On a major road, a procession of carriages and horses advanced in a winding line.
A strong wind blew, lifting the flag in the center that bore the character “Xie.” Dozens of knights surrounded it, all clad in full-body armor. Their steeds were tall and mighty, of a single uniform color, moving in a coordinated manner, as if leading an army of thousands.
Each of these cavalrymen possessed martial arts skills, all having reached at least the level of physical mastery of the internal force, with a few among them being grandmasters. Their horses were the famed “Sweat-Blooded Horses,” capable of galloping a thousand miles during the day and eight hundred at night with ease.
Even just these dozens of riders would be difficult for an average noble family to assemble.
The carriages were made of high-quality agarwood, appearing plain from the outside but exuding a refreshing fragrance inside. The interior was elegantly arranged, with a brazier burning musk incense, which, together with the aromatic wood, helped purify the body, prolong life, and enhance well-being.
Beside the musk incense on a small table lay a stack of letters filled with dense intelligence reports. A jade-like hand rested on the first line, where the name “Wu Ming” was written, as a voice solemnly remarked, “The Wu siblings are unfathomably deep!”
If Wu Ming had been present, he would have seen that his name, ancestral home, and even most of his life events from childhood were recorded in detail. Some ink was still fresh, clearly added recently.
Once a massive organizational machine starts operating, it can penetrate everywhere.
“I think it’s nothing special,” a young man said, picking up the report and glancing through it with a sneer. “Wu Ming is a scoundrel, practically a spoiled brat. If he were born into our Xie family, he would have been punished to death long ago! As for his sister Wu Qing, she’s young but already a cultivator of the Dao, possessing the Phoenix’s grace. Her future prospects are limitless!”
“Little brother, don’t underestimate this person. If he didn’t have real abilities, how could he have convinced Lady Wu to marry him?”
The woman spoke with a dreamy expression in her eyes.
“You really admire Wu Zhi, sister?” the young man asked.
“Not admire, but revere. She dares to do what we women usually cannot. Wu Zhi truly proves that women can be as capable as men, setting a great example for us women across the land. I bet many other women share my thoughts,” she replied with a smile.
“Just say such things to me, or you might get punished by the family elders. Don’t you remember how angry my fifth uncle was after hearing this report? He ranted for days, calling it a violation of natural order,” the young man yawned. “But in my opinion, Wu Ming is just lucky. Wu Zhi rose from the Southern Phoenix and needed to protect her family’s legacy, so she couldn’t marry into a major clan. She probably just randomly chose a talented but low-born man.”
Given Wu Zhi’s current status, it was indeed impossible for her to marry into another powerful family, as that would mean surrendering her hard-earned position.
“You’re wrong!” the woman countered. “If that were the case, he should have been taken in as a son-in-law. Why would she go through the trouble of marrying him formally? Underestimating him might lead to serious consequences.”
“Alright, alright!” the young man leaned back. “I won’t argue with you. Anyway, aren’t we going to offer our congratulations? That will give us a chance to take a closer look. Actually, those uncles and elders are worrying for nothing. The Xie family of Luoshui is famous across the land. Even if chaos erupts and a new dynasty arises, the rulers will need to appease people like us.”
“Your perspective pales in comparison to my two cousins, unfortunately. Alas, heaven envies talent. If they were still alive and heard about Lady Wu’s achievements, they would surely be thrilled and eager to challenge her.”
As she spoke, a shadow of sadness passed over her face.
The Luoshui Xie family—this was none other than the famous Daoist clan known throughout the land, the birthplace of Xie Xiaoyu and Xie Xiaodi!
Of course, these complex connections were unknown to this sibling pair, and Wu Ming certainly had no intention of enlightening them.
…
In the fifth year of the Peaceful Reign, on the fifth day of the twelfth month, it was an auspicious day suitable for travel and marriage.
Days earlier, the entire Chufeng Prefecture had become bustling with traffic and overflowing with people from all directions coming to attend the wedding.
Fortunately, with capable generals like Wu Tiehu and Chen Jingzong maintaining order and Zeng Yu managing all internal and external affairs, everything was handled smoothly without any mishaps.
Since everyone knew each other well, many formalities were omitted. Following Wu Ming and Wu Zhi’s wishes, everything was kept simple.
According to ancient customs, the formal procedures of betrothal, inquiry of names, auspicious confirmation, dowry presentation, and setting the wedding date were all completed one by one, and finally, the wedding day arrived.
“Hmm, excellent! My little brother has finally grown up!”
Wu Qing personally helped Wu Ming adjust his wedding attire, her eyes slightly moist.
“Sister… I’m off now!”
Once all the ceremonial arrangements were completed and the auspicious hour arrived, Wu Ming stepped outside, mounted a white horse, and the wedding procession began its journey toward the city.
The bride’s family naturally resided in the Governor’s Mansion within Chufeng Prefecture. As Wu Ming rode on horseback, he couldn’t help but internally comment, “Never thought I’d become a prince on a white horse today… This ancient marriage custom is truly troublesome…”
However, he understood that these rituals were for public display. Regardless of other factors, the main purpose was to make the marriage widely known.
Moreover, the more elaborate the procedures, the more solemn the occasion appeared, thereby increasing the cost of any future regrets.
“A lot of rats have been dealt with, and today, thankfully, none dared to pop up…”
Looking around, Wu Ming wore a satisfied smile.
Given the importance of the young master’s wedding, Wu Tiehu naturally did his utmost. Even if Wu Ming himself wasn’t worried, Wu Zhi feared embarrassment and had secretly dispatched personnel to ensure everything proceeded smoothly.
“Welcome the newlyweds!”
Upon reaching the Governor’s Mansion, Wu Zhi emerged slowly, supported by several elderly women. Surrounding her were the valiant female soldiers of the Fire Phoenix Battalion, exuding solemnity and majesty.
She wore not the traditional phoenix crown and red wedding attire but the same dark-colored ceremonial robe as Wu Ming, its black hue accented with red, symbolizing the heavens and earth, sacredness, and peace.
Though veiled, her grace still captivated the onlookers.
Wu Ming stepped forward to greet the bride and joined the procession.
After three celebratory gunshots, the procession, accompanied by the personal guards, returned along the route. By the time they reached Wu’s Fortress, it was already dusk—the auspicious hour.
At this time, all the guests had gathered, and the singing of young boys and girls began.
“Peach trees bloom, their blossoms radiant. This daughter weds, bringing harmony to her household.”
In a solemn and dignified atmosphere, the newlyweds performed their ceremonial bows. They were then escorted to the central table, where a roasted lamb and two cups of wine awaited.
Wu Ming and Wu Zhi sat facing each other, shared the sacrificial meat, and offered wine from the same cup.
As recorded in the “Book of Rites – The Meaning of Marriage”: “They eat from the same sacrificial meat and drink from the same cup, symbolizing their unity and equality, expressing their affection for each other.”
This ancient ritual was witnessed solemnly by all the guests. Anyone who looked around or spoke loudly would be considered impolite—lightly reprimanded and escorted out, or more seriously, provoke enmity.
After the simple ceremony, the newlyweds were escorted to their bridal chamber.
“My lord…”
Under the lamplight, Wu Ming lifted Wu Zhi’s veil, revealing her usually valiant face now tinged with shyness, prompting a smile from him.
Yet, in his heart, he sighed.
During the ancient ceremony, the unity of husband and wife symbolized a shared destiny.
However, with his divine sight, Wu Ming could clearly see that Wu Zhi’s fortune was quite receptive to him. Unfortunately, his own fortune was sealed by the Su Hou Pearl, preventing their fates from truly merging, thus not fully fulfilling the ancient rite.
Although they were now married, Wu Ming still harbored too many secrets to share with Wu Zhi.
But who was Wu Ming? Adapting to circumstances and unburdened by emotions, he instantly dispelled all stray thoughts, his eyes reflecting the innocence and boundless affection of a lover: “E Xu, you’re truly beautiful today!”
“Your humble servant’s appearance is plain. I beg you to cherish me,” Wu Zhi replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
The candlelight was extinguished, and the night passed in silence…
…
“Her hair adorned with flowers, her steps gentle with golden pendants, she spends a warm spring night in a lotus canopy. The spring night is short, the sun rises high, from now on, the emperor neglects his morning court…”
The next morning, the Fire Phoenix Battalion’s personal guards entered to assist the newlyweds with their morning ablutions.
Wu Ming stretched lazily and sighed contentedly.
“You have no shame, comparing yourself to an emperor?” Wu Zhi, supported by her maids, her beauty enhanced by her recent intimacy, replied with a blush.
“Not at all… I’m just lamenting how fleeting the spring night is and how quickly good times pass…”
Wu Ming shook his head, and Wu Zhi’s face flushed even more.
As the governor commanding two prefectures, she couldn’t afford to be absent even a single day. She murmured, “It’s my fault…”
Glancing at the maids beside her, she blushed further and said softly, “If my lord feels lonely, you may take any of them. They’ve followed me for years and have long decided to devote their lives to you…”
“Now that we’re newlyweds, let’s talk about such matters later!” Wu Ming picked up a brow pencil and gently drew Wu Zhi’s eyebrows, smiling. “I’m just afraid that my future cultivation might leave you a bit neglected…”
“Love stronger than gold, the path of cultivation unforgettable…”
Holding Wu Ming’s hand, they both pursued the Dao. Wu Ming sought individual transcendence, while Wu Zhi aspired to uplift the entire world. Though their paths differed, they understood each other more deeply, feeling even closer.
“After you pay respects to the ancestors and meet my sister, it’s time to attend to serious matters…”
After breakfast, Wu Ming’s expression turned serious. “This marriage was once sabotaged by the Duke of Ding, who sent people to interfere. They’ve been captured!”
“That scoundrel never learns. One day, I’ll lead an army to settle this!” Wu Zhi sneered coldly, reverting to her former decisiveness.
“There are also many guests to attend to. We’ll need to handle them one by one. Even if we split the tasks, it might take several days. Fortunately, after the wedding, I won’t interfere anymore. All these matters will be left to you, my dear E Xu!”
Wu Ming laughed heartily.
…
“Master, Lady Xie requests an audience!”
A few days later, Wu Ming, clad in a plain robe, was taking a brief respite from his busy schedule to read a Daoist scripture when the butler came to report.
“Miss Xie? Xie Ling’er? Let me calculate the timing… She should have arrived. Please show her in!”
A faint smile appeared on Wu Ming’s lips.
This Xie family had quite a connection with him, though it seemed mostly fated misfortune. The two pearls of the Xie family had perished in his two missions, leaving a deep impression.
Without this karmic link, he wouldn’t have bothered meeting this envoy.
“Your humble servant, Xie Ling’er, pays respects to Master Wu!”
Not long after, a woman with skin like smooth jade, wearing a flowing palace gown, entered gracefully and bowed respectfully. “I apologize for the intrusion, Master Wu!”
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