Chapter 48: The Grand Wedding

  It's been almost a month since I returned to Zhongzhou, and this month has undoubtedly been busy for Tang An. Getting married is already troublesome, let alone in an ancient era that values etiquette and propriety.

  A series of tedious things actually made Tang An, who was originally very patient, almost go crazy, which shows how troublesome this wedding is.

  Tang An quietly slipped out of the house, finding an excuse at random. He changed into casual clothes and also took a mountain water ink bamboo fan that looked very fashionable and cool. Of course, he also brought a bottle of soy sauce with him, Xiaoxie.

  Xiao Xie's mouth was stuffed slowly, all the way here, she saw what delicious food, and would not let go. However, her physique was peculiar, no matter how much she ate, she couldn't get full.

  Tang An watched her eat with relish and also took a string of lamb skewers from her hand, the entrance was fragrant and spicy, it was truly delicious.

  Xiao Xie saw Tang Anna's enjoyable expression and couldn't help but laugh: "Little Tang An, you're really an idiot. You have so much money, why do you always have to be so strict with yourself? Look at these things, they're so delicious. Why don't you ever properly enjoy them?"

  Taking advantage of Xiao Xie's speech, Tang An stuffed another string into his own mouth. Little Xie was so angry that he shouted: "Ah, you glutton, I haven't eaten yet."

  Tang An smiled and took out a golden leaf from his bosom, handing it to Xiao Xie. Xiao Xie received it, and the golden leaf shone brightly under the sunset, looking extremely beautiful.

  "I didn't have as much free time back then as I do now. When I was your age, I used to practice sword fighting in the mountains every day. Looking back, those days were actually quite boring."

  Xiao Xie raised her head and asked, "Is the mountain very boring? That must be because the mountain where you live is not fun. Next time, I'll take you to play on Tian Shan. It's a lot of fun there. I'll introduce my little brother Da Hei Xiong to you. He's very obedient and well-behaved." Xiao Xie said this, but suddenly couldn't continue. She pouted her mouth pitifully. She nodded her head and whispered, "Xiao Xie misses Shifu, misses Da Hei, Xiao Xie really wants to go back to Tian Shan. Shifu hasn't seen Xiao Xie for a long time, must be thinking of Xiao Xie." She looked at Tang An, pulled his hand, and asked, "Little Tang An, when are we going back to Tian Shan?"

  Just then, a "thud" sound came, like a dead pig being thrown onto the chopping board.

  Xiao Xie turned his head and saw a wine house.

  The wine house is not unusual, what's unusual is that at the entrance of the wine house, there was a big fat man standing with his whole body wet. This fat man had just stepped inside and trodden on a banana peel, then slipped and fell, and this fall sent him rolling out far away, right into the river opposite the wine house.

  He was picked up by someone and his belly was swollen, spitting out river water mouthful by mouthful.

  Xiao Xie stared at Tang An with big eyes, took a glance, and then sneered: "No wonder I heard a loud 'boom' sound just now. Little Tang An, that fat guy is so fat, is it because he fell into the water earlier and drank water into his belly, so he became fat?"

  Tang An was taken aback for a moment, and then a smile appeared on his face. He asked, "Who told you that?"

  Xiao Xie pointed to the northwest direction: "Master said. In the past, Xiao Xie liked playing with water, Master said that if Xiao Xie fell into the water, he would become as fat as that." Xiao Xie said, drawing a big circle with his small hand, looking at the half-dead fat man and said with a terrified expression, "If I really became as fat as him, Xiao Xie would rather die, it's just too ugly."

  Xiao Xie finished speaking, and Tang An looked at the fat man at the entrance of the wine house again, and couldn't help but burst out laughing. Xiao Xie saw Tang An laugh so happily, and also followed with a silly laugh.

  A month ago, Tang An had passed through Zhongzhou City in a hurry, but didn't feel much intimacy. At that time, he was in a heavy mood. His parents were still in the hands of Jun Tian Jiao, and he naturally didn't have the leisure to indulge in romance. But now it's different. He has untied all his knots, and in a few days, he will be getting married. His mood is naturally very good.

  It seems that this place has become the Zhongzhou of ten years ago when Tang An first arrived. At that time, he was also a carefree big boy who didn't think about anything.

  Everything in Zhongzhou City seems unchanged.

  Here is still the prosperous avenue, ten miles long street. The business of these wine houses and tea houses is still so good. People coming and going are still endless. Ten-mile-long street, ten-mile prosperity.

  But everything seems to have changed again.

  The people coming and going on the main street of Kangzhuang have changed their appearance, and the ten-mile-long street has also lost some of its former joy. The owner of the wine tower across the street has become even more prosperous. And he, I'm afraid, can no longer recognize himself.

  Things remain unchanged, but people change.

  Tang An took out the hidden dragon jade pendant from his chest, and on this pendant, strange spiritual thoughts flowed in a specific meridian, guiding his true yuan, making him feel extremely intimate. It seemed that this pendant was born to be an inseparable part of him. The law phase green dragon long jiao, transformed into a real dragon, also had something to do with this pendant.

  However, Tang An looked at it for a while and then put the jade pendant back into his clothes. The strangeness of this jade pendant was not something that could be studied in just a few short days.

  He has decided to take that road to heaven, two years is really too short. If in these two years, he doesn't spend more time with his family, he's afraid there won't be another chance. He feels that maybe after taking that road to heaven, he won't be able to come back again.

  Just then, Xiao Xie shouted: "Ah, Xiao Mu, you also escaped? Tang Mama is really terrifying, even more frightening than Master. Can't stand it, right?"

  Mu Hongyu walked over and looked at Tang An. Tang An's face, which rarely showed emotion, flushed slightly.

  The wedding is imminent, and the person who is about to become the groom actually ran away because he couldn't bear the tedious rituals. It's a bit embarrassing to say this out loud. But when he was caught by the bride, it was no longer an issue of embarrassment, but a matter of principle. Fortunately, Mu Hongyu didn't come to interrogate him.

  Only to see Mu Hongyu with a bitter face, saying: "You come out, why don't you call me? Mother-in-law is really too terrifying, I've tried on the wedding dress three times from head to toe today, and mother-in-law says it still needs to be modified. I'm so tired that my bones are all scattered." As she spoke, Mu Hongyu grabbed a string of delicious food from Xiao Xie. In just two or three mouthfuls, she ate it clean, and when she looked at Xiao Xie again, Xiao Xie had already hidden away, tightly grasping his own food, with vigilant eyes looking at the couple.

  Tang An and Mu Hongyu burst out laughing. Tang An pulled Mu Hongyu, his heart moved, and without regard for the eyes of others, he rushed up to the sky, transforming into two beams of light, flying straight upwards.

  In the half-empty sky, the sun has already set in the west, and the red sunset colors have painted the horizon with extraordinary beauty.

  Tang An held Mu Hongyu's hand, feeling the tenderness of this lovely person, a comforting dependence. Perhaps his sword could kill many people, but in the end, a sword is cold, and his heart still needed a warm embrace, and this lovely person in front of him was almost like his new bride.

  The sunset seemed to have sensed their affection and didn't want to disturb them, so it quietly hid behind the mountains.

  In the city of Zhongzhou, the Tang family's jewelry store has reopened, but now it has changed its name to "An Yu Jewelry Store". The name is a combination of the last characters of Tang An and Mu Hongyu's names. It sounds more authentic than before.

  Because of Tang An's current noble status, the original Tang Manor is now somewhat shabby as a marquis manor. A few days ago, Tang Father bought two adjacent manors next to the Tang Manor and merged them together, creating a new manor. It looks much more majestic than before. However, the interior decoration issues cannot be completed in just a few days.

  The sky had darkened, and the two returned home.

  The two of them hung their heads from the start, waiting anxiously for Mother Tang to scold. But Mother Tang didn't mention today's events at all, instead chattering on and on about how many friends would come to congratulate on August 15th, and how many banquets they should prepare. By August 12th, Mu Hongyu would have to move to the Magistrate's residence for a few days, treating it as her temporary home.

  There's more. The bride and groom are not allowed to see each other for three days before the wedding. And Tang Anna should spend those few days burning incense and praying, making offerings to their ancestors, a heap of tedious tasks.

  Listening to Tang Mu's words, Tang An and Murong Yu's hands were still holding each other, their eyes locked in a gaze filled with happy helplessness.

  ……

  August 15th, Mid-Autumn Festival night, flowers are blooming and the moon is full.

  Zhongzhou City, inside the Tang Mansion, flowers and brocade are clustered together, lanterns shine brightly, as soon as you enter your eyes are met with a sea of bright red, on the walls, doors, windows, everywhere is hung with intricately cut paper decorations in the shape of double happiness characters. The joy of the wedding celebration infects every single person.

  The joys of life are no more than being top of the imperial examination, and having a romantic wedding. For Tang An, his heart's desire for the past decade has been fulfilled, and now he has a wonderful partner by his side, everything seems perfect. Thinking back to his previous life, he was just an ordinary otaku with no family background or extraordinary talents, but in this life, he can have such a wonderful partner, it's truly worth saying "such is life, what more could one ask for".

  Among the guests, most of them were local wealthy merchants and officials from Zhongzhou City. As for the people from Jianghu, those from nearby areas, including Yan State, Qing State, and Xu State, all sent lavish gifts to come and congratulate.

  Tang An is now a first-rate figure in the Jianghu, single-handedly storming the Quan Tian Sect and slicing through half of Lin'an's mountains and rivers with his sword. Such prowess has earned him attention from all over the world.

  There is news that Tang An has already entered the Great Heaven Realm and become the youngest Sword Dao Master in Jianghu! Apart from Shu Shan Li Chengfeng, Shaolin Wuxiang Chan Shi, and Wu Dang's Bu Le Dao Zhang, there is another Great Heaven Realm master in Jianghu! As for Ming Ruo Gu, this kind of villainous Tian Xian Sect, apart from Yangzhou, other places will not treat him as a master at least in name.

  Today, Tang An wore a big red new groom's uniform, with his hair combed back and wearing a short-winged new groom's hat. On that originally cold face, today there was a tired smile, saying "congratulations" to everyone he met, handing out a red envelope in each hand.

  Tang An is originally a person who doesn't smile or laugh easily, and in his entire life, the number of times he has smiled might not even add up to as many as today.

  His face had already stiffened into a smile, looking more like a bitter laugh.

  Many people who came today were just here to join in the fun. Tang An didn't know most of them, and the only one he knew was an unreliable guy.

  Hehe, this guy actually used his urine to escape and flew out of the wall with his lightness skill. He passed by the door three times, took three red envelopes from Tang An, and laughed loudly: "Tang brother, you're getting married today, but I don't have anything good to give you. However, you know that I'm quite experienced in that aspect. Looking at your silly face, I reckon you're still a virgin. Here's a precious book of mine, 'The Classic of the Flowering Grove', as a wedding gift for you."

  As he spoke, Ming Xiao looked around cautiously, taking advantage of no one noticing him, quickly pulled out a few colorful pages from his pocket and stuffed them into Tang An's arms. Then, he whispered in Tang An's ear: "I guarantee, this is absolutely the last time."

  Without waiting for Tang An to turn around, he rushed in and shouted: "Whoever you are, you've lost. Admit defeat graciously, go to the kitchen and get a chicken butt. Kiss the chicken butt, damn it! You bunch of idiots, how dare you come up with such a despicable idea! Hmph... Want to see me humiliated? No way! Don't even think about who I am! Don't run, don't run, do you think you can escape the palm of my hand?"

  Tang An lowered his head and reached into his bosom to take a look at what Ming Xiao had stuffed in there. But when he took it out, his intestines turned green with regret. On the colored page, a man and woman were depicted in a ** pose, vivid and lifelike... without a doubt, it was a spring palace painting, and an deluxe edition at that!

  Several people were sharp-eyed and saw what Tang An was holding in his hand, they all understood each other's minds and had a look of being fellow travelers. They laughed with each other, although the scene wasn't awkward, but Tang An's heart was so ashamed that he wanted to find a hole to hide in.

  Ming Xiao saw Tang An turn his head and glare at him fiercely, but the rogue just shrugged his shoulders. Then he loudly sang: "This life's honor ah, ah, ah..."

  Tang An's ears had not heard, but his eyebrows were jumping non-stop, apparently forcing himself to endure the anger that was about to erupt. Ming Xiao pretended not to know, and instead bragged to others: "I, Ming Xiao, made a big fortune today... As for why? You bunch of idiots, I told you, you wouldn't understand."

  Undoubtedly, today's best loser is Ming Xiao.

  ……

  Bridal chamber

  Muhongyu's mood at this moment is very complicated.

  Some nervousness, some shyness, but more of it is thick joy.

  She undid the belt with her hands, and the Luo shirt on her body slowly slipped down, revealing a piece of white jade. Her embroidered shoes and stockings were neatly placed to one side.

  Gently stroking her jade arm, the water droplets slid off her skin with a crisp sound, leaving no trace of moisture. Like frost and snow, she was beautifully seductive, and she felt satisfied herself, surely he would like it too.

  Ten years ago, when she first met Tang An, did she ever think that there would be today? She only remembered that it was raining heavily that day, the mountains and rocks had collapsed, he carried himself who was poisoned and fainted in the mountains, still having to avoid being chased by the Shu Shan Sect. In the cave, the wound on his wrist, even until now, she still remembers clearly. If not for him, she would probably have died in the wilderness with no one noticing.

  Today, she is finally going to marry him. In the past, Mu Hongyu would never have thought that her wedding day would bring her such joy. Before, whenever she thought of marriage, all she could think of was Wang Rui's ugly face, where was the happiness and shyness of today? At this moment, her heart seemed to be filled with intense sweetness.

  Muhongyu slowly submerged her body into the water, then sat down with her knees clasped together.

  She curled up her slender body, opened her beautiful eyes and gazed out at the water's surface. The sound of the water rushed into her ears. She couldn't help but think of when she was a child, her mother would often say to her "Our little Yu is so pretty, in the future many men will like her."

  Now she's finally going to get married. She's found a good man of her own accord, and with her mother watching from above, she should be satisfied too. Thinking this, her face turned slightly red, whether from the humid air or shyness.

  At this time, a maid's voice came from outside: "Miss, it's almost time."

  She shook her head slightly, thinking too much.

  She lifted her foot and stepped out of the water bucket, without a single drop of water on her body. She was a strong practitioner from the Heavenly Realm, and she had been practicing the Water Spirit Incantation, which allowed her to control the moisture on her skin with ease.

  On the bed, phoenix coronet and red tassels are neatly stacked, shining brightly.

  From today on, I am his wife. Even if it's only for a short two years, it's better than being with someone you don't like for thousands of years!

  The maids dressed her up one by one.

  Muhongyu faced the mirror and began to apply gold powder on her face. The maid took a glance, suddenly felt dizzy in front of her eyes, and sincerely praised: "Miss, you are so beautiful."

  Her beauty is not just about her appearance, but a kind of happiness that comes from the bottom of her heart. Her beauty is unparalleled in heaven and earth, at least for this moment.

  Firecrackers are going off outside, urging the bride to pay respects to heaven and earth...