Chapter 28: The Time is Just Right
As Gu Qingheng waited anxiously, time ticked by, and soon the eighth day arrived.
For the joyous occasion, the entire Gu family was decorated anew.
Red “double happiness” characters were plastered everywhere. Even the servants of the Gu Residence wore red strings on their heads and festive red clothing, with their jewelry also being red.
A sea of red was born, sparking immense curiosity among countless people in the capital.
News of the Gu family’s impending wedding had spread throughout the capital since last month, but no one knew the bride’s background.
With the bride’s information kept absolutely confidential, everyone could only shift their attention to Gu Qingheng. Thus, his accomplishments at such a young age, such as winning first place in the imperial examinations and proving his outstanding literary talent at the night banquet, were unearthed and became the talk of the town.
However, this only intensified everyone’s curiosity.
What kind of woman could capture Gu Qingheng’s heart?
Such an outstanding young genius with an immeasurable future, coupled with the backing of the Gu family… even the female relatives of Empress Bai Qian’s family were likely not a match for Gu Qingheng.
Many unmarried young ladies in the capital gnawed on their handkerchiefs, secretly hating that Gu Qingheng wasn’t marrying them.
“Everyone, get yourselves together! The eldest young master has gone to pick up the bride. When the future eldest young madam returns, you must be quick on your feet. If anything goes wrong, you’ll pay with your skin!”
Regardless of the speculations in the capital, preparations in the Gu Residence were in full swing. The plump butler had been constantly busy for days, even losing several kilograms.
Of course, despite the busyness, the plump butler was happy even in his exhaustion.
Nothing was more pleasing than gaining the trust of one’s master, which also proved to be a sign of favor, thus giving the plump butler more prestige among the servants of the Gu family.
The plump butler was happy even if he worked himself to death, not to mention the generous rewards of good items that greatly boosted his motivation.
While the Gu Residence’s servants were being disciplined, other members of the Gu family were entertaining invited guests. Gu Qing and Gu Yu were in the front hall greeting the male guests, while Gongsun Feifei and Mengyao were in the back garden hosting the female guests, separating the men and women to avoid unnecessary trouble.
After all, ancient times had more rules and troubles than modern times.
Fortunately, there were no restrictions during the ceremony, and it was not a big problem for men and women to attend together.
However, to prevent any incidents on the celebratory day, Gu Yu had requested a considerable number of people from the alliance to be hidden in the dark to guard against any disruptions.
With all preparations made, the news of Gu Qingheng going to the Bai Residence to pick up the bride also spread, which surprised everyone. The bride’s family was indeed related to Empress Bai Qian.
Now, marrying a female relative from Empress Bai Qian’s family, Gu Qingheng’s future would truly be smooth sailing!
Subsequently, everyone held the same thought… Gu Qingheng must not be provoked!
He should be revered like the Old Buddha!
Besides his incredible advantages from the past, another favorable condition was now added: the powerful joining of a noble lady, making his future path even more prosperous!
He could walk sideways without any issues.
As a result, more guests came to the Gu Residence. Some who did not even receive an invitation shamelessly came, claiming to share in the joy, and their gifts were not lacking.
This caused Gu Qing some hesitation, but after hearing Gu Yu say that the security measures were very thorough and that it wouldn’t be a problem no matter how many people came, he immediately agreed to let the guests in.
The more guests there were, the grander the wedding of Gu Qingheng and Tang Lian would be, and perhaps it would be talked about for years to come.
However, it was fortunate that they had prepared enough things beforehand, otherwise, if there weren’t even enough tables and chairs, it would have been a real joke.
“Master, the eldest young master has brought the bride back. They are about to enter!”
“What! They’ve already brought her back? Why didn’t you tell me sooner? Quickly, set off the firecrackers prepared by the son-in-law.”
Immediately, as everyone was as busy as spinning tops, the plump butler received the news and quickly informed Gu Qing.
This surprised Gu Qing, who then immediately went with the plump butler to the entrance to welcome them.
As for the firecrackers, a novelty, it was Gu Yu who, feeling it was too quiet for his younger brother-in-law’s wedding, adjusted the dosage of the gunpowder and created firecrackers that only made noise.
The effect was very good, making Gu Yu feel that he could even become a firecracker supplier, if only the raw materials were sufficient.
“My heavens, what is this? Such a loud noise, my ears are going to be deafened!”
“It’s the first time I’ve heard it too. What a magical thing. Look! Those strings of small red cylinders are exploding, it’s so interesting.”
“Is this a new item bought from another country? I’ll ask the people at the Gu Residence later, I want to buy some to play with.”
“Could this be the legendary gunpowder!”
The intense sound of the firecrackers shocked the surrounding onlookers. First, they all stepped back a few paces. If the Gu Residence hadn’t already sent people to block them, it could have caused a chaotic stampede.
However, upon seeing that there was no danger, someone bravely stepped forward a few steps, getting a clearer view of the firecrackers exploding.
This caused everyone to discuss animatedly, their eyes fixated on the firecrackers, finding them incredibly novel.
As everyone was filled with curiosity, the wedding sedan chair stopped as the firecrackers ceased. Gu Qingheng, who had been riding ahead, also walked to the sedan door at this moment. After kicking the door open with one foot, he joyfully led the bride out, his heart so happy that he wanted to sing!
Today was his good day.
Unfortunately, Sister Lian’s head was covered with a red veil. Otherwise, she would definitely be the most beautiful bride… However, after the ceremony, he would be able to see Sister Lian’s beautiful face, and the thought made him a little excited!
In his excited state, Gu Qingheng lost his usual composure and acted like a young man who had drunk too much, cheerfully holding the rope tied with a large red flower, and walked towards the Gu Residence courtyard with Tang Lian.
Next, the rituals of bowing to heaven and earth, getting married, and escorting to the bridal chamber were conducted one after another.
The lively sounds around made it impossible for Gu Qingheng to spend more time with Tang Lian. He could only helplessly accompany Gu Qing to toast guests, drinking until his cheeks turned red.
Beside them, Gu Yu and Mengyao smiled and shook their heads watching Gu Qingheng’s blissful expression, feeling like they were watching the child they raised step into the next phase of their life. They were filled with emotion but didn’t know what to say.
As time passed, everyone would have new encounters, so there was no need to feel sad.
Just as they now had their beloved child, their careers and lives were very fulfilling, something they could never have imagined at the beginning.
As for the future, it would definitely be even better.
“Mengyao, now that everything is back on track, are you interested in continuing our plan to tour the various kingdoms?”
Thinking of the travel plan that had to be postponed due to being recalled to the capital, Gu Yu suddenly brought it up, his words filled with an eager impulse to complete this plan as soon as possible.
If he stayed in the capital, watching his younger brother-in-law smugly flaunt his affection was an experience he did not want to go through again.
After all, when he and his little wife were being affectionate, his younger brother-in-law had shown a look of dejection and speechlessness… If he wanted revenge, wouldn’t this be the best time?
Therefore, it was best to slip away!
There was nothing for them to deal with in the capital; everything was on track, and there was no need to worry too much!
Of course, this idea had been brewing for a long time, and Gu Yu had already completed all the arrangements according to the plan, leaving no worries behind.
Now, all that remained was to persuade Mengyao.
“Are we leaving so soon? Qingheng just got married, and I don’t think we can just leave casually.”
When Gu Yu proposed the idea, Mengyao was also somewhat eager. She had been confined to the Gu Residence for several months due to her pregnancy, which had made her incredibly bored. Even her dreams were about going out to play…
Now, the prospect of traveling abroad excited her.
However, although most of the matters in the capital had been handled, it was still somewhat difficult to leave immediately.
After all, this departure would require a considerable amount of time, and the various arrangements could not be completed instantly… Moreover, Mengyao guessed that her father would surely be reluctant to let them leave, or perhaps unwilling to part with his grandchildren.
Just thinking about it gave her a headache. Traveling was so troublesome!
Gu Yu had already thought of everything Mengyao was contemplating, and solving these troubles was not difficult, but rather very simple.
However, it required a moment of impulse.
“We can choose to run away from home. We can write a letter in advance and leave it on the table. By the time we’ve left, they won’t be able to catch us again! Besides, the letter is already written, there are no other worries~”
Gu Yu smiled brightly, somewhat slyly offering his suggestion, like a fox stealing a chicken, urging Mengyao to be impulsive with him.
They had given up many opportunities in pursuit of stability, and now it was time to be impulsive for themselves, especially since the timing was just right!
Due to Gu Qingheng’s newlywed bliss, the Gu family would not be too worried even if they went on a journey. Empress Bai in the palace seemed to be busy with new policy decisions, striving for diligent governance to make the Linfeng Kingdom better. This would require striking the first blow against the ministers below, and she would have no time to concern herself with Gu Yu and Mengyao.
Continuing to struggle would not yield a solution, so it was better to impulsively run away from home!
“Is this okay?”
“Of course, we can leave now. All the necessary supplies are in my space. We can ride horses directly and embark on a spontaneous trip.”
Seeing that Mengyao was being persuaded, Gu Yu pressed on, wishing he could become a master of brainwashing.
After Mengyao looked at the bustling crowd and then at Gu Yu’s expectant expression, she no longer hesitated. She smiled at Gu Yu and finally nodded.
After years of ups and downs, life had gradually returned to calm, making her pursue stability and forget passion.
However, it was not too late.
Now was the right time.
End
