Chapter 127: Trying on the Wedding Attire

Su Nanxing thought of Daya and Xiaoya and asked, “How did the interrogation of those two maids go?” Several days had passed; they shouldn’t have been able to withstand the heart-consuming methods.

Shixin replied cautiously, “Daya truly knows nothing. Xiaoya was sent to the madam by Qiao Qingyao.”

“Clean them up.” Upon hearing Qiao Qingyao’s name, Su Nanxing’s mind became clear—another problem to deal with.

Shixin responded, “As you command.”

You’an, seeing that Su Nanxing didn’t mention protecting Tao Ming, felt secretly pleased: Forget it, forget it—just don’t remember.

Su Nanxing remained silent. The room fell into a quiet stillness, everyone holding their breath softly.

Fortunately, it wasn’t long before Su Nanxing gave orders: “You’an, from now on, follow the young madam closely without leaving her side. Whether I’m here or not, her safety must come first.”

“Master, the teleportation array at the sanctuary hasn’t been found yet, I…” You’an really didn’t want to follow Tao Ming. What if he saw something he shouldn’t? There’d be no way out!

A faint smile tugged at Su Nanxing’s lips. “Last time on the rooftop of the Star Picking Courtyard, the young madam lifted her clothes and scared you badly, didn’t she?”

Qingliu’s eyes brightened. “Master, I am willing to protect the young madam closely.”

You’an thought, You’re just begging for death!

“Qingliu, it’s been a while since Yao Mei showed up. Why don’t you go find him?” Su Nanxing immediately pulled out his nemesis to quell Qingliu’s urge.

Qingliu shuddered at the mention of Yao Mei. “Master, I haven’t finished my current mission, so I don’t have time to protect the young madam.”

At this moment, Ling Qian, who had been lying on the floor, woke up. Seeing a circle of strangers around her, she immediately laughed coquettishly, “Gentlemen, how kind of you to bring me here...”

Su Nanxing cut her off, “Shixin, take her away first.”

Ling Qian strained her neck backward, spotting Su Nanxing sitting above her, and angrily shouted, “You swore an oath—why won’t you let me go?”

“I only said I don’t intend to kill you. I never promised to set you free.” Su Nanxing smiled innocently, harmless as a lamb.

Ling Qian screamed, “You wicked couple, may you never find peace!”

Shixin quickly covered her mouth and dragged both her and Ling Qing away.

Ling Qian’s outburst darkened Su Nanxing’s expression. “Qingliu, Longjuan, Shachen, within seven days at most, I want you to persuade the young madam to recruit a group. The three of you must infiltrate her inner circle. If you fail, do not come see me again.”

The three responded in unison, “Understood, master.”

You’an gathered courage and said, “Master, I will go find the teleportation array at the sanctuary.”

“No need. You follow the young madam.”

“Master, ‘never leaving her side’ is difficult. There will be inconvenient moments—what should I do then?”

“Send a message to Yao Mei. Have him send a few disciples back.”

“As you command.” You’an relaxed. Once Yao Mei’s disciples arrive, he wouldn’t have to follow the young madam anymore.

Su Nanxing stood up. “I’m leaving now.”

Outside the inn, dusk was settling. Su Nanxing mounted the dragon horse and rushed toward the Qin Mansion like a wild dog with a broken leg.

Having not seen Tao Ming for nearly a whole day, Su Nanxing felt anxious and wished she could hold him close right then and there.

…

Qin Mansion.

Tao Ming had slept for nearly seven hours. Upon waking, she felt dizzy and lay dazedly, staring at the ceiling.

Soft footsteps approached. Tao Ming wanted to turn her head to see who it was, but her neck refused to obey.

Soon, the figure reached the bedside. Tao Sisi’s lovely face appeared before Tao Ming’s eyes. Seeing Tao Ming’s wide-open, motionless eyes, Tao Sisi placed her hand on Tao Ming’s forehead. A gentle stream of water-like energy circulated along Tao Ming’s body.

Tao Ming felt a soothing warmth and tried to turn her head again. This time she could move. Supporting herself with her hands, she sat up. “Thank you, mother. What kind of technique is this?”

“It’s no technique. You’ve slept too long; your body stiffened. I’m just helping you relax.” Tao Sisi took out a set of bright red clothes and laid them on the bed. “Dingxiang made your wedding dress. Try it on and see if it fits. If not, we’ll alter it immediately.”

Tao Ming looked at the dress on the bed, speechless. Even her future mother-in-law had made her a set—what was she to do?

Seeing her silence, Tao Sisi picked up the dress and held it against Tao Ming. “It was made to my measurements, so it shouldn’t be far off.”

Tao Ming took the dress and examined it carefully. The one-piece slanted-collar wedding gown resembled a dragon and phoenix robe, crafted from vibrant red silk that felt cool and smooth to the touch. The collar, cuffs, and hem were delicately outlined with golden threads forming phoenix tail patterns, while the front was embroidered with lavish floral motifs.

Not wanting to disappoint Tao Sisi, Tao Ming removed her clothes and changed into the wedding dress, standing on the floor for inspection.

“The chest area is a bit tight. Adding half an inch on each side should be just right.” Tao Sisi’s hands roamed over Tao Ming’s body, tickling her so much that Tao Ming tried to dodge.

Tao Sisi patted Tao Ming’s backside. “After giving birth to Ruan Ruan, your pelvis hasn’t widened at all?”

“Ruan Ruan was a C-section,” Tao Ming caught Tao Sisi’s hand. “Mother, you’re taking advantage of me!”

Tao Sisi grabbed Tao Ming’s hand and pulled her toward the door. “No wonder Nanxing is always clinging to you, tsk tsk tsk.”

“Mother, can you be serious for once?” Tao Ming felt powerless and struggled to avoid going out.

Tao Sisi tugged hard. “Come on, let your father see.”

“Mother, I’ve slept so long I haven’t brushed my teeth or washed my face.” Tao Ming felt extremely uncomfortable in her mouth.

Tao Sisi released her and said, “Hurry up and wash.”

After Tao Ming finished freshening up, Tao Sisi led her to the main room. The Seventh Prince and Qin Sihai were sitting together, engaged in conversation.

Before entering, Tao Sisi called out, “Come see how Mingming looks in this outfit?”

The Seventh Prince turned toward the doorway and saw Tao Ming. Her long hair cascaded messily down her back, earrings bouncing with each step. Her fair right hand moved across her face, as if wiping something, her tender lips occasionally visible.

His gaze traveled down her neck to the bright red wedding dress wrapped around her, the chest area seeming a bit tight—probably needed loosening…

The Seventh Prince quickly averted his eyes, scolding himself silently for wandering thoughts.

After Tao Ming finished applying her makeup, she stood casually and asked, “Where are Ruan Ruan and Nuonuo?”

Qin Sihai pointed to the bedroom. “They’re asleep.”

The Seventh Prince’s eyes returned to Tao Ming’s face, which looked moist and delicate—he had an urge to pinch her.

Tao Sisi spun Tao Ming around. Qin Sihai nodded approvingly. “Not bad. On your wedding day, we’ll dress you properly. You’ll undoubtedly outshine all others.”

“Father, why outshine all others? I’m not competing for a husband.” Tao Ming pouted, feeling stifled in her chest.

The Seventh Prince fixed his gaze on Tao Ming’s eyes. “On your wedding day, I’ll carry you out.”

“You carrying me? Isn’t that inappropriate?” Aside from Su Nanxing, Tao Ming’s contact with other men had been limited to handshakes or shoulder pats. The thought of being carried out on her wedding day made her feel strangely embarrassed.

Qin Sihai laughed. “Your cousins have all married, except Kong Qing. No one else is left to carry you.”

Tao Ming tugged at her chest. “Then I’ll just walk out myself.”

Seeing her gesture, the Seventh Prince blushed deeply and turned his head away.

Tao Sisi called for Dingxiang and pushed Tao Ming into the bedroom. “Take off the wedding dress and let Dingxiang alter it. By the way, Dingxiang also made you a qipao, but it’ll probably need alterations too.”

Tao Ming swiftly removed the wedding dress, feeling much more comfortable in her chest.

Dingxiang took out a tape measure and remeasured Tao Ming’s size, smiling at her. “It’ll be ready soon.”

Tao Ming responded softly and pulled on short sleeves, shorts, and flip-flops. She sighed, “This kind of outfit is still the most comfortable. The clothes here are too fussy and troublesome.”