In the autumn of the northern frontier, the sky is high and the clouds are vast, the sky clear and bright. The Lu family's young master's residence is once again adorned with a blanket of red silk, even more grand than when Lu Xiao married An An. On the gnarled branches of the old poplar trees, the red silk, like burning flames, flutters wildly in the golden sunlight. A continuous feast has already been set up in the courtyard, the rich aroma of roasted whole lamb, the crispness of mare's milk wine, and the uniquely hearty laughter of the northern frontier intertwined, almost lifting the roof off.

This time, the groom was Lu Qi, the second son of the Lu family, and the bride was Shen Zhao, the beloved daughter of General Shen Wensong of Longxi and Princess Xiao Mingyu.

Inside and outside the mansion, guests thronged. Prince Jing, Xiao Chengjing, and Shen Yuewei watched all this with undisguised joy and satisfaction on their faces. Standing beside Shen Yuewei was Xiao Mingyu, who was filled with emotion as she looked at the scene; her precious daughter was about to get married.

"Where is the third brother? Where did he go? With such a big event happening today, we haven't seen him since this morning," Shen Yuewei and Xiao Mingyu whispered to each other.

"I wonder which corner she's hiding in and crying. When she left Longxi, her face was all grim. Anyone who didn't know better would think she came to the north to fight." Shen Yuewei looked up at Xiao Chengjing upon hearing this, then exchanged a smile with Xiao Mingyu. Those who knew, understood.

After Shen Wensong's comparison, Xiao Mingyu's sadness was somewhat dispelled; her daughter had married a young man who had been good to her since childhood.

Lu Zheng and Luo Qingrou couldn't stop smiling. Surrounded by three adorable little children who could already run and jump, dressed in festive robes, the eldest was more composed, curiously observing the lively crowd; the second was lively and active, trying to pull the jade pendant from a guest's waist; and the little one was held in Luo Qingrou's arms, with big, bright eyes and a bright red fruit in her hand.

Lu Xiao, dressed in a brand-new deep purple brocade robe, stood tall and straight as a pine tree under the eaves. An'an, equally adorned, was in his arms. An'an had gained a more mature charm than a few years ago, her eyes gentle and refined, and she was now smiling as she watched the newlyweds in the center of the courtyard.

Lu Qi was dressed in a bright red wedding robe embroidered with gold unicorns, which made his figure appear even more upright. His handsome face was adorned with an undisguised, spirited, and radiant smile, but deep in his eyes lay a hint of nervousness and anticipation that was difficult to detect. He held tightly to the other end of the red silk ribbon, his gaze fixed intently on the bride who was covered by a red veil.

Shen Zhao was carefully supported by the wedding attendants and maids, dressed in a phoenix coronet and wedding gown, her figure slender and graceful. Although her face was veiled, the dignity she exuded as she walked, along with a hint of lightness that was barely perceptible, and the slightly trembling fingertips beneath the red silk, all betrayed her feelings at that moment.

The elaborate and solemn wedding ceremony concluded with the master of ceremonies' resounding announcements. When the cry of "Ceremony complete! Send her to the bridal chamber!" rang out, the guests erupted in thunderous cheers and good-natured teasing. Lu Qi could no longer contain himself; amidst the laughter, he simply swept his bride up in his arms! The movement was forceful, yet filled with boundless tenderness.

"Wow! Second Uncle is hugging Second Aunt!" Lu Wangzhou, the second son of Lu Xiao's family, shouted excitedly, pointing in that direction.

Little Lu Qinghan clapped her hands in Luo Qingrou's arms, "Second Auntie! It's beautiful!"

Even the usually composed Lu Chengyue showed a curious smile.

Looking at Lu Qi's eager yet smug expression, An An couldn't help but chuckle. She turned to Lu Xiao beside her and whispered with a mischievous smile in her eyes, "Look at our second brother, his demeanor is much more 'refined' than someone smashing a wine glass at the wedding hall back then? Hmm? Jealous General?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Xiao looked down at his wife in his arms, a familiar flame instantly igniting in his deep eyes. He tightened his grip, applying a punitive force, and whispered through gritted teeth in her ear, his voice low enough for only the two of them to hear: "Xiao An'an, are you itching for a beating? Tonight, when we get back, I'll see how I 'civilly' settle this old score with you!" His eyes clearly proclaimed "settling scores later."

An'an felt her ears burning under his gaze, but she fearlessly returned his defiant look, as if to say, "Afraid of you?"

The boisterous banquet continued until the moon was high in the sky. Lu Qi had been plied with alcohol, his face flushed with drunkenness, but his eyes shone with an astonishing brightness. He finally managed to escape his wedding night festivities, and though his steps were unsteady, he pushed open the door to the bridal chamber with unusual eagerness.

With a soft click, the door latch fell, shutting out the noise from outside. Dragon and phoenix candles burned brightly, illuminating the room with a warm and festive glow.