Jiangshan Fengwuzhi

Chapter 292 The Wedding (Part Two)

Looking out from the tower, one can see Gu Jingnian arriving at the corner of the long street, surrounded by a crowd. Dressed in fine clothes and riding a spirited horse, he is handsome and dashing, drawing cheers from countless people.

Although Jusai City is far less prosperous than Zhuojing, the city was bustling with excitement today, and Pei Wugou had not felt such a lively atmosphere for many years.

Pei Wugou stood by the railing, watching the wedding procession arrive and complete all the tedious rituals.

"Lord Pei, it's time to go."

As the sound of footsteps climbing the stairs continued, subordinates and servants came to urge Pei Wugou to come to the hall to greet the guests, but Pei Wugou refused to go and just stayed there thinking.

He had been feeling something was wrong lately, but couldn't quite put his finger on what it was. He was still deep in thought when, before he knew it, the day of his daughter's wedding had arrived, and the wedding procession was already in front of him.

Finally, when it was truly impossible to delay any longer, Pei Wugou turned and left the high pavilion, giving an order at the same time.

"Bring out the dowry."

The dowry was prepared by Pei Wugou in the last half month. After realizing that he could not stop the marriage, he purchased many items in Jusai City. In addition, he sent a strange person out of the city to return to Rui Kingdom and retrieve five large boxes of gold, silver and jade artifacts.

"My father-in-law is here!"

Amid cheers, Pei Wugou was ushered into the main hall. The moment he saw Gu Jingnian today, he felt that he should find such an outstanding man as his son-in-law.

However, his expression remained indifferent, completely out of place with the festive atmosphere.

He raised his hand to stop Gu Jingnian from bowing and asked, "On this joyous occasion, is your father feeling any better? Is he able to receive guests?"

Gu Jingnian replied politely, "Father-in-law, my father will handle it."

"Then... let's escort the bride."

Pei Wugou uttered the last three words and closed his eyes helplessly.

Then the gongs and drums sounded louder, and the bride, dressed in her finest attire, was ushered into the sedan chair. The wedding procession turned towards the marshal, and behind them was an even larger procession of brides, carrying various dowry items, screens, tables and chairs, musical instruments, lacquerware, and large red chests, which stretched for a full ten miles along the street.

The Gu family wants to see the Pei family's sincerity, and that's it.

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The city was filled with the sounds of gongs and drums, while the dungeons echoed with the clanging of gongs and hammers.

Gu Beiming stood up, looked at the opened cell door, and saw that it was Liang Xin who had come in. A faint smile appeared in his eyes.

"Marshal," Liang Xing said, "Today is the Eleventh Young Master's wedding day. I've come to fetch you to the ancestral hall."

"He still married Pei Nian." Gu Beiming shook his head, it was unclear what his opinion was on this.

Even if he had opinions, he was too lazy to say them, because he didn't care about Gu Jingnian's marriage; what he cared about was that he could use this marriage to get out of prison.

Even though he desperately wanted to leave, Gu Beiming stood there as imposing and unmoving as a mountain, giving Liang Xin a strong sense of pressure.

Liang Xin's voice trembled slightly as he took out a porcelain bottle from his sleeve, lowered his head, and whispered, "This is a Dispersing Strength Pill. After taking it, you will feel weak all over for twelve hours, after which you will gradually recover. Please take it, Marshal."

Gu Beiming did not answer.

Liang Xin knelt down directly, presented his hands, and at the same time, quickly glanced into the darkness behind him before turning back.

This was a signal to Gu Beiming that someone was watching him, and that he could only be taken out after taking the Dispersing Strength Pill.

“This is Jusai City,” Gu Beiming said. “The entire city is filled with black neodymium to suppress supernatural abilities, yet you still treat me with such suspicion?”

Liang Xin said, "Precisely because it is Jusai City, the two young masters are even more afraid of the marshal."

They all knew very well that if Gu Beiming wanted to do something in Jusai City, he wouldn't need to use force at all.

Finally, Gu Beiming reached out and took the porcelain bottle, poured out the pills inside, smelled them, and then swallowed them.

"All right."

When he spoke again, his voice became weak and strained.

The original purpose of this Dispersing Strength Pill was to prevent him from speaking and thus from commanding his former generals to seize power.

With a clink, a bunch of keys was tossed from the darkness to Liang Xing's feet. Liang Xing quickly picked them up, unlocked Gu Beiming's handcuffs, and helped him walk out.

"Marshal, I will take you to bathe and change your clothes, and then we will meet the guests in the hall... It was Lord Pei who said that you must be the one to appear."

As they walked, Liang Xin detailed the situation in Jusai City in recent days, and then seemingly casually brought up Pei Wugou's request.

Pei Wugou insisted on having Gu Beiming intervene after realizing she couldn't stop the marriage, stating that proper etiquette should not be disregarded.

The Pei family also needs to see the Gu family's sincerity; that's all.

Finally, with Gu Jize's help, Gu Beiming reappeared before everyone.

"Marshal! Marshal!"

The Gu family retainers became excited and stared eagerly at Gu Beiming.

The marshal, who appeared to be in the prime of his life, had the same resolute face as before, but his body was very weak, unable even to stand or walk. Yet, he still struggled to move his feet, and with all his might, raised his hand to greet his soldiers.

He made a couple of pursed lips, but only managed to utter a few words.

"I...I'm still here..."

"Marshal is mighty!"

Someone shouted out unconsciously.

Some people were moved to tears by Gu Beiming's difficult movements, and cried out through tears, "Marshal, you must live a long and healthy life!"

For Gu Jize, bringing out Gu Beiming might have dispelled the rumors that he had murdered his father and seized power, but the current situation made him feel threatened and nervous.

Therefore, Gu Beiming could feel that Gu Jize's hand, which was supporting him under the armpit, was slightly stiff.

He was unable to make any expression, but he sneered inwardly.

"You unfilial son."

"The groom is back!"

A loud shout came from outside the hall. The wedding procession had arrived in front of the Marshal's Mansion, but it was unknown how long it would take to get the long procession inside.

Gu Beiming was helped to sit down in the main hall. He ignored his grandchildren and nephews and looked only at the gate.

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"Here we go!"

Red paper cutouts of the character for "happiness" were scattered into the sky, fluttering like falling flowers.

Gu Jingnian led Pei Nian into the Marshal's Mansion with a red ribbon in his hand.

He walked steadily, seemingly oblivious to the congratulations all around him.

Today, he is actually immersed in the wedding.

He does have some plans, but not now. It will probably be some time later, when Switzerland can clearly agree to the conditions proposed by Gu Jize.

Conflict will be inevitable at that time, and there may even be a fierce battle.

Therefore, he deliberately moved the wedding forward to avoid being disturbed by these trivial matters. Today, he just wants the wedding to go smoothly.

With this thought in mind, Gu Jingnian walked into the main hall. He turned his head and watched Pei Nian stand in the hall in her red dress before raising his gaze to Gu Beiming, who was sitting at the head of the table.

In that glance, there was no trace of filial piety or respect for his father; his eyes looked as if he were looking at a tool.

His life experiences have taught him to exploit others, even those who are nominally his closest relatives.

This time, he will make use of Gu Beiming.

At the same time, Gu Beiming also felt the gaze of this unfilial son. Before he could say a word, a surge of anger rose in his heart. The angrier he became, the more a relieved smile appeared on his face.

"well……"

Gu Beiming was already weak, but he still praised him, his joy overflowing. He was the epitome of a good father who was still happy for his son even though he was seriously ill.

"Worship heaven and earth!"

"Two thanks to the high hall!"

As shouts arose, Gu Jingnian, holding Pei Nian's hand, was about to kneel down when a commotion suddenly broke out outside.

A soldier rushed over and stood beside Gu Jize, whispering, "Young Marshal, the imperial envoy has arrived."

He did not say which country the envoy was from, but Gu Jize knew that it must be an envoy from Yong. He was immediately worried and wondered if Yong had found out that he wanted to return to Rui. A look of worry appeared in his eyes.

So Gu Jize took two steps back and asked, "Who is it?"

Upon hearing the answer, his eyes narrowed again, and he smiled as he raised his hand to stop the wedding proceedings.

"Please wait a moment, everyone. We have distinguished guests arriving. I will go and greet them."

At this moment, Gu Beiming and Pei Wugou remained calm, while Gu Jingnian tilted his head slightly, looking somewhat surprised.

It seems the wedding didn't go as smoothly as he had hoped.

……

The heavy city gates slowly opened, and under the banners of the Yong Kingdom, squads of knights rode their tall horses into the city.

Meanwhile, deep within the cliffs beneath the towering walls of Jusse, two people looked up at the black city.

(End of this chapter)