Dancing Saber, Playing Moon

Chapter 40: Dancing Sabers and the Moon

"Captain Bai, I think this is a solid idea!"

"To be honest, my sister is slender, incredibly beautiful, and skilled in the zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Most importantly, she knows how to take care of people. Captain Bai, why don't you consider it?"

A Company Commander surnamed Sun said with a smile, rubbing his hands.

As soon as he spoke, he was immediately met with objections from the others:

"Old Sun, you're flattering your sister too much. She's gotten so fat, at least two hundred catties. What kind of slender figure is that?"

"Exactly, exactly. You should let your sister go harm someone else. Captain Bai's delicate frame probably can't handle it~"

"Hahahaha..."

Everyone burst into laughter.

Bai Yan also smiled knowingly, then cupped his hands:

"Thank you all, but I currently only wish to marry a wife, not take a concubine. I can only regret your kind intentions."

"Alright everyone, we'll see each other tomorrow."

Saying that, Bai Yan left in a hurry before anyone could respond.

He was afraid that if he stayed any longer, these people wouldn't just introduce sisters and younger sisters to him; they might even drag out all his aunts and grand-aunts to talk about.

Bai Yan felt extremely helpless about this.

He could only sigh that sometimes being too outstanding is also a troublesome thing, just like you in front of the screen.

Mwah~

He arrived all the way at the Night Manor. The guards at the gate saw Bai Yan and immediately greeted him enthusiastically.

"Greetings, Lord Bai."

"Hello, Lord Bai."

"Why are you still calling him Lord Bai? You should change your address to son-in-law."

A quick-witted guard reminded them.

"Right, right, hello son-in-law!"

The few of them quickly changed their address.

"Good, sweet talk. Take this and buy some snacks."

Bai Yan smiled and tossed a few pieces of silver to them.

The guards, receiving the reward money, were overjoyed and repeatedly said:

"Thank you for the reward, son-in-law!"

"The son-in-law is generous!"

They had already heard about the young lady's upcoming marriage, and the entire Night Manor knew that Bai Yan would soon become the new son-in-law of the Night Manor.

Having such a promising Imperial Guard Company Commander as a backer made them, the guards of the Night Manor, feel proud.

Not to mention that this son-in-law was also very approachable, how could they not like him?

"Please come in quickly, son-in-law. I'll go report to the master right away."

The guard welcomed Bai Yan into the Night Manor. Just as he reached the entrance of the front hall, he heard Ye Youcai's hearty laughter coming from the courtyard.

"Hahahaha, my fine son-in-law is here."

Ye Youcai stroked his beard as he walked over, followed by Madam Ye and Ye Lingdang.

Madam Ye looked at Bai Yan with gentle eyes and a smiling face, clearly very satisfied with Bai Yan as her son-in-law.

Ye Lingdang, on the other hand, lowered her head slightly, her small face flushed. Although she was still a bit shy, she was much better than before.

"Greetings, Father-in-law, Mother-in-law."

Bai Yan cupped his hands in greeting with a smile.

Although they weren't married yet, calling them father-in-law and mother-in-law in advance could make them feel closer.

"Hahaha, good son-in-law, let's talk inside."

Ye Youcai helped Bai Yan up and at the same time instructed the steward beside him:

"Arrange a banquet in the hall. I want to entertain my fine son-in-law properly."

Soon, a table full of good wine and dishes was served.

Bai Yan sat opposite Ye Youcai, and as they drank and ate, they chatted about trivial family matters. Ye Lingdang quietly refilled their cups from the side, occasionally glancing at Bai Yan as she poured the wine, her eyes full of undisguised joy.

"Why is my fine son-in-law here today? Aren't you busy these past few days?"

Ye Youcai drank another cup of wine and asked curiously.

Bai Yan put down his wine cup and said with a smile:

"A few days ago, I accomplished a great deed, and His Majesty bestowed some treasures upon me. There's one item I have no use for, so I've come specifically to give it to Lingdang."

As he spoke, Bai Yan took out the Golden Silk Armor from his robes and handed it to Ye Lingdang.

Upon seeing the Golden Silk Armor, Ye Youcai and Madam Ye's eyes widened instantly.

Ye Youcai, in particular, felt a tempest brewing within him.

Having been a merchant for many years, his discerning eye immediately recognized this as a rare treasure.

Even though he didn't know its specific function, he knew it was something priceless.

What's more, it was a gift from the Emperor himself.

Even a common item would skyrocket in value once it bore the Emperor's mark.

"This... this is too valuable. Please take it back, my son-in-law."

Ye Youcai quickly pressed Bai Yan's hand, his tone earnest.

Bai Yan smiled:

"This is a protective armor. I have True Essence protecting me, making me impervious to blades and swords, so this armor isn't of much use to me."

"However, Lingdang is a delicate woman. With this armor protecting her, I can rest easier."

"My son-in-law, please don't try to appease me."

Ye Youcai shook his head:

"Although I don't understand the ways of the martial world, I know how dangerous the Imperial Guard's work is, often involving battles with villains."

"With this armor, your actions will be safer, which is precisely the Emperor's intention in gifting it to you."

"Lingdang stays within the manor all day and rarely goes out. Where is the danger? Giving her the armor would be like casting pearls before swine."

"Please take it back, my son-in-law."

Madam Ye chimed in from the side:

"Yes, my son-in-law, your safety is paramount. Please, take it back quickly."

Bai Yan gently placed the armor into Ye Lingdang's hands and shook his head, his tone serious:

"This Golden Silk Armor is my betrothal gift. If my father-in-law and mother-in-law refuse it, it would mean I am lacking in proper etiquette."

Seeing that he had put it that way, Ye Youcai and his wife exchanged glances and could no longer refuse.

Madam Ye's gaze towards Bai Yan softened, filled with satisfaction.

He thought of their daughter immediately after receiving a reward; this showed he truly cherished her. Such a son-in-law was hard to find even with a lantern.

Ye Lingdang held the armor, her small hands gently caressing it. It was clear she adored it.

When she looked up at Bai Yan, her gaze was as soft as a spring stream, her affection almost overflowing.

Ye Youcai stroked his beard and praised:

"My son-in-law, this gift of yours is truly too precious."

"If I'm not mistaken, this item is woven from golden silkworm silk, isn't it?"

"It's a treasure that blades cannot easily cut and that is impervious to water and fire."

Bai Yan smiled and nodded, saying no more.

Although Ye Youcai was knowledgeable, his understanding of the martial world was ultimately limited. He only recognized the golden silkworm silk.

He didn't realize that this Golden Silk Armor was woven from five types of silk and had been steeped in the medicinal liquid of a hundred kinds of spiritual herbs for forty-nine days. Its value far surpassed soft armor woven solely from golden silkworm silk.

After a satisfying meal, Bai Yan strolled through the Night Manor's rear garden with Ye Lingdang, admiring the scenery.

Later, Ye Lingdang suggested playing a zither tune for Bai Yan. He happily agreed. It happened to be a clear, moonlit night with beautiful scenery, which also inspired Bai Yan. He took out the Snow Drinking Saber and began to dance. Accompanied by the zither music, their combined performance was breathtaking.

It was late, and Bai Yan didn't return to Zhengnan Alley, staying the night at the Night Manor.

The night passed uneventfully, and dawn arrived.

Ye Lingdang personally attended to Bai Yan as he woke up and got ready. After breakfast, Bai Yan, under Ye Lingdang's reluctant gaze, headed to the Pacification Bureau.

For the entire day, Bai Yan received no missions and had a very leisurely time.

For the next few days, Bai Yan remained idle, seemingly having turned into a complete slacker.

The Demonic Cult was well-hidden. Even with the Imperial Guard deploying all their hawk spies, they couldn't find any trace of them in a short period.

However, this wasn't entirely a bad thing. Bai Yan enjoyed the leisure. Since there were no missions, he decided to spend his time with his future wife.

Over more than ten days, their relationship deepened.

One morning, Bai Yan arrived at the Northern Commandery Investigation Bureau and saw many Imperial Guards rushing about with grave expressions, as if something major had happened.

Upon reaching the Company Commander's office, Ren Hong and Li Kaiyao hurried forward.

"Subordinate greets you, sir."

Bai Yan nodded and asked directly:

"What happened?"

Ren Hong shook his head and replied, "This subordinate is also unclear."

Li Kaiyao said from the side, "This subordinate has indeed heard some rumors."

"Oh? You know something?"

Ren Hong looked surprised.

"We're together every day, how could there be something you know that I don't?"

"What do you mean 'we're together every day'? Stop talking nonsense, what if others misunderstand?"

Seeing Bai Yan's strange gaze, Li Kaiyao quickly denied it, subtly taking a few steps away from Ren Hong.

"Alright, stop fooling around and tell me quickly."

Bai Yan waved his hand. These two were becoming more and more unreliable; he didn't know who they learned it from.

"Yes, my lord."