Lan Yan's head was covered, so she couldn't see ahead, but she could feel Jun Yelan beside her. Supported by Chun Tao, she walked forward and bent down to enter the flower sedan.
Jun Yelan watched Lan Yan the entire time, waiting for the sedan curtain to drop before mounting his horse. His face beamed with the joy of a groom as he rode out onto the street.
Behind them, music played, people cheered, and the sound of sedan bearers' footsteps echoed.
Sitting in the sedan, Lan Yan listened to these sounds and couldn't help but tighten her grip on the fan in her hand. For some reason, she felt a bit nervous, as this was her first wedding.
She stared at the curtain in front of her. Through the gap by the door, she could catch glimpses of Jun Yelan's dashing appearance. Her lips curved upwards too, her heart filled with sweetness.
They paraded around the city, and the townsfolk all came out to watch the spectacle. They chatted, "Wow, this wedding is grand. And this is the first major wedding between the Human and Snake tribes after their peace talks."
"We can marry Snake tribe members from now on, no need to be secretive like before."
"That's right, thanks to this God of War from the Snake tribe. I also heard that Miss Lan helped. It was because of her that Lord Jun proposed the peace talks."
"No wonder these two are getting married; there's such a wonderful story behind it."
"Yes, I heard so many things about these two. Let me tell you all about it." Several people gathered, eager to hear the tale.
The flower sedan stopped at the Lan Residence.
Jun Yelan, at the front, dismounted and, with a smile, approached the sedan and took hold of one end of the red silk ribbon.
Lan Yan, holding the other end of the red ribbon, stepped out of the sedan, shielding her face with her fan. Her cheeks were flushed, her lips painted with rouge. She accidentally glanced at Jun Yelan beside her, and her face turned even redder, making it impossible to tell if it was from the rouge or her own blush.
Jun Yelan, dressed in wedding attire today, had his hair slicked back, making him appear even more striking with his sharp eyebrows and starry eyes. He exuded a gentle aura, devoid of his usual coldness.
Noticing Jun Yelan looking at her, she averted her gaze.
Jun Yelan smiled, leaned close to her ear, and whispered in a voice only they could hear, "Tonight, I'll let you look your fill."
Lan Yan's ears instantly flushed crimson, and paradoxically, she felt less nervous.
Next, she mounted the horse, stepped over the brazier, and proceeded to the front hall.
Seated there was General Lan. He looked at Lan Yan, his eyes misting over, and sighed, "In the blink of an eye, my newborn child has grown up and is getting married."
"I won't be able to see you whenever I want anymore."
He told himself not to dwell on it; it was a joyous occasion, no tears allowed. He sat up straight and announced, "Let the ceremony begin."
Someone beside him immediately called out, "Bride, Groom, First bow to Heaven and Earth."
"Second bow to the honored elders."
"..."
Lan Yan listened to the voices and performed the kowt along with Jun Yelan.
"Escort them to the bridal chamber."
Lan Yan was led away, while Jun Yelan stayed to entertain the guests.
She sat alone in the bridal chamber, bored. She took down her fan and idly picked up some red dates from the bed to eat. As she ate, she listened to the lively sounds from outside and called out, "System, if you don't show up soon, I'll assume you've vanished."
"Host, I'm here." The system had been busy with something important lately and hadn't paid attention to Lan Yan.
Lan Yan inquired, "I've already married Jun Yelan, so how is my saving mission progressing?"
The system pondered for a moment, then smiled, "I just checked. Jun Yelan's saving mission has reached the acceptable line. Host, you can choose to withdraw now, or leave after achieving the excellent line."
"I never expected a mission to have levels!" Lan Yan stated without hesitation, "Alright, I choose the second option. System, I've developed feelings for Jun Yelan and want to stay with him for a few more years."
The system chuckled, "Please rest assured, Host. Achieving the excellent line has a ten-year timeframe. Ten years from today, I will reappear to withdraw you. Host, good luck."
"Also, a reminder, Jun Yelan is a fragment." This was related to his secret mission, and he said no more. He then went offline, to find the host again in ten years.
Lan Yan mumbled the word, not quite understanding. She dismissed the thought and looked towards the door, murmuring, "Why hasn't Jun Yelan come yet?"
At this moment, Jun Yelan was being toasted by General Lan's soldiers. He stood by the table, swaying slightly, and inverted his wine cup on the table, refusing, "Everyone, I can't drink any more."
He turned and walked towards the covered walkway. Once no one was around, his usual demeanor returned. He approached the bridal chamber, clenched his fist slightly, and pushed the door open.
Lan Yan quickly picked up her fan and held it in front of her face.
"Yan'er." Jun Yelan, who had never been nervous even in battle, felt a flutter of anxiety today. He walked to the bedside, gently removed Lan Yan's fan, and met her clear, smiling eyes.
His heart pounded faster, and he chuckled, "You are truly beautiful today."
Lan Yan shyly lowered her head and replied, "Every bride looks beautiful."
"In my eyes, you are the most beautiful." Jun Yelan sat down, picked up the two wine cups beside them, and shared the bridal wine with Lan Yan.
Lan Yan cut a lock of her hair, tied it with a red thread, and placed it in a sachet.
Jun Yelan did the same beside her; this was called "结发" (tying hair).
Lan Yan placed the sachet under the pillow and smiled, "This way, we shall be united in love, never doubting each other."
"Good." Jun Yelan sat next to Lan Yan, couldn't help but hold her hand, and leaned down.
Lan Yan pushed him away, touching her stomach, and said pitifully, "I'm so hungry." She hadn't eaten anything since waking up that morning. She had only eaten two red dates earlier before chatting with the system.
Jun Yelan couldn't help but smile, got up, and brought a plate of Osmanthus cake from the table, saying, "Eat slowly."
"Mm." Lan Yan focused on filling her stomach first. She ate slowly, a few crumbs sticking to her lips.
Seeing this, Jun Yelan's eyes deepened, and he leaned down to kiss Lan Yan's lips. He felt it wasn't enough and gently pushed her onto the bed.
Lan Yan internally grumbled that she hadn't finished eating yet. However, the next moment, she forgot all about food, as more important matters occupied her thoughts.
The candlelight on the table flickered through the night.
The next morning, Lan Yan had no in-laws to serve tea to, so she could sleep in a bit longer. She lay in bed, feeling Jun Yelan rub her waist beside her, and could hear his laughter.
Unable to bear it any longer, she opened her eyes and said, "You're still laughing at me. I'm not talking to you today."
"I won't laugh anymore." Jun Yelan suppressed his amusement, finding Lan Yan's current appearance incredibly cute, which made him unable to hold back. He reached out, pinched Lan Yan's cheek, and said, "You sleep a bit longer. I'll go see Father-in-law."
"Go quickly." Lan Yan turned her head away, not looking at Jun Yelan. Hmph, she had her little temper too.
The smile in Jun Yelan's eyes deepened. He pulled the quilt up for Lan Yan, got dressed, and left. At the doorway, he told Chun Tao, "Don't disturb Miss's rest."
Chun Tao squinted her eyes and smiled, "Yes, son-in-law." She glanced into the room, her smile practically uncontainable.
Miss and son-in-law have such a good relationship.