CHAPTER 248: CHAPTER 248: GRAND WEDDING 2

Feng Shu, adorned with a phoenix coronet and crimson ceremonial gown, entered the ancestral hall to pay respects to her ancestors. Kneeling before the plaques, she expressed gratitude for the Feng Family’s nurturing kindness, prayed for the peace and happiness of her relatives, and sought the ancestors’ blessings for her and her husband’s health and harmony throughout their lives.

After leaving the ancestral hall, Feng Shu proceeded to the main hall, bidding farewell to the ancestors, her parents, and Feng Changlin and his wife. The matriarch and Su Yuejiao were teary-eyed, reluctant yet comforted, with Su Yuejiao choking up as she offered a few earnest words to Feng Shu. Outside the Feng Mansion, the sounds of gongs and drums boomed, firecrackers crackled in celebration. Since the Feng Family’s eldest son was in government service and could not take leave for his sister’s wedding, Feng Changqing had young military generals assigned to the Feng Mansion to block the wedding procession.

The Marquis Zhenbei Mansion and Feng Changqing, both generals who had fought side by side in Ningzhou for years, now joined in familial alliance through marriage. Both houses hosted grand banquets, and the military generals acted with great camaraderie. The elder officers headed to the Marquis Mansion, while the younger ones came to the Feng Mansion. Xie Zhang brought Xie Xun and several other young members of noble families to the Feng Mansion to escort the bride.

The formidable presence of the eldest young master, Xie Zhang, which few dared challenge, was playfully tested now that he was marrying. Cui Lansong, embodying the stance of "one man holding the pass against ten thousand," challenged him to a martial contest. Xie Xun stepped in for his brother and defeated Cui Lansong, who exclaimed, "Bring on the wheel battles! Crush the Junior Marquis!"

"Come on!" Xie Xun smirked devilishly. "Today, no one will stop my brother from taking his bride."

Xie Zhang chuckled, and Nuanyang quietly speculated that his master was likely collecting some experience for his own wedding—after all, he’d be marrying in a couple of years. Blocking the groom’s path, however, could not devolve into endless wheel battles; and using weapons would be indecorous. Cui Lansong was prepared with other challenges, such as pitching darts, hoop target contests, and more, agreeing to win three rounds straight. The soldiers watching the scene outside the door deliberately created a racket to distract the Junior Marquis.

The blockading group consisted of men, so women had no reason to join in the fun. Fang Lingjun, however, pulled Fengyu up onto the wall to watch the lively spectacle, while Qiuxiang and Chunlu fretted near them—it would be scandalous if they were spotted. Fang Lingjun and Fengyu, unconcerned, relished the bustle and celebration of the wedding day, confident no one would take offense.

"Wow, impressive!" Fang Lingjun cried out in amazement as she and Fengyu perched on the wall and saw Xie Xun pitch a dart straight into the hoop. Fengyu looked down, catching sight of Xie Zhang clad in a crimson wedding robe, his jade belt cinched at his waist, and his head accessorized with a jade crown—a veritable image of elegance and nobility.

Xie Xun, adorned in silk robes and a jade belt, exuded carefree charm and was immersed in dart games alongside Cui Lansong and several generals, whose cheering amplified the lively celebration. Fang Lingjun grumbled, "These military men are tactless. Why challenge Xie Zhang and the Junior Marquis with dart games? They should compete in writing poetry instead!"

Fengyu responded, "Brother Xie Zhang excels in both scholarship and martial arts!"

"Let’s make him bark like a dog!"

Fengyu said nothing, her silence earnestly bemused.

The military officers eventually succumbed to the combined prowess of Xie Zhang and Xie Xun, allowing the celebratory procession to breach the defenses. Marquis An Yuan, along with his wife and Princess Xue Lan, arrived at the Feng Mansion to partake in the festivities. Mrs. Fang headed to the Marquis Zhenbei Mansion, while Fang Lingjun remained at the Feng Mansion, savoring the merriment.

"Where’s your brother?"

"He left for Jiangnan a few days ago," Fang Lingjun replied. "Since returning from Xiyanshan to recuperate, his mood was rather dour. Once his injuries improved slightly, he departed for Jiangnan to guard the frontier."

"I thought he’d stay until after Brother Xie Zhang’s wedding."

"Xie Er isn’t in the Capital City; my brother’s thoughts follow him wherever he goes." Fang Lingjun spread her hands, swinging her legs as she sat on the wall. "Anyway, he’s the one who’s stolen my brother’s heart."

Outside the mansion, firecrackers ignited, suonas resounded, and jubilation filled the air. Fengyu and Fang Lingjun couldn’t suppress their delight amidst the festive waves. Fang Lingjun turned to Fengyu, saying, "In a couple of years, when you marry Xie Xun, the celebration will surely be even grander than this."

Fengyu’s cheeks flushed, her thoughts drifting to her eventual marriage to Xie Xun, imagining their wedding to be just as lively. Fang Lingjun, sensing Fengyu’s potential sadness, intentionally stayed by her side for companionship. Holding hands, the two perched on the wall, legs swaying as they exchanged whispers. Seeing Fengyu’s mood stabilize, Fang Lingjun felt reassured and headed to the Marquis Zhenbei Mansion with her maidservants.

Xie Zhang had already taken his bride, leading her to bid farewell to the elder matriarch and their parents before proceeding through the Feng Mansion’s long corridors and courtyard toward the outside gate. Feng Shu concealed her face behind a fan embroidered with a solitary pink rose. As she left, she scanned her surroundings, disappointed not to catch sight of Fengyu.

Fengyu watched as Feng Shu entered the flower sedan, with Dongxue and Xia Zhu accompanying her on the sides. Her eyes brimmed with tears, overwhelmed by countless threads of reluctant attachment and emotional connection. Fengyu jumped down from the wall, chasing after the flower sedan. Qiuxiang and Chunlu, concerned for her safety, hurriedly exited the mansion to shield Fengyu. Qiuxiang offered, "My lady, do you want to follow the flower sedan all the way to the Marquis Mansion?"

Fengyu nodded earnestly; she wanted to escort her elder sister.

"It’ll be tiring to walk the whole way. If you grow weary, I’ll carry you." Qiuxiang, aware that following the sedan was not customary, nevertheless expressed unwavering support for Fengyu’s every whim.

Fengyu laughed softly, "Alright!"

Surrounded by onlookers, praises filled the air, calling Xie Zhang and Feng Shu a match made in heaven. A smile graced Fengyu’s lips; her sister and Brother Xie Zhang indeed were a perfect pair destined for one another.

The trio of master and servants followed the flower sedan at a leisurely pace. Suddenly, a white horse from the wedding procession galloped back against the flow—it was Xie Xun. Sitting atop Zhuifeng, he gazed at Fengyu with a smile. Fengyu, dressed in a striking pomegranate-red summer ensemble adorned with jewels and accessories, looked as elegant and refined as ever. Xie Xun teased, "If I were to change into a wedding robe, I could take you with me to bow before the altar."

Fengyu flushed crimson, shooting him a glare. Xie Xun laughed heartily and stretched his hand toward her, intending to bring her onto the horse. Fengyu swatted his hand away and snapped, "Go away! I don’t want to!"

The streets were bustling with people, and the Third Miss of the Feng Family, famed in the Capital City for her grace, rarely made public appearances. The Junior Marquis, too, was a prominent figure capturing all attention. If the two were to ride atop the same horse while their siblings were marrying, it would be too inappropriate. Xie Xun, tactful as always, recognized Fengyu’s shyness and dismounted to walk by her side instead.

Walking behind the wedding procession, Fengyu attracted attention for her stunning beauty, further enhanced by the presence of Xie Xun walking beside her—drawing even more curious glances. Fengyu tugged him aside, away from the procession, stopping by the street’s edge. "I will follow my sister to the Marquis Mansion’s gates, but once there, I’ll return home. Don’t follow me," she insisted.

"The bridal procession has ended, and Father and Mother are handling guests. Apart from assisting my brother with the banquet later, I’m quite free. There’s still time—I can keep you company," he replied. With a gentle touch of his thumb to the corner of her eye, he murmured, "You’ve been crying, haven’t you?"

Fengyu felt slightly embarrassed, "No, I haven’t."

"Crying is nothing to be ashamed of." Xie Xun understood her reluctance to part with Feng Shu. "Let me take you inside to witness their bowing ceremony."

"No!" Fengyu shook her hands frantically. "That would break convention!"

"Coward!" Xie Xun teased, grasping her hand. "What’s improper about a younger sister watching her elder sister wed?"

"I’m not one to strictly adhere to formalities, but for my sister’s marriage, I want everything to follow tradition. I shouldn’t compromise any established customs," Fengyu said with a soft smile. "I should be at home entertaining guests with our parents. Following her to the Marquis Mansion’s gates is already a breach of etiquette, so I can’t enter the mansion to witness the ceremony."

Xie Xun raised a brow, "Your sister is lucky to have your wholehearted care and protection."

Fengyu playfully hooked her finger in his palm, "I care for you just as much."

Xie Xun remained speechless.

Though the Third Miss had a reserved disposition with a subtle yet profound manner, there was always an aura of mystery about her every move. She spoke sparsely, leaving ample room for interpretation, and rarely indulged in sweet words. But the occasional unintentional sentiment she expressed often threw Xie Xun into disarray, leaving him heart-stricken as if he were a young boy experiencing his first crush.

What a calamity—he couldn’t withstand the Third Miss’s tender words.