Chapter 21

Chapter 21

The front hall was already packed with guests.

Xue Heting was a rising star among the younger generation who had gained great renown in recent years, so naturally, he was the object of much admiration. Quite a few people were even concerned with whether he had taken a wife yet, hoping to make such an outstanding young man their son-in-law.

Ming Caihua stood outside the crowd, leaning against the wall. Somehow, he had gotten his hands on a plate of dried plums and kept tossing one into his mouth every now and then. Watching Xue Heting surrounded on all sides, he rolled his eyes several times.

What was so good about Xue Heting anyway? That whole crowd had stuck to him like dog-skin plasters.

Then Ming Caihua spotted two familiar figures walking in through the door. He immediately sidled over. “Isn’t it a joy to have friends come from afar? Would you like some too?”

He offered the plate in his hand to Qiao Ying, a warm smile spreading across his face, though his eyes couldn’t help darting toward the young man beside her.

Shen Qingyu’s smile was as gentle as ever. It was as if he had not noticed the probing gazes around him-or perhaps he had noticed but simply did not care.

Qiao Ying politely pushed the plate away and said with a smile, “We’ll save our appetites for the delicacies later.”

Ming Caihua nodded in agreement. “You’re right.”

Then his eyes curved with another smile. “Miss Qiao, we’ve been through hardship together, so that makes us friends, doesn’t it?”

Qiao Ying said, “Young Master Ming doesn’t seem to be lacking in friends.”

“Ah, who in this world would ever complain about having too many friends?” Ming Caihua leaned in a little closer. Lowering his voice, he whispered, “There are no outsiders here, Miss Qiao. Just tell me-what exactly is this young master’s identity?”

Qiao Ying turned to look at Shen Qingyu. “What is your identity?”

Shen Qingyu said, “An ordinary mortal.”

Qiao Ying looked back at Ming Caihua. “You heard him. He’s just an ordinary mortal.”

Ming Caihua was speechless for a long moment.

Then someone called out, “Old Master Zhao and Old Madam have arrived!”

Outside the door, two elderly figures slowly approached.

Though Old Master Zhao’s hair and beard were completely white and the corners of his eyes were carved with the ravines of time, his figure remained straight as a pine. The contours of his brows and eyes were still handsome and distinct. From his straight nose bridge and warm, refined eyes, one could still faintly glimpse the elegant bearing he must have possessed in his youth. Even the silver at his temples only made him seem more noble and distinguished.

Old Madam wore a red-gold buyao hair ornament inlaid with kingfisher feathers, and several smooth eastern pearls adorned her temples. Every movement carried the grace and dignity of a matriarch from an eminent family. Though frost and years had touched the corners of her eyes and brows, they could not conceal the gentle magnificence that had settled over many decades. Even the way she nodded with a smile carried an unspoken poise.

Following behind the two elders were Master Zhao and Madam Zhao-Zhao Zhiyi’s parents.

“So this is the legendary Zhao Fanhua, the man who saved an entire city with the Qingshuang Sword back then. Though he’s grown old now, you can still see how extraordinary his bearing is.”

“The Old Madam beside him is still so graceful and noble as well. I heard that back then, when Old Madam fell into danger, the Old Master rescued the beauty like a hero. He was gravely injured, and it was Old Madam who tended to him day and night without even undressing to rest. That’s how their tale became such a celebrated romance.”

“Isn’t that the truth? Old Madam was the eldest daughter of the Song family, while Zhao Fanhua was just an unknown wandering swordsman. It was only after he married Old Madam that he took over the vast family business of the Song family. Sigh, why don’t I have that kind of luck? Why can’t I rescue some wealthy young lady by the roadside?”

The crowd murmured among themselves in low voices. Most of the looks they cast toward Old Master Zhao were filled with admiration and longing. The achievements this elder had attained in his youth were heights many of them could never reach, even if they spent their entire lives trying.

Qiao Ying heard the surrounding discussion. “So Old Master Zhao’s name is Zhao Fanhua. What a unique name.”

As if sensing something, the Old Master looked over.

The smile at Shen Qingyu’s lips did not change, and he looked exceedingly friendly.

At that moment, Xue Heting finally found an excuse to escape the seemingly endless socializing. He came before the Old Master and Old Madam, bowed respectfully, and said, “Greetings, Master. Greetings, Master’s Wife.”

Old Madam smiled and said, “It’s only been a few days, but Heting looks much thinner. Another day, I’ll stew some nourishing soup for you so you can build yourself back up.”
Old Master Zhao said, “Our pace was slow, so we only arrived in Fangcun City today. Something major happened in the city last night. Tell me all about it later.”

Xue Heting nodded. “All right.”

The Old Madam patted her daughter-in-law’s hand again and said softly, “It isn’t often that Zhiyi meets someone he likes. No matter her background, as long as he truly loves her, that is enough. You two mustn’t pull long faces today.”

Old Master Zhao also admonished his son. “Back then, I could not even find out my own origins, yet your mother never once cared about differences in family status. She never left my side. As long as Zhiyi is marrying a good young lady, you should be happy for him.”

Master Zhao and Madam Zhao could only force smiles onto their faces and agree again and again.

They had only exchanged a few words when the auspicious hour for the wedding ceremony arrived.

The elders took their seats at the head of the hall, and the guests withdrew to either side. From the far end of the red carpet came the faint chime of jade ornaments.

Zhao Zhiyi was dressed in bright red wedding robes, his hair bound beneath a golden crown. The joy in his eyes and brows could not be hidden. A genuine smile curved his lips, his steps were light, and his gaze burned bright, filled with anticipation for the beautiful future of his new marriage.

Mu Yunshu wore a phoenix coronet and a trailing bridal cape. The hem of her skirt was embroidered with intertwined branches and paired blossoms that swayed gently with each slow step. She held a round fan before her face, hiding her features, but her figure was graceful and slender. Even so, one could tell she and Zhao Zhiyi made a fine match.

It was Qiao Ying’s first time seeing a wedding, and her eyes shone with interest. “So this is what a wedding is like. How fascinating.”

Shen Qingyu asked, “What’s fascinating about it?”

“Ah, brother, you don’t understand, do you?” Ming Caihua said familiarly. “Marriage isn’t something to be taken lightly. Once the marriage contract is written and the ceremony is completed, a man and woman have to partner up for the rest of their lives! Cooking porridge in the morning, lighting lamps at night, helping each other when something happens, bickering when there’s nothing to do-their whole lives get tied together just like that!”

Shen Qingyu thought for a moment, then tilted his head slightly and smiled. “Qiao Ying and I don’t have a marriage contract, and we never bowed in ceremony, but we already live that way.”

Ming Caihua was astonished. “What? You two are actually together without a matchmaker-”

Qiao Ying hurriedly cut him off. “He’s joking. Don’t listen to his nonsense!”

Shen Qingyu said, “I’m not-”

Qiao Ying covered his mouth and gritted out, “I’m begging you, shut up!”

Perhaps the sight of Qiao Ying losing her temper pleased Shen Qingyu again. With his mouth covered, his voice muffled, he actually let out a soft laugh.

Ming Caihua gave them a thumbs-up. “Treating worldly rules like they don’t exist. You two are amazing.”

Qiao Ying lowered her hand and took a step away from Shen Qingyu.

The next instant, Shen Qingyu moved one step closer.

Qiao Ying shifted two more steps away.

Shen Qingyu closed the distance again.

Unable to bear it any longer, she raised her head in a huff, only to see several round peanuts lying in the young man’s hand as he obediently offered them to her.

Qiao Ying snatched the peanuts from him and stuffed them into her mouth as if venting her anger.

After the couple had bowed to Heaven and Earth and to the elders, it came time for husband and wife to bow to each other. The fan in the bride’s hand slowly lowered.

Her brows were like distant mountains veiled in dark mist, her eyes like rippling autumn waters. Her nose was delicate, her lips glossy and soft, and with the red silk reflecting against her lovely face, she looked even more radiant.

“The groom is handsome and the bride is beautiful. They truly are a match made in heaven!”

Amid the crowd’s praises, Zhao Zhiyi gazed at the beloved woman before him in all her finery. Sweetness surged in his heart, filled with the precious joy of finally having his wish fulfilled. Even the festive happiness around him seemed ready to spill out with each beat of his heart.

But just then, the sound of a teacup shattering rang out with startling abruptness.

Everyone looked over at once.

To their surprise, the one who had lost her composure was actually Old Madam Zhao, who had always been proper in her conduct and elegant all her life.

The Old Madam’s withered fingers clutched the armrest of her chair so tightly that her knuckles turned white. Shock and disbelief churned in her once-gentle eyes.

In contrast, the bride lifted her eyes. Her calm gaze fell upon the Old Madam, whose skin was crisscrossed with deep wrinkles, and not the slightest ripple stirred in her eyes.

Qiao Ying looked back and forth between the Old Madam and the bride, confusion in her gaze. “What’s going on?”

Shen Qingyu gave a soft laugh. “Now it has finally become interesting.”