The grandfather and grandson were chatting when, a moment later, they saw the groom, looking supremely pleased with himself, leading several groomsmen from the rear courtyard.
The groom, Bao Zihui, had now changed into a round-collared robe of bright red ramie silk, a jade belt cinching his waist. Beneath his black gauze official's hat, his eyes and brows held a perfectly measured smile.
Led by the steward, he walked unhurriedly towards the large zitan wood table where Yue Fuguang and the others were seated at the eastern end of the banquet hall.
Seated at the head of the table was the guest of honor for the day—the Crown Prince, Xie Zhiyan. Below him were Yue Fuguang, Yu Chongshan, and several Ministers.
The groom's steps were steady, his wide sleeves brushing lightly like flowing clouds. He stopped three paces from the table, adjusted his attire, and performed a standard bowing salute towards the Crown Prince's direction, then offered a general bow to Yue Fuguang and the officials on both sides.
The jade pendant at his waist remained perfectly still. "Your Highness's presence graces this humble abode, and the Young Preceptor and esteemed seniors have taken time from your busy schedules to attend. The Bao residence is immeasurably honored. Zihui is deeply grateful."
Especially when he looked at Yue Fuguang, his eyes were full of gratitude. Although no one from the Youtan organization had been discovered yet, since his grandfather was so certain, it couldn't be false.
Towards the little benefactor who had provided the information, Bao Zihui felt a hundredfold thankful.
The Crown Prince and the others accepted the salutes with smiles, and Yue Fuguang also nodded, imitating their manner.
The steward timely presented a vermilion-lacquered tray holding a set of official kiln 'doucai' lotus-patterned cups already filled with amber-hued wine.
Bao Zihui first took the cup specially prepared for the Crown Prince, raising it high with both hands above his eyebrows, and offered a deep bow.
"Your Highness manages myriad affairs of state daily. That you have condescended to attend Zihui's wedding banquet today is an immense honor for the Bao family. With this humble cup of wine, I respectfully wish Your Highness a thousand years of golden peace and everlasting prosperity."
The Crown Prince was usually too casual in front of Yue Fuguang; she had almost forgotten that this man was the future successor of the dynasty, personally tutored by Emperor Mingxi since childhood.
Though Xie Zhiyan was young, he now fully displayed the bearing of a crown prince. Indeed, even a young tiger is still a tiger.
He did not immediately raise his cup. His gaze, gentle yet appraising, swept over the groom's respectful posture, a faint, elusive smile playing on his lips.
The Crown Prince's voice was mellow yet carried inherent authority. "Today, we set aside state ceremony and speak only of familial bonds. Although my interactions with Zihui have not been frequent, I have often heard of your talent and promise from a young age, excelling in both learning and character.
Seeing you establish a family today is a joyous and congratulatory occasion. I hope that in the future, you will cultivate yourself, harmonize your household, and never forget to serve the state."
These words were both encouragement and expectation, and the important ministers present all listened with rapt attention.
While speaking these formalities, the Crown Prince actually felt quite envious in his heart that Bao Zihui could marry such a devoted and righteous wife.
He couldn't help but wonder if his own future Crown Princess would treat him with the same sincerity as the young lady of the Chu family, rather than focusing solely on his position.
The groom bowed again. "Your Highness's instruction, each word a pearl of wisdom, Zihui will certainly engrave upon my heart, not daring to forget day or night. I can only strive to the utmost of my limited abilities to repay Your Highness's recognition and the court's profound grace."
Having said this, he respectfully drained his cup, his posture elegant, not spilling a drop.
Only then did the Crown Prince smile and raise his cup, taking a small sip, thus accepting the full courtesy.
"Good. You may proceed. The Young Preceptor and the various ministers are all pillars of the court and your seniors. You must offer toasts to each one."
Bao Zihui immediately turned to Yue Fuguang and offered her a deep bow from the waist. He handed Yue Fuguang a small, exquisite cup containing a popular children's beverage in Dayan.
"Zihui, on behalf of my wife, thanks the Young Preceptor." As he spoke, he drained the wine in his own cup in one go, revealing the excitement in his heart at this moment.
Yue Fuguang, acting like a little adult, said, "Today is Zihui's joyous occasion. This Young Preceptor offers her blessings to the newlyweds for a harmonious union lasting a hundred years, and hearts forever intertwined."
[Master, you must not casually offer blessings. They might inadvertently come true.]
'Wouldn't it be better if they came true? Aren't all blessings hoped to be fulfilled? It's just that others lack the ability.'
Yue Fuguang spoke lightly, but she felt a tiny twinge of heartache. One blessing cost her thirty points. This was the first time she had spent points purely without any purpose for someone unrelated.
At this moment, Bao Zihui's heart was profoundly shaken. He finally understood what his grandfather had repeatedly hinted at on the way here, about the Young Preceptor having some miraculous qualities.
His grandfather had also urged him repeatedly not to panic or make a fuss. Bao Zihui merely paused inwardly, his hand holding the cup trembling slightly for a moment, before he offered another respectful bow and said, "Zihui thanks the Young Preceptor for your auspicious words!"
Everyone around, including the Crown Prince, watched with keen envy, thinking they must definitely invite the Young Preceptor to sit at the head table at their own future weddings.
Others had similar thoughts; the Young Preceptor would be their guest of honor.
Yue Fuguang: Is it possible that I won't attend just anyone's banquet, nor am I willing to bestow blessings on just anyone?
Next came Yu Chongshan, Cai Xian, and the other officials.
These dignitaries were truly masters of ceremony, each readily producing gracious words. Cai Xian said, "My worthy nephew, your esteemed father and I served as comrades in the past. Seeing you now, so spirited and vigorous, is like seeing yesterday once more.
After establishing a family, the true foundation of your career begins. I hope you will carry on your family's traditions and bring honor to your lineage."
Bao Zihui replied respectfully, "Esteemed Uncle shows great kindness. My father also often speaks of the old times with you, instructing me, your junior, to humbly seek your guidance."
This cup of wine is to honor our esteemed elder, wishing you good health and longevity, and also to honor the friendship between our two families, as enduring as the mountains and rivers."
Wang Shouchen was also an old friend of Lord Bao. His tone was measured, hinting at something deeper. "Today's splendid banquet truly shows the extensive connections and gathering of talented individuals within your esteemed household. My worthy nephew should focus on his studies, and must not..."
"Assassins!" Before Lord Wang could finish, a shout was heard.
Everyone thought to themselves, 'So it has come to this.' They saw Bao Zihui cup his hands towards the assembly. "Your Highness the Crown Prince, Junior Mentor, and all esteemed lords, you are the pillars of the state. Your gathering in my humble home today is an honor I will cherish for three lifetimes.
My only wish here is for all of you to enjoy harmonious governance, good fortune, health, and peace! Please wait a moment, I shall return shortly."
With that, he leaped and dashed far into the distance, heading precisely in the direction of the bridal chamber in the rear courtyard.
'Who would have thought Bao Zihui was a martial artist? How could a martial artist still be betrayed by a friend, leading to his family's ruin?'
[Master, is it possible Bao Zihui only developed muscles, not brains? He treats his sworn brothers like his own limbs, but those brothers want to kick him into the mire!]
Bao Zihui, already far away, had not yet run out of the range where these inner thoughts could be heard. Upon hearing them, he nearly stumbled and fell face-first into the dirt.
He wept inwardly. Who on earth wanted to harm him and kick him into the mud? Show yourself! He guaranteed he would immediately beat them to a pulp!
As Bao Zihui ran close to his own courtyard, he saw several black-clad men engaged in combat with the household guards. While running, he drew a short blade from his sleeve and went straight for the throat of the man blocking his way. His strike was decisive, his moves fierce and ruthless, showing not a trace of the scholarly, literary air one might expect.
Bao Zihui did not linger in the fight. His dodges and maneuvers were extremely agile, revealing a formidable foundation in martial arts.
His steps were steady, and he pressed forward without yielding an inch, until he reached the bride who still had her veil covering her head.
Seeing more and more people gathering around and his men still unable to break through the defenses of the Bao residence guards, the black-clad leader's eyes turned even colder.
If they didn't act faster, their mission today would surely end in failure. With a wave of his hand, he silently gave the order to the assassins.
Instantly, the assault descended upon Bao Zihui and the others like a violent storm. Bao Zihui resolutely shielded the bride behind him.
