Chapter 340: Chapter 180: The Moon Surrounded by Stars
Liu Yunfeng refused at first, but Chen Cheng was insistent, so he had no choice but to take a seat.
In Chen Cheng’s heart, Liu Yunfeng was the one who had guided his path. He would always remember this kindness, this debt of gratitude for being discovered.
Now that he was actually wearing the bright red groom’s attire, Chen Cheng felt a surge of emotion, his heart pounding with excitement.
"Elder Mu, Mr. Liu, the hour has come. Isn’t it time for the ceremony?" Like any other groom, Chen Cheng couldn’t help but sound a little impatient.
Mu Zhenhai laughed heartily and stroked his beard. "Yes, it’s about time."
But Liu Yunfeng said, "Not so fast. We need to wait a moment longer. Two other distinguished guests have yet to arrive.
You’re the groom; you need to be patient. Just wait a little while longer."
For a moment, Chen Cheng couldn’t recall inviting anyone else. "Two more distinguished guests?" he asked, puzzled.
Liu Yunfeng just smiled. "You’ll know when they get here."
...
Overjoyed, Chen Cheng was not stingy, handing out generous tips to his neighbors in Locust Tree Lane.
Every household was helping out, greeting the well-wishers and topping off their cups with wine and tea.
All of Locust Tree Lane was filled with a joyous, festive atmosphere.
Everyone was waiting for the announcement from the Chens’ courtyard that the auspicious hour had arrived for the bride and groom’s wedding ceremony.
As the hour drew near, the crowd’s eager anticipation grew more palpable.
After all, once the ceremony was over, everyone could head to the reserved restaurant for the wedding feast. It was only natural to be eager.
Just then, two magnificent carriages hurried over and stopped at the entrance to the lane.
Two young women descended from the carriages. They were dressed in red, with stunning beauty and tall, graceful figures.
Escorted by maids and Officials from the City Guard Department, they made their way into the lane.
Everyone was captivated by their beauty. The City Guard Department constables, however, mostly recognized the arrivals and immediately stood at attention, bowing respectfully to welcome them.
The arrivals were none other than Linji City’s peerless beauties, Shen Qingyao and Shen Qingshuang.
Liao San and He Zhiling, who had been waiting, quickly stepped forward to greet them. After exchanging pleasantries, they led the two women toward the Chens’ courtyard.
Shen Qingyao couldn’t help but be a little taken aback by the lively scene.
She could tell at a glance that the smiles on all the guests’ faces were genuine and from the heart.
These were people who had come with sincere congratulations, not with the deliberate sycophancy of those trying to curry favor with the powerful.
"I’m surprised. That rascal Chen Cheng is actually quite popular," Shen Qingyao muttered under her breath as she walked.
Shen Qingshuang’s expression wasn’t stern; she wore a faint smile. She, of course, had a better understanding of Chen Cheng’s popularity.
This scene made her unconsciously think of another young prodigy she had mentored, Yan Jian.
His wedding had also been a joyous occasion, but even though it was held in the Inner City District, Yan Jian’s ceremony had felt much more subdued.
At the very least, you didn’t see so many faces filled with sincere, joyful blessings.
"He does alright," Shen Qingshuang commented lightly.
The crowd parted for them along the way. The two women walked straight into the Chens’ courtyard and then into the main house, which, packed with people, felt rather cramped.
They saw Chen Cheng, dressed as a groom in brilliant red, holding the hand of his red-gowned bride.
For a moment, both Shen Qingyao and Shen Qingshuang were lost in a daze.
Chen Cheng was also surprised to see the peerless beauties arrive in person. With a faint smile, he gave them a slight nod of his head in acknowledgment.
The two women smiled and nodded back.
Just then, Liu Yunfeng announced with a smile, "The auspicious hour has arrived. Let the ceremony begin!"
...
「That night.」
The moon gradually grew brighter.
In a bedroom at the Chens’ home in Locust Tree Lane, Chen Cheng held Mu Xiaowan gently in his arms, both sleeping deeply and peacefully.
All was quiet around the Chens’ courtyard.
But anyone who tried to force their way in would discover that inside and outside the courtyard, and even throughout Locust Tree Lane, Officials from the City Guard Department were standing guard...
This was Liu Yunfeng’s arrangement.
The Chief Constable had always been a cautious man. In his own words:
"Ah Cheng, you must be cautious in all things. You’re starting to make a name for yourself, and that makes you a bigger target.
As long as I, Liu Yunfeng, am here in Ruyi District, I won’t let you become another Yan Jian and disappear without a trace."
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