Chapter 137: Grand Finale (Middle)
Following Ye Mingkong’s order, Ji Chengyun and Ye Xuan followed on his flanks, while the rest followed silently behind Ye Mingkong.
Today is his joyous day, the day he and Ji Yunqi will start a new life, Ye Mingkong has been waiting for this day for a long time.
Or rather… perhaps he had been imagining this day from the moment he was reborn and met Ji Yunqi again.
Even though he had lived a second life, he still wanted a perfect process, this was his way of being responsible for Ji Yunqi in this life, and it was also his way of hoping to continue accompanying Ji Yunqi.
Thinking back to those years…
Ye Mingkong, in Rongcheng, wearing a red wedding dress and a red veil, was determined to marry Ji Yunqi alone in Rongcheng.
Back then, he never regretted his decision. More than twenty years ago, as a young girl, he went to a strange city alone and met his destined one.
He decided to marry him, and didn’t even ask for a cent of the betrothal gift.
This was because he knew that Ji Yunqi could not afford much back then, and his pride would not allow him to ask for the betrothal gift, as it would be an insult!
Husband and wife should support each other, so why bother with these superficial formalities?
Marrying Ji Yunqi, who was practically penniless at the time, as a person with nothing to rely on, Ye Mingkong had no regrets. He had lived happily for decades and was already quite content.
And now, he was about to start a brand new life with Ji Yunqi, and this new life would lay the foundation for their future happy life, just as it did over twenty years ago.
Looking at the red wedding attire on himself, Ye Mingkong’s mood was exceptionally good.
“It’s truly a different experience~”
“Let’s go up.”
…
Jiang Youwei, standing by the elevator, silently watched the floor numbers on the elevator display climbing upwards, and had already prepared himself mentally.
This time…
He was not going to stop Ye Mingkong. Some tests were fine as a formality, and besides, he was alone and weak, with no ability to stop such a large group of people.
As the elevator stopped at the corresponding floor, the doors slowly opened to the left and right, and Jiang Youwei and Ye Mingkong’s group made eye contact.
“Old Jiang, are you alone?” Ye Mingkong slowly walked out of the elevator, looking at Jiang Youwei standing in front of him.
He knew that Jiang Youwei might come to block his way, but he didn’t expect him to actually come alone.
“You’re here, so let’s go in.”
With that, Jiang Youwei stepped aside a bit, ensuring he wouldn’t block their path.
Ye Mingkong looked at Jiang Youwei, who was smiling, with a strange expression, seeming to not understand the meaning of his actions.
“You’re not going to stop me?”
Jiang Youwei shook his head, “I won’t stop you, you go ahead, someone inside will naturally stop you.”
Ye Mingkong took two steps forward tentatively. Seeing that Jiang Youwei really made no other move, he finally believed what was happening.
But Ye Mingkong felt that something was not quite right!
Given Jiang Youwei’s deep regard for Ji Yunqi, he shouldn’t have given up so easily. It was out of character for him not to make things difficult for him.
After all, Jiang Youwei and Ji Yunqi had grown up together since childhood, their relationship was even closer than that of ordinary brothers. In a normal family, even a close bride’s brother would come out and play a little prank to make things intentionally difficult for the groom picking up the bride.
But Jiang Youwei… not stopping him at all was somewhat unsettling for Ye Mingkong.
“Go ahead.” Jiang Youwei waved his hand, signaling them to go inside.
Even though he didn’t understand Jiang Youwei’s intentions, he couldn’t dwell on it now. Ye Mingkong looked at the door and turned to walk away.
Watching their retreating backs, Jiang Youwei nodded.
They were not young people getting married after all. Although they appeared to be a couple of 18-year-olds on the surface, they knew their true situation.
Facing such a reborn couple, these superficial rituals seemed insignificant and even redundant.
Jiang Youwei had no other desires. As long as Ji Yunqi could successfully marry Ye Mingkong, it would be the scene he most wished to see.
He had previously promised Ji Yunqi to act as her elder at the wedding, and he had truly immersed himself in the role. But precisely because of this, he felt a sense of reluctance within himself.
It was as if…
It wasn’t his good brother who was getting married, but his beloved “little padded jacket.”
………..
Looking at the slightly ajar door, Ye Mingkong gently pushed it open. The moment he entered, a strong aroma of steamed buns hit him.
“Hi~”
Looking at the large group of people in front of him, Jiang Beiyun sat at the dining table. There was a basin of steamed buns on the table. According to the original plan, he was supposed to compete with them to see who could eat more, and they had to beat him.
But…
He was hungry earlier and “accidentally” ate them all~
“Hehe, don’t rush, everyone, have a few steamed buns first. After you’re done, I’ll give you something.”
Ye Mingkong exchanged a look with the two people beside him. Ji Chengyun and Ye Xuan immediately understood what to do, and stepped forward to take the steamed buns, and started eating them on the side.
Ye Mingkong himself stood in front of the dining table, looking at the bewildered young man in front of him, “Alright, kid, Dad, give me the stuff.”
He looked at Ji Chengyun and then at Ye Xuan. Seeing that they were stuffing steamed buns into their mouths like lunatics, appearing like “hamsters,” he naturally lost his temper.
“Okay, okay, here you go.”
With that, Jiang Beiyun took out a small red box from his bag.
Ye Mingkong took it over, he knew what it was.
This was the token that the groom had to receive from the bride’s family. Only by receiving this would he be recognized by the bride’s family.
With their recognition, he could legitimately take the bride away.
“Okay, I accept it.”
“Then you can go to the next level, but be careful, you know.”
Seeing the sly smile on Jiang Beiyun’s face, Ye Mingkong had already guessed something.
This final challenge…
It must be Xia Zijie…
This guy is really… tricky!
Watching Ye Mingkong’s retreating back as he crossed the threshold and walked into the room, Jiang Beiyun rubbed his face, “Good luck.”
That’s right, Jiang Beiyun had also intentionally not made things difficult for Ye Mingkong. After all, he was an elder who watched him grow up, he didn’t have such a mischievous streak.
If this trip could be easier, it would be the best, so Jiang Beiyun was not very willing to be the one blocking the door.
As Ye Mingkong and his group came inside, Xia Zijie was sitting on a chair. The chair was placed right in front of the dressing room door.
Ji Yunqi was waiting for them in the dressing room at this moment, and Xia Zijie blocking the way undoubtedly meant he was going to block the door.
“You’re here…”
“Yes, I’m here, I’m here to marry my wife.”
*Clap, clap, clap…*
With a round of applause, Xia Zijie slowly got up from his chair and looked at the crowd in front of him.
Ye Mingkong, Ji Chengyun, Ye Xuan, Ye Lingyu, Jiang Hua…
Everyone was here…
“You want to take her away today… It’s very simple, just answer my three questions.”
Ye Mingkong stood in front of Xia Zijie, a flicker of hesitation in his eyes. However, he also understood that no matter what questions Xia Zijie asked, they would certainly not harm Ji Yunqi.
Therefore, he would not make things too difficult for himself.
“Okay, I accept, ask away!”
Ye Mingkong’s confident and spirited demeanor brought a hint of relief to Xia Zijie.
“Good, very good, full of spirit.”
This was exactly what Xia Zijie hoped to see. He could rest assured that Ji Yunqi was marrying such a person.
“First question!”
“What were the vows you exchanged when you first confirmed your relationship?”
Ye Mingkong was slightly stunned, and his brow furrowed slightly. This question… was indeed tricky!
How many couples in this world could remember the vows made decades ago for their entire lives?
Perhaps, for the vast majority of lovers, decades would have caused them to forget the vows exchanged at their first meeting completely.
Xia Zijie’s attempt to test him in this way could only mean… he himself definitely remembered his and Ji Yunqi’s vows from back then.
He remembered it, and he… naturally remembered it too!
“Back then, when we confirmed our relationship, I said.”
“In the future, no matter what the circumstances, I will accompany her. Even if the sky collapses and the mountains shatter, my heart will never leave her.”
Xia Zijie took in Ye Mingkong’s firm eyes and the emotions contained within them…
This was the correct answer, and it was also what he had fully overheard from the side back then.
“Good, I hope you are still the same now!”
“I will be!”
“Second question.”
“Will you gradually look down on her in the future because of her humble background?”
If the first question was Xia Zijie asking from the perspective of the past, then the second question was from the current timeline.
Ye Mingkong was now a man, and a man of high status. Before, it was because Ye Mingkong had left the family that he followed Ji Yunqi so devotedly.
But now that he had regained power, Xia Zijie was not sure if Ye Mingkong still loved Ji Yunqi as before.
Even if he was powerless to change anything, as long as he could get him to make a promise now, it would have some effect.
Facing Xia Zijie’s question, Ye Mingkong appeared unhurried, straightened his chest, and said, “I, Ye Mingkong, promise here that I will never do anything to hurt her for any reason in this life. If I go against this!”
“If I go against this, I am willing to be punished by all of you!”
“Good!”
Seeing Ye Mingkong’s determined appearance, Xia Zijie felt a little relieved.
As long as he dared to promise, it was enough. This was also one of the few promises he could fight for Ji Yunqi.
“Then… the third question!”
Ye Mingkong also stood up straight. This question might be the final obstacle to him marrying Ji Yunqi. If he could overcome it, everything would be smooth sailing.
It’s just…
Ye Mingkong was a little nervous, wondering what Xia Zijie’s final question would be about.
“I won’t make things difficult for you. I’ll just ask you, are you truly willing to protect her and cherish her as a husband in the future?”
This question was based on the actual situation between Ji Yunqi and Ye Mingkong.
Once…
He had witnessed the way Ji Yunqi and Ye Mingkong interacted, which was the most classic traditional family. The husband worked hard outside and also did more things at home, doing his best to provide a good life for his wife and children.
This had resulted in Ji Yunqi living a very tiring life for the past few decades.
No one knew how much Xia Zijie felt sorry, but he could only watch helplessly as it all happened.
But now, it was completely different!
Now, due to a twist of fate, Ji Yunqi had become a woman, and Ye Mingkong had become a man!
People always say that women are the weaker sex and should be protected. So, what is this basis for defining someone as female or male?
Undoubtedly, it must be the body, not the soul.
In Xia Zijie’s opinion, souls are male and female, only bodies are distinguished. This meant that in Xia Zijie’s view, they should switch roles, and it was Ye Mingkong’s turn to protect Ji Yunqi.
Xia Zijie’s gaze was like a torch, looking into Ye Mingkong’s eyes. His calm and deep eyes seemed capable of penetrating one’s soul.
Xia Zijie was applying pressure to Ye Mingkong in this way to ensure that he would hear the answer he wanted to hear.
And it had to be Ye Mingkong’s sincere words, not words spoken to get through this hurdle quickly.
If that were the case, then Xia Zijie would not accept it!
This time…
Ye Mingkong raised his hand, his expression solemn, “I promise, in the future, I will definitely protect her and cherish her as a husband, and I will never let her be wronged in the slightest. This is what I should do, and what I must do!”
A flicker of surprise, and also some relief, flashed in Xia Zijie’s eyes. This time… he was satisfied. He was very satisfied with Ye Mingkong’s response.
Xia Zijie nodded, then pushed his chair aside, clearing the way…
He was a man of his word. Since he said that Ye Mingkong answering his three questions was enough, he would never have any other demands.
“Thank you.”
“Go quickly, she… is waiting for you.”
……………
This time, no one followed Ye Mingkong into the room. They all waited silently outside…
Inside…
Ji Yunqi sat on a small bed nearby, looking at Ye Mingkong, who had come in alone, with a smile, “Oh my, my groom has come to pick me up?”
Ye Mingkong smiled mischievously, then leaned down, “Yes, my bride, I’ve come to marry you.”
“Then… what should you do now?”
Ye Mingkong opened the small box that Jiang Beiyun had given him earlier. Inside it was a red string…
But on the red string were several small pure gold pendants, and among these pendants were a pair of Pixiu…
Pixiu are auspicious beasts in Chinese folklore. In Chinese culture, they have rich meanings, primarily including attracting wealth and fortune, warding off evil and protecting the home, and symbolizing power and status.
This… is a blessing to the bride, and also a blessing to their new family!
The Jiang family was only an ordinary family, and at most a well-off one. Being able to give this gift as a wedding present to Ji Yunqi showed how much Jiang Youwei valued Ji Yunqi.
“Come, darling, let me put it on for you.”
Ye Mingkong lifted Ji Yunqi’s slender hands and tied the red string onto her wrist. Then, he took her hand and led Ji Yunqi towards the outside.
“Wow, the bride is so beautiful today!”
“Yes, yes!”
“………..”
Looking at the familiar faces inside, Ji Yunqi’s face was filled with a satisfied and happy smile. At this moment, all her grievances were meaningless.
So what if she had become a woman?
So what if she didn’t have as much strength as before?
As long as her family was by her side, wasn’t that enough?
“Let’s go, to the wedding venue.”
“Okay.”
As the group gradually left, Ji Yunqi suddenly stopped.
Ye Mingkong looked at Ji Yunqi in confusion, seeming to not understand why she stopped when she was already at the door.
Ji Yunqi turned her head and smiled…
Extending her hand towards Xia Zijie, as if inviting him…
“You come…”
“To see me off.”
“Will you?”
This simple sentence left Xia Zijie stunned.
Seeing her off…
This was usually done by the most important elders or family members from the bride’s side. Ji Yunqi saying this now… wasn’t it an affirmation of him?
“I… am willing!”
…………………..
Wedding venue…
The reception hall of the Purple Gold Palace was already filled with people, most of whom were influential figures from Kyoto, or families with some connections to the Ye family.
And in a corner of the venue…
Gu Ming’s family sat there tremblingly, not even daring to participate in the conversations of the others around them.
Originally, he had simply seen that it was the grandson of Old Master Ye who was getting married, and he wanted to participate, hoping to get an opportunity to apologize.
But when he arrived and saw the posters at the venue, he realized that the bride was actually Ji Yunqi!
This was something he had never expected, but it was too late now.
He couldn’t leave, and apologizing would likely be ineffective. He could only sit there quietly and watch everything unfold…
Feelings of unwillingness and regret surged in his heart…
If only he hadn’t been so impulsive back then, and had treated Ji Yunqi a bit better, would the outcome have been completely different?
……..
As the lights in the venue suddenly dimmed, the entire place fell silent, because everyone knew that the protagonists of today were about to appear!
The spotlight shone on the stage, and a young man in a suit slowly walked onto the stage, holding a microphone, his gaze sweeping over the audience.
“Hello everyone, thank you for coming to this wedding today. Next, please welcome the bride and groom!”
As Ji Chengyun’s voice fell, the lights in the venue were partially re-lit, and Ye Mingkong’s figure appeared at the entrance of the venue, walking slowly along the red carpet to Ji Chengyun’s side.
The venue lights then focused again on Ye Mingkong, and… on the red wedding dress at the entrance…
Ji Yunqi looked at the familiar wedding venue, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She had never imagined that after just holding her son’s wedding, it was now her turn…
Turning to look at Xia Zijie behind her, Ji Yunqi extended her hand to him…
Xia Zijie smiled slightly, stepped forward, took Ji Yunqi’s outstretched hand, and then led her towards Ye Mingkong.
His steps were steady and powerful, his posture exceptionally upright, and his gold-rimmed glasses accentuated his refined temperament.
Ji Yunqi was led by Xia Zijie towards Ye Mingkong.
Today…
In front of outsiders, she was being given away by her nominal adoptive father to her husband.
As for in front of her own people…
It was her husband’s love rival who was seeing her off…
As the two sides got closer, Xia Zijie stopped, looking at Ye Mingkong in front of him.
He actually had many things he wanted to say, but he didn’t say them anymore. Instead, he chose to trust Ye Mingkong.
Xia Zijie took Ye Mingkong’s hand with his free hand, then placed Ji Yunqi’s hand into Ye Mingkong’s palm.
“From now on… she’s in your hands. You must protect her well, understand?”
Ye Mingkong knew that although Xia Zijie appeared calm and collected on the surface, his heart must have been churning like a stormy sea.
“I will do as I promised you, I will protect her with all my might for a lifetime!”
“Good, remember your words!”
As the person seeing off the bride, Xia Zijie’s mission was complete, and he could now withdraw safely…
Watching Xia Zijie’s retreating back, Ji Yunqi slowly uttered two words…
“Thank you…”
After this handover was completed, Ye Mingkong took his wife’s hand, his lawfully wedded wife!
At this moment, the lighting range in the venue had also expanded significantly, illuminating at least Ye Lingyu, Jiang Youwei, and Chen Yulan, who were seated at the front.
Looking at Jiang Youwei and Chen Yulan in their seats, Ji Yunqi and Ye Mingkong smiled at each other. It was still a bit awkward to have friends acting as elders.
The green tea swirled in the teacups. This was the second time Ji Yunqi performed a kowtow ceremony to Ye Lingyu and Jiang Hua.
The first time…
She did it as a son-in-law at the wedding ceremony in Rongcheng.
This time…
She did it as a daughter-in-law with this grand ceremony.
Truly, life is unpredictable. If these things hadn’t actually happened to her, who would believe them if she told them?
From son-in-law to daughter-in-law, Ji Yunqi took more than twenty years.
“Dad, Mom, drink tea.”
Ye Lingyu and Jiang Hua’s faces were filled with happiness. Even though tears welled up in their eyes, they couldn’t contain their joy.
To see their two children embrace each other again was the honor of their lives and their heartfelt wish.
Seeing this scene, Ye Lingyu felt as if a shackle in his heart had broken, and his overall state improved significantly, as if a long-standing knot had been untied.
“Good, good, good.”
Taking the teacup from Ji Yunqi’s hand, Ye Lingyu’s thoughts returned to decades ago as he looked at the green tea.
Back then, this child… also served him tea in this manner.
At this moment, the image of the spirited young man from decades ago and the beautiful maiden of today overlapped in Ye Lingyu’s mind.
“Good child…”
Watching the six people on stage enter an emotional scene, Xia Zijie smiled knowingly. His mission… perhaps it had ended by this moment.
From now on… she would no longer need him by her side…
“I wish you… happiness and fulfillment…”
As Xia Zijie turned and left the venue, Ji Yunqi also stood up and embraced Ye Lingyu and Jiang Hua.
The wedding… at this moment…
Completed!
………………..
