She remarried a cold-faced, powerful man, and the scumbag regretted it and cried his heart out.

The surrounding people were stunned by this sudden turn of events, and for a moment no one dared to step forward to dissuade them.

Wen Huaizhang's eyes were cold and sharp. He signaled the guards to take the man away, then dismounted and strode up the stone steps of the Marquis's mansion.

He had been holding back his anger the whole way, and although the man's words were hurtful, they weren't entirely without reason.

He dared not think too deeply about Jiang Jin'an's situation, and could only force himself to remain calm and maintain the dignity of the royal family.

Shen Jingshu listened to the commotion outside from inside her room, but her expression remained surprisingly calm.

She had long anticipated that things wouldn't be peaceful today. Jiang Jin'an's fate was uncertain, and those people would definitely take the opportunity to cause trouble. But so what?

The auspicious hour had arrived. Wen Huaizhang looked around and announced loudly, "By order of His Majesty, the Commandant has been loyal to the country, which greatly pleases His Majesty. Although he has not been able to return to the capital as he wished, the marriage agreement has been made and cannot be easily changed. Therefore, I am hereby ordered to carry out the wedding ceremony on behalf of the Commandant to ensure that all the proper rites are observed!"

Upon hearing this, Shen Zizhong and Song Wan exchanged a glance, both seeing seriousness in each other's eyes.

What is this? A proxy worship of heaven and earth? This is unheard of!

Shen Zizhong stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Highness, this is unreasonable and may violate ancestral rules."

Wen Huaizhang raised his hand in a gesture of support, stopping him from speaking: "This is the Emperor's will, Marquis of Pingyang need not worry."

With things turned out this way, the usual blocking the door and demanding red envelopes were naturally canceled. Everyone was speechless for a moment, just waiting for Shen Jingshu to come out.

Wen Yin and the others came to see off the bride, and now they have also arrived at Shaoguang Courtyard.

Lu Linlang placed a pair of wedding shoes embroidered with mandarin ducks playing in the water at Shen Jingshu's feet, and the good-natured woman then covered Shen Jingshu's head with a red veil embroidered with a hundred sons and a thousand grandsons.

While vision is obstructed, other senses become more acute.

She heard a commotion rising outside the courtyard, mixed with the whispers of the servants.

"Young lady, it's time for you to get married."

The sound of the zither rang in her ears. Shen Jingshu took a deep breath and, supported by Wen Yin and Gu Shiyi, walked towards the door.

Shen Yuanzhou had been waiting. Today, he was wearing a brand-new red brocade robe and looked somewhat like a young man.

He walked up to Shen Jingshu, squatted down, and said, "Sister, I'll carry you on my back."

Shen Jingshu bent down and let Shen Yuanzhou carry her on his back.

Step by step, Shen Yuanzhou walked very steadily, passing through the courtyard and the corridor, and arrived at the gate of the Marquis's mansion.

"Sister, don't be afraid." The little boy's voice was low and choked with emotion. "No matter what, I will stay with you."

Shen Jingshu didn't speak, but simply rested her head gently on her younger brother's back.

When Wen Huaizhang saw Shen Jingshu come out, he hesitated for a moment, but still stepped forward and said, "Miss Shen, please forgive me."

Unable to carry her, he personally supported Shen Jingshu's arm and, together with Shen Yuanzhou, helped her into the jeweled sedan chair.

The sedan curtain fell, and Shen Jingshu sat alone inside, listening to the deafening sounds of gongs, drums, and firecrackers outside.

Wen Huaizhang bowed deeply to Shen Zizhong to show his respect.

The music was melodious, and the bridal sedan chair was lifted.

Eight sedan chair bearers steadily lifted the bridal sedan chair and headed towards the Jiang residence.

The wedding procession proceeded along the long street, passing through the bustling streets of the capital, attracting countless onlookers.

The dowry was still carried by the imperial guards sent by Emperor Hui. As the procession moved away, the crowd began to surge, with everyone craning their necks to watch this "once-in-a-century" wedding.

The eunuchs followed along, scattering money and candy. When the common people saw the silver pieces, they began to say auspicious words.

Many court officials and ladies from various mansions came to witness the ceremony. Everyone went to the Jiang residence on their own. Since they were already there, they had to go through the whole process and see how this farce would end.

The bridal sedan chair finally stopped in front of the Jiang residence.

Jiang Jin'an's uncle, Jiang Yuan, along with a group of clansmen, stood at the door to greet them.

The master of ceremonies called out, "The bride must alight from the sedan chair!"

Without a groom, there was no need to kick the sedan chair door. The old woman helped Shen Jingshu down from the sedan chair, and led her across the brazier with a red ribbon, and into the gate of the Jiang residence.

Inside the main hall, the memorial tablets of Jiang Jin'an's parents were enshrined high above, exuding an indescribable sense of oppression.

Once the guests had settled in, the master of ceremonies was faced with another dilemma.

What is the procedure for this?

Even in a ghost marriage, shouldn't the groom have a plaque?

Finally, the Crown Princess spoke up: "This ceremony cannot be abandoned. May Miss Shen perform the kneeling ceremony first?"

Shen Jingshu discerned the direction, curtsied to the Crown Princess, and thus agreed.

The master of ceremonies breathed a sigh of relief and loudly proclaimed:

"Worship heaven and earth!"

Shen Jingshu turned around and bowed towards the door.

"Two thanks to the high hall!"

Shen Jingshu turned around again and bowed to the two memorial tablets.

"couple--"

The master of ceremonies abruptly stopped, for Shen Jingshu was the only person in the hall.

"This..." He was sweating and at a loss, so he could only look to the Crown Princess for help.

Just then, a sharp and sarcastic voice rang out: "Is that even a question? Of course, it's one person worshipping! Are you suggesting we carve a memorial tablet and worship it alongside her?"

The speaker was Wang, Jiang Jin'an's aunt. She had always disliked Jiang Jin'an, and since he separated from the family, she had become even more displeased with him. Seeing Shen Jingshu all alone, she couldn't help but make sarcastic remarks.

Several people who were on good terms with the Marquis of Pingyang's family looked rather grim and began to whisper among themselves.

"This Madam Jiang is going too far. The young lady hasn't even entered the family yet, and she's already saying such things."

"Exactly, people's lives are hanging in the balance, and she's still kicking them while they're down. That's really mean."

Shen Jingshu ignored her and stood there motionless.

Seeing this, Wang became even more smug: "What, can't you bow down? Well, he's very fierce outside, killing people without hesitation. Now he's getting his comeuppance!"

"Shut up!" Jiang Yuan snapped. Although he usually indulged Wang Shi, he wouldn't tolerate her talking nonsense on this occasion. "Today is Jin'an's big day. What nonsense are you spouting? Get out of here!"

Wang pouted and said indignantly, "That's right! The person is dead, why get married? Isn't that bad luck? I think she's a jinx, she even brought death to her husband before she even entered the family..."

Just as Wen Huaizhang was about to get up and lash out, he saw Shen Jingshu suddenly turn around, pull off her veil, and look straight at Wang Shi.

The kind-hearted woman was terrified and hurriedly took the veil from her to put it back on her, crying out, "Oh dear girl, you can't take it off! You can't take it off!"

Shen Jingshu raised her hand to stop her. "This must be Aunt Jiang, right? This phoenix coronet and wedding gown I'm wearing were bestowed upon me by His Majesty and the Empress. The official matchmaker was appointed by imperial decree, and all six rites were performed. Are you so unrestrained in your speech because you have some dissatisfaction with His Majesty and the Empress?"

Wang's face paled. She was used to lording it over everyone in her clan, but she dared not offend the imperial authority. She could only stammer, "I...I didn't mean that..."

"Enough!" Lu Ming said in a deep voice. As the prime minister, he naturally could not sit idly by.

"Madam Jiang, today is the joyous occasion of Jin'an and Jing Shu's wedding. If you dare to spout nonsense again, don't blame me for showing you no mercy!"

Wen Huaizhang echoed, "Second Madam Jiang, rumors from the streets are not to be believed. How can you be so certain? I have known Jin'an since childhood, and I know his character better than anyone. He has risked his life for the country and its people. How can you slander him like this? Do you know that what you just said constitutes the crime of deceiving the emperor!"

When the Crown Prince spoke, Lady Wang's body went limp and she almost fell to the ground. Fortunately, the maid beside her reacted quickly and caught her.