binnovel Chapter 1225 Cao Ang's Wedding: A Harmonious Union
Chapter 1225 Cao Ang's Wedding: A Harmonious Union
Cao Ang lay on the bed in the west courtyard, but couldn't fall asleep. The red lanterns outside the window shone through the paper windowpane, casting a flickering halo on the curtains, much like the candlelight that swayed when his mother did needlework back in Qiao County. He touched the jade pendant at his waist, which his mother had given him before he left, saying it would ensure his safety.
"Brother, are you asleep?" Cao Zhi's voice rang out from outside the door, filled with youthful excitement. "I just heard from the maid that tomorrow's wedding will feature performances by dancers from Xiliang, as well as exotic animals brought by merchants from the Hu region!"
Cao Ang got up, put on his robe, and opened the door. He saw that Cao Zhi and Cao Zhang were still awake and were looking at the pomegranate tree in the courtyard from under the eaves. There were even a few red lanterns hanging on the tree, which made the leaves look even greener.
“There’s plenty of time to watch tomorrow,” Cao Ang laughed. “If we don’t sleep now, we won’t have the energy to do the wedding ceremony tomorrow.”
Cao Zhang raised his chin defiantly: "I'm in great spirits! But you seem a little nervous, brother?"
Cao Ang's ears burned slightly as his thoughts were exposed: "Nonsense, I was just thinking that we're getting married tomorrow."
Just then, light footsteps came from outside the courtyard. Matthew walked in carrying a lantern, followed by a maid carrying a tray.
"Brother-in-law, you're still not resting?" Matthew walked in with a smile. "This was sent by my elder brother to calm your nerves."
On the tray lay a jar of wine and several small dishes. Matthew personally poured Cao Ang a cup: "This is grape wine from the Western Regions. It's strong, but it won't give you a headache. My elder brother says that drinking a few cups the night before the wedding will help you sleep soundly."
Cao Ang picked up his wine glass, the fruity liquid sliding down his throat, and a warm feeling indeed rose straight to his heart. Remembering what Ma Xiu had said during the day, he suddenly asked, "May I ask, Second Brother, did Yunlu...sleep well tonight?"
Matthew paused for a moment, then laughed and said, "Don't worry, the princess's courtyard is lit up. She might be looking forward to tomorrow too."
After seeing Ma Xiu off, Cao Ang returned to his room, only to find Xun You still reviewing documents under the lamp. A map of Xiliang lay spread out on the table, and Xun You was marking something on it with a vermilion brush.
"Sir, you're still awake?"
“He’s looking at the defenses of Xiliang.” Xun You looked up and pointed to the map. “Ma Chao showed us the defenses from Tongguan in the east to Yumenguan in the west. This shows both his trust and his confidence.” He paused and then said, “At the wedding tomorrow, Ma Chao will definitely mention the alliance between the two families. Young Master, you just need to agree with him and there’s no need to say anything more.”
Cao Ang nodded and noted it down. Suddenly, he heard faint music coming from afar, like a duet of a huqin and a pipa, with a cheerful melody that was also somewhat tender.
"It's the Prince's residence rehearsing the music and ceremony for tomorrow's wedding," Xun You said with a smile. "It seems they've really put in the effort for this wedding."
Cao Ang walked to the window and gazed at the brightly lit area deep within the Prince's mansion, as if he could see Yunlu sitting in front of the mirror, doing her hair. He recalled their first meeting when she jumped off her horse in riding attire. At that moment, he knew that this girl was unlike any other young lady he had ever met.
"Sir," Cao Ang suddenly spoke up, "do you think we'll come to Chang'an often in the future?"
Xun You put down his pen, looked at his young face, and smiled gently: "As long as both families are well, the gates of Chang'an will always be open for you. But right now, let's get the wedding going tomorrow. That's more important than fighting a war."
As dawn broke, Cao Ang drifted off to sleep. In his dream, he saw red silk, music, and smiling faces of Yunlu, as well as his father waving from the city tower of Qiao County. He wanted to shout, "Father, look, I've married her!" but was awakened by a series of urgent knocks on the door.
"Young master! It's time to get up and do your hair!" It was a maid's voice. "The princess has already started getting ready!"
Cao Ang sat up abruptly, touching his burning cheeks. The lanterns outside the window were still lit, but the sky was already tinged with the glow of dawn, much like the blush of clouds and dew when they blush. He took a deep breath and straightened his clothes in front of the bronze mirror. Today, he was marrying not only a princess of Xiliang, but also a weighty covenant in this chaotic world and a burning heart.
The sounds of ceremonial music from the Prince's mansion gradually rose, spreading like a tide through the streets and alleys of Chang'an. The people crowded the roadside early, waiting to witness this wedding that had traveled a thousand miles. Cao Ang mounted the white horse specially prepared by Ma Chao, watching the bridal sedan chair slowly approaching. Suddenly, he felt that the warmth and life amidst the chaos of the world was more heartwarming than the clash of swords on the battlefield.
The wedding festivities lasted all day, with the Liang Prince's mansion filled with the sounds of clinking glasses and laughter. The civil and military officials of Xiliang were known for their forthright and cheerful nature, and upon seeing Cao Ang, whom they considered "family," they were even more unceremonious, taking turns to offer him toasts.
"Young Master Cao, I toast you!" Pang De raised his wine bowl, his voice booming, "Our young lady from Xiliang, you'd better stay well at the Cao family!"
Cao Ang's alcohol tolerance was not particularly outstanding to begin with, and he couldn't resist such enthusiasm. After drinking bowl after bowl of strong liquor, he soon became a little dizzy. His face was red, but he still cupped his hands and smiled, saying, "General, rest assured, I will... I will definitely treat Yunlu like a precious treasure."
No sooner had he finished speaking than Xu Huang leaned in again: "Young Master, you have to drink this bowl! Back in the day, when I was fighting alongside the Prince, Miss Yunlu often brought us medicine for our injuries. Now that she's married to you, you have to treat her a little better for us!"
Cao Ang was touched by these words, took the wine bowl and drank it all in one gulp. He didn't even notice the wine dripping down his chin and wetting his clothes.
Sitting in the bridal chamber, Ma Yunlu watched the commotion outside through the crack in the window, listening to the jeering as Cao Ang was forced to drink. She clenched her fists in anger. These brutes from Xiliang, who usually seemed so honest, were bullying her like this! Just as she was about to go out to "rescue" her husband, she saw Cao Ang being carried by several generals, staggering towards the bridal chamber, humming an off-key tune.
"Yunlu... Yunlu..." he shouted as soon as he entered the door, tripped on the threshold and almost fell, but was caught by a maid.
Ma Yunlu rushed over to him, smelling the strong smell of alcohol on him, and was both angry and distressed: "Look at you, why did you drink so much?"
Cao Ang grabbed her hand, shaking his head with a silly grin: "No...not much! I'm happy today! Really happy!" He leaned closer, the smell of alcohol mixed with the sincerity of a young man hitting her face, "They all...they all praised you, said I'm lucky...I am lucky to have married you..."
"Okay, okay," Ma Yunlu blushed at his words and tried to help him sit down, but he held her tightly. "Let go first, I'll pour you a cup of hangover soup."
"I won't let go!" Cao Ang held her hand tightly like a child. "I'm going to hold your hand... Yunlu, you don't know, when I came from Qiao County, I kept thinking about... about how you would look in your wedding dress. You look a hundred times more beautiful than I imagined..."
His eyes were unfocused yet earnest, which softened Ma Yunlu's heart, and her earlier anger dissipated. Looking at his rosy cheeks, she couldn't help but reach out to brush away the stray hairs from his forehead: "I know you're happy. Drink the hangover soup before you sleep, or you'll have a headache tomorrow."
Cao Ang nodded obediently, but still refused to let go, muttering, "Wait...wait until we get back to Qiao County, I'll throw you another one...let my father, let my brothers all see...my bride, the best in the world..."
Ma Yunlu's eyes welled up slightly as she listened to his drunken ramblings. Having grown up in Xiliang and witnessed countless battles, she had never imagined that she would one day be enveloped by such clumsy tenderness. She gently patted his back, like soothing a spoiled child: "Okay, I'll do whatever you say."
The noise outside the window gradually subsided, and moonlight streamed in through the windowpane, falling on their clasped hands. Cao Ang finally succumbed to the effects of the alcohol and fell into a deep sleep, a satisfied smile on his lips. Ma Yunlu carefully helped him lie down, covered him with a blanket, and sat by the bed, watching him sleep soundly. Suddenly, she felt that this marriage across a thousand miles might truly be destiny.
The night in Chang'an carries a sweet warmth.
The next morning, Cao Ang awoke from his hangover. The morning light streamed through the carved window lattice onto the brocade quilt, carrying the dry warmth unique to Xiliang. Ma Yunlu, who was beside him, had already gotten up to dress. Seeing him open his eyes, she smiled and handed him a cup of warm water: "Are you still dizzy? You were forced to drink a lot of strong liquor by those generals yesterday."
Cao Ang took the water cup, drank it all in one gulp, and the dryness in his throat eased slightly. He smiled and squeezed her hand back: "It's alright, it's just that the wine from Xiliang is as strong as their temperament." As soon as he finished speaking, a maidservant came in quietly and reported: "Young master, Mr. Xun You is waiting outside the hall."
The two exchanged a glance and quickly straightened their robes. Cao Ang adjusted the jade belt at his waist and said to Ma Yunlu, "After I have met with Mr. Xun, I will go and serve tea to my father-in-law, mother-in-law, and brothers-in-law. Please wait a moment."
Upon entering the front hall, Xun You sat upright at his desk, his teacup untouched, his expression grave. Several members of the Cao family who had accompanied Cao Ang were slumped on a bench in the corner, their faces weary yet unable to conceal their excitement. As soon as Cao Ang entered, they surrounded him, chattering excitedly.
"Young Master, the generals of Xiliang were so generous yesterday! General Zhang Xiu, after just one cup of wine, patted me on the shoulder and said he would teach me spear techniques!"
"Their bonfire parties are truly lively! When the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) is played, everyone circles around it. We rarely see that kind of harmonious atmosphere!"
Cao Ang listened to them finish speaking with a smile before turning to Xun You: "Sir, I've kept you waiting."
Xun You rose and cupped his hands in greeting, his gaze falling on Cao Ang, his tone steady: "Now that the eldest son is getting married here, how long do you intend to stay? I have come to discuss the subsequent itinerary."
"We just got married yesterday, so we'll be staying for at least ten days to half a month," Cao Ang said with a gentle smile. "Yunlu is being pampered in Xiliang, so how could my mother-in-law let us leave so soon?"
Xun You nodded, then changed the subject slightly: "In that case, I would like to ask for leave from you, young master. My uncle Xun Yu has been in Chang'an. I was too rushed to meet him at yesterday's wedding, so I would like to visit him and see how he is doing."
“What’s so difficult about that?” Cao Ang readily agreed. “Sir, please go ahead. In Xiliang, just treat yourself as you are. If you need anything, just ask.” He then turned to the group of young men. “Wait here for a moment. I’ll be right back. I’ll ask my brother-in-law if I can take you to the military camp today. His ‘Aurora’ is as fast as the wind!”
The young men cheered and rushed out, saying they wanted to fetch the horses and prepare the saddles.
Xun You watched Cao Ang turn and leave, and sighed softly. He could naturally see Ma Chao's sincerity towards Cao Ang, and he understood Cao Ang's comfort and harmony at the moment, but... he was, after all, the eldest son of the Cao family, and he carried the expectations of Xudu on his shoulders, not just the status of a son-in-law of Xiliang.
The words of those young men were still ringing in his ears. They only saw the generosity and harmony of Xiliang, but they didn't consider that behind this harmony lay the foundation built by the Ma family over many years. Cao Ang's current demeanor was far too relaxed.
Xun You picked up the slightly cool teacup, looked out the window, and sighed inwardly: You are the eldest son of the Cao family, not a son-in-law of Xiliang... This sigh was as light as the wind, scattered in the warmth of the morning, and no one heard it.