After Transmigrating, I Was Kidnapped By A Scheming Beauty Into The Bridal Chamber - Chapter 2

On the second floor of the Golden Encounter teahouse, Jiang Chenyu hurried to find Matchmaker Wang, her young maid trailing behind.

“Auntie Wang, how’s the matter we discussed? Is everything arranged?” she asked impatiently as soon as she saw the matchmaker.

Three days earlier, while her stepfather was away, Jiang Chenyu had secretly contacted Matchmaker Wang, avoiding his spies. The matchmaker usually avoided arranging marriages for young women who sought their own husbands.

But when the young woman opened a wooden box to reveal a row of gleaming gold ingots, each one beckoning like a golden hand, Matchmaker Wang could only think of one thing: Money makes the world go round. Forget arranging a matchmaking session; she had even remarry herself for that kind of wealth.

“Don’t worry, Miss,” Matchmaker Wang assured her, her bright red lips stretched into a wide grin as she patted her chest. “Everything’s been arranged. We’ve reserved the entire second floor for you today. I’ve notified all the eligible young men in the area. They’re just waiting for you to choose!”

“Good. We’ll start promptly at 3 PM,” Jiang Chenyu declared, taking a deep breath and steeling her resolve.

There was no other way. She had to marry before her stepfather returned, preferably in a way that would become widely known, with the wedding taking place within the next few days. By then, it would be a fait accompli, leaving him powerless to intervene. Compared to her life and safety, a little damage to her reputation was a small price to pay. She had no other choice.

“Don’t worry, there won’t be any problems at all!”

“Alright!”

After entering Pingzhou, the cart driver parted ways with Shen Hetang in Qingyuan Town. He kindly gave her three copper coins to buy three steamed buns, ensuring she wouldn’t faint from hunger on the road if she couldn’t find her fiancé’s residence.

Thanks to the driver’s kindness, Shen Hetang’s fear of this unfamiliar place vanished, replaced by curiosity as she gazed at her surroundings. The ancient-style buildings, street vendors hawking their wares, and bustling crowds all seemed straight out of a television drama. Each step felt like walking on cotton—so surreal.

It wasn’t until she’d wandered the streets for two days, finished her three steamed buns, and relied on the kindness of an elderly woman for water that she truly grasped the harsh reality of survival. Every step now felt as heavy as a thousand pounds.

She’d asked at two restaurants about hiring a server, but neither had any openings. When a small eatery finally agreed to take her in, they demanded to see her household registration—despite learning she was a newcomer with no place to stay. How could she possibly have such a document? This was a life-or-death situation!

So she stumbled through the streets for another two days, too afraid of being captured to stay on the main roads. What a wretched fate!

Clutching her stomach with one hand and bracing her hip with the other, Shen Hetang continued walking. Ahead, a shop buzzed with activity, its interior and exterior teeming with people.

“Hey, big brother, what’s all the commotion inside?” she asked, grabbing a young man standing by the entrance.

“Oh, you haven’t heard, little brother? Eldest Miss Jiang of the Jiang Family is throwing an embroidered ball to find a husband. If I didn’t already have a wife, I’d be in there fighting for her hand myself. She’s said to have beauty that eclipses the moon and shames the flowers. Apparently, her fiancé betrayed her by marrying another woman, leaving Miss Jiang heartbroken.”

“With your looks, little brother, it’d be a shame not to try your luck. Hurry inside, it’s about to start!” The man rambled on, as if desperate for Shen Hetang to compete on his behalf, allowing him to vicariously experience the excitement.

“Wait, Big Brother, do they have pastries or fruit inside?” Shen Hetang asked, completely ignoring everything the man had said.

“Of course! This is the finest teahouse in town. How could they not have pastries and tea?” Before the man could finish his sentence, the young figure beside him had vanished!

Despite not having eaten properly for two days, Shen Hetang possessed a robust constitution from both her past and present lives. Squeezing through the sea of people at the entrance and charging into the inner hall was child’s play.

Shen Hetang couldn’t hear what Matchmaker Wang was shouting from upstairs; her mind was completely focused on the refreshments. To her surprise, there were indeed snacks on the table. Starving and seeing stars, she squeezed through the crowd, lunging for the pastry plate and grabbing handfuls of treats. She ignored the surrounding clamor, stuffing the pastries into her bosom.

****

Meanwhile, Jiang Chenyu, who was standing on the second floor, had spotted Shen Hetang the moment he entered. Amidst the crowd of ordinary-looking men, he stood out like a beacon. Tall and straight-backed, with skin like jade, dark brows, a delicate nose, and crimson lips. He was truly one in a million.

Yet the man hadn’t even glanced upstairs since entering, instead busying himself with eating and stuffing food into his robes. Jiang Chenyu’s heart pounded—He’s the one!

All men have two eyes and a nose, so why not choose the handsome one? She signaled to her maid, Chuntao, who understood her mistress’s intent. Chuntao descended the stairs, squeezed through the crowd, and positioned herself near Shen Hetang, waiting. She had to admit, her mistress had excellent taste. This young master’s features were strikingly handsome. She’d already stolen several glances at him.

Seeing Chuntao was ready, Jiang Chenyu stepped forward amidst the lively atmosphere, positioning herself as close to Shen Hetang as possible. Holding the fiery red embroidered ball, her beautiful peach-blossom eyes shimmered with a watery glint beneath her veil.

“Miss Jiang, over here! Over here!” voices called out excitedly from below. Though Miss Jiang wore a veil, everyone knew she was a renowned beauty. If she hadn’t already been betrothed, her doorstep would have been worn thin by suitors.

Jiang Chenyu waited impatiently, but the young master remained stubbornly turned away. Frustrated, she stamped her foot and shot Chuntao a meaningful glance.

Chuntao’s eyes darted around before she took matters into her own hands, physically turning Shen Hetang around. Shen Hetang, who had just stuffed six unidentifiable pastries into her robes, suddenly felt someone grab her arm and spin her around. A thump—a red-embroidered ball landed squarely in her hands.

Immediately, the young maid beside her shouted, “Congratulations, Young Master! You’ve caught our Miss Jiang’s embroidered ball and become the Jiang Manor’s son-in-law! Young Master, please come upstairs!”

The girl’s shrill voice made Shen Hetang’s ears ring. She covered the ear closest to the sound with one hand, still clutching the embroidered ball in the other. Exhausted and hungry, her mind felt blank, as if she were observing the scene from afar.

“Miss Jiang, I refuse to accept that you deliberately threw the embroidered ball to him!” a burly man with a thick waist shouted from the crowd.

“Exactly! We won’t stand for it! You clearly favor this pretty boy and threw it to him on purpose. What right do you have to do that?” The rest of the crowd joined in the uproar.

“Brother,” Jiang Chenyu replied in a voice as smooth and sweet as sugared water, “your words are meaningless.” As the one choosing my husband, I naturally have the right to give the ball to whomever I please. Since this young master entered the Golden Encounter, he’s no different from any of you. Why is it unacceptable for him to receive the ball?”

“But he’s clearly just a pretty face, too weak to even kill a chicken! How could he be a suitable match? Miss Jiang, you should choose me instead!” The man stormed up the stairs as he spoke, reaching out to grab Jiang Chenyu.

At that moment, Shen Hetang finally understood what was happening. She was being chosen as a husband! But why her, out of all these people?

While she frantically searched for a way to escape, the man had already reached the second floor and was reaching for the young lady upstairs. In ancient times, a woman’s reputation was more precious than life itself. What would happen if that lecherous rogue managed to embrace her even once?

She hastily dropped what she was holding, rushed up the stairs in two strides, grabbed the man by the collar, and yanked him back with all her might.

Chuntao, seeing Shen Hetang throw the embroidered ball to the ground, quickly retrieved it. This can’t fall into the wrong hands! Tonight, we absolutely must secure this Young Master for our Miss!

“You pretty boy! Daring to strike your grandfather? I’ll skin you alive!” Enraged, the man charged at Shen Hetang with his massive frame.

Shen Hetang’s body reacted faster than her mind. With a nimble sidestep, she cleared the staircase entrance. The man, overextending his momentum, lost his footing, and he tumbled down the stairs, landing face-first.

“Everyone saw it! This man wasn’t struck by us. He fell on his own! As the one who threw the embroidered ball, I bear some responsibility. These ten taels of silver are my apology to him. If he causes trouble again, I ask you, my fellow villagers, to bear witness. I won’t let your kindness go unrewarded!” This situation had spiraled beyond her plans. Gathering every ounce of courage, she delivered these words, her fingers trembling despite her feigned composure.

Shen Hetang watched the young woman skillfully take the initiative, presenting her case with remarkable clarity and even using the promise of rewards to sway the crowd. She couldn’t help but wonder what the person behind the veil looked like.

“We all saw it! He tripped himself, and then he tried to attack Miss Jiang! We all witnessed it, didn’t we?” The loyal fan of Miss Jiang was the first to speak up in support of the two young ladies.

Soon, several others joined in, voicing their support. The troublemaking man glared at Shen Hetang before realizing the tide had turned against him. He grabbed his silver and fled.

Jiang Chenyu patted her chest, relieved the man was gone. She had been genuinely frightened; this whole scheme was already risky enough without further complications.

Seeing that everyone was safe, Shen Hetang turned to leave. But after only two steps, a soft hand tugged at her sleeve.

“Young Master, where are you going?” Her voice held a hint of urgency, the tips of her fingers reddening as she gripped the fabric.

“Shen Hetang cannot accept the lady’s embroidered ball. I must take my leave,” she said, turning to descend the stairs.

“No! Since you’ve caught the embroidered ball, you’re my husband now! In life, I’m yours; in death, I’ll be your ghost!”

“Let’s talk somewhere else?” Shen Hetang suggested, noticing the crowd below still watching the spectacle.

“Mm, I’ll do whatever Young Master says!” Jiang Chenyu’s voice softened considerably at the mention of moving to a private room, though she still clung to Shen Hetang’s sleeve.

Once inside the private room, Jiang Chenyu finally released her grip and tore off her veil.

A face like a lotus blossom, peach-blossom eyes, a delicate and refined nose, and petal-pink lips—her long, slightly upturned lashes at the corners of her eyes completed the picture. If she had a small peach blossom pasted on her forehead, Shen Hetang would have sworn she was a flower spirit in human form, every glance and smile radiating a pure, unconscious allure.

Shen Hetang stared, momentarily stunned. Even as a woman, she couldn’t help but admire such beauty. The girl was still young, her features more innocent than seductive, but given time, she undoubtedly possessed the potential to become a bewitching enchantress.

“To be honest, I’ve lost my memory and know nothing about myself. I have no home and no idea where to go. I can’t possibly marry you!” Shen Hetang hurriedly explained, regaining her composure. Still unaware of her true identity, she dared not reveal that she was a woman.

“Lost your memory? No home?” Jiang Chenyu was stunned. Without a home, how could she ever leave Jiang Manor? As the thought sank in, a layer of crystalline tears welled up in her eyes.

“Hey! Don’t cry!” Is she made of water? Why is she shedding golden tears at the slightest provocation?

“But I have to get married today! What else can I do?” Her stepfather might return tomorrow, leaving her only tonight to act.

“Hmm… No home is no problem. You can be a live-in groom. I’ll support you!” A flash of inspiration struck her. She remembered the option of a live-in groom, wasn’t Wu Daoyuan a live-in groom himself?

The young woman gazed at her with starry-eyed adoration, as if threatening to burst into tears at the slightest hint of rejection.

“I have a compelling reason to marry today. If you refuse to help me, I’ll marry even a beggar from the streets,” Jiang Chenyu declared, her voice tinged with desperation as Shen Hetang remained unmoved.

Seeing her resolve, Shen Hetang realized she must be facing some dire circumstances. But if she were truly forced to marry a beggar, it would be better to marry her instead.

“If you genuinely need a husband, I can help you. However, if we divorce in the future, your reputation will be tarnished, making it difficult to find another match,” Shen Hetang explained the pros and cons, leaving the decision to her.

“If Young Master helps me through this crisis, even if we part ways later, I will offer you a generous parting gift,” Jiang Chenyu promised urgently and firmly.

At that moment, Chuntao, who had been watching nearby, quickly thrust the embroidered ball into Shen Hetang’s arms.

Having made up her mind, Shen Hetang gazed at the vibrant red ball in her arms, thinking, As they say, “Every cloud has a silver lining.” This golden opportunity has fallen right into my lap—shouldn’t I seize it?

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