Dan Yulan, who was relatively acquainted with Zhen Qing and admired her intellect, slightly cupped his hands and asked, "Madam, is there anything else you require?"
With slow yet steady steps, Zhen Qing moved between Suo Ling and Dan Yulan, then raised her voice in a solemn tone, "General Suo, Lord Dan, there is but one final bow left. Once this is completed, the marriage will be finalized! Qing Ling dares to request half a quarter of an hour's grace from both of you. Might this be permissible?"
Suo Ling and Dan Yulan exchanged a glance, surprised by her unexpected request. Lou Xiyan's charge of treason was a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations! If they had not wed, perhaps she could have fled, but once the ceremony was concluded today, there would be no escape for her. It was nothing short of a path to certain death. However, facing Zhen Qing's unwavering, cold gaze, they found themselves speechless. They never desired to arrest her, but denying her this modest request would be unreasonable.
Both turned their heads slightly and nodded in tacit agreement.
Zhen Qing then walked toward Lou Xiyan, who was frowning as he gazed at her. She slowly extended her hand, their fingers intertwining. In the past, it was always him who reached out to her, but today, she would be the one to hold his hand for the most significant journey of their lives.
"Qing'er..." Lou Xiyan's slender fingers tightened around hers, the warmth from his palm sending a soothing heat through her. Though the imprisonment had stirred emotions within her, she felt only calm in this moment.
Before he could finish speaking, Zhen Qing smiled slightly, her gaze resolute and even a little sharp. Her clear voice rang out, cutting through the room: "Today, I shall become your wife, whether you are a high-ranking prime minister or a prisoner!"
The guests stared in stunned silence at the sight of the woman in a red dress, her face unadorned. Many may have thought her actions foolish, but more of them felt deep admiration and awe for her. After all, it is easy to share wealth, but it is rare to share hardship.
Even Lou Muhai, who had never shown Zhen Qing kindness, finally allowed a faint smile to appear. This woman, in terms of courage and steadfastness, was indeed worthy of his son.
"Ceremonial officer!" Zhen Qing called aloud.
The officer snapped out of his daze and bellowed, "The couple may now bow!"
The newlyweds, dressed in crimson that outshone the blood beneath them, stood facing one another. No one else existed in their eyes—not the guests, not the imperial edict, not the red silk veil, not the ribbons. They simply gazed at each other, fingers locked, and bowed deeply. With the ceremonial officer's declaration of "The ceremony is complete," the marriage was sealed.
The once-silent hall erupted into cheers as the first sounds of celebration rang out, following the imperial decree.
Approaching the ceremonial table, Zhen Qing poured wine into two empty cups, handing one to Lou Xiyan and holding the other in her hand. She looped her arm through his, leaning slightly forward to whisper in his ear, "After we drink this cup of wedding wine, our honor and disgrace will be shared for life. We will never part!"
Her voice was light, but each word was weighted, falling like a vow deep into Lou Xiyan's heart. He knew he would never be disappointed in her, but he never imagined she would be willing to go this far for him. Their eyes met, their wrists entwined, and the wine passed their lips—it was a vow for life.
Slowly, Lou Xiyan tightened his grip around her hand and whispered, "Wait for me to return home."
"Mm!" She nodded firmly. This was his promise to her. He would come back.
They released each other's hands and Lou Xiyan walked toward Dan Yulan and Suo Ling, smiling faintly, "General Suo, Lord Dan, shall we?"
It was as natural as their usual encounters in court. No matter how grim the situation, Lou Xiyan remained unruffled.
The group left the grand hall, now eerily quiet despite the crowd. Xue Xianxin hurried after them, calling out, "Master, Master!"
Lou Xiyu followed, but it was Zhen Qing, who had just insisted on marrying Lou Xiyan, now the mistress of the Lou family, who stood motionless in the center of the hall. She nodded slightly to the guests, some bewildered, others waiting for the spectacle to unfold, and spoke with quiet authority: "Today, the Lou family faces unforeseen events. The wedding banquet ends here. If there is another opportunity in the future, we shall host a feast for our family and friends. Please, everyone, depart. Jing Fa, see them out."
The steward, Jing Fa, stepped forward and replied in a deep voice, "Yes, Madam."
He gestured for the guests to leave. Despite the upheaval, the Lou family maintained their composure. The servants moved with calm efficiency, escorting the crowd out of the hall.
As the crowd dispersed, Gu Yun turned to Suo Yu and whispered, "You should return to the general's mansion."
Suo Yu remained unmoving. "And you?"
"I need to speak with her," Gu Yun said, his tone soft but firm. After such a tumultuous marriage, Zhen Qing, though outwardly calm, must be feeling the pain of it all.
Suo Yu tugged gently on her sleeve and advised, "The main judge for this case is my eldest brother, and the rebels were brought in by second brother. The people of the Lou family may not be welcoming. You should leave first."
Gu Yun, now a member of the general's household, was concerned that she might be thrown out if she lingered too long.
But Zhen Qing had no intentions of leaving. "No. You go ahead. I'll be fine."
The guests had almost all left the hall, and Suo Yu hesitated before finally relenting. "Fine. Stay safe."
Zhen Qing was now left alone in the hall, and though the room had become quiet, she was far from at peace. A figure lingered at the door, watching her from the shadows. The once bustling hall now seemed an empty mockery of what it had been.
Sitting down at a nearby chair with deliberate slowness, Zhen Qing's expression was distant, though her hands, tightly gripping the armrests, trembled with barely-contained emotion.
Kneeling beside her, Gu Yun whispered, "Qing, are you alright?"
Seeing her agony during the wedding vows had broken his heart. Zhen Qing's love for Lou Xiyan ran deeper than he had realized.
Gu Yun held her cold hands, wishing he could find the right words to comfort her, but he felt at a loss.
After a long pause, he finally sighed, "I'll find out what evidence the rebels from the northwest have against Lou Xiyan. Don't worry. It will be fine."
Though his words were well-intentioned, they felt hollow. The only way to help Zhen Qing now was to clear Lou Xiyan's name.
Zhen Qing sat motionless in the chair, her gaze locked on the blazing sunlight outside, but inside, she felt frozen.
Six months had passed since she arrived in this world, and though she had always lived according to her own will, finding peace and freedom, it was only because Lou Xiyan had sheltered and protected her all along. She had grown used to his silent care.
When he was taken away, fear gripped her heart in a way she had never known. She had never feared anything in twenty years of life, but the thought of losing him made her resolve clear—she would marry him. It wasn't just love; it was a vow to live and die together, no matter what.
She had never wanted to face the harsh truths of power within the feudal system, but in this moment, she understood its value and the need for it.
Lou Xiyan, I will fight by your side in this battle!