The next day, lively music and cheerful voices once again filled the Fang residence.
Guests arrived one after another to congratulate Madame Yu and Chief Yi Yang on gaining another distinguished son-in-law. Meanwhile, the Fang brothers, Lei Fang, and her husband, Guan Yu, moved through the crowd, welcoming guests and keeping the celebration in order.
Inside her chamber, Yi Mei sat before a bronze mirror, staring at her reflection with barely contained fury.
The room smelled of incense and fresh flowers, but the sweetness only churned her stomach. Beyond the closed doors, music and laughter drifted through the residence, each cheerful note scraping against her nerves.
This was supposed to be her day—her chance to rise above everyone else.
Yet even now, Lei Fang's shadow hung over her.
Yi Mei lowered her gaze to the wedding dress clinging to her body. The silk was exquisite, the embroidery delicate, and the ornaments carefully arranged to flatter her figure. Any other bride would have been delighted.
To Yi Mei, every thread felt like a brand against her skin.
It was Lei Fang's dress.
No matter how carefully it had been altered or how many new ornaments had been added, Yi Mei could still imagine Lei Fang wearing it first, standing before this same mirror while everyone admired and praised her.
The thought tightened Yi Mei's throat.
Even on her wedding day, she was being forced to live in Lei Fang's leftovers.
She had endured the servants' lowered gazes, their polite smiles, and the constant reminder that she was merely the Fang family's Second Miss—a guest tolerated out of obligation rather than a daughter cherished from the heart.
Today was supposed to erase that humiliation.
Instead, every detail reminded her of what she lacked.
With a violent sweep of her arm, she sent everything on the dressing table crashing to the floor.
Bronze hairpins struck the tiles with sharp metallic clinks. A porcelain jar shattered, scattering fragments across the room.
"I hate Lei Fang!" she screamed.
Her reflection stared back at her through the broken pieces, beautiful but twisted by rage.
Lei Fang had everything without even trying: wealth, status, the Fang family's unquestioning devotion, and a powerful husband who adored her. Even when she gave something away, she still appeared generous, noble, and untouchable.
And Yi Mei?
She had to beg for scraps and pretend to be grateful.
No matter how well she dressed or how carefully she smiled, everyone still saw her standing in Lei Fang's shadow. Even today, the wedding dress announced that she had received only what Lei Fang no longer wanted.
The humiliation burned hotter than the incense.
Yi Mei drew a slow breath, forcing herself to calm down. Her hands curled into fists until her nails dug into her palms.
She would not remain beneath Lei Fang forever.
If the Fang family insisted on treating her like a beggar, she would take everything from them herself—their wealth, status, and influence. She would make them pay for every humiliation they had forced her to endure.
She would take it all.
Not because they had given it to her, but because she would make them kneel and surrender it.
At that moment, two servants entered the chamber and bowed respectfully.
"Second Miss, the groom has arrived."
Yi Mei slowly lifted her head.
For a moment, the anger in her eyes remained raw. Then she remembered Mu Ling waiting outside—the distinguished young master who had chosen her, the man whose name could open doors that had always been closed to her.
A sinister smile curved her lips.
She turned toward the bronze mirror and studied her reflection. With practiced fingers, she smoothed her hair and adjusted the ornaments near her temples. The bride staring back at her no longer looked humiliated.
She looked victorious.
The fury in Yi Mei's eyes hardened into cold ambition.
"Yi Lei Fang," she murmured venomously. "Enjoy your position while you still can. I have Mu Ling now."
Her smile deepened as she imagined the future.
Once she earned his trust, won his affection, and secured her place in the Yong Clan, no one would dare look down on her again. She would no longer be the unwanted Second Miss of the Fang family. She would become powerful enough to make the entire kingdom bow.
"I will crush the Miao Clan beneath my feet," she whispered. "Then I will take everything that belongs to you."
Her nails dug into her palms until the skin broke. A thin line of blood appeared, but she barely noticed.
"And when that day comes," she continued, "you will have no one left to blame but yourself."
Outside, the wedding music swelled.
Yi Mei's eyes gleamed as she imagined Lei Fang watching her leave with Mu Ling, forced to witness the beginning of her rise.
Let Lei Fang enjoy everyone's love today.
Let her believe that kindness and family loyalty would protect her forever.
Yi Mei would show her how quickly admiration could turn into fear.
With that thought burning in her chest, Yi Mei turned away from the mirror and swept out of the chamber to meet her soon-to-be husband.
Outside the Fang residence, beautiful red and golden decorations adorned the bridal carriage as it waited for the bride to arrive. In front of the carriage stood a majestic horse ridden by Mu Ling, the groom.
Mu Ling turned toward the Fang residence, his wandering eyes searching through the crowd for Lei Fang. However, much to his disappointment, he could not find her figure anywhere among the many people gathered outside.
Feeling disappointed, Mu Ling suddenly noticed from the corner of his eye that his bride was walking toward the main gate.
The moment he saw her, he quickly turned his head away in disgust.
Yi Mei, whose face was still hidden beneath her red bridal veil, noticed his reaction. Her nails dug deeper into her palms as frustration and irritation filled her heart.
She stopped at the main gate and waited patiently for Mu Ling to climb down from his horse and carry her in his arms, princess-style, to the bridal carriage.
Traditionally, the groom was supposed to dismount from his horse and personally carry his bride to the bridal carriage. It was a gesture meant to show respect and honor toward his new wife while symbolizing good luck and prosperity in their married life.
However, two minutes passed.
Mu Ling did not move.
The surrounding crowd began whispering among themselves, and the once-festive atmosphere gradually became awkward.
Chief Yi Yang coughed loudly, attempting to silence the whispers. He then beckoned one of the male servants over and instructed him to remind Mu Ling that he was supposed to get down from his horse and carry his bride to the carriage.
The male servant hurried toward Mu Ling.
"Young Master Mu, it is time to dismount and carry your bride to the bridal carriage."
Mu Ling paid no attention to the servant.
Instead, he continued staring toward the busy street ahead, refusing to look at either his bride or the Fang family.
The male servant stood there awkwardly. After receiving no response, he scratched his head and turned helplessly toward Chief Yi Yang.
Seeing Mu Ling's behavior, Chief Yi Yang and Madame Yu were deeply disappointed.
With no other choice, they turned toward Yi Mei and told her that she would have to enter the bridal carriage herself.