CHAPTER 419: CHAPTER 416: CEREMONY COMPLETED

The path to the wedding hall should have been accompanied by a wedding maid, as she and Song Xian walked side by side, unexpectedly, Song Xian changed the routine.

The bride’s wedding maid hesitated whether to remind them, considering there were many guests present, meanwhile, the groom’s wedding maid pulled her aside.

The wedding maid whispered, "Let it be!" She had witnessed too much along the way, Mr. Song had already said those things in front of everyone... What’s this compared to that? It’s nothing!

"Liangchen," Song Xian whispered, "On the first journey home, let’s walk together."

Xie Liangchen nodded gently.

Song Xian felt Xie Liangchen’s cool fingers slightly tighten and reciprocated the gesture by holding hers equally, giving him the same response.

Song Xian experienced a surge in his chest and almost couldn’t resist pulling her into his arms.

Taking a deep breath, Song Xian said, "Let’s go!"

Xie Liangchen responded, "Okay." Their journey had always been taken together, albeit delayed, she would never let him walk alone.

They held hands as they stepped into the courtyard, walking into the main hall.

The wedding maids followed behind; if all couples were as harmonious as Song Jiedu and Princess Jia’an, it would certainly save them a lot of trouble. This is truly a perfect match.

"This is the Unity Knot." Song Xian handed the red silk to Xie Liangchen.

Guests watched the young Song Jiedu and the Commandery Princess whispering to each other, chuckling quietly, though they weren’t surprised in the least, as everyone in Zhenzhou knew how eager Song Jiedu was to marry.

Military generals had heard that Song Jiedu had trained troops in Dai State to return to Zhenzhou earlier, deterring Liao leaders from showing themselves at checkpoints for several days.

Therefore, personally leading the Commandery Princess inside, personally handing the Unity Knot, was just routine for Song Jiedu.

During the subsequent wedding ceremony, Xie Liangchen noticed Song Xian’s nervousness.

Standing there until the auspicious hour arrived, the noise of guests had faded away.

The two held the handkerchief, first bowing to heaven and earth, ancestors, then entered the bridal chamber to bow to each other.

After Xie Liangchen was seated, she heard the wedding maid say, "Mr. Song, don’t just stand there, it’s time to lift the veil, isn’t the weighing rod in your hand?"

Everyone couldn’t help but laugh.

Not only the wedding maid, but even women of the Song family witnessed Song Xian in such a state for the first time; usually, in the Song family, the most feared wasn’t Song Qizheng, but this Little General Song, who rarely visited the clan, and when he did, he always wore a stern expression, like a thick layer of frost covered his brows, deterring peers and juniors from approaching him.

This time, at Song Xian’s wedding, they witnessed something unexpected; their brother, Little General Song, could display such tenderness and warmth, occasionally lost in thought, gazing at the Commandery Princess as if forgetting what he should do.

His younger sisters marveled inwardly, wondering if this was really their big brother.

The weighing rod finally moved, and the red veil was lifted.

Xie Liangchen’s eyes brightened, lifting her gaze just in time to see Song Xian tidying his robes.

Today, Song Xian appeared exceptionally different, with a vivid color seemingly brushed at the corner of his eyes, his ceremonial attire fitting perfectly, but no attire could overshadow his radiance.

Xie Liangchen raised her head, seeing her reflection in his clear eyes.

"It’s time to drink the wedding wine."

The wedding maid reminded, bringing Song Xian back to his senses as he handed the wine cup to Xie Liangchen.

Xie Liangchen looked at the wine in Song Xian’s hand.

Song Xian, who sat beside Xie Liangchen, seeing her gaze, leaned closer and whispered, "Do not worry, my wife, I fear that drinking wine might cause problems, this cup is tea. Though circumstances provided reason, I should ask you, is substituting wine with tea alright with you? If not, I’ll have them bring the wine."

Before Xie Liangchen could respond, she heard the women of the Song family ask, "What is the brother saying to the Commandery Princess?"

The women burst into laughter, incited by their brother’s demeanor, bravely joining in, "Brother, hurry, we’re still waiting to scatter the accounts, our hands holding the wedding fruits are tired."

Song Xian’s eyes were filled with mirth, yet he remained still, waiting for Xie Liangchen’s reply.

What would drinking the wine cause, one needn’t wonder. Song Xian could get tipsy from rice wine balls, a cup of real wine, and he wouldn’t sober up until tomorrow.

Xie Liangchen tightened her grip slightly, though Song Xian drinking tea suffices, he deliberately seeks her approval.

With so many eyes watching, and Song Xian maintaining such an expression, Xie Liangchen simply nodded, "Fine."

Song Xian laughed, "Then let us drink!"

Xie Liangchen raised the cup to her lips, drinking in unison with Song Xian.

The sweet flavor spread in their mouths without a hint of alcohol, only then did Xie Liangchen realize her cup contained honey water as well.

Song Xian reached to take her cup, leaning to whisper in her ear, "I cannot get drunk, nor can my wife."

Xie Liangchen looked up into Song Xian’s slightly deep eyes, her cheeks flushed immediately.

Women stepped forward, scattering wedding fruits upon the bed, before gathering around to have a playful rumble, soon someone urged them to head to the banquet in the front.

"I’ll go to the front first, I’ll be back soon," Song Xian said, "I’ll have someone bring some food into the room shortly, you can take off your flower crown, and change out of the ceremonial attire..."

Xie Liangchen nodded, and the wedding maid laughed, "Please head to the front, we’ll serve here."

Song Xian stood up, Xie Liangchen thought he’d leave like this, but he paused to survey a little then bent down.

Xie Liangchen felt a warmth on her leg, about to scold Song Xian’s boldness, but realized that Song Xian was moving aside two dates placed next to her leg: "Hide away, don’t let them press down on you."

Xie Liangchen was momentarily stunned, so that’s what it was for, how could this have pressed down on her?

But still felt a surge of warmth in her heart.

"Go ahead," Xie Liangchen softly urged, "I’ll be in the room."

Song Xian nodded complacently, turning around three times as he departed.

The wedding maids laughed as they helped Xie Liangchen change clothes, with quick movements, they soon took down the flower crown.

With the heavy headpiece removed, Xie Liangchen immediately felt much lighter.

Though she hadn’t walked much today, due to the tension, she felt fatigued.

Once changed, a servant brought in the food.

Food and pastries filled the table, freshly made, Xie Liangchen had rushed breakfast earlier, now looking at these, she truly felt hungry.

The maid whispered, "Mr. Song advised, eat plenty, dozens of tables are set in the front courtyard, Mr. Song won’t return for a while. Once you eat, Mr. Song can also partake out front."

Compared to Song Xian, she was spared the strain of hosting guests, but the meal should wait for Song Xian to share, so she ate lightly just to ease her hunger, sparing him worry.

Xie Liangchen sat down and picked up the chopsticks.

...

Song Xian held the wine cup as he toasted guests.

Chang An stayed by his side without a step away, he had to shield Mr. Song from any trace of alcohol, ensuring Mr. Song’s safe passage to the bridal chamber.

"Is the cup in Song Jiedu’s hand filled with wine?"

Chang An heard Du Jian questioning, he promptly stepped forward, "It’s wine, I poured it for Mr. Song."

"Really?" Du Jian reached out to grab the wine jug from Chang An.

Trust me, it’s wine. Chang An steadily faced Du Jian.

For your good, for everyone’s good, this truly is wine.