Chapter 872: Dressed as a Handsome Young Man
Editor: Henyee Translations

Chu Qingzhi embraced Tang Jinghong, softly saying, “That’s still a distant matter; I can’t return now.”

Tang Jinghong tightened his embrace, greedily holding the girl in his arms, “Qingzhi, if you can go back, can you, can you delay your return a bit longer?”

His voice was low, carrying a mix of entreaty, affection, and a sense of helplessness.

Chu Qingzhi wasn’t sure what her return would entail, “If possible, I promise you. And if it’s further possible, I’ll take you with me.”

If not, she might choose to stay and spend a lifetime with Jinghong. She had already waited hundreds of years; a moment more wouldn’t hurt.

Tang Jinghong was profoundly moved, his joy evident, “Zixi, thank you for choosing me.”

Out of all the men in the world, Zixi had chosen him. Even calling it luck felt like an understatement.

Chu Qingzhi’s smile broadened, “Alright, you don’t have to treat me any differently. I’m still Chu Qingzhi. I told you about my origins because I see you as my closest person in the future. These secrets shouldn’t be hidden from you. It’s not meant to pressure you.”

Holding Chu Qingzhi’s hand, Tang Jinghong took a long time to calm his tumultuous feelings.

“Qingzhi, I made these late-night snacks especially for you. Try them. They might not compare to the heavens or the modern world, but…”

Chu Qingzhi wrapped her arms around Tang Jinghong’s neck, kissing him. She felt his unease, hoping a kiss could soothe him.

The softness of her lips nourished Tang Jinghong’s heart, emotions sprouting and filling his entire being.

After a long while, they finally parted…

Unable to contain his joy, Tang Jinghong handed her the chopsticks, “Qingzhi, let’s eat.”

Chu Qingzhi picked up a piece of the cold sweet dumplings and fed it to Tang Jinghong, “Let’s eat together.”

“Alright.” Tang Jinghong smiled gently, his smile blooming slowly on his lips, radiant as a newly opened flower in the spring sun.

They shared the snacks, finishing everything on the table.

Rubbing her stomach, Chu Qingzhi announced, “I’m going to sleep now.”

“I’ll walk you,” Tang Jinghong stood, extending his hand towards her. Chu Qingzhi placed her hand in his, their fingers interlocking as they walked out together.

…

The day of the twenty-fourth month quickly arrived, the day Wen Shaoyuan and Hong Yujun were to be wed.

With no family of her own, Hong Yujun had chosen Li Qingyu as her godmother and was leaving from her house.

She got ready early in the morning.

Naturally beautiful, Hong Yujun looked absolutely stunning in her bridal attire, now just waiting for the groom to arrive.

She occasionally glanced towards the door, wondering why the young master hadn’t come yet, her eyes clearly showing her disappointment.

Chu Qingyan couldn’t understand, “Sister Yujun, you’re the bride, why do you seem a bit upset?”

Shaking her head, Hong Yujun hurriedly responded amidst the tinkling of her jewelry, “I’m waiting for someone.”

Chu Qingyan immediately recalled stories where a girl’s heart belonged to another, waiting for her true love on her wedding day.

Chu Qingyan hurriedly advised, “Sister Yujun, you’ve chosen to marry Shaoyuan, you mustn’t be indecisive.”

Hong Yujun, “….”

With a smile tinged with helplessness, Hong Yujun explained, “The person I’m waiting for is my life-saving benefactor, not what you’re thinking.”

Chu Qingyan sighed in relief, “That’s good, you scared me.”

As they spoke, faint footsteps approached…

Chu Qingyan stopped, “Sister Yujun, is your benefactor here?”

Hong Yujun looked hopeful, “Let’s see.”

Chu Qingyan hurried to the door, where a young man with rosy lips and white teeth approached, his smile brightening her vision.

She exclaimed in awe, “So, so handsome!”

The young man smiled helplessly, “May I come in?”

Chu Qingyan stepped aside, “Please, come in!”

Hong Yujun stood still, tears welling up as she stared at the young man, “Young master, I thought you wouldn’t come.”

“If I said I’d come, I’d definitely make it.” He handed her a box, “This is my wedding gift to you. Live well and be happy.”

Hong Yujun cherished the box, “I will, young master, thank you.”

The young man took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears, “A bride shouldn’t cry, understand?”

“I’m not crying, I’m happy.” Hong Yujun looked at him expectantly, “Young master, would you send me off as part of my family?”

He nodded, agreeing readily, “I’ll carry you out to the sedan chair later.”

“Thank you,” Hong Yujun beamed.

The matchmaker announced it was time to go, “Cover the bride’s head; let’s head out.”

Chu Qingyan brought over the tray, and the young man lifted the red bridal veil, covering Hong Yujun.

The matchmaker loudly proclaimed, “Send off the bride!”

The young man carried Hong Yujun downstairs, placing her in the sedan according to tradition.

Wen Shaoyuan, in his wedding attire, looked even more handsome with the joy of the day softening his usual stern demeanor.

Seeing Hong Yujun emerge, he focused entirely on her, “Yujun, I’m here to take you home.”

Sitting in the sedan, Hong Yujun’s voice was shy, “I’m going home with you.”

“I’ll take good care of you.” Wen Shaoyuan smiled, bowing to Tang Jinghong, who was watching, then mounted his horse to lead the procession home from another direction.

The village was alive with celebration as they followed the procession to Wen Shaoyuan’s home.

Tang Jinghong, standing still until everyone left, approached the young man, “Dressed as a woman, you are beautiful; as a man, you are handsome. You look good no matter what.”

The young man crossed his arms, “If I were a man, would you like me?”

Tang Jinghong touched his nose, offering a discreet reply, “No matter how handsome, a man is still a man…”

The young man gave Tang Jinghong a knowing look, leaving him to ponder, then followed the crowd to enjoy the wedding feast.

Tang Jinghong chuckled helplessly, joining the celebration.

After the ceremony, everyone took their seats. Despite the rush, Li Qingyu managed everything impeccably, leaving no room for criticism.

Once seated, guests eagerly began their meal.

Most of Chu Qingzhi’s second batch of cured meats were sold to Ning Yuting, with the rest served at the banquet, quickly becoming the most popular dishes and were the first to be finished.

Under the eaves, the yard was adorned with red lanterns, each containing a candle that cast a bright, red glow, imbuing the scene with a festive atmosphere.