Slender willows sway in the breeze

Chapter 223 Marriage
Seeing the hint of fear flash in Liu Sijun's eyes, Gu Changzhou felt a pang of heartache.

He gently embraced Liu Sijun and said softly, "Jun'er, I understand your worries, but I assure you that after we get married, you will still be the free and unrestrained Liu Sijun."

I will not restrict you, nor will I let trivial matters disturb your peace of mind.

We can travel the world together, see all its beautiful sights, and face all challenges together.

Liu Sijun leaned against Gu Changzhou's chest, listening to his steady heartbeat, and the unease in her heart gradually dissipated.

She raised her head slightly, looked into Gu Changzhou's eyes, and said earnestly, "Changzhou, I know you're good to me, but I'm really scared. I'm scared that everything will change after we get married. I don't want to lose this freedom I have now, and I don't want to lose you either."

Gu Changzhou smiled gently, reached out and lightly brushed a strand of hair from Liu Sijun's forehead, and said, "Jun'er, you won't lose me, nor will you lose your freedom. Marriage is just a formality; it will only make our relationship closer. We can set rules together and protect this relationship together. Besides, with me here, I will handle all the trivial matters and won't let them affect you."

Liu Sijun was moved by Gu Changzhou's words, and her defenses gradually crumbled.

She bit her lip and said softly, "Alright, I promise you. But our wedding can't be too complicated; let's keep it simple."

A look of surprise flashed in Gu Changzhou's eyes. He nodded vigorously and said, "Okay, I'll do whatever you say. As long as I can marry you, I'll do anything."

Li Qing, who was listening to their conversation, smiled happily.

He ran over, grabbed Liu Sijun's hand, and said, "Sister, this is wonderful! I'll have a brother-in-law now. I believe he will treat you well."

Xie Yunzhou nodded slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips: "Congratulations to Miss Liu and General Gu. May you two live in harmony and grow old together."

Looking at everyone, Liu Sijun felt a surge of warmth in her heart.

She knew she had made the right decision.

In the days that followed, Gu Changzhou began preparing for the wedding.

He followed Liu Sijun's request to keep everything simple, yet it was still warm and welcoming.

When the people of Laiyang County learned that Liu Sijun and Gu Changzhou were getting married, they spontaneously came to help and offer their blessings.

Sects and families such as Yougu Palace, Yaohua Palace, and the Chu family also sent congratulatory gifts to celebrate their marriage.

As Liu Sijun's mentor, Song Hongyuan personally came to officiate the wedding.

The wedding day finally arrived amidst everyone's anticipation, and Laiyang County was swept away from its usual gloom, enveloped in a festive atmosphere.

Red ribbons were hung everywhere in the streets and alleys, and a faint fragrance of flowers filled the air.

Early in the morning, Liu Sijun dressed up, accompanied by Li Qing and several female disciples from Yougu Palace.

Li Qing looked at her sister in a simple yet elegant white wedding dress, her eyes glistening with tears of emotion.

"Sister, you are so beautiful, just like a fairy from heaven."

He spoke softly, carefully placing an exquisite hairpin on Liu Sijun's head—a gift he had specially prepared for this day.

Looking at himself in the bronze mirror, Liu Sijun felt both nervous and expectant.

She took a deep breath, and Gu Changzhou's gentle smile appeared in her mind, instantly dispelling her unease.

Meanwhile, surrounded by soldiers of the Molin Army, Gu Changzhou, dressed in a black outfit, looked dashing and heroic.

A happy smile spread across his face, and his eyes revealed his anticipation for the upcoming wedding. He carefully straightened his clothes, making sure everything was perfect.

The auspicious hour had arrived, and Liu Sijun, supported by Li Qing, slowly walked out of the room. Her steps were light yet firm, each one seemingly treading on a cloud of happiness.

When she appeared before the crowd, the entire venue fell silent, followed by a burst of enthusiastic applause and cheers.

Gu Changzhou stood in front, his gaze fixed on Liu Sijun, his eyes filled with love.

When Liu Sijun walked up to him, he reached out and gently took her hand in his, a hand that was warm and strong.

Song Hongyuan, dressed in a plain-colored robe, solemnly stepped forward and stood between the two. He looked at Liu Sijun and Gu Changzhou with a gratified smile on his face.

"Today, as Si Jun's mentor, I am deeply honored to officiate the wedding of this perfect couple."

His voice was steady and powerful, echoing throughout the venue.

"Liu Sijun, Gu Changzhou, today you two are united in marriage. May you support each other, never abandon each other, share joys and sorrows, and weather the storms together," Song Hongyuan said. "Now, please exchange tokens of your love."

Gu Changzhou took out an exquisite jade pendant from his pocket. The pendant was carved with a phoenix spreading its wings and a giant dragon soaring through the sky, symbolizing that their love was as beautiful as the auspicious pairing of dragon and phoenix.

He gently hung the jade pendant around Liu Sijun's neck and said affectionately, "Jun'er, this jade pendant represents my heart. May it protect you and accompany you throughout your life."

Tears welled in Liu Sijun's eyes as she took out a small dagger from her sleeve, the hilt of which was inlaid with a dazzling gem.

"Changzhou, this dagger was crafted by my own hand. I hope it will be of assistance to you when you encounter danger."

She handed the dagger to Gu Changzhou, looking at him with unwavering eyes.

Gu Changzhou took the dagger and carefully put it in his pocket. Then the two stood facing each other, their hands clasped tightly.

"Now, I announce that Liu Sijun and Gu Changzhou are officially married. May your love be as eternal as the mountains and rivers of Laiyang County, and may your life be as splendid as the spring flowers."

Song Hongyuan said loudly.

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire audience erupted in enthusiastic applause and cheers once again.

Liu Sijun and Gu Changzhou looked at each other and smiled, their eyes filled with happiness.

They turned to face the crowd and bowed deeply to all those who had come to offer their blessings, expressing their gratitude.

At this moment, the cranes of Yaohua Palace circled in the air, emitting melodious calls, as if they were also sending blessings to the newlyweds.

The disciples of Yougu Palace unleashed their spells, creating dazzling light and shadow effects in the air, as brilliant as fireworks.

The Chu family's sword formation was also on display, with sword shadows crisscrossing and a magnificent presence, adding a unique charm to the wedding.

The people of Laiyang County flocked forward, presenting flowers and gifts to Liu Sijun and Gu Changzhou, wishing them a happy marriage and a long and harmonious life together.

Liu Sijun and Gu Changzhou accepted everyone's blessings with smiles, their hearts filled with emotion.

After the wedding, Liu Sijun and Gu Changzhou entered their new home surrounded by everyone.

The room was decorated in a warm and romantic style, with flickering candlelight and a faint fragrance.