Bai led the way, and everyone soon found Li Nuan. She wasn't locked up in any secluded spot but was hidden in a rockery cave behind the guest rooms. It was likely that after being brought to the guest rooms, she was moved again.
The physician was quickly summoned and said she had been drugged. After a few needles, she slowly woke up.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Qian Yuanbao anxiously asked, "A Nuan, are you feeling unwell anywhere?"
Li Nuan blinked, looking a bit bewildered. "Why are you here?"
"Silly, today is our wedding day. How could I not be here?" Qian Yuanbao said.
"Wedding? Oh, right, wedding. But why do you look so weak?" Li Nuan spoke slowly. "Are you not feeling well?"
Qian Yuanbao's heart felt as if it were filled with honey. His A Nuan never forgot about him, no matter the circumstances.
After a brief explanation of what had happened, Li Nuan's mouth was slightly agape in surprise. She only remembered her paternal aunt bringing Qing Jie'er over, crying and talking, saying she knew she was wrong and that as they were both Li family daughters, a single character couldn't be written with two Li's. She said that the previous discord was in the past and they should reconcile.
Although she had a good temperament, she wasn't so soft that she could be easily manipulated. Yuanbao had told her that she was a county princess now and should maintain her dignity when necessary. So, at the time, she hadn't agreed to her paternal aunt's request, only saying that today was her auspicious day, and she would accept their well wishes, but other matters could be discussed later.
Li Nuan only remembered that Li Qing had looked furious and lunged at her, while her paternal aunt had taken out a handkerchief and waved it a few times. She didn't remember anything that happened after that.
"Can you get up?" Madam Tang asked.
Li Nuan nodded. "Yes."
"Other matters can be discussed later. Today is the wedding day. Even if the time has passed, the ceremony should be completed. You all tidy up and change your clothes," Madam Wang urged. "The Old Madam is waiting."
The wedding dress had been worn by Li Qing, and wearing it again would be inauspicious. This wedding dress was sent by the Qian family. The Li family had already prepared a wedding dress, but because it was slightly inferior to the one sent by the Qian family, they had put it away. Now it was perfect for use.
With many attendants, they were soon ready.
Li Zheng spoke with an apologetic expression, "A Nuan, I'm sorry for what my mother and sister did. If you don't mind, would you allow your brother to carry you to the bridal sedan chair?"
Li Zheng looked eagerly at Li Nuan, afraid she would refuse.
According to Qian Yuanbao's thoughts, even if Li Zheng hadn't participated, Bai Shi and Li Qing were his mother and sister, so he bore an undeniable responsibility. At this moment, a simple apology was not sincere enough.
Li Nuan was soft-hearted, but she wasn't foolish. Seeing Qian Yuanbao's expression, she knew he didn't want her elder brother to carry her out.
"I'll carry her," Gu Sinian said.
"Yuanbao's wife is a county princess personally enfeoffed by the Emperor. Although she has no royal blood, she is considered royalty," Gu Sinian explained.
Gu Sinian's aunt was a noble consort, and Gu Sinian was also related to the royal family. Considering this, he could indeed be called an elder brother.
Changing from being part of the welcoming party to the escorting party, although it didn't seem to follow the rules, was a necessary measure in an emergency, and no one was too particular. Furthermore, given Gu Sinian's status, the elders of the Li family had no objections.
Gu Sinian carried Li Nuan to the bridal sedan chair and naturally did not follow the welcoming procession back. Why? He was now considered part of the bride's side, and for the feast, he could stay with the bride's family. Since Li Nuan had brothers, he wasn't needed for the escort.
"You'd better treat my sister well," Qian Yuanbao said leisurely as Gu Sinian mounted his horse.