Heaven Beyond, at the Accumulated Virtue Pavilion reception.
Hearing Gu Yue's words, Xiao Qing nodded. Third Uncle had told her this news long ago, but since they still had no way to revive Xiao Xuan, he had never brought it up again.
"All right, let's leave that aside and talk about something else," Xiao Qing said with a smile.
"Sure, Brother Xiao Qing. What would you like to talk about?" Gu Yue asked, smiling brightly.
"What do you think of this marriage alliance, Sister Gu Yue? Do you have any other thoughts about it?" Xiao Qing asked.
"Other thoughts? I think it's quite all right. Men and women should marry when they come of age. That's only natural.
"Besides, the Xiao Clan is so powerful now, and its outstanding young talents, like you, Brother Xiao Qing, are extraordinarily handsome. You already fulfill every fantasy a woman could have, so I don't mind this sort of marriage alliance.
"And it's not as if everything is settled the moment we meet. It depends on whether we're attracted to each other. Isn't that a good thing?" Gu Yue admitted openly, without the slightest trace of resentment in her words.
Xiao Qing was very pleased with this answer. The two continued talking at length, though most of it consisted of Gu Yue asking about Xiao Qing.
They thoroughly enjoyed their conversation, and Gu Yue learned why the Xiao Clan had become so powerful, as well as why Xiao Qing revered the Xiao Clan Chief, Xiao Tian Ce, so deeply.
Night fell over Heaven Beyond.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Brilliantly colored fireworks soared into the sky and burst, instantly filling the night with dazzling beauty. The sight of fiery trees and silver blossoms turning night into day stirred longing in the hearts of the young men