With the auspicious day chosen, the Sixth Prince's residence was brightly decorated and filled with joy. Xiao Xun personally officiated the wedding, and Princess Rongchang, the Dowager Lady of Anguo Marquis, and all the distinguished nobles and officials of the capital were present. This wedding was not only a joyous occasion for Xin Yunzhou and Xin Kui, but also a grand feast for Xiao Xun's faction to display their power and celebrate their victory.
Xin Kui, dressed in a bright red wedding gown, phoenix coronet, and embroidered robe, had her veil placed on her head by Xin Jiuwei herself. Xin Jiuwei held her hand and softly instructed, "Sister-in-law, from now on, we are truly family. My brother is straightforward and sometimes careless; please be understanding. If you feel wronged, come to me anytime." Her form of address had changed.
Tears welled up instantly under the veil. She gripped Xin Jiuwei's hand tightly and choked out, "Sister... don't worry."
Inside the hall, Xin Yunzhou, dressed in a majestic general's wedding robes, was so nervous his palms were sweating. When he saw Xin Kui being helped towards him by the wedding attendant, his heart pounded like a drum, and his eyes were fixed on that fiery red figure. All his ruthless decisiveness transformed into boundless tenderness and tension at that moment.
"I bow to Heaven and Earth!"
"Bowing to the parents twice!"
"Husband and wife bow to each other!"
The three bows were completed, and the hall erupted in cheers! Xin Yunzhou, his hands trembling, gently lifted Xin Kui's veil. Their eyes met; Xin Kui, shy and bashful, her face like a peach blossom; Xin Yunzhou, captivated, gazed at her with unwavering affection and contentment. At this moment, all the bloodshed, all the waiting, had been worthwhile.
The wedding banquet was a lively affair. Xiao Xun was in high spirits, socializing with the officials and nobles who came to offer their congratulations. Xin Jiuwei, being pregnant, only sat for a short while before, at Xiao Xun's insistence, she returned to her room to rest, accompanied by Lin Jingshu.
Inside the bridal chamber, red candles burned brightly. The noise faded away, leaving only the couple. Xin Yunzhou looked at Xin Kui, who was sitting on the edge of the bed, still wearing the heavy phoenix crown, and awkwardly stepped forward: "Are you tired? I... I'll help you take off the phoenix crown." He was careful and gentle, afraid of hurting her.
The phoenix crown was removed, revealing her flowing black hair. Xin Kui raised her head, the candlelight illuminating her beautiful face, her eyes brimming with tears: "Yunzhou...we...are we really married?"
"Yes! We're married! You are my lawfully wedded wife, Xin Yunzhou!" Xin Yunzhou nodded vigorously, sat down beside her, and held her hand tightly, his rough palm conveying a burning warmth. "Xin Kui, from now on, this is our home. I'm rough around the edges and not good at sweet talk, but I promise you, I will protect you with my life, respect you, and cherish you! Leave all the dirty and tiring work to me! You just... do what you want to do, do the clean things!"
Xin Kui's tears finally fell, not from sadness, but from immense happiness and a sense of peace. She nestled into Xin Yunzhou's strong embrace, listening to his steady and powerful heartbeat, her voice trembling with tears, yet utterly resolute: "Yunzhou, I'm not afraid of dirty or tiring work. As long as I can be with you, I'm willing to do anything. This... is my home. Where you are, is my home."
The two embraced tightly, the red candles flickering, illuminating the newlyweds who had survived life and death and finally become husband and wife, and also illuminating their hopeful new life.
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