Chapter 1551: The Wedding Day

"Sit," Yi Feng gestured.

Cang Sheng took a seat on a stone bench nearby.

Yi Feng patted his shoulder and asked, "Have you been practicing your swordsmanship diligently these past few days?"

"Of course, Brother Yi Feng. I still get up early every day to practice until noon. The sword technique you taught me, I’ve already mastered it."

With that, Cang Sheng was about to stand up and demonstrate a few moves, but Yi Feng stopped him.

"Good, no need to show off your sword skills. I called you here to tell you that on your wedding day, several elders will be attending the banquet. They are not outsiders; they are old friends of your ancestors. Remember to treat them with respect and courtesy."

Upon hearing this, Cang Sheng was overjoyed.

"Really? Ancestral friends are coming to my wedding? This is such an honor for me, a junior. But Brother Yi Feng, how did you manage to find them?" Cang Sheng asked, both surprised and delighted.

"No need to ask how I found them. Just remember what I’ve told you," Yi Feng replied with a faint smile.

Cang Sheng quickly nodded. "Don’t worry, Brother Yi Feng. I’ll make sure to treat them well and won’t bring shame to our ancestors or you!"

Having grown up alone, Cang Sheng was thrilled to hear that elders would be attending his wedding. These people felt like family to him, and he had been worried about not having anyone from his side present.

Although most of the people in the Situ family approved of this marriage, there were still a few who whispered behind Cang Sheng’s back.

They said Cang Sheng was an orphan with no relatives.

They claimed he was using his orphan status to marry into the Situ family as a live-in son-in-law, eyeing the family’s wealth...

Cang Sheng had heard some of these rumors recently and felt a bit resentful, but he didn’t dwell on it too much.

After all, the wedding was approaching, and it wasn’t the time to stir up trouble.

Besides, people could say whatever they wanted; he couldn’t control their words.

Yi Feng seemed to sense Cang Sheng’s thoughts and gently patted his head.

"Just focus on being the groom. I’ll handle everything else."

"Mm-hmm."

Cang Sheng nodded repeatedly.

Yi Feng smiled knowingly.

This kid might look more mature now, but inside, he was still the same Cang Sheng.

But he was young and had plenty of time to grow and gain experience. Yi Feng wasn’t worried.

After all, he was a descendant of the Cang family, carrying the fiery blood of his ancestors.

"Go and attend to your preparations."

"Alright, Brother Yi Feng."

Cang Sheng didn’t say much more.

Yi Feng’s words had given him a sense of security, and he turned to continue his preparations.

On this day, the sky above Hua City was clear and cloudless.

The weather was refreshing, with a gentle breeze and warm sunlight.

The streets were bustling with noise and excitement, filled with the sounds of gongs and drums.

Cang Sheng, dressed in a bright red wedding robe, rode a tall, jet-black horse.

Behind him followed dozens of people.

Some were leading horses, others carrying poles with wooden signs bearing the large character "喜" (happiness) written in cinnabar.

The poles were laden with nuts, dates, wedding candies, and other treats meant to be distributed to the onlookers for good luck.

Amidst the cheers of the crowd, the horse clip-clopped slowly along the cobblestone road, heading toward the Situ family’s residence.

Most of the people following Cang Sheng were his old comrades from his escort missions.

These men generally came from humble beginnings.

Seeing Cang Sheng, a junior, grow so quickly and win the heart of the Situ family’s young lady, they were all overjoyed.

Along the way, they handed out invitations, inviting the cheering crowd to the wedding banquet, and didn’t forget to distribute candies to the children.

The streets were filled with laughter, blessings, praises, and congratulations.

The wedding procession through the streets was a major tradition in the Qianlong Empire.

It served to spread the joyous news and add to the festive atmosphere of the wedding.

Hearing all the compliments, Cang Sheng felt a bit shy.

Suddenly being the center of attention made him quite uncomfortable.

He had seen other grooms parade through the streets and had imagined what his own wedding day would be like.

But now that the day had arrived, he was still extremely nervous, afraid of making any mistakes.

However, he remembered Yi Feng’s advice to remain confident and composed.

So he straightened his back, held his head high, and prepared to face the most important moment of his life in the best possible state.

After a while, Cang Sheng and his entourage arrived at the entrance of the Situ family’s residence.

Situ Taili, along with numerous family members and relatives, had been waiting at the gate for some time.

Yi Feng hadn’t accompanied Cang Sheng on the procession but had instead arrived early to wait with Situ Taili.

Seeing the grand wedding procession approaching with gongs and drums, the Situ family erupted in cheers and excitement.

A group of Situ family children, spotting the nuts, candies, and dates in the carrying poles, immediately rushed forward.

Like little wolf cubs spotting meat, they cheered and clamored.

Then, the family began welcoming the guests.

At this point, the bride had yet to make an appearance.

This was customary in the Qianlong Empire.

The wedding banquet was typically held at the bride’s family home at an auspicious time around noon.

After the groom’s procession, the reception of guests would begin.

Once all the distinguished guests had gathered and the auspicious time arrived, the wedding ceremony would officially commence.

The bride and groom would bow to heaven and earth, to their parents, and to each other in front of their family and friends.

After the ceremony, the bride would return to her chamber, while the groom would stay to entertain the guests.

The wedding night would be spent at the bride’s home, and the next day, the groom would carry the bride into a palanquin and take her back to his own home.

The wedding feast was a continuous banquet, typically lasting three days and three nights from the day of the ceremony.

During this time, anyone who came to offer congratulations, regardless of their status, would be invited to join the feast.

Thus, a wedding hosted by a prominent family like the Situ family was essentially a city-wide celebration.

It was even more lively than the New Year.

This was natural, as such weddings often featured rare delicacies that ordinary people rarely had the chance to taste.

So, regardless of wealth or status, most people would come to the Situ family’s residence to join in the festivities.

Cang Sheng’s wedding was particularly grand.

The Situ family’s residence was lavishly decorated, with a massive banquet set up for a thousand tables. The family had also invited friends from far and wide.

From these grand arrangements, it was clear how much importance the Situ family placed on the wedding.

This was not only a special gesture for the young couple but also a display of the Situ family’s generosity and strength.

Guests continued to arrive in a steady stream.

Situ Taili, who was usually stern and reserved, was beaming with joy today.

Cang Sheng, too, was all smiles. Before entering the residence, guests would offer their blessings.

Phrases like "May you have a son early," "May you remain united forever," "May you live in harmony for a hundred years," "May you be as harmonious as the phoenix and the luan," and "May you support each other through thick and thin" were common.

These blessings made Cang Sheng feel deeply touched.

Thinking of his beloved bride, Qingyi, waves of happiness and contentment washed over him.

However, there were always some uninvited troublemakers who sought to stir up trouble during such joyous occasions.

At this moment, a young man dressed in brocade robes swaggered over with an arrogant air.

He had a sharp, weasel-like face and an overbearing demeanor.

Behind him followed two formidable-looking experts.

All three of them carried simple swords at their waists, making it clear they weren’t here to offer congratulations.

The young man gave Cang Sheng a once-over with a hostile gaze.

Then, with a mocking tone, he addressed Situ Taili.

"Well, well, Master Situ, hosting a wedding, are we? Wishing you many more such days in the future!"

Before Situ Taili could respond, the young man sneered, "But it seems your Situ family has grown quite bold, daring to ignore the words of our Wusheng Mountain."

"Don’t blame us for crashing your little celebration and adding some excitement to your festivities. Hahaha..."

The young man laughed arrogantly.

The two experts behind him took a small step forward, subtly shielding him.