Chapter 63
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 63
Chapter Title: Wedding Ceremony
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I felt unbearably awkward in the ornate wedding robe I was wearing for the first time in my life. It was a thousand times more uncomfortable than armor.
Standing at the entrance of the mansion to greet the guests, I had Ding Yuan and Elder Ye Jiang flanking me on either side, both proudly taking on the role of wedding hosts.
"Heh heh, as expected of my son. You look more like a scholar than a general from this angle!"
"Hoh hoh hoh, Bing Province Governor. This child was originally Master Bai Gai's disciple, so of course he carries the air of a scholar."
In the midst of that, the first to arrive was Yang Province Administrator Yang Ang, who had helped prepare this wedding.
"Hahaha! Governor Ye, have you been well? I've heard rumors that you're handling Zhang Jiao quite effectively. My investment in this wedding was well worth it!"
"It's all thanks to your efforts, Administrator."
Following him came Colonel Director Zhu Jun and Hanyang Administrator Kap Hoon.
"Heh heh! It's a joy to see a young hero like you tying the knot. But if you'd told me sooner, I could have invited my friends too. Wasn't this a bit rushed?"
"My apologies, General!"
"General? You're Colonel Director now, so treat me casually."
"How could I dare—"
Zhu Jun laughed heartily and clapped me on the back. Kap Hoon, meanwhile, maintained his usual stern expression.
"Congratulations on the wedding. Family is the foundation of all things, so you must become even more diligent from here on."
"...Hmph, I'll take the Hanyang Administrator's words to heart. However, shouldn't you be managing those two better?"
"Ahem..."
Behind Kap Hoon stood Han Su and Byeon Jang, their heads bowed low like convicted criminals.
I glanced at the two of them once before ignoring them completely.
After that, guests continued to arrive nonstop, and by the time I was done greeting them, I was utterly drained. Finally, the moment I'd been waiting for arrived—the wedding ceremony began.
It's finally starting.
Thinking of Chae Yeom waiting beyond the distant red curtain, I straightened my posture once more, just as Master No Sik had taught me.
The wedding ceremony began.
The most renowned figures under heaven had all gathered, their eyes fixed on me.
Colonel Director Zhu Jun, Minister of Works No Sik, Chief Attendant Ye Jiang, Bing Province Governor Ding Yuan, Yang Province Administrator Yang Ang, Hanyang Administrator Kap Hoon, and even Premier of Ji Province Cao Cao and Liu Bei with his brothers Guan Yu and Zhang Fei visible in the distance, along with Yuan Shu.
They watched with curiosity for what I would show them next. Until now, I had cut down enemies more bravely than anyone on the battlefield, but this was no battlefield.
—This was a place to uphold propriety and ritual.
No Sik, officiating the ceremony, proceeded with a solemn voice, and the hall fell deathly silent.
If I make even the slightest mistake here, the Minister of Works will have my head.
I performed every ritual flawlessly, just as I'd endured No Sik's relentless training for a full week.
The angle of the bow to the ancestors, the steps to receive the bride, the gestures of respect.
I infused every motion with the same precision and dignity as swinging a spear on the battlefield.
"Ho..."
"Not just martial prowess, but ritual etiquette too... Heh heh... I heard the Minister of Works taught him, but to have such talent...!"
The atmosphere in the hall began to shift at my perfect display.
Wei Sok, seated next to Yuan Shu, nudged Cheng Lian's arm and stared at me with an expression that said, Is that really our big brother?
Jeon Pung, who had been watching with a stern face, now stroked his chin and nodded faintly in approval.
Ga Hu hid his mouth behind his fan, not watching my actions but observing the guests' changing expressions, his eyes narrowing in amusement.
"Heh heh, as expected of my son. Not just civil and martial talents, but ritual perfection too!"
Ding Yuan wore a satisfied smile, while Cao Cao tilted his wine cup with intrigued eyes.
Basking in everyone's admiring gazes, the ceremony reached its climax.
"The groom, receive your bride!"
At No Sik's call, I finally approached the red silk curtain.
Chae Yeom is just beyond this now...
A dark silhouette showed through the red silk from behind.
The guests' stares no longer mattered. With trembling hands, I slowly lifted the obstructing red silk.
"Ho..."
Only gasps of admiration escaped.
As the silk lifted, her revealed face was as pure and white as jade.
Beneath thick eyebrows, jet-black eyes trembled with shyness and joy. Her rouge-painted lips resembled ripe cherries, and her cheeks bore a vivid peach-blossom blush.
As our eyes met and sparkled, No Sik presented two wine cups.
"Take the cups and make your vows."
""Yes.""
We each took our cups. Staring straight into Chae Yeom's eyes, I vowed clearly enough for all to hear.
"I, Lu Bu, swear before heaven to take Chae Yeom as my wife and cherish and protect her for life."
"I, Chae Yeom, swear to serve my husband and spend my life together with him."
Chae Yeom responded in a small but clear voice. We emptied our cups in silence.
The boisterous wedding banquet finally ended, and we entered the bridal chamber.
The room, adorned in red silk, was filled with a fragrant aroma. Chae Yeom sat facing me, silently refilling my wine cup.
I can't keep this up forever.
I decided to speak first. If I didn't resolve this, it would nag at me forever.
"Lady... no, my wife, there's... something I need to tell you."
"I already know. Didn't you send me a letter?"
"Even so, I must say it with my own mouth. It was back in Zhang'an—"
As I mentioned 'Qiányǎ', I saw Chae Yeom's expression subtly harden.
I swallowed dryly, thinking, Here it comes. But defying my expectations, Chae Yeom rose from her seat.
She approached me closely and buried her face in my chest.
"...At first, I hated it."
"......"
"When I read the letter... I was so angry... I couldn't sleep for days. I wondered how I'd confront you when we met—"
Chae Yeom lifted her head slightly.
"Jeonghui ranted that 'big brother has already taken a lover' and swore she'd rush to Zhang'an and give you a piece of her mind."
At her candid confession, I gave a wry smile and tried to apologize.
"I'm sorry. Truly... I—"
Before I could finish, Chae Yeom placed her finger gently on my lips.
"Why try to paint me as a jealous woman?"
She looked me straight in the eyes and continued.
"The rites state that a principal wife is but one, and taking concubines does not violate the law. I know you are destined to become a hero who commands the realm."
I had no words in response to Chae Yeom. She nestled deeper into my embrace and went on.
"A hero is followed by many women. But, my lord, can you promise me just one thing? No matter what women surround you, that you will cherish me the most. If you vow that, I swear to you I will never become a jealous wife."
"My wife...!"
I could hold back no longer. I pulled her tightly into my arms and laid her down.
Gazing at Chae Yeom looking up at me with startled eyes from beneath, I spoke low—but with firm resolve.
"I swear... I will cherish and love you above all else."
"...My lord..."
Tears welled in Chae Yeom's eyes at my words.
She reached out and caressed my cheek. Unable to restrain myself at the soft touch, I lowered my head and covered her lips with mine.
Chae Yeom's lips were sweet and soft like a just-ripened peach. I kissed her gently, as if nibbling the flesh, savoring the hidden sweet nectar within.
"Mm... My lord..."
Her murmur leaked between our lips.