Chapter 10: I do, to misfortune.

Shen Weifeng, the real groom, had drugged his older brother, city master Shen Weijun, the night before at the private bachelor’s party. Weifeng, dressed as the city master had slipped away, leaving a letter behind for his brother.

Weijun had opened his eyes only two minutes ago, groggy and confused. His brothers were explaining what happened, Mingxuan shouting loudly over the others.

Weijun opened the letter.

Weijun, my brother,

By the time you wake up, you will find yourself in the clothes that you had tailored for me. At the wedding venue you prepared for me. Forgive me for my desperation that caused me to trick you into drinking drugged wine last night. It was the only way to silence you long enough for me to slip away.

I am afraid you must take on the burden of this marriage, which was not meant to be mine, or perhaps neither of ours. I tried my best to do the right thing, but I lack the courage. If she were to learn of this marriage, her heart would be broken. I cannot bear to be the cause.

I am not running away for just that reason. Truly, I cannot endure another day living as your shadow. I cannot live anymore not knowing who her heart beats for, between you and me. I am tired of responding to your name and acting like you. I just want to be myself.

I have already left video message that will be played for the world before the wedding begins. In it, I am using your identity as the city master to vanish for a while. I am taking a vacation but blessing the union still. I am leaving you in charge of everything so from now on, you don’t need to wear a mask. You can walk in the light as yourself, using my name of course. You can continue governing One city as the new master.

I signed the marriage certificate in my name. If I fail to find Manman in three months, I will return and exchange places with you again. Or maybe, I will just disappear forever and find peace in an isolated forest somewhere systems did not fall.

Do not curse me too harshly. I have fought by your side and loved you all my life. But things like duty, love and sacrifice cannot chain me here.

I know there is a chance that I will find Manman and she won’t want me. I am prepared for that. If fate is cruel to me, let it be. But at least, the wondering and what if’s will be put to an end. Wear the garments, speak the vows and walk within the Bureau without fear. I hope you find what you are searching for. And I hope you don’t hate me too much.

Your brother,

The shadow that has found light.

Weijun growled and tossed the letter to the floor. Mingxuan picked it up eagerly, needing to see what had been written.

The dressing room door was pushed open and their father walked in. “It is time, Weijun.”

Shen Weijun punched a dressing mirror with his right fist. The servants in the room were startled. Like the brothers and father, they knew the secret of the likeliness of the appearance of the two brothers. They knew the groom had been swapped.

The dressing room door was opened again, and a little girl, six years old, walked in carrying a white rabbit with one black ear. Her chin was lifted, eyes narrowed with the pressure of a matriarch thrice her age. She carried herself not like a child, but more like an empress, each step deliberate and each glance sharp.

The two servants that followed her could not hide the smiles on their faces.

“Grand aunt.” The brothers acknowledged her respectfully.

“Why is Weifeng on the TV, dressed as you and talking about taking a vacation?” She looked at Weijun.

“Not now, Shen Yuening.” Weijun snapped.

The girl cleared her throat. That was her little reminder of the family hierarchy which she loved so much.

Shen Weijun pinched the bridge of his nose. “Grand aunt, you should return to your seat. We are just figuring things out.”

She handed the rabbit to a servant and folded her tiny hands behind her back, mimicking the posture of elders who had scolded generations before, “Weijun, I told you that Weifeng was unhappy with this marriage arrangement, but you did not listen. If he has run away, you must take responsibility.

This must be because of that woman. I have never approved of that actress joining our family. A good woman does not revolve around two brothers. I don’t even like to share my toys with anyone; how can she share love between you while knowing that you share blood?

I can’t believe I have two foolish nephews like you that are fighting for rotten fish.”

Mingxuan burst into laughter.

Shen Yuening glared at him and he folded his lips.

“The family name is not a toy.” She pointed at Weijun. “I will not allow you two brothers to mess it up. We should finish the wedding first and see what to do later.”

She gestured at two bodyguards in the room to push out Weijun as the groom.

***

Moments later, Tai Liwu was also guided out of the dressing room, her father Caishen on one side, Old Tai on the other, her grandfather Chairman Tai in front and her brothers Zhang Lanbo and Zhang Jian Ci behind.

Further behind them were five of her uncles. One would think that this was the most protected bride in all of history, or maybe, the Tai’s and Zhang’s were making a statement. But those who knew understood that the bride was being protected from her own bad luck.

If she fell or tripped, someone would catch her from every side. If something fell from the sky, one of them would catch or destroy it.

“Smile,” Old Tai whispered to her. “No matter what happens, make sure to smile.”

Despite stepping a few flowers, Liwu was delivered safely.

First, the traditional steps were taken were the bride and groom bowed to their parents. Then came the time to reveal the face of the bride, hiding behind a red veil.

Tai Liwu’s veil lifted.

Gasps.

A child shouted, “It’s the unlucky one!” before being hushed with a rice cake.

Shen Weijun blinked. “Wait….I’m marrying her?” His eyes widened as he leaped to the conclusion that maybe this was why his brother had run. Perhaps he had learned that Bad luck Tai would be the bride!

Elder Zhang gasped for air.

The wedding hall froze.

“Give the bride and groom an applause.” The priest said, with a smile on his face.

People remained still, unsure of what to do. Shen Weijun had made it clear that Tai Liwu was not the bride they wanted. So, what did this mean?

To their surprise, the groom’s side of the family led the applause, with fake smiles and kind words.

The bride’s family followed, as did the rest of the guests.

The alliance was sealed. not by choice, but by misfortune–and a brother’s desire to give his brother a memorable bachelor’s night.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep