She wept bitterly, and those outside didn't know how to comfort her.
After a long while, Madam Lin and Princess Wenyi arrived together.
Bai Sihan felt inferior in front of them, having lost the arrogance she had when she first arrived last year. Instead, she was timid, fearing that if she said one wrong word, she would never have a good life again.
"Sihan pays her respects to Eldest Aunt and Fourth Aunt."
She rose and bowed to the two women, acting with utmost propriety, not daring to put on airs.
Madam Lin and Princess Wenyi exchanged glances. Her change was significant, but they wondered if it was genuine.
However, since their father-in-law had entrusted Bai Sihan to their care, they would naturally pay attention to her.
In truth, the Bai family did not have a preference for sons over daughters. Their previous disagreements with Bai Sihan were entirely due to her pretense and Shen Shi's meddling.
Now that Shen Shi had been divorced and was imprisoned, and Bai Sihan, a young lady, had traveled so far to seek refuge, they would never let her feel like a dependent.
Thus, the First Madam spoke to Bai Sihan with a gentle tone.
"Things have come to this, so don't overthink it. Since you are here to stay, you are now the legitimate second young lady of this household. After your elder sister marries in a few days, you will be the only one at home. I will have a governess from the palace to teach you some etiquette. Just study diligently. As for your future marriage, rest assured, with me and your Fourth Aunt helping you find a suitable match, you will not be mistreated."
At this point, Princess Wenyi also added,
"The governess who taught your elder sister is very amiable, so you don't need to be nervous."
Bai Sihan didn't know how to respond for a moment, only managing to lower her head and softly say "Okay." Seeing her demeanor, Madam Lin and Princess Wenyi felt it was not appropriate to stay any longer, so they made an excuse and left.
"Alas, to have raised such a good child into this state, Shen Shi has truly wrought havoc."
Princess Wenyi, also a mother, felt a pang of sympathy seeing her like this. If one could live freely and even boldly their entire life, who would willingly be subservient? This was all out of necessity.
Madam Lin did not have such deep emotions. She simply felt that as a daughter of the Bai family, she should bear the responsibilities of the Bai family.
Marriage was a union of two families. If the husband's family spoke ill of them because the young lady was not well-taught, it would be the Bai family's fault. However, if the young lady was blameless and the husband's family caused trouble, then she would show the outside world that the Bai family was not to be trifled with!
The two sisters-in-law left hand in hand, leaving Bai Sihan alone in the room, unable to cry or smile.
As they spoke, days passed with the alternation of day and night.
Feng Jinyao and Xu Mingyue, being Bai Siruo's closest friends, had entered the Bai residence the day before to spend her last night before marriage with her.
The three of them had endless conversations whenever they met. If they hadn't feared that Bai Siruo would lack energy to put on makeup the next day, they might have chatted until late into the night.
Finally, they were "forcibly" separated by the maids and went to sleep properly.
Early the next morning, Feng Jinyao and Xu Mingyue got up. Both were genuinely happy for Bai Siruo, so they took the peach-colored powder and the brush for drawing floral patterns from the maids and diligently helped her with her makeup.
In the past, Bai Siruo always preferred bright and grand jewelry, so she wore mostly hairpins. However, for today's hairstyle, her hair on both sides was adorned with phoenix-feather hairpins crafted from colorful gemstones.
Naturally, she looked even more beautiful, but it was a hardship for Bai Siruo, as she couldn't move much. Otherwise, the hairpins would get tangled with her hair, making them troublesome to deal with.
"This thing is like the golden fillet in opera, it's giving me a headache."
"It's only for today, you have to bear with it! Just imagine how happy your cousin's husband will be when he lifts your veil and sees such a dignified you?"
"Forget it, he's seen my ungraceful side plenty of times."
"Alright, alright, your cousin's husband is wonderful in every way, and he cherishes you like his own eyes. I know."
Feng Jinyao's eyes sparkled with joy, and her words became playful.
"You, you only know how to tease me. When it's your turn to marry, let's see how I'll tease you!"
Bai Siruo glared playfully, the peach-colored powder on her face enhancing her complexion, making her look stunningly radiant.
On this day, everyone in the Bai residence was beaming with joy, especially Madam Lin. She had to attend to various relatives and friends while also keeping an eye on the time. As soon as the welcoming procession from outside arrived, she immediately entered the courtyard.
"Oh, my dear sister-in-law, Siruo is all dressed. Hurry and put on the veil. The people from Prince Kang's mansion are already outside, and Siming and Xiao Er are blocking them, but I don't think they can hold them for long."
Her happiness was evident not only in her words but also in her expression and gait.
Princess Wenyi looked at her daughter with reluctance. Although she had given her instructions and repeated her advice countless times since the engagement, she was still worried.
For a moment, she even wished her daughter wouldn't marry. What if she was wronged or bullied?
Though she knew this was impossible.
Madam Lin saw her reluctance and quickly took her hand, saying,
"It's alright, she's not marrying far away. It's just a few steps. After her return visit, the two families will interact more. If you wish, you can even stay at Prince Kang's mansion for a couple of days."
Princess Wenyi dabbed the tears from the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief, took a deep breath, and immediately instructed the accompanying matchmaker to place the veil.
Feng Jinyao and Xu Mingyue supported her, one on each side, as they walked out of the courtyard.
The path was paved with red silk, strewn with many flower petals. By the time they reached the courtyard gate, Bai Shanwei was already standing there.
"Why are you here? Weren't you at the gate blocking the people?"
"Mother, you forgot. I'm supposed to carry Eldest Sister out for her wedding."
Madam Lin slapped her forehead. The Bai family had not had a son for a long time and had overlooked such customs. If Bai Shanwei hadn't spoken up today, she would have forgotten about it.
"Oh, look at me, I was so busy I forgot! Really! Quickly, find a red silk ribbon and lay it on the young master's back!"
This was a custom in the Great Jin dynasty. When a bride left her home, she was to be carried out by her brother, without a single step missed. If the brother was too young, a distant relative would be invited to perform this duty.
If Bai Shanwei hadn't been there, Feng Jinxu, her elder cousin, would have carried Bai Siruo.
Soon, the red silk ribbon was brought. Although Bai Shanwei was not old, he was not short and was half a head taller than Bai Siruo.
Carrying Bai Siruo on his back was a bit strenuous, but manageable.
He then whispered, "Eldest Sister, don't worry, your brother won't let you fall."
Bai Siruo chuckled. She had been maintaining her dignified posture and dared not make a sound, but his words broke through her composure.
"Good, I trust you! If you drop me, I'll have your future bride take you to task!"