novelhk Chapter 90 Dissolution of Engagement
Chapter 90 Dissolution of Engagement
The day before the wedding, the Gu family mansion was immersed in a joyous and peaceful atmosphere. The vermilion gates were wide open, and two rows of tall red lanterns hung like burning flames from the lintel, illuminating the entrance in a crimson glow that seemed to dispel all gloom and cold. On the gates were auspicious couplets, written with flowing, elegant strokes, each character brimming with deep blessings for the newlyweds. In the center of the gate, a pair of brightly colored "double happiness" characters shone like two dazzling pearls, radiating happiness.
Stepping into the courtyard, one sees sturdy pillars tightly wrapped in red silk, as if dressed in magnificent new clothes; red ribbons also hang along both sides of the corridor, swaying gently in the breeze like dancing fairies. This sea of red is intoxicating, filling one with a profound sense of joy.
Looking at the bridal chamber, it was a completely different world. Soft red bedding was neatly spread on the bed, embroidered with exquisite mandarin duck patterns, lifelike in their detail. Beside it lay red pillows and pillowcases, equally exquisite, exuding a faint fragrance. On the table in the room, a platter of dried fruits, symbolizing the wish for many children and a sweet and happy married life, was already prepared. Red dates, peanuts, longans, and lotus seeds were arranged in a pleasing manner, signifying the newlyweds' sweet and fulfilling marriage and many children. In addition, there were crystal-clear nuptial wine cups and long, thin noodles, quietly awaiting the newlyweds to enjoy and begin a new chapter in their lives together.
At this moment, everything in the Gu family mansion was ready, except for the arrival of the bride. Just then, Gu's mother came to her son's side, took his hand, and said earnestly, "My son, after the wedding tomorrow, you will be a real adult. In the days to come, you must be very considerate of Miss Su. It is not easy for two people to support each other until old age. So you must cherish each other, manage your little family well, and live a good life." Gu Gongzi nodded obediently and replied, "I understand, Mother! I will definitely remember your teachings, treat Miss Su well, and live up to your expectations."
Then, Mr. Gu walked over with steady steps, his stern yet kind face revealing deep expectations and concern for his son. Reaching him, Mr. Gu gently patted his son's shoulder and said earnestly, "My child, for a man, establishing a family and a career are both major life events, neither of which can be neglected. Even now that you are married, you must never forget the heavy responsibilities of your career. Only through tireless effort and hard work can you bring more happiness and well-being to our family!"
Upon hearing this, Young Master Gu quickly nodded respectfully and replied, "Understood, Father! I will keep it in mind and dare not slack off in the slightest."
As night deepened, moonlight streamed down into the courtyard. Master Gu looked up at the sky, then gently instructed, "It's getting late. Go and rest. We need to get up early tomorrow to greet the bride!"
Upon hearing this, Gu Wanfeng quickly bowed and politely replied, "I understand, Father. You and Mother should also rest early and not overwork yourselves." After saying this, he turned and walked towards his room.
Time flies like an arrow, and in the blink of an eye, it was the morning of the next day. The eastern sky was just beginning to lighten with the first hint of dawn when Gu Wanfeng, already washed and dressed in a festive red robe, mounted a tall, powerful steed with great spirit. Behind him followed a magnificent eight-bearer sedan chair, accompanied by music and fanfare, making its way to the princess's residence.
However, when they arrived at the princess's residence, they found the entire place in complete chaos. Servants and masters alike were frantically running around like ants on a hot plate. Seeing this, Gu Wanfeng's heart tightened. He quickly dismounted and rushed forward, asking, "What's going on? Why are you all so panicked?"
At this moment, a middle-aged woman rushed over with a look of anxiety, grabbed Gu Wanfeng's sleeve, and asked urgently, "Young Master Gu, please wait a moment, I have something to do right now, we'll talk later!" Gu Wanfeng obediently nodded in agreement.
"Yu Ning's second sister-in-law, did Su Yu Ning tell you where she went yesterday?" It turned out that this woman was Su Yu Ning's mother.
Princess Wan'er, standing to the side, also looked anxious and uneasy. She waved her hands repeatedly and explained, "Mother-in-law, I really don't know! If I knew where Sister Yuning was, how could I sit idly by and not go looking for her?"
"Yu Ning's second brother, you are usually the closest to her, you should know where she is now, right?" The woman turned around anxiously and stared intently at Su's second brother, asking.
Su Muyang looked helpless and innocent, spreading his hands and smiling bitterly, "Mother, I really don't know where my little sister is. As you know, I've been busy running between home and the shop every day lately, and I haven't even had a moment to catch my breath. How could I possibly know where my sister has gone? Please don't make things so difficult for your son."
Upon hearing this, the woman became even more anxious, stamping her feet and slapping her thighs repeatedly, muttering, "Oh dear, this ignorant brat! Today is such a joyous day, and instead of staying at home, where could she have gone?! She's driving me crazy with worry!"
Just then, the eldest son of the Su family rushed home from the factory, panting heavily. He shouted, "Mother, don't worry, I've found out where my little sister is! A worker at the factory told me that she went to the Ni Chang Pavilion to take care of the sick Ye Beichen."
Upon hearing this, the woman gave the order without hesitation: "Go! Let's hurry over and find her!" Before she finished speaking, the group rushed towards the Rainbow Pavilion like arrows released from a bow.
At that moment, when Gu Wanfeng and Su Yuning's eyes met, time seemed to freeze. A blush instantly spread across Su Yuning's beautiful face; she appeared flustered and at a loss. Then, as if suddenly realizing something, she hurriedly and gently put down the bowl and chopsticks she was holding, her movements slightly clumsy. Immediately afterward, like a startled deer, she took light and quick steps, running to Gu Wanfeng's side.
After stopping, Su Yuning lowered her head slightly, not daring to meet Gu Wanfeng's sharp gaze. She said urgently in a slightly apologetic tone, "I'm so sorry, Mr. Gu. I was taking care of Ye Beichen until late last night, and perhaps because I was too tired, I accidentally fell into a deep sleep. I only just woke up, and my stomach was growling with hunger, so I hurriedly got up to eat. I wonder if you've eaten yet?" After saying this, Su Yuning raised her head, carefully observing Gu Wanfeng's expression.
However, at this moment, Gu Wanfeng's once handsome face had turned ashen with anger, his brows furrowed tightly, and his lips pressed into a straight line. He glanced coldly at Su Yuning and squeezed out a few words through gritted teeth: "No appetite!" His voice was low and full of anger, as if the surrounding air had frozen.
"Gu Wanfeng, if you have a problem, come at me directly. Don't make things difficult for Su Yuning. She's completely innocent," Ye Beichen replied in an extremely domineering tone.
Upon hearing this, Gu Wanfeng became even more enraged. His eyes widened, and he roared through gritted teeth, "Ye Beichen, what exactly is your relationship with her? And what gives you the right to speak for her like this?!"
Faced with Gu Wanfeng's questioning, Ye Beichen shamelessly replied, "Well... it's probably the relationship you're thinking of. She tirelessly took care of me while I was ill, not only brewing medicine for me every day but also personally feeding me spoonful by spoonful. What's wrong with me saying a few words in her defense? Am I supposed to just stand by and watch her cry her eyes out because of your unfounded accusations?"
Ye Beichen's words enraged Gu Wanfeng, who roared, "You're just asking for it!" Before he finished speaking, he pounced on Ye Beichen like a wild beast, his fist, as big as a cooking pot, about to land on Ye Beichen. At the critical moment, Su Yuning rushed in front of Ye Beichen without hesitation, spreading her arms to protect him, and turned to Gu Wanfeng, shouting, "Gu Wanfeng, calm down! Ye Beichen is still recovering from his illness, and his body is very weak. If you take advantage of this situation to attack him, bullying the weak and taking advantage of his vulnerability, won't your conscience be tormented?"
"Su Yuning! You've gone too far! I'm telling you seriously, today is our big day! And you actually went out to eat with that guy behind my back! This has already made me furious, but instead of showing any remorse, you're even taking his side! I want to ask you, do you even have a place for me, your groom, in your heart?!" Gu Wanfeng's face was flushed, veins bulging on his forehead, as he shouted angrily at Su Yuning.
Just then, a series of hurried footsteps were heard. It turned out that Su Yuning's eldest brother and sister-in-law, second brother and sister-in-law, and her parents had all rushed over. As soon as they arrived, they all turned their anger towards Su Yuning and began to berate her.
The woman stood with her hands on her hips, her face flushed with anger, glaring at Su Yuning and scolding, "Yuning, what's wrong with you? On such an important wedding day, instead of staying in the princess's residence waiting to get ready, you're here causing trouble. Don't you know how hurtful your actions are? Can't you think about Young Master Gu a little more? Don't you have any shame?"
However, faced with her family's accusations, Su Yuning remained stubborn and defiant. She retorted without backing down, "Ye Beichen and I are just having a normal, innocent relationship. How is it as unreliable as you say? Why are you slandering me like this?"
Before she could finish speaking, a sharp "slap" rang out, and a resounding slap landed heavily on Su Yuning's delicate cheek. Old Su, standing to the side, was both anxious and furious. He raised his hand, his fingers trembling as he pointed at Su Yuning, and said through gritted teeth, "You...you've really disappointed me!" With that, he turned away angrily and stormed off.
Su Yuning's pearly tears, as if broken from a broken string, instantly slid down her cheeks. However, Gu Wanfeng stood by like an iceberg, devoid of warmth, not even offering a word of comfort, merely observing this farce with indifferent eyes.
Although Ye Beichen and Su Yuning had divorced, their past affection remained deep in their hearts. Therefore, when he saw Su Yuning in tears, Ye Beichen stepped forward without hesitation, gently took out a handkerchief, and softly wiped away her tears, comforting her in a tender voice, "Don't cry, don't cry, it's all over now, all the suffering is in the past. My Yuning has always been the most obedient and the most lovable."
Just then, Su Yuning's eldest and second eldest brothers could no longer tolerate the scene. Enraged, they rolled up their sleeves and charged menacingly towards Ye Beichen. They waved their fists and shouted angrily, "It's all your fault, you bastard! If it weren't for you, our little sister wouldn't be so heartbroken!" "You wretched brat, who gave you permission to provoke my little sister? I'll teach you a lesson today!"
Seeing that a fierce conflict was about to break out, Su Yuning was extremely anxious. She quickly ran to the middle of the three men, spread her arms to try to stop her two brothers, and shouted anxiously, "Stop fighting! Brothers, stop! Ye Beichen is still sick. You will hurt him if you do this! Please, don't fight anymore!"
"Yu Ning, you must realize your current status! Your relationship with him is already over. Young Master Gu is the one who will accompany you for the rest of your life! Listen to your mother's advice, quickly go and apologize to Young Master Gu, then hurry back to your room to change your clothes, carefully dress up, and prepare for your marriage!" The woman walked over hurriedly, responding to Su Yu Ning with a serious and solemn expression.