When she left the village earlier that day, she hadn’t noticed it — but at the village entrance, two red lanterns now hung, each adorned with a double-happiness character.

The bright red lanterns swayed in the air, their vivid color radiating a festive warmth.

Ling’ai stared blankly and asked Xiao Xing, “Xiao Xing, is someone in the village getting married?”

Xiao Xing blinked mischievously, grabbed Ling’ai by the hand, and pulled her into the village. “Sister, come quick — they’re still waiting for that rabbit to go into the pot.”

When Ling’ai reached the entrance of Dr. Sun’s house, she saw her eldest sister-in-law and second sister-in-law standing there, eyes darting left and right as if waiting for someone. The moment they spotted her, the two women flanked her — one on each side — and took her by the arms.

Eldest Sister-in-Law tapped Xiao Xing on the forehead. “I said come back a little later — not this late. You little rascal.”

Xiao Xing grinned broadly, took the rabbit from Ling’ai’s hands, and winked at the group.

Ling’ai was utterly bewildered as she was led into Dr. Sun’s house. Outside the room where she had been staying, double-happiness characters had been pasted onto the glass as well.

Before she could make sense of anything, she found herself being pressed down into a chair.

“Eldest Sister-in-Law…”

Ling’ai looked in the mirror. Eldest Sister-in-Law was undoing her hair, while Second Sister-in-Law was removing her outer coat.

“What are you two doing?”

Eldest Sister-in-Law and Second Sister-in-Law both smiled at her. “Silly girl — you’re about to become a bride.”

“A bride?”

Second Sister-in-Law shook out a bridal gown in front of her. “Look — this was made to your exact measurements. The best seamstress in the village worked on it for three days and three nights. It may not compare to the bridal gowns in your big city, but around here, this is considered the finest.”

The vivid red of the bridal gown dazzled Ling’ai’s eyes. Even she, slow as she could be at times, finally understood what was happening.

“Silly girl — the third son didn’t tell you for two reasons: first, he was afraid you wouldn’t agree; and second, he wanted to surprise you.” Eldest Sister-in-Law stood behind her, both hands resting on her shoulders, gazing at this peach-blossom-faced young woman in the mirror — her soon-to-be sister-in-law. “He decided to act first and report later. Once he’s married you into the family, he’ll never have to worry again.”

Ling’ai had long sensed that the Zheng family was hiding something from her — but she never imagined it would be something this momentous.

And yet Zheng Yun had been quietly preparing all along, keeping it so airtight that not even a hint had reached her — even enlisting Xiao Xing to deliberately lead her away.

While Ling’ai stood there in a daze, Second Sister-in-Law had already changed her into the bridal gown. It was red, embroidered with golden threads, with cloud-pattern frog closures at the collar — exquisitely crafted.

The fabric and embellishments were far simpler than the gown she had worn when she married Shi Guang — yet wearing this one, she felt a boundless happiness rise up from the very depths of her heart.

“Ling’ai looks absolutely beautiful in this gown — truly the most beautiful bride our village has ever seen.”

Ling’ai gazed at herself in the mirror and couldn’t help but press her lips together in a smile, her cheeks flushing a rosy red.

“Eldest Sister-in-Law, you’ve pinned my hair so beautifully.” Ling’ai said admiringly. “Your hands are truly skilled.”

“She’s famous for her nimble hands throughout the surrounding villages — especially for hair styling. Brides from neighboring villages have traveled far just to have her do their hair.” Second Sister-in-Law praised without restraint. Though she and Eldest Sister-in-Law were sisters-in-law by marriage, they were as close as sisters.

Ling’ai loved this feeling — a family living in harmony, and though small disagreements arose from time to time, they were forgotten in an instant.

“Almost time — where is Third Son’s party?”

Before Eldest Sister-in-Law had even finished speaking, the sound of festive music drifted in from outside.

Eldest Sister-in-Law brightened. “They’re here.”

Second Sister-in-Law quickly draped the red bridal veil over Ling’ai’s head.

The veil blocked Ling’ai’s view. All she could see was the stretch of red from her own bridal gown.

This was a scene she had never once allowed herself to imagine. The day she married Shi Guang, her entire future had shrunk to nothing but despair.

Not even in her dreams had she dared to wish for more.

And yet, through all the twists and turns of fate, she had never imagined that one day she would still be able to marry the man she loved — without grand ceremony, without mountains of betrothal gifts, without a gilded mansion filled with pearls and jade. But she felt, in this moment, that she was the happiest person in the world.

As Ling’ai thought this, her eyes grew warm with tears — yet she knew this was a day of great joy, and crying would ruin her makeup, so she forced the tears back.

All of this had come so suddenly, catching her completely off guard — and yet her heart bloomed with joy. She hadn’t even had time to hesitate before she found herself sitting here, waiting to be married.

But she was willing. Wholeheartedly.

“The groom is here!” someone called out from outside, and Ling’ai felt that familiar presence enter her space. Her heart tightened with nervousness — and swelled with anticipation.

Then a hand reached inside her sleeve and found her hand, gripping it with unerring precision. Before she could react, she was lifted clean off the ground — the veil swayed, and through the narrow gap, she caught a glimpse of his long-fingered hand and the red-edged cuff of his sleeve.

The festive music rang out again. Cheers and voices surrounded her on all sides. Ling’ai floated in his arms as he carried her, step by step, out toward the world beyond.

“Zheng Yun,” she called to him softly, her voice nearly swallowed by the noise around them.

Yet he heard her at once.

“I’m here.”

Hearing his voice, Ling’ai felt everything become a little more real.

Yes — there was no mistake. She was truly marrying him. Once these rituals were complete, she would be his wife.

The thing she had never dared to dream of, not even in sleep — it had truly come to pass.

Ling’ai pressed her face against his chest, and her tears fell unbidden. She said, “Zheng Yun, I’m so happy.”

Zheng Yun paused mid-step, and the arms holding her tightened. He could feel exactly how she felt in this moment — he felt the same: boundless anticipation and joy.

He hadn’t told her in advance because he feared she would run away again.

He knew she had always acted for his sake — and so he didn’t blame her at all.

Now, he only wanted to make her his wife. For the rest of their lives, he would never let her leave.

She had said: Zheng Yun, I’m so happy.

Those words made his heart bloom, made him feel that every hope had at last been realized. He knew now — she would not leave again. She was willing to stay and face whatever came alongside him, through glory or hardship alike.

So he tightened his hold on her just a little more, then strode forward toward the doorway with great, purposeful steps.

In Taohua Village, weddings were always held in the evening — when the day’s work was done and everyone could eat, drink, and celebrate to their heart’s content.

The village was small, but the Zheng family’s wedding banquet stretched across several neighboring courtyards, where bonfires burned in clusters — each fire providing both light and warmth.

Ling’ai heard the laughter around her and felt a genuine joy bloom in her chest. The day she had married into the Shi family, even though the celebration around her had been far grander, it had sounded to her like nothing but noise.

Zheng Yun carried her all the way to the bridal sedan chair, where several sturdy men stood ready. With a shout, the sedan chair rose from the ground.

The chair was small — just enough for one person. She wanted to peek out and steal a glance by lifting the curtain, but worried about breaking tradition, so she restrained herself.

She imagined that Zheng Yun must be just outside the sedan chair right now. He must look incredibly handsome in his wedding attire.

She really, truly wanted to steal just one look at him.