Chapter 97: Gu Maiden (10)

After escorting Miss Meng inside the Xie residence, many lingering jianghu individuals outside still hesitated to leave. Those without wedding invitations from the Xie family couldn’t enter for the ceremony; their only option was to stand by the street and catch glimpses of the festivities.

Once his son and future daughter-in-law entered, Xie Changyue followed suit, delegating guest reception entirely to his servants.

Tong Ling had initially planned to snatch an invitation just to join the commotion, but with the little gongzi present, that step became unnecessary. As the heir of Wan Jian Manor, he was a distinguished guest of the Xie family, allowed to bring anyone along for the ceremony.

Qianyi presented the prepared gift list, “Wan Jian Manor offers congratulations on Xie-gongzi’s marriage!”

“The little gongzi has arrived!” The Xie servant beamed widely, bowing and gesturing invitingly, “Please come in! Please come in!”

Curiously, the servant glanced at the woman beside the little gongzi. Clearly not a maid, one could discern from the way the little gongzi attentively trailed behind her, wearing a pleasing expression, that she must be the renowned beauty whom the little gongzi ardently admired, rumored to rival even the most beautiful women in the jianghu.

Regrettably, the beauty wore a veil concealing her face. However, as she passed by, a distinctive fragrance lingered and her figure was undeniably graceful. The attendant stared, spellbound, for several moments before finally tearing his gaze away. He silently marveled at how all the most beautiful women of the jianghu seemed to have gathered within the Xie residence; indeed, this wedding promised to be extraordinarily lively.

The attendant refocused on the gift registry in his hands, only to find astonishment written across his face upon reading the list.

I-is this the gift from Wan Jian Manor? When did Wan Jian Manor become so… stingy?

Inside the grand hall of the Xie family, it was filled with esteemed guests.

Nearly half of the renowned heroes from the jianghu had convened at the banquet.

As soon as Tong Ling entered the banquet hall, she scanned each table but found no particularly intriguing personalities, leaving her quite disappointed.

“The sect leaders are all quite old, and the young heroes and heroines beneath them pale in comparison to our protagonists—how uninteresting.” Tong Ling lacked even the slightest interest in targeting these individuals.

Presumably, in the original plot, the female supporting character’s method of disrupting engagements was straightforward violence. Early on, she encountered only cannon fodder, making it easy for her reputation as a demonic enchantress to spread. Later, once the jianghu deemed her a “witch” needing to be vanquished, more formidable characters emerged one by one.

M577 felt somewhat relieved that these individuals had avoided their fate this time: [“Aiming for protagonists’ standards is too high!”]

“Forget it; they’re not really important anyway.” Tong Ling swiftly refocused her attention back onto Xie Xuefeng and Meng Lianzhou. “Hee hee, let’s just enjoy the wedding.”

The little gongzi’s arrival drew considerable attention from the banquet attendees, with even more intrigue focused on those accompanying him. Both the white-haired swordsman with red eyes and the veiled purple-clad woman piqued everyone’s curiosity about their identities.

Noticing many covert glances directed at Xiling, the little gongzi grew quite displeased.

“There sure are a lot of people here,” the little gongzi muttered, deliberately choosing a secluded corner and seating Xiling away from prying eyes. “Xiling, why did you want to witness Xie Xuefeng’s wedding?”

The little gongzi hadn’t forgotten that Xiling disapproved of Xie Xuefeng’s marriage to Meng Qing.

“How could I miss such a significant event?” Tong Ling murmured with a soft sigh.

Earlier at the inn, the little gongzi had found Xiling’s attitude towards Xie Xuefeng peculiar—seemingly filled with contempt or even disgust…

Xiezhu-gongzi was renowned as a distinguished hero in the jianghu; why would Xiling…?

“Xiling, do you know Xie Xuefeng?” the little gongzi asked curiously. “You claimed he killed members of the demon cult by poisoning them. Could it be…”

Before he could finish his question, Sanar coldly interrupted, “Too many words.”

“You—” The little gongzi started to flare up but quickly composed himself upon seeing Xiling beside him. He had finally managed to meet her again and needed to present his best self; quarreling with a guard would be embarrassingly undignified.

“We indeed know each other,” Tong Ling acknowledged without denial. “Or rather…we share quite a history.”

“Quite intertwined?” The little gongzi furrowed his brow, wanting to ask more, but the wedding ceremony of Xie Xuefeng and Miss Meng commenced at that moment. The chattering crowd fell silent, turning their attention towards the newlyweds.

At the front of the hall stood a redwood altar adorned with fragrant offerings, while large, auspicious characters were pasted on the walls. Fruit platters and ceremonial items filled the space. Red wedding candles illuminated the entire hall, casting a glow upon Xie Xuefeng and Miss Meng as they stood before it, appearing indeed like a heavenly matched couple.

Sanar observed the pair posing as “spouses.” Despite his lingering resentment towards Xie Xuefeng, even he couldn’t help but show a hint of sympathy in this moment.

How did the priestess conceive such a form of revenge? Forcing Xie Xuefeng to marry another man was truly an absurd spectacle!

The little gongzi couldn’t resist expressing his thoughts, “Xuezhu-gongzi and Miss Meng seem quite affectionate.”

“Yes, their relationship…is truly strong,” Xiling replied, her tone subtly nuanced for some reason.

“Meng Chi,” Tong Ling softly called Sanar’s name, “I’ve lost a silver bracelet outside; could you please go find it for me?”

Sanar understood that the priestess was instructing him to gather intelligence on the Xie estate’s layout. He promptly responded, “Yes!”

“You lost your silver bracelet?” the little gongzi eagerly offered, “I can have Qianyi and others help search for it, or if not, I’ll buy you a new one!”

“No need,” Tong Ling declined the little gongzi’s kindness. “Such trivial matters shouldn’t trouble you.”

The little gongzi fell silent, feeling dejected. Why was Xiling so distant with him?

Due to Xie Xuefeng and Miss Meng’s apparent mutual affection, the wedding proceeded smoothly.

Soon, they reached the crucial step of paying homage to heaven and earth. The attendant standing nearby loudly proclaimed, “Bow to Heaven and Earth!”

Xie Xuefeng and Miss Meng faced southeast and bowed.

“Pay respects to parents and elders!”

They turned to face their respective parents’ direction and bowed again.

Elders from both the Xie and Meng families sat high above, smiling warmly as they watched the newlyweds. Mother Meng, overwhelmed with joy, shed a few tears, eliciting gentle reproaches from Father Meng.

“On such a joyous day for Qing-er, why are you crying?” Father Meng’s words were meant as gentle reproach, yet his own eyes welled with tears. Turning away, he closed them briefly before managing to hold back his emotions.

Seeing the state of his in-laws, Xie Changyue hastily reassured them, “Rest assured, my son will treat your daughter well and never let her suffer any grievances!”

Mother Meng responded, “I trust Xuefeng’s character, but…”

Noticing Mother Meng’s lingering concerns, Xie Xuefeng promptly bowed and pledged, “Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, please be at ease. Your future son-in-law will respect and cherish Qing-er deeply. She shall remain my only wife, and I vow to ensure Qing-er lives a joyful and fulfilling life.”

Upon hearing this, Meng Qing coquettishly called out, “Xuefeng~ With these words from you, I…I…” Miss Meng lowered her head, her bashful demeanor bringing smiles of delight to everyone present.

“Wonderful, wonderful!” Father Meng enthusiastically slapped the armrest of his chair. “Xuefeng, I now entrust Qing-er to you!”

Observing this exchange, the wedding attendant continued, “Bowing to each other as husband and wife!”

Despite having limited affection for Meng Qing, even Xie Xuefeng couldn’t help feeling warmth in his heart during this moment. His gaze towards Meng Qing softened noticeably.

Miss Meng’s shoulders trembled again as she hastily bowed low towards Xie Xuefeng. In response, Xie Xuefeng quickly mirrored her movement, making the couple appear eager and impatient during their mutual bow.

Tong Ling internally burst with laughter, though externally…

The little gongzi’s attention had been primarily focused on Xiling throughout the ceremony. Ever since Xie Xuefeng and Meng Qing began their wedding rites, something seemed off about Xiling’s demeanor!

Xiling stared fixedly at Xie Xuefeng, her body slightly trembling. Due to the veil obscuring his view, the little gongzi couldn’t clearly see Xiling’s expression, but he heard her murmurs filled with what sounded like resentment or pain:

“Xie Lang, you truly forgot me…”

A shiver ran through the little gongzi’s body. Xiling was calling Xie Xuefeng… “Xie Lang”? Did this imply that they shared a past together… Had they been lovers?!

From that moment on, the little gongzi lost all interest in the rest of the wedding banquet. He now understood the reason behind Xiling’s peculiar attitude towards Xie Xuefeng and why she felt they were mismatched!

Xiling… loved Xie Xuefeng! If not born from love turned bitter, how could she harbor such discontent towards him?

The thought made the little gongzi’s head spin dizzily. His beloved loved none other than Xuezhu-gongzi, whom he himself revered deeply—Xie Xuefeng!

“I’m leaving now.” Seeing the little gongzi’s expression shift unpredictably, Tong Ling knew she had achieved her goal. Having witnessed enough of the spectacle, she rose to depart.

“Xiling, I—I’ll see you out…” The little gongzi began hesitantly.

“No need,” Xiling replied promptly. “Didn’t you want to congratulate Xie Xuefeng? Ha, keep your words for him.”

Speechless, the little gongzi watched as Xiling walked through the gate. Clutching his head with a vacant stare, he muttered, “I’m doomed. Am I truly doomed?”

No wonder Xiling never accepted him; it turned out he had been mistaken from the start!

Did Xie Xuefeng abandon Xiling? And here he was praising Xie Xuefeng before her, calling him a hero and a paragon—it must have felt like stabbing her right in the heart!

The little gongzi glanced at Xuezhu-gongzi standing gracefully at the front, courteously offering wine to guests. For the first time, a hint of resentment flickered across his face.

This Xie Xuefeng appeared deeply devoted to Meng Qing, but who knew what callous indifference lay hidden beneath? How utterly hypocritical!

Xie Xuefeng barely managed a few cups before being stopped by the boisterous laughter of his guests. “No need for you to host us further, Xie-gongzi! If you get drunk, Miss Meng might blame us!”

“Right, right, right—go ahead and consummate your marriage, Xie-gongzi; we don’t require any more attention!”

“After all, she’s the most beautiful woman under heaven. How could we let such beauty wait alone?”

Being a crowd from the jianghu, their words were straightforward and unreserved, causing Xie Xuefeng’s cheeks to flush slightly.

“Xuefeng, go keep Miss Meng company,” said Xie Changyue as he emerged with a wine cup in hand, addressing everyone present. “I’ll toast everyone instead!”

“With Alliance Leader Xie hosting, tonight we won’t leave until we’re thoroughly intoxicated!”

“Not leaving till we’re drunk!” The hall filled with lively cheer and merriment.

Realizing his presence was no longer needed, Xie Xuefeng straightened his wedding attire, shook off the scent of alcohol, and made his way towards the bridal chamber.

Inside, a delicate beauty sat poised at the edge of the bed, her veil still covering her face, seemingly waiting there for quite some time.

Upon seeing this, Xie Xuefeng hurried over, apologizing, “Qing-er, I kept you waiting too long—it was my delay.”

“It’s alright,” Miss Meng replied softly. “As long as you’re here now, Xuefeng.”

Xie Xuefeng felt utterly contented, impressed by how impeccably poised and courteous Meng Qing was, befitting her status as the Meng family’s eldest daughter. Such a woman would indeed make an excellent partner for him.

There were few servants present in the room, but Xie Xuefeng preferred not to rely on their assistance anyway. He picked up the ceremonial wedding scale beside the bed and lifted Miss Meng’s veil with it. Before he could utter any auspicious words, he was captivated by Meng Qing’s strikingly ethereal beauty.

As expected of the world’s most beautiful woman—indeed, she lived up to her reputation. In that moment, Xie Xuefeng’s heart swelled with fulfillment and joy, finally understanding why the wedding night is considered one of life’s four greatest joys.

However, just then…

A soft, enchanting female voice echoed through the room.

“Xie Lang, you seem truly elated and prosperous!” A purple-clad woman wearing a veil emerged leisurely from a partition within the chamber.

Startled, Xie Xuefeng wondered who could possibly be in his bridal suite! Moreover, this woman… Upon seeing her attire and recognizing the faint scent, his expression darkened instantly.

Xiling! How did this demoness, whom he had spared, appear here?!

“What’s with that face? Are you so displeased to see me?” Tong Ling removed her veil, her tone tinged with reproach. “I’ve come to congratulate you on your marriage. As the host, shouldn’t you properly entertain your guests?”

Tong Ling gently touched her face. “Besides, my appearance isn’t far off from Qing-er’s, you know.”

As Xie Xuefeng beheld Tong Ling’s exceptionally beautiful visage, he was momentarily stunned—not because of her allure, but because she had never shown such an expression before him—an expression that conveyed complete control and confidence.

In his eyes, Tong Ling had always been pure-hearted and deeply devoted to him; otherwise, he wouldn’t have spared her life. The current demeanor of Xiling felt entirely out of place…

Miss Meng hastily approached Xie Xuefeng, gripping his arm tightly. “Xuefeng, this is…”

“A demon cult enchantress, don’t worry, Qing-er, I’ll handle it right away…” Xie Xuefeng reassured his wife, well aware that Xiling’s sudden appearance at this moment could only mean trouble. Before he could act against her, however, a searing pain shot through his arm as if it were about to be wrenched from its socket, causing him to tremble uncontrollably.

Shocked, Xie Xuefeng looked down. The hand clutching his arm bore no resemblance to the delicate fingers of a maiden; instead, it was…a man’s hand!

Beside him, his wife’s bones crackled audibly as they shifted. In mere moments, the delicate beauty transformed into a tall and slender figure, nearly matching his own height…but unmistakably male!

Xie Xuefeng stiffly turned his head to see the youth dressed in bridal attire, adorned with a phoenix crown, giving him a coy smile. “Xuefeng~ Why do you look at me like that? Is it because I’m not beautiful enough?”

“Haha, absolutely marvelous, marvelous!” Tong Ling burst out laughing, clapping her hands. “Xuezhu-gongzi marrying such a lovely ‘bride’—what a splendid fortune!”

As memories flooded back of how this youth had disguised himself as a woman, clinging by his side, and how they had even gone through the wedding ceremony together, Xie Xuefeng felt a surge of nausea, barely managing to hold back from vomiting.

“Tsk, who was it just now promising my parents respect, love, and a lifetime of happiness?” The youth in bridal attire sneered disdainfully. “Were your words, Xuezhu-gongzi, merely empty nonsense?”

Face pale, Xie Xuefeng gritted his teeth. “Just who are you?!”

Who exactly was this man?!

“Of course it’s Qing-er,” Tong Ling reminded him promptly. “Your lawfully wedded wife.”

If Xie Xuefeng endured this any further, he wouldn’t be human anymore. Even if it meant sacrificing that hand, he was determined to crush this deceitful and humiliating youth beneath his palm!

However…Xie Xuefeng found himself immobilized; not a single part of his body would budge. Whenever he tried to move, searing pain split through his head, as if his very consciousness were about to be overwhelmed by the agony.

Xie Xuefeng hadn’t forgotten Xiling’s identity—the symptoms he experienced clearly indicated he’d been bewitched! Clutching his forehead, his expression twisted, he demanded, “What have you done?!”

“Why can’t you just behave?” Tong Ling commanded, “Find some rope and tie yourself up.”

Meng Lianzhou released his grip on Xie Xuefeng and leisurely walked over to Xiling, speaking with an elder sister’s tone, “Ling-er, for your sake, I’ve endured countless hardships and suffered so much. You must make it up to me!”

“Aren’t you having quite the fun?” Tong Ling lifted her hand, gently caressing Meng Lianzhou’s cheek. “Let me see your face, and remember…Qing-er would never speak to me like that.”

Meng Lianzhou swiftly wiped his face, and within a blink, an exquisitely beautiful countenance appeared before Tong Ling.

“Such a lovely face you have,” Tong Ling remarked, glancing briefly at Xie Xuefeng who was searching for rope nearby. Failing to find any, he ended up using his belt to bind his hands and feet. “Marrying him would indeed be a great injustice to your beauty.”

Meng Lianzhou leaned close to Xiling like a trusting bird. Seeing that she didn’t reject him, he reached out and gently embraced her slender waist. “An injustice, truly! If I were to marry anyone, it would only be you!”

After securing his legs with the belt, Xie Xuefeng’s mind momentarily cleared. He tossed aside the belt, enduring the splitting headache, and asked Xiling, “Do…do you seek revenge against me?”

“Ling-er, is it because you resented my marriage that you deliberately arranged for this enchantress to wed me?” Xie Xuefeng couldn’t fathom another reason; if Xiling truly wanted him dead, she wouldn’t resort to such convoluted means.

This form of retribution carried emotional undertones. Xie Xuefeng believed that Xiling still harbored feelings for him, which might provide an opportunity to unravel the curse on his body.

“Ling-er, I…I never forgot about you…”

Meng Lianzhou’s eyes darkened as he swiftly moved, his figure gliding to Xie Xuefeng’s side like a whisper of wind. With graceful poise, he lightly raised his palm towards Xie Xuefeng, almost as if brushing aside a leaf.

Only Xie Xuefeng knew the true force behind this youth’s strike. Without hesitation, the small sword hidden within his sleeve emerged, aiming directly at Meng Lianzhou.

“Xie Xuefeng, you’re barely restrained and already causing trouble?” The very person who had bewitched him continued to stir chaos nearby. A sharp pain shot through Xie Xuefeng’s forehead, causing his sword to lose its precision just as the youth’s palm descended upon him.

“Ugh—” Xie Xuefeng let out a stifled groan, blood seeping from the corner of his mouth.

“What sorcery is this? Am I not your wife? Have you forgotten?” As Meng Lianzhou spoke, he raised his hand again, delivering another blow to Xie Xuefeng. This time, devoid of inner strength, it was simply a slap that landed squarely on Xie Xuefeng’s face with a resounding “slap,” turning his head sharply to one side.

Compared to the earlier strike, the humiliation brought by this slap infuriated Xie Xuefeng even more.

“And ‘Ling-er’ isn’t a name for you to use!” Rolling his eyes, Meng Lianzhou picked up the discarded belt from the floor and securely tied the man to the bedpost.

“Controlling Xuezhu-gongzi with the slave insect isn’t as easy as expected.” Tong Ling approached Xie Xuefeng, her tone feigning concern. “Xie Lang, there’s no need to resist; the more you struggle, the worse your headache will become. Just listen carefully, and everything will be fine.”

Gritting his teeth, Xie Xuefeng tried to maintain composure as he said, “Ling-er, I know you’re just momentarily upset. This marriage arrangement means nothing—I won’t take a wife. Is that satisfactory enough for you?”

“Why should I care whether you marry or not?” Tong Ling pursed her lips. “Xie Lang, surely you don’t think I’d fall apart without you?”

“This Xuezhu-gongzi has quite a thick face,” Meng Lianzhou remarked. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he could spout any nonsense imaginable.”

“Let him say what he wants.” Tong Ling pulled Meng Lianzhou close and kissed the youth’s beautiful face. “On our wedding night, why waste such precious time on him?”

Meng Lianzhou’s eyes sparkled. “Ling-er, do you mean…”

“We’ll perform a little marital act right here before Xuezhu-gongzi, so he stops harboring wild fantasies.” Tong Ling giggled mischievously. “What do you think?”