Shards

Chapter 77 - Wedding Banquet

While the bride was led to the bridal chambers to await her new husband, the groom and everyone else adjourned to the wedding hall. A portion of the wedding feast and a bottle of special wedding wine was sent to the bridal chambers for the couple. However the groom was to dine with his parents, new in-laws and honored guests first before retiring to the bridal chambers to perform his husbandly duties. He had to receive congratulatory messages, gifts and enjoy the festivities prepared for them. Lord Yuan was determine to drown his indignation and humiliation in House Zhai's wine before facing his wife.

To his chagrin and the amusement of the guests, his bride appeared at the banquet hall a few minutes after everyone had seated. It seemed that she had gone to the bridal chambers, unveiled herself, took off the heavy formal headdress and outer bridal dress, only to present herself at the feast. Now, dressed comfortably she walked regally to her place next to him and sat down gracefully.

Her place? Shun Xi did a double take. There was a place set up for her? Shouldn't she be waiting for him on in the bridal chambers, on the bed like a good little wife?

"What are you doing here?" he hissed at her. "Shouldn't you be waiting for me at the bridal chambers?"

"What? And miss all this good food, entertainment and fun? Don't be silly."

Shun Xi glared at her vexed. "And you took off you bridal veil? I'm supposed to do that! It symbolizes your transition from a maiden to my wife! How am I supposed to do that now? This does not follow tradition!"

"A maiden to your wife?" she echoed in a dangerous tone.

"I don't need you for that. I've already transitioned myself from a naïve maiden to a slightly wiser woman. As for tradition ... you ignored tradition when you turned on your fiancée like a thug, cornering her without mercy in public. A good traditional fiancé would have supported his beloved! He would have fought for her innocence like a real man! Not accuse and condemn her!"

"I said I was sorry," he sulked. "Now, go back and wait for me. And for goodness sake, put the veil back on."

"No," she stated smiling at the watching guests, "I'm staying. This is my wedding too." She could tell they were amused by her. In fact, several were looking at her with new found respect at her bold move. This is just the beginning, she thought. She would carve out her own future and determine her own fate. "You can go wait for me at the bridal chambers if you don't want to be here."

Shun Xi spluttered at the insult. It insinuated that he was the bride and she the head of their union! There was no way in all the Nine Hells would he back down. Before he could do or say anything, three armed Elites made themselves present as they took their places behind Lady Shuang. It was clear they were there to protect her and would not hesitate to do so even if the assailant was her husband. So, he sat stiffly in an angry cloud trying to ignore everyone around him while his beautiful wife beamed by his side.

Decorations had been spruced up and added to since the Engagement Feast. It was even cozier than before. The Ruling House really was going all out to celebrate their youngest daughter. Although, winter was coming to an end, it did so grudgingly, denying its last days with chilly winds and last frosts. To ensure comfort, all the iron braziers, torches and scones were burning merrily to provide ample warmth. The impressive chandeliers of candles added light to the diners.

As before, mulled wine and piping hot fragrant tea was served at each table. A train of uniformed maids entered with the appetizers. Mini steamed buns with meat and chicken filling were placed on each table along with crispy spring rolls, cute bite size pastries and preserved fruits.