then remembered something. She turned to Jiang Lingzhi, who was holding the tablet, and beckoned with a joyful face. "Come, good child. You are a bringer of prosperity. No sooner had you married than Jingyi came back from the dead! Come with me!"
Jiang Lingzhi felt the tablet in her arms was burning hot. How could things be... so absurd?
***
Chapter 3: Only Three Months to Live? Begging for an Heir!
Xiao Jingyi was settled in Shun Garden, the courtyard where he had previously lived.
Jiang Lingzhi steeled herself and followed Old Madame Xiao into the main room. She saw the man lying on the bed dressed in white. His eyes were closed, but his features were still deep, sharp, and irresistibly imposing.
He was the legendary War God General of Dayong, proud, cold, and decisive, feared by enemy troops on the battlefield. Even in a coma, he remained intimidating.
Jiang Lingzhi’s heart was in turmoil as she struggled to accept the reality that her "dead" husband had suddenly come back to life.
A weak, excited voice rose in the room. "Didn't they say Jingyi was back? Why is he still lying in bed?"
It was the ailing State Duke. He had insisted on being carried over in a sedan chair despite his illness.
"Yes," Doctor Mu of Medicine King Valley said with a heavy voice, "The General’s injuries are too severe. Medicine King Valley has done its best to knit his broken bones together, but he suffered a heavy blow to the head. I fear there is blood stasis in his brain, which is why he remains unconscious."
Old Madame Xiao’s tears fell instantly. "How is my son so severely injured? Doctor Mu, you must save Jingyi and make him well again!"
Doctor Mu shook his head sadly. "Medicine King Valley respects the General; we have used every method we know, but there has been no improvement. That is why we thought to bring him back—the Duke’s estate has more resources and might be able to find other doctors."
Medicine King Valley was a family of medical experts who had produced several national physicians. If even they spoke like this, it meant they were truly helpless.
The State Duke looked at his son from a distance, lying as still as a statue, and felt the dull ache in his chest intensify.
He asked with difficulty, "How much time... does Jingyi have left?"
"If he doesn't wake up within three months, then..." Doctor Mu sighed, only adding, "The General is a man of deep fortune, after all."
He didn't state it outright, but everyone in the room understood: if he didn't wake up within three months, he would be gone for good.
The room fell into silence. To lose him again right after finding him was like twisting a knife in a wound that had not yet healed.
Eventually, Old Madame Xiao suppressed her grief and had the steward take Doctor Mu to get settled.
While everyone in the room wore expressions of sorrow, Xiao Yan’s eyes darted around. Unwilling to give up, he suggested, "Grandfather, Grandmother, since... since my uncle is back, it means that Lingzhi and my uncle are fated! Why don't we tell the outside world that today, my uncle married Lingzhi, and I married Lingyuan? That way, there won't be so much gossip about today's events..."
The State Duke gasped for air in anger. Old Madame Xiao rushed to soothe him, scolding, "How did the Duke's estate raise a scoundrel like you? You have no shame! Get out! Go to the ancestral hall and kneel!"
"Yes..." Xiao Yan said sheepishly, daring not to say more, and left with his head hanging.
Although his words were despicable, they planted a seed in Old Madame Xiao’s mind. Come to think of it, this girl, Lingzhi, was indeed a bringer of prosperity. She changed grooms to marry Jingyi, and Jingyi came back to life... If she could consummate the marriage and conceive a child with Jingyi, perhaps Jingyi could wake up for good.
Perhaps it was an unrealistic assumption. But for a parent, even if it meant treating a dead horse as if it were alive, they would not let go of the slightest possibility. Even if Jingyi didn't wake up in the end, it would at least leave him an heir.
The more Old Madame Xiao thought about it, the more feasible it seemed. Regardless of the people in the room, she took Jiang Lingzhi’s hand with tears in her eyes and prepared to kneel. "Lingzhi, I am a mother begging you..."
Jiang Lingzhi panicked and hurried to support her. "Old Madame, you must not! Please, just speak your mind!"
At this stage, Old Madame Xiao cast aside her pride and pleaded, "Lingzhi, you heard what the doctor said. If Jingyi doesn't wake up, then... I know this is hard for you, but I must ask. Since you are already his bride, could you... could you stay and continue his bloodline?"
Jiang Lingzhi’s face flushed red. She had said she was willing to adopt heirs, but that meant adopting from the clan. To have her, a young maiden, actively consummate a marriage with a man in a coma... just thinking about it made her feel incredibly ashamed and unable to accept it.
Yet, the Old Madame was right. She was his wife; serving him and continuing his bloodline was a duty she could not refuse. She was in a difficult position.
Old Madame Xiao knew this was asking too much of a young girl, so she laid out the benefits directly. "Lingzhi, if you are willing to consummate the marriage, I will go to the palace tomorrow and ask the Emperor to issue a decree naming you a First-Rank Lady."
"If you bear Jingyi an heir, boy or girl, you will receive a share of the family property," the State Duke added slowly. "If you bear a son, I will add two hundred thousand taels of silver from my private treasury, one hundred shops, and a thousand acres of good farmland to provide for you and your child."
The expressions of everyone in the room changed, but no one dared to oppose it.
These promises, however, made Jiang Lingzhi feel a surge of interest.