Marriage (Final Episode)

Xiao Heng'an's hand visibly tightened.

Gu Jinning said, "My cousin is getting married, and we have to set off for the capital to attend the Emperor and Empress's wedding. As his uncle, aren't you going?"

Xiao Heng'an chuckled, "They really are well-informed in the martial arts world."

"That's right. I've calculated the timing. We'll travel all the way to the capital and arrive in early summer, without wasting a single day."

"Let's go, let's pack our things now and leave tomorrow morning."

Gu Jinning hurriedly got up, but Xiao Heng'an held her tightly to prevent her from moving, whispering in her ear, "It's still early, lie down for a while."

An eagle soars across the sky, and the clouds are ablaze with red.

Gu Jinning nestled in Xiao Heng'an's arms, listening quietly to his rapid heartbeat, and said reassuringly, "I heard it."

"What?"

"You miss my voice."

"And you?"

"Me?" Gu Jinning gently touched Xiao Heng'an's chest with her finger, slowly tracing circles, "I often wonder, should we get married at the border, or back in the capital?"

Xiao Heng'an suddenly stood up, lifted her onto the horse, and rode back to the pass.

Gu Jinning was stunned. She looked around and asked repeatedly, "What's going on? The enemy is here?"

Xiao Heng said, "Return to the capital."

Gu Jinning realized what he meant and looked at him with a smile.

The following morning, Xiao Heng'an arranged military affairs and set off with only Yang Yu, Song Ming, and Song Hui. Traveling light, they stopped and started along the way and arrived in the capital before the beginning of summer.

Early summer in Kyoto is already hot, and cicadas emerge from their nests in twos and threes, occasionally letting out a few melodious chirps.

The two first visited Grandma on their way back, then returned to the Gu family mansion. Gu Jinning naturally received a scolding from Gu Weiju, and then used the excuse of going to the palace to meet the emperor to slip away.

Emperor Xiao Yi had only been on the throne for a year, yet he had already implemented numerous benevolent policies, earning him widespread popular approval. As a result, the people loved and respected him, praising the new emperor's kindness. Even some of the most stubborn ministers in the court were now sincerely convinced of his virtue and benevolence.

Xiao Yi maintained his respect for Xiao Heng'an as always, and doted on Gu Jin Ning like a younger sister, though he also felt somewhat helpless about it.

“Jin Ning, your grandfather is getting old, you can’t keep making him worry.”

Gu Jinning was chatting with Li Ranyi about interesting stories in the martial arts world when Xiao Yi said that. She pouted and said, "I'm not worried about going through fire and water, so what is he worried about?"

Xiao Yi said, "Once you see your mother, you'll know what you're worried about."

Gu Jinning had a bad feeling. "Could she be up to something again?"

Xiao Yi nodded and sighed, "The Empress Dowager has always harbored resentment about our marriage and can't let go of that hurdle. In my opinion, you and the Imperial Uncle should get married as soon as possible to completely put an end to her thoughts."

Gu Jinning said, "Then it has to be before your wedding. How can a subject steal the limelight from the king?"

Xiao Yi replied, "According to seniority, my uncle is ahead of me, which is perfectly reasonable."

Gu Jinning counted the days on her fingers, "Your wedding is in half a month."

Li Ranyi said, "We're on the eighth, you can have it on the sixth. By the way, your brother is engaged to the granddaughter of the Minister of Justice. Why don't we hold the ceremony together, so it's a double celebration? With one wedding and one marriage, Old Master Gu will be happier."

Gu Jinning was already planning to marry Xiao Heng'an, so she accepted Xiao Yi's favor and agreed to get married on the sixth day of the month.

When Gu Weiju learned of this, he was unusually happy and praised Gu Jinning for being capable, while Gu Wende and Liang Xiaoqiao were exhausted.

First, they prepared the betrothal gifts for the Wang family, then Gu Jinning's dowry, and also planned to host a banquet for eight guests. Fortunately, Gu Jinning's wedding attire was provided by the palace, which saved them a lot of trouble.

As the wedding day approached, Gu Jinning was supposed to be waiting in her room to prepare for her marriage, but she was so bored that she secretly went to the Prince of Jin's mansion to help Xiao Heng'an climb up and down to decorate the bridal chamber, and chattered to him about new and interesting things.

"Huh? What's this?"

Gu Jinning was putting up auspicious decorations on the cabinet when she inadvertently glanced at a brocade box. Upon opening it, she found it filled with letters of all sizes—every single one of the letters she had written to him.

"The tenth day of the eleventh month of the fifth year of the New Era: Xiao Wangshu, judging by the days, you should be at the border by now. Is it a bit nerve-wracking for your first time as a soldier? I've heard that General Li is a hot-tempered and rude man who likes to yell at people. Don't be intimidated by him. As long as your voice is louder than his, he won't dare to do anything to you..."

"The fifteenth day of the eleventh month of the fifth year of the New Era: Xiao Wangshu, five days have passed. Have you finished the first battle? I bet you won a great victory. Those savages who only know how to ride horses are all brawn and no brains. How could they be a match for the brilliant Xiao Wangshu? You must teach them a lesson and beat them until they're running for their lives. Who told them to be so restless and make you suffer from sandstorms..."

"The 30th day of the 11th month of the fifth year of the New Era: Xiao Wangshu, I'll tell you a secret, I've run away from home. I'm going to the border to find you and make a name for myself..."

"December 20th, the fifth year of the New Era: Xiao Wangshu, I took the wrong road and was robbed by bandits. I can't go to the border for the time being. But don't worry, I've already taught those bandits a lesson. Who told them to be so blind as to offend this princess..."

"December 30th, the fifth year of the new era: Xiao Wangshu, Happy New Year! I wish you a year of resounding success and repeated victories. I'm not returning to the capital; I'm going to do something great, and you'll be proud of me if you find out. If one day a large number of people flock to you, don't be surprised or doubtful; it's a gift from Heaven..."

...

"September 15th, Year 6 of the New Era: Xiao Wangshu, there's a bit of trouble, but luckily I've cleverly resolved it. This year's cotton harvest is low, so cotton clothing will inevitably be in short supply. Don't worry, I'll help you think of a solution..."

"November 6th, Year 6 of the New Era: Xiao Wangshu, I have great news to tell you. I have met a wealthy merchant who is also stockpiling cotton-padded clothes to send to the border. We have become sworn brothers and sisters, and soon the soldiers will be able to wear warm clothes."

...

"April 2nd, the seventh year of the new era: Xiao Wangshu, congratulations on your latest military achievements. I am all well, but I am temporarily confined by my grandfather. Because I beat up the little tyrant of the Sun family and beat up the little grandson of the Li family... My name, Princess Jin Ning, has now spread far and wide, and I am worthy of being on par with you. Hahahaha, wouldn't you say that's an achievement?"

"August 15th, the seventh year of the New Era: Xiao Wangshu, Happy Mid-Autumn Festival. Did you receive the reunion cakes I sent? Grandma made them by hand; there weren't many, so remember to secretly eat a few more..."

"October 1st, 7th year of the new era: Hi, Xiao Wangshu, I'm bothering you again. This time I really am bothering you. I want to break off the engagement, but my uncle disagrees, so you'll have to take the initiative to annul the engagement. Of course, I don't mean anything by it, I just think it's too hasty and too hasty. You don't need to rush to reply to me, wait until you've thought it through before you reply. I'll be waiting for your reply."

"December 25th, the seventh year of the new era: Xiao Wangshu, Xiao Wangshu, did you receive my letter? Why didn't you reply? Well, I was abrupt last time and put you in a difficult position, but I still stand by my point of view. I want to annul the engagement, I must. I don't want to be a caged bird anymore, I want to roam the world. I love freedom. Can you understand me?"

...

"March 3rd, Year 8 of the New Era: Xiao Wangshu, be happy today too. Are you angry? I know I was too willful and made things difficult for you, but I won't give up. It's okay if you don't agree to annul the engagement, I have plenty of ways. I look forward to your triumphant return soon."

...

Each letter carries their memories of three years.

Gu Jinning suddenly realized how incredibly rude she had been. Xiao Heng'an was working himself to the bone fighting the war, and she kept urging him to break off the engagement—she was practically a devil.

Xiao Heng'an gently pulled the letter back from her hand. "Feeling guilty?"

Gu Jinning's nose tingled. "A little."

Xiao Heng said, "That is indeed a bit excessive."

"Um?"

"You know how angry I was at the time, fighting the enemy while thinking about your decision to break off the engagement."

"So you took your anger out on the enemy and achieved a ten-game winning streak. Those barbarians were so terrified that they would flee in panic at the mere mention of your name." Gu Jinning pretended to be smug. "Then you should thank me."

Xiao Heng'an put the letter back in the box and asked, "How would you like to thank me?"

Gu Jinning tugged at his collar, pulled him closer, and teased, "What do you think?"

Xiao Heng'an casually wrapped his arm around her waist, his deep eyes meeting Gu Jin Ning's alluring gaze, almost overflowing with tears, and said with regret, "If only it were our wedding night!"

"Ahem!" Yang Yu entered the room at the opportune moment, then hurriedly and awkwardly stepped back over the threshold, reminding them, "We have guests."

Gu Jinning didn't forget to tease Yang Yu as she came out, "Deputy General Yang, have you thought about what I mentioned before? If you work for me, I'll give you double the salary."

A voice came from inside the courtyard: "Princess, it is illegal to hire an official appointed by the imperial court."

Gu Jinning looked in the direction of the voice and exclaimed in surprise, "Zhou Bing, it's you!"

Zhou Bing bowed deeply to her, saying, "Zhou Bing, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, greets the Princess."

“Princess, tomorrow is your wedding day. You should be in your private quarters today and observe proper etiquette. It is inappropriate for you to be here.”

After saying this, he bowed to Xiao Heng'an and said, "His Majesty has ordered me to come and inquire of Your Highness whether there is anything that needs to be added?"

Gu Jinning was speechless after being choked by his words and returned home listlessly. She thought to herself, "My cousin got Zhou Bing into the Ministry of Rites; it's like two talents meeting. He's in for a tough time."

As expected, under the meticulous supervision of the Vice Minister of Rites, the wedding of the Prince of Jin and the Princess was perfect and unprecedentedly grand.

Because of the Emperor and Empress's wedding the day after tomorrow, many distinguished guests who had traveled from afar arrived early to attend the Prince of Jin's wedding, resulting in a continuous stream of congratulations and the banquet not ending until late at night. Xiao Heng'an tried to slip away several times but failed, and finally Hua Lingchen helped him block her way before he was able to escape.

This was tough on Gu Jinning. She got up at dawn and didn't eat a single bite until nightfall, sitting upright all day. There was no joy in her upcoming marriage, only complaints about the social customs.

Fortunately, Qinglian understood her and gave her some snacks after dark to fill her stomach, so she didn't faint from hunger.

Knowing that Gu Jinning was getting impatient, Xiao Heng'an skipped the complicated procedures and treated her to a hearty meal. Gu Jinning was finally somewhat satisfied and forgave his previous poor hospitality.

"Are you drunk?" She leaned close to Xiao Heng'an's face, touching his flushed cheeks, which were burning hot to the touch.

Xiao Heng'an held her hand, rested his head on her shoulder, and said in a drunken haze, "No, it's just right."

"Qian Ning." Xiao Heng'an let Gu Jin Ning help her to the bed, murmuring, "Ning'er, Ning'er."

Gu Jinning coaxed helplessly, "I'm here."

Xiao Heng'an fell onto the bed, pulling her down with him. "Do you still remember what you said and did that day at Wangning Pavilion?"

Gu Jinning blushed, her face flushed with rouge, and denied it, "I don't remember."

Xiao Heng'an moved closer to her, breathing intimately into her ear, whispering repeatedly, "Tell me, whose young master came to sleep with this princess? And then, like this..."

Xiao Heng'an mimicked her actions from back then, leaning in to cover her red lips with his own, finding it just as sweet.

"Qianning, you look beautiful today!"

Gu Jinning finally realized that flirting comes at a price, and a very high one at that.

Therefore, Gu Jinning decided to demand double the amount back from Xiao Heng'an.

(The End)

postscript:

The emperor and empress's wedding was a cause for celebration throughout the land, and taxes were reduced for three years, much to the delight of the people.

Gu Jinning bid farewell to Gu Weiju and his group and returned to the border with Xiao Heng'an. On the way, she secretly abducted Xiao Heng'an, leaving Yang Yu and the others bewildered in the wind.

Gu Shuhe ultimately couldn't let go of her obsession, and as a compromise, she demanded that Gu Xuewen enter the palace as a concubine. Her niece had to marry her son.

Xiao Yi didn't want Gu Shuhe to be trapped in her demons for the rest of her life, so he refused her request. Gu Shuhe then threatened to kill herself.

Upon learning of this, Xiao Jing went to the capital to ask Gu Xuewen for her hand in marriage, thus helping Xiao Yi out of his predicament and fulfilling Gu Shuhe's last wish.

Gu Jinning felt indignant on behalf of Gu Xuewen and decided to go to Beijing to reason with Gu Shuhe.

Gu Xuewen wrote to inform him that she was willingly awaiting marriage. She and Xiao Jing had gotten along very well while watching a football match, sharing a common interest and enjoying each other's company immensely. She was overjoyed that Xiao Jing had taken the initiative to marry her.

After showing Xiao Heng'an the magnificent Thousand Faces Gate, and attending Quan Zijin and Chu Lang's wedding banquet, Gu Jinning finally returned to the border. She made a point of visiting the camp and getting acquainted with the soldiers.

Diagonally opposite the main gate of the Prince of Jin's mansion, a separate courtyard was quietly completed.

That was Gu Qianning and Xiao Wangshu's private home.