Chapter 2280
Yan Aohan rode his horse slowly at the front, while the people behind carried the bridal sedan chair at a matching pace.
The walk from the Zhu residence to the hotel usually took thirty minutes. However, Yan Aohan had chosen a special team to carry the sedan: Luo Gang, Wang Ye, Li Yang, and Pei Tiandu. With these four strong men, the journey would be effortless, even if it took longer than expected.
Zhu Yanyi sat inside the sedan. It felt incredibly stable and comfortable, with no bumps or jolts. She had expected it to be stuffy and hot, but Yan Aohan had made modifications. He replaced the heavy, heat-trapping curtains with breathable red silk gauze. This kept the air flowing and prevented any insects from getting in.
The hotel was one of Yan Aohan’s properties. Although it was his wedding, he had kept the guest list small. It wasn’t because he lacked money, but because he and Zhu Yanyi preferred a low-key celebration. Holding the event at his own hotel ensured safety and kept unwanted guests away. It was a five-star hotel, offering a high-class atmosphere.
As the sound of gongs and drums grew louder, firecrackers began to pop. When the sedan stopped, Yan Aohan dismounted and personally lifted the inner curtain to help Zhu Yanyi out.
Although they were modern people, their ancient-style wedding attire gave them the aura of noble royalty. It felt as if they had stepped back into an ancient ceremony.
Yan Aohan guided Zhu Yanyi inside to rest. When the auspicious time arrived, they stepped out to begin the ceremony. They bowed to heaven and earth, then to their ancestors, and finally to each other. After the three bows, someone brought two cups of wine on a tray, along with a small thumb-sized knife.
Yan Aohan picked up the knife and made a small cut on his ring finger, letting a drop of blood fall into both cups. He then handed the knife to Zhu Yanyi. She did the same, cutting her ring finger and adding her blood to the wine.
Yan Aohan handed one cup to Zhu Yanyi and raised the other himself. “I, Yan Aohan, swear this blood oath today. I will be husband and wife with Zhu Yanyi for all lifetimes. We shall never be separated. Let the Heavenly Dao witness this.”
Zhu Yanyi followed suit. “I, Zhu Yanyi, swear this blood oath today. I will be husband and wife with Yan Aohan for all lifetimes. We shall never be separated. Let the Heavenly Dao witness this.”
They finished speaking and drank the wine mixed with their blood.
Suddenly, everyone saw a flash of light emanate from the couple. The light shot into the sky, causing colorful clouds to form instantly. The clouds shaped themselves into a dragon and a phoenix, a sign that the Heavenly Dao had accepted their vow. As they had promised, they would be husband and wife forever.
“Incredible,” the guests whispered in awe.
Zhu Yanyi and Yan Aohan smiled at each other. They could feel a new, subtle connection between them, formed the moment the oath was sealed.
“The ceremony is complete. Now, let us invite the groom’s father to speak,” the host announced, following Yan Aohan’s cue.
Old Master Yan walked to the stage. “I am very happy to see you all here for my youngest son’s wedding. To be honest, ten years ago, I had no hope for him to marry. But when I learned about Yanyi, I felt hopeful again. At least he wouldn’t be alone. Two years ago, when they registered their marriage, I felt even more relieved. Now that they are finally holding the wedding, I could smile for ten days and nights without stopping. I am so happy.”
Old Master Yan didn’t need fancy words. His joy spoke for itself.
“As a father, I have nothing else to say but to bless this couple. May they always be happy, just as they vowed, never to be separated.” He concluded and stepped down.
The host continued, “Now, let us invite the bride’s father to speak.”
Zhu Shunyao took the stage. “I have mixed feelings today. I have two daughters and one son. I won’t talk about the son. My two daughters finally grew up and became successful, only to be ‘snatched away’ by two wolves. My heart is not entirely at peace.”
The audience laughed. Parents of daughters understood the feeling; it felt like raising children for others.
“However, even though I feel a bit upset, these two sons-in-law are filial. So, as a father-in-law, I have only one request: my daughters were raised with care. You must not bully them. Of course, if they bully you and you feel wronged, come to me.” Zhu Shunyao looked helpless. “Who am I? I am their father. If they are wrong, it is because I did not teach them well. So, blaming me is correct. In short, do not bully my daughters. Otherwise, I wish my youngest daughter happiness and a smooth life.”
Zhu Shunyao’s words sounded reluctant, but everyone could hear the deep reluctance to let his daughter go.
Yan Aohan coughed lightly and whispered to Zhu Yanyi, “How dare I bully you? Even if you bully me, it would be my fault.”
“Don’t talk nonsense. People will laugh at you,” Zhu Yanyi said, her face turning red. Her thick skin was legendary.
At the same time, Taishu Yuanxiang whispered to Zhu Yanli nearby, “Your father is still holding a grudge about me marrying you all those years ago.”
Zhu Yanli suppressed a laugh. “Yes, my dad loves me and Ani very much. Even after Doumiao was born, his love for us never changed. Given what you did back then, it’s no wonder he has opinions.”
Taishu Yuanxiang rubbed his nose. “Don’t worry, I will never bully you. If you bully me, I’ll just think it’s because you love me. Your father is overthinking it. I would never cause him trouble.”
“You dare?” Zhu Yanli sneered, glancing at him.
Taishu Yuanxiang shook his head quickly. “I dare not. I dare not.”
Cheng Xu, standing nearby, saw this and said, “You’ve been married for so many years, Taishu. Why are you still so afraid of An’ni?”
“She is my wife. I am willing to be afraid,” Taishu Yuanxiang said proudly.
Cheng Xu just shook his head and stayed silent.
“Now, let us invite the bride and groom to share their love story,” the host suddenly announced.