The Wedding and a Breakthrough "Please Follow"

The Yang Residence.

Yang Ronghua's chambers.

"Miss, Miss! Young Master Xu has gotten into a fight with the young masters from the Commandery Seat!"

"Brother Mingwei isn't hurt, is he?"

"Of course Young Master Xu won! He defeated even Young Master Shihui, whom the head of the household praised, with a single punch!"

Delight filled Yang Ronghua's heart, and a shy smile touched her face. "I knew Brother Mingwei was the strongest."

A little while later.

Another maid came running in.

"Miss, Young Master Xu has composed a bridal poem."

"A fragrant carriage waits by the willow-lined ford; silver candles light the painted hall on this lovely day. Before the water-chestnut mirror, new brows are painted; beneath the tortoiseshell curtain, old dust is brushed away..."

"It's time for us to leave, too."

The main hall.

Yang Zhao and his wife sat in the seats of honor.

After a noisy crowd poured in, Xu Mingwei cupped his hands and bowed to the couple. "Your son-in-law greets Father-in-law and Mother-in-law."

"Mm."

Yang Zhao stroked his short beard and nodded with satisfaction.

"The bride is here!"

At someone's loud shout, the crowd parted to make a path.

A woman in a wedding gown of layered light and dark jade green walked slowly forward.

A Kingfisher Phoenix Hairpin adorned her hair, with jade flower pins on either side. She held a black lacquered, gold-painted round fan that half concealed her face. Delicate flowers graced its surface, while her visible eyes were like obsidian steeped in a clear spring.

A jade belt circled her waist, its hanging silk cords set with jade that chimed clear and bright as she moved.

The people around her fell silent at once.

The moment Xu Mingwei turned, the woman before him was all that remained in his eyes and heart.

Yang Ronghua knelt on a cushion and bowed three times to Yang Zhao and his wife.

"Your daughter bids Father and Mother farewell."

Madam Yang lowered her head to wipe away her tears, laughing and crying at once.

"Go." Yang Zhao nodded. "Now that you are wed, let respect and gentleness come first. Do not forget our family teachings; conduct yourself with constancy and dignity..."

"Your daughter will remember Father's teachings."

Choking back tears, Yang Ronghua bowed to Yang Zhao.

Yang Zhao then looked at Xu Mingwei and said with a smile, "My worthy son-in-law, I entrust Hua'er to you. Treat her well."

"Your son-in-law will not forget Father-in-law's teachings. I will cherish and love her."

After that, Yang Shichang carried Yang Ronghua out and helped her into the bridal sedan.

The Xu Household's wedding procession set off for Dongxi Village.

Naturally, many members of the Yang Household went along. Custom demanded they lend the bride's family a show of support, lest the groom's family look down on them.

Around noon.

The wedding procession returned to the Xu Household.

Then came the wedding bows.

The officiant chanted:

"First bow to heaven and earth; may husband and wife love each other without doubt."

"Second bow to your parents; may they flourish together in fortune and long life."

"Bow to each other; may you grow old together and never part."

The feast began.

Apart from Xu Mingshu and Xu Mingxian, who were still young, the others stayed beside Xu Mingwei to pour wine and drink on his behalf.

By the time they had made the rounds toasting everyone, Xu Mingwei was half-drunk, even with Xu Mingyuan taking nearly half the drinks for him.

Supported by Chen Daniu, Xu Mingyuan, Xu Mingxuan, and the others, Xu Mingwei entered the bridal chamber.

Once inside, there were still a host of wedding customs to observe.

For instance, they cut locks of each other's hair, tied them together, and tucked them away as a keepsake.

They scattered longans and red dates to pray for the early birth of a son.

They drank bitter wine together from two halves of a gourd, symbolizing that they would share both sweetness and hardship.

They ate undercooked dumplings. "Will you have a child?"

Night fell.

"My wife, it's time for us to rest."

"Mm."

Yang Ronghua's voice was as soft as a mosquito's hum, barely audible.

Her cheeks glowed red, making her look good enough to eat.

Xu Mingwei lowered the bed curtains and gently lay down with her in his arms.

And then—

The Yang Residence.

"Shihui, you lost to Xu Mingwei of the Xu Household this morning," said Yang Zhao's elder cousin, Yang Hua, evenly.

"Father, Xu Mingwei is indeed as Cousin Zhao said. He has extraordinary talent and the makings of a Grandmaster. He also seems to possess Natural Divine Strength; his strength far surpasses that of ordinary people," Yang Shihui replied respectfully.

"Cousin, you've chosen a fine husband for Ronghua."

"Make your preparations. In a little over a month, Father should have the necessary connections in place, and the transfer order will come through."

"Thank you, Cousin."

"No need to thank me. We're one family. Just remember to do your part for the Lineage."

Yang Zhao nodded in agreement.

Still, he knew the Yang Household had chosen him because, among its officials, he was the most capable and had the best record of achievement.

When their connections were much the same, the man with the stronger record naturally had the better chance.

The next day.

The members of the Yang Household returned to the Commandery Seat.

A little over a month passed.

Xu Chuan, Xu Mingwei, and his wife all came to see Yang Zhao and his family off.

"Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, when I have time, I'll bring Ronghua to the Commandery Seat to visit you."

"There's no hurry. Help your father strengthen the Xu Household first. The waters of Qingjiang County are too shallow to hold your family forever."

"Isn't that right, Brother Chuan?" Yang Zhao looked at Xu Chuan, smiling.

Xu Chuan smiled faintly but said nothing.

"This is far enough. If you keep seeing us off, you'll end up at the Commandery Seat."

Everyone smiled at Yang Zhao's joke.

"Even after seeing a friend off for a thousand miles, we must part in the end. County Magistrate Wu, County Commandant Fang, Brother Chuan—please look after my family."

"Haha, Brother Yang, of course."

The Yang Household had deep roots and sprawling influence in the Commandery Seat. Unless they had no choice, County Magistrate Wu and the others would never risk offending it by moving against the Xu Household.

Besides, the Xu Household left no openings in either its conduct or its business, and stood as solid as an iron barrel within.

They could not easily find a pretext, either.

Two months later.

Morning light rose, and purple qi came from the east.

Xu Mingwei sat in his courtyard, breathing steadily as he silently recited the central principles of the Little Dragon Elephant Art.

The dragon soars and the elephant treads, dividing yin and yang,

Water and fire meet to forge true astral force.

Three passes and nine apertures connect heaven and earth,

In every breath, the mysteries of the cosmos appear.

He sat with his palms, feet, and crown turned toward the sky. The Baihui point atop his head seemed to open like a skylight as he sensed the power of heaven and earth.

Suddenly.

His mind emptied, his awareness becoming a mirror that reflected his whole body. His pores opened like lotus petals, and the power of heaven and earth became glimmering white motes that seeped into his flesh.

Half an hour later.

Xu Mingwei opened his eyes, delight shining in them.

"I sensed heaven and earth and drew qi into my body. I finally did it!"

"Twelve years of hard cultivation—I haven't let Father down!"

Just then, a maid passed through the arched gate into the courtyard, her face bright with joy as well.

"Young Master, the physician came this morning. He said Young Madam is with child."

Xu Mingwei's eyes widened. Then he burst out laughing, even happier than he had been at his breakthrough to Xiantian. He rose at once to see Yang Ronghua.

The news immediately spread throughout the Xu Residence.

Delighted, Xu Chuan waved a hand and awarded every servant, maid, and guard an extra half-month's wages.

"Hua'er is with child, Shitou. You can't be so reckless anymore."

Xu Chuan glared at Xu Mingwei, clearly alluding to something.

Xu Mingwei scratched his head.

He had a history. The morning after their wedding, Yang Ronghua had been unable to get out of bed after the night before.

They had even postponed the tea ceremony until the afternoon.

His brothers had teased him mercilessly for it.

Bai Jing sat beside Yang Ronghua, beaming. She held Yang Ronghua's hand and fussed over her without end.

Xu Mingwei drew Xu Chuan aside and lowered his voice. "Father, I broke through to Xiantian this morning."

"Really?"

Delight spread across Xu Chuan's face. "Come to my study and tell me everything."