Side Story 11: The Wedding (5)
The clip-clop of horse hooves broke the silence. Shaoyao looked toward the sound, her fierce aura visibly melting away. She pouted, feeling utterly wronged.
Hua Zhi dismounted and reached out. Shaoyao obediently came over to hold her hand, leaning against her shoulder without speaking.
Patting her back, Hua Zhi raised her voice: "General Wu."
Wu Yong, who had accompanied them, felt both annoyed and worried. He feared the protective royal couple might call off the wedding, making each step forward feel unbearably heavy.
"Yinshan Pass is a crucial border fortress where strength has always been the true measure. Though Shaoyao is a woman, she once defended this very pass during the Great Qing's crisis. Now that she's marrying into Yinshan Pass, she shall follow its customs - let strength speak for itself."
Meeting Shaoyao's sparkling eyes, Hua Zhi smiled. "General Wu, please spar with Shaoyao for a few rounds. There's no need to hold back - it wouldn't look good if you were defeated too easily, would it?"
"This..."
"Let everyone see whether our Princess Hele of Great Qing, stripped of her noble status, is worthy of General Wu." Ignoring Wu Yong's hesitation, Hua Zhi straightened Shaoyao's collar and said gently, "Go ahead. When dealing with other people's men, you need to show restraint. But this man is yours - you can hit harder. After all, your medical skills are excellent, you can always heal him."
Smiling, Hua Zhi added, "Just don't hit his face."
Wu Yong: "..."
The crowd: "..."
Shaoyao affectionately nuzzled Hua Hua before leaping back onto the training ground, beckoning Wu Yong with a finger.
Wu Yong felt both helpless and amused. He'd seen people backing others up, but never like this. Yet he didn't refuse the proposal. As the Princess Consort said, Yinshan Pass respected strength. If Shaoyao could make everyone hold their tongues through skill, that would be more effective than any other method.
He removed his outer robe and stepped onto the training ground, selecting his preferred weapon from the rack. When the soldiers saw the long sword in his hand, they knew their general was serious. While the whip was a long-range weapon, the long sword could be used for both distant attacks and close combat.
Shaoyao struck first, her whip moving as if alive toward Wu Yong. He bent backward to avoid it, countering with an upward swing of his sword. The two fought back and forth, evenly matched.
Hua Zhi moved closer to her husband and whispered, "Who will win?"
Gu Yanxi maintained a stern expression while suppressing laughter. Where had all her boldness gone when sending Shaoyao into the fight? Why hadn't she considered whether Shaoyao could win then? But that version of A Zhi made him want to give her everything, just to receive such wholehearted protection from her.
"Who's superior doesn't matter. What matters is that there's no winner in this match."
"A draw?"
"They both know what they're doing."
Hua Zhi nodded slightly while watching the intensely fighting pair. Wu Yong naturally wouldn't dare to fight seriously, and Shaoyao clearly understood what approach worked best. Integrating into Yinshan Pass through such means was somewhat... unexpected, yet most suitable for Shaoyao. She didn't need the intricate schemes of inner chambers - overwhelming force was most effective.
As the two fought inextricably, the spectators below forgot how this woman had previously beaten them badly, cheering enthusiastically instead. Hua Zhi's lingering worries suddenly dissipated. This place was truly right for Shaoyao.Just as Gu Yanxi had anticipated, the two opponents fought to a draw. Shaoyao was clearly exhilarated, calling out "Hua Hua" as she rushed over and wiped her sweaty forehead on Hua Zhi's shoulder. Gu Yanxi promptly gave her a light knock on the head and pulled her away to straighten A Zhi's clothing.
"Hehe." Shaoyao giggled foolishly and sidled up to Hua Zhi's other side, clinging to her hand without letting go.
Hua Zhi could tell she was genuinely happy, so her expression softened somewhat as she addressed Wu Yong, who was approaching. "Shaoyao can be impulsive. I must ask General Wu to apologize on her behalf to everyone present."
Just as Wu Yong was about to reply that it was no trouble, the Princess Consort added, "There will likely be more such occasions in the future. I ask everyone to grow accustomed to having a garrison commander's wife who enjoys physical contests."
Wu Yong: "..."
The crowd: "..."
Shaoyao bared her teeth at the crowd, chin slightly raised—her expression a mix of pride and unpretentious boldness that wasn't at all unpleasant.
Gu Yanxi cleared his throat lightly and turned away with his arm around A Zhi's shoulders. "Let's return."
The three riders had arrived abruptly and departed just as swiftly. Only then did the others gather around to besiege Wu Yong. "General, was that really Princess Harmony Joy?""General, is she truly a royal princess?""
"General, did you go easy on her?"
"General..."
"Enough!" Wu Yong glared with round eyes. "Yes, this is Princess Harmony Joy." Did you think she's some pampered noblewoman? She spent years in the Seven Constellation Bureau mastering medicine and poison arts. When the southern XinYu Pass nearly fell, she took command under crisis and held it—even capturing the Flame Country's monarch and royal relatives alive in exchange for vast grain supplies. Her contributions are no less significant than mine. Her marrying me is a condescension—I'm the one marrying above my station. Don't act as if she had no choice but to come to our Yinshan Pass."
The crowd exchanged bewildered glances. "General, what happened?"
"Go ask the women in your households." Wu Yong swung onto his horse—he too needed to return and manage this mess.
Afterwards, Hua Zhi never inquired how Wu Yong had handled the situation. In fact, she never involved herself in the matter from start to finish.
August 12th, an auspicious day suitable for weddings.
Early that morning, Hua Zhi personally prepared Shaoyao's attire and makeup. With the assistance of several skilled maids, Shaoyao radiated dazzling beauty today.
"By tradition, we cannot accompany you beyond this door. From the moment you step out, your life's journey will enter a new chapter." After scrutinizing her face for a moment, Hua Zhi touched up the eyebrow pigment on the left side. "You've spent a long time alone. Now you must grow accustomed to life for two. Though he'll claim half your bed, half your meals, half your wardrobe—even half your training room—he'll also be the one to share your sleep, your meals, and your sparring sessions."
Setting down the eyebrow pencil, Hua Zhi picked up the rouge. "I hope he'll accompany you for a long, long time. This road of life is too lengthy—having someone by your side prevents it from being too lonely."
"What if he gives up halfway and stops accompanying me?" Shaoyao asked in a muffled voice, her mouth partially open.
"He wouldn't dare. He's experienced the comforts of the pleasure quarters and knows how rare a woman like you is—there isn't another like you in all the world. You know where home is, but Shaoyao, remember this: when facing difficulties, don't lightly speak of surrender. Don't constantly think you have an escape route. The realm of feelings has no room for hesitation and wavering. Do you understand?"
"I understand. I'll be like you, Hua Hua." I won't retreat. I won't lack even the courage to fight for what matters. Shaoyao stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Hua Hua's waist. This gentle person—she wouldn't see her for over half a year.Patting her back, Hua Zhi sighed inwardly, feeling as if she had taken on a mother's worries.
That day, the couple wore matching ceremonial robes in the same color scheme, appearing both dignified and magnificent.
For the first time, Hua Zhi received Shaoyao's formal bow. Watching the bride in bright red wedding attire being led step by step toward the door by the Red Silk, she suddenly recalled that it had only been four years since Shaoyao arrived at the manor wearing a Veiled Hat to treat her injuries. Yet it felt as if they had known each other for a lifetime.
She's getting married. That lively, unconventional girl is getting married. Upon returning to the capital, Hua Zhi thought, she should start arranging marriages for her maids as well.
Their lives were all entering a new phase. Fortunately, those dear to her remained by her side.
PS: Aiming to finish in two or three chapters. Currently polishing the opening of my new book. The beginning of "Cherishing Hua Zhi" went through seven or eight drafts, and this new book has already broken that record—it's pure agony.
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