Chapter 4 — Holy Order of Marriage for the Northern Marquis Town

"The Marquis of Vinh An Palace sent someone! Bringing a lot of bride gifts! Saying he wants to propose to the eldest lady!" When I arrived at the lobby, the first thing that caught my eye were boxes of bride gifts. Lined up from the yard all the way to the screen wall. The person who came to propose on behalf of Co Ngon has left. Father was still laughing until he couldn't close his mouth, mother was holding sister's hand, constantly praising her. The older sister's face was rosy and overjoyed. Seeing me walk in, my sister's eyes immediately lit up. That light is pride, excitement, and even greater nobility. Just like when I was a child, when she stole my begonia flower brooch. "Sister!" She grabbed my hand. "You came at the right time! I have come to propose, have you seen those wedding gifts? Even in the capital, they are rare!" Her voice was neither loud nor soft, just enough for everyone in the yard to hear. I said nothing. My sister leaned closer, lowered her voice but the corners of her lips still curled up: "Good sister, I've been running after Co Shi Tu for three months, and he hasn't even looked at me." "Now I don't need to do anything, he came to the door to propose. Tell me, isn't fate in this world very wonderful?" She lightly pressed my palm. "Don't be sad, sister. You're so beautiful, so early. Eventually, someone will accept it. Although it can't compare to the Marquis's prince, finding a normal family and living a peaceful life is very good." "Unlike me, in the future I have to be the head of the Marquis's house, and have to manage many things." "Are you finished?" I asked. “Not yet.” She tilted her head to look at me, smiling innocently. "But now your reputation has been ruined, I'm afraid even a normal family won't want to marry you. At that time, my sister will show great compassion and help you find a rich businessman. You can still live happy days, and it will be considered that I have fulfilled our sisterly friendship." The surrounding maids and maids all bowed their heads, but their shoulders kept shaking. up. Bich Dao stood behind me, clenching his fist. I look at her. This person is my biological sister. Since childhood, everything was taken away from me, now even my awkwardness has to be trampled underfoot and crushed again. But the parents nearby had absolutely no intention of stopping. That's right, in the past they always pampered their sisters. Now my sister is about to marry into the Marquis of Vinh An's palace, helping them prosper. They can't even tell you what's wrong. I could only grit my teeth and endure. "Younger sister seems to be dissatisfied. What's wrong? Do you still remember your love for me?" My sister covered her mouth and smiled. "That won't work. Now that you are my fiance, I have to call out..." "The saint has come!"8 A shrill shout came from outside the palace gate. The sister's smile stiffened on her face. Everyone turned their heads at the same time. A group of forbidden soldiers walked in one after another, the leading eunuch held the bright yellow holy scroll with both hands, walked straight through the yard, his eyes fell on... people. "The second lady Tham Van Linh received the decree!" I knelt down. The older sister stood there stunned, her mother pulled her down and knelt down with her. Her knee hit the stone floor with a "snap" sound, causing so much pain that she took a deep breath. The eunuch commanded to open the sacred scroll, using a clear voice to read each word clearly: "...Mrs. Van Linh, gentle and dignified in character, outstanding in virtue and appearance. Marquis of Tran Bac Tieu Triet guarded the border, his merits were outstanding. I see that you two are a match made in heaven, worthy of being a good couple, specially bestowing a marriage, choosing an auspicious day to get married. Check it out!" In the courtyard, it was as quiet as paper. I used both hands to receive the holy order, my palms touched the cold scroll, the movement of standing up was extremely steady. The eunuch just smiled and congratulated me: “Tham

Second lady, congratulations! Tran Bac Hau personally asked His Majesty to grant the marriage. His Majesty's heart was happy, even praising the young lady as a lucky person, just waiting to drink the two of them's celebratory wine." "Thank you, my lord." After sending the eunuch away, I turned around. My sister was still kneeling on the ground. Her face was terrifyingly pale. Her lips trembled, and for a long time, she reluctantly uttered the words: "No... impossible..." Mother supported her, her face was both happy and worried. Happy because the marriage with Tran Bac Hau was an honor as big as the sky. Worried because... Mrs. Looking at her sister's face, she spoke carefully: "Van Nhu, don't think too much. The marriage with Prince Co is also a good marriage..." "A good marriage?" Tham Van Nhu suddenly raised his head, his eyes red. "Co Ngon is just a prince of the Marquis, other than his title, he doesn't have any reputation, how can it be called a good marriage? Marquis of Tran Bac guards the northern border, holds 100,000 soldiers in his hands, and also has a marriage contract personally ordered by His Majesty! On what basis was she married to Tieu Triet? Based on what?" My sister pointed at me, angrily screaming. Mother choked and turned to look at me. But I didn't look at them. I lowered my head to look at the bright golden scroll in my hand, my fingertips getting a little hot. The taunts, sarcasm and boasting that had just brought frustration were all swept away by this scroll. I curled my lips and said softly: