Chapter 1456: Wang Chongs Wedding! (1/2)
Translated by: Hypersheep325
Edited by: Michyrr
”Since Mother has already decided, let us do as Mother has planned!”
Wang Chong lowered his head and complied.
Although he was surprised, for some reason, after saying this, Wang Chong felt rather relieved and didn't feel forced into the situation at all.
He began to recall that clear and beautiful face, how she had stood alongside him in the City of Steel, how she had worked night and day in the Qixi Protectorate headquarters to send him supplies. He thought about her haggard appearance back then, and her look of deep concern when he awoke on the journey back east.
……
The spring breeze turned to rain that silently nourished the world.
At this moment, Wang Chong came to the sudden realization that Xu Qiqin had a rather significant place in his heart.
She had only silently given, never demanded, and even when she was in pain, she would endure it alone. It was time for him to properly repay her, creating the best and most beautiful end.
……
Boom!
The news of Wang Chong's marriage to Xu Qiqin shook the entire capital. As the youthful King of Foreign Lands and the brilliant young War God, Wang Chong had rendered a series of dazzling achievements that would instill admiration in even Great Generals.
As for the Xu Clan, it controlled half of the logistics network of the Great Tang and was an extremely old clan wielding considerable influence.
The joining of these two clans and the outstanding quality of the groom and bride instantly attracted the entire empire's attention.
When the auspicious day of the wedding arrived, the entire capital turned out. Even though the vast majority of the people stood on the side of the Confucian Sect in the conflict between Wang Chong and Li Junxian, Wang Chong's status as the King of Foreign Lands and his past achievements meant that he still wielded significant influence amongst the people.
”King of Foreign Lands! King of Foreign Lands!”
”Fairy Xu! Fairy Xu!”
Outside the Wang Family Residence, the crowd was cheering Wang Chong and Xu Qiqin in equal measure.
The Xu Clan was an elite noble clan and Xu Qiqin was known as a fairy to the denizens of the capital, regarded highly by all its young men and women.
Moreover, in the Battle of Talas, she had remained behind in the Qixi Protectorate headquarters to manage the supply line, ensuring that the flow of supplies was constant and stable. This allowed her reputation to surpass that of all the other maidens of the capital.
Right after the Battle of Talas had ended, many noble houses had sent calling cards to the Xu Clan, hoping to form a good relationship with it by way of marriage.
But in the end, it was still Wang Chong who obtained the top position.
”The day is finally here!”
Wang Chong stood beneath a plum blossom tree in the courtyard, his heart at ease as the wind blew against his hair.
Ever since he had made the decision, Wang Chong felt like a great weight had been taken off his mind. He had been so busy running around for the sake of the people of the world that he had forgotten to take care of himself.
Now that he had been stripped of military authority and pushed out of the center of political power, he had a rare opportunity to concern himself with the affairs and people that he cared about, and more importantly… to concern himself with the person that he loved.
”How long will it be until Qiqin arrives?”
Wang Chong was dressed in a red ceremonial robe, his hands held behind his back.
In the gentle breeze and the light of the rising morning sun, Wang Chong's eyes gleamed and his expression brimmed with energy. He began to exude an aura completely unlike the one he exuded on the battlefield: gentle, modest, generous. He seemed to be like a piece of beautiful jade.
”Your Highness, Lady Xu's sedan chair is on its way. It should be here in about ten minutes.”
In front of Wang Chong, Xu Keyi, Chen Bin, and his other subordinates stood in a row. Xu Keyi had stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
”Reporting!”
Xu Keyi had barely spoken when a Wang Clan guard rushed in.
”Your Highness, the Xu Clan's bridal procession will be here soon. The madam and master are already waiting at the gate.”
Everyone became excited at the guard's words, and Wang Chong himself was no exception. His heart was brimming with joy and there was a sincere smile of contentment on his lips.
”Come—let's go to the gate to welcome them!”
With a wave of his sleeve, Wang Chong strode forward, passing through the garden and stepping upon a path festooned with brightly-colored lanterns.
At the gate, servants and maids dressed in ceremonial red attire had gathered, and in front of them was an anxious-looking middle-aged woman, her hair decorated with pearls and jade hairpins.
”Mother!”
Wang Chong hastened his steps.
Seeing Wang Chong, the crowd began to turn around.
”Chong-er, you came at just the right time. That child Qiqin will be here soon. Hurry and get ready.”
Madam Wang had a ruddy expression and a smile hung about her eyes. This was the first time Wang Chong had ever seen his mother so happy.
”Heh, Chong-er, you've grown up. Finally, you're going to be starting your own family. Your big uncle has prepared a gift for you in the hopes that you and Lady Qiqin contribute to our Wang Clan and help us continue to thrive.”
Speaking in his deep and mellow voice, Wang Chong's big uncle Wang Gen stepped forward, stroking his beard and beaming.