One wanted to marry, the other wanted to be married, and soon the two were locked in a heated battle. What relieved Gao Xuejuan was that when Lou Qinshu's mother came to propose, she seemed to have a displeased expression, but did not say anything harsh.
She knew clearly that although she considered herself very outstanding, compared to a prominent family like the Lou family, her status was still somewhat unsuitable. If the other party had happily come to discuss the engagement with her, she would have been apprehensive, wondering if there were any hidden circumstances. However, seeing their reluctant demeanor, she breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't ask to be treated like a daughter, only that her reputation be maintained.
Soon, the wedding day arrived. This time, Gao Xuejuan brought all her wealth and the groom's betrothal gifts, unchanged, back to the Lou family. What pleased her was that the last time she had to put on a show to appear wealthier, this time it was a genuine sixty-four carts, which was considered a grand procession.
"Miss Gao is truly fortunate. I thought she had been deceived and wouldn't find a good family, but unexpectedly, she's marrying into the Lou family now."
"The Lou family is a prominent clan, what kind of woman couldn't they find? Why would they choose someone like her, who has been divorced and has a tarnished reputation? It can only be said that luck has found her, and it cannot be stopped."
"Yes, this young master Lou is usually self-disciplined, refined, and handsome, the ideal husband for many young ladies. He's remained unmarried for so many years, I thought he'd pick someone exceptional. Looking at this, his judgment isn't that great either."
"I say, stop being sour. You keep going back and forth, you're jealous of Miss Gao. Who doesn't know you have a crush on the young master Lou, but he doesn't fancy you."
...
Although the wedding procession was very noisy, Gao Xuejuan, sitting in the bridal sedan chair, could still hear some of the surrounding gossip. The more she listened, the more genuine her smile became. Today was the highlight of her life; let them be envious to their heart's content.
Getting married was an exhausting affair. Under the guidance of the matchmaker, she cooperatively completed all the rituals before sitting on the bed, her face covered by the veil.
Before long, Lou Qinshu arrived beside her and lifted the veil. Gao Xuejuan shyly raised her head slowly. Today, he was exceptionally dashing and handsome, seeming to glow against the backdrop of his red attire.
The only thing that felt incongruous to her was the disappearance of his usual doting and gentle expression. In its place was a cold and noble demeanor. She thought it was because of the many matters of the wedding day, and that he was tired, and she felt a pang of sympathy for him.
Then, the couple drank the nuptial cup wine, and the onlookers were sent away. Lou Qinshu left without a word of instruction and went to drink with the guests. The room instantly became quiet, but Gao Xuejuan's heart sank. She wondered what she had done wrong, that her husband's attitude could change so drastically after only a few days.
Watching the dimly burning wedding candles, she couldn't help but shed tears. However, she intended to have a good life with Lou Qinshu and planned to talk to him when he returned to the room to resolve any misunderstanding. To her surprise, no matter how long she waited, he did not return.
Her personal maid, who had accompanied her, could not bear to see it and went out to gather information. After a long while, she returned, looking at her mistress with pity.
Seeing that her maid had not spoken a word from beginning to end, Gao Xuejuan's heart skipped a beat. Then, she forced herself to remain calm and said, "Did something happen to my husband? Otherwise, he wouldn't still not come to see me after so long."
Seeing that her mistress was still making excuses for him at this point, the maid couldn't help but burst into tears. In truth, she didn't have much of a mistress-servant bond with Gao Xuejuan. Her mistress had a bad temper and was difficult to serve, but her own lifelong honor was tied to her. If her mistress fared poorly, she too would not be able to live well. At this moment, she felt not only sorrow for Gao Xuejuan but also wept for her own future.
"Say something!" Gao Xuejuan, seeing her crying there, became impatient.
The maid, seeing that her mistress was about to lose her temper, quickly wiped away her tears and choked out, "Everyone is saying that the young master left the banquet long ago and is staying alone in the study."
Gao Xuejuan was stunned for a long time before she understood what she meant. She couldn't believe it, "Impossible, absolutely impossible. He was the one who said he wanted to marry me, and I reluctantly agreed. There's no reason for him to treat me so coldly right after I've entered the house."
The maid quickly lowered her head, not daring to voice her opinion. The affairs between masters were not for her to comment on.
Gao Xuejuan wiped her tears and had the maid lead the way. She wanted to go to the study to find her husband and hear his explanation in person. She couldn't believe that the man who had been showing her affection and concern just days ago could change so drastically.
At the same time, she couldn't imagine what everyone in the mansion would think of her if she spent the night alone in the bridal chamber. She would likely be the laughingstock of the household. However, she was unwilling to just sit there and do nothing.
Lou Qinshu's study was guarded by servants. The servants saw the enraged Gao Xuejuan, her striking red attire a reminder to everyone that she was the new madam of the household today. Although they felt a bit intimidated, they had to obey their young master's orders and quickly stepped forward to block her.
Gao Xuejuan was not known for her good temper. No matter what, she had to see her husband today. Seeing the other party foolishly stepping forward to stop her, she vented all her anger and confusion onto him, pushing him aside with all her might and quickly running towards the study.
The moment she opened the door, she saw an unexpected scene. Lou Qinshu was sitting at the desk, diligently reading a book.
Even with the commotion caused, he did not look up. It was only after a while that the servant hobbled in to beg for forgiveness, "Young master, please forgive me. I tried my best to stop her, but the young madam insisted on coming in."
Lou Qinshu knew her character best. He waved his hand, dismissing the servant.
"What is the meaning of this? You married me, yet you've left me aside. If you were not satisfied with this marriage, why did you approach me in the first place?" At this point, even if Gao Xuejuan was foolish, she knew he had done this deliberately today.
"It's as if I was the one pursuing you. Do you dare to swear to heaven that you weren't interested in the Lou family's status and wealth?" Lou Qinshu couldn't be bothered to pretend any longer and looked up at her with disdain.
"Yes, I admit, my intentions were not entirely pure. But I married you because I wanted to have a good life with you. Don't you think this is too much for me?" As she spoke, Gao Xuejuan's tears began to fall. She felt her life was truly bitter. She thought she would finally be respected by everyone, but reality had dealt her a heavy blow.