Chapter 6: Requesting an Imperial Decree for Marriage

Old General Cheng snorted coldly: “Isn’t he exactly here to snatch a bride? Whose wedding is like his, forcing us to prepare everything within a single day? Must the wedding be held the day after tomorrow?”

“I’ve never had my old face used so thoroughly in my entire life.”

A team of Brocade-Clad Guards were continuously carrying large chests into the courtyard, the line stretching as far as the eye could see.

Fu Xiao was hesitating whether to wait until they finished their complaints before approaching, when Old General Cheng spotted him and immediately beamed with a wide smile, enthusiastically greeting: “Dear in-law”

Except for Cheng Honglang, all the Cheng family members instantly performed a complete change of expression. Their previously disdainful and angry expressions toward Cheng Honglang were instantly replaced with extremely enthusiastic smiles as they swarmed around.

“Dear in-law”

“Dear in-law”

“Dear in-law”

Fu Xiao felt his head buzzing. Was the Cheng family here to deliver betrothal gifts? Did delivering betrothal gifts require the entire family to mobilize? The men were all tall, strong, and powerfully built. The women were also heroic and agile.

Were they here to force a marriage?

If he didn’t agree, would they perform a scene of fierce soldiers surrounding his mansion right there?

“Hurry up and come pay respects to your father-in-law!” Old Madam Cheng shouted at her grandson with disdain, her voice booming with complete confidence.”

Cheng Honglang struggled to force a smile onto his face and walked over carrying the wild goose. Before he could speak, both Old General Cheng and General Cheng simultaneously kicked the back of his knees, making him “thump” to the ground. He paused slightly, then without hesitation promptly kowtowed three times to Fu Xiao: “Your son-in-law pays respects to Father-in-law.”

Watching this usually intimidating figure being forced to kneel by his entire family, Fu Xiao felt a strange sense of pride.

The anger he had been holding against this scoundrel who ruined his daughter’s marriage prospects miraculously dissipated.

“Imperial decree arrives” A sharp, high-pitched voice came from outside the courtyard.

Fu Xiao was stunned for a moment, then reacted and excitedly instructed the steward: “Quick, quick, prepare the incense table, and notify the Second Young Lady and Third Young Lady.”

In all his years as an official, this was the first time he had received an imperial decree at home.

When Fu Junyao arrived supported by Fuliu, she was momentarily confused by the sight of the entire Cheng family staring at her eagerly and the countless red chests that couldn’t even fit in the courtyard.

Wasn’t this for receiving the decree?

Had Lang-ge come to deliver betrothal gifts?! So quickly? She had only taken a nap, and while it was one thing for Lang-ge to apologize, how had he accomplished so much! Most importantly, how could he gather so many betrothal gifts in just half a day, even managing to obtain a wild goose! It was simply unbelievable.

The decree-delivering eunuch saw Fu Junyao and immediately stepped forward to explain with a smile: “After Commander Cheng went to the Ministry of Revenue to apologize today, he immediately entered the palace and requested an imperial marriage decree from His Majesty. He kept urging His Majesty to write it quickly, insisting it must be delivered today. When I received the decree, I didn’t dare delay for a moment and rushed over at the fastest possible speed.”

“Thank you for your hard work, sir!” Fu Junyao exchanged pleasantries while turning her head in astonishment toward Cheng Honglang. She saw him solemnly carrying a wild goose through the crowd, his gaze precisely fixed on her with intense pressure. When he noticed her looking back, for some inexplicable reason, the corners of his lips curled upward slightly as if smiling.

Was he forcing a smile?

She knew he was a man of strong responsibility feeling he had ruined her wedding, he was determined to make amends. Taking responsibility for her, preserving her dignity, even storming into the palace to demand an imperial decree for their marriage… all for the sake of her reputation.

He was such a good man!

Yet she had seized the position of his wife, depriving him of any chance to spend his life with someone truly meant for him!

Thinking this, she really was a scoundrel!

But even as a scoundrel, she had already snatched and occupied this position, with no intention of letting go. What could she do?

Fu Qingqing entered the scene already agitated by the courtyard full of betrothal gifts. Upon hearing that Cheng Honglang had specifically gone to the palace to request an imperial marriage decree, she nearly choked with envy.

She had initially thought that since Fu Junyao had lost her virtue before marriage, even if she married the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, she would inevitably face gossip and humiliation in the future.

Who could have imagined Cheng Honglang would go to the palace to seek an imperial decree for her? With this decree, it meant the emperor himself endorsed the marriage who would dare utter a single criticism. Were they tired of keeping their heads attached?

As everyone gathered and the incense altar was prepared, Fu Xiao led the family in kneeling to receive the decree.

Hearing the imperial order for the wedding to take place the day after tomorrow, the Fu family expressed surprise.

Old General Cheng stepped forward apologetically, cupping his hands toward Fu Xiao. “My apologies, future in-law. Our foolish boy took our granddaughter-in-law’s birth chart to the Imperial Astronomer, who declared the day after tomorrow as this year’s most auspicious date for her. The stubborn brat absolutely refused to change it. So, we’re combining the name inquiry, divination, betrothal gifts, and date selection all today. Please forgive our haste.”

Fu Xiao took it rather well. He had long prepared for Yao Yao’s wedding in two days—extensively so. Now it was just a matter of including Qingqing, with both sisters being married together, which wasn’t particularly troublesome. Still, the last-minute groom switch and the rushed ceremony left him somewhat unsettled.

Given the Cheng family’s respectful attitude, he chose not to comment further, simply assuring them they were prepared.

Old General Cheng immediately sighed in relief, his wrinkled face breaking into a smile. “Although the boy’s decision was abrupt, our family has been preparing for his wedding for years. Besides, we have many hands, and those youngsters are highly efficient. Rest assured though rushed, we’ll give Yao Yao a grand and meticulous ceremony.”

Their Baiwei Restaurant would handle the banquet preparations entirely. As for guests, the moment news spread, all his old comrades were eagerly awaiting to celebrate the rascal’s wedding. The scale certainly wouldn’t be modest.

Hearing this, Fu Xiao finally felt reassured.

But Fu Junyao’s emotions remained indescribably complex.

Originally, the bride to be married the day after tomorrow had been changed to Fu Qingqing. Fu Junyao was just breathing a sigh of relief, thinking she had nothing to do with it anymore. She needed to rest properly, lying down for ten days or even half a month straight to recover her poor health.

But before she could relax for even two quarters of an hour, she heard the news that she still needed to get married the day after tomorrow!

What kind of hurry has Lang-ge gotten into this time?

If there are no better dates this year, can’t we just wait until next year?

She’s not in a hurry, not the slightest bit anxious. She’s afraid she won’t even be able to get out of bed when the time comes.

Meanwhile, Fu Qingqing felt as if a pot of boiling oil had been poured over her heart, so agitated that she wanted to kill someone!

She had already snatched Fu Junyao’s marriage fate. How dare Fu Junyao still come forward to add to her troubles!

Not only were the Cheng family’s betrothal gifts more than ten times those of the duke’s residence, but she even had to compete for the wedding date too!

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Zephyr Yizelle

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