Chapter 3: The Villain Counts as a Male Lead Too

"Miss, I have brought you some mung bean cakes to tide you over."

Chuntao pushed the door open, a smile blooming on her face, her expression practically radiant.

Chen Xingmiao took a piece and popped it into her mouth, then pulled over a nearby stool and sat down. "Why are you so happy?"

"I am happy for you, Miss. I just saw the Xiao family deliver a great many betrothal gifts; it is clear how much they value you. Plus, with the Master here to support you, even though it is a marriage into a family of lower standing, I am sure you will not suffer."

After Chuntao finished speaking, her smile widened even further. Hearing her every word revolve around her own well-being, Chen Xingmiao felt the weight of the bond between the ancient mistress and her personal maid. No wonder those masters betrayed by their own maids were so devastated.

"Chuntao, if I were to suffer after marrying into that family, would you still be willing to follow me?" Given the treatment Xiao Ziyu received in the Xiao household, she suspected her life there might not be easy.

"Miss has always treated me like a sister. Naturally, wherever you go, Chuntao shall follow."

It seemed the original owner had treated her very well. Her sudden arrival had disrupted the intimacy of their bond. "Although I am not the same mistress you once knew, rest assured that I will still treat you well."

Chuntao blinked, looking slightly confused. Chen Xingmiao did not intend to explain. She simply picked up another mung bean cake and began to eat, acting as if she had said nothing at all.

Three days later, the wedding day arrived as scheduled. Chen Xingmiao rose at dawn and sat before the bronze mirror, while the maid behind her carefully dressed her hair, not daring to make the slightest mistake.

"Miss, you look truly beautiful," Chuntao said, standing to the side and offering constant praise.

Chen Xingmiao gazed at her reflection, a wave of melancholy rising in her heart. Indeed, even a face as beautiful as this could not defy the orders of parents or the words of matchmakers.

Soon, her hair and makeup were complete.

"Miss, let me help you into your wedding dress." Once Chuntao had skillfully assisted her, the maid who had styled her hair also began to shower her with compliments.

Chen Xingmiao stood before the mirror. She wore a double-layered, wide-sleeved gown of brocade and crimson silk, embroidered with dark patterns and interwoven with gold thread. The edges were adorned with pomegranate and mandarin duck motifs, and the collar was fastened by a brooch of pure gold inlaid with rubies.

"Does Miss like it? The Master chose this wedding dress himself; it is second only to the attire for the Empress's coronation."

Chen Xingmiao looked at Chuntao, then back at herself. It was truly a grand departure. This dress was a testament to the love the original owner had received. Having acted for many years, she had never worn such extravagant clothing even on a film set. For the sake of a father like Chen Jinzhou, she was determined to protect the Chen family and not let Concubine Zhou have her way.

Just as she was thinking this, a deafening sound of firecrackers erupted. Chen Xingmiao donned her red veil and, supported by Chuntao, slowly climbed into the bridal sedan chair.

At the same time, Chen Jinzhou and Chen Shuwan stood side by side at the entrance, their gazes fixed on Chen Xingmiao. They wore smiles, but those smiles were tinged with a faint shimmer of tears.

"The auspicious hour has arrived! Raise the sedan!"

With the shout, the wedding procession began to move in orderly fashion, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of drums, gongs, and festive music that echoed along the way.

***

It is unclear how much time had passed when Chen Xingmiao, drowsy within the sedan, was startled awake by a crisp, loud call of "Lower the sedan!"

A moment later, the chair came to a steady halt before the gates of the Xiao residence. By then, a bustling crowd of commoners had gathered around the estate, packed in tight, all burning with curiosity and hoping for a glimpse of the bride's legendary beauty.

"Did you hear? The Xiao family's illegitimate son has actually managed to take a wife!"

"Indeed! They say she is a delicate, high-born lady. It is a real bargain for that boy."

Xiao Ziyu stepped forward with a tall, upright posture and reached out to lift the curtain of the sedan chair. Sitting inside, Chen Xingmiao heard the noisy gossip clearly. Her eyes flickered. It seemed that Xiao Ziyu was not only unpopular in his own home but also held in low regard by the common people.

Xiao Ziyu clearly heard the comments too, but his expression remained unchanged, as if he had heard nothing at all. He simply extended his hand toward the beauty inside the chair.

Chen Xingmiao hesitated for a moment before placing her hand firmly in his and stepping out. Through the veil, she could not see his face, only his silhouette. He seemed to be a tall, lean man.

Xiao Ziyu did not linger. With their hands tightly clasped, they stepped over the brazier meant to ward off evil and, amidst the laughter and applause of the crowd, walked steadily toward the main hall of the Xiao estate. Chuntao and another maid walked ahead, scattering fresh red rose petals from their baskets.

Xiao Yinshang, the head of the Xiao family, and Hua Liyin sat in the seats of honor. Seeing the couple approach, they exchanged a smile.

"The auspicious hour is upon us! The bride and groom shall pay their respects!"

A maid in red stepped forward and placed the ends of the silk wedding ball into the hands of Chen Xingmiao and Xiao Ziyu.

"First bow to Heaven and Earth! May the universe bear witness to this union."

The two turned and bowed slowly.

"Second bow to the parents! May the two families remain in harmony, and may their descendants fill the hall."

They bowed again. Xiao Yinshang and Hua Liyin nodded with smiles, seemingly very satisfied with their new daughter-in-law.

"Third bow, husband and wife to each other! May they live in harmony for a hundred years."

As they faced each other and bowed, the man took a brief glance at his bride. She was as beautiful as a celestial being and born of high status; it was no wonder people said he was unworthy of her.

"The ceremony is complete. Send the couple to the bridal chamber."

Based on her experience from acting in dramas, she expected Chuntao to help her to the room. To her surprise, Xiao Ziyu stepped forward, reached out his long arms, and scooped her up. The sudden movement left Chen Xingmiao completely flustered.

"I have wronged you. Let me carry you the rest of the way."

Xiao Ziyu’s cool, clear voice sounded in her ear. Amidst the applause, they left the main hall, with Chuntao hurrying to follow.

Once inside the bridal chamber, the man carefully placed her on the edge of the bed. "I have something to discuss with your mistress. You may come back to serve her later."

Chuntao looked stunned, a flash of confusion in her eyes, but she asked no questions. She gave a submissive nod, turned, and left, closing the door gently behind her.

*What is this guy doing? He isn't planning to force himself on me, is he?*

Thinking this, Chen Xingmiao was about to speak, but Xiao Ziyu walked to the table, poured a cup of water, and handed it to her. "There is food and water there. If you are tired, you may sleep; no need to wait for me."

*What?*

Chen Xingmiao was stunned. What did he mean? Was he leaving her to spend the wedding night alone? Seeing Xiao Ziyu turn to leave, she panicked and reached out to grab his sleeve. "Husband, what do you mean by this? Have we not yet shared the bridal wine?"

Xiao Ziyu looked down, his gaze falling on her hand clutching his sleeve, then back up at her. Her wedding dress was made of premium material and exquisite workmanship; it was clearly worth a fortune. He understood that although there was no foundation of affection between them, the Chen family must have placed great importance on these wedding rituals.

After a moment of thought, he took the cup she had been holding, emptied it, and poured two cups of wine. He returned to the bedside, sat down beside Chen Xingmiao, and gently placed a cup in her hand.

*Is this... the bridal wine?*

As she wondered, the man gracefully crossed his arm through hers, then tilted his head back and drained his cup in one go. Chen Xingmiao looked at him, steeled her heart, and drank hers as well.

Xiao Ziyu set the cup aside and picked up the ivory weighing rod to carefully lift the red veil. As it rose, the man's face gradually came into view. When the veil was completely removed, Chen Xingmiao’s eyes widened in sheer shock. Xiao Ziyu, usually so indifferent, also revealed a trace of surprise.

*It’s him!*

*It’s her?*

Chen Xingmiao had never imagined that the man who had saved her on the street—the one she assumed was the male lead or at least the second lead—would turn out to be the cold-blooded villain!

*Damn you, Xiao Liu, you lied to me!*

"Mistress, please rest early. I must go out to toast the guests." Without waiting for a response, Xiao Ziyu set down the weighing rod and hurried out of the room.

[Congratulations to the host for completing the main quest: Marry the Xiao family's illegitimate son. Reward: 500 points.]

The moment the man’s figure disappeared at the door, the familiar voice of the system echoed in her mind.

"Xiao Liu, you have the nerve to speak? Didn't you tell me the person who saved me on the street was the male lead? Why is it him?"

Xiao Liu chuckled, an awkward sound that echoed in her mind, sounding quite unnatural.

[Host, Xiao Ziyu is also considered a 'male lead' among the villains.]

"You! You're playing word games with me?"