Misty Rain of the Old Times

As night fell, the day, filled with running around and busy work, came to an end. But this did not mean the end of Chen Xuan and his companions' day; rather, it was just beginning.

After bringing He Hongyi and Deng Lingfeng over, the first thing to do was to arrange accommodation for them. This was very simple. Whether it was the mansion where Chen Xuan had not yet moved in or the Gao family's place, there were plenty of rooms available. Even if ten times the number of people came, they could easily find a place to stay.

It was already dark when they were all settled. Since it was a rare occasion for them to get together, they naturally wanted to have a good time and drink to their hearts' content. Mr. and Mrs. Gao, Mr. Yushan, and other elders were also present.

This isn't a formal wedding banquet; it's more like a family dinner. There aren't many formalities; just do whatever makes you happy.

A large round table was set up in the courtyard. Apart from the servants, everyone Chen Xuan had invited sat in a circle. There were fewer than twenty people, and there were still empty seats.

Chen Xuan didn't know where Steward He got this table from; he didn't remember having such a table in his own residence. It was already covered with food and wine, a whole table full.

Arriving here in the afternoon, after a short rest, Steward He had already taken on the overall management of Chen Xuan's wedding. Having experience in organizing Gao Jingming's wedding, he quickly got the hang of it and began directing the servants to get busy, managing everything in an orderly manner.

Of course, the guests who come to offer their congratulations will have to wait two more days before they arrive; the real busy period is yet to come.

Chen Xuan, the emcee for the wedding day, plans to invite Mr. Yushan to host the ceremony. His seniority and knowledge are more than enough to qualify him, but the arrangements haven't been finalized yet. He believes Mr. Yushan will not refuse.

Chen Xuan was clear about his gratitude and grievances. No matter what, it was Mr. Yushan who helped him avenge the abduction he suffered as a child. He had also studied under Mr. Yushan and Gao Jingming for many years. In contrast, Mr. Yushan had been suppressed in his youth, ruining his chance to take the imperial examinations. He was now stuck in the countryside teaching with a disability. Chen Xuan invited Mr. Yushan to officiate his wedding, which was a way of repaying his kindness.

Just imagine, having him help officiate the wedding of Chen Xuan and Princess Fuyao would be a highlight of his life, no less than slapping the faces of those who had suppressed and ruined his future. In this way, his pent-up feelings of many years could finally be released.

Unfortunately, he was crippled in both legs and would never have the chance to enter officialdom again. But in a way, he taught Chen Xuan and Gao Jingming, two outstanding students, one a scholar and the other a warrior. Who can say what fate has in store?

The meal on the table was not prepared by a chef hired from outside, but was the result of the hard work of Madam Gao, Lü Qingrong, and Su Roujia.

Mr. Gao spent the whole afternoon making arrangements, only managing to finalize a few restaurants; he wouldn't actually arrive until the next day.

After everyone had taken their seats, Chen Xuan stood up and sincerely said, "Master, Madam, Young Master, Sir, and Lin Zi, I, Chen Xuan, have no one to rely on in this world. I will depend on your help in the next few days."

"What are you saying, child? We're family, who else would we side with if not you? If you keep saying that, I'll get angry," Madam Gao scolded directly. She had watched Chen Xuan grow up since he was a child, like half of her own. Now he was about to start his own family. Time really flies.

Gao Jingming frowned and said, "Ah Xuan, you're being too polite."

“That’s right, that’s right. Which of us brothers will follow me? Putting everything else aside, just call me if you need anything. I have plenty of strength, so feel free to work like a horse for me,” the tall and burly Deng Lingfeng patted his chest and chimed in.

Even a beggar has three friends. Although Chen Xuan has no relatives or friends in this world, he has made a group of people who are sincere to him over the years. Even though they are separated more often after growing up, the affection he has cultivated since childhood will not fade with time.

With a smile, Chen Xuan said, "Without further ado, the next few days will be busy. Let's all enjoy ourselves to the fullest today. If there's anything lacking in our hospitality, I hope you elders and brothers will forgive us. I'll drink to that in advance."

As he spoke, he picked up the wine bowl, tilted his head back, and drank it all in one gulp.

"Ah Xuan, if you're craving something, just say so. You want to eat it all by yourself, huh? You didn't even wait for us," Tian Xueyu said with a smile as he stood up. He, who was originally a bit thin and relatively shy, had now become more open.

Deng Lingfeng, holding up his wine bowl, said, "Uncle, Aunt, Sir, Miss He, Brother Luo, Jingming, and Linzi, it's a rare occasion for us to get together on Ah Xuan's wedding day. How about we all raise a glass and drink together?"

He Hongyi, Luo Erdan, and Chen Xuan had already been introduced, and Deng Lingfeng did not leave them out when he made the suggestion.

With their elders present, the brothers were relatively restrained and didn't act too recklessly.

These were all children he had watched grow up. Old Master Gao raised his glass and smiled, "Just be happy, don't worry too much about us elders."

“You are all good children. I am satisfied to see you all succeed now,” Mr. Yushan said with a smile, raising his glass. He did not show any of his usual dignified demeanor and even seemed to be getting along well with everyone.

"Everything is understood without words, let's drink together," Gao Jingming said, rising to raise his glass with both hands.

"Drinking together"

The group raised their glasses together, but most of the women opted for tea instead.

This was He Hongyi's first time interacting with them, but she wasn't reserved at all. After all, she was a person from the martial arts world and had experienced all kinds of situations. She thought to herself that these were the people Ah Xuan cared about, so she had to leave a good impression on them.

Luo Erdan was much more reserved. He wasn't good with words to begin with, so he just smiled and did whatever everyone else did.

After everyone had a drink, Chen Xuan said, "Please sit down, everyone. This is one of the few times I've had a single day like this, so let's all drink to our hearts' content today. In the future, we won't be able to do as we please as we do now."

"Xiao Xuan, it'll be good if you have a wife to keep you in check in the future. Look at what you've become these past few years, you've become as lazy as a pig," Madam Gao teased from the side.

Her words caused everyone to burst into laughter, even He Hongyi couldn't help but chuckle. Unfortunately, in this lighthearted and cheerful atmosphere, she was currently just an outsider, and it was unknown whether she would have the honor of becoming Chen Xuan's wife in the future.

After a few rounds of drinks, Chen Xuan didn't forget his business. Taking advantage of a break, he stood up, raised his cup with both hands, and said to Mr. Yushan, "Sir, I am not very talented, but I have received much kindness from you over the years and have not been able to repay you much. However, there is something I would like to humbly trouble you with. If you do not agree, I will go to your yard and steal some flowers later."

Upon hearing this, many people present were quite surprised. What was going on? How dare Chen Xuan 'threaten' the Master like this? You must know that the Master cherished the flowers he planted as if they were his lifeblood.

Taken aback by this sudden turn of events, Mr. Yushan chuckled and said, "No, no, no, Ah Xuan, please don't go and ruin my flowers and plants. As long as you don't mind this old man, just say what you need."

At this moment, Gao Jingming whispered to them about embarrassing things that happened when he was a child, saying, "I remember in my second year at Yushan Academy, the master assigned too much homework. I was so frustrated with writing that I took it out on the flowers and plants in the yard. As a result, the master hit my palms and made me stand for an hour. Ah Xuan and I were in the same boat. We were just like brothers in misfortune."

The fact that the two had such a childhood experience caused everyone to burst into laughter. Chen Xuan raised his glass with both hands and said earnestly, "Sir, I humbly request that you help officiate the wedding. I hope you will grant my request."

He bowed deeply and didn't get up, adding a threatening remark: "If you don't agree, I'll go and clear out all the flowers and plants in your yard. You won't be able to stop me." Deng Lingfeng and the others were speechless. They thought it was something serious, as if they were asking the master to go through fire and water for them.

Mr. Yushan was once a candidate for the highest honors in the imperial examinations, so how could he not understand Chen Xuan's intention upon hearing his words? His heart warmed, and his expression was moved. After a slight hesitation, he smiled and said, "If Xiao Xuan is not worried about embarrassing you with my disabled body, then I humbly accept."

"Thank you so much for your help, sir. I am deeply grateful," Chen Xuan said with a beaming smile, and the matter was settled just like that.

The most important thing for officiating Chen Xuan's wedding is to say a few polite words during the ceremony, but is that something anyone is qualified to do?

Mr. and Mrs. Gao exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with the joy of seeing their child grow up. They were well aware of Chen Xuan's intentions.

The child is now repaying the kindness shown to him in his childhood in a subtle way.

After this was settled, Chen Xuan looked at Madam Gao and said, "Madam, I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you in a couple of days."

“You child, why are you being so polite among family? Just speak frankly,” Madam Gao said, shaking her head.

So Chen Xuan said, "On my wedding day, I would like to trouble you, Madam, to help me lift Qianning into the bridal sedan chair. Thank you."

Chen Xuan has communicated with the people from the Ministry of Rites about this matter, and it has been finalized. It's just that they are only now formally implementing it with Madam Gao.

There are quite a few rules for leading the bride into the bridal sedan chair. Firstly, as an elder, Madam Gao is impeccable in terms of etiquette. Secondly, she has both a son and a daughter, which is also a good omen.

“I don’t think it’s anything. Even if you don’t say it, Xiao Xuan, I will take the time to bring it up with you. Don’t worry, leave this to me,” Madam Gao said happily, agreeing without hesitation.

This is what a real family looks like. What would it be like to ask an outsider to lead the bride?

"Ah Xuan, Master and Mother are both busy with their own things, so we can't just sit around doing nothing," Gao Jingming teased from the side.

Zhou Lin added, "That's right, we'd feel really bad if we just ate and drank for free for a few days."

To this, Chen Xuan gave him a look that said, "You guys are dreaming." He replied, "What are you thinking, brothers? None of you are going to be idle. In a couple of days, all of you dress nicely and greet the guests at the door."

"Haha, leave it to us. We guarantee we won't neglect your guests, Ah Xuan," Luo Taiyun said, patting his chest as his fat body jiggled.

Chen Xuan wouldn't let them be idle. Besides conscripting men, he also had the intention of letting them show off. Although he didn't know what guests would come, just having them stand at the door would give them some face wherever they went in the future. There was no need to say it out loud; whether they understood it or not was up to them.

Then Chen Xuan said seriously, "And also, brothers, remember this: I'm counting on you guys to handle the wedding procession, especially the young master, the top scholar. You'd better stand up for yourself. Last time I helped you pick up the young mistress, this time it's your turn to help me."

Weddings are always held in the afternoon. The groom doesn't go to pick up the bride in person; he has to wait at home. This is the same even when a princess is married off to royalty. So Chen Xuan could only entrust this matter to the person he trusted most.

In fact, Chen Xuan really wanted to go in person and bring his wife from her boudoir to the bridal chamber, but the local customs were like this, and he couldn't just do whatever he wanted without considering the consequences.

"Don't worry, Ah Xuan, leave this to us. No matter what difficulties we encounter, whether it's literary or martial, we won't be afraid. I'm confident in that," Gao Jingming said confidently. How could a top scholar be stopped by mere difficulties?

To put it bluntly, it's just a procedure; they're not really going to create problems to prevent the princess from getting married.

Several important matters were settled in a relaxed atmosphere, and what followed was a joyful feast of food and drinks.

As night deepened, Madam Gao and the other elders excused themselves to leave, knowing that the young people were somewhat restrained here. Before leaving, they reminded the young people to take it easy and not to get drunk and cause trouble, as there had been a precedent of this. Last time, Gao Jingming's wedding had been a chaotic affair, with a series of elaborate schemes that caused a great deal of trouble.

After the elders left, the young people relaxed completely, drinking and having a great time.

Amidst the clinking of glasses and the influence of alcohol, Erdan became less reserved. After hesitating for a moment, he asked Chen Xuan, "Xuan, everyone's busy these next few days. Could you arrange some work for me? Otherwise, I won't feel at ease."

Although he had drunk quite a bit, Chen Xuan remained perfectly sober and understood Erdan's mindset. He put his arm around Erdan's shoulder and said, "We're brothers in misfortune, why are you being so polite? How about this, if you really can't stay idle, help me keep an eye on the kitchen in a couple of days. You don't need to lift a finger, just make sure nothing goes wrong."

“Okay, I’ll take care of it,” Erdan nodded seriously. Although he was still idle, having something to do made him feel much more at ease.

With a smile, Chen Xuan said, "Well, I'll talk to Butler He tomorrow. If anything comes up, just communicate with him promptly. Come on, let's drink! Let's have a good time today; I don't have many more days of being single."

"Drink, I'll drink as much as you want," Erdan said drunkenly. Thinking of the hardships he suffered as a child, he was genuinely happy for Chen Xuan. Back then, in the dark cage, he didn't even know if he would survive until the next day.

He Hongyi didn't leave either. People of the martial world are not bound by formalities and don't have many taboos. Watching them part happily, she, who had drunk quite a bit of wine under the lamp, became even more radiant and beautiful. She said frankly, "Ah Xuan, since everyone has something to do, what about me? You guys are busy for the next few days, you can't just leave me out, can you?"

The two are now just friends, so Chen Xuan didn't want to trouble her. However, she didn't have many friends in Jing Kingdom, and he couldn't just leave her hanging. Fortunately, Chen Xuan had already planned ahead. After thinking for a moment, he smiled and said, "If Hongyi really can't stay idle, I'll have to trouble you to look after the two of them for the next few days. You know I'll be very busy afterward and won't be able to get away."

"What are you saying, Ah Xuan? I will do my best to help you with this matter," He Hongyi nodded and said without asking who it was. Since it was Chen Xuan who specifically instructed her, it must be someone he cares about. It's better to have something to do than to be an outsider doing nothing.

With a smile, Chen Xuan said, "Then thank you very much, Hongyi. I'll try to pick them up tomorrow when I have some free time. You know them, the Miao siblings. They've never been to the capital before, and I'm worried about them if they don't have someone I trust to look after them."

“Ah Xuan, please don’t say that. I’m happy to help you. It’s Xiao Miao and the others. No wonder. Don’t worry, I will take good care of them for you. I like them very much too,” He Hongyi said excitedly.

They had barely finished speaking when Gao Jingming, already slightly tipsy, across the table, holding his wine bowl, winked and said, "Ah Xuan, what are you and Miss He whispering about? What, can't we even hear your secrets?"

...(End of chapter)