Chapter 42: The Wedding Ceremony

I will give her a better, grander wedding in the future…

Barely suppressing the roiling emotions within him, Shen Ji took several steps forward and bowed to Old Madam Wen and Jing’an Hou. “I ask for the elders’ blessing.”

Looking at the two young people before him, Jing’an Hou was momentarily stunned, then clapped his hands and laughed. “Good, good, good. Since it has come to this, you shall marry now, and we will all be your witnesses.”

With that, he looked at the Old Madam. “I wonder what Mother thinks?”

Old Madam Wen did not speak, only giving a slight nod.

Previously, she had felt that A Yue was not good enough for He Ming. But now that trouble had struck, seeing A Yue’s willingness to follow him had inevitably given rise to a bit of goodwill toward her. Besides, with A Yue accompanying He Ming to his post in Anle County, they would be far away from this place, and she could finally be at ease regarding her grandson and the commandery princess.

Third Young Master Gu, Gu Yuanwei, on the other hand, had his eyes light up as he cheered, “A Yue, well done! You’re a true friend.”

His mother, Lu Furen, corrected him in a low voice, “What nonsense are you spouting? This isn’t about being a true friend, it’s about deep affection.”

“Is there a difference?” the Third Young Master said, unconcerned. “It’s all the same anyway.”

However, the Third Young Master’s words did much to lighten the atmosphere.

Jing’an Hou mused, “It’s just that the original wedding date has not yet arrived. In this rush, I’m afraid preparations will be inadequate. We can only keep everything simple.”

“I know. Today’s circumstances are exceptional. I will hold another wedding ceremony in the future and will absolutely not let Miss Su be wronged,” Shen Ji replied.

His words were directed at Jing’an Hou, but his eyes were on Su Zhenyue.

Sensing his gaze, Su Zhenyue looked up and smiled at him. “It’s alright, I don’t mind these things.”

Her main goal was to leave the capital with him with a legitimate status. She truly did not place much importance on the so-called wedding ceremony.

If she had cared, she wouldn’t have been the one to suggest getting married ahead of schedule.

Shen Ji said in a low voice, “But I do.”

He was marrying her, and never for the purpose of wronging her.

None of the elders present had any objections to the two of them marrying in a hurry today.

Thus, the second master of the Gu family served as the Master of Ceremonies, while the Third Young Master Gu and the Eldest Miss Gu served as the bridesman and bridesmaid, respectively.

Right there in Chunhui Hall, the two performed their wedding ceremony.

The second master, Gu Nianzhang, ordered servants to set up an incense table and quickly arrange the wedding hall. Seeing that the time was still auspicious, he announced in a loud voice, “On this fine day, two families are joined in matrimony. With incense, candles, and wine, we announce this union to Heaven and Earth. The auspicious hour has arrived! The new couple shall kneel and bow, giving thanks for the covenant witnessed by Heaven and Earth.”

Because both of their parents were no longer in this world, the ceremonial address for bowing to Heaven and Earth was exceptionally simple.

“First bow to Heaven and Earth, may husband and wife grow old together, sharing weal and woe.”

“Second bow to the elders, may they have blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea and longevity to rival the Southern Mountains.”

“Husband and wife bow to each other, may the new couple treat each other with respect, and may their family flourish for generations.”

It was strange. This was originally just a makeshift ceremony, and Shen Ji hadn’t considered it a real wedding. But as he listened to the second master’s ceremonial words and bowed alongside the person beside him, a peculiar feeling arose in his heart.

It was as if they were truly becoming husband and wife under the witness of their friends and family.

But a few breaths later, he changed his mind: No, this doesn’t count. This is just an expedient measure. I will choose another auspicious day in the future and give her a better, grander wedding.

During the third bow, Shen Ji subconsciously looked at Su Zhenyue opposite him.

Their eyes met. Su Zhenyue’s heart had been calm, but at that moment, as she suddenly crashed into Shen Ji’s deep, ink-black eyes, her heart jolted. For some reason, she grew nervous, and her movements even slowed by half a beat.

It was only when the Eldest Miss Gu, Gu Yuanzhen, standing beside her, noticed something was amiss and discreetly pinched her arm that she came to her senses and hurriedly completed the bow.

“The ceremony is complete!”

Su Zhenyue let out a breath of relief and turned to look at Shen Ji, only to see him staring fixedly at her, his gaze so tangible it felt like a physical weight upon her.

She froze slightly, smiled at him instinctively, and then averted her gaze.

Perhaps it was because the act of bowing in a wedding ceremony was inherently intimate, but even though she had no other thoughts, her face and ears were now a little hot.

With the three bows finished, the obeisance to Heaven and Earth was complete.

However, what followed was not “escorting them to the bridal chamber,” nor were there steps like sharing the same sacrificial animal, drinking from the same cup, sitting on the bed, or tying the hair. Instead, Gu Yuanwei and the others escorted them out of the estate.

The carriage and horses were already waiting outside, and the luggage had all been loaded.

With parting just moments away, Gu Yuanzhen couldn’t help but burst into tears, clutching Su Zhenyue’s sleeve and refusing to let go. “Elder Sister Su, I really can’t bear for you to go.”

For as long as she could remember, Su Zhenyue had been like an older sister to her. In this generation of the Gu family, there were many boys and few girls. She was the only one, and she loved to share her innermost thoughts with Elder Sister Su. She had once thought they would become sisters-in-law and never be separated for their entire lives.

Unfortunately, Elder Sister Su was about to leave with her husband for his post. The journey was long and the distance vast; she didn’t know if they would ever see each other again in this lifetime.

Su Zhenyue’s eyes reddened, and she reached out to hug her. “I can’t bear to leave you either. Zhenzhen, you must take care of yourself.”

Gu Yuanzhen cried even harder, her sobs wracking her body. She couldn’t help but turn and glare fiercely at Shen Ji.

It was all Cousin Shen’s fault for being so disappointing, implicating her so that she would have a hard time seeing Elder Sister Su again.

Third Young Master Gu cupped his fists at Shen Ji. “Cousin Shen, the mountains are high and the rivers long. Take care.” After a thought, he added, “Treat A Yue well. She is so full of love and loyalty, you must not fail her.”

“I know.” Shen Ji nodded, his gaze shifting to Su Zhenyue, who was bidding a tearful farewell to the Eldest Miss Gu not far away.

He thought that Gu Yuanwei was worrying for nothing. How could he possibly fail her? He would never fail her in this lifetime.

Many people had come to see Shen Ji off on his departure today.

Although the fourth young master, Gu Yuanjing, did not come in person, he had someone send over some travel money.

Only the Heir Apparent, Gu Yuanchen, did not show his face.

Gu Yuanchen was well-informed and had long known that Su Zhenyue was going to follow Shen Ji to his post in Anle County. He didn’t want to witness this scene with his own eyes, so he used the excuse of official business and left early in the morning.

But in the end, he couldn’t remain completely indifferent.

Thus, Gu Yuanchen found another excuse and rushed back.

By then, the carriage and horses bound for Anle County were long gone.

His younger cousin, Gu Yuanwei, was chattering away, praising A Yue for her loyalty, willing to go through a makeshift wedding just to follow him a thousand li.

Gu Yuanchen’s lips were pressed into a tight line, and he said nothing.

After a long while, he only said silently in his heart, “Take care, A Yue.”

If this was the life she wanted, then he could only wish her peace and joy from afar.

The weather today was excellent. The sun shone brightly in a cloudless sky.

Sitting in the carriage, Su Zhenyue would occasionally lift the curtain to look outside. The Jing An Marquis Estate was no longer visible, only the people coming and going on the streets.

The last time she had been out was before the new year.

She had longed to leave the Gu family, to get away from all the gossip and disputes. But now that the moment of departure had truly arrived, amidst her joy and excitement, there was a faint, indistinct trace of melancholy deep in her heart.

Am I really leaving just like this?

She thought that she did have feelings for the Gu family. After all, it was the place where she had lived for more than ten years. And she had had many happy times in the Gu family.

But soon, Su Zhenyue lowered the curtain, and with it, she let go of those feelings of reluctance.

There was no use in dwelling on the past. She had to look forward.

A very important trial was waiting for her up ahead.

The carriage moved quickly. After leaving the city, it continued on its way until it suddenly stopped at the Ten Li Pavilion.

“What’s wrong?” Nanxing wondered, lifting the curtain to ask.

Ping An pointed with his hand and answered, “It’s a few of the Young Master’s same year graduates, seeing him off.”

Same year graduates? The newly minted Jinshi?

Curious, Su Zhenyue focused her gaze and indeed saw two young scholars talking with Shen Ji at the Ten Li Pavilion not far away.

It turned out that when news of Shen Ji’s departure from the capital spread today, many were filled with emotion. This was especially true for the Tanhua, Xie Lanxiu. He felt it was an injustice to Shen Ji but dared not complain. All he could do was invite their fellow graduates to the Ten Li Pavilion to see Shen Ji off.

Xie Lanxiu was young and spirited; he didn’t want Shen Ji to leave the capital in a cold and lonely manner. He wanted to tell Shen Ji that there were still people in this world who sympathized with and supported him.

Unfortunately, not many were willing to come with him. They had not yet been officially appointed to their posts. People were either busy with other matters or politely declined. In the end, only Chen Yue—the one who had dragged him to drink before the Qionglin Banquet and accidentally soiled Shen Ji’s clothes—said he was free.

The two conferred and set out from the city together early, waiting at the Ten Li Pavilion. When they saw Shen Ji approaching on horseback from a distance, they went forward together to call out to him.

“Brother Shen, wait a moment. We two are here today to see you off.”

Shen Ji was slightly surprised. He hadn’t expected that at a time like this, there would still be people who came specially to see him off. But faced with their goodwill, he didn’t say much and dismounted cleanly.

Outside the Ten Li Pavilion, willows swayed gracefully, many of their branches having been broken off by people bidding farewell here.

Xie Lanxiu had originally broken off a willow branch as well, but for some reason, he threw it away in frustration. The character for willow, liu, was a homophone for “to stay.” He wanted to make Shen Ji stay, but could he?

The Tanhua, who was not a good drinker, raised his wine cup. “There’s not much to say. I wish Brother Shen a smooth journey.”

Shen Ji smiled slightly and drank a cup with him. “I also wish you two a bright and promising future.”

Xie Lanxiu sighed heavily, a sense of stifling frustration in his heart that he didn’t know how to express. When an ordinary person was demoted, there was always a reason. But Shen Ji, full of talent, was denied entry into the Hanlin Academy merely because of that absurd, unspeakable reason.

But the wrath and favor of the sovereign were both expressions of imperial grace. Even if he was dissatisfied, he dared not let a hint of it show on his face, let alone voice a complaint.

It felt as if a thousand words were lodged in his chest, but in the end, Xie Lanxiu only poured another cup of wine. “Brother Shen, have another cup. Once you get to Anle County, who knows if there will be such fine wine.”

“No more.” Shen Ji waved his hand. “I have to travel later, it’s inconvenient to drink too much.”

Xie Lanxiu was about to say, “What’s there to fear? If you get really drunk, you can just leave tomorrow.”

But as the words reached his lips, he suddenly remembered that the emperor had ordered Shen Ji not to linger in the capital. He felt even more stifled and had to swallow the words back down.

The Jinshi, Chen Yue, was slightly less close to them and had a lively and unrestrained personality. After toasting with a cup of wine, he looked around, and his gaze inadvertently shifted to see the curtain of the carriage accompanying Shen Ji move, vaguely revealing a woman’s face.

His heart stirred, and he asked in surprise, “Brother Shen, is that a lady of your household in the carriage over there?”

Hadn’t it been said that Shen Ji’s ancestral home was in Qingzhou? Could it be that he had brought a female relative with him when he came to the capital for the examinations?

Hearing this, Shen Ji glanced in the direction of the carriage, smiled, and said with an air of casual indifference, “Yes. My fiancée—no, my wife—could not rest easy, so she is accompanying me to my post.”

Xie Lanxiu was taken aback. “Brother Shen is married?”

Chen Yue was also curious. “When did this happen?”

On the day of the Qionglin Banquet, hadn’t he only said he had a betrothal? Things had moved so fast? And hearing Shen Ji first say “fiancée” and then correct it to “wife,” it must be that he wasn’t used to it yet, hence the slip of the tongue.

“We married today. Unfortunately, time was short, so I was unable to invite you two to the ceremony,” Shen Ji said with a smile.

Although deep down he didn’t consider today’s ceremony a real wedding, now that someone asked, he intentionally revealed his newly married status, implying his fiancée’s deep love and loyalty.

Sure enough, upon hearing his words, Xie Lanxiu and Chen Yue exchanged a look, instantly understanding the meaning behind Shen Ji’s words.

Accompanying him to his post? Married today?

Xie Lanxiu couldn’t help but feel a sense of solemn respect.

These past few days, he had secretly felt sorry for Shen Ji. He had thought that if Shen Ji hadn’t been betrothed and had agreed to become the prince consort at the Qionglin Banquet, would he not have angered the Crown Prince and the Emperor? And would he not have been demoted out of the capital?

But now, learning that Shen Ji’s fiancée had actually given up the comfortable life in the capital to follow him to the remote Anle County, even getting married in a rush to do so, Xie Lanxiu felt secretly ashamed.

Shen Ji valued faith and righteousness, but was his fiancée any different?

He had been too narrow-minded. And to think he called himself a reader of the sages’ books.

“Congratulations.” Xie Lanxiu cupped his hands with great sincerity. “Congratulations, Brother Shen. Your wife is a person of noble character.”

Thinking of his earlier thoughts, Xie Lanxiu felt even more mortified. For a moment, it was as if he were sitting on pins and needles.

Chen Yue also offered his congratulations. He was a man of literary grace and rather unrestrained. When the mood struck, he even composed a poem in praise.

Shen Ji smiled and thanked them.

Yes, my Mianmian is the best in this world.

It was getting late, and Shen Ji couldn’t linger. After a few simple words of mutual encouragement, Shen Ji was about to set off again.

However, a warmth surged in Xie Lanxiu’s heart. He suddenly took several quick steps forward, and without a word, gave a long, deep bow toward the carriage.

This gesture was an apology to this woman he had never met for the shallowness of his own heart.

Ping An, standing by, was extremely surprised and couldn’t help but exclaim in a low voice, “Ah, this is… Miss Su, this…”

The moment the words left his mouth, he realized he had spoken too much and immediately covered his lips.

Su Zhenyue heard the commotion from inside the carriage. Not knowing what had happened, she lifted the curtain to look, just in time to meet Xie Lanxiu’s eyes.

Xie Lanxiu reacted extremely quickly, immediately cupping his fists and saying respectfully, “This younger brother pays his respects to his sister-in-law.”

Su Zhenyue was taken aback and subconsciously looked at Shen Ji, who was on horseback outside the carriage.

Shen Ji introduced, “This is the new Tanhua, Young Master Xie Lanxiu.” Then he pointed to Chen Yue. “That is Young Master Chen Yue.”

“So it is Young Master Xie and Young Master Chen.” Su Zhenyue nodded to the two in acknowledgment.

Unwilling to be impolite in front of others, she then got out of the carriage and formally returned the courtesy with a bow.

“Not at all, not at all, you are too kind, sister-in-law.” Seeing her beauty, her refined manner, and her impeccable etiquette, Xie Lanxiu felt even more embarrassed. His face immediately turned red, and he took several steps back, giving another long, deep bow.

Su Zhenyue smiled slightly, thinking to herself that this Tanhua was a bit too thorough with his courtesies.

Chen Yue, however, was much more natural. “Sister-in-law, there is no need for such ceremony.” He then turned back to Shen Ji. “Even if we see you off for a thousand li, we must part eventually. The journey is what’s important, so we won’t delay you any longer. Let us part here.”

Shen Ji nodded. “Alright, let us part here.”

Su Zhenyue returned to the carriage and lowered the curtain.

“Yah—” Ping An, acting as the driver, cracked the whip.

The wheels turned, and the carriage moved forward.

Xie Lanxiu and Chen Yue waved in unison. “Take care, Brother Shen! A smooth journey to you!”

“You two take care as well.” Shen Ji nodded to them from his horse, then urged his horse forward.

The carriage and horse moved on. The willow trees by the road continuously receded, and the people seeing them off grew more and more distant until they disappeared from sight.

Su Zhenyue lifted the curtain and peeked at Shen Ji.

“What is it?” Shen Ji immediately noticed her gaze and turned his head to look over.

Su Zhenyue shook her head and said casually, “Nothing, just looking at you.”

Fortunately, seeing his bright eyes and the lack of any gloom on his face, she felt much more at ease. She had been worried that seeing his fellow graduates would make him dejected.

It was good that he wasn’t unhappy.

Su Zhenyue was quite confident about the future. She reckoned that as long as they got through that one ordeal on the road, the days ahead would all be good.

Just as she was thinking this, Shen Ji unexpectedly spurred his horse closer, drawing level with the carriage. He then tilted his head and suddenly leaned toward her.

Staring at the handsome face that was suddenly so close, Su Zhenyue was caught off guard and stunned for a moment. “What are you doing?”

Aren’t you afraid of the danger?

“Weren’t you looking at me?” Shen Ji’s brow quirked. “I’m getting closer to you, to make it more convenient for you to look.”

Su Zhenyue froze, never expecting him to say such a thing. Her eyelashes trembled, and for a moment, she didn’t know how to respond. In the end, she just shot him a light glare and quickly lowered the curtain.

That glare held absolutely no threat. Instead, it made one’s heart itch. Shen Ji couldn’t help but let the corners of his lips curve up.