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In Mount Tonglu, a structure could be seen extruding out from the main body of the kiln. It was an abode carved out of natural black marble with gold streaks, and at some parts, agate.
It was where Jun Wu and Mei Nianqing currently lived. Mei Nianqing had come up with this idea, wanting Jun Wu to occasionally get daylight instead of being in the darkness of caves all day. If their common home stuck out from the mountain, then Jun Wu could get both sunlight and fresh air while still being imprisoned inside the mountain.
They had only just recently finished building it, many items were yet to be placed within.
Mei Nianqing thought a few flowers would liven up the place, so he was running around getting plum branches and placing them around the house.
As he went through the rooms, he saw Zhu Xin placed against a wall in one of them. He first placed a vase in the corner, and then while he was passing by the sword, he casually picked a flower and put it on its carved handle. The sword was entirely obsidian black, save for a sleek silver line running through its middle, so a colorful flower looked striking when placed on it.
Just as Mei Nianqing was about to move on, something unexpected happened. The sword emitted light from itself before transforming its shape. What stood where a sword was a second ago, was a young child with a flower on his head.
He had floor length black hair, with white strands at the front. The robe he wore seemed a bit big on him, as if he’d trip on it any second.
He trotted over to Mei Nianqing and said, “Thank you for your flower.”
Mei Nianqing had seen this child before, but it was a long, long time ago. Seeing him again now, he was both surprised and unsure.
“Zhu Xin, it’s you?”
He nodded in response.
Mei Nianqing had thought that the spirit of the sword might not be around anymore or might be weakened since it never showed itself these days, always staying as a sword. That this was not the case was a pleasant surprise. Mei Nianqing put down the flowers in his arms to pick him up instead.
“It’s been a while, little one.”
Zhu Xin wrapped his arms around Mei Nianqing’s neck, clearly also recognizing him. Then he yawned and put his head on Mei Nianqing’s shoulder, looking ready to doze off at any second.
Mei Nianqing took the sleepy spirit and went to look for Jun Wu to show this new development to him.
─── ⋆⋅☼⋅⋆ ───
Jun Wu was also slightly surprised by it. Zhu Xin had repressed himself and stayed dormant in the sword for a long time. But then again, Mei Nianqing could even make him remember himself and who he used to be, so it was natural that it was him who made Zhu Xin come out of his shell this time too.
In any case, he was now a part of their daily life.
The next day, Jun Wu beckoned at him so Zhu Xin came over and lay on his lap. Jun Wu took a look at his messy hair and started to brush it gently.
Once it was neat and tidy, Zhu Xin flipped to his back and the hair Jun Wu tidied up pooled on the floor. Zhu Xin was now facing him, and he said, “Master looks like this again.”
Jun Wu was puzzled about what he meant, but realized that he was talking about how he didn’t have the “Jun Wu” disguise on anymore, and was instead back to what he looked like naturally.
“Hmm? Do you like it better?”
“Yes. But Master is Master, it doesn’t matter what you look like, I’ll know you.”
Jun Wu supposed that was true. Even when he wielded the sword with the false visage, Zhu Xin vibrated with excitement the moment he touched the sword; he could tell it was him.
Jun Wu patted his little head, making him smile, “Good boy.”
His eyes then fell on the flower Zhu Xin carried around, the one that was given to him by Mei Nianqing. He was reminded of a topic that had been on his mind for a while.
He wanted to propose to Mei Nianqing, wanted to be properly together with the man he loved, to swear his devotion. But there were several problems, the foremost one being that he hasn’t even confessed his feelings to him before. Though he had always admired him, he hadn’t been able to talk about it to Mei Nianqing, things were always so busy. Only in the calm of their life in the mountain was he able to tackle this issue.
However, he kept being obstructed one way or the other; one time when he was about to talk, Xie Lian happened to visit them, the next time he attempted to breach the topic, the oversized rat infestation in Tonglu made itself known and they spent the next week getting rid of them, the other time Mei Nianqing excitedly told him about the idea for this house before he could open his mouth.
He planned to give it another go today, but who knew what would happen this time; maybe the kiln would suddenly erupt to spite him.
Just as he was thinking all this, the person in question came into the room carrying a whole bunch of things. Mei Nianqing put all of them down before trying to catch his breath. Then he looked over to them and chuckled at the sight.
He came over to pat Zhu Xin as well, “How is the unparalleled supreme sword doing today? Still sleepy?”
Zhu Xin leaned into his hand to get more pats.
Jun Wu spoke up, “If you spoil him like that, he really will sleep all day.”
Mei Nianqing cast a knowing glance at him, “Is that so? Then how come I saw you do it too?”
Jun Wu opened his mouth but couldn’t speak with the sight before him.
The golden rays of sunlight poured in from the window and painted everywhere it fell with a dazzling glow. Jun Wu was used to only half-seeing Mei Nianqing underground, the darkness hiding much from him.
The light hit him in just the right way; illuminating his face and complementing his features. The amber glow of his eyes was bewitching for Jun Wu. The way he looked now would put shame on all the heavenly officials with their so called divinity, they didn’t even have the slightest idea what divine looked like.
He’s so pretty, thought Jun Wu, in awe.
“You are so pretty,” echoed a voice from his lap, “Can I marry you?”
Jun Wu’s smile froze in his face.
He stilled his hand and stiffly looked down at Zhu Xin.
Mei Nianqing raised his eyebrows in surprise and turned to look at him as well.
Jun Wu had been careless. To fight well, a sword and its master had to move in sync and have chemistry. To that end, their spirits were linked to one another to some degree. It was this link that made Zhu Xin confess on his behalf.
But this was too sudden and without any subtlety or tact. And he didn’t want someone to propose in his stead!
Jun Wu took a deep breath and resisted the urge to hurl Zhu Xin out of the room and then bang his own head against the nearest wall. The sword spirit was so perceptive about his feelings just a moment ago, but now it seemed like he didn’t notice Jun Wu’s mood at all, and continued lazily laying down in his lap.
“Dummy, how would you marry him? You think you’d make a good wife?”
“Yes. I can protect him.”
Jun Wu’s eyelid twitched. He grimaced and glared at the child. Zhu Xin seemed to finally notice the panicked aura and pouted at him, not understanding what he did wrong. He then flipped around to lie down on his stomach and silently watched Mei Nianqing with his chin resting on his hand.
Jun Wu turned to Mei Nianqing as well, “This must be Xianle and Crimson Rain’s fault. Who knows what they did in front of this child. He probably doesn’t even know what marriage means, he must have picked it up from them.”
Mei Nianqing had an understanding look, “Oh. That makes sense. That demon is too shameless…”
─── ⋆⋅☼⋅⋆ ───
Meanwhile, in one of the dimly lit crimson chambers of the Paradise Manor
“San Lang, this is the last poem of the day. Copy it wel- ACHOO!”
The ghost in red smiled and said, “Oh? Someone must be praising Gege.”
─── ⋆⋅☼⋅⋆ ───
“I know! It’s when two people hold hands,” protested Zhu Xin.
Mei Nianqing smiled at him and bent down to speak face to face, “That’s right. And you can hold my hand, I don’t mind.”
He extended his hand, and Zhu Xin put his small hand in his palm. He grinned and showed off their connected hands to Jun Wu, “Master, look!”
Indulgently, Jun Wu replied, “Yes yes, good job.” He secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Mei Nianqing chuckled at them, but then, as if thinking of something, his expression turned more pensive.
“While we are on the topic, I have actually been curious about something for a while.”
“Hmm?”
“Did Your Highness never marry?”
They had no contact with each other for 2000 years, after all, so it was natural that they missed out important life events. Still, Mei Nianqing wouldn’t feel great if he found out that he wasn’t present for a major event like that.
“I didn’t.” Pausing for a second, he added, “Though, I liked someone back in Wuyong.”
“Back in Wuyong?” Mei Nianqing frowned, trying to remember, “You never mentioned something like this back then.”
At the same time, a gasp was heard, “Never married??? Don’t worry, Master, I’ll hold your hand.” Saying this, Zhu Xin cupped Jun Wu’s hand with his own. Jun Wu patted his head again.
Mei Nianqing continued, “How come I have never met this sweetheart of yours?”
“Who knows? Maybe you met already,” said Jun Wu wryly.
Mei Nianqing wanted to probe for more, but he decided against it after thinking on it. If this love was from Wuyong, wouldn’t they have likely perished along with it, ending it all in tragedy? Thus, so as to not touch on any sensitive topic, he fell silent.
Seeing his grave expression, Jun Wu was somewhat amused.
“Dummy, what are you thinking about?”
Then he thought, this silly little sword spirit could say it, so why not me?
Emboldened, Jun Wu said, “You don’t have to ponder that hard. It’s you.”
“Me? Me what?” Then, Mei Nianqing seemed to understand the meaning, slowly looking up and turning his gaze to him.
He stared at Jun Wu without saying anything for a good while, as if he was having trouble processing what was said to him. It was deflating Jun Wu’s previous bravado a bit.
Then finally Mei Nianqing exhaled and turned away from him.
Jun Wu leaned in the direction he turned towards to get a better look at his face, and gently grasped his wrist to move it away.
Mei Nianqing was in a bit of a shock. The prince liked him? The prince whom he had spent many days in his youth watching and admiring, holding dear every moment spent together, memorizing his form so that it would never fade from his mind, the one whose mere smile could easily blind his eyes? That prince?
Although it had been a long time since then and his feelings had long lost their intensity, they never truly fizzled out. They remained smoldering through the eons of Mei Nianqing’s long life, bringing him tiny sparks of warmth whenever he remembered that noble visage. Then, during the time they spent together after Jun Wu’s defeat, they had been nurtured carefully and grew brighter with each passing day, perhaps even without Mei Nianqing noticing.
With this sudden declaration, Mei Nianqing couldn’t make out Jun Wu’s nor his own stance in this right away.
Yet Jun Wu was persistent, chasing for a response. He searched Mei Nianqing’s expression for a sign, but couldn’t find anything other than confusion. He could only press his lips thin and prepare himself for rejection. Jun Wu slowly let go of his hand.
Mei Nianqing noticed the change in Jun Wu’s mood. Was this person… afraid of his reaction?
Seeing such an unexpected expression on his face snapped Mei Nianqing out of his daze, and he realized how his silence must look like to Jun Wu right now. It was now his turn to grab Jun Wu’s hand as he hurriedly said, “It’s not like that. Don’t misunderstand. What Your Highness said was a bit sudden but… but back then, I really cherished you too.”
He settled for the past truth since he couldn’t figure out the present just yet.
A hopeful glint returned to Jun Wu’s eyes, “Cherished… in the same way?”
Mei Nianqing nodded.
Jun Wu chuckled, “It seems we are just two idiots, taking this long to come forth.” He paused before continuing, “Then… what about now?”
Mei Nianqing didn’t want to disappoint Jun Wu but he didn’t want to lie either, “…I don’t know. I haven’t thought about it.”
It seemed that the proposal would have to wait. Jun Wu was a bit dejected, but it wasn’t a hopeless situation, “I understand. It’s normal, it’s been so long after all.”
Mei Nianqing looked him in the eye and said, “Give me some time to think.”
In any case Jun Wu didn’t want to force him either, so he replied, “No rush.”
Mei Nianqing was slightly more reassured seeing that he didn’t react too badly, and he sighed. He turned his gaze to the troublemaker who caused this in the first place, who was looking at them all confused, and not-so-subtly changed the topic, “Zhu Xin, the sweets you wanted must have cooked enough by now, why not help me finish making it?”
Mei Nianqing needed to get away from the awkward mood to do a bit of soul searching.
The little spirit was enthusiastic, so together they went to the next room.
─── ⋆⋅☼⋅⋆ ───
The next few days were no different from the usual. Mei Nianqing continued running around their new home arranging things. Jun Wu helped him carry the heavy things and Zhu Xin watched them, frankly not too helpful.
Mei Nianqing reflected on his feelings whenever he had the chance; while doing chores, during breaks, at night in bed.
At first he thought “What’s the harm in accepting it even if I am not in love anymore?” He didn’t mind being together with him for the rest of his life, that was already his plan. He didn’t shy away from the thought of physical intimacy either.
Mei Nianqing prioritized Jun Wu’s happiness before anything else; he absolutely didn’t want to upset him, not when he finally had peace after so long.
However, ordinary moments like now made Mei Nianqing appreciate how he truly liked the domestic life he lived with Jun Wu. Even doing insignificant tasks together like watering the plants with him warmed his heart.
Moreover, after that day, his heart would jump whenever he saw Jun Wu. Mei Nianqing thought it was anxiety over things potentially becoming awkward between them, but even after they tacitly acted like nothing happened, his heart continued to speed up. He finally recognized it for what it was: excitement.
He was excited about how their relationship would develop, he was anticipating doing new things with Jun Wu.
So, without having to think too much, it had already become clear to Mei Nianqing that he still very much liked Jun Wu. Now he was mostly getting ready to take that step.
As for Jun Wu, he was glad that at least things were still as they were. Before he confessed, there were little voices in his head telling him that if he pushed his feelings onto Mei Nianqing, he would just make him run away again, make him uncomfortable, make him dislike him, that it was best to keep quiet. Jun Wu was comforted to know that these thoughts were not true.
He had taken the weight off of his chest and didn’t have to hide anything anymore, now all left to do was wait. And the more he waited, calmer he was about it. Just being near Mei Nianqing, interacting with him, was more than enough to make him content.
After they heaved together a big elegant cabinet to a suitable corner, Mei Nianqing suggested they sit down for a break. Immediately after they did so, Zhu Xin came over to lay down on Jun Wu again.
Jun Wu spoke to him, “Little one, are you taking me as your bed?”
Zhu Xin replied, “No. Master isn’t even soft, it’s not a very nice bed.”
Jun Wu made a tut-tut at him. He turned to Mei Nianqing to say, “He wasn’t like this before, right?”
Mei Nianqing had a thoughtful yet amused look on his face, “I also feel he was more… easily embarrassed.”
After he mentioned it, a relevant memory indeed came to mind.
─── ⋆⋅☼⋅⋆ ───
“Zhu Xin~~ Come out and play with gege~”
A curious small head poked out from where it was hiding behind Crown Prince of Wuyong’s numerous robe layers to look at the source of the voice, still clinging to the prince shyly.
It was the newly formed sword spirit of the prince. Recently, the prince’s spiritual strength had become strong enough for his sword to develop its own sentience and a human form due to exposure to his powers.
The child was wearing black robes rimmed with silver. Overall, he looked about %70 like the prince when he was little, except maybe a little bit gloomier.
His arms transitioned to a charcoal black towards the little hands that were holding onto his master’s robes. It was easy to tell at a glance that he wasn’t an ordinary child.
Zhu Xin wasn’t very familiar with the world yet, so he mostly clung to his master and silently observed.
At this moment the newborn was staring at the troublemaker vassal who called out to him. Seeing it was Ju, he was a bit wary. Last time Zhu Xin “came out to play” with him, this man had thrown him two meters high into the sky several times, and then spun him around till he was dizzy. Zhu Xin clung even tighter to the prince.
The Crown Prince smiled helplessly, “You teased him too much last time.”
“That’s right. See, he doesn’t want to play with you anymore. Shoo.” Mei Nianqing piped up. He came over to Zhu Xin as well, and pinched a snow white cheek. Zhu Xin got a bit shy because of this gesture and his cheeks became a little red. He went back to hiding within his master’s robes.
Lan and Zhu followed inside behind Mei Nianqing. They had agreed to go out to town together to play that day, and finishing their tasks, they all gathered.
However the prince was still hurriedly signing some papers where he was standing. When he managed to get through them all, he fished Zhu Xin out of his robes to hand him over to Mei Nianqing and said, “I just have to talk to someone quickly, then we can go. Hold him for me for a second, please.”
Mei Nianqing took Zhu Xin from the prince’s hands to carry him, and the prince rushed out with the documents. Being out in the open, Zhu Xin was shy again and grabbed Mei Nianqing’s robes in his fists this time. Mei Nianqing soothingly bounced him in his arms.
“Here, take this,” Lan also came over, giving him a candy. As a medic, he had a habit of carrying sweets with him to coax crying children, and it was coming handy now. Zhu Xin looked at it curiously before reaching out to take it. He didn’t understand what to do with it, so they explained that he could eat it.
After popping it into his mouth, Zhu Xin seemed to like the flavor. This put Lan among his favorites, alongside his master and Mei Nianqing.
Then a snicker came from Ju. Mei Nianqing saw that he was laughing at him so he asked, “What?”
“I was just thinking, even with His Highness’ divine sword at hand, you’d probably struggle to kill a single chicken.”
Mei Nianqing narrowed his eyes at him, “You looking for a fight? Let’s test out your theory on you and see what I can do to you with the sword, how about that?”
This was somewhat a common scene to witness. Ju was mischievous and it was his lifeblood to tease Mei Nianqing because of how expressive his shixiong was, and Mei Nianqing was belligerent, so this kind of banter happened all the time.
Lan cut in, “Now, now. You two don’t have to work so hard for that court jester promotion, His Highness isn’t even around to watch your antics.”
Right as he said so, the prince came back. Zhu Xin made grabby hands at him upon seeing him, so Mei Nianqing handed him back to his master.
Zhu looked at them and half-jokingly commented, “It’s almost as if Your Highness has become a parent. I think you could pass him off as your son to their Majesties if you tried.”
The prince sighed, “I wish.” He was already bored of the pressure on him to produce heirs, it’d be pretty amazing if he could fool his parents with Zhu Xin instead.
Actually something like that had already happened. When Zhu Xin first formed as a spirit, the prince was alone in his room, waiting for his vassals to arrive. He was both shocked and in awe at the little creature that transformed from his sword, and carefully held him, cherishing the birth of a new life. It was at this moment that his vassals came in, and they froze at the spot, looking at him cradle a child that resembled him.
In the ensuing chaos, he had to tell his vassals that no, he wasn’t meeting a woman behind their backs, can they please stop asking when he sired him and stop looking at him as if they were seeing him in a new light and casting doubt on his innocence when he hasn’t even held hands with anyone.
He had managed to calm them down, but his explanation didn’t stop them from asking Zhu Xin who his mother was in suspicion. No need to say that that night was somewhat of a headache for the prince.
Mei Nianqing smiled and agreed with Zhu, “Indeed, His Highness is good with children. Especially compared to some who aren’t even half as mature.”
Ju stuck out a tongue at him over the prince’s shoulder.
The Crown Prince said, “Alright, now that we are all here, shall we go?”
They made their way down the sun-bathed long corridor leading outside. Along the way, there were a few servants who stopped to express their wonder at how they weren’t aware the prince had a son and compliment how cute he was, to the point that a beet red Zhu Xin couldn’t take it anymore and turned back into a sword like a turtle retreating back into its shell.
─── ⋆⋅☼⋅⋆ ───
When Jun Wu snapped out of his reminiscing, he looked at Zhu Xin lying down on his favorite spot, his lap, boredly twirling a strand of his hair. He had indeed become much more shameless and bold compared to back then, but this was also cute in its own way.
The break was over once they finished eating their snacks, there was still much to be placed. However, as Jun Wu moved Zhu Xin off from his lap and got up, Mei Nianqing also hurriedly got up and said, “Your Highness, wait a second!”
Zhu Xin ran off outside, leaving them alone by themselves in the room.
Thinking about their halcyon days had filled Mei Nianqing with a warm feeling, which gave him the courage to do what he was preparing to do for the last few days.
Jun Wu turned back to look at him and Mei Nianqing continued, “I wanted to say something to you…”
With the way he started, Jun Wu could tell what he wanted to talk about. His muscles tensed as he waited for Mei Nianqing to say more.
Mei Nianqing took a breath and said, “I thought about it. And the truth is…” He couldn’t help but glance away and scratch his cheek at this point, “I like you just as much as back then.”
Jun Wu stood there for a few seconds more, processing what was said to him, before suddenly pouncing on Mei Nianqing to hug him, as if he had been wanting to do it but holding back all this time.
Mei Nianqing made a surprised noise and grabbed Jun Wu’s shoulders to steady himself, but it turned into a chuckle as he saw Jun Wu’s happy expression.
Jun Wu had thought living like normal wouldn’t be too different from them being together, and yet, he was overjoyed now. He never thought any of this possible back before his defeat, and now he seemed to be a bit at a loss for words, letting this proximity speak for him instead.
He recovered a bit, and as if Mei Nianqing couldn’t see him smiling from ear to ear, he felt a need to announce, “I’m really happy.”
His joy was infectious and Mei Nianqing was delighted as well, whether because he was also happy to have come to this point, or he found Jun Wu’s reaction rather amusing, or because he had made Jun Wu smile like this.
Mei Nianqing hadn’t thought that he could affect Jun Wu this much. And at that moment, it just felt right for them to be like this.
Jun Wu moved one of his hands to gently cup the hand Mei Nianqing had placed on his shoulder, and he felt with his fingers a cool ring on the hand beneath his.
This was a gift he had given Mei Nianqing before Wuyong fell. It was during a period where he had a sword forging phase, he had wanted to forge one himself due to his weaponry interest being at its peak. And as Mei Nianqing’s birthday was nearing that year, he put the skills he learned to work to make something for him instead; a floral ring with pink topaz adorning it, resembling plum blossoms at full bloom amidst snow.
Its owner still had the ring all these years later, clearly cherishing it. Seeing this ring, Jun Wu remembered what he wanted to do initially, so he began, a little sheepishly, “This… may be a little sudden since we only made progress now, but we both waited long enough at the same time. So…”
Mei Nianqing waited for him to continue, but when he didn’t, he tilted his head and asked, “So?”
A little playful smile blossomed on Jun Wu’s face as he turned the ring on Mei Nianqing’s hand, “So… If you liked the ring I gave you this much, why don’t I give you a proper one?”
─── ⋆⋅☼⋅⋆ ───
Although the proposal was sudden, they weren’t actually in any rush.
At the very least, they decided to finish up the house first. And just like any wedding, it had to be planned beforehand.
Mei Nianqing was thinking about the wedding customs of Wuyong and sifting through old texts considering which ones could realistically still be implemented now in this age while Jun Wu took up forging again. He remembered enough of it because he had forged in the years between, like when he created his pure white armor that came to symbolize him. Still, he was a bit rusty, and he wanted the real rings to be perfect, so there were a lot of experimental creations as he was relearning the craft.
As for Zhu Xin, he was as usual attuned to Jun Wu’s feelings, and now that the man was happy, he’d often skip around in meadows of Tonglu and pick up fruits to bring them.
While the preparations were ongoing, they didn’t stop making progress with their relationship.
When Jun Wu had first unexpectedly pulled Mei Nianqing for a kiss, he had positively shocked the man. Mei Nianqing wanted to run off and hide afterwards, but Jun Wu pulled the “are you leaving me again?” card on him, complete with a feigned sad expression and batted eyelashes. This was Mei Nianqing’s weak spot, and he had no choice but to come right back and sit all red right next to him, despite knowing Jun Wu was just being coquettish. So Jun Wu could watch the effect the kiss had on him up close, all smug.
Jun Wu had also begun to sing again. Sometimes it would be lullabies for Zhu Xin, and sometimes serenades for Mei Nianqing.
During the nights when they would sit under the starry skies, Mei Nianqing would draw his calculations on a star chart next to him while he sung for him and Zhu Xin. The ancient songs rendered in his melodious voice, rippling through the night air, almost had a magical quality to it.
Time went on just like that, dotted with cherished and warm memories.
─── ⋆⋅☼⋅⋆ ───
Mei Nianqing was walking here and there hurriedly in his red robes, still making last minute adjustments. Jun Wu sat in place waiting for him.
Originally he was relatively relaxed, but watching Mei Nianqing hop around all over the place, some of his anxiety was starting to rub off on him. He lightly furrowed his brows and started to tap his feet against the ground.
Mei Nianqing noticed him doing so and apologetically said, “Am I making you nervous? Sorry, dear.”
He came and held Jun Wu’s hand, pulling him up, “We can go now.”
Mei Nianqing had altered the array suppressing Jun Wu just for the day, having notified the heavens he would be doing so, thus Jun Wu could walk out.
They headed towards the ancestral hall of Wuyong that they had recently dug up and restored. The path they were walking on was strewn with flowers, courtesy of Zhu Xin throwing them around happily. The candles, lining the way, and moonlight illuminated the path, the light catching on the various gems on them.
Zhu Xin didn’t quite understand what they were doing, but even he could sense that this was a happy occasion. He was wearing the new attire they made for him, and his hair was tied up instead of wild and messy for once. Looking all handsome, he trailed behind them.
They would be having a simple wedding. They didn’t really invite anyone; it was just them and Zhu Xin. Their friends, also being on Tonglu, knew of this, but it wasn’t possible for them to attend so they gave their blessings prior.
If this was back in Wuyong’s heyday, the wedding of the crown prince would have been a big deal. A luxurious carriage with them in it would have toured around the city a few times before stopping at the palace doors. But now, there was no way or point of doing something like that.
Their attires were quite traditional however. The veil with gem dust that Mei Nianqing had over his head and the headpiece with feathers and hanging beads of coral and turquoise that Jun Wu wore were genuine ancient artifacts, preserved well and away from the fires. They had restored them the best they could; returning a gleam to the beads and a vivid red to the veil. They also adorned many silver accessories and colorful ribbons, befitting of the customs.
Once they were inside the hall, they knelt solemnly.
Then, the first bow – to heaven and earth.
This step was a little awkward, both having been part of heavens before. Regardless, they did earnestly.
Second bow, to the ancestors.
They bowed before the tablets inside, asking for the blessing of the ancestors of Wuyong.
Finally, they faced each other. Jun Wu could vaguely see the smile beneath Mei Nianqing’s veil, and he had one himself. Then at the same time, they bowed to each other.
Afterwards, the colorful ribbons they had around their wrists were tied together, they drunk from each other’s cups, and drew the lines symbolizing marriage on each other’s bodies according to Wuyong’s tattoo traditions.
With their oaths taken and the ceremony over, they returned to their house.
Zhu Xin fell asleep soon after, so they were alone in their room.
Jun Wu was struggling trying to take off his many layers of clothing before Mei Nianqing chuckled and started helping him, “This part of you is same as ever, you are still bad with ornate costumes.”
There was a reason the Crown Prince of Wuyong had four attendants, dressing him was a team effort because of his princely clothes. Now that he couldn’t use magic to deal with this, he had become clumsy once again.
“So what if I am? My husband can help me.”
Jun Wu grasped the hand that took off an accessory for him, and kissed it. There was now a gleaming ring on Mei Nianqing’s hand, the same as the one he wore.
Mei Nianqing smiled happily, “Indeed, I will.”
His veil was still covering half of his face, so Jun Wu pushed it off completely and kissed his forehead.
Once the heavy robes were off, they sat under the stars together, having developed a habit of doing so.
Mei Nianqing put his head on Jun Wu’s shoulder, their hands intertwined between them. And at that moment, Jun Wu didn’t have anything else to ask for.