No one knew how much time had passed, but Yin Hui remained in his arms, unwilling to get up. Twice, when Wei Luo attempted to rise and change, Yin Hui mumbled and clung to his arm, preventing him from moving.
Observing her in his arms, Wei Luo saw that her eyes were closed, with long eyelashes tightly joined together with moisture. Her face was as red as a flower, wearing an expression of utter laziness, akin to a well-fed kitten that just wanted to nestle and sleep comfortably.
Wei Luo gently stroked her long hair. In that moment, he could sense her wholehearted devotion. It was something she enjoyed. Compared to the shyness and restraint of their early days as newlyweds, she became more daring in expressing her affection.
Wei Luo continued to embrace Yin Hui, lying down for about two quarters of an hour until dawn.
When she finally got up, Wei Luo looked into the vanity mirror. Yinzhan was combing her hair, and he couldn’t help but notice her rosy cheeks and bright eyes. Their eyes met in the mirror, and she smiled sweetly, radiating an air of satisfaction.
Wei Luo quickly averted his gaze. Perhaps he had misinterpreted it, but he sensed a trace of approval in her eyes, as if she appreciated the happiness he provided her.
In the broad daylight, it was only natural for her to feel a bit shy.
In Chengxin Hall, they had a slightly delayed breakfast, and then Wei Luo expressed his desire to take Xiao Heng horseback riding.
Excitedly, Xiao Heng asked, “Dad, are we going to Mrs. Feng’s house?”
Wei Luo reassured him, saying, “It’s still early, don’t worry.”
Impatiently, Xiao Heng exclaimed, “I want to see the firecrackers!”
Wei Luo said, “We will go.”
Xiao Heng, in his eagerness, pleaded, “Then let’s go now!”
Wei Luo found himself momentarily speechless.
Yin Hui smiled and explained, “Dad misspoke. The firecrackers won’t be set off until the bride arrives. She is expected to arrive at noon, so we should go there before then.”
Finally understanding, Xiao Heng nodded.
Wei Luo exchanged a glance with Yin Hui and led his son away. Xiao Xun, being too young, obediently stayed at home to play with his mother.
After Xiao Heng enjoyed riding the big horse, the father and son returned home, changed into appropriate clothes, and the family of three set off together.
The residences of the three commanders were close to the palace, and they reached the Feng Mansion quickly by carriage.
Feng Teng went to welcome the bride, and Feng Su, with Mrs. Feng, warmly greeted the distinguished guests.
While the adults exchanged pleasantries, Xiao Heng, captivated by the sight of red firecrackers being prepared outside, expressed his desire to wait there. Other children from guest families were also standing by, eagerly anticipating the festivities.
Considering the matter, Yin Hui looked at Wei Luo, the father, to decide. To her surprise, Wei Luo agreed and asked Chang Feng to keep an eye on Xiao Heng.
Once inside, Yin Hui and Wei Luo went their separate ways.
As the auspicious noon approached, the groom returned to greet his relatives, and the joyful sounds of celebration drew closer.
Worried about Xiao Heng, Yin Hui asked Jinzhan to check on him. Eager to witness the excitement, Jinzhan happily accepted the task and maneuvered through the crowd. The moment firecrackers ignited outside, creating crackling noises and white smoke, Jinzhan covered her ears and scanned the scene. To her delight, she spotted Xiao Heng sitting on Chang Feng’s shoulders, surrounded by other children, all shouting and laughing with excitement. Even Chang Feng, among the children, displayed a playful expression.
Satisfied with the situation, Jinzhan returned to inform Yin Hui.
In his grand red wedding gown, Feng Teng, already tall and robust, stood out even more. With a playful knock, he lightly tapped the sedan chair door, and the bride, assisted by Xi Po, gracefully descended.
Under the bright sun, the golden trim on the bride’s veil sparkled, while the groom’s wide grin showcased his pearl-white teeth.
Infected by the joyful atmosphere, Jinzhan couldn’t help but smile.
Unfortunately, Yin Hui missed the earlier scene. As the groom prepared to escort the bride to the bridal chamber, she saw Feng Teng grinning from ear to ear.
Some people may appear big and rough on the outside, but in reality, they are narrow-minded. They might display anger in public, only to return home and mistreat their families. Feng Teng, however, was of a different breed. His rugged exterior coexisted with a genuine broad-mindedness. When he cared for someone, he empathized with their grievances, directing all his anger towards those who deserved it.
Observing Feng Teng and Liao Qiuniang sitting together on the newlywed bed, sharing a drink, Yin Hui smiled, feeling a sense of peace in her heart. The journey of rebirth had its challenges, but if the outcome was positive, the sacrifices were worthwhile.
As the banquet concluded, Yin Hui’s family prepared to bid their farewells. The carriage began to move slowly. Xiao Heng, lying against the window, cast a final glance at the red wedding decorations and remnants of firecrackers scattered in front of the mansion. Returning to his father’s lap, he asked eagerly, “Mom, when will there be another wedding?”
Yin Hui considered for a moment and replied, “Perhaps we’ll have to wait for your fourth uncle to get married.”
They couldn’t attend others’ joyful occasions, and in the palace, they awaited the marriage of the fourth master Wei Xuan.
Curious, Xiao Heng inquired, “When will the fourth uncle get married?”
Yin Hui, knowing the actual date, feigned uncertainty, saying, “Maybe next year?”
When he saw Xiao Heng pouting, Wei Luo suddenly said, “Great-grandfather is about to have his 60th birthday, and there will be firecrackers at the birthday banquet.”
Upon hearing that, Xiao Heng became excited again, “Can I go?”
Wei Luo touched his son’s head, saying, “Well, both you and your younger brother can go.”
Yin Hui gazed at Wei Luo in surprise. He was aware that her grandfather was approaching his 60th birthday and willingly suggested taking the children to celebrate the occasion.
Wei Luo answered a few questions from Xiao Heng before noticing the peculiar expression in Yin Hui’s eyes. Wei Luo , maintaining his usual authenticity, asked, “I’ll prepare the birthday gift, what does he like?”
Yin Hui, after a moment, smiled and replied with a hint of emotion in her eyes, “Grandpa likes the wine from Piaoxiang Hall.”
He might as well go. In her previous life, her grandfather hadn’t lived to see his 60th birthday. In this life, she was determined to make up for it.