Unyielding Spring Mountains - Chapter 103: The Wedding Ceremony

Chapter 103: The Wedding Ceremony

Standing behind Wei Zhen was an elderly woman—Aunt Tian—who had come all the way from the south.

Aunt Tian, who had raised her since childhood and was as close as family, had been specially summoned to witness the ceremony. Wei Zhen had worried the journey might prove too taxing for her, but the moment Aunt Tian saw the royal guards sent to fetch her, she readily agreed to come to Wei.

Aunt Tian styled Wei Zhen’s hair, and beside them Lady Gongsun Xian remarked, “Ah Zhen, this phoenix crown truly suits you. Paired with these pearl-drop earrings, your complexion is all the more fair and radiant.”

Wei Zhen took the earrings, smiling. “When we return to Jin, you and Ji Wo ought to prepare your own wedding, shouldn’t you?”

Gongsun Xian’s hands stilled; her face flushed immediately as she lowered her head. “It’s not that soon—I still have so much to get ready…”

Wei Zhen turned to her in mock surprise; at once, those around hurriedly cried, “Princess, be careful—the phoenix crown might fall!”

Watching as the ornate crown wobbled atop her hair, everyone held their breath until Wei Zhen caught it just in time, relieving the tension in the room.

At that moment, footsteps sounded from outside. A palace attendant announced, “Princess, His Majesty and General Wei have arrived!”

Wei Zhen rose and walked toward the door, calling, “Father, little brother!”

Wei King had barely stepped through the entrance when he saw his daughter’s radiant smile, her joy impossible to conceal. He beamed back at her.

As soon as the king entered, everyone else withdrew from the hall. Wei Zhen beckoned Wei Ling over to hold a bronze mirror for her as she tried on the ceremonial outer robe once again.

Wei Ling observed, “Anything looks good on my beautiful sister.”

The king sat at the table, watching his children banter, and slipped a hand inside his sleeve. After a moment, he said, “Yangyang, come here.”

Wei Zhen put down the robe and approached. The king drew out a golden hairpin from his sleeve and pinned it into her hair.

Wei Zhen’s fingers touched the pendant and beads, her eyes uncertain. “Father?”

The king smiled. “This pin has been kept these past ten years. Your mother had it made for you, to give on the day you married. I kept it safe for you all this time.”

“Mother made it for me?” Wei Zhen’s eyes shone as she admired her reflection. “I love it. I’ll wear it tomorrow.”

The king, seeing the happiness lighting his daughter’s eyes, knew her joy was sincere.

Wei Ling watched and let out a small sigh. “Ah-sister, you’re getting married tomorrow… I truly can’t bear to see you go.”

Wei Zhen set the hairpin in her jewelry case. Wei Ling came over and whispered, “If Qi Yan ever dares to treat you poorly, I will never forgive him. Don’t worry, sister—I’ll always have your back, as will Father.”

Wei Zhen smiled, “After I’m married, it’ll be your turn next.”

Wei Ling shook his head at once, dodging the subject. “It’s nowhere near my turn yet…”

Wei King nodded sagely, “Still, it’s time to find a worthy young lady.”

As they chatted, a palace attendant entered, bowing to Wei Zhen. “Princess, Lord Zuo Ying has arrived at the main hall.”

Wei Zhen turned to her father. “Zuo Ying is that miracle physician I told you about—the one who healed my eyes before.”

She said eagerly, “I’m sure he can cure your illness as well. May I accompany you to see him?”

The king saw the trust and hope in his daughter’s gaze. He understood his own health better than anyone, but he could not bear to dispel her enthusiasm. He decided to let the doctor take a look.

He nodded and rose from the table. “Tomorrow is your wedding, you have much left to prepare. No need to trouble yourself. Ling will come along, that’s enough.”

Wei Ling added, “Don’t worry, sister, I’ll look after Father.”

“Very well.” Wei Zhen escorted them from the courtyard and returned to the great hall, gazing upon the bridal gown laid out before her.

Sunlight streamed over the robes, making every stitch and thread gleam softly.

In days past, she had left Chu, surrounded by foes—no friends in the world. Now her loved ones encircled her, and she was about to be wed, destined to spend her days hand in hand with the one she cherished.

Wei Zhen lifted the dress and held it close to her heart. Warmth seeped through the fabric, sinking deep into her skin. She longed for the dawn.

Weddings were customarily held at dusk, but the ceremony for Wei Zhen and Qi Yan involved many rituals. The next morning brought clear skies. With palace maids attending her, Wei Zhen rose, bathed, lit incense, had her hair styled, and donned layer upon layer of ceremonial robes.

At the auspicious hour, the ceremonial procession had already assembled at the palace gates. The royal carriage would collect the princess, circle the city once for the people to witness and rejoice, then return to the palace for the official rites.

Wei Zhen knelt and bid farewell to Wei King outside the throne room. Aided by her maids, she knelt slowly, her jade pendants chiming.

The king’s gaze was full of fatherly love. “Come, rise—the procession awaits.”

Wei Zhen looked up, determined not to let a single tear fall, and smiled. “Father, your daughter is going.”

Seeing her so reluctant, the king’s heart felt as though it were being sliced apart. “In a short while you’ll be back, it’s not like you’re disappearing forever.”

Wei Zhen nodded, yet the tears slipped down after all.

The king accepted a red veil from a maid and gently placed it over her. To Wei Ling he said, “Help your sister out. The Prince of Jin is waiting.”

His eyes followed her every step as she crossed the threshold, music swelling. The king lowered his head, hiding his tears—but then he glimpsed the edge of that crimson gown pause at the doorway.

Looking up, he saw Wei Zhen running back. He straightened, stepped forward, and pulled her into a deep embrace.

“Father…” she sobbed quietly in his arms.

Hearing her weep, the king’s own voice caught. He patted her shaking shoulders with trembling hands. “Go on, now—go on…”

Her eyes reddened; she stepped backward, her fingers slowly slipping from his. The king let her go. “Go!”

She finally turned and left. A tear splashed from the king’s eye as the music faded. He looked toward the doors—now empty—for this time, she did not return.

“Your Majesty?” murmured an attendant.

The king came to himself, a wistful look in his eyes, then smiled and said, “Come, let us visit the queen’s old chambers.”

His daughter had grown, found her true love, and now would be married. If the queen could see, she would be glad for their daughter too.

He walked slowly outside. Colorful streamers fluttered from the high eaves, filling the ancient palace with new life.

According to custom, Wei Zhen completed all the formal steps, and with Wei Ling’s guidance, approached the wedding procession.

When Qi Yan took her hand from Wei Ling, he noticed her trembling and asked, “Why are you crying?”

Wei Zhen shook her head, clutching his hand, choking out, “It’s nothing.”

Through the thin red veil, Qi Yan saw the tears clinging to her long lashes. While her heart was still in turmoil, a slender, cool hand reached beneath her veil and wiped her tears with a handkerchief.

She looked up; light from the side struck him, outlining his eyes and robe in gold.

Qi Yan wiped her tears once more, murmuring, “Don’t cry.”

Wei Zhen finally steadied herself, letting go of her sorrow at parting.

Yes—today was their wedding day. She ought to be joyful, not weeping.

“Come on.” Qi Yan’s palm pressed gently to hers.

She raised her lips in a smile and answered softly, walking with him to the bridal carriage.

Before a sea of onlookers, the princess finally mounted the wedding coach. The musicians struck up, and the procession moved forward.

Crowds lined the roads as far as one could see. When the Prince of Jin rode his white horse beside the bridal carriage, a wave of exclamations swept the masses.

The gauze curtains of the carriage shimmered, veiling the princess’s alluring silhouette—like a single radiant peony in the mist.

People craned their necks for a glimpse; the beauty within lifted her hand and waved to the crowds.

Meanwhile, the young Prince of Jin, in a crimson bridal robe, sat upright atop his horse, golden harness sparkling, his bearing dazzling.

For weeks, talk of this match had filled every teahouse and alley. Everyone recalled that only at the turning of the year had Wei sent troops to aid Jin; at the time, it was thought only an alliance. Who could have foreseen such a personal union between the princess and the prince?

The stories of her birth, her years in exile, her meeting with Qi Yan in Chu—all of it was the stuff of legend.

Yet regardless, the people adored their princess. Seeing Jin’s prince and Wei’s princess together—radiant as a perfect couple—the crowds erupted once more, many falling in behind the wedding procession.

By dusk, all the elaborate ceremonies were at last completed.

Wei Zhen returned to her chambers, where her maids removed the ornate headpieces and tended to her bath.

As the moon rose, voices called beyond the doors: “The Prince of Jin has arrived!”

Wei Zhen went to the door as the attendants opened it; Wei Ling and Ji Wo appeared on either side of Qi Yan, now drunkenly swaying.

Wei Zhen went to help, smelling the strong scent of wine. “How did you get so drunk? Who made him drink so much?”

Wei Ling and Ji Wo exchanged a look. Wei Ling coughed awkwardly, and Ji Wo scratched his nose. “We’ve delivered him—since this is the bridal chamber, we’ll make ourselves scarce.”

They withdrew, and the maids followed suit.

Wei Zhen crouched beside Qi Yan, whose cheeks glowed red. She patted his face, but he gave no reply.

With a gentle sigh, Wei Zhen went to wet a towel, but when she turned, the man who had seemed utterly intoxicated now sat up straight, pouring himself a cup of tea.

Sipping, he looked at her, his eyes perfectly clear—gone was any sign of drunkenness.

Holding the damp towel, Wei Zhen approached. “So you’re not drunk, then?”

Qi Yan’s brows arched. “Of course not. But your brother was truly fierce tonight—insisted on getting me drunk. Ji Wo, too, can barely drink but tried to outdo me. I had no choice but to pretend I was overcome.”

He pressed his cheek to her towel, nuzzling it, his gaze hot enough to set her heart racing.

Then, in a low voice, “Ah Zhen, you look so beautiful tonight.”

Wei Zhen’s hand froze on his cheek. He was attired in rich scarlet, a jade belt at his waist, the color setting off all the effortless charm in him. His eyes glinted beneath heavy lashes—impossibly striking.

Her cheeks flushed, but thankfully the candlelight masked her color. She whispered, “You’re not bad yourself.”

Qi Yan smiled and laughed softly.

Wei Zhen said, “Change your clothes—it’s already late—we can…”

“We can what?” Qi Yan leaned on his hand, voice lazy. “Consummate our marriage?”

He trailed his fingers along her inner wrist, sending a shiver all through her. “Of course not,” she replied.

He pressed, “The nuptial night—if we don’t consummate, what else is there to do?”

He wrapped her up, pinning her, refusing to let her escape until her face had gone scarlet.

His breath was warm against her ear, dizzyingly sweet. “You think you alone can decide that?”

His palm slid up her side, deliberately tracing the sensitive hollow of her waist. Wei Zhen’s body trembled, hands clutching the table behind her. Qi Yan looked down—it was as if he took pleasure in seeing her hold so tightly while stubbornly turning her head away. He laughed, the sound vibrating his chest.

Eventually, he let her go. “Ah Zhen, I brought you something tonight.”

“What is it?” she asked.

Qi Yan left the room, soon returning with a small dog in his arms.

Wei Zhen’s eyes brightened. “You brought it after all!”

She ran over and patted the puppy’s head, her face lighting up. “In Jin, I left this puppy with you, and you cared for it so well for so long. Even after we left, the palace cared for it. When I saw it again, I thought, surely you missed it. Now that we’re married, it should be here too.”

Wei Zhen knelt to pet its head. “How did it get mud on its paw?”

Qi Yan peered down. “It probably went running and played somewhere muddy.”

Watching her play with the dog, Qi Yan suddenly lifted its front paw and stamped it onto her cheek.

Wei Zhen stared in surprise, her hand coming away full of mud as she tried to wipe it off. Springing up, she chased him. “Qi Yan!”

He set the puppy down. Wei Zhen cornered him at the bed. He was much taller, but she rose onto her toes, and at last managed to tumble them both onto the mattress, returning the favor by smearing mud on his face.

They lay there, breathless, side by side. She was exhausted from the day’s rituals, now even more so. She embraced his waist, resting her head on his chest.

Everyone dear was here with them tonight, even the puppy. Wei Zhen’s heart brimmed with contentment.

So too did Qi Yan hold her in his arms; the sounds of the dog barking below made him get up and clean its paws, sending it out for the night.

When he returned, he still held the damp cloth. He leaned over her, wiping away the mud from her cheek. She gazed up into his face—he smiled tenderly.

As he prepared to rise again, Wei Zhen grabbed his sash and tugged him back.

He landed atop her; she took the cloth and wiped the mud from his cheek as well.

Qi Yan’s eyes sparkled. “We haven’t had our nuptial wine yet.”

He brought over two cups. Sitting beside her, Wei Zhen accepted, but the alcohol burned; she frowned. “It’s too strong.”

“Is it?” Qi Yan leaned close.

She looked at him, and he caught her shoulder, kissing her deeply.

When he released her, he whispered, “How can you call that strong? It’s clearly sweet.”

Wei Zhen pressed her fingers to her lips. Meeting his shimmering gaze, her heart thundered; she understood he meant the sweetness of her lips.

He had promised her a grand wedding. Now, at last, their hearts belonged to one another, with nothing left to stand in their way.

Wei Zhen asked softly, “Qi Yan, you said you fell for me early on. When, exactly, was it?”

He smiled, “Why ask that all of a sudden? A long, long time ago.”

“How long?”

He bent over, laying her gently on the bed, fingers curling in a lock of her hair. “That day, when I came to take you for your marriage alliance, and waited outside your room with your brother.”

A spring wind had danced, curtains swayed, jade pendants chimed.

The maiden had hurried from indoors, her gown fluttering, and Qi Yan had turned to see her in a shower of flower petals.

In that shifting spring light, she was cold and beautiful, as always unsmiling; yet when she caught his gaze, her lips curved in the faintest, sweetest smile.

It was as if his soul had been struck.

Within his heart, that gentle spring breeze flared into a gale for her.

From that moment onward, in every season, he would always move heaven and earth to chase her.

The curtains cast a pair of tangled, intertwined shadows. Wei Zhen touched his brow. “That day, when I ran out and saw you waiting in the falling blossoms—when you reached out and took my fingers—my fate was entwined with yours, inextricably, forever.”

For a long time, words gave way to kisses—soft and lingering.

The night wind was gentle, and the full moon shone bright. Spring’s beauty flourished, boundless—a perfect night to share their bed.

The End of the Main Story

(The author’s note, translated to advanced English:)

This is the end of the main story. The updates in the latter half of this book were somewhat irregular, yet many dear readers have followed along to this point—thank you for your companionship. I read every comment you left, truly—I am deeply grateful to all of you. =v=

From the beginning, I wanted to write a story about the stirring of the heart in spring—a pure and wholehearted love between a young man and woman. In this story, Wei Zhen and Qi Yan indeed embody that: their affection was always mutual; through adversity, they grew together and ultimately rushed toward one another without hesitation, nurturing an enduring, unconditional love—simple and sincere.

This book is quite different from my previous works. It is my first attempt at a narrative with a stronger plot and more pronounced story arc—a new experience and challenge for me.

Let’s meet again in the side stories. Red packet dropped for this chapter~

Appendix/Extra Chapters:

1. 1. Qi Yan’s perspective from his previous life

1. 1. Many sweet married-life extras

(These two serve as supplements and an epilogue to the main story, following the plot’s timeline—including setting up their new home, little trips, Qi Yan’s past life, celebrating Lunar New Year together, resolutions for other characters, and their warm, happy daily life.)

1. 1. Side couple (Zuo Ying and Yue Shu)

1. 1. Parallel universe: If Wei Zhen had never gone missing, and Qi Yan’s mother had never died young, would the two have met early—growing up as childhood sweethearts and marrying young?

(In these, I will also write about Qi Yan’s parents, and about the Wei King and Queen. The focus remains the main couple, but all characters get a happy ending, all in a soothing, warm tone.)