Chapter 438 - 227: The Betrothal and Return to Ning’an

Chapter 438: Chapter 227: The Betrothal and Return to Ning’an

The Eighth Year of Mingjing in the Daqian Empire. The fifteenth day of the tenth month—a day auspicious for marriage.

This was the auspicious day the Nie Family had chosen for the marriage alliance.

Although they had agreed to keep this engagement ceremony low-key and not invite a wide array of guests, a thousand-year-old Noble Family had its own standards and dignity. Every rite and procedure was still rigorous and thorough, with not a single detail overlooked.

Reporting to Heaven and Earth, honoring the Nie Family’s ancestors, paying respects to the Chen Family from afar... The numerous steps were all interlinked, solemn and complex.

Fortunately, with a Nie Family ceremonial master guiding him, Chen Sheng followed the rites to the letter. Though the entire process was time-consuming and exhausting, it proceeded quite smoothly.

In the Nie Family’s main hall, tall red candles burned brightly, filling the room with a joyous atmosphere.

Chen Sheng wore a brocade robe of black with gold patterns. He stood tall and elegant, his expression calm and solemn.

Nie Lingxi, for her part, was dressed in a crimson palace-style gown, her hair coiled high in an elegant coiffure, pearl hairpins trembling slightly. Her usually refined features, now adorned with splendid makeup, possessed an even more breathtaking and vibrant beauty.

Under the watchful eyes of the many core members of the Nie Family and a few close, invited guests, the two slowly walked forward and stood facing each other before the incense table.

A master of ceremonies loudly recited the ceremonial verses. Afterward, two magnificent marriage certificates, adorned with gilt patterns and faintly shimmering with Spiritual Qi, were solemnly brought forth.

Chen Sheng and Nie Lingxi each took one. Their gazes met for an instant before they steadily exchanged the certificates.

The marriage certificate felt heavy in his hand, as if it weighed a thousand pounds.

These were not merely two sheets of gold foil; they were the symbol of an alliance between two families and a bond that would last a lifetime.

The rite was complete. The marriage was sealed.

Next, the couple turned and bowed deeply to Nie Baichuan, who was seated in the seat of honor, performing a grand salutation.

He too had changed into a dignified, deep purple robe for the occasion. Though his expression remained stern, an imperceptible flicker of emotion and gentleness passed through the depths of his eyes as he looked down upon the perfect pair.

"The rite is complete—!"

The ceremonial elder’s voice was loud and resonant, echoing throughout the solemn grand hall.

...

At this moment, the entire Nie Family estate was adorned with lanterns and colorful decorations, overflowing with a festive air.

Many disciples of the Nie Family gathered and conversed, their topic naturally revolving around the talented young man now engaged to Miss Lingxi—Chen Sheng.

Meanwhile, within the slightly more subdued atmosphere of the great hall, Nie Baichuan gazed at the grandson-in-law who was now his in name. With a complex expression, he finally spoke in a deep voice:

"Chen Sheng, I won’t say more than is necessary. I have only one thing to ask: in the future... you must treat Lingxi well."

"Rest assured, Great Elder. I will take your words to heart and will never betray her."

Chen Sheng’s expression turned serious as he gave his solemn promise.

Nie Baichuan then turned his gaze to his granddaughter. His tone softened, yet it still carried an unquestionable authority:

"Lingxi, now that the marriage contract is set, from now on... you must prioritize your husband’s family, observe your wifely duties, and support Chen Sheng well. Do not bring shame to the Nie Family’s honor, and also... do not allow yourself to be wronged."

"I understand, Grandfather. Please rest assured."

Nie Lingxi gave a graceful curtsy, her voice clear and melodious, her posture elegant.

Not far away, Nie Lingshan quietly watched this scene unfold.

Her younger sister had gotten her heart’s desire and found an excellent husband; she was, of course, happy and relieved for her.

But an indescribable feeling of sourness and emptiness also washed over her heart like a silent tide. Before she knew it, the rims of her eyes had begun to redden.

Logically, after all the recent troubles and with her grandfather’s intervention, the matter of her own marriage alliance had been temporarily set aside. She should have been breathing a sigh of relief, feeling fortunate.

Yet at this moment, witnessing her sister’s life become inextricably linked with another man’s, it felt as if a crack had quietly formed in the seamless intimacy they once shared as sisters. In the future, they might drift further and further apart...

This feeling made it impossible for her to rejoice from the bottom of her heart.

...

After the engagement ceremony came an internal banquet hosted by the Nie Family.

Although the banquet was not open to outsiders, all those in attendance were core figures of the Nie Family and their close allies.

Nie Tiankun personally led Chen Sheng around, introducing him one by one to the various Nie Family powerhouses at the banquet.

These great figures, usually stern or somber, were now mostly warm and affable toward Chen Sheng, their words filled with encouragement and a sense of closeness.

With the marriage alliance finalized, Chen Sheng was considered practically a member of the Nie Family. This was especially true given that this young man, despite his humble origins, possessed outstanding talent and an extraordinary temperament and skillset. Once he fully matured, he was certain to become a great asset to the Nie Family.

In the eyes of many, this was clearly a worthy investment.

At the same time, news of the engagement between the Nie Family’s legitimate daughter, Nie Lingxi, and the rising star of Ning’an’s Jingwu Bureau, Chen Sheng, seemed to grow wings, rapidly spreading from within the Nie Family to the entirety of Yunzhou.

This, naturally, was by the Nie Family’s design.

The intention was self-evident.

From this day forward, Chen Sheng was the Nie Family’s officially recognized son-in-law.

Anyone who wished to move against him would have to weigh the might of the Nie Family.

In an instant, the name Chen Sheng, accompanied by the dazzling halo of being the Nie Family’s son-in-law, swiftly came to occupy a prominent position in the intelligence reports of Yunzhou’s major powers.

...

「That night, as the moon began to rise.」

The banquet, which had lasted the entire day, finally came to an end.

Chen Sheng was personally escorted back to the guest courtyard by a supportive Nie Lingxi.

His tolerance for alcohol wasn’t bad, and he could normally use his True Essence to neutralize its effects. But the Spirit Wine served by the Nie Family today had been cellared for many years. It was mellow and full-bodied, with an extremely powerful after-kick that was not easily dispelled.

Even though he had exercised restraint, after several rounds of toasts, he couldn’t help but feel a bit tipsy.

At this moment, Nie Lingxi showed none of her usual pride as a noble lady. She was like a gentle and considerate wife, tending to him with meticulous care.

She ordered someone to prepare a treasured soup to sober him up and calm his mind. After personally testing its temperature, she brought the bowl to Chen Sheng’s lips, helping him drink it slowly, then gently wiped his brow with a cool silk handkerchief.

"You’ve gone to a lot of trouble, Lingxi."

As the effects of the alcohol subsided slightly, Chen Sheng’s mind cleared considerably. He watched her bustling figure and spoke in a warm voice.

Nie Lingxi smiled faintly and set the empty bowl aside, but instead of responding to his thanks, she asked softly:

"When will you be departing?"