Chapter 158 - Matrimonial Marriage
As soon as Zuo Shaoqing set foot on the ground, he was taken aback by the broad grin on the wedding lady's face. Before he could react, his hand was clasped by a lady in red.
What's happening here? Zuo Shaoqing couldn't help feeling a bit dumbfounded. If he were to pull the veil over his head again, he'd practically be indistinguishable from a bride.
Just as he was about to decline, he noticed Lu Zheng holding his other hand, gazing at him with profound emotion.
Zuo Shaoqing's heart fluttered. It felt as though the blood in his veins was surging, as if it were crying out, attempting to break free from his chest. He even felt anxious about taking a breath.
A peculiar sensation coursed through Zuo Shaoqing's heart. In this moment, the two of them stood together, gripping the same red thread symbolizing eternity. It was in this moment that he truly comprehended that this was his and Lu Zheng's wedding.
“Ahem, ahem…” As the host, the elderly butler couldn't help but cough to remind them that even though they were on the brink of becoming husband and wife, they still needed to be mindful of the circumstances.
Displaying affection in public was quite an adventure for someone who was typically reserved.
Zuo Shaoqing turned around and positioned himself at the center of the hall. He was aware of the whispers and unfriendly glances from the onlookers, but at this moment, he couldn't be bothered with any of it.
The madame sat gracefully at the head of the table, tears streaming from her eyes, which put Zuo Shaoqing, who was somewhat uneasy, at ease.
Initially, many guests believed that the madame would never consent to this marriage. After all, no parent would willingly marry off their son to another man.
Even if it were an imperial decree, it seemed impossible for the madame to genuinely accept this man as her daughter-in-law. Many people had come to witness the spectacle, anticipating a grand showdown at Duke Zhen Manor.
Little did they expect that upon arrival, they would find the old mistress, dressed in a dark red gown, sitting happily at the head of the table.
The joy radiating from her face was genuine, not as forced as the crowd had initially assumed.
What was happening? Could it be that Master Lu's proposal to marry the top scholar had received the madame's blessing? What kind of magnanimity and generosity had he displayed to gain her approval?
“The auspicious moment has arrived… Newcomers, pay your respects to heaven and earth…” The slightly aged voice of the butler filled the hall, instantly hushing the room. All eyes turned to the newlyweds standing in the center.
The guests who had never laid eyes on Zuo Shaoqing were somewhat taken aback. Initially, they had expected to meet a captivating and alluring young man with a bewitching allure, as their impressions were still rooted in the younger generation.
Zuo Shaoqing's appearance did possess a certain delicacy, but he had been devoted to physical training ever since his rebirth. His physique wasn't as frail as that of an average teenager; instead, it exuded a heroic aura that a typical scholar wouldn't possess.
Is this year's top scholar for the Imperial Examinations really a fourteen-year-old youth with a three-star future, willingly risking his reputation to marry a man?
If it were merely an ordinary, unknown man, they could accuse him of coveting the power of the Wu Steel Manor. If it were a destitute young man, they could claim he sought the wealth of the Wu Steel Manor.
“Second bow to the hall…” As the newlyweds circled around, people began to consider that perhaps this marriage was a wonderful thing. It could be a simple matter of mutual love, a match destined by fate.
She remembered the last time she felt this vulnerable was when her husband had passed away. The sensation of the world crumbling around her filled her with unease, but now, she was half delighted and half anxious.
Her son, Rong Ma, had toiled tirelessly for half his life, working harder than any wealthy young master in the capital. Her greatest wish was for him to lead a tranquil life, with a happy wife to care for him.
Zuo Shaoqing and the others had also been studying him for a while. This young man possessed intelligence and cunning that were rarely found among his peers. She had noticed all of his strategies, and that's why she entrusted the Wu Steel Manor to him.
Lu Zheng didn't need a gentle wife, Duke Zhen Manor didn't require a frail and submissive mistress, and she didn't want a daughter-in-law who would merely support her son.
“Husband and wife…” “Husband against husband…” The elderly steward wiped his brow, almost slipping out the phrase “send to the bridal chamber.” Eventually, he firmly stuck to the word “present.”
“The imperial edict…” Just as Zuo Shaoqing and Lu Zheng stood up, they saw several guards and a royal attendant entering.
That attendant was Emperor Tianfeng's most trusted steward. He smiled, squinting his eyes, and bowed to Lu Zheng and Zuo Shaoqing. “Congratulations, Master Lu and the top scorer of the left side. His Majesty sends his special wedding gift today.”
As soon as he finished speaking, a guard brought in several large chests. Before Lu Zheng and the others could kneel and accept the decree, the attendant smiled and remarked, “His Majesty has decided that Duke Zhen need not kneel to receive the decree on this auspicious day.”
It was a reflection of how highly Zhan Yuanfeng valued his loyal servant. He was conveying congratulations to Zhan Yuanfeng on his marriage and enumerating the substantial gifts of gold, silver, and jewelry. In essence, it all came down to one thing: Zhan Yuanfeng was exceptionally delighted today!
Upon hearing that a hot spring in the western suburbs was among the gifts, Lu Zheng furrowed his brow and expressed his gratitude sincerely: “Thank you, my lord!”
The Royal Hot Springs Villa would undoubtedly match Zuo Shaoqing's expectations. Coincidentally, he had a desire to construct a mansion like this for Zuo Shaoqing. He intended to have Zuo Shaoqing stay here during the winter months to spare him from the hardships of the cold season.
After the server departed, a crowd gathered around, extending their congratulations to Master Lu, whether their sentiments were genuine or feigned. “Congratulations…”
Lu Zheng took Zuo Shaoqing's hand directly with one hand and gestured to everyone with the other, saying, “Today is a joyous occasion for us. Thank you all for your support. Please take your seats!”
The sudden display of courtesy from Master Lu caught everyone off guard. They glanced at Zuo Shaoqing and marveled at the capabilities of this young man. It was astonishing to see the extent of Master Lu's affection for him.
Zuo Shaoqing remained composed. With a smile on his face, he neither spoke excessively nor displayed arrogance. Those hoping to witness a spectacle couldn't glean any information from him.
Following the ceremony, the groom initially intended to offer toasts. However, since there were two grooms today, it was unsurprising to see both of them approach together.
Two burly men stood behind the two grooms, ready to pour wine. It was unclear whether Lu Zheng did it deliberately or not, but the two strong men were notably imposing. They positioned themselves beside the table, causing guests who had intended to offer toasts or engage in banter to pause in their tracks.
Zuo Shaoqing took a sip of wine and pursed his lips. This light and tasteless beverage seemed rather dull. He cast a glance at Lu Zheng and discreetly swapped the wine glass in his hand when no one was looking.
Lu Zheng reached for the wine cup, encircled Zuo Shaoqing's waist with his arm, and whispered, “Don't drink too much. If you want to indulge, we can take our time later in our private quarters.”
Zuo Shaoqing shifted his body slightly. After just one glass of wine, he felt as if he were already intoxicated. It seemed the saying held true: Everyone can be inebriated without actually being drunk!
He playfully nudged Lu Zheng with his elbow, lowered his voice, and teased, “Well, Master Lu, you should take it easy. If you get too drunk, I won't be able to serve you tonight!”
Lu Zheng's heart filled with desire as he chuckled softly, “Tonight, I intend to ‘serve' you!” His tone was as gentle as a caress, causing Zuo Shaoqing to swallow hard.
It could even be said that he had long been looking forward to this moment. When he had affection for someone, the desire to completely connect on a physical and emotional level was only natural, especially for a young man who had recently come of age. His body was responsive and sensitive, and he couldn't help but be stirred by Lu Zheng's teasing every day.
After a round of drinking, Zuo Shaoqing had consumed countless glasses of water. Despite it being just a small amount of alcohol, his stomach felt bloated. What amazed him even more was that Lu Zheng remained completely sober after drinking so much.
He couldn't help but glance at Lu Zheng's belly, wondering where all that alcohol was going.
“What's the matter? Can't wait?” Lu Zheng's alcohol-laden breath tickled Zuo Shaoqing's ears, his words carried innuendo, and his laughter was subdued.
“Wh…” “What?” Zuo Shaoqing asked with uncertainty.
“Why are you gazing at me with such a heated look? Are you waiting for something?” Lu Zheng regarded him with a knowing smile.
Zuo Shaoqing's face turned crimson, and he hurriedly clarified, “Don't misunderstand, I'm not staring at you…” “Look there, I was only looking at your stomach.”
“Alright, I'll take your word for it,” Lu Zheng replied nonchalantly, as if it was of no concern. Then he turned and led his companions back to the main table.
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