Master, it truly is just a single mound. These two died in disgrace, said to have contracted that kind of contagious disease. So, in the end, they were locked together, neglected and ignored, left to die from illness and starvation.
After death, they were even cremated together, their ashes mingled, you within me, I within you, and then buried together. Isn't that just one pile of yellow earth!
Yue Fuguang glanced up towards the direction of the three men. Song Mingwei was toasting and drinking with Hong Feng, while Huang Lifan was gloomily drinking by himself in low spirits.
Logically, on his good friend's joyous wedding day, as a friend, he shouldn't wear a bitter face as if he had lost a relative. Those who didn't know might think he was drinking at a funeral, not a wedding feast.
"This Bao Zihui also lacks judgment in people. Today's behavior from Huang Lifan shows this person is not worth befriending."
Elder Master Bao, who had been listening outside the courtyard for a while, nodded secretly to himself. Indeed, his young grandson still lacked experience. Not only did he lack discernment in people, but he could also make repeated mistakes.
It seemed that after the New Year, he would have to swallow his pride and beg General Wei to stuff Zihui into the military camp to keep company with the children of the Yu family's second branch.
He heard that the sons of Minister Cai and Minister Huo had also been sent there a few days ago. Adding his own grandson to the mix probably wouldn't matter.
Bao Zihui, sitting tall on his horse to fetch the bride, originally brimming with springtime delight, suddenly swayed, feeling a chill run down his back.
Wei Shouyi, who was still raising his cup, paused abruptly, his right eyelid twitching. He had a feeling someone was thinking about him!
Yue Fuguang was already more than half full when suddenly the master of ceremonies gave a long cry: "The auspicious hour has—arrived!"
The clamorous noise of toasting and drinking instantly quieted down, leaving only the musicians under the corridor playing the elegant melody of "The Phoenix Seeks His Mate."
The groom, dressed in bright red wedding robes, entered the main hall from the east side. Bao Zihui's appearance was indeed quite good, scholarly yet radiating the unique spirited ambition of youth.
His clear eyes looked towards the corridor with its red walls and green tiles on the west side, filled with nothing but heartfelt joy and anticipation.
There was none of the frivolity Yue Fuguang had imagined. The young man's restrained expression between his brows and eyes was all solemnity and happiness.
It was said that Chu Qiuyue came from a scholarly family. The two were engaged since childhood, practically childhood sweethearts. Presumably, their feelings for each other were good. Otherwise, Chu Qiuyue wouldn't have avenged him in that manner, nor taken her own life to follow him in death after the great vengeance was achieved.
At this moment, Bao Zihui's steps were steady, yet a trace of anxious anticipation still leaked through in his occasional, inadvertent glances towards the corridor outside.
Finally, the tinkling of jade pendants, like clear spring water rinsing jade.
The bride, supported by the matron of honor, approached gracefully from the west side.
She wore a phoenix crown of pure gold with kingfisher feathers, dense strings of pearls hanging down, veiling the woman's lovely face. The hundred-sons tapestry kesi wedding dress she wore had a long, trailing skirt. With every step, it was as if she trod upon clouds and mist.
The groom gazed at the gradually approaching figure. The slight anxiety from moments ago vanished instantly, leaving nothing but tenderness filling his heart and eyes.
He and Qiuyue-mei were childhood sweethearts, mutually devoted. Today, he finally married her and brought her home. This should be his happiest moment.
But thinking of his grandfather's words yesterday, Bao Zihui's smiling face concealed some worry and deep apprehension.
He had been so afraid just now that the one emerging from the west side wouldn't be Qiuyue, but...
As he thought this, the bride had slowly walked to his side.
Pausing slightly, separated by the hazy pearl veil, their eyes met. Qiuyue, just like him, was also trembling slightly.
Unconsciously, he raised his hand slightly, an inch—a silent yet firm gesture of reassurance.
The master of ceremonies' voice rang out again, lofty and solemn: "First bow to heaven and earth!"
The two turned, facing the star-studded night sky outside the hall, and bowed deeply.
This bow gave thanks for heaven and earth joining them together.
"Second bow to the parents!"
The main seat, due to Bao Qianjun's absence, held only his wife, Mrs. Lin.
She looked upon this perfect pair with eyes full of solace.
This bow expressed gratitude for all the upbringing and heritage within this household.
"Husband and wife bow to each other!"
This was the most significant bow. Bao Zihui and Chu Qiuyue stood facing each other. As they bowed, he saw her hands tightly clasped in front of her, knuckles white, and also saw, beneath the slightly trembling strings of pearls, the corners of her lips quietly lifting like cherry blossoms.
Bao Zihui's heart also pounded like thunder in his chest.
This bow pledged not only the promise of growing old together but also the oath to share weal and woe, honor and disgrace, from this day forward.
The declaration "Rites completed!" fell like metal striking stone.
Congratulations from the hall full of guests surged like a tide, seeing off the newlyweds as they headed towards the night's designated venue—the bridal chamber.
Outside, drums and music swelled loudly, marking the official start of the second half of the feast. Cups clinked, laughter and chatter filled the air.
Yue Fuguang quietly tugged at Yu Chongshan's sleeve, whispering very softly, "Grandfather, did you relay my maritime merchant friend's words to Elder Master Bao?"
Yu Chongshan, his face full of smiles, replied in an equally low voice, "Don't worry, Fuguang. Grandfather has told Elder Master Bao everything. He also guaranteed he would make thorough arrangements. If those people really dare to come, they will surely not return."
Yue Fuguang thought for a moment and couldn't help asking, "Grandfather, are the people of the Youtan assassin organization really all highly skilled in martial arts?"
Yu Chongshan's expression turned serious. He lowered his voice and said, "The Youtan organization is mysterious and unpredictable. Who its leader is remains unknown to this day.
No one has ever seen his true face. As for the people within the organization, there should be quite a few masters, but they also have talents in other areas."
"With such formidable people around, isn't the emperor afraid that one day someone might sneak into his bedchamber?"
Yu Chongshan thought to himself, his granddaughter truly dared to think and say such things! But the child was still young, what ill intent could she have? She was just worried about His Majesty's safety!
He said, "There are many skilled experts within the palace. His Majesty, the Empress Dowager, the Empress, the Crown Prince, and the other princes and princesses all have at least one shadow guard by their side."
[These people have shadow guards, but the other consorts in the palace definitely don't. Otherwise, Zhou Yunxin couldn't have succeeded in her affair.]
Yu Chongshan: As expected of the Artifact Lord, the angle from which problems are considered is truly sharp.
'Shadow guards aren't as common as cabbage. The emperor has so many wives and concubines; if each had one by their side, how would they ever manage their palace intrigues?
Shadow guards probably take orders from the emperor. If the consorts made any small move, wouldn't they be exposed immediately?'
Yu Chongshan thought for another moment and added, "Families like ours also have guards. You may not have noticed, but Grandfather has arranged for two people to protect your safety as well."
"I have them too?"
"Your elder brother and sisters each have one. Since you attend court, you have one more than them. Fuguang, you haven't noticed, have you?"
Yue Fuguang nodded. "Grandfather, who are my guards?"
Yu Chongshan said, "One is Cuizhu. The other remains hidden in the shadows. If you wish to meet him, Grandfather can arrange it when there's time."
For daily matters within the residence, Cuizhu is there; the other person would not appear at the Yu residence.
[Master, no wonder I always see someone following you to and from court, acting furtively. If I hadn't sensed no malice from this person, I would have long treated him to a taste of lightning.]
'Then why didn't you ever tell me?'
[Heh, isn't it because this person's level is too low? I didn't even take him seriously, so I forgot to mention it!]
Yu Chongshan: That's one of the best shadow guards in our Yu residence, and the Artifact Lord actually says his level is too low.
But then again, considering who could catch the Artifact Lord's eye, there probably aren't many in the entire Dayan Empire who would qualify.
