Middle Eastern tyrants

Chapter 138 Engagement Ceremony (Part Two)

As the groom's family, the engagement ceremony was held at the Cassel Estate.

Two days before the ceremony, the entire manor began to bustle with activity.

The royal attendants began directing the setup of the venue, aiming to balance traditional Islamic style with royal grandeur.

A Persian handwoven carpet stretched from the entrance all the way to the innermost counter, and deep red velvet curtains hung on the walls with golden tassels cascading down from both sides.

The air was filled with the scent of ebony, and all the metal decorations were polished to a gleaming shine.

On the day of the engagement ceremony, male members of both families were present.

In traditional Muslim engagement ceremonies, women are required to strictly avoid any appearance of impropriety, and the ceremony is entirely led by men.

Besides Amir, the groom, his father Prince Muhammad, his eldest son Nshum, and Amir's older brother Sultan, the members of the Muhammad family were also present.

When it comes to Enshium, Sultan's impression of him is still that of the time when his younger brother slapped him to the ground.

But when he saw his half-brother again, he almost didn't recognize him.

The other person looked much darker and thinner, and his flamboyant manner had completely disappeared.

"Brother En?"

Enshium turned around and, upon seeing his younger brother, stepped forward and gave Sultan a tight hug: "Sulli, it's been a long time."

Sultan's mouth dropped open: "You look so different now!"

"Really?" Enshium glanced down at his military uniform. "Why don't I feel anything?"

Sultan noticed the other's gaze, frank and direct, as if it had been exposed to the sun, containing only composure, without the slightest arrogance or resentment towards the past.

Just then, Prince Muhammad passed by them. Sultan quickly greeted him, while Nshum immediately stood at attention, head held high, and saluted: "General!"

Prince Muhammad glanced at his eldest son with some surprise, but said nothing and nodded.

Sultan: "."

Sultan asked curiously, "Have you really let go of what happened before?"

“Hmm?” Enshium pondered for a moment, then gently shook his head: “It’s more like Amir has let go of my mistakes. To be honest, this transition was not easy, but thankfully I made it through.”

His gaze passed over Sultan's shoulder and landed on Lu Lin, who was talking to his father, his eyes revealing undisguised admiration.

"He gave me a chance to start over and taught me what honor and courage are."

He looked at Sultan again and smiled, "Today is an important day for him. It is my honor to stand here as his brother and subordinate."

Sultan was somewhat bewildered. What could a person have gone through to undergo such a dramatic change?
While the two were still talking, a large group of guests suddenly arrived at the entrance of the manor.

Leading the group was Sheikh Mufti, the old man who looked quite dashing today.

Lu Lin and Prince Muhammad personally greeted him. The Grand Mufti shook hands with the prince and chuckled, "I hope I'm not too late and can still preside over the oath-taking ceremony."

Lu Lin was somewhat surprised: "I really didn't expect you to come in person."

After all, this isn't a wedding yet.

Moreover, the Grand Mufti is the religious leader of a country; how many people in the entire Shuangzhi enjoy such treatment?

The Grand Mufti shook hands with Lu Lin: "The Grand Mufti is also a clergyman of the church, and reciting the Quran is my duty. Besides, don't forget that my name also contains 'Rashid,' so in terms of seniority, Sheikha is also my granddaughter."

Good guy.

Although Lu Lin was unsure how this relationship was defined, he still expressed his gratitude.

To be honest, he's still somewhat numb, because it all happened so fast.

"Lieutenant General!"

"Your Majesty Lieutenant General!"

Following behind was a large group of smiling young men, dressed in army uniforms, with ranks on their shoulders ranging from field officers to lieutenants and sergeants.

However, they all wore a blue silk scarf around their necks.

They came from families of all social classes in Shuangzhi, some were princes and others were tribal lords, but now they all shared the same identity—they were soldiers from the Northern Expeditionary Force.

Looking at these young, energetic faces, Lu Lin felt a little dazed, wondering if he had really made a difference in this country.

"Congratulations, Major General Amir. You should be called a lieutenant general now."

Upon seeing the newcomer, Lu Lin happily stepped forward and gave him a hug: "Oh, Yibo, my old buddy!"

His palm slapped the other person's back, making a solid sound.

Ibrahim smiled with a hint of pain, "My injuries haven't healed yet, so please be gentle. I flew back ahead of time after hearing the news, so please don't send me back to recuperate!"

Lu Lin quickly let go, "Sorry."

Ibrahim exclaimed, "You've finally gotten married! Our General Staff was betting on when you'd finally reach this point!"

"Am I considered late in life?" Lu Lin asked curiously.

“Becoming a grandfather is considered early, but becoming a husband… well, you know.” Ibrahim shrugged. “When your grandfather was your age, he already had enough kids to form a reinforced platoon!”

Lu Lin clicked his tongue.

Ibrahim looked around the room and asked, "I heard you confronted Hilbert at the United Nations, and that executioner was so angry he left the room on the spot!"

“This is just the beginning,” Lu Lin said. “A few days ago, we gathered our other Arab allies and we expect to launch a general offensive against Zion in about six months!”

"That's wonderful." Ibrahim patted Lu Lin on the shoulder: "Remember not to let the prince take my position. The Chief of Staff must keep it for me!"

Lu Lin teased, "Aren't you the prince's secretary? Why don't you go and talk to him about this yourself?"

Ibrahim: "I've noticed you're quite vengeful."

After saying that, the two of them burst into laughter.

The engagement ceremony was attended by almost all the male members of the Rashid family, from Sheikha's father to the over-seventy-year-old, white-bearded patriarch, and the young nephews and nieces who had just come of age—more than thirty people in total. Lu Lin was still wearing his military uniform today, the lieutenant general's rank on his shoulder gleaming, though it was now adorned with many decorations—which he had tried to reduce. However, the two sashes that King Shams had bestowed upon him were still hanging on his chest, like those of a lobby manager.

Prince Mohammed stood beside him, wearing a black robe embroidered with gold thread, exuding a dignified aura.

According to tradition, a marriage contract must be signed before the ceremony begins.

The document details the dowry, which includes a piece of land near the Holy Land of Medina, a set of traditional royal jewels, one hundred camels, and a substantial sum of money.

Everything was done according to Muslim tradition, and then Lu Lin signed the document.

"Amir bin Muhammad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud."

As Lu Lin wrote his own name, his thoughts kept drifting into the distance.

At this time, Yehena was still receiving treatment in a sanatorium in Baltimore. One wonders if she would be surprised or happy upon receiving news of her engagement.
Or some other reaction?
Then the Grand Mufti began reciting the opening chapter of the Quran. After he finished, a solemn silence fell over the hall.

Then the Great Mufti turned his gaze to Yehena's father and said gently, "Now it is time for you to enter into your marriage contract."

Samir bin Rashid (Yehena's father) stepped forward. Lu Lin had met this future father-in-law once before. He said, "As Yehena's father, I hereby betroth my daughter Yehena bin Samir bin Rashid to Amir bin Muhammad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. We have accepted the agreed dowry and agree to this marriage."

Grand Mufti then turned to Lu Lin: "Now, give your answer."

Lu Lin took a deep breath, straightened his back, and quickly went over the words in his mind: "In the name of Allah, I accept this marriage contract and take Yehena ibn Samir ibn Rashid as my wife."

A soft chuckle came from the audience.

Sultan whispered in Lu Lin's ear, "'Taking a wife' is a vow said only during a formal wedding!"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the manor, the women gathered for a party entirely for women, the room filled with laughter.

They were discussing jewelry, dresses, and future wedding arrangements. From the window, they could see the engagement ceremony progressing below, but those below couldn't see what was happening above.

Yehena's mother, Ivanshi, laughed and said, "After your brother gets married, it will be your turn next."

At this moment, Sheila was unusually dignified, exuding ladylike charm in every gesture.

This also made some wealthy women from other prominent families envious, especially those whose sons were already adults.

Who wouldn't want to marry such a gem?

However, they also sighed inwardly, thinking that their own son was really like a toad trying to eat swan meat.

Moreover, the Muhammad family is no longer a fringe member of the royal family, but rather the most prestigious and powerful family in Shuangzhi's future.

Even if the king's son wanted to marry her, he would have to humble himself and show proper respect, let alone other people.

While chatting with Musta, Ivanshi overheard the conversation outside and smiled at his future mother-in-law, saying, "Little Amir is such a sincere and frank person. I can rest assured entrusting my daughter to such a husband."

Musta also replied with a smile, "He never disappoints."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Uh, what if I said something wrong?
Lu Lin thought for a moment and decided not to change his mind. He continued, "I promise to be her faithful husband and protector in accordance with all the Lord's commandments. I will cherish and respect her as I cherish my own glory and faith."

There was a moment of silence from the audience, followed by thunderous applause.

Lu Lin breathed a sigh of relief, and then he saw his "future father-in-law" staring at him.

But then the other person's serious expression relaxed, and he nodded at him.

As the applause gradually subsided, the Great Mufti immediately raised his hands and announced to the entire audience:

"In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious and Merciful! I bear witness! The marriage is done, the covenant is complete! May Allah bestow blessings and grace upon this couple, and fill their union with mercy and peace!"

Applause and cheers erupted again from the audience: "! (Congratulations!)"

After that, Lu Lin greeted the members of Rashid's family with a cheek kiss according to their seniority.

Starting with the aged clan chief, he shook hands with each of Lu Lin's members, saying, "May Allah bless this marriage."

After that came Yehena's uncles and other relatives. Everyone said some words of blessing, and their eyes were filled with blessings, fervor, and anticipation as they looked at him.

Lu Lin responded politely.

Finally, it was Yehena's father's turn. He shook hands firmly, his voice deep and powerful: "From today onwards, we are family."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The ceremony lasted for almost half a day, and Lu Lin didn't expect it to be so tiring.

Prince Muhammad walked over and patted him on the shoulder: "How are you feeling?"

"Not bad." Lu Lin moved his cheeks, feeling like his facial muscles were about to stiffen from smiling.

To his surprise, his happiness was genuine.

“You’ll get used to it. You’ll experience this kind of thing more and more often in the future.” Prince Muhammad’s lips curled up slightly.

"An engagement ceremony? Let's forget about it."

“No, I mean being watched. Countless people are watching your every move, and countless ears are listening to your every word.” Prince Muhammad looked out the window: “Your status will rise higher and higher in the future, and these are all things you must bear.”

Lu Lin also looked out the window. In the Kasher Manor under the setting sun, the guests were still laughing and chatting.

Nshum was chatting and laughing with his comrades from the Northern Expeditionary Force, eliciting hearty laughter from everyone. The head of the Rashid family was speaking with the Grand Mufti, seemingly thanking him for coming. Ibrahim was having a pleasant conversation with his guests.

The solemn scent of ebony lingers in the air, blending with the rich aroma of coffee and the fragrance of desserts to create a unique and unforgettable flavor for the day.

Lu Lin recalled the moment he signed the document, and he thought of Yehena. A strange and solid warmth spread through his chest.

It was as if a thread bound him tightly to the country and the people he loved.

Despite the ongoing turmoil in the Arab world and the ongoing undercurrents between the Sudri faction and various powerful families within the country, he now has more and more things to do and more and more responsibilities to shoulder.

Lu Lin's eyes were calm and composed: "But at least today, everything is fine."

(End of this chapter)