Du Lanyue was ashen, as if she hadn't heard Gu Qingcheng's words.
When she was abducted to the small island and found herself trapped in a bandit's den, she thought that if anyone tried to take her virginity, she would end her life by crashing into a wall or a tree, any way would do.
There was no lid on the pond, so there were a hundred ways to die.
But she never imagined that Gu Qingcheng would come alone to rescue her, which ignited a blazing flame of love in her heart.
However, at this moment, Gu Qingcheng brought her another huge blow.
Upon learning the truth about Gu Qingcheng's gender, she felt as if her hope had completely vanished.
Seeing Du Lanyue's somber face, motionless, and without a reply, Gu Qingcheng stepped forward with concern, holding her hand and saying,
"Sister Lanyue, have you not been eating or sleeping well here? You look so haggard."
"Yes, I haven't rested much."
Du Lanyue felt a pang in her heart but could not blame Gu Qingcheng.
Thinking carefully, Gu Qingcheng had never said she liked her, nor had she actively flirted with her. How could she blame the other person?
It was she who had first offered her sincere heart, placing her hopes for a future life onto Gu Qingcheng.
As a result, she was disappointed!
Looking again at Gu Qingcheng's pretty face before her, so familiar yet so strange, Du Lanyue couldn't help but feel heartbroken.
Seeing that she still didn't speak, Gu Qingcheng feigned comfort and leaned in to whisper in her ear,
"Sister Lanyue, don't worry, I will definitely rescue you. For now, let's pretend to comply. Afterward, we'll find an opportunity. From now on, stay by my side, and I will ensure your safety."
Du Lanyue didn't say anything, merely nodding gently.
The matchmaker, having received instructions from Huo Yu, also came to do Du Lanyue's makeup.
Eyebrow drawing, eye makeup, hair styling... after a series of procedures, it took quite some time before Du Lanyue's makeup was finalized.
As soon as they saw Du Lanyue after her makeup was done, the matchmaker and the maids' eyes widened, and they exclaimed in unison:
"Miss Du is so beautiful! She looks like a celestial maiden from the heavens."
Gu Qingcheng took a look and repeatedly nodded in appreciation, saying,
"My Sister Lanyue is truly beautiful! When you get married in the future, you will surely be the most beautiful bride."
Hearing the word "marriage," Du Lanyue gave a bitter smile in her heart.
She knew she would never easily give her heart again. Looking at Gu Qingcheng, who was blissfully unaware, all her blame and resentment had nowhere to be directed. It was truly a ridiculous affair!
Unbearable to recall.
With a heavy heart, Du Lanyue let the matchmaker help her change into a pink festive gown.
After changing, she and Gu Qingcheng stood together, creating a truly stunning sight.
Gu Qingcheng was heroic and pure, with clear eyes, appearing quite aloof when not speaking.
As for Du Lanyue, she was warm and charming, a beauty that immediately captured attention.
The two stood together, with different styles yet an indescribable harmony, causing the maids and servants to stare in awe, praising,
"The two of you are truly beautiful. Even though we are women, we find you to be transcendently beautiful."
Gu Qingcheng and Du Lanyue both smiled faintly.
Hearing such compliments in a bandit's den made one want to laugh and cry at the same time.
At this point, the sky had already darkened, and the sound of gongs and drums grew louder and closer.
The maids congratulated them one after another,
"Misses, please prepare yourselves. The welcoming procession has arrived."
Du Lanyue, having been struck by the truth of Gu Qingcheng's identity, was in a state of soul detachment. It was only now that she suddenly came to her senses.
Looking at herself again, she realized her makeup was elaborate, and it didn't seem like attire for a bridesmaid.
"Do I have to dress like this?"
Du Lanyue frowned.
"Miss Du, General Huo said that since the marriage is happening anyway, and the two of you are deeply devoted sisters, he doesn't want to separate you. So, you'll both be sent to the bridal chamber and become his wives."
"Yes, our General Huo is destined to become Emperor. The imperial court can't be without its concubines. If you marry General Huo now, you will hold extremely high ranks. Why wouldn't you be pleased?"
Another matchmaker persuaded.
"Ah? What's going on?"
Du Lanyue never expected that Huo Yu's wedding would also involve her.
Gu Qingcheng smiled and said, "Huo Yu originally promised to marry me, which is why he let you go.
Now, he wants to take both of us."
Du Lanyue then suddenly realized that it was Gu Qingcheng who was about to get married, and to that pretty-faced general.
She felt uncomfortable and snorted,
"Marriage requires a formal ceremony. How can this kind of forceful seizure be acceptable?"
Upon hearing this, the servants exchanged glances. One maid, gathering her courage, said,
"It's a time of chaos, and some rules are not so strict. Our General Huo comes from a prominent family. Conducting the marriage ceremony in this manner is considered a formal marriage. What's wrong with that?"
Gu Qingcheng said to Du Lanyue,
"Stop arguing. Let's go with it for now."
Du Lanyue's heart sank upon hearing Gu Qingcheng's reply.
She had met General Huo; he was indeed handsome and accomplished. But if Gu Qingcheng were to marry him, she felt Huo Yu wasn't good enough for Gu Qingcheng.
When the sedan chair was carried to the side room, Huo Yu himself came to escort the bride.
Seeing Huo Yu, also dressed in a grand red festive gown, Du Lanyue felt a dull ache in her chest.
Huo Yu, seeing the two beauties vying for attention, couldn't help but smile broadly and say enthusiastically,
"Please, both ladies, enter the sedan chair."
Gu Qingcheng feigned confusion and asked,
"General Huo, do you intend to marry us both simultaneously?"
"Haha, a true man should hold the power of the world in his hands and lie on the laps of beauties when drunk. I, Huo Yu, have great ambitions and will one day become the founding emperor of the Great Huo Dynasty.
You will be my Empress, and you will be my Noble Consort. If I take you both at once now, wouldn't that be a beautiful tale?"
In those times, men dominated by feudal patriarchal thinking all felt women were their possessions. Being formally married and carried into the Huo family gates by sedan chair was considered a grace bestowed upon them.
Furthermore, Huo Yu was someone who would eventually become emperor and had an imperial throne to inherit, so he was very confident.
Gu Qingcheng felt like throwing up upon hearing this.
This person, who wasn't even a man, was incredibly confident.
However, it suited her as she didn't want to be separated from Du Lanyue. For now, she could only act as the situation dictated.
So, she stepped forward, took Du Lanyue's hand, and said,
"Sister Lanyue, General Huo is right. Come, let's get into the sedan chair together."
Upon hearing this, Du Lanyue's chest began to pound like a drum, "Dong dong," ceaselessly.
Get into the sedan chair together?
Did heaven also feel she was pitiful and thus granted her a dream wedding?
This was getting into the sedan chair with Gu Qingcheng!
Suddenly, Du Lanyue could no longer distinguish which was the real Gu Qingcheng.
Perhaps this Gu Qingcheng was a disguise by Young Master Gu?
With this thought, she felt Gu Qingcheng's hand gripping hers, burning hot, filled with warm affection.
"Okay."
Du Lanyue replied.
She was willing to get into the sedan chair with Gu Qingcheng.