164: Chapter 164 Wu Hao's True Colors

"Young Miss Fang, tomorrow is our wedding night."

His voice held a hint of smugness, a touch of frivolity, and undisguised anticipation.

"I came specifically to see you, so you wouldn't be lonely all by yourself."

Fang Hansu didn't speak; her body beneath the bridal veil trembled slightly.

Her fingers gripped the hem of her skirt, her knuckles turning white and her nails digging into her palms, yet she felt no pain.

Wu Hao walked up to her and looked down at her, his gaze roaming over her body without restraint.

The bright red wedding gown wrapped around her slender frame, the collar slightly open to reveal a section of her snow-white collarbone.

Under the candlelight, her skin glowed with a warm luster, like fine mutton-fat jade.

Her waist was slender enough to be held in one hand, and the sash of the wedding dress was tied tightly, outlining her alluring curves.

Wu Hao swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing.

He reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder.

Fang Hansu's entire body stiffened. She instinctively wanted to dodge, but her body had no strength at all, leaving her no choice but to let his hand rest on her shoulder.

Wu Hao's fingers gently stroked her shoulder, feeling the warmth of her skin through the fabric.

He slowly slid his hand down, his fingers coming to rest on her neck.

As his fingertips touched her delicate skin, the smooth sensation caused the dark desire in his eyes to intensify.

"So smooth."

He murmured under his breath, his voice full of greed.

Then, he raised his other hand and gently lifted her red bridal veil.

The veil slid off, revealing an exquisitely beautiful face.

Fang Hansu's skin was as white as jade, and her features were as delicate as a painting.

Her almond-shaped eyes were currently filled with tear stains and her eyelids were red and swollen, yet they still couldn't hide her cold, ethereal beauty.

Her nose was elegant and straight, and her lips were a vivid red; even in such a haggard state, she remained breathtakingly beautiful.

Wu Hao looked at her, the dark desire in his eyes almost overflowing.

"So beautiful."

He reached out and pinched her chin, forcing her to look up.

Fang Hansu bit her lip, her eyes filled with loathing and humiliation, yet she was unable to resist.

With her chin held by him, she could feel the temperature of his fingertips, a sensation that made a wave of nausea churn in her stomach.

"You look so seductive."

Wu Hao chuckled, his fingers stroking her chin.

"I like women like you."

Fang Hansu finally spoke, her voice raspy and trembling.

"You... you are despicable..."

Her voice was very soft, carrying a sob, yet she still stubbornly spat out the curse.

"You will die a horrible death..."

Wu Hao didn't care. He let go, stepped back, and crossed his arms, looking down at her.

"Young Miss Fang, I advise you to be well-behaved."

His tone was casual, yet it carried an undisguised threat.

"Right now, in the entire Fang Family, you're the only one left. Oh no, there's also that maid of yours, Cuier."

Fang Hansu shuddered, a flash of fear crossing her eyes.

Cuier was her personal maid since childhood, and the two were as close as sisters.

On the day the Fang Family was massacred, Cuier had fought desperately to help her escape, but she herself had been gravely injured.

Later, they were captured and brought back to the Wu Family. Cuier was locked in the woodshed, her life or death unknown.

Seeing her like this, the smile on Wu Hao's lips deepened.

"If you still want that maid to live, then marry me obediently and become my woman."

"Serve me well in the future and make me happy, and perhaps I'll even let her go."

"Otherwise..."

He paused, a flash of ruthlessness appearing in his eyes.

"I'll kill that girl right now."

Fang Hansu bit her lip, her tears flowing uncontrollably.

The tears slid down her cheeks and dripped onto her wedding dress, creating small dark stains.

She knew Wu Hao wasn't just trying to scare her.

This man was capable of anything.

He once had a maid beaten to death just because she accidentally knocked over a teacup.

He once had a woman's husband killed and kidnapped her just because he took a fancy to her.

In Qingzhou City, the Wu Family was the law, and Wu Hao was the authority.

No one dared to cross him, and no one could control him.

Fang Hansu closed her eyes and took a deep breath, her voice filled with despair.

"I... I'll listen to you... just don't hurt Cuier..."

Wu Hao nodded in satisfaction and reached out, gently caressing her cheek.

His fingers slid from her forehead to her nose, and from her nose to her lips.

"That's a good girl."

His fingers lingered on her lips for a moment, feeling their soft texture.

Then, he leaned down, bringing his face close to her neck, and took a deep breath.

"So fragrant."

His voice was full of intoxication, his nose nearly touching her skin.

"No rush. Tomorrow night, I'll have you properly."

"At that time, I'll take good care of you."

He straightened up and looked at her tear-stained face, a lewd smile curling his lips.

"Sooner or later you'll be mine; you can't run away."

After saying that, he turned and strode out of the room.

The door closed, and the sound of footsteps gradually faded away.

Fang Hansu sat on the edge of the bed, motionless, tears flowing silently.

The candlelight flickered, casting her shadow on the wall—solitary, like a fallen leaf that could be blown away by the wind at any moment.

She raised her hand, wanting to wipe the tears from her face, but as soon as she lifted it, it fell back down weakly.

She barely had the strength left to cry.

Outside the window, the night was deep.

The moon was obscured by clouds, and the courtyard was pitch black.

Only the occasional barking of dogs in the distance broke the silence of the night.

Fang Hansu closed her eyes, and the image of that young man appeared in her mind.

He wore black martial attire, his face was handsome and clear, and his gaze was steady; he was smiling faintly by the campfire in the Fengyun Mountains.

[Ye Yun... where are you...]

Her tears fell once more.

But she didn't know that the young man was currently in Qingzhou City.

He was only a few streets away from her.

...

The morning in Qingzhou City was awakened by a burst of crackling firecrackers.

Before the sky was even fully bright, the street where the Wu Family was located had already become lively.

Bright red silk was laid out from the street entrance all the way to the front of the Wu Residence.

Two rows of red lanterns hung densely, swaying gently in the morning breeze like two fire dragons dozing by the roadside.

The main gates were wide open, and the "Wu Residence" plaque above the door lintel was polished to a shine.

The stone lions on either side also had red silk tied around their necks, looking festive and joyous.

The housekeeper, Liu Fu, stood at the entrance, wearing a brand-new silk robe.

His belly protruded high, and his face was piled with smiles, making him look like a Maitreya Buddha.

Behind him stood two rows of household servants, each wearing a uniform green short coat.

Red sashes were tied around their waists, and they stood straight.

"Congratulations, congratulations! It's a grand occasion for Young Master Wu!"

"Steward Liu, you've worked hard. This scene at the Wu Family... tsk tsk, Qingzhou City hasn't seen such a magnificent display in years."

"Of course. Just look at whose Family is hosting the wedding."

An endless stream of people came to offer their congratulations, including merchants from the city and Loose Cultivators.

There were also disciples from some small families, walking into the Wu Residence in groups of three to five.

Liu Fu cupped his hands to each one, smiling so widely his teeth were visible but his eyes were hidden, saying "congratulations to us all" while his eyes remained sharp and discerning.