Thirteenth Lady's Comback: Her Everyday Life as a Bystander-Chapter 221 - 8: The Wedding (Part 3)

Among those across from him trying to compete in drinking was the second legitimate son of the third branch of the Duke Zhen’s Mansion, who was also eighteen this year. Unlike his brother who pursued a career as a civil servant, he planned to follow in his father’s footsteps and aimed to take the martial arts examination next year to become a martial champion. Naturally, he quickly bonded with these robust Northwestern men.

Perhaps these men didn’t fully understand the significance of the Duke Zhen’s Mansion to Great Chu, but upon knowing that these two young masters were the sons of General Qin, they displayed a rare hint of familiarity.

Another participating was the third young master of the Shun’an Earl Mansion. This third young master was the second son born to the second wife, whose mother was a noble concubine formally married into the family, thus ranking higher in status than the second young master—the eldest son born to the second wife, who was born of a maid.

The young masters of the Song Family were too young to discern talent, but none of the older ones were mediocre. Always united as brothers, to ensure the everlasting continuation of the Song Family, each young master had a predestined path. This particular young master was not scholarly inclined and had already decided to pursue martial prowess, aiming for next year’s martial arts examination. Though the top scholar was an unlikely goal, he aimed to at least compete for second or third place.

Over there, someone with keen eyes spotted Hong Sheng and eagerly called him over to engage in a drinking contest, but Hong Sheng sidestepped, revealing a petite lady dressed in a bright red gown behind him, clearly a new bride.

Due to the distance, the escort who noticed Hong Sheng had drunk quite a bit and, with bleary eyes, thought that Hong Sheng’s wife seemed quite attractive. As they drew closer, the escort took a sharp breath, causing the wine that had just entered his mouth to choke him, resulting in a thunderous coughing fit.

Those involved in the drinking contest and onlookers were all startled, watching him cough as if he would hack up a lung, and quickly helped pat his back. Once he had somewhat recovered, everyone wiped away a cold sweat.

One of the escorts peevishly said, "Zhang San, drinking is for drinking! What are you up to, giving us such a scare?"

The young escort called "Zhang San" blushed and looked up, startled to see Hong Sheng and Susu. The young lady was looking at him with concern, and he felt utterly embarrassed, as if he were on fire.

Moreover, "Damn, Boss Hong’s wife is too beautiful!"

Hearing his companion’s complaints and seeing the soldiers who were engaged in the drinking contest looking at him with exasperation, Zhang San leaned into the philosophy of "it’s better to share the embarrassment than to face it alone," and said apologetically, "Sorry, everyone, I choked on the drink, come on, let me make it up to you, let’s have another drink!"

Saying this, he poured drinks for everyone one by one, and they weren’t genuinely angry, so they accepted his modesty with good humor.

Who knew, just as this drink entered their mouths, Zhang San pointed towards the inner courtyard and said, "Hey, Boss Hong and his wife are leaving!" Zhang San’s voice carried a hint of mischief, but at that moment, nobody thought much of it, similar to a reflex to look up upon hearing a plane, upon hearing "hey," they all turned to look.

Then, except for a few young masters from the Song Family who had met Susu, and the two young masters from the Qin Family, the others choked on their drinks one after another, resulting in successive coughing fits.

Even the young masters of the Song Family, despite having seen her before, except for the Sixth Young Master, and the two young masters of the Qin Family, were clearly amazed as well.

Feigning surprise, Zhang San said, "Why are you all choking?"

Hong Sheng and Susu watched this "drama king" with exasperation, while observing the scene from beginning to end were the village chief of Red Mountain Village and several clan elders, who, being older, naturally didn’t join the young folks in their drinking antics but rather watched with smiles.

When Hong Sheng and Susu approached, they were already aware. Although Susu was beautiful, the elderly were more immune to physical charms.

Now seeing Hong Sheng looking frustrated, the coarse folks staring dumbly at his wife, they hurriedly intervened with, "Brother Sheng, quickly bring your wife over."

Hong Sheng looked at these teasing friends without amusement. Sure, Susu was strikingly beautiful, but ogling her with eyes nearly falling out was too much, wasn’t it?

He felt proud, but also dreaded Susu’s anger. Susu, already accustomed to her appearance’s impact, didn’t feel offended. In particular, her keen eyes perceived pure admiration in theirs.

Even the "mischievous" Zhang San was merely being playful. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Collective coughs to welcome Susu wasn’t without its advantages. At least it spared her the embarrassment of having to drink, as beauty often enjoys certain privileges.

Of course, those lacking beauty had much rougher experiences.

After Susu offered a toast and retired to the bridal chamber assisted by maids, everyone wised up to Zhang San’s mischief, especially with Hong Sheng sporting an expression that said, "Come, let’s talk about life and teach you the ways in a few moments," they all groaned collectively.

Even Leng Xiao, the aloof man, cried out "Zhang San, you treacherous brat, betray me!" after being schooled by Hong Sheng’s prowess.

With the bridal chamber mischief yet to come, these lot hadn’t yet gathered their wits, leaving Hong Sheng to enjoy the advantage: not drinking much, seizing the opportunity to straighten out his subordinates, and with a beautiful bride waiting for him inside, he was without doubt a "life’s winner"!

As for the bridal chamber night, details remain undisclosed because the storyline prohibits depicting the acts below the neck, but Susu did ask Hong Sheng a question.

It turned out that Susu had overheard the Princely Heir speaking to Hong Sheng while in the bridal sedan chair but hadn’t caught Hong Sheng’s response. Curious, she brought it up during their bridal night.

Hong Sheng, now indulging himself and boldly flirtatious, responded with, "Rather betray the world than betray you," pressing her beneath him; sweet words paled compared to real actions at this moment.

Before passing out, a thought flashed through Susu’s mind: it’s not our side lacking in knowledge, but their side excelling in ruse.

"Hong Sheng, are you really such an innocent rooster?"