The warm and soft light of the dragon and phoenix candles flickered slightly, casting mottled shadows on the brides bright and dazzling face.

  Cui Ling swallowed the last mouthful of jade-petal porridge, took the handkerchief handed over by Mugun and lightly dabbed her lips, then raised her head to smile at Jie Geng, "Before I married into this family, I already knew what would happen after marriage. Since its an outcome that was already known, it cant be changed according to my wishes. So why think about it too much? I only wish for the victory of the Yuan family army and a safe return."

  The words were spoken with a sense of sadness and grievance, carrying the weight of family feuds and national hatreds, yet amidst the words, there was also a display of profound righteousness and kindness that could see into peoples hearts. This made Yuan Jun, the groom under the pagoda tree, feel a sudden pang in his heart, feeling deeply apologetic towards his wife, and he couldnt help but want to go inside and comfort her thoroughly.

  But then, a burst of silvery laughter came from the inner chamber, "Hey, Jiegu, your eyes are red? Dont cry, dont cry, I was just teasing you on purpose!"

  The sound was crisp and pleasant, like the tinkling of a mountain spring hitting the rocks, but the words that came out were as cold and unfeeling as frost. "I dont even know what Yuan Wulang looks like, hes leaving tomorrow, what do I have to be sad about? Hes gone, isnt it cleaner? Its awkward when hes here."

  Yuan Gongs body stiffened upon hearing this, his handsome face revealing a hint of deep contemplation.

  He no longer moved forward, but instead took a few steps back and leaned against the pagoda tree at an angle, hugging his chest. He had a mind to listen to what this new wife, whom Grandmother had gone to great lengths to get from the Cui family, could say.

  In the house, Cui Ying seemed to be completely unaware of the danger that was gradually approaching from outside. She smiled and patted Ju Congs arm, saying, "I agreed to marry into the Yuan family, not only because I heard their chef is skilled, but also because Yuan Wulang is not at home."

  Other sisters of the Anning Bo Fu who were of marriageable age, upon hearing that they would be marrying Yuan Wulang, reacted as if they had encountered a plague god, hastily retreating in all directions. But for her, this was an unexpected yet tailor-made good match!

  "Look, if youre not the eldest daughter-in-law, you dont have to help your mother-in-law with household chores. Even if theres something going on in the family, there are still four older sisters-in-law to take care of it. Normally, apart from morning and evening greetings, you dont have to attend to your husband or worry about serving concubines or younger sons. You can stroll around the garden if you feel like it, or just lie down if you dont. Life is quite carefree, isnt it?"

  She continued, "I heard my grandfather say that the war with Rouran wont be over in three to five years. If Yuan Wulang is lucky enough to return safely, well have a few more years of peaceful life. If he dies heroically for the country, then Ill be the widow of a meritorious official and the court will still have to give me compensation! No matter how you calculate it, this account wont be a loss."

  The bride in the house was enthusiastically calculating the benefits after her husbands sacrifice for the country, while the groom outside looked gloomy with a black face.

  Yuan Gong never thought that his wife would be such a woman!

  His grandmother forced him to marry a daughter of the Cui family, which he originally strongly disapproved of.

  The battlefield is extremely dangerous, and no one can guarantee that they will be able to survive unscathed. Rushing into marriage on the eve of battle isnt this clearly asking ones new wife to endure the pain of separation, and ultimately bury her youth and life like a flower?

  This is too cruel.

  But the imperial edict has been issued, as a subject and son, there is only obedience.

  It was said that the ninth young lady of the Cui family, Cui Ying, was willing to marry him. He not only felt grateful but also had a special sense of guilt and sympathy for this girl who had never been seen before. He vowed to treat her well with all his might.

  So he was entertaining guests in the front hall, but his mind was always on her alone in the bridal chamber, wondering if she was hungry or tired, and whether everything was all right. Thats why he would seize every opportunity to find an excuse to come back to see her, thinking that the ceremonial headdress was too heavy for her, so he had gone through the ceremony with her first before going out to receive his guests, in case she was tired and needed a rest.

  Who would have thought that he worried about her future life, afraid that she would be left with nothing to rely on and waste her years, while what she longed for was his death in battle, so that she could continue to get a clear conscience, and even receive solace from the imperial court!

  One morning, the mind was shattered, and all the good feelings and guilt also disappeared with the wind.

  Yuans piercing gaze gleamed and then went out, but in the end he didnt take another step forward. In the clear moonlight, he lightly swept his sleeve and left, his bright red wedding attire unable to conceal the desolation and loss that filled him.

  Cui Ling was completely unaware of this and remained immersed in her imagination of a peaceful and beautiful life after marriage.

  Chrysanthemum and Mugun were stunned by the true thoughts of their young mistress, who had told them frankly. They couldnt understand why a miserable marriage in the eyes of the world would become a blessing to her.

  In their view, as a woman, she relies on her father in the boudoir, relies on her husband after marriage, and relies on her son when she is old. But Miss may not have a husband or children in the future, living alone in the world, and everyone can bully her at will, how much grievance should she suffer?

  Miss Ke thought it was so peaceful...

  Choi Yong also knew that in this strange era where women were just appendages to men, her thoughts were quite unconventional, even rebellious and contrary to the values of ordinary people.

  But for her, this marriage with Yuan Wulang was indeed her best choice.

  She was born into a poor family in her previous life and studied hard to change her fate. After starting work, she fought with others for greater benefits and wealth, getting used to being two-faced and deceitful, paying the price of unimaginable hardship and suffering, finally standing at the top of the industry, becoming a renowned female tycoon.

  But in the end, what did she get?

  A sudden earthquake buried her lifes work and achievements.

  She fell together with the house and was trapped in the ruins. Although she didnt break her arm or leg, due to the remote location, rescue efforts were hindered, and she eventually died of thirst and starvation.

  Anyone who has experienced such a painful death and then gets a chance to be reborn will definitely have a completely different worldview, outlook on life and values.

  Choi Yong is like this.

  Thought she was dead, but when she opened her eyes, she found herself wearing clothes from a dynasty that wasnt even written in history books. She didnt feel much shock or excitement, just thought to herself that her previous life was too hard and complicated, this life she doesnt want to live like before, struggling to survive, being a parasite, might as well live a retired life ahead of time.

  She was lucky enough to be born into a prominent and wealthy family in a prosperous dynasty, with a life of luxury and comfort guaranteed.

  After her epiphany, she had an exceptionally good temper, always smiling no matter when or where or who she faced. Among brothers and sisters, there was no fighting, no grabbing, no talking back, and no showing off. Unexpectedly, she won everyones sympathy and tolerance, and the days at her mothers home were incredibly comfortable.

  Except for one thing, perhaps because she starved to death in her previous life, Cui Ying was particularly obsessed with food this time around. The cooks at the Anning Bo Fu couldnt satisfy Miss Cuis increasingly discerning taste buds, which was probably her only source of distress.

  And now, Yuan Jia perfectly matched all her ideas.

  As for Yuan Wulang, Cui Ying didnt actually wish for him to die in battle.

  She just had too many experiences in her past life, and she felt that men were dispensable. Having a husband was okay, but not having one wasnt a big deal either. For women like her who married for the sake of supporting their old age, husbands werent essential, what they really needed was a long-term meal ticket - the mother-in-laws family!

  Chui Ying was too lazy to explain to the two maidservants, and her experiences were not something that could be easily explained.

  She had finished dressing and was still sitting on the wedding bed, wearing a heavy golden crown, bored and tired, waiting for the arrival of her groom.

  It was almost midnight when the door finally opened, and a maid came in to deliver a message: "Today is a joyful day, Fifth Master has been toasted by the Prince and other dignitaries with several cups of wine, hes quite drunk. Fifth Master is afraid that he might disturb Fifth Madame, so he went to the study to rest, Madame should go to bed early!"

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