Chapter 102: New Marriage

Xie Hongchen finally inquired about the Heart Sword matter!

He Xijin and Qu Manying looked serious and turned their attention to Huang Rang.

Their own child had achieved great success, and they had been busy with her marriage affairs, so they had forgotten about this matter.

Huang Rang gazed at Xie Hongchen and began, “The story behind it is quite unusual. When I was young, I had a dream in which I became a disciple of Master Xie. The way of the heart sword was taught to me personally by Master Xie.”

“This…” Xie Hongchen furrowed his brows, clearly not believing it.

Qu Manying and He Xijin also didn’t believe it.

How could such a mysterious thing happen?

Huang Rang fixed his gaze on Xie Hongchen and continued, “In the dream, I became a disciple of Master Xie and had a master-disciple relationship with him for a hundred years.”

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Dkl Tsdtnbld oyp pvwddle, yde yqvla y xsxldv, bl pyke, “Ebyv usw’al pyukdt, Ykpp Sydt, kp vawzu byae vs clzklhl.”

Twydt Sydt alrzkle, “Zlp, kv kp. Jwv kv kp vbl vawvb. Rd vbl ealyx, Yypvla Dkl zkhle sd vbl Oxlayze Vlyj yv Zluwd Tyzz. R oswze sqvld ts vs vbl cynjuyae’p xyavkyz yavp yaldy, oblal vblal oyp y owvsdt vall. R raynvknle posaepxydpbkr wdela vbyv owvsdt vall, yde kvp zlyhlp oswze qyzz yzz yaswde.”

Dkl Tsdtnbld pvsse wr, yde Twydt Sydt nsdvkdwle, “Jlnywpl Yypvla Dkl zkjle sanbkep, R prlnkyzzu cale y rsv sq vblx qsa bkx. Tl nblakpble vblx yde jlrv vblx sd bkp elpj.”

Fbl pzsozu elpnakcle vbl pnldlp sq vbl plnsde ealyx yde rsavayule vbl csde clvolld xypvla yde ekpnkrzl kd talyv elvykz.

Dkl Tsdtnbld oyp zlqv prllnbzlpp, pbsnjle cu vbl pvsau.

Twydt Sydt vbld csole tldvzu yde pyke, “Rq Yypvla Dkl pvkzz eswcvp xu osaep, bl nyd vlpv xu xyavkyz yavp vlnbdkiwl.”

Dkl Tsdtnbld kxxlekyvlzu pyke, “Flnv Yypvla Tl, rzlypl zlde wp vbl raynvknl taswdep.”

Tl Dkfkd bye ds scflnvksdp yde alrzkle, “Vzlypl!”

He led the two of them, and they walked together to the inner courtyard. Inside, there was a flat area specifically designated for novice disciples to practice sword techniques.

Xie Hongchen used the Heart Sword and sparred with Huang Rang. The synchronization between the two of them far exceeded his expectations.

He could now be sure that Huang Rang’s Heart Sword indeed came from his personal teachings.

Huang Rang remained calm and composed, as she wasn’t really lying. She and Xie Hongchen did have a genuine master-disciple relationship of a hundred years, and their bond might be even closer than what Xie Hongchen had guessed.

“Master… No, Master Xie, do you believe me now?” Huang Rang changed her address.

Xie Hongchen’s mind was in a whirl, filled with confusion. How could this be?

He asked softly, “In the dream, was our interaction merely about passing on skills? When did this happen?”

He began to inquire about the time and details, and Huang Rang explained, “It started from the first time I saw Master when I was eight years old in the town of Xiancha.”

He Xijin and Qu Manying exchanged a puzzled glance, both of them wearing expressions of bewilderment.

Xie Hongchen asked, “Then why, after all these years, have you never mentioned this to me?”

Huang Rang responded, “Because I knew that even if I mentioned it, Master Xie would doubt and question it in many ways, wouldn’t you?”

Xie Hongchen remained silent.

Huang Rang continued, “It wasn’t until I was fortunate enough to receive teachings from Master in these dreams that he saved me once again. Ah Rang thanks, Master Xie.”

After a long pause, Xie Hongchen finally said, “So… why did you refuse my proposal back then?”

It was a question he seemed unlikely to ask.

His voice grew gradually weaker, but he continued, “If we had a hundred years of shared teachings in our dreams, shouldn’t our relationship have been closer, right?”

His words made both He Xijin and his wife feel uncomfortable.

Huang Rang contemplated for a moment and replied, “As I grew older, I understood that I wanted to find a partner who truly loved me, not just a man of high status.” She looked at Xie Hongchen, and she smiled gently, saying, “Those are different things.”

Xie Hongchen fell into silence, but Huang Rang continued, “If Master Xie believes me enough, then I have something else to tell you. However, it must wait until after our marriage.”

“You can tell me now,” Xie Hongchen said.

Huang Rang smiled and said, “Not now; it must wait until after the wedding.”

“In that case, this master will wait until after the wedding.” Xie Hongchen raised his head and looked at Huang Rang. Meeting his gaze, Huang Rang smiled warmly.

At that moment, Xie Hongchen even wondered if he could persuade Huang Rang to change her mind and delay the wedding, just like Di Yiqiu did. But he didn’t.

He and Di Yiqiu were always different.

Half a month later, Di Yiqiu and the Imperial Scholar Huang Rang had their wedding.

The court attached great importance to this marriage, sending a procession to the Ruyi Sword Sect to welcome them from afar.

Even the Ministry of Revenue, which usually takes a tough stance, prepared a lot of wedding candies and gifts, scattering them along the route.

Huang Rang was awakened by Qu Manying in the middle of the night to get dressed and groomed.

Huang Jun counted Huang Rang’s dowry over and over again. He Cui and He Xijin had been busy welcoming guests early in the morning, and He Dan did the same repeatedly.

He Dan repeatedly inquired about where the bridal sedan had arrived.

Everyone was extremely busy, and the Ruyi Sword Sect was full of joy and excitement.

The chief, dressed in auspicious attire, was riding on horseback, and the procession moved so slowly that it made him anxious.

“At this rate, won’t it be next year by the time we welcome the new bride?!” A government official by his side complained.

Another official, in high spirits, said, “Don’t worry, dear Sir, once we’re in the capital, we’ll be using carriages for the journey.” Then she covered her mouth with her handkerchief and whispered, “I’ve seen so many weddings in my time, but this is the first time I’ve seen someone so impatient.”

Little did she know that she would soon encounter an even more impatient bride.

The procession was lively as it moved through crowded areas, with musicians playing and people celebrating. Once they left the bustling streets, they boarded carriages and continued their journey at a faster pace.

After traveling through several counties and cities, they finally arrived at the Ruyi Sword Sect.

The chief raised his head and saw the magnificent sword, and his heart trembled!

Finally, the long-awaited day had arrived.

However, when they reached the Ruyi Sword Sect, the main gate was tightly closed. The elder brother and Huang Jun blocked the entrance, refusing to let them in.

He Cui said, “Future brother-in-law, do you know the customs of welcoming the bride?”

The chief raised an eyebrow and asked, “What customs?”

He Xijin and Qu Manying smiled and watched, as they were in a festive mood and could tolerate some mischief.

He Cui continued, “My sister’s future husband must be a person of great talent and knowledge. I need to test you!”

The chief took out the artifact treasure he had prepared as a gift, only to put it back and furrow his brow, saying, “I had originally prepared a storage artifact as a gift, but it seems all that’s required is talent. Very well, let’s proceed!”

With a loud clatter, the mansion’s gate swung open.

He Cui and He Dan, the brothers, rushed over eagerly, saying, “Talent and such things aren’t really necessary…”

The two brothers wrestled over the artifact treasure he held and didn’t forget to give one to Huang Jun. Then they enthusiastically offered to guide him.

…

The chief, while scattering the money he received from the Ministry of Revenue, managed to enter the mansion smoothly.

Huang Rang was supported to the front by He Xijin and Qu Manying, and both of them were deeply moved.

“You were so young when you came here…” Qu Manying held Huang Rang’s hand and said, “After the wedding, you will be a grown woman. You must take care of your husband, manage your household, and not be mischievous anymore.”

However, this was actually Huang Rang’s third time wearing a wedding dress.

The first time she got married, her voice was already gone, and her eyes were filled with the riches and glory of marrying into a prestigious family. There was no advice or admonishment back then.

The second time, she knew it was a charade and didn’t take it seriously.

But this time, holding Qu Manying’s hand, she felt a sensation that wanted to make her cry. On the side, He Xijin said, “If… if you ever feel wronged, your… your uncle…. and your brothers will… will definitely, make decisions for you!”

Huang Rang clasped hands with the husband and wife, and it took her a while to say, “Ah Rang understands.”

Qu Manying patted her hand and said, “Your mother didn’t come, but Ah Rang, she doesn’t want to trouble you. Don’t hold any grudges against her.”

Huang Rang shook her head. Life had to start anew, so there was no room for grudges.

“Let’s go; step outside!” Qu Manying held her hand and slowly crossed the threshold.

Di Yiqiu stood at the door, watching the person in a fiery red wedding gown, shining like a red sun, as she approached. He slowly opened his arms, as if he were embracing his own sun.

Guided by Di Yiqiu, Huang Rang finally entered the bridal sedan.

The joyous bride’s attendants threw another round of money, and amidst the deafening firecrackers, the bridal sedan was lifted, and the procession continued toward the capital.

Huang Rang sat inside the sedan, quietly lifting a corner of the veil to steal a glimpse.

Di Yiqiu was on horseback, and only a straight-backed figure was faintly visible.

But she felt as if she had a sweet candy, a happiness that couldn’t be put into words.

Di Yiqiu, I’m finally marrying you today!

It seemed as if the court had intentionally arranged for the bridal procession to pass through many towns to display the grandeur.

All along the way, firecrackers resounded, candies were scattered, and it felt like a celebration everywhere.

The Imperial Scholar urged several times, and the Xi niang covered her mouth, saying, “Don’t worry, dear Sir, the bride can’t escape.”

(T/N: Xi niang / bridemaid….. One of the traditional Chinese wedding customs. Refers to the woman who is well versed in etiquette hired by the husband’s family when holding a wedding. She is eloquent and good at socializing, and her main responsibility is to guide and arrange wedding etiquette.)

At that moment, one of the curtains of the bridal sedan was lifted at a corner, and the bride softly murmured, “I may not be able to run away, but I can’t wait any longer!”

However, the members of the procession were also cultivators with sharp ears and heard everything clearly. They burst into laughter.

The Xi Niang hurried over, laughing so hard that she stumbled, and she forcefully closed the curtain, saying, “Oh dear, Bride, please stop talking!”

Three days later, the bridal sedan finally arrived in the capital.

The people knew it was the third dream and the chief’s wedding, and the streets were crowded with onlookers.

The procession, protecting the bridal sedan, continued with music, entered the inner city, and arrived at the Ministry of Revenue, where they directly sent the bride into the chief’s official residence.

Ultimately, even the Xi Niang thought it was too simple.

This cramped bridal chamber, combined with such a grand wedding, felt like using a golden frame for a chamber pot.

Of course, no one dared to complain.

The bride and groom didn’t mind, so what was the point of being overly particular?

Everyone followed the tradition and had the couple share a cup of wine.

The chief entertained the guests and friends.

Huang Rang sat at the edge of the bed and absentmindedly found a peanut near the bedside. She couldn’t help but peel it and pop it into her mouth.

She wondered how much wedding money they received today. Would Xie Hongchen come? How much did he give as a dowry?

Huang Rang thought about it for a while but couldn’t come up with an exact number. After all, the money didn’t go into her pocket back then; it was all taken by Huang Shu.

She waited for what seemed like an hour, and finally, the chief escaped and entered bridal chamber.

The sounds of laughter from the guests and friends were loud and clear. The chief even gave up his dignity and slammed the door shut!

Huang Rang’s heart was pounding, and in the flickering candlelight, her face turned crimson.

She changed her sitting position and turned her back to the chief.

The chief found a handkerchief, wiped his hands clean, and then gently held her shoulders, turning her around. He gently lifted the veil from Huang Rang’s face, and under the dim light, she was as beautiful as a jade, enchanting and heart-stirring.

The chief’s throat moved slightly, and his gaze was enough to be etched into one’s memory for countless lifetimes.

“I…” he began but couldn’t find the right words, so he simply said, “Madam, let’s go to sleep.”

This was too direct! Huang Rang blushed intensely, and the chief embraced her, feeling the sweet fragrance in the air.

At that moment, he seemed to awaken in his veins, passionately kissing her earlobe like she was a piece of white jade.

Huang Rang’s face blushed, and she lightly punched him, asking, “How much wedding money did we receive today?”

The chief’s hands were busy as he eagerly helped his wife change her clothes. He said, “I don’t know,” while lightly kissing her lips and adding, “We’ll count it tomorrow.”

Just then, a voice from the neighboring room whispered, “Eight or nine thousand silver, along with countless antiques and calligraphy.”

Huang Rang and the chief’s faces both turned green!

What… What…

Huang Rang made a mouth shape and asked, “Zong zifu?”

The chief nodded; he was responsible for recording the wedding money.

You really are efficient!

Huang Rang finally found out who was living next door to Di Yiqiu.

The two of them exchanged glances, and the chief was about to pull her into his arms, but he ended up being punched with a delicate fist.

Even with all her tricks, she couldn’t allow this condition!

Buy a house! Just buy a house!

Otherwise, how could they tell jokes at night? And before they could laugh, the neighbors next door laughed first!

How… How are they going to face people like this? They both hated it!