The sky in the northern frontier was a vibrant blue, as if it had just been washed, clear and without a trace of impurity. The old, gnarled poplar trees at the Lu family's heir's residence were now wrapped in countless bright red ribbons. The long ribbons fluttered in the sandy wind, resembling flames burning across the vast land from afar. Inside and outside the residence, the noise of people was so loud it almost drowned out the howling north wind.
The manor gates were wide open, and carriages and horses streamed in and out. Soldiers, covered in dust and still in their armor, gathered together, their boots stained with the dust of the camp, laughing and talking loudly, each voice trying to outdo the other. Meanwhile, the wives of officials, dressed in brocade and fur coats, exchanged polite greetings with restrained smiles, their eyes constantly glancing towards the vermilion gate of the main hall, adorned with a huge gilded "囍" (double happiness) character. The air was filled with the intense, pungent aroma of roasted whole lamb, the crisp, tangy scent of mare's milk wine, and the dry, vibrant dust of the northern frontier—a unique, rugged yet festive atmosphere.
"They're here! The newcomers have arrived!" someone shouted, and the clamor suddenly rose a notch.
The drumming suddenly became high-pitched and passionate, so bright it seemed to pierce the sky. The heavy vermilion gate creaked open with a thud as it was pushed open by two burly soldiers.
The noise in the courtyard seemed to be paused, instantly subsiding, leaving only the heart-pounding drumbeats. All eyes turned to the brightly lit doorway.
Lu Xiao, dressed in a bright red wedding robe, the gold-embroidered qilin almost blinding in the exceptionally bright northern sunlight, stood outside the threshold. His usually cold and stern face was now enveloped in a soft, almost pious light. His dark eyes, sharp as a hawk on the battlefield and unfathomable in the military tent, were now fixed on the direction inside the door with a single, intense focus and heat capable of melting everything.
His bride, Xiao Yue, the apple of Prince Jing's eye, was being carefully helped by the wedding attendant and maids as she stepped over the high threshold.
Adorned in a phoenix coronet and embroidered robes, shimmering with pearls and jade, her exquisite wedding gown seemed to drape the most radiant rays of the sunset over her body, with golden phoenixes spreading their wings as if about to take flight.
However, when the half of her face beneath the bridal veil was lifted, revealing skin as white as snow, lips as beautiful as peach blossoms, and especially those clear eyes peering through the beaded red veil, filled with the shyness and sweet smile of a bride, all the splendor became mere embellishments.
"My God! The bride...is she a fairy descended from heaven?" A burly soldier stared wide-eyed, muttering to himself, before being jerked back to reality by a sharp elbow from his comrade next to him.
"No wonder she's the daughter of Prince Jing and his wife, her whole demeanor is so elegant...tsk tsk, she's just like the girls from our northern frontier!" A well-dressed official's wife couldn't help but whisper to her companion, her tone full of amazement.
"General Lu is so lucky!" A heartfelt exclamation erupted from the crowd.
Lu Xiao took a deep breath, his chest heaving. He strode forward, his steps steady and powerful, stepping onto the ground covered with red carpet.
Everything around him seemed to blur and fade, and in his world, only the figure draped in rosy clouds walked toward him remained.
He reached out, his broad, calloused palm, with undeniable strength and scalding heat, firmly grasping An'an's slender, cool hand.
"An'an." His voice was low and hoarse, only she could hear it, like the wind from beyond the Great Wall brushing against her chest, "My An'an." A few simple words, but they carried a heavy sense of satisfaction.
He took her hand and turned to face the guests. The sound of drums and music rose again, and cheers and blessings surged in like a tsunami. He turned his head, his gaze fixed on her, and a smile of almost ecstatic joy spread across his lips.
In the main hall, Prince Jing, Xiao Chengjing, and Princess Shen Yuewei sat in the main seats.
Prince Jing, dressed in a princely robe, had a dignified expression that revealed undisguised satisfaction. His gaze swept over his daughter and then landed on his handsome son-in-law, where he nodded slightly.
Princess Shen Yuewei, with her gentle and graceful demeanor, had slightly red eyes as she looked at her daughter in her wedding dress, trying to hold back her tears, but a tender smile played on her lips.
On the other side, General Lu Zheng was beaming with joy, his laughter booming. He kept returning the greetings to the guests who came to offer their congratulations, looking even happier than when he got married himself.
His wife, Luo Qingrou, standing beside him, had a gentle demeanor and her eyes were moist. Her gaze lingered on her son and daughter-in-law, full of love and emotion.
"First bow to Heaven and Earth—!" The master of ceremonies' voice was loud and clear, cutting through the noise.
"Second bow to the parents—!"
The newlyweds turned around and bowed respectfully.
Prince Jing, Xiao Chengjing, looked at the perfect couple before him and finally couldn't help but say loudly, "Young man from the Lu family! Today I entrust Yue'er to you. If you dare to wrong her in the slightest, I don't care what kind of general you are!" Although his words were stern, his eyes were full of smiles.
Lu Zheng immediately replied in a booming voice: "Don't worry, father-in-law! If this kid dares, you don't even need to lift a finger, I'll be the first to break his legs! Hahaha!" The guests burst into laughter.
Lu Xiao gripped An An's hand tightly and solemnly promised his parents-in-law at the head of the table: "Father, Mother, Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, your son-in-law will never fail An An in this life!" His words were firm and resounding.
"Husband and wife bow to each other—!"
The two stood facing each other, bowing deeply. Lu Xiao's gaze never left An An; the intensity in his eyes almost melted the red veil.
"The ceremony is complete! Now escort them to the bridal chamber!"
The cheers nearly lifted the roof off.
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