CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

In the tenderest of gestures, Qu Rou Li delicately placed the final jade hairpin in Bai Liu's luscious locks. "My dear, you've blossomed into a remarkable woman," she murmured, stepping back to admire her daughter's transformation.

Just a few days prior, the Liang family had sent an extravagant array of betrothal gifts to the Bai family. The sheer abundance of offerings left everyone in awe. It was a clear testament to the profound significance of the union between the two families.

As Bai Liu blinked back tears, her vision became blurred with emotion. She fought to contain the overwhelming feelings welling up in her heart.

Outside, the crackling of firecrackers signaled the joyous occasion, as Bai Liu's veil was gently placed upon her head.

Bai Lang, accompanied by Yun Yi, Sou Qing, and Bai Nuo, stood at a respectful distance, allowing mother and daughter to savor this intimate moment in solitude.

The fortune mama proclaimed the auspicious moment, and Qu Rou Li wiped away her tears as she guided her daughter through the grand doors.

With the assistance of Bai shang, Bai Liu was gently helped onto the ornate bridal sedan.

The sedan was lifted by strong servants, while Liang Yu stood by to escort his beloved bride to their new home.

His Entourage, along with the other Liang men in the procession, followed closely behind.

As they bid her farewell, it had been a year since Bi Lang's rebirth, and she held no resentment towards Bai Liu. She sincerely wished her a joyous and blissful marriage.

The final stretch leading to Liang's ancestral home was adorned with vibrant red ribbons, lanterns, and streamers. The estate itself was adorned with red canopies and ribbons, symbolizing good fortune and happiness.

In the presence of both households, Liang and Bai, who had accompanied Liang Yu, began playfully urging the bride to step out of the bridal sedan.

The sedan was gently placed on the ground, and Liang Yu gracefully dismounted his horse, ready to guide his new wife into the grand residence of the duke.

A collective gasp escaped the onlookers as Bai Liu was assisted out of the sedan. Though her face remained hidden, the vibrant red bridal gown bestowed upon Bai Liu an otherworldly aura.

In the main hall of the dukes manner the ceremony began.

"The first bow, commence, to honor heaven and earth."

Her new father-in-law and mother-in-law sat proudly atop their seats, observing the ceremony with a sense of joy as the couple proceeded with the wedding rituals.

"The second bow, in reverence to your parents."

"The third bow, symbolizing commitment to one another."

As the wedding ceremony neared its conclusion, Liang Yu escorted Bai Liu into the sacred chambers of matrimony.

Liang Yu couldn't linger in the bridal chambers any longer; he had to hurry back to welcome and celebrate his wedding with the guests. As he emerged from the chambers, jeers, claps, and teasing words were thrown in his direction.

Meanwhile, at the Bai fu estate, Bau Liu's dowry was being carried out. Onlookers were amazed at the sheer number of chests being transported.

Bai Lang overheard Bai Nuo exclaim, "So much dowry?"

Although she didn't catch the rest of the sentence, Bai Lang imagined that Bai Nuo was complaining about the excessive amount of dowry being given to Bai Liu.

But what did Bai Nuo expect? Bai Liu was the eldest and legitimate daughter of the Bai family. It was only natural for her to be treated differently and receive a grand dowry.

***

The second half of the marriage ceremony was in full swing. Alcohol flowed freely as Liang Yu was toasted for his wedding and his new wife.

He was determined to stay sober on their wedding night, so he made every effort to avoid any more toasts.

At the Bai estate, the elders of the Bai clan, along with aunts and uncles from the second branch, lingered long after the sedan chair had departed. Even some ministers whom Bai Kang was close to came to offer their congratulations.

The atmosphere was filled with merriment as everyone raised their glasses to toast the eldest miss, who would soon become a duchess.

Bai Lang glanced around, feeling a yawn escape her lips. She was growing tired of the constant company, resigned to simply sitting and observing.

Qu Rou Li noticed Bai Lang's lack of interest and frowned momentarily before swiftly masking her displeasure. No one could tell the frustration she felt.

The old madam glanced at Bai Lang and smiled, then turned to Qu Rou Li, remarking, "A celebration like this can be overwhelming for a young child."

Qu Rou Li nodded in agreement, maintaining her composure as she observed the guests in her role as the dignified furen of the Bai Marquise.

Ever since Su Rou Xue's punishment, Bai Kang had entrusted Qu Rou Li with the task of paying extra attention to Bai Lang.

She felt a sense of relief knowing that she had finally escaped from the clutches of that toxic woman. However, as she watched her daughter Leave home, she couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. Now that her daughter was married and starting a new chapter in her life, she had to make room for Bai Lang.

"Xiao Lang, take a break if you need it," she said, dismissing Bai Lang without a second thought.

Bai Lang immediately snapped to attention, grateful for the opportunity to stretch her legs.

"Thank you Fuqin for your concerns," she replied, secretly relieved that she could finally leave. She quickly thanked Qu Rou Li again and hurried out the door.

The darkness of the night obscured Bai Lang's view of the garden, preventing her from fully appreciating its beauty. Although torches illuminated the main hall of the Bai Fu estate, their light only provided a faint glow, barely enough for her to see.

Even in her inability to see the garden, Bai Lang could sense its tranquility. The gentle sounds of flowing water and the occasional clinking of bamboo against a rock created a soothing atmosphere that tempted her to close her eyes and find rest.

Earlier, the overwhelming scent of alcohol had made her head spin. She had become intoxicated simply from the fumes alone.

"Your Majesty?" Bai Lang was awoken by the soft voices. She lay on a bench in the midst of the garden, but she made no effort to rise. Doing so may expose her presence, and she was curious to hear what was being said.