Chapter 40: Tailoring the Wedding Attire

“No!” Chen Yage refused flatly, her tone brooking no argument. This time, she was truly digging in her heels. Though three days had passed, the murder case remained unsolved, and she was still burdened with the name of a killer.

Li Bai said, “That red-clad figure possesses formidable martial skill—we’ve both witnessed it. If you act recklessly, you’ll only cause trouble!”

“So are we just supposed to give up? Are Chaoyun and Cuckoo meant to die in vain?” Chen Yage shouted, her eyes reddening. Her small face, lifted in defiance, was stubborn and unyielding.

“Of course not. It’s just that the wedding day draws near…” Li Bai lowered his head. He didn't want Chen Yage to risk herself any further. They had been rendered unconscious more than once, then mysteriously rescued from the lake. All of Peach Blossom Valley exuded an inexplicable strangeness. Moreover, Ziyu had sought him out the day before, urging him to persuade Chen Yage to let the matter rest, warning that otherwise she would only bring disaster upon herself, and even Midnight would not be able to protect her.

Chen Yage suddenly let out a cold laugh, mocking herself. “To think I’ve been clever all my life but foolish at this moment. Go on, I don’t blame you. Ziyu is Midnight’s sister—beautiful and noble in ways I can never compare. But I regard Cuckoo as my own little sister. I will never let her die in vain!” With that, eyes brimming with tears, she stormed out of the room.

“Why not tell her the truth?” As soon as Chen Yage left, Ziyu entered. It had been she who carried Chen Yage back after she was drugged the day before.

“If the truth could only bring her pain rather than happiness, I’d rather she never knew. Don’t worry—as long as you help me get her out of here, I will keep my word and remain here until old age claims me,” Li Bai vowed.

Ziyu let out a light laugh. “Men… sometimes I truly cannot fathom what you think. Fickle by nature, always chasing after novelty—but even when appreciating flowers, one ought to have discernment! I don’t know what’s possessed you and my brother to fall for her!”

“In terms of beauty, Lady Ziyu, you are indeed superior to Yage. In martial prowess, you also have the advantage. In background, Yage is an orphan, wandering since childhood, no match for you. But she is kind, simple, daring to love and hate, courageous in speech and action—qualities you cannot compare to.”

“So what if she’s all that? She’ll either become my sister-in-law or continue to wander the world. You will never have her! And if you dare break our agreement, I promise she won’t even have a grave to be buried in!”

Li Bai lifted Ziyu’s chin, studying her intently. In a low voice, he said, “I like beautiful women, but not those with cruel hearts. Even if I were to marry you, what of it? If you don’t change your ways, I’d let you spend your life alone, never touching you for as long as we both live.”

“You!” Ziyu wrenched herself free from his hand, flung her sleeve, and stormed off.

Unwittingly, Chen Yage found herself by Moon Lake again. She had expected Li Bai to follow, so she deliberately slowed her steps, idly admiring the scenery as she walked. But from start to finish, Li Bai did not appear.

On the shore, willows drooped over the water while birds skimmed the lake, leaving swift shadows behind. Chen Yage broke off a willow branch to play with, muttering under her breath.

“Young Mistress! Young Mistress!” an urgent voice called out. Chen Yage turned to see a middle-aged woman in gray linen approaching. She was momentarily at a loss.

The woman was Madam Wang Third, the best seamstress in Peach Blossom Valley and the village matchmaker. Almost every wedding, large or small, was arranged by her. She carried a measuring tape and approached Chen Yage, her face wreathed in a sycophantic smile. “Young Mistress, I’ve come to take your measurements. The wedding gown must be perfect. A woman only wears a wedding dress once in her life—it must fit flawlessly!”

For reasons she couldn’t explain, Chen Yage felt an inexplicable aversion to Madam Wang, perhaps due to her obsequious smile. She brusquely pushed away Madam Wang’s hand and stepped aside, saying coldly, “I don’t need any measurements. Please leave.”

Madam Wang looked troubled and glanced back. “But the Young Master instructed me to take your measurements. There’s not much time—the wedding dress must be finished overnight. I hope you’ll show understanding.”

“Go. If the Young Master is displeased, I’ll take responsibility for it.”

“Madam, if you’re unwilling, the Young Master said I should measure Young Master Li first, then return to you. I’ll take my leave.”

“Come back!” Seeing Madam Wang about to leave, Chen Yage called her back in exasperation. Once the measurements were taken, Chen Yage calmed herself and said, “Now that you’ve measured me, don’t trouble Brother Bai anymore.”

Madam Wang replied, “The Young Master said Young Master Li’s measurements must also be taken. If not, he fears for Young Master Li’s life. I’ll take my leave.”

As Madam Wang walked away, Chen Yage, furious, threw the willow branch into the lake. Midnight had silently approached from behind, the corners of his mouth curving in a slight smile. “A wise person adapts to circumstances. You’re clever indeed.”

Chen Yage turned, her eyes blazing with anger, but she forced herself to endure it. She couldn’t risk pushing Li Bai into danger.

Midnight continued, “You seem quite fond of this lake. After our wedding, I’ll have a pavilion built here for you. Would that please you?”

“Of course it would!” Chen Yage replied, her chin lifted proudly. “I want you to build a small tower right in the center of the lake. Surely you won’t refuse?”

“Naturally. Whatever you desire, just say the word. I will do my best to fulfill your wishes. But do not test my limits. A wise woman learns self-preservation, but a foolish woman is endearing.”

“Oh? Then does the Young Master wish me to be wise or foolish?” Chen Yage arched an eyebrow.

“I am the master here. Everything is as I say. My woman will be protected by me—she need only live happily under my shelter. Be foolish when it’s time to be foolish, clever when it’s time to be clever. Surely you don’t need me to teach you how?”

With a soft laugh, Chen Yage said, “Isn’t that a bit much to ask? I’m afraid I may not be up to the task.”

“No, you’re clever enough. You’ll manage.”

“Haven’t you heard, Young Master, that cleverness may backfire?”

“All I know is that the clever do what the clever must,” Midnight said, and then left. Chen Yage stared blankly at the tranquil waters, letting out a long sigh as peace gradually settled over her heart.

Love in the Tang Dynasty: Poet Immortal, Please Stay!
Chapter 40 – Tailoring the Wedding Attire Complete