Shards

Chapter 75 - Wedding Day Part One

Finally, the most anticipated day in the year had arrived. On the surface, everything was perfect. Festive red and gold draped the Ruling House's sprawling grounds. Crimson cloth ribbons artistically hung and cleverly tied into flowers decorated pillars, doorways and windows. Even the statues sported stripes of red which fluttered gaily in the random chilly breezes.

Although the weather had cleared up a bit allowing weak sunlight to filter through milling clouds, the threat of snow still hung in the air. Despite the sun's appearance, it had somehow gotten colder.

The charged atmosphere was at odds with the picturesque setting. While the guests were excited for the grand double celebration, their attention was focused on the latest gossip making its rounds. Disaster had struck House Zhang again. Poor Lord Zhang! It seemed like nothing was going right for the poor fellow. Bad luck was hounding him. First he was denied meeting his fiancee, then he lost the renowned beauty to a lesser lord and had to endure the humiliating Engagement Feast. Now, his wedding feast supplies had been ambushed! And so near to House Zhai grounds too!

Many shook their heads at the lists of delicacies lost. How unfortunate! All that crab, shrimp and lobster! All gone! The various large fleshy fish and the tasty octopus! And what about the seaweed and clams? The list went on and on. What in the world were the bandits thinking, ambushing and stealing all the precious expensive seafood? They wouldn't even know how to appreciate them! They should just stick to their poor people food. Poor them, now they had to forego the delicious delicacies unless ... Lord Zhang had somehow managed to solve the problem? Maybe he had some backup supplies. He was known to be resourceful. Yes, that it! Lord Zhang would have solved the problem, right? They had the utmost faith in him. Surely he wouldn't let them down!

The Ruling Lord was up at dawn and was already dressed. He had put on his fine silks, brocade and furs like his battle armor, for today was going to be a long hard day. Today, he would seal his hold on Yuan's mines. As for Zhang, he had sent an inquiry to Nightshade. He could not locate Glass anywhere nor did he receive any status report from the Shard. He should have had the security of the Zhang girl by now! He needed her to conquer Zhang. His daughter's wedding was today!

His lady wife was also upset. Rumors of Zhang's misfortune had reached her ears but that was not what she was upset about. Somehow news of Zhang's lost surprise presents for her had also reached her. The bandits had taken her precious birds nest and her rare sea cucumbers! Now she would have to go through the trouble for asking for more! How inconvenient and awkward too, now that she and her Lord husband had accepted Lord Yuan as family instead of Lord Zhang. She'll ask her husband to ask Zhang! It was his fault that the bandits were running amok. Were the soldiers not doing their jobs to guard the towns and roads under their rule? Yes, he should punish the lazy soldiers and ask Zhang to replace her food!

Meanwhile the groom was already happily drinking in his rooms, celebrating his newfound 'power' and 'status'. His friends had paid up. He had won the bet. Shuang had chosen him and although she seemed to hate him now, she still had to marry him. She would get over it, he thought, if not, then too bad for her. He was going to be her husband and she as his wife would have to obey him! He would have his way with her but if she proved too much trouble, he could always discard her in a corner somewhere in his estates and have his fun at his favourite pleasure houses. He had also put that annoying bodyguard in his place. He had won!

Shun Xi laughed out loud delighted with himself. What a wonderful life he was going to lead after this. Everyone would have to respect him, even his own parents! He took another gulp of wine not caring that some spilled down his red wedding robes.

In her rooms, Lady Shuang sat unmoving as her maids fussed over her. They had dressed her in her extravagant custom made wedding dress, fastening the many layers of red fabric with care. Sequins sewn delicately in intricate patterns winked and flashed in between beautiful embroidery. Now they worked on her hair and makeup. Skillfully they combed, twisted, braided and styled the long strands into the latest fashion. After that they would crown it with the gorgeous jewelled headpiece augmented by many matching hair pins chosen for the occasion. They were all gorgeous but now it seemed a little gaudy compared to the exquisite lost Night Pearl set. Still, it looked nice.