Chapter 108 The Grand Wedding (Part 4)
On the eve of their wedding, a woman from the Celestial Clan is accompanied by a sister from her own clan, and this person is undoubtedly Mu Luo.
That evening, Mu Meng sat by the bed, watching her sister busily checking the things she would need for the next day. Seeing her sister's anxious, almost precarious, demeanor, she couldn't help but chuckle.
"Sister, don't be busy. Come sit down and rest for a while. You've checked those things many times already, there won't be any mistakes."
Mu Meng smiled and patted the bed, saying, "Come here, come here, it's been so long since you slept with me."
The last time the two sisters slept in the same bed was the night before the elder sister's wedding, but little did they know that the next time would be when they themselves got married.
Mu Luo smiled helplessly: "Alright, here you come. Why are you still acting like a child? You're getting married tomorrow, why do you still look so silly?"
Although that's what she said, she knew how gratified she truly was. In the past, she had been hoping that her younger sister could be like before, happy every day, carefree and laughing whenever she wanted, instead of wandering outside, standing on her own, and no longer seeking any support, because she had grown into someone else's support, and even someone else's and the Celestial Clan's support.
Although she was very gratified by this, as the older sister, how could she want to see her younger sister become the armor of the entire Celestial Clan? If she could, she would rather protect her for the rest of her life.
Fortunately, her wish finally came true, and she knew that Mengmeng's husband would never let her down.
Mu Luo walked over, ruffled her younger sister's hair, and sat down on the small couch next to her. "Just keep smiling like this. Our Mengmeng is so pretty. If you live with Mu Qingheng in the future and he dares to bully you, you must come back and tell your sister. Your sister will definitely stand up for you."
“Okay,” Mu Meng agreed first, then couldn’t help but laugh, “But don’t worry, sister. Don’t you know brother? You’ve seen it for yourself in the Celestial Clan these days. He would never bully me. When I’m in a good mood, it’s more like I’ll bully him a little.”
Mu Luo commented, "He is indeed quite clingy."
Just then, they heard a knock on the door. Mu Meng, full of energy, immediately grabbed Mu Luo and jumped out of bed to go over to the knocking sound: "Oh my god, oh my god, who would come looking for me this late..."
"Hey? Ze'er, why aren't you asleep yet?"
Upon hearing that it was Mu Zeyu outside the door, Mu Luo also came over. She saw a little child who was only up to their knees, hugging a big pillow. His round eyes were cute and bright, and he asked expectantly, "Auntie Mengmeng, can I sleep with you and Mommy?"
Before Mu Meng could speak, Mu Luo refused decisively: "No, the Holy Ancestor has rules, you must go back right now."
Mu Zeyu gave an "oh" and showed a disappointed expression, but his mother's words were not to be refuted. He tugged at the corner of the pillow and was about to turn back dejectedly when Mu Meng suddenly called out to him, "Wait."
Mu Zeyu's eyes lit up, and he quickly rushed over to hug Mu Meng's leg.
Mu Luo glanced at him, her expression ruthless: "Don't be silly. Aunt Mengmeng is getting married tomorrow. It's a big deal. Everything must be done according to the rules of the Holy Ancestor. There can be no mistakes. Do you understand?"
"Oh, it's alright," Mu Meng bent down and easily scooped Mu Zeyu up with one hand, holding him in her arms. "Our Ze'er missed Aunt Mengmeng, didn't he?"
Mu Zeyu answered loudly, "Yes! Aunt Mengmeng, I heard that you stopped living at Jiutianmen after you got married. I'm afraid I won't see you again..."
Mu Meng asked, "Who told you that?"
"Uncle Lu Zhaoxin."
Mu Meng said, "You silly little thing, your Uncle Lu Zhaoxin can't say anything when he's drunk. He's just talking nonsense. Although I will be settling down in Kunlun Mirror in the future, how could I not come back to see you often? Silly."
Mu Zeyu was immediately relieved, but after a moment's thought, he cautiously asked, "So... can I stay here tonight?"
“Of course, no problem,” Mu Meng bounced her little nephew up and turned to Mu Luo with a smile, “It’s alright, sister. The rules of the Holy Clan only say that sisters from the clan need to accompany you on the eve of the wedding, but they don’t say that your children are not allowed to come and keep you company. Anyway, the rules aren’t that detailed. Ze’er staying here for one night won’t violate the rules of the Holy Ancestor, so it’s fine.”
To be fair, Mu Zeyu is quite clever when he wants to be. He immediately jumped off Mu Meng's arms, ran to the bed in a flash, and rolled to the innermost part of the bed.
Mu Luo angrily said, "Get down here! Change your clothes!"
Mu Zeyu scrambled to his feet: "Yes!"
Mu Luo couldn't persuade the two of them. On one side was her own son, and on the other was her beloved younger sister. Since the two had already made their decision, she had no choice but to reluctantly agree.
"Mengmeng, you stay with this little rascal for a while. I'll go get some water to wash his face. I don't know where he got it, but his head and face are all covered in dust."
Mu Meng nodded: "Okay."
After Mu Luo left, Mu Zeyu excitedly waved to Mu Meng: "Aunt Mengmeng, come here quickly, I have something to ask you."
Mu Meng readily agreed and walked over, only to see Mu Zeyu raising his little face, his childish voice tender: "Aunt Mengmeng, isn't the person you're marrying tomorrow Uncle? Are you really sure?"
Why ask this? Mu Meng was a little puzzled: "Of course I'm sure."
Mu Zeyu was a little confused and scratched his head: "But I heard that my aunt can't marry my uncle because they are siblings."
Brother and sister. Mu Meng's heart warmed: "If they were biological siblings, of course they couldn't be, but my uncle isn't my aunt and mother's biological brother. He's my maternal grandfather's adopted son."
"So that's how it is... Then what about Uncle's biological parents? Why didn't they raise their own child like my parents raised me, but instead handed him over to my maternal grandfather?"
Mu Meng stroked his head and said, "Because your uncle is very pitiful. His parents passed away when he was very young."
Mu Zeyu felt very sorry for him: "Uncle must be very sad. I didn't know these things before. I must treat Uncle even better in the future."
Mu Meng lovingly touched Mu Zeyu's little face, her heart softening. "Our Ze'er is so sensible. If your uncle knew what you were thinking, he would be very happy too."
Mu Zeyu nodded vigorously: "So Aunt Mengmeng, you must also work hard and give birth to a younger brother as soon as possible. I will definitely tell the younger brother to protect his father well."
Mu Meng: "..."
"Uh...of course I also have to protect my mother."
Mu Meng snorted: "You have a lot to worry about. Come here, let me help you change your clothes."
Mu Zeyu crawled over on his hands and feet, but suddenly remembered a question and quickly asked, "By the way, Aunt Mengmeng, there's something very important. Should I call my uncle 'Uncle' or 'Auntie's husband' from now on?"
"Call me whatever you want, it's up to you."
"That won't do. There has to be a standard, otherwise people will laugh at me for being impolite."
Mu Meng waved his hand and said, "Then call him Uncle-in-law when you're in a good mood, and Uncle when you're in a bad mood. Turn over a little, why is your belt tied so tightly?"
Mu Zeyu obediently turned to the side, keeping Mu Meng's words firmly in mind, counting on his fingers as if he were plotting something.
Just then, Mu Luo brought in water, and Mu Zeyu washed his face while constantly asking questions: "Mother, Aunt Mengmeng and Uncle got married, so was my father also my uncle?"
"no."
"Then what is he?"
"He is your father."
Mu Zeyu let out a long "Oh": "But how did you meet your father? He wasn't raised by your maternal grandfather."
Mu Luo deftly took a cloth and wiped his face: "That's how we met. People come and go in this world, do you have to be raised by your maternal grandfather to meet someone?"
Mu Luo chuckled and gave the two of them a reproachful look. Seeing that her precious little sister was in high spirits and her precious son was ready to listen attentively, she indulged them.
Mu Meng cleared his throat: "The way your parents met is very interesting. No one knows it better than me. Back then, your mother was a proud and willful little girl, younger than I am now. Once, at the Heavenly Clan's court assembly, your father came to visit on behalf of the East Sea."
"Back then, your mother received the Eastern Sea Prince on behalf of the Heavenly Emperor. It turned out that your father had already fallen for her at first sight, but because he was clumsy and not good with words, he didn't know how to express himself, so he thought of catering to her interests. He had heard that the Heavenly Princess was fond of cultivation and had long been fascinated by various spiritual artifacts, so he showed off his Hidden Dragon Spiritual Artifact. Your mother was naturally attracted to it and asked if she could borrow it to take a look."
Mu Zeyu listened intently: "And then?"
"Then your father did another stupid thing. In order to have more opportunities to interact and talk with your mother, he challenged her to a battle in the mortal realm, saying that if she won, he would give her the magical artifact. As for the result... his challenge was just an excuse. His real intention was not what he wanted. But what kind of person was your mother? She injured him with a single move. She was young at the time, and she had caused such a big disaster. She dared not tell her family, nor did she dare to send a message to the East Sea. She could only bite the bullet and take care of him in the mortal realm. That's how the two of them met."
Mu Zeyu cupped his face and said, "Wow... the first half sounds so wonderful, but the second half sounds so tragic."
"Don't feel sorry for your dad. It's just that his spiritual power is so weak, yet he still dared to challenge me," Mu Luo patted Mu Zeyu's soft little body. "Alright, tomorrow is Aunt Mengmeng's important day. Let's get some rest. We can listen to the story later."
...
***
The rules of the Celestial Clan are complex and strict, and the wedding day involves countless rituals.
First, the newlyweds bow to the Holy Ancestor, walking hand in hand to the Nine Heavens Gate to pay homage to the Holy Ancestor and express their gratitude for this preordained marriage. Second, they bow to their parents, returning from the Nine Heavens Gate to thank them for their upbringing. Third, they thank their relatives and friends for their past care and blessings for this marriage.
The ceremony was elaborate and involved many procedures. By the time it was all over, the sky was already tinged with warm yellow, spreading out a magnificent sunset.
The palace newly bestowed by the Heavenly Emperor is named Yanhuan Palace, which is the newlywed residence of Mu Meng and Mu Qingheng. After a day of wedding ceremonies, the two returned to this palace hand in hand.
Mu Qingheng stopped before the palace steps. "Mengmeng..."
Mu Meng quickly answered, "I know, we can't go any further."
Mu Qingheng leaned forward and smiled, then picked Mu Meng up in his arms.
You should be carried, not carried on your back.
"Mengmeng, what are you laughing at?" Her laughter was so obvious that Mu Qingheng was infected by it and couldn't help but smile as well.
Mu Meng said, "I just found this rule particularly interesting, otherwise I wouldn't have tested you on it first."
Mu Qingheng glanced at her with a smile.
The girl in his arms was exceptionally beautiful today, with snow-white skin, red lips, and exquisite features. Her face was covered by a thin veil of pearls, which partially obscured her beautiful face.
But how could he possibly conceal her unparalleled beauty? She leaned against him, and with just a slight movement, he could see the clear gaze beneath her pearl-adorned face gently shifting, making him want to offer her all the beauty in the world.
The Celestial Clan has many crowns and robes for various ceremonial occasions, but none could be more beautiful than the one she was wearing. Her delicate features were exquisite, like a piece of jade, her cloud-like black hair all piled up, exuding an indescribable charm and gentleness.
She is finally his.
Mu Qingheng vaguely realized that he was staring in a daze, cleared his throat to cover it up, and then realized that he and Mengmeng were already a newlywed couple, and he no longer needed to be careful about his actions for fear of offending her.
With this thought in mind, his steps became even lighter.
Upon reaching the palace gate, Mu Qingheng carefully placed Mu Meng on the ground, only letting go after Mu Meng had firmly settled down.
Mu Meng turned around and stretched out her fair little hand, palm up, with her index finger bent and hooking at him: "Come on, the ceremony of respecting your wife."
Seeing her smug little face, Mu Qingheng's smile deepened. He knew what the little girl was laughing about just now; it was nothing more than the rule of showing respect to one's wife.
Mengmeng found it amusing; on the contrary, he thought the rule suited him quite well.
Mu Qingheng gently placed his broad palm on Mu Meng's small hand, then leaned forward, instantly becoming half a head shorter than Mu Meng.
This is the custom of their Heavenly Clan's wife-respecting ceremony. Before the newlyweds enter the bridal chamber, the husband carries his wife up the steps, sets her down at the door, and then the wife leads him into the room, bowing slightly below him by half a head. This signifies that in their future life, he will cherish and tolerate the wife he has worked so hard to marry, and will never show any disrespect or mistreat her.
They stepped across the room's floor, which was covered with gilded crimson brocade, and the air was filled with a honey-like sweetness.
As expected, Mu Qingheng kept every rule in mind. He led Mu Meng to the bedside, removed her heavy phoenix crown, gently massaged her scalp, and then carefully picked up a strand of hair, held it in his palm, and gently kissed it.
At this point, Mu Meng finally realized that they could not underestimate their Holy Ancestor.
Their Holy Ancestor's vision was so profound that even two complete strangers would feel at least seven or eight parts shyness and fluster after going through this process, which was precisely the prelude to further ambiguity. Although it is impossible to predict what the future will be like, at least every couple in the Celestial Clan begins with warmth and sweetness.
Moreover, this wedding was especially extraordinary for the older brother.
He was still intently kissing the ends of his hair, while Mu Meng's gaze had slowly slid from his jade-like face to the heart of his head.
Mu Meng gently curled the corners of her lips, and with a surge of emotion, she couldn't help but lean closer, wanting to kiss Mu Qingheng. However, as soon as she made a move, Mu Qingheng pressed his index finger against her lips as if facing a formidable enemy, extremely serious: "Wait, Mengmeng, it's not time for that yet."
Mu Meng: "..."
She was both annoyed and amused, watching helplessly as Mu Qingheng got up to get the nuptial wine.
Outside the window, the moon casts a deep, sparse shadow, and the stars in the night sky reflect each other with the Milky Way, their delicate light flowing and spreading out a tranquil and beautiful scene.
After drinking the nuptial wine, they took down the bright red tassels from the bed curtains and hung them around each other's waists. They exchanged jade hairpins to tie their hair and placed the love knots they tied together under the bedding.
Mu Meng asked, "Brother, shouldn't we dance now?"
"Mm," Mu Qingheng replied with a smile.
Mu Meng smiled and urged, "Go quickly, go quickly."
According to ancient records, on their wedding night, the couple would dance a prayer dance together for the ancestral spirits, praying for a happy marriage and a peaceful and prosperous life. Gradually, it evolved into a dance performed only by the husband, and later it became a dance performed only for the wife.
Most of the Celestial Clan men had never danced before. Mu Qingheng, as the Crown Prince of the Celestial Clan, was of noble status and naturally had no opportunity to learn singing and dancing. Therefore, they only focused on learning this dance after their wedding date was set, since they would only dance for their wives on their wedding night once in their lives.
Mu Qingheng removed the golden crown that bound his hair, letting his long hair down, which was then tied back with a gold-embroidered vermilion ribbon. With his black hair half-loose and a slight smile, he resembled an immortal descending from the snow, stepping on plum blossoms.
Mu Meng suddenly felt that the air around her was even hotter. She used the back of her hand to cool her cheeks while watching Mu Qingheng dance for her.
The dance was very peaceful and solemn, and the movements were not seductive in any way. However, Mu Qingheng was just too good-looking. He was tall and slender, and he was wearing a bright red robe. The extremely bright color added a touch of brilliance to his elegant, clean and spotless eyebrows and eyes.
His clothes swayed in the wind with his movements, his snow-white skin and black hair, his gold-painted red robes, were like a stunning painting.
Mu Meng was unaware that she was already mesmerized until Mu Qingheng's voice rang out beside her: "Mengmeng, did your brother dance well?"
“Excellent,” she replied, only to find that Mu Qingheng was already kneeling in front of her, his gentle eyes full of smiles as he looked up at her.
Seeing her clear eyes look over, Mu Qingheng's features became even more profound: "It's getting late, Mengmeng, we still have many rules to complete."
“Oh…then, then…” Mu Meng stammered, she didn’t finish her sentence, but the two of them already understood each other.
Mu Qingheng gently lifted the pearl veil covering Mu Meng's face, revealing her beautiful face even more clearly without the veil.
Following the rules of the Holy Ancestor, he devoutly and tenderly kissed Mu Meng's cheeks one by one, and the last kiss landed on the corner of his lips. He didn't even want to leave immediately, and lingered on it for a while longer.
While kissing her, Mu Qingheng's hands never stopped. He carefully removed the hairpins from Mu Meng's head and let her cascading black hair fall down. He was extremely gentle, as if afraid of hurting her.
Mu Meng couldn't help but swallow hard.
Mu Qingheng was smoothing her soft, glossy black hair with his hand. Seeing her subtle movements, he chuckled softly, "Mengmeng, don't be nervous."
Mu Meng said, "I'm not nervous, and you shouldn't be nervous either."
Mu Qingheng was taken aback, then couldn't help but turn his head and laugh out loud.
He rarely laughed so heartily, and Mu Meng was both delighted and puzzled: "Brother, what are you laughing at?"
"It's nothing, don't worry, I won't be nervous later." Mu Qingheng stopped laughing and affectionately pinched Mu Meng's soft cheek.
Their hair was now loose, and it was time to follow the rules.
Mu Qingheng's dark eyes grew even deeper as he gently stroked his wife's cheek with his large hand, then leaned forward.
Mu Meng felt his warm breath approaching. She had promised herself not to be nervous, but her heart was still pounding erratically, making her cheeks feel even hotter.
Mu Meng's fingers, which were hanging by her side, slowly curled up, pinching and kneading the tassels.
Mu Meng felt his cheeks burning, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "Holy Ancestor, Holy Ancestor, you are truly too good... too good..."
Now that her buttons were fixed, it was naturally his turn. Mu Meng smiled at Mu Qingheng with her eyes crinkling, then happily leaned closer.
She was more curious than shy about this, and placed her small hands on Mu Qingheng's shoulders, close to his jade-like neck.
Mu Qingheng took a deep breath. It was impossible for him not to be nervous. His movements were so exaggerated that even Mu Meng could notice them.
I wonder if my brother is also silently reflecting on the Holy Ancestor's cunning and shrewdness, just as I was doing just now...
Well, there wasn't a suitable word, so Mu Meng simply stopped overthinking and focused on doing things according to the rules.
As night deepened, the wedding candles on the table popped with a "crack." Mu Qingheng turned his head to look at the fiery red candlelight, and his heart felt as if it had been placed in soft, warm water, soothing him completely.
He slowly lay down, his seaweed-like black hair covering the entire bed, like a captured demon. Amidst the overwhelming red, his exquisite face shone like a pearl, exceptionally dazzling.
Mu Meng chuckled and kissed his lips, saying gleefully, "Brother, the Holy Ancestor's rules are easy to bully."
Mu Qingheng laughed and said, "That's nothing, it's just that you went first and I went second. You only have this one chance, but I have two."
"Alright, this is my only chance, I'm going to make the most of it..."
Before he could finish speaking, Mu Qingheng stretched out his arms and pulled Mu Meng down into his embrace. He tenderly pressed his thin lips to her soft lips and kissed her with a soft laugh.
No amount of treasures in the world can compare to the priceless time spent in this deep affection and love.
Under the boundless and tranquil night sky, the moonlight remained gentle and peaceful, yet gusts of wind stirred the ground. Vines clung to the trees, swaying in the wind, their pure white blossoms blooming on the towering catalpa trees.
It was as if countless fine raindrops were falling, landing on the soft and delicate flower branches, bringing with them a moist and sweet fragrance that wafted gently.
The vines bloom on the trees, stretching endlessly upwards, touching the stars and moon through the dense canopy, shattering the Milky Way in the sky. Under the tranquil night sky, it seems that this little flower is the master of all things. It stands high, almost held in the sky, shoulder to shoulder with the moon. It clings to the big tree, yet it also reigns supreme over it.
After a long, deep kiss, Mu Meng chuckled softly, her forehead pressed against Mu Qingheng's, "Brother, brother..."
She called out to her brother softly, her voice as gentle as a kitten's. Although she didn't say anything else, Mu Qingheng's heart felt as if it had been scalded, stirred by countless tenderness and joy.
He held Mu Meng tightly, tracing her face with his gaze, and kissed her temple tenderly: "Mengmeng, you have no idea how much I love you." His voice was deep and affectionate.
Mu Meng smiled: "I think I know."
His love is vast and boundless; how could anyone but plants and trees not know it?
Mu Qingheng smiled, his slightly disheveled long hair clinging to his damp temples, making his appearance even more captivating.
Mu Qingheng kissed Mu Meng's cheek earnestly, then closed his eyes. Her sweet and warm breath made him feel even more at ease. "Mengmeng, let's do things the rules. It's my turn now."
In an instant, the world turned upside down.
Mu Qingheng's breathing became slightly erratic. In his arms was his wife, whose fragrant and soft body stirred his desire, while her alluring beauty constantly challenged his reason.
Time seemed to stand still at this moment, and countless memories of the past vanished into dust.
All the pain, disappointment, and hurt were drowned in this boundless tenderness and warmth.
His eyes darkened inch by inch, and he plundered and swept more forcefully inside her mouth, his smooth forehead, his cascading black hair, the corners of her eyes, her cheeks, the corners of her lips, his tongue lingering and entwining between her ears and neck.
The moonlight remained gentle, casting countless cool rays across the heavens and earth. The starlight was dazzling and stretched for miles, with countless rays of light flowing and hanging high in the sky, swaying endlessly in the wind and rain on the ground.
As the wind picked up, the treetops swayed incessantly. The delicate blossoms were not suited to face the fierce wind and rain directly, so they sought refuge among the lush, leafy trees. With the wind gusting outside, the towering catalpa trees that stood tall and straight between heaven and earth were the most reassuring place.
After a long time, everything finally returned to peace. The world was calm, the moonlight was cool and clear, the fragrance of flowers filled the air, and the wind and rain subsided.
"Brother, I'm a little sleepy..."
“Brother knows, but the Holy Ancestor has instructed that we still need to do it one more time.”
"Sigh... Holy Ancestor, this is not quite... um..."
The red candles illuminated the night, like a gentle and silent congratulation.
The night is long, the moon is pale, and joy is boundless.
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