Wedding Night

After the bowing ceremony, amid the fiery clamor, the officiant raised his voice and began publicly reading the marriage proclamation:

May Qianyuan set fortune in motion, and may Kundé contain all splendor; may yin and yang unite as one, transforming all things into light.

Today, Dugu Chen of the Dugu clan, courtesy name Qingyuan, descendant of a distinguished Heaven Dou family, possesses the integrity of pine and bamboo and the talent of jade; Ah Yin, maiden name Yinzhuang, a lady of an old Jiangnan household, possesses the grace of orchids and the purity of ice and snow.

This fine bond was forged by fate, and this perfect pair was made by Heaven.

They first met in Azure Wind City, where willows swayed and orioles sang. The young master rode past on horseback, startling pear blossoms from a tree; the beauty gathered greenery, shyly lowering her crescent brows. From that first glance, their hearts had fallen for one another, their bond destined across three lifetimes.

Small words upon red paper spoke all the feelings of a lifetime; diligent bluebirds had discovered that their hearts were one. The two families joined in marriage and forged their covenant beneath one hall. On this day, peach blossoms burned brilliantly, blessing home and family; in years to come, may their descendants flourish, their household prosper and thrive.

Now, by the decree of Heaven and Earth and with the blessing of their parents, they solemnly inscribed their vow to grow old together upon red paper, recording their pledge beneath red leaves in the register of mandarin ducks.

Joined in hair and bound as husband and wife, may they love without doubt. May they hold hands with united hearts, together from dawn till dusk, never betraying the passing days. In life, may they return to each other; in death, may they long for each other forever.

This proclamation was hereby established, witnessed by Heaven and Earth, with mountains and seas as its pledge!

By the time the officiant finished reciting it all in one breath, a fine layer of sweat covered his forehead, and even his voice had grown somewhat hoarse.

"Send the bride and groom into the bridal chamber! Esteemed guests, please proceed to the banquet!"

Amid the deafening joyous music of gongs and drums, after completing the ritual bows, Dugu Chen and Ah Yin entered the rear courtyard of the side residence together under everyone's watchful eyes.

The bridal chamber was Dugu Chen's usual room. At that moment, the rear courtyard was awash in red, and beneath their feet lay a crimson carpet embroidered with dragons and phoenixes.

Large red lanterns hung from the eaves, while red silk and jeweled ornaments adorned the walls.

Hand in hand, the two entered the bridal chamber.

After entering the room, Dugu Chen helped Ah Yin to sit at the edge of the bed.

His eyes brimmed with tenderness as he slowly reached out and removed the phoenix crown from her head.

In an instant, Ah Yin's peerless beauty was reflected in his eyes. She lowered her head slightly, a bashful flush rising to her cheeks, making her breathtakingly lovely.

Dugu Chen smiled softly, gently wrapped an arm around her fragrant shoulder, and said in a tender voice:

"Sister Ah Yin, we're finally together!"

A faint blush colored Ah Yin's face, and her soft, sweet voice carried both happiness and shyness.

"Being able to marry you is the greatest fortune of my life!"

She nestled in Dugu Chen's arms, closing her eyes blissfully as a sweet smile curved her lips.

The two sat at the bedside, sharing their hearts, and before they knew it, night had arrived.

The moon rose to the center of the sky, and the thin clouds veiling its brilliant light were scattered by the wind.

Pure moonlight slanted through the window lattice, making the room seem especially bright and clear.

"Husband, we... should rest now!"

Ah Yin glanced at the moonlight, then turned to Dugu Chen with affection in her eyes. Her pale jade arms rested upon his shoulders as she spoke softly.

"How about... we talk a little longer?"

For some reason, Dugu Chen's heart was pounding wildly.

The scene he had dreamed of day and night was right before him, yet now that the moment had truly come, he could not bear to disturb this beauty.

Ah Yin smiled gently, seeming to see through his nervousness. Her hands moved softly over his body.

The fragrance of the young woman's body and her heated breath continuously stirred both Dugu Chen's nose and heartstrings.

His crimson brocade robe slowly slipped from his body, and the inner garment embroidered with auspicious patterns fell away as well, revealing his fair, gleaming chest.

"Ah Yin... Sister!"

Dugu Chen called to her softly, gazing at her face with an expression that could not help but turn entranced.

Ah Yin pressed a finger to his lips and said gently, "Husband, it's late..."

After speaking, Ah Yin leaned down and pressed Dugu Chen onto the bed. Red candlelight flickered softly throughout the room.

Their bodies drew closer and closer, and Ah Yin tightly embraced the man beside her.

The red bed curtains slowly fell. Candlelight glimmered softly, painting pear blossoms dampened by tears!

Midnight, rear wing of Dugu Residence.

In a small pavilion beside the flower pool beneath the moon, a graceful figure sat in solitude. The gentle night breeze brushed past, raising faint ripples.

"Sister A Rou, it's so late. Why aren't you asleep yet?"

A clear voice came from outside the pavilion. The familiar sound made A Rou turn her head instinctively.

When she saw the smiling Dugu Chen standing behind her, her gaze immediately became evasive. She stammered, "I... I just can't fall asleep!"

"Congratulations, Xiao Chen. It's a bit of a pity that I couldn't witness your wedding!"

A Rou's voice was as soft as drifting clouds in the sky, ethereal yet retaining its gentleness.

"It's all right. It's the thought that counts!"

Dugu Chen grinned, stepped forward a few paces, and sat across from A Rou.

With a wave of his hand, a jar of spirit fruit wine and two jade cups appeared on the table.

Dugu Chen patted the wine jar and smiled softly at A Rou.

"Sister A Rou, would you mind having a few drinks with me? Consider it making up for the regret from earlier today!"

A Rou was briefly stunned, but then her face blossomed into a smile.

"All right!"

Dugu Chen gave a light laugh and reached out to break the clay seal. This spirit fruit wine had been brewed from spirit fruits from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, and its taste was exceptionally sweet.

He filled both cups, then pushed one of them toward A Rou.

"Try it. It tastes wonderful!"

Dugu Chen raised his cup to A Rou in a gesture, then drained it in one gulp beneath the night sky.

A Rou looked at him, a faint curve lifting her lips. She elegantly raised her cup, touched it lightly to her cherry lips, and took a small sip.

Sure enough, the wine was incomparably sweet and fragrant, leaving an endless aftertaste. A single sip filled the mouth with sweetness and was utterly intoxicating.

Before she realized it, a foolish smile had appeared on her face. After just one cup, a faint blush floated onto her pretty cheeks, making her resemble a ripe peach that one could not resist taking a bite from.

Dugu Chen's eyes showed a trace of surprise, but he quickly recovered and continued pouring wine into their cups.

"Xiao Chen, why aren't you keeping Ah Yin company? How did you end up here?"

As they continued exchanging drinks, A Rou's pretty face grew increasingly flushed. She did not use her soul power to dispel the effects of the wine. Instead, she used the beautiful night to ease the sorrow in her heart.

"Sister Ah Yin has already fallen asleep. I had nothing to do, so I came out for a walk and happened to run into you, Sister A Rou!"

Dugu Chen's movements paused. Looking at A Rou, who kept drinking, a complicated glimmer filled his eyes.

In truth, he had long noticed that something seemed off with Sister A Rou. That was why he had used this beautiful moonlit night to drink with her and help ease the bitterness in her heart.

"Could it be..."

A strange expression appeared on Dugu Chen's face, but after a moment, he shook his head.

How could it be because of him? He must have been overthinking it!

Perhaps she merely felt somewhat troubled because she had not been able to witness his wedding to Ah Yin?

Perhaps. Who knew?