The previous dynasty was called Da Yan, with an emperor surnamed Yan. She flipped through more pages but found no familiar historical stories, suggesting this was an unknown space.
Gu Qingxin found the historical texts dry and opened “Trial Bride’s Memoirs”, written by a woman in the first person. She first read about the origins of trial brides.
Da Yan had an old custom: “To marry, first exchange heart-shaped gold rings as betrothal, and send three maids to test; those unsuitable would be rejected in marriage.”
Before marriage, the woman’s side would send three maids to the man’s home to test his character and bedroom abilities. If satisfied, they would marry, with the trial maids moving to the man’s home.
Previous attempts ended badly: some had their legs broken or were disfigured, others became lowly concubines without peace. Men who accepted trial brides were typically promiscuous and would quickly discard them, a fate worse than being a trial bride.
At least trial brides, while mimicking the lady’s life, enjoyed luxuries, fine food, and jewelry. Though base in private, they maintained a good appearance.
“Miss, shall you rest?” Lüguo asked, seeing her yawn.
“Mm.” Gu Qingxin softly responded, already falling asleep.
Early the next morning, Gu Qingtong felt her head heavy and dizzy, with no strength in her hands. She vaguely heard Hong Jie talking to someone: “It seems she heard that Young Master Hua is marrying Miss Wen and became so angry that she developed a high fever.”
“Serves her right for ruining herself,” came an unfamiliar female voice, sounding proud.
“But I heard that the matter with Hua family’s second young master was actually a plot by Liang Qingniang. I saw her yesterday and she didn’t seem too miserable, so I’m not sure if it’s true.”
“Regardless of whether it was a plot, Young Master Hua truly had feelings for her. I heard the neighbors discussing it this morning when I went out to buy rouge.”
“What were they discussing?”
“Young Master Hua threatened to die and refused to marry Miss Wen. The old lady favors the second young master, so the matter was dropped.”
“But the Hua family had already discussed the engagement,” Hong Jie exclaimed.
Here’s the edited version of the article with irrelevant content removed:
