#6: Betrothal & Marriage

Jia Li's P.O.V

Usually, I would first be awoken by a warm reddish golden light of sun from the windows, it would always make me feel cozy, safe though I would fall asleep again till my maids wake me up. I really like it....

....But Ugh! Now it feels as though the afternoon sun is shining in my room. These costly betrothal presents! A pure waste of money....

Truly! Those rich guys! I couldn't count yesterday night properly, but now if I see... there are, 12 boxes of perfumes, 15 boxes of golden jewelry, 5 boxes of pearls( my eyes are hurting by seeing), 5 trunks of various silks, lotus pond painted furniture, matching sheets..... and of course, embroidery things, books on virtues of women, buddha scriptures, a buddha etched in wood with absolute perfection, some money....(I didn't have energy to count), Some medicines.... My god! How much more!

I was dumbstruck, I lost my appetite, my father came and sat beside me. He fed me a few dumplings from the ones he brought. He then told,

"Jia Li, The General Huang Lei, is a good match for you! He is strong, responsible, wealthy, has power, good lineage, good attitude and he is also handsome!"

I know what is going on in my father's mind, He is clearly nervous, and worried about me.

"I Know, Huang Lei's rumors are spread wide enough, about his valiance, bravery and handsomeness.", I said.

"So, my daughter, I accepted the betrothal presents along with your mother, So... um... you are to be wedded to him day after tomorrow...so..", My father began stumbling and eating up words.

I got the point... I am to be married day after tomorrow... its ok.. Anyway, I doubt the General has anything to discuss with me other than management of the house and kids, other than that I can never meet him! I can stay with my babies!!(bl)

My marriage with general is the best thing, If I was to be wedded to other idiots, I am sure they would expect too much from me, like love... and my concern... but I am sure the general wouldn't care whatever I would do....Well, I am ok... but it feels as though the one who is sad is my father, I must console him.

"Father, I am thankful for this marr-", I began speaking

"I know my child! I know! That you are thankful that we raised you! but my dear, don't sacrifice yourself! I don't know whether you know it or not! but we, all are your support.", My father cut me halfway.

"Father, It's alright-", I tried to give a statement

"My daughter, If he ever tries to neglect you or troubles you even in the slightest, come back home! Please!", He went on crying holding my hands.

I know its is supposed to be a touchy scene, but I was trying to control my laughter. Marrying general meant extra freedom, (I could buy and roam for bl whenever he would go to war....hehe~) but my father was acting as though he is sending me to a war.

I got up and hugged my father, though he is a bit stern and strict sometimes, he is really a big softie. He hugged me back, I could feel his weak hands going through my hair, well, I guess he really is turning old. I smiled and told him, I was alright. He seemed a bit calm, and soon left for some business.

The rest of the day, was filled with people taking my measurements for the dress, making me re-learn the etiquette as my mother thinks it isn't enough and I have forgotten, My aunties came and started packing my luggage to be set up to got to the General's mansion, they cried.

At last, it was time for dinner, after dinner, I could sleep nicely! I went over to tabe and was heartbroken.

"What is this????", I cried.

Mother came beside me and said, "Vegetable salad, finely chopped and half-bowl ginger soup."

"Why? I didn't do anything wrong right? Why is my dinner after an exhausting day so depressing?", I asked.

"You better eat these only till your wedding if you want to fit into your dress, alterations can't be made!", Mother declared.

"But mother! by eating a few pieces of meat I wouldn't grow right?", I said.

"A few pieces is ok, But your eating is similar to that of a pig, wolfing down everything. I am asking you to maintain that shape for a few days! Later, you can eat a whole sack of your delicacies...", she said.

"Make sure, she doesn't eat any sugary or meat items, if she is hungry get her some salads, or two dumplings, not more.", she ordered the maids.

I cried and ate up the salad. It felt as though I didn't eat at all... Well, at least I can go to sleep...

As I began walking to my room, a hand pulled me to a side.

It was Qinyang, she took my hand and led me to her weaponry room.

"Sister, being the General's wife, means that you are under constant danger and must be safe from all dangers so, I am giving you a choice! Take any weapon you want and kill any one who tries to harm you.... I am saying it truly, pierce it into general's heart too if necessary... or you could just chop his you-know-what."

She led me among various rows of weapons, from long swords to bows, to crossbows, even some weird weapons which I never saw.

To say! I am impressed by my sister, she has beautifully arranged in a perfect manner of order and size, I just took a small pocket knife of sorts.

She later got into her midnight training and I left to go sleep. I needed rest. I didn't have chance to read a bl novel or stare at Qing yuan~.... *-* Well I can do it tomorrow....

*The next day*

It was a mistake... No way..... Please.... Save me!! Someone!!.....

Even if I cry in my mind who would understand it! I shouldn't have expected rest today... Isn't the marriage tomorrow!!!

Why the hell are they preparing for it since morning??

Nothing much happened today(except for my suffering), it was a long hard day of bridal training included with a gross biology session, a bit of massages(which didn't last long), some packing up, a hike to mountains to pray for ancestors.....and vegetable salads.

*Day of Marriage*

I got up surrounded by many maids who pounced on me and started making me ready for the marriage, to Say, they were skilled.

I was looking quite pretty. It was all good, till the time when I climbed onto the sedan chair. It felt weird.

I was suddenly afraid, I wanted to jump out and run away. I began doubting myself... Should I have said no? Should I have been adamant on rejecting the decree.... What if I go crazy with my husband's neglect?

What if he hates me to the core? I was afraid... nervous and scared. I buried by head in my knees, Then I looked up, no way! I am alright.. I am strong! I can manage myself... I am not getting married for love, nor a friendship... but a responsibility! Yes!

I came out, during the whole ceremony, I was looking down, with mixed feelings, I was happy as well as sad and confused, I wanted to see the rumored handsome guy, but I wanted to wait until the wedding night...~hehe~

Though I am not interested in initiating something right now... It wouldn't hurt to satisfy your curiosity right~ I always heard that generals and army soldiers have good build~ it wouldn't hurt to touch~ I could just do that while he is sleeping~ hehe.

After the marriage there was a big banquet of sorts, where the General had to go, but I was taken in to the bridal chamber. I sat, the head ornaments were heavy but it was tolerable, I got up and started looking around, this is general's room huh....

I started seeing, it was quite a modest room, without any grand things or any secretive things, I even groped around for some secret lever but couldn't find any. Disappointing....

I sat down back in the same position, but man! This is too boring!!!! How long do I need to wait!! And I am hungry as hell... I could literally eat him up... Ugh! I wanna sleep...or eat... How come they haven't arranged any other fruits except wine? I can't drink to satisfy my tummy....

After a really long time, The general came in. My heart began beating like crazy. Not normal crazy, it was totally wild, finally, I could eat or sleep. I kept still.. waiting for him to lift my veil.

He came closer and lifted the veil, I looked up and saw.... Mister Blind????