Chapter 957: The Wedding with an "Add-on" [Seeking Monthly Tickets]

The moonlight was hazy and gentle.

I drank too much today in order to take down Gong Xichou.

At this moment, not only were her cheeks burning and flushed, but her head was also spinning. She raised her hand to her forehead and closed her eyes to relieve the dryness.

He murmured to himself, "The moonlight has become a spirit..."

She shook her head violently, regaining some of her senses. As her vision gradually focused, she finally saw who it was and turned to look at the other source of the alcohol fumes beside her: "You've come to see Gong Xichou?"

As she spoke, Shen Tang moved to one side.

A large, muscular head, fast asleep and clutching a wine jar, was revealed, a sight that drew a surprised look from the newcomer. The young man leaned down, and Shen Tang's gaze followed the boy's drooping braid. He looked closely at Gong Xi Chou, his brows relaxing: "I hadn't seen him return in a long time, and I was worried he might be lost, so I came out to look for him. It's strange, really; since I've known him for so long, this is the first time I've seen him truly asleep. This shows that he has a very good relationship with the king, and Anian trusts you very much."

Martial arts practitioners are extremely vigilant.

Let alone having someone around, even when alone, I rarely fall into a deep sleep without any defenses; most of the time, I'm in a light sleep. My sleeping posture may seem relaxed and lazy, but I'm actually in a state of readiness, ready to wake up at the slightest sound.

Gong Xichou was in the same state when he traveled with them.

It wasn't that Gong Xiqiu suspected the others of plotting against him, but rather that years of habit had instilled in him a deep-seated wariness of the outside world. Entering a deep sleep meant that Gong Xiqiu judged the surrounding environment to be safe and could sleep soundly.

But unfortunately, the king was by his side.

Shen Tang felt something was off about this scene.

Judging from appearance alone, Gong Xichou looks more like the eldest brother.

"Is A-Nian Gong Xi-Chou's nickname?"

"It should be."

Shen Tang found this idea novel.

It's either yes or no, what does "should be" even mean? Could it be that he's not even sure about Gong Xichou's nickname?

Ji Moqiu said, "I have been wandering outside for many years. I have a token with me, and my name is written on it. A few years ago, I went back to my clan's territory with my teacher and unexpectedly discovered that there are rules for naming children in the clan. If I have a brother, he is Anian."

Shen Tang: "...We'll know when he wakes up and we'll ask him."

Ji Moqiu glanced at the surroundings. She couldn't let Gong Xiqiu sleep on someone's rooftop all night. Tomorrow was Gong Xilai's wedding, and Gong Xiqiu, as a member of the bride's family, needed to get ready in advance. "This place isn't a good place to sleep. I'll take him back first."

Shen Tang straightened up: "I'll see you off."

Ji Moqiu looked at Shen Tang, who reeked of alcohol, with a troubled expression.

Shen Tang patted the hem of her clothes: "I just drank a lot, I'm not drunk, the effects of the alcohol will wear off quickly."

Although Gong Xiqiu was convinced that this person was his long-lost brother, Shen Tang and Ji Moqiu were not familiar with each other, and fratricide was not uncommon in this world. Just to be on the safe side, she felt more at ease sending the person back herself.

Ji Moqiu was unaware of her wariness.

He bent down and easily carried Gong Xichou on his back. He didn't know how much alcohol Gong Xichou had drunk, but the smell of alcohol made his nose feel uncomfortable.

Shen Tang followed him and jumped off the roof one after the other.

In the stillness of the night, only patrolling soldiers and night watchmen passing by were on the streets, and the moonlight cast a long shadow of Shen Tang.

Ji Moqiu looked at the figure.

He carried the wine jar, only two or three steps away from his own shadow.

Ji Moqiu didn't know what to say, while Shen Tang looked around, observing the buildings and silently calculating whether the patrol had been relaxed or lazy. Just as she was counting the hours on her fingers, she heard a voice that sounded like Gong Xiqiu's brother. Whether it was her imagination or not, the voice seemed to have a slight nervousness and tremor.

"The deeds of the ruler are widely praised by the people of Kang."

Shen Tang didn't know what he wanted to say, so she just replied casually, "Thinking back on the past four or five years since I took office, I've worked diligently and conscientiously for thousands of days and nights. No amount of praise is anything I should receive."

She gets up earlier than the rooster, sleeps later than the dog, and works harder than the donkey. If she still gets a lot of criticism for doing that, she'll go on strike!

Even the lives of working-class people are lives.

He wasn't a talkative person to begin with, and Shen Tang's response was clearly unexpected by Ji Moqiu, leaving him completely speechless.

After a long silence, he said softly, "Does Your Majesty still remember..."

The sound that followed was extremely soft.

Maybe he never said it at all.

Shen Tang waited for a while but saw no further developments.

"Remember what?"

Ji Moqiu stopped in his tracks, and Shen Tang actually saw a hint of unease on the face that resembled Gong Xichou: "The king once gave me some malt candy, but that was many years ago, and you may not remember it. Those few pieces of malt candy had a very special taste."

Shen Tang scratched the tip of her nose, trying hard to recall.

Even with her exceptional memory, she had absolutely no recollection of it.

Because she has given gifts to so many children over the years, even the most unruly kids can't resist the temptation of sweets. One bite and they'll be all smiles, forgetting all about why they were crying. With this trick, she's invincible in the children's world.

With so many children, I really can't remember which one is Ji Moqiu.

Shen Tang paused for a moment, realizing something was wrong.

She was more than a decade younger than Gong Xiqiu, and Gong Xiqiu's older brother must be even older. How could she possibly give candy to Ji Moqiu, who was still a child? This person looked young, but his height was normal, not like a dwarf who would never grow up: "Oh, you like it?"

Shen Tang reached into his sleeve and asked, "Want to try some?"

She may not have much else, but she has plenty of maltose.

Ji Moqiu actually accepted it.

"The taste is just as good as ever."

Yet, I felt a little disappointed.

Judging from the king's reaction, he clearly doesn't remember himself.

The two remained silent for the rest of the journey.

Shen Tang escorted the two brothers to Gong Xilai's residence. These two brothers were Gong Xilai's maternal relatives, and they certainly couldn't stay anywhere else tonight. Watching Ji Moqiu carefully place Gong Xiqiu on the bed and settle him down, she noticed a momentary change in Gong Xiqiu's aura and knew that he had woken up. She immediately felt relieved and left, saying, "There are still some unfinished memorials in the palace. I'll leave first."

Ji Moqiu escorted her to the door.

Shen Tang didn't go through the main gate; instead, she jumped over the wall and disappeared in a few leaps.

Ji Moqiu didn't leave immediately, but stood there watching the direction she disappeared for a while. At this moment, Gong Xichou's head poked out of the window, with most of his body outside: "What are you looking at? Do you know Mama?"

Ji Moqiu looked away, and the two exchanged a glance.

The tacit understanding overlooked the blunder by the second uncle's eldest nephew.

"I saw it when I was a child."

Gong Xichou rolled over from being pressed against the window to lying down, his elbows bent and supporting himself on the windowsill: "You met her when you were a child? I've known Mama for so many years, and I've been looking for you for so many years. I never thought we were already in contact... Fate is cruel."

Ji Moqiu's eyes remained calm: "Are you sober now?"

Gong Xichou said, "You were already awake when you arrived."

Ji Moqiu pondered silently for a second.

Gong Xiqiu realized he had misspoke and slapped his mouth.

Wasn't he just admitting that he trusted Shen Tang more than his own brother? Sigh, but he couldn't really blame himself.

Even if you are related by blood, it takes time to cultivate feelings for each other.

Gong Xichou scratched his head full of braids. He could joke around with Shen Tang, but he had nothing to talk about with his younger brother, who was younger than Shen Tang. He was getting anxious looking at himself.

Ji Moqiu lowered her eyes: "You should get some rest."

Gong Xichou instinctively said, "Wait!"

Ji Moqiu stopped and looked at him.

Gong Xichou opened his mouth, but the title stuck in his throat, and he couldn't get it out. Ji Moqiu inexplicably understood what he was struggling with, after all, he himself had also racked his brains over the title of "Second Uncle" back then, and he sighed deeply.

"Let's put it aside until it's really confirmed. If there are any other changes..." It would be too awkward if the relationship between uncle and nephew, which has now become that of brothers, is still a misunderstanding.

Gong Xichou waved his hand: "No more."

Ji Moqiu asked with his eyes why.

Gong Xichou said, "My nickname is Anian. I have a brother whose nickname should be 'Yan,' Ayan."

Why go through all this trouble when you could have used a nickname for verification?

Ji Moqiu's expression softened visibly, as if ice and snow were melting: "Alright, get some rest, Anian."

Gong Xichou was overjoyed upon hearing this reply.

If I was 90% certain before, now I'm 100% sure that I've really found my real older brother!

In his excitement, he suddenly stood up.

Ji Moqiu couldn't stop him in time: "You—"

Click—

Gong Xichou covered his forehead: "Ugh!"

The window that he smashed with his forehead is now cracked and unusable.

Ji Moqiu silently withdrew his hand.

A sense of worry arose in my heart.

Teacher, my younger brother doesn't seem to be very bright.

Not long after his own intelligence was unlocked, Gong Xichou's intelligence was depleted again, and Ji Moqiu inexplicably began to worry about his family.

Fortunately, Gong Xilai is a reliable person.

Before dawn, the servants throughout the mansion were already busy at work.

The maidservant roused Gongxi Lai from her nap, helped her wash, cleanse her face, and do her makeup. Because she was pregnant, her makeup was very light, but fortunately, her skin was fair and flawless, and even a touch of powder was enough to make her stunning. Then, with the maidservant's help, she put on the magnificent clothes of the Gongxi tribe.

In addition to this elaborate and gorgeous outfit, there are also a full range of accessories.

Gong Xilai tried to take a step.

He exclaimed from the bottom of his heart, "My mother had such good physical strength back then!"

The accessories and clothing together weigh nearly 20 pounds!

Just as she was hesitating whether to discuss with Gong Xiqiu about reducing her accessories, she saw Gong Xiqiu in full regalia, followed by a young man who looked seven or eight parts similar to him. Although Gong Xilai had never seen him before, she guessed his identity.

Unlike Gong Xiqiu, who wore an exquisite and luxurious outfit, the young man wore a wide robe with patterns of gold and silver threads, perfectly natural and shimmering with light, changing with his every step. Gong Xilai called out softly, "Brother."

He wanted to bow but found it difficult to bend over, and looked embarrassed.

Ji Moqiu replied shyly, "No need for formalities."

Yang Ying and a group of close colleagues supported Gong Xilai and, as guests of the bride's side, entertained Xun Ding and his entourage who came to pick up the bride: "When Xun Yong'an arrives, we must take this opportunity to make things difficult for him."

Her feud with Xun Ding stemmed from their early years.

At that time, she was personally taught by Gong Xiqiu, but Gong Xiqiu didn't have much time to teach apprentices. He spent a lot of time giving Xun Ding extra lessons. Xun Ding wasn't one to show mercy to women, and he didn't know how to be gentle with his attacks. In addition, Yang Ying often stood by Gong Xilai's side to obstruct Xun Ding, and over time, they became enemies.

Seeing Yang Ying rubbing her hands together in anticipation, Gong Xilai suppressed a laugh.

"The problem is that it might not be that easy..."

Xun Ding also hired many helpers.

Yang Ying said, "We have quite a few people, and besides, who's going to compete with him in martial arts on such a joyous occasion? If we're going to compete, let's compete in literature."

Xun Ding's brain wasn't much bigger than Gongxi Chou's.

As they spoke, the street outside the mansion became lively.

Yang Ying instantly perked up: "Xun Yong'an is here!"

Before heading to the front yard, she glanced back at Gong Xilai, whose face always wore a gentle smile. She could no longer recall the dancer who had been harassed in the street by a noblewoman and her servants, begging helplessly, clutching her clothes. Her life was now in its prime.

In the front yard, Xun Ding, dressed like a red envelope, looked at Lin Feng, who was blocking the only way with a sword, and his face showed a bit of bitterness. If it were someone else, he could force his way through, but if he dared to do so with Lin Feng, wouldn't he be punished by Prime Minister Chu?

He respectfully clasped his hands in a fist and begged for mercy in a low voice.

"Ms. Lin, please show mercy."

Lin Feng smiled and said, "Since I have been entrusted with this task, I will do my best."

Xun Ding's vision blurred.

All the notable female officials in the imperial court are here!

Isn't this just deliberately trying to kill yourself?

Gong Xilai sat in the backyard, eating snacks to replenish his energy. He didn't know what his brother had done, but his previously incredibly heavy wedding attire and accessories suddenly felt weightless, without any pressure whatsoever. From the front yard, bursts of noise occasionally drifted in.

She sighed, "Oh, it's such a pity to miss out on the excitement."

The best melons are the ones you can't have.

Gong Xiqiu and Ji Moqiu sat on either side of each other in the hall.

One person crossed their arms and closed their eyes to rest.

One of them, holding a wooden staff in his arms, stared blankly at the roof beam.

Gong Xilai waited and waited, but Xun Ding didn't come. She watched helplessly as the sun overhead slanted off course. She was already stuffed from eating snacks, and a little irritated, she thought, "Why hasn't Xun Yong'an come yet? If he doesn't come soon, the auspicious time will be over."

Gong Xichou said calmly, "It's alright. Our clan always starts the wedding ceremony when the moon is high in the sky. It's still early."

He didn't want to see that cheap add-on at all.

Gong Xilai asked curiously, "So late?"

Gong Xichou said, "The scenery is more beautiful when it gets dark."

Gong Xilai, however, did not understand what this meant.

Gong Xichou wasn't in a hurry to explain. He just glanced at Ji Moqiu and said, "No need to rush. You'll know when the time comes."

He wasn't in a hurry, but the people outside were.

Lin Feng and the others didn't make things too difficult for them.

Finally, just as the auspicious time was approaching, they released a handful of seawater into Xun Ding's house, allowing him to successfully reach the backyard where Gong Xilai was.

Looking at the large red envelopes being handed to him by the crowd, Gong Xichou closed his eyes, unable to bear the sight: "Such vulgar worldly aesthetics."

It's not only vulgar, but also an eyesore.

Gong Xichou waved his hand: "Brother, let them see what's what!"

Xun Ding, however, seemed to react instinctively, instantly becoming more alert, his long strides turning into small, hurried steps, as if afraid that there might be a large pit waiting for him to fall into under some brick. Clearly, he was overthinking it.

Ji Moqiu stood up, and the wooden staff in his hand shone brightly.

With a hum, an invisible wave spread across the capital.

"All flowers are in full bloom, let's begin the battle!"

bite--

Shen Tang, who was sitting in the main seat of the Xun residence, suddenly straightened up.

Xun Zhen noticed her movements and looked on with concern.

"My lord?"

Before Shen Tang could speak, a commotion arose outside.

"Flowers! So many flowers!"

"The flowers are in bloom!"

|ω`)

Ah, I really want to buy clothes now that I've lost a little weight. I've been going shopping for clothes for two weeks in a row, so many beautiful clothes, it's so great, but my wallet is a little sore.

(End of this chapter)