Soon, the matchmaker knocked on the door from outside, "Madam Yun, the wedding procession has arrived at the Marquis's mansion."
Madam Yun wiped away her tears, took a deep look at Qi Zhenzhen, turned and opened the door, welcoming everyone in.
The matchmaker busied herself with the final touches to Qi Zhenzhen's makeup. Madam Yun stood by, praying that her Zhenzhen would have a good life and a happy marriage.
The groom paid his respects to his in-laws.
Qi Tianming, with a beaming smile, said, "Please rise, worthy son-in-law. Good, good, good."
Madam Yun earnestly exhorted, "Anian, Zhenzhen is now entrusted to you. I hope you will cherish her as a treasure, and that your love for each other will be unwavering. Zhenzhen, you must always remember that your parents and brother are your eternal support."
Gu Sinian held Qi Zhenzhen's hand and said firmly to Madam Yun, "Mother-in-law, please rest assured. I, your son-in-law, seek Zhenzhen's hand with the intention of being devoted to her always. If I were to fail her..."
"On such a joyous occasion, we must not speak ill omens. I know your character well," Madam Yun interrupted him quickly, fearing Gu Sinian might impulsively make a rash vow.
"Anian, your mother-in-law is right. Your mother-in-law and I, along with Brother Yier, are Zhenzhen's pillars of support. You must treat Zhenzhen well. If she is ever wronged, I will bring Brother Yier to back her up," Qi Tianming cleared his throat and said.
"Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, please be assured," Gu Sinian said resolutely.
The auspicious hour arrived. The bride bid farewell to her parents, and finally, Qi Yi carried her to the bridal sedan chair.
"Why are you still crying?" Qi Tianming took out a handkerchief to wipe Madam Yun's tears. "Today is Zhenzhen's big day, you must smile."
Madam Yun sobbed, "These are tears of joy. I know it's a joyous occasion, but my heart still aches. Zhenzhen has suffered so much. After she returned, I had hoped to keep her with us for a few more years of carefree days."
Qi Tianming could now speak of the matter with great composure. He patted Madam Yun's shoulder. "It's alright, the past is past. Our Zhenzhen's good fortune is yet to come. You've seen how many times Anian has visited our mansion these past two months. If he didn't care for her, would he be so attentive? Besides, Zhenzhen is such an intelligent girl. She will surely make their married life harmonious and beautiful."
"You must not go back on your word. If Zhenzhen is truly wronged, you cannot refuse to support her just because the Marquis's mansion is not as grand as the Duke's mansion," Madam Yun chided him playfully.
Qi Tianming chuckled, "What are you saying? Am I that kind of person?"
The bridal sedan chair stopped at the entrance of the Huguo Duke's mansion. Qi Zhenzhen heard the whistling sound of air being cut as the sedan chair trembled a few times. Cheers erupted from outside, praising Gu Sinian's excellent archery skills. Qi Zhenzhen knew this was the first ritual before dismounting the sedan chair: the groom shoots three arrows – at the heavens, the earth, and the sedan chair itself – to ward off any ill fortune encountered along the way.
Then came the ritual of stepping over the saddle, crossing the fire basin, and finally, Gu Sinian carried her in his arms all the way to the wedding hall.
Gu Changwei and Madam Xiao Qin sat in the main hall, receiving the bows from Gu Sinian and Qi Zhenzhen.
Once the ceremony was complete, the master of ceremonies announced the rites were concluded. Gu Sinian calmly picked up Qi Zhenzhen again and carried her back to Qingfeng Courtyard.
"Groom, don't be in such a hurry. The guests outside are still waiting for you to attend to them," the matchmaker stopped Gu Sinian, who was about to lift the bridal veil. "It's not time to lift the veil yet!"
Qi Zhenzhen felt a smile tugging at her lips. Although she couldn't see, she could sense Gu Sinian's excitement and impatience, as restless as a young boy.
Gu Sinian withdrew his hand, bent down, and whispered in Qi Zhenzhen's ear, "Zhenzhen, wait for me."