“Dad…” The moment the man appeared, Wanqing was momentarily stunned. Meanwhile, Leng Mingye subtly released her hand and turned to the man with a low call. Though he appeared composed, Wanqing still caught a faint blush on his cheeks.
“You rascal, hurry up and help the princess—my rare daughter-in-law—out of the carriage.”
The newcomer was none other than Nangong Haotian. In fact, he had already reunited with Leng Mingye in the palace of the Great Ming Empire these past few days. The resemblance between them was uncanny, as if carved from the same mold. Moreover, Nangong Haotian immediately recognized the only keepsake Leng Mingye’s mother had left him. He then produced another piece—a broken jade pendant that perfectly matched Leng Mingye’s. When Nangong Haotian showed a portrait of his wife, who had left home years ago, it was identical to the one Leng Mingye had seen in his adoptive father’s study in the Ji Palace.
Even if Leng Mingye still harbored doubts, the evidence before him left no room for denial. Of course, they didn’t confront the Ji King directly but instead sent him a letter of severance.
Amused by his son’s bashfulness, Nangong Haotian chuckled and teased him before giving instructions.
“Oh, Qing’er, take it slow. Qing’er, this is Dad…”
Prompted by his father, Leng Mingye snapped out of his daze and, with a shy nod, turned to help the petite figure beside him out of the carriage. Once they were steady, he introduced her to Wanqing.
“Greetings, Uncle Nangong.”
A daughter-in-law must eventually face her in-laws. Though Nangong Haotian seemed amiable and gentle, Wanqing couldn’t help but blush with shyness. She curtsied and greeted him softly.
“Why call me ‘Uncle’? Do you not wish to marry my son? If not, I think Princess Qingyang would be a fine match—petite, charming, and quite suitable for Ye’er…”
Nangong Haotian frowned slightly at Wanqing’s formal address. With a faint smile at his son, he turned to tease her, even praising Wu Qingyang in the process.
“You—Dad, stop joking like this, or Qing’er will get upset too. She’s shy, and you’re being improper. Has Qingyang arrived?”
Seeing the embarrassment on Wanqing’s face due to his father’s teasing, Leng Mingye quickly intervened. Scolding his father lightly, he took Wanqing’s hand and led her inside, asking about Qingyang along the way.
“Yes, as soon as she heard you’d acknowledged me and were getting married, she came with the Ji King to see you. Princess, forgive my earlier rudeness…”
Nangong Haotian nodded cheerfully, recalling their covert actions while treating Feng Liusu. Noticing Wanqing’s lingering blush, he apologized.
“It’s alright. You’re right—we’ll be married soon, so calling you ‘Dad’ is only proper. Let’s go meet them.”
Thinking of her long-unseen brother, the Ji King, and especially Wu Qingyang—whose arrival surprised her—Wanqing smiled softly. Despite everything, Nangong Haotian’s easygoing demeanor put her at ease. Glancing at Leng Mingye, whose eyes brimmed with affection, she linked arms with him and walked inside.
“They’re here, they’re here…”
Following them in, Nangong Haotian trailed behind like an excited child, announcing their arrival to those inside.
“Qing’er, seeing you finally find love and happiness warms my heart as your elder brother. Here’s my gift. I’ve already discussed with the Fengye King and the Daqi King—once your mother recovers and the family reunites, we’ll hold your wedding immediately. Today is the day. Though preparations were rushed, all the necessary rituals are in place. This bridal gown was specially prepared by our father before I left.”
As they entered the grand hall adorned with red silk and festive decorations, Prince Ning stepped forward with a smile. He handed her a box from Qingfeng and signaled Bai Gu and others to present the wedding attire.
“Brother, Qingfeng, you all…”
Overwhelmed by her brother’s words and Qingfeng’s bittersweet yet joyful gaze, Wanqing watched as Honglian accepted the wedding attire. The crowd erupted in applause. Familiar faces surrounded her—not just Prince Ning but also Mu Zhenfeng, Mu Wanxia, and others.
On this rare occasion, receiving such heartfelt blessings moved Wanqing to tears. She struggled to speak, her voice choked with emotion.
When Leng Mingye had proposed, she’d wondered where their wedding would take place and whether they could invite these cherished people. Now, they were all here.
“Silly girl, today is your and Mingye’s joyous day. We’ve decided: you’ll marry here today, and in three days, you’ll travel to the Bo Kingdom for another ceremony to honor his ancestors. Afterward, you’ll return to Great Ming to announce your union to the court. As for where you’ll live, that’s entirely up to you. Qing’er, what do you say? My daughter, I’ve only just met you, and now you’re getting married.”
Feng Liusu, freshly awakened and changed into new robes, took Wanqing’s hand soothingly. Her eyes welled up as she spoke of the wedding arrangements and the bittersweetness of her daughter’s impending marriage.
“Sister, don’t be sad. I’m sure Mingye will treat Qing’er well. Whenever you miss them, you can visit or have them return. Right, everyone?”
Noticing the melancholy on his sister’s face—and mirrored by Wanqing, their parents, and others—Feng Moli, though equally reluctant, found solace in the rare peace their union had brought to the three kingdoms. He comforted his sister before turning to the others for agreement.
“Indeed, no matter where they choose to live, we can always visit. And I’m certain they won’t forget us. Princess Qingya, I admit I was once jealous of you—Ye’er was always my cherished one. But after all we’ve been through, I’ve come to realize that only you can truly make him happy and stand as his equal. Your generosity, resilience, and remarkable spirit are qualities I lack. I concede defeat wholeheartedly. My only wish is for you and Ye’er to love and cherish each other, growing old together. Here’s a pillowcase I embroidered upon learning of his true lineage. It’s my first attempt at needlework—I hope you don’t mind its simplicity.”
As Feng Moli finished speaking, a voice chimed in agreement. From the crowd emerged Wu Qingyang, resplendent in formal attire. Approaching Wanqing, she spoke earnestly before presenting a beautifully wrapped box.
“Thank you, everyone. Thank you for your support and blessings. We will surely be happy and live up to your expectations.”
Amid the cheers and well-wishes, Wanqing and Leng Mingye accepted gifts from the guests, their eyes brimming with gratitude as they thanked each one.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage