A thousand enlightenments in one night, starting from being a menial apprentice.

Chapter 546 The Essence of Ritual
Inside the Lü family residence.

Lu Zhongtang was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, pacing back and forth in the hall.

He had just gone into the deep valley to look for Lü Qingzhu, but Lü Qingzhu was not in the cave.

An elderly man with a gray beard was sitting in the hall. He took a sip of tea and looked anxiously towards the door.

This man was named Xiao Dezhao, an old historian from the Inner History Bureau who was well-versed in ancient rites. He had come to the Lü family residence to teach Lü Qingzhu the etiquette and procedures for the wedding the next day.

Xiao Dezhao, dressed in a faded, moon-white robe, looked at Lü Zhongtang and said, "Lord Lü, perhaps I should return to Cuiwei Peak first. There are still some matters waiting for me to attend to there. This booklet contains the detailed rites and regulations for the wedding. When Miss Qingzhu returns, you can urge her to carefully study this booklet."

Lu Zhongtang's expression shifted. He still hoped that Xiao Dezhao could stay and personally instruct Lu Qingzhu, so as to avoid any mistakes during the ceremony tomorrow and make a laughing stock of the two powerful families.

But seeing that Lü Qingzhu wasn't there, he couldn't very well leave Xiao Dezhao waiting there.

Lu Zhongtang was hesitating about how to phrase his words, and asked Xiao Dezhao to wait a little longer. Just then, Li Baoyue ran into the hall from outside and said, "Qingzhu is here!"

Lu Zhongtang's face lit up with joy, and he asked, "Where is she?"

No sooner had he finished speaking than Lü Qingzhu walked in from behind Li Baoyue.

Lu Qingzhu stood in the hall, bowed respectfully to Lu Zhongtang, and called out, "Father!"

Lü Zhongtang smiled and said, "Qingzhu, this is Mr. Xiao Dezhao, the old historian of the Inner History Bureau! He is here to teach you the etiquette for tomorrow."

Lü Qingzhu looked at Xiao Dezhao and bowed as well, saying, "Thank you for your trouble, sir!"

Xiao Dezhao sized up Lü Qingzhu, stroked his beard, and said, "Miss Qingzhu, you are exceptionally beautiful and refined, truly a beauty for all time!"

After speaking, Xiao Dezhao coughed, picked up a booklet, and said, "Ancient rites are the foundation of the world! This booklet contains a section on betrothal, detailing the etiquette. I will teach you, Miss, according to this booklet. I hope you will study it diligently!"

Then, Xiao Dezhao taught Lü Qingzhu etiquette in the hall, with Lü Zhongtang accompanying him.

Xiao Dezhao was well-versed in ancient etiquette, and once he started teaching, he was very meticulous. He would often make Lü Qingzhu do a single action several times until it was flawless.

Once he started talking, he became quite eloquent without even realizing it, and finished a cup of tea in no time.

Xiao Dezhao taught Lü Qingzhu in the hall for a full two hours. He taught with great enthusiasm, and Lü Qingzhu cooperated very well. There was not a trace of impatience on her face, and she learned and followed every delicate movement very seriously.

She knew she was learning the etiquette for an engagement ceremony, but an engagement is the prototype of a wedding, and many details are quite similar. She studied so diligently, but what she was thinking about was the wedding ceremony that night!
Xiao Dezhao finally finished explaining the last part of the etiquette. He stroked his beard, looked at Lü Qingzhu with satisfaction, and nodded, saying, "Miss Qingzhu is indeed of the Lü family bloodline. These rituals are performed with dignity and grace, and she has captured the essence of ancient etiquette!"

Lu Qingzhu bowed and said, "It is thanks to your excellent teaching, sir! I am dull-witted and have troubled you with your guidance!"

Xiao Dezhao smiled and said, "Miss Qingzhu is exceptionally intelligent and of noble character! It is my great honor to be able to teach her!"

Lu Zhongtang stood up and said, "Mr. Xiao has taught us well! It's already noon, and a banquet has been prepared in the flower hall. Please take your seat, Mr. Xiao!"

Xiao Dezhao immediately replied, "Since you have so kindly invited me, I shouldn't refuse. But things are really urgent. Tomorrow is the wedding date, and there are still many things to do on Cuiwei Peak!"

Lu Zhongtang also knew that the engagement ceremony had been full of twists and turns. Li Ruozhou had just been suddenly brought back by Li Ku that morning, and the organizers were in a flurry of activity.

Lü Zhongtang said, "Since that's the case! This is a very important matter, so I won't insist that Mr. Xiao stay."

Xiao Dezhao clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Please forgive me, sir!"

Just as Xiao Dezhao was about to leave, Lü Qingzhu suddenly said, "Mr. Xiao, could you leave that book of etiquette here so that I can study it again?"

Xiao Dezhao exclaimed with delight, "Miss Qingzhu is indeed eager to learn!"

"This booklet was originally meant for Miss!" Xiao Dezhao said, handing the booklet to Lü Qingzhu, who accepted it respectfully.

Lü Zhongtang personally escorted Xiao Dezhao out of the residence.

After seeing Xiao Dezhao off, Lü Zhongtang returned to the hall, only to find Lü Qingzhu already sitting there, intently looking at the booklet.

Lu Zhongtang didn't disturb her. He quietly lifted the foot that had stepped inside and went towards the backyard flower hall.

If he were to approach quietly, he would discover that the etiquette book that Lü Qingzhu was looking at was turned to the section on weddings.

Lu Qingzhu sat in the hall for a full hour. Her aunt, Li Baoyue, brought over some ginseng tea and said softly, "Qingzhu, have a cup of ginseng tea before you continue."

Lü Qingzhu nodded, then turned to look at Li Baoyue and said, "Today is my special day! Aunt, please comb my hair."

Li Baoyue's expression froze.

According to local custom, when a daughter gets married, her mother combs her hair. Lü Qingzhu having Li Baoyue comb her hair shows that she treats her like her own mother.

Li Baoyue's eyes reddened involuntarily. She pulled Lü Qingzhu up and said, "Qingzhu, come with your aunt! Your aunt will comb your hair!"

Lu Qingzhu took the booklet and followed Li Baoyue to the backyard.

Sitting in front of Li Baoyue's dressing table, Lü Qingzhu looked at herself in the bronze mirror, her face as beautiful as a flower and the moon, and couldn't help but ask, "Auntie, am I pretty?"

"Beautiful. Our Qingzhu is a great beauty!" Li Baoyue said.

"Really?" Lü Qingzhu smiled and said, "Then Auntie, please comb my hair properly! Let Qingzhu get married looking beautiful!"

"Hmm~" Li Baoyue wiped away the tears from the corner of her eyes and smiled, "Auntie will definitely make Qingzhu look beautiful."

Xiao Dezhao returned to Cuiwei Peak and went to the Dragon Fish Hall to inspect the layout. Many places were not in place, so Xiao Dezhao pointed at Qin Shijian, who was in charge of the matter, and gave him a good scolding.

While wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, the Imperial Historian Qin nodded and bowed, saying, "Don't worry, Elder Xiao, everything will be done tonight!"

Xiao Dezhao said, "You'd better not mess things up again!"

"No! No!"

Xiao Dezhao stormed out of the Dragon Fish Hall and headed towards the villa at the foot of the mountain.

The villa also needs to be decorated. Lü Qingzhu will enter the villa tonight, dressed in formal attire and with her head covered by a veil. Tomorrow morning, at the auspicious hour, a procession will escort her to the Dragon Fish Hall to complete the ceremony.

Xiao Dezhao was quite satisfied with the layout of the villa after inspecting it, and found almost no flaws.

"Jiang Yaozhang is quite good; he is indeed someone I personally trained!"

Xiao Dezhao walked out of the hall, glanced at the sundial standing by the door, and realized that it was already late afternoon, and dusk was just around the corner.

He glanced at the servant standing at the door and said, "Go and call Jiang Yaozhang over. I have something to tell him."

Upon hearing this, the servant darted into a corridor and soon returned with a square-faced, fair-skinned young man.

The young man was only in his early twenties, but he had a mature appearance and demeanor. As soon as he stepped out of the corridor, he saw Xiao Dezhao in the distance, immediately walked over, knelt down and said, "Greetings, Master!"

Jiang Yaozhang had been studying ancient etiquette under Xiao Dezhao for three years, and he had been quite diligent in it, earning Xiao Dezhao's high regard. However, the more diligent he was, the more respectful and courteous he became to Xiao Dezhao, never daring to overstep the boundaries of the Leichi Pond.

Xiao Dezhao said, "Yaozhang, get up. The arrangements here at the villa are quite good, there are no problems. With such a tight schedule, it's impossible to make any mistakes. That's what it means to have mastered the essence of etiquette." Li Ruozhou was suddenly pulled back by Li Ku, and there was also a flurry of activity at the villa. But while there were many mistakes at the Dragon Fish Hall, some big and some small, everything at the villa was done meticulously and in accordance with etiquette. That was the difference.

Jiang Yaozhang said, "This disciple dares not! I have been taught by my master for three years and have only just begun to grasp the basics."

Xiao Dezhao nodded. He liked Jiang Yaozhang's humble, generous, and unassuming manner very much. "It's almost time. Take some people to the Lü family's villa and bring Miss Qingzhu over."

"Yes, Master. I will go immediately!"

After bowing, Jiang Yaozhang stepped back.

No sooner had Jiang Yaozhang left than a servant rushed in from outside the courtyard and reported to Xiao Dezhao, who was standing there, "Master Xiao, Lord Duan is outside and wants to see you!"

"Lord Duan?" Xiao Dezhao raised an eyebrow. "Which Lord Duan?"

The attendant said, "Lord Duan Rong!"

Xiao Dezhao said, "Please come in quickly!"

Just as the attendant was about to turn around, Xiao Dezhao suddenly said, "No, I'll go myself!"

Xiao Dezhao held a high position in the Imperial Secretariat's ritual department, and even Zhu He treated him with great respect. However, he was also well aware of Duan Rong's current standing with Zhu He and the sect's patriarch.

Because of the ceremonial arrangements, no unauthorized personnel were allowed to enter the villa, so when Duan Rong arrived, he could only wait outside the gate.

Xiao Dezhao greeted Duan Rong at the door, cupped his fists and said with a smile, "Lord Duan, please forgive us! These lowly servants were blind and kept you out."

Duan Rong laughed and said, "At a time like this, it would be inappropriate for me to cause trouble for Elder Xiao!"

Xiao Dezhao said, "Lord Duan, please don't say that! Please come inside!"

Xiao Dezhao had already discerned that Duan Rong's words implied something and that he needed to speak with him, so he immediately invited Duan Rong into the villa.

The two sat down in the hall, where red candles and colorful decorations were everywhere.

Duan Rong naturally knew that this was for the wedding arrangements tomorrow.

Xiao Dezhao looked at Duan Rong and asked, "Lord Duan, is there something you need?"

Duan Rong's expression was solemn as he said, "Elder Xiao, I wish to take a concubine. The auspicious time is tonight. I would like to hold this wedding ceremony according to ancient rites."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Dezhao gave Duan Rong a strange look.

Ancient rituals were cumbersome and have largely fallen into disuse, only being performed for important festivals. Even today, people don't necessarily follow ancient rituals when marrying a principal wife; it's quite rare for someone like this to perform them when taking a concubine.

What's even stranger is that he's only coming to find him now, at the auspicious time tonight; the timing is far too rushed.

Xiao Dezhao said, "Lord Duan, it's not that I'm making excuses! The auspicious time is tonight. But it's already dusk. Isn't it a bit too rushed to arrange the ancient ceremony at this time?"

Duan Rong said, "It was decided at the last minute. It was indeed rushed, and I hope Elder Xiao will grant my request!"

Xiao Dezhao glanced at Duan Rong and said, "The wedding is tomorrow, and I can't spare the time. How about this, Lord Duan, I have a disciple named Jiang Yaozhang. You can entrust your matter to him."

“This…” Duan Rong hesitated.

Xiao Dezhao said, "Lord Duan, rest assured. This lad has been with me for three years and has already mastered the essence of ancient rituals. He will definitely be able to help you complete this ritual perfectly."

Seeing that Xiao Dezhao spoke with confidence, and knowing that the wedding was tomorrow and Xiao Dezhao was indeed unable to attend, Duan Rong said, "Xiao's recommendation must be a capable person. I wonder where Mr. Jiang is?"

Xiao Dezhao said, "I sent him out to take care of some business. He'll be back in a little while!"

Inside the valley, Jiang Yaozhang, accompanied by several guards in formal attire, carried a sedan chair through the misty clouds.

The group landed at the entrance of the Lü family mansion.

Jiang Yaozhang showed the sect's cloud certificate to the guards standing at the door.

The guard, seeing the elaborately carved sedan chair and the guards dressed in formal attire, already guessed what it was about. After reading the sect's official document, he immediately led Jiang Yaozhang into the residence.

The sedan chair entered the courtyard and stopped in the front hall.

Jiang Yaozhang followed the butler to the backyard.

Jiang Yaozhang waited there, and after a while, the curtain of a house was lifted, and a woman of extraordinary beauty walked out slowly.

Li Baoyue helped Lü Qingzhu walk to a spot not far from Jiang Yaozhang.

Jiang Yaozhang glanced at Lü Qingzhu's headdress and thought to himself, "What a fine headdress!"

Jiang Yaozhang clasped his hands in greeting to Lü Qingzhu and said, "I have come to escort Miss Qingzhu to the other courtyard to prepare for the grand ceremony tomorrow!"

Lü Qingzhu said, "Thank you for your trouble, Mr. Jiang!"

Jiang Yaozhang said, "I wouldn't dare! Please come with me, young lady!"

Li Baoyue and Lü Qingzhu followed Jiang Yaozhang to the front hall.

When they arrived, Lü Zhongtang was already waiting there.

When the father and daughter met, they were speechless for a moment.

Lu Qingzhu waited for a while before squatting down and saying, "Father, your daughter is leaving!"

Lu Zhongtang suddenly seemed a little sad, but he still kept a cold face and said, "Be careful with the etiquette, and don't make any mistakes during the ceremony."

Lu Qingzhu felt a pang in her heart and said, "Yes."

As soon as the word left his mouth, for some reason, Lü Zhongtang's shoulders trembled slightly.

After bowing, Lü Qingzhu glanced at Li Baoyue and said with a smile, "Auntie, thank you for combing Qingzhu's hair. Qingzhu is leaving now."

After saying this, Lü Qingzhu turned around and got into the sedan chair.

Li Baoyue covered her face and wept. In the blink of an eye, the sedan curtain fluttered, and Lü Qingzhu's figure had vanished.

Jiang Yaozhang bowed deeply to Lü Zhongtang and Li Baoyue, then turned around, led the sedan chair out of the mansion, and flew into the misty clouds, heading towards Cuiwei Peak.

Li Baoyue rushed out of the mansion gate, standing there watching the sedan chair disappear into the mist. Overwhelmed with grief, she couldn't contain herself. "Qingzhu, it's all my fault for not taking good care of you… I've made you suffer…"

Jiang Yaozhang, accompanied by his honor guard, escorted Lü Qingzhu back to the villa. As soon as he entered, a servant came over and whispered something in his ear.

His eyes flickered, and he instructed his two trusted servants to settle Lü Qingzhu, while he hurried towards the front hall.

(End of this chapter)