Chapter 493

"Father—" Li Zhiwei's eyes reddened again at Li Tianyou's words. Lady Yao was already sobbing uncontrollably.

Her daughter was marrying into a higher station. Even though her husband was no longer a mere merchant, he still couldn't fully support their daughter. She dared not think what would happen if Prince An ever betrayed her.

What would they do then? They couldn't even stand up for her.

Li Tianyou sighed, looking at his beloved daughter whom he had raised with such care.

"You're marrying into the Prince An's mansion—a step up, indeed. But, my daughter, rest assured, our Li family can always support you. If the day comes when you're unhappy in that household, our doors will be wide open for you to return." Li Tianyou's eyes were red as he spoke gently to his daughter.

"I understand, Father," Li Zhiwei replied, her heart heavy.

"When you marry into Prince An's residence, you will still be a daughter of the Li family. But never forget that you are also Prince An's wife. Once there, remember to honor your mother-in-law and respect your husband. When uncertain, seek your mother-in-law's advice. Discuss matters with your husband; do not act willfully." Li Tianyou could not bring himself to say more.

Li Zhiwei's heart ached. She recalled that the last time she married, her parents had only told her to keep a low profile in the capital, to use silver to solve any problems without hesitation, and to write home if she ran out of money.

Lady Yao, fighting back her own reluctance, did not forget to caution her daughter: "Once you're in Prince An's mansion, things will be different from home. But you are still your parents' precious child. If you suffer any grievance, come back to us, and your father and I will see justice done for you."

"Mother, Father, I understand," Li Zhiwei said, holding back her tears.

"Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, rest assured. Heming will certainly treat Weiwei well and never let her suffer any injustice. If I ever harm her, you can punish me as you see fit!" Xu Heming declared earnestly.

"Master Li, Madam Li, since the farewell is done, shouldn't we see the bride off? Otherwise, we'll miss the auspicious hour," the officiant interjected with a smile.

"Zhou'er, today you shall carry your sister to the bridal palanquin," Li Tianyou said solemnly, looking at Jiang Yuanrang beside him.

"Mm."

Jiang Yuanrang did not refuse the duty of carrying his sister out of the house for her marriage.

He, too, wished for his sister's happiness in the years to come.

Jiang Yuanrang crouched before Li Zhiwei and said softly, "Sister, climb on."

Xu Heming frowned. Although he knew Jiang Yuanrang was Li Zhiwei's brother, he still felt uneasy about letting another man carry his wife out.

"Prince An, this is a custom of Li'an County—a bride must be carried out by her elder brother," Li Tianyou said aloud, seemingly noticing the prince's displeasure.

In truth, he was subtly reminding Xu Heming that Jiang Yuanrang was his son and that the two were siblings by blood.

"Understood, Father-in-law," Xu Heming replied, saying nothing more.

Jiang Yuanrang carried Li Zhiwei steadily out of the hall.

"Sister, I will escort you personally on this journey. If he ever betrays you in Prince An's residence, I will personally carry you back home. Rest assured—whether it's the Li family or your brother, we will always be your strongest support. You don't have to endure anything," Jiang Yuanrang said softly, concerned that Li Zhiwei's temperament might be too gentle.

He had wanted to say this earlier, when Li Tianyou and Lady Yao were speaking to their daughter, but as her elder brother, he hadn't found the right moment.

Now, he spoke in a voice meant only for the two of them to hear.

"Brother, rest assured. I won't let myself suffer," Li Zhiwei replied, warmth filling her heart. Though this brother had only recently been reunited with the family, an inexplicable closeness had already grown between them.

Perhaps it was the bond of blood.

"Good." Jiang Yuanrang still felt uneasy but chose to trust his sister.

Yet, his earlier resolve not to return to the capital began to waver.

"Brother, please take good care of Mother and Father from now on," Li Zhiwei said, worried about Li Tianyou and Lady Yao, and entrusted them to Jiang Yuanrang's care.

Though she knew he might still harbor some resentment, she still hoped to keep him close.

"Don't try to shirk your duties—they're your parents as well. You should do your part," Jiang Yuanrang said awkwardly.

"Brother, they are our parents," Li Zhiwei sighed, a bittersweet feeling welling up inside her. Was her brother still planning to leave?

"Yes, so don't pass all the responsibility to me alone," Jiang Yuanrang muttered.

Soon, Jiang Yuanrang carried Li Zhiwei to the entrance.

He gently set her down on a chair placed just outside the door.

Li Zhiwei wanted to turn back for one last look at her parents.

"Miss Li, you absolutely must not look back," the bridal attendant quickly warned.

Li Zhiwei's heart tightened. Was she not even allowed to glance back at her parents on her wedding day?

"If you ever want to come back, I'll accompany you," Xu Heming whispered reassuringly beside her.

Hearing this, her mood lightened considerably.

After all, the Li family residence and Prince An's mansion were close; there would be many opportunities to meet.

Besides, Xu Heming was not Lin Jitong, and she was no longer the Li Zhiwei of her previous life. This time, everything would be different.

"Prince An, today I entrust my precious gem to you. From now on, I hope you will cherish her and care for her," Li Tianyou said, his eyes red as he solemnly placed Li Zhiwei's hand into Xu Heming's.

"Rest assured, Father-in-law." Xu Heming answered patiently, unbothered by Li Tianyou's lengthy words—after all, taking away a man's cherished daughter naturally stirred reluctance.

Li Tianyou choked up and could no longer speak. He simply waved his hand, urging them to leave quickly.

"Prince An, next you must carry the bride out. Her feet must not touch the ground," the bridal attendant said with a smile.

In truth, this was not a custom in the capital, but it had been requested by the Li family.

They had said it was the tradition of Li'an County.

When she had discussed it with Prince An earlier, he had raised no objections.

Without hesitation, Xu Heming lifted Li Zhiwei steadily in his arms and walked toward the bridal sedan.

Startled, Li Zhiwei quickly wrapped her arms around his neck, feeling the strong, steady beat of his heart—a rhythm that, inexplicably, brought her a sense of peace.

"Weiwei, I'm taking you home," Xu Heming said, a faint smile curling at the corners of his lips. His mood was clearly good.

With that, he quickened his pace, making no effort to hide his eagerness.

But when Xu Heming carried Li Zhiwei into the bridal sedan, he was startled by the figure already seated inside.

"Why ​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‍are you here?" Xu Heming roared angrily at the person in the sedan.

Puzzled, Li Zhiwei looked at him, wondering why he was so furious.