’He is breathtaking...’
Zhou Hanyue’s gaze quivered in surprise, as she didn’t expect the man she was going to marry to be this handso.
’This is the man I’m supposed to marry?’
She had prepared herself for disappointnt, for another political pawn who would sneer at her or pity her because of the curse that surrounded her na.
But instead, she was faced with soone so extraordinary that it left her montarily speechless.
She turned her eyes to look at her so called father, disdain flashing in her eyes ’Ruining his life just because you need the prodigy tied to the family...’
’In the end, you still see as a political asset, you shit ass old man.’
Her hands tightened slightly beneath the long sleeves of her ceremonial red robes, though her expression remained serene.
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Not only her, but everyone in the room is surprised by the groom’s entry, as they can’t tear their gaze away from him.
"Such a man, marrying Zhou Hanyue? What a waste..."
So felt envy as such an extraordinary man was getting married to a cursed woman, while others felt pity for his life.
Li Jia shook her head helplessly "Look at him showing off..."
Ji Shuang glanced at Qian Shi who was standing beside her in disguise and a sigh escaped her lips.
The Jade Emperor glanced at Zhao Tian and his gaze squinted ’So this is him...’
The Empress, seated beside him, maintained her poised deanor, though her gaze lingered on Zhao Tian with a hint of approval.
Zhao Tian went to the front and stood beside Zhou Hanyue.
He inclined his head slightly, his blue eyes eting hers through the delicate veil she wore.
The officiant stepped forward, an elder of the Jade Dynasty Sect with a long beard and a dignified air.
He carried a ceremonial scroll and a small jade tablet, the symbols of unity in their culture.
"Today," the officiant began, his deep voice reverberating through the hall, "we gather to witness the union of two souls, bound by fate and sealed by the heavens."
"Zhao Tian, of unparalleled talent and strength, and Zhou Hanyue, of unmatched beauty and grace, shall beco one under the watchful eyes of the Heavens."
The ceremonial drum resounded and the steady beat of the drum filled the hall marking the beginning of the sacred rites.
Zhao Tian and Zhou Hanyue were guided to the ceremonial altar, where a golden brazier burned brightly.
The officiant handed each of them a strip of red silk, which they were to hold together as a symbol of their shared destiny.
As they held the silk, Zhao Tian raised his gaze to look at the beautiful woman once more and smiled in his heart.
The officiant continued, "The heavens have witnessed your union, and now you must bow to the heavens, to your ancestors, and to each other."
The couple turned and bowed first to the heavens, a gesture of respect to the entity that governed their world.
Then, they turned and bowed to their ancestors, represented by a carved jade tablet placed on the altar.
Finally, they turned to each other.
For a brief mont, as they bowed, Zhou Hanyue caught a glimpse of Zhao Tian’s expression, calm, steady, and... perhaps a touch of warmth?
It was fleeting, but it was enough to make her chest tighten unexpectedly.
The officiant rolled the scroll tightly and declared with a resounding voice, "With the heavens as witness, and under the blessings of the Jade Emperor and Empress, this union is sealed. Zhao Tian and Zhou Hanyue are now husband and wife. May their bond be steadfast and eternal."
The hall erupted in applause, though it was tinged with unease and tension.
Many of the guests clapped reluctantly, still unsure how to feel about the match.
Zhao Tian turned to Zhou Hanyue and extended his hand.
Huh? Why is he asking for my hand?
She wanted to refuse him, but as she looked into his eyes, she sighed, and she didn’t want to sha him in front of others.
She hesitated for a heartbeat before placing her hand in his.
His grip was gentle, and they walked together toward their seats of honor.
At that mont, the whispers resud, but Zhou Hanyue’s mind was elsewhere.
As she stole a glance at Zhao Tian, she couldn’t help but wonder if he, too, was silently cursing the strings of fate that had brought them together.
’Does he regret this? Does he hate ? Or does he truly not care at all?’
The officiant raised his arms, silencing the room. "Let the feast begin! May the heavens bless this union and grant prosperity to both families!"
As the feast began, attendants moved gracefully through the hall, serving dishes.
The aroma of roasted beast, spiced lotus root, and fragrant wine filled the air.
The chatter of guests grew louder mixed with the polite conversation and whispered gossip.
Zhao Tian sat beside Zhou Hanyue at the table of honor with a faint smile on his face.
Zhou Hanyue, could feel the weight of countless eyes upon her.
The veil she wore offered little comfort, as she could still sense the judgnt radiating from the crowd.
She glanced at Zhao Tian out of the corner of her eye.
"Eat," Zhao Tian said softly, his voice low enough that only she could hear.
Startled, she looked at him directly for the first ti.
His gaze was gentle and his hand gestured subtly toward the dishes before them.
Realizing she had been sitting stiffly without touching her food, Zhou Hanyue nodded and picked up her chopsticks.
As she tasted the first bite of golden crab dumpling, a surprising burst of flavor montarily distracted her from her thoughts.
"Good," Zhao Tian muttered, as though praising her for doing sothing right.
At another table, Ji Shuang and Li Jia watched the scene unfold with different reactions.
With a faint chuckle, Li Jia spoke "Look at him. He’s probably enjoying the attention."
Qian Shi glanced at Yao Jing and Li Jia for a mont before she continued to eat her portion of the food.
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