Si Zhan kowtowed to the old madam and then supported Ning Wan Wan’s arm, gently squeezing her hand to reassure her.
Ning Wan Wan nodded, holding back tears, and raised her fan to cover her face.
Holding her hand, Si Zhan turned and left the main hall, exiting Ning Guo Gong Mansion and boarding the wedding sedan.
With drums blaring, the procession carried the sedan back to Yi Wang Mansion’s gates.
A blue felt carpet led to the bridal chamber inside the mansion. Si Zhan dismounted and helped Ning Wan Wan down from the sedan.
Yuan Bi presented the paired knot, and Uncle Zhou stood before them, holding a vessel with grain, beans, money, fruits, and grass, chanting blessings while scattering beans outside.
Si Zhan helped Ning Wan Wan up the steps, and she stepped over the saddle smoothly, having been taught the etiquette rules.
They walked toward the bridal chamber amid congratulations, continuing with traditional rituals of paying respects, exchanging cups, and final preparations for their wedding night.
Zhan Xiang snatched the pastry back from Fu Yi and handed it to Ning Wan Wan, who smiled warmly as she took a pineapple pastry and ate it. Fu Yi helplessly laughed, shaking her head.
As night fell, the Yiwang Mansion was brightly lit with red lanterns, and the sounds of singing and laughter gradually faded.
Si Zhan stood outside the bridal chamber, nervous and hesitant to push the door open.
Ning Wan Wan saw his figure and instinctively picked up her fan to cover her face but quickly realized it was unnecessary and put it down. Unsure where to rest her hands, she placed them on her legs, alternating between relaxed and tense.
Fu Yi and Zhan Xiang exchanged a glance and smiled, stepping forward to open the door. Zhan Xiang curtsied and said, “New son-in-law, please come in. Our young mistress has been waiting.”
Ning Wan Wan blushed at Zhan Xiang’s teasing and called out, “Zhan Xiang!”
Zhan Xiang laughed with Fu Yi and slipped away.
Si Zhan entered with a red face, and the door was closed behind them. He sat next to Ning Wan Wan on the bridal bed and was surprised to find he smelled no alcohol, wondering who had helped him avoid drinking earlier.
Both of them kept their eyes down, not speaking.
