CH 66.1

Chapter 66.1 – Making Up For Everything

With the continuous stream of people pouring her wine at the wedding banquet, even just water was enough to make Lu Qipei feel bloated. And since some people even brought their own wine jug, Lu Qipei still had to drink a few glasses, and became a little drunk.

Seeing that she should’ve done enough, and that the banquet was full of guests and the atmosphere was good, Lu Qipei secretly rubbed her stomach and pretended to be drunk to escape from the wedding banquet.

The night was getting darker, but the whole Lu Mansion was still brightly lit. The big red lanterns shone radiantly on the joyful event, illuminating the road to the wedding chamber. The winter night’s cold was seemingly dispelled by the light, making people inexplicably feel warm.

Lu Qipei briskly walked towards the wedding chamber. When her eyes inadvertently glanced at it, she caught a glimpse of something falling in the air. She raised her hand to catch it, and a tiny snowflake fell onto her palm. Before she could feel its cold, it had already been melted by the warmth of her palm and turned into a small water stain.

It was snowing…

Lu Qipei looked up; it wasn’t clear what she came to her mind, but she was slightly dazed. It was only for a moment though, and she soon came back to her senses, and she quickened her pace towards the wedding chamber.

On the way, she met Qi Bo. The old butler had been busy for a while because of today’s wedding. He had started preparing for it from two months earlier, and today he also helped welcoming her and sending her off. Lu Qipei hadn’t seen him all day, so he was probably busy until just now.

Even so, Lu Qipei didn’t want to see him right now, probably because his appearance spoiled the scenery.

Lu Qipei was hesitating whether she should go forward to say hello, but Qi Bo just stared at her from afar. He turned around and walked away without waiting for her to come.

Lu Qipei slightly exhaled as she looked at his elderly back. Her brain, which had been shrouded in drunkenness and the joy of marriage, suddenly calmed down – she knew that Qi Bo was giving her a final reminder, but there was no secret between her and Qi Yang.

She wasn’t sure whether she was feeling happy or sad – she had left behind all her emotions, the only thing that remained was her burning heart.

When Lu Qipei returned to the wedding chamber, the light snowing outside had gradually became stronger, and it seemed that this night would be full of happiness. The night outside was getting colder and darker, but the wedding chamber still had a warm atmosphere.

Zhi Ting led several maids to wait at the bridal chamber. Seeing that Lu Qipei had finally returned, they all saluted and congratulated her.

Lu Qipei responded with a smile, one that had not left her face for the whole day. Then, without needing her to remind them, Zhi Ting led the group of people away, and even closed the door for the two of them.

Staring at the door, she suddenly felt nervous.

Lu Qipei raised her hand and touched her cheek, which had begun burning at an unknown point. She took a deep breath and turned around to go inside.

Qi Yang was waiting for her; her heavy auspicious clothes and bright makeup had remained unchanged. When she raised her head upon hearing the noise, their eyes met again. But this time, their eyes were full of smiles, with some shyness and satisfaction mixed in.

“Ah Ning.” Lu Qipei called out softly, as if afraid that this dream in front of her would break if she spoke loudly.

Qi Yang smiled and got up to approach her. Then, she took her hand and went to the table. “En, I’m here.”

After she walked two steps, Qi Yang seemed to smell a faint aroma of alcohol, and turned her face again. Staring at the thin redness on Lu Qipei’s face, she suddenly frowned and said, “Have you been drinking? Didn’t I already have someone swap your drink?”

Lu Qipei blinked and answered honestly, “Other people poured drinks as well. I didn’t drink much.”

Qi Yang nodded when she heard this, and reached out to touch Lu Qipei’s face. It was a little hot after she was drinking, but Lu Qipei didn’t lie – she really wasn’t drunk. When she stood there and let Qi Yang touch her face, her eyes were bright and burning.

Somehow, Qi Yang felt uncomfortable being stared at, so she turned her eyes away and said, “It’s good if you’re not drunk.”

After saying this, she took her to the table.

There was a pair of dragon-phoenix candle in the table, plus a pot of wine and two cups. The two still had not drunk their wedding wine today, so Qi Yang poured the wine herself, raised the two cups, and handed one of them to Lu Qipei.

The so-called wedding wine was originally made from a gourd that was cut open to be used as a wine bottle, with both sides connected with a thread1. The husband and wife would each hold one side and drink, symbolizing that they were henceforth connected.

And because the gourd tasted bitter, the wine would become bitter wine, symbolizing that the husband and wife would share joy and sorrow from now on.

As Lu Qipei took the wine cup, her heart could not stop thinking of thousands of things. Her gaze towards Qi Yang turned even more gentle.

But before she could drink the wine, she heard Qi Yang say, “Today, you’re finally making up for that wedding wine you owed me back then.”

This made Lu Qipei feel guilty as she thought of her past life. Back then, she had not fallen in love with Her Royal Highness The Princess. Having to suddenly marry her, she was afraid and wanted to escape. When she came back from the wedding banquet, she got drunk and fell asleep. Not to mention the wedding wine, she even owed Qi Yang the wedding night.

Fortunately, Qi Yang didn’t say anything else. The two picked up the wine cups connected by the red string and looked at each other, then drank the wedding wine together.

After drinking it, Lu Qipei’s eyes seemed to turn even brighter. She said, “I will be able to make up all that I owe you today.”

Translator notes:

Later on those that look more like cups were made, and in modern times sometimes decorated wine glasses are used.