Seo Jun's First Wedding (1)
Seo Jun and He Jin were discussing how to handle the prize money they had received when two figures—an elder and a youth—approached them. They were none other than No Sik and No Yuk.
“Grand General, would you do me the honor of formally introducing the White Dragon Duke to my son and myself? If I had known who he was when I greeted you earlier, I would have paid my respects much sooner. It is quite regrettable.”
“Haha~ Master Jagang, the atmosphere simply wasn’t suited for introductions at the time, wouldn’t you agree?”
While He Jin and No Sik conversed, No Yuk stepped closer to Seo Jun.
“White Dragon Duke, I am No Yuk of the No clan. This is my first time greeting you.”
“Ah, pleased to meet you. I am Seo Jun of the Seo clan, styled the White Dragon.”
Seo Jun found the boy’s bright, sparkling eyes adorable as he looked up at him, so he returned the greeting warmly and gently patted his head.
“How did you become so skilled in martial arts?”
No Yuk’s eyes never left Seo Jun’s face as he waited intently for an answer, clearly still awed by the display he had witnessed inside the Chrysanthemum Gate.
“Strengthen your body, steady your mind, and refine your techniques. There is no other way but to keep polishing these three things.”
In truth, Seo Jun had honed his skills through long years of experience. While there was also the path of acquiring skills as he himself had, the chances of No Yuk obtaining any were nonexistent.
“White Dragon Duke, I would be grateful if you could spare some time to share a meal with Yuk someday.”
“Of course, Master Jagang. Whenever you find a suitable time, please send word. I will gladly make every effort to accommodate you.”
Seo Jun already held No Sik in high regard from what he knew beforehand, and the man’s current demeanor only strengthened that favorable impression. He responded to the request with genuine goodwill.
No Sik had watched how deeply No Yuk had been impressed by Seo Jun during the matches and strongly wished for their good relationship to continue.
Thus concluded Jeong Hyeon’s lavish sixtieth birthday celebration, an event that not only spread Seo Jun’s name among the common folk of Luoyang but also brought him to the attention of scholars, powerful clans, and officials alike. Though Seo Jun himself had yet to realize it, the number of people in Luoyang eager to claim him as one of their own was steadily growing.
Seo Jun paced anxiously around the room, his expression tense.
“Haa…”
His heart pounded so violently it felt as though it might burst from his chest. It had been a long time since he had felt this nervous, with sweat trickling down his back.
“My lord~ It is time for you to go out.”
He had never imagined a wedding could be this terrifying and nerve-wracking. Only now, on the actual day, did Seo Jun truly understand the difference between simply living together with Seol Ryeon and Yi Hyeon after their hearts had aligned and holding a formal ceremony recognized by everyone.
There was fear and worry, yet also a great sense of anticipation at the thought of gaining a new family acknowledged by the world. Drawing a deep breath to calm his racing heart, Seo Jun opened the door and stepped toward the ceremony hall.
The wedding had grown far larger than he had initially expected. Numerous guests with whom he had recently formed connections filled the venue. Many of them had attended after witnessing his victory at the birthday celebration’s matches, hoping to at least make their presence known to him.
He Jin, his closest acquaintance, attended with his second wife, Ju Ran. He Ham and Yun Hye were also present, along with the Oh clan, including Oh Gwang and Oh Eui. Gyeon Eom, Jin Eon, No Sik and No Yuk, Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu, Cao Cao, Sun Yu, and Hwa Heum had all come to grace the occasion and offer their congratulations.
Jin Eon, waiting in the garden where the ceremony would take place, turned to Gyeon Eom.
“Husband, shouldn’t we hurry and arrange the young ladies’ weddings as well?”
“Wife, what do you mean by that? Why must we rush their weddings?”
Gyeon Eom still looked unwell from his recent illness; dark circles lingered beneath his eyes, and his skin appeared rougher than before.
“Look at the people gathered here. As Lord Seo’s fame rises, more and more are coming in hopes of forging a connection with him. If we delay any longer, I fear there may no longer be a place for the young ladies.”
Jin Eon was clearly worried about Gyeon Gang and Gyeon Tal, yet she could not understand why her own heart felt so heavy.
“Indeed. In this atmosphere, those seeking the White Dragon will only multiply, and competition for a place at his side will grow fiercer. As you say, I should send word to the main house at once and press the matter.”
While Gyeon Eom and Jin Eon voiced their concerns over Seo Jun’s changed status, Seo Jun himself walked slowly down the red-decorated path toward the garden where the ceremony awaited.
Seol Ryeon and Yi Hyeon, who had decided not to appear at the ceremony itself, stood at the end of the passage leading into the garden, waiting for him.
“Husband, congratulations on your wedding.”
“Congratulations.”
Though it was a joyous occasion, their eyes were moist. Their expressions held a tangle of emotions—pride in watching Seo Jun grow, regret that they could not stand beside him, and guilt at being unable to feel purely happy.
“Sniff~ Hehe~ Husband, go and have a good ceremony.”
Yi Hyeon finally burst into tears, forcing a smile as she gave Seo Jun a gentle push toward the garden.
“Then I’ll be off.”
Understanding their feelings, Seo Jun simply nodded without further words and resumed walking.
The ceremony passed in a blur, so hectic that Seo Jun could scarcely remember any of it afterward. Though he had lived a long life, this was something he had never experienced even in his previous existence, and every moment kept him on edge.
“The bride is beautiful!”
“A heavenly groom and bride have appeared!!”
When Seo Jun and Wang Yi appeared in the garden ceremony hall, gasps of admiration rose from the guests. Even with her face veiled, some loudly praised the bride’s beauty, as though they possessed the ability to see through the fabric.
Seo Jun watched as Wang Yi, dressed in a splendid red wedding robe, approached with light steps, her face hidden behind a red veil. Though he could not see her features clearly, the faint outline visible through the veil was enough to stir him.
“…”
When she noticed him standing there, she lifted her head slightly and offered a soft smile from behind the veil. For a moment, Seo Jun’s breath caught.
Seo Jun and Wang Yi gently took each other’s hands. Together they walked the red path to the altar and stood facing one another.
“Bow to Heaven and Earth!”
At the officiant’s command, they bowed toward the sky before returning to their places.
“Bow to the Buddha!”
The next step would normally involve bowing to the parents of both families, but since neither side’s parents were present, that part was omitted. Instead, they proceeded directly to bowing to each other.
Both Seo Jun and Wang Yi moved as instructed in a dazed, nervous state, and before they knew it, the ceremony was over. Thus ended Seo Jun’s first wedding, celebrated under the blessings of many.
As night fell, the long-awaited wedding night arrived. Though they had already spent their first night together in passion upon their initial meeting, this was their first night as an officially recognized couple.
Calming his trembling heart, Seo Jun arrived before the bridal chamber.
“Wife~ I’m coming in.”
“Yes~”
After a brief silence, her reply came.
“Huu~”
Seo Jun exhaled deeply, steadying his excited breathing, then opened the door.
“Husband, welcome.”
The bridal chamber was brightly adorned in red. Wang Yi sat demurely on the bed, still wearing her veil.
Seo Jun approached slowly and sat beside her. His hand moved gently to her face, carefully removing the ornamental hairpiece and the veil that covered it.
Large eyes, a straight nose, full lips, and a slender face—her beauty remained unchanged no matter how many times he saw it.
“My wife is as beautiful as ever.”
“Thank you, husband.”
“I’m sorry for making you wait so long, and for the hardships you endured to come here. From now on, I’ll do my best to be a husband who always loves Jo-yeon and makes you proud.”
At Seo Jun’s vow, Wang Yi looked up at him with slightly moist eyes. On a small table beside the bed sat two cups of wine.
“Shall we drink?”
“Yes, husband.”
They lifted the cups, linked arms, and drank the union wine in the manner of a love shot. The wine symbolized the drink shared by bride and groom before retiring to bed.
After emptying their cups in one go and setting them down, their faces drew closer. With a soft kiss, they embraced and tumbled sideways onto the bed.
As Seo Jun’s hands moved, Wang Yi’s clothing fell away piece by piece, gradually revealing her bare form.
“I’ll keep making you happy from now on.”
Wang Yi had given up everything she possessed to come to him. Seo Jun felt immense gratitude toward her for that, and with it came a profound sense of responsibility.