The wedding procession departed from the West Street Benevolent Heart dical Hall, and the Pei Mansion was equally bustling.
Lights and decorations were everywhere in the mansion, and happiness symbols adorned every space.
Previously, the courtyard had always seed deserted, not a single flower blooming in the flower garden. But now, as soone was about to wed, it livened up considerably, not to ntion the yard full of hibiscuses, let alone the increase in fanciful decorations, which even made the Imperial Guards from the Palace Front Office gossip among themselves in secret, "Who would have thought the Lord was so stern and disciplined in the Palace Marshal’s Mansion, yet at ho he loves flowers and exotic decorations—it really is true that you can’t judge a book by its cover."
Qingfeng, who was attaching a red flower to his chest: "..."
Pei Yunng’s wedding was plenty lively.
Never mind his popularity; he was now a trusted confidant of the New Emperor, with many people trying to curry favor or form connections. The wedding invitations hadn’t even been sent out when so had taken it upon themselves to deliver their congratulatory gifts to the Pei Mansion, adding casually, "Lord, on the day of your marriage, please don’t forget to save a cup of celebratory drink for ."
Pei Yunshu was so busy that she couldn’t finish making all the additional invitations.
Apart from those seeking connections in the court, Pei Yunng’s guests mostly belonged to the Palace Front ranks.
Five hundred ducks made their way noisily from the Palace Marshal’s Mansion to Pei Mansion, causing Xiao Zhufeng’s temples to throb.
A not-so-familiar guest, seeing Xiao Zhufeng holding a little girl in his arms the whole way and never putting her down, joked, "Deputy Envoy Xiao, when did you get hitched? Why wasn’t there any news, and you already have a child? Back at the Martial Arts Field, you always looked so dashing; who would have guessed you’re also a tender father. I have to say, faced with the sa situation, I doubt I could have been as patient."
Xiao Zhufeng: "..."
Pei Yunshu, who overheard the exchange by accident, blushed and quickly corrected the misunderstanding while taking Treasure Bead from Xiao Zhufeng’s arms.
"Oh," the guest seed to realize his faux pas and tried to cover it up awkwardly, "I see now. I thought the little girl bore a resemblance to Deputy Envoy Xiao, and that’s why I assud her father was the Deputy Envoy himself."
The two felt even more embarrassed after hearing this blatant lie.
Xiao Zhufeng had co to the Pei Mansion early in the morning to help out, and Pei Yunshu was also busy at the ti. Treasure Bead clung to Xiao Zhufeng as soon as she saw him, so Xiao Zhufeng ended up taking on the role of the little girl’s guard, fulfilling his duties by taking care of the child.
To those unaware, they might indeed think she was Xiao Zhufeng’s daughter.
"Thank you, Deputy Envoy Xiao," said Pei Yunshu, holding Treasure Bead uncomfortably, "You can rest in the hall as the front is now taken care of. Looks like Ah Ying and the others will be arriving soon."
As soon as she finished speaking, a crackling burst of firecrackers sounded outside; the wedding procession had returned.
Pei Yunshu’s eyes lit up, and she quickly headed to the entrance with Treasure Bead in her arms.
At the Pei Mansion’s front gate, a crowd had already gathered to watch the spectacle. Blind Man He stood aside, holding a Big Dipper full of grains, Money Fruits, and Grass Knots, tossing them around as a blessing and prayer.
Yin Zheng helped Lu Tong out of the sedan chair, who was covered by a Golden Bridal Veil, unable to see anything, only feeling soone push the United Heart Knot Handkerchief into her hand.
Pei Yunng held the other end of the handkerchief, sensing her nervousness, gently tugged on it. Lu Tong paused and tugged back, acknowledging the gesture. He then chuckled softly, leading her over the saddle at the doorway and the brushed straw beneath, signifying "safety and peace."
Cheers and shouts rang from all around, with the Imperial Guards from the Palace Marshal’s Mansion being particularly boisterous. Although they were disheartened that Doctor Lu would end up marrying their imdiate superior, the Imperial Guards later rationalized that since the Marshal had fallen for Doctor Lu, future ladies visiting the Palace Marshal’s Mansion would no longer fancy a married man. Thus, it opened opportunities for them—an alternative form of perfection.
So, they still offered their blessings.
Pei Yunshu handed Treasure Bead to Xiao Zhufeng and led the couple to the front of the hall. Lu Tong and Pei Yunng faced each other and bowed three tis, completing the marital rites.
From the beginning to the end, Lu Tong clutched the United Heart Knot Handkerchief tightly, her view blocked by the Golden Bridal Veil. The noise outside was too overwhelming to discern exactly what was happening. She had seen many weddings in Changwu County, in Su Nan, and on West Street, but now that it was her turn, she couldn’t recall what she was supposed to do.
The mont the ceremony was completed, celebratory cheers and shouts erupted from all around. So playful guests teased Pei Yunng to lift the veil but imdiately fell silent, intimidated by his glare, and dared not speak anymore.
The couple was then escorted into the bridal chamber.
Inside, there were more rituals to follow. Pei Yunshu had specifically asked happily married won to scatter coins and festive fruits, a tradition called "sprinkling the bed." Pei Yunng and Lu Tong, with help, each cut a lock of their hair and tied it together.
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