Rushed Marriage
The surroundings were filled with noise and gossip, while a festive and ancient tune permeated in the air.
Awakened by the chaotic sounds, Mo Qian Xue faintly sensed someone's hands holding her back, while a dull ache spread throughout her body. Also, there seemed to be a delicate cloth covering her face…
Mo Qian Xue had an impulse to tear off the annoying cloth and open her eyes so she could see what was going on.
However, at this time, a severe pain suddenly overwhelmed her body, depriving her of the strength to open her eyes. She could only lay powerlessly as the stranger roughly carried her away.
Is this a dream?
Why does it feel so realistic?
Without knowing how much time had passed, she felt the stranger who carried her come to a full stop. Along with his action, the sound of surrounding footsteps also ceased.
Within the noise, Mo Qian Xue heard the voices of several people.
"Bao Zhang**, Ning Xiaoqing is already too sick to awaken, and this woman also seems to be approaching her death. With their condition…….how can they possibly go through the marriage?
(**T/N: Bao Zhang 保長–“Headman” ; a leader who manages a village or clan of ten households)
"We must act now! The room has been prepared so just send both of them directly to the bridal chamber! Hurry!"
This dream, it's too strange! Mo Qianxue lost her consciousness and fell asleep…
When she awoke in the morning, her body was still aching in pain. The woman shook her head and opened her eyes, when suddenly she was caught by surprise!
This……is not her home—a dark room, red curtains, some gray worn down wooden furniture, and……two veiled women standing by the side.
In her astonishment, Mo Qian Xue nervously raised her hand. Hold it! This……This is definitely not my hand!
The hand had long slender fingers, skin as white as jade, and a delicate texture that was not likely to be found in a girl without class.
Is it….
Did she transmigrate?
Unable to accept reality, Mo Qian Xue couldn't help but scream, causing the two women to jump in surprise.
"Lady Ning, did you wake up?"
Although the woman who was dressed in Tsing Yi felt frightened, she quickly set aside her work and came to the Lady's side.
The sight of the stranger caused Mo Qian Xue to momentarily forget her pain. She put down her right hand and struggled to sit up. There was a noticeable tremble in her voice.
"This, what is this…"
As she felt around, it seemed as if her right hand wasn't resting on a firm bed, but rather, on something soft and elastic. She turned around only to find that a man was lying beside her.
She quickly withdrew her hand and stood up in panic, pointing shakily to the man on the bed before staring at the maid.
"H-he, he…..Who is he?"
"He is your husband!"
Mo Qian Xue stared wide eyed at the man she pointed to. She then turned around slowly as she trembled. Her tongue enunciated, word for word…
"My…..husband?"
Did Buddha open his eyes! Was she sent to another time period so she could have a husband?
Suddenly, the other lady in the room opened up and spoke impatiently to the younger maiden, "Fang Fangzi, now that Lady Ning has woken up without any problems, I'll be leaving her to you care. My family's pig hasn't been fed yet so I'll be heading back first." The lady who just spoke gave Mo Qian Xue a strange look as if she were a ghost. After leaving some instructions to the maiden Fang Fangzi, she turned and quickly left the scene.
Having bid farewell to her comrade, Fang Fangzi quickly returned to the trembling Mo Qian Xue's side. Seeing her fear, the maiden reached out to pat her back in comfort.
"Your husband's surname is Ning–he was known as a respected Scholar in our Wang Village. However a few days ago Ning Xiansheng** suddenly fell unconscious due to an unknown illness. His state was so severe that no one could manage to wake him up, leaving the people deeply afraid that he might never recover. The Elders speculated that bad luck may have been the cause of his sudden illness.
(**T/N:Xiānshēng 先生—title for "Mr." so you can call him Mr. Ning….but his actual full name is Ning Xiaoqing)
Meanwhile, the villagers had found you by the road, unconscious and nearing death from a high fever, so….."
So, she became the Chong Xi** bride for his marriage? So yesterday's dream….
…was true! She was truly picked up and rescued by the clan?
If that was the case, then who was she?
(**T/N: Chong Xi 冲喜—a marriage to a bride in order to bring "good luck" to an ill patient. Is believed to cure the patient of illness by warding off bad luck through the happiness associated with marriage)
Mo Qian Xue's heart turned cold. She was upset that an event as important as marriage was rushed, and even to a stranger! "What kind of Clan can decide an important life decision without my or my family's consent? If my parents don't agree…."
Fang Fangzi listened intently to the unfamiliar woman and responded, "Among the eight to ten households within the clan, none of the people could recognize you or could claim you as one of theirs. You didn't have a mother or father to support you. Despite your plight, at least you have been wedded to a man who was respected and renowned by everyone here, so please don't take this sister's words with ill feelings. If not for Ning Xiansheng's condition, no one would have been willing to rescue you from the ditch, considering that you were near death from fever.
Nobody asked for her opinion? They didn't let her make a choice?
Of course, Mo Qian Xue knew that it was unreasonable to argue at this time. She was a complete stranger to this time and place, and she still needed to learn more about her situation before she could decide.
….
Fang Fangzi was a good person. She carefully prepared her meals daily before sending her food and drink.
The other woman whom Mo Qian Xue had met upon waking up – Zhao Eryao, had once again returned to the house. She brought along her share of food, a mesh of corn porridge, to Mo Qian Xue. Zhao Eryao was displeased with the foreign woman, such that she couldn't help but clench her teeth.
An old willow tree stood in the courtyard. It was only late autumn. The willow had turned yellow, and fallen leaves littered the courtyard. When the wind blew, the leaves would swirl on the ground, giving forth a dreary scene.
Mo Qian Xue stood in the courtyard and reached out for a fallen piece of leaf. She sighed deeply. It had only been a few days, but she felt as if her world had abandoned her.
When Fang Fangzi arrived with the meal, she saw Lady Ning sit under the tree absentmindedly. Assuming that Mo Qian Xue was lonely and sad for being forced into a marriage, she immediately went to the Lady's side and helped her into the house. "The heat out here could burn your back and the wind will only mess up your hair. Once it cools down again, it would be nice to return outside."
After entering the house, Fang Fangzi removed the meat from the food box, and arranged it on the table.
Seeing that there was a bowl of soup provided, Mo Qian Xue took a serving and sat by the bedside. She gently blew on a spoonful of soup and fed it to the unconscious man. Afterwards she gently wiped off the soup that dripped down the corner of his mouth.
Now that she had recovered, Mo Qian Xue no longer wanted to burden others.
This man was her husband by name so she took over his care, waiting for him to regain consciousness. Once he awakens, they can discuss their situation.
"Just by seeing how Lady Ning handles herself, I think that you may come from a literate family. Your manners are much more refined than the women in our village."
Mo Qian Xue laughed. "You think so? Just by looking at the food you prepare daily, I can tell that Miss Fang is a neat person."
Most people enjoyed listening to compliments, and Fang Fangzi was no exception. She laughed softly and asked in a friendly manner, "A few days ago, Lady Ning's mind was rather confused due to high fever. Does the Lady remember where she's from now?
Mo Qian Xue's hand which held the spoon suddenly quivered. Fortunately she was able to conjure up a good excuse these past two days. "I only know that my name is Mo Qian Xue. But where I used to live, or who my family was, I can't seem to remember at all."
After saying these words, she suddenly realized that she may no longer have a chance to see her parents. Tears streamed down her cheeks. Gathering herself, she said weakly "I seem to have a headache. I'm afraid I might never get to see my loved ones' faces in this lifetime again….." Mo Qian Xue's words hadn't finished yet when the kind sister beside her had burst into tears as well.
"It was probably because of your high fever that Lady can't remember. Don't be too hard on yourself and just continue to live a good life. After settling down, you can slowly remember it." Fang Fangzi wiped away her tears and came over to hold Mo Qian Xue's shoulder in comfort. "Lady Ning, as I've gotten along with you these past few days, I can tell that you're a good girl who cherishes her family. From now on you can consider me as your sister. My mother can also be your mother."
Originally Mo Qian Xue simply made up the story to fill in her past. She never thought that this sister would have such a kind heart, even offering such words of friendship and comfort. Mo Qian Xue felt a bit guilty inside.
At this time she noticed how Fang Fangzi looked outside the house with caution. Fang Fanzi looked to her and whispered in a low voice, "You must be careful! Right now you are safe, but if your husband remains unconscious and happens to pass away, the village will surely sell you as a slave."
"Sell…you mean sell me as a slave?! Why?" Mo Qian Xue shook as if she was struck by thunder.
"It's the law of Tian Qi Dynasty! Does Sister Ning not know? Any women of unknown origins and without parents are, according to the law, to be sold to government officials as slaves!"
Mo Qian Xue gasped. Fang Fangzi comforted, "Don't be afraid Sister Ning, this is only in the worst case scenario. If your husband recovers then you'll have him to protect you. Naturally, you'll be fine."
However Mo Qian Xue's expression still remained grave. Sister Fang once again comforted, "Sister Ning, you don't have to worry. As long as you feed him well and take good care of him, Ning Xiansheng will certainly recover."
In the future, if he makes a name for himself, perhaps Lady Ning can become the official wife….
However, Mo Qian Xue didn't seem to hear Sister Fang's words of advice.
After parting with the maiden, Mo Qian Xue staggered back into the house and stared at the man who lay in bed.
She trembled fearfully!
Heavens, how could the most ridiculous event happen to her!
Back in the modern day, she was forced to a blind date, only to be surprised—her partner turned out to be her first crush?!
When she cried out in astonishment, the tea leaf stuck on her throat, blocking her airway.
Suddenly she woke up before a red curtain, a dark room with beams, along with a faint smell of earth in a battered house.
Before she could compose herself, she was suddenly informed that the strange man in bed was her sick husband, and that she was merely rescued to become a Chong Xi bride, all for the sake of his good luck and recovery.
Not only that, the villagers had even wanted to sell her as a slave?!