Far away in the imperial capital.
Ding’an Marquis Manor—
The twenty-eighth day of the sixth month had been marked in the almanac as an auspicious day:
Suitable for weddings, moving house, paying visits…
A day said to bring good fortune and success in all endeavors.
For Xiao Qi and Mo Xiang, however, today was more than merely auspicious.
Today was the day of their wedding.
The entire Ding’an Marquis Manor had been lavishly decorated. Crimson lanterns hung beneath the eaves, colorful silks draped every corridor, and fresh flowers adorned every corner. Festive joy permeated the entire estate.
The servants bustled about with smiles on their faces. Since the Heir was marrying today, they had all received generous rewards and were happily occupied preparing for the grand celebration.
The groom, Xiao Qi, stood resplendent in a brilliant scarlet wedding robe embroidered with golden thread.
Intricate patterns shimmered across the garment, the gold catching the sunlight and lending him an air of elegance and nobility.
A finely embroidered golden-yellow sash circled his waist, emphasizing his tall, straight figure.
His jet-black hair had been neatly tied up and secured with an emerald-green jade hairpin. His sharply defined features, steady eyes, and radiant smile made his happiness impossible to hide.
Standing behind Xiao Qi were the Marquis Manor’s guards and attendants. Clad in the manor’s official livery, they stood in orderly ranks, ready to accompany the Heir to the Mo Family residence to receive his bride.
When the appointed hour arrived, the wedding procession slowly set out toward the Mo Family estate.
Gongs thundered, drums resounded, and firecrackers exploded without pause. The entire Ding’an Marquis Manor was immersed in an atmosphere of joyous celebration.
The streets overflowed with curious spectators eager to witness the grand wedding procession of the Heir to the Marquis of Ding’an. If fortune favored them, they might even catch some of the celebratory coins being scattered.
Mounted atop a magnificent steed, Xiao Qi rode proudly at the head of the procession. Happiness shone across his face, as though he could already see Mo Xiang waiting for him.
Behind him, the wedding matrons and the manor’s maids tossed festive sweets and copper coins from embroidered money pouches into the crowd.
Adults and children alike scrambled excitedly to gather the scattered treats and coins.
…
In a secluded courtyard within the Mo Family estate in the capital, tranquility usually reigned.
Green bamboo swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves rustling softly.
Today, however, the little courtyard had been transformed into a magnificent bridal residence. Scarlet silk decorations adorned every corner, elegant potted plants filled the air with fragrance, and festive decorations could be seen everywhere.
For today, the Mo Family’s Second Young Lady—Mo Xiang—
was about to welcome the most important ceremony of her life.
Inside the room, Mo Xiang wore an exquisitely crafted crimson wedding robe. Its brilliant red rivaled the morning sunrise and blazed like flames, making her fair complexion appear even more luminous and delicate.
Sunlight filtered through the emerald bamboo leaves, casting mottled shadows upon the elegant dressing table.
Seated beside her, Nanny Chen gently combed her glossy black hair with practiced hands, all the while reciting traditional blessings for a newlywed bride.
“One stroke to the ends of your hair.
Two strokes until your brows turn white together.
Three strokes for children and grandchildren to fill your home.
Four strokes…”
“May the Bodhisattva bless my young lady with a joyful marriage and many sons and grandchildren.”
Mo Xiang sat quietly, allowing Nanny Chen to arrange her hair.
A faint smile rested upon her lips, while anticipation sparkled in her eyes.
Outside, a gentle breeze stirred the bamboo grove, carrying the blessings through the air until it seemed the entire Mo Family estate had been wrapped in auspicious joy.
After Nanny Chen and the maids had finished dressing her, Mo Xiang looked even more breathtaking than usual.
Her long hair had been gathered into an elegant coiffure adorned with elaborate ruby-red jeweled ornaments that added both charm and feminine grace.
A light application of cosmetics accentuated her naturally bright, expressive eyes.
Covering her head was a crimson bridal veil embroidered with a pair of mandarin ducks swimming together.
Its exquisite needlework and vibrant colors inevitably brought to mind the familiar blessing:
Mandarin ducks upon the water, united forever in heart.
Standing tall and graceful, Mo Xiang resembled a blooming red lotus—beautiful, dignified, and refined.
Her hands were folded neatly before her chest, her head slightly bowed beneath the bridal veil. Though her face remained hidden, the excitement gleaming within her eyes could still be seen.
The courtyard bustled with harmonious activity.
The maids moved swiftly through the bamboo grove, carefully smoothing every wrinkle from the red carpet laid across the stone pathway.
They then arranged baskets of carefully selected wedding fruits, symbols of sweetness, prosperity, and abundance for the newlyweds’ future together.
Everyone in the residence had been swept up in the festive spirit, smiles lighting every face.
At that very moment, Xiao Qi stepped into the joy-filled courtyard.
Through the gaps in the bamboo, his eyes immediately found Mo Xiang standing beneath the sunlight.
She looked like a living painting, so beautiful that he simply could not look away.
His heart overflowed with indescribable emotion—a love so deep it defied words, along with boundless hope for the future they would share.
Walking steadily toward her, Xiao Qi gently took her hand.
Their fingers intertwined as they slowly made their way toward the main hall.
Inside, vivid red silk draped every wall, symbolizing a love that would remain vibrant and enduring for all eternity.
Hand in hand, they crossed the crimson carpet together.
Every step they took was firm, calm, and unwavering.
Master Mo and Madam Mo sat upon the seats of honor, smiling so broadly they could scarcely close their mouths.
Watching the happy couple before them, their hearts overflowed with pride and satisfaction.
After paying their respects and bidding farewell to the bride’s parents, Xiao Qi lifted Mo Xiang onto his back and carried her toward the waiting bridal sedan outside.
…
Within Ding’an Marquis Manor—
The master of ceremonies stood upon the platform, holding the marriage certificate as he solemnly proclaimed the wedding vows in a resonant voice.
Gazing lovingly at Mo Xiang beneath her bridal veil, Xiao Qi spoke firmly and gently:
“I vow to hold your hand and grow old beside you. For the rest of my life, I will protect you, cherish you, and love you until my final breath.”
Tears glistened in Mo Xiang’s eyes as she answered softly,
“I am willing to weather every storm with you and admire every moon beside you. From this day forward, Husband, you shall be my only support and the one who occupies my heart. I will honor our parents, assist my husband, raise our children well, and walk beside you through the rest of our lives.”
Their hands remained tightly clasped as they made their shared vow:
“Let Heaven and Earth bear witness, and let the sun and moon stand as proof. May our love endure as long as these mountains and rivers, and shine forever like the stars.”
At that moment, their vows seemed to echo between Heaven and Earth.
Even the wind appeared moved, and even the drifting clouds seemed to pause in silent witness.
Their love was as pure and steadfast as the promises they had just spoken.
The elaborate wedding ceremony continued step by step, every ritual solemn and sacred.
Listening to those familiar wedding vows, the Marquis felt a ripple stir within his heart.
His eyes shimmered with unshed tears as joy welled up for the young couple.
Drawing a deep breath, he forced his thoughts back to the present.
He knew today was one of the most important days of his son’s life.
He could not allow his own emotions to cast a shadow over such a joyous occasion.
Steadying himself, he lifted his gaze once more toward the newlyweds upon the ceremonial platform.
Mo Xiang and Xiao Qi stood side by side, their faces radiant with happiness.