At the entrance of the Yifu. In front of the excited audience was a dancing lion holding a red ball in its mouth while performing. The firecrackers were lit, making a series of popping noises and soon afterwards the red ball cracked open, revealing a red banner with gold writing that said "double happiness" on it. The people cheered and were congratulating the happy couple.
While in the receiving hall, it had been elaborately decorated from its interior to the exterior of the manor. The red lanterns hung from the ceiling to its red silk loosely looped onto the beam.
Back at the gate, the bride and groom had arrived. The crowds made way for the approaching Guan Yu and the red sedan as well as their entourage.
Guan Yu hopped off from his horse. His domineering aura caused an intense silence throughout the crowd that made even the children stop playing. Everyone was paying attention to his every move.
Guan Yu walked up to the sedan and held out a hand. Yi Lei Fang then elegantly placed her soft jade-like hand on his rough calloused palm. When her skin made contact with his, it felt smooth to the touch.
With the help of Guan Yu, Yi Lei Fang safely stepped down onto a red mat that was placed before the sedan chair so her feet wouldn't touch the bare earth. At the same moment Mu Ling had arrived in time to witness Guan Yu and Yi Lei Fang holding hands. His heart clenched in bitterness. He moved his eyes away and continue to walk inside the receiving hall. He knew watching the whole ceremony in front of him would break his heart even more but this was to give his parents some face and Chief Yi Yang respect as well as supporting Yi Lei Fang's happiness.
The entire household and guests were waiting in the receiving hall for the newlyweds to show up. Not long after Mu Ling sat down next to his parents, Guan Yu and Yi Lei Fang finally made their appearance. Everyone turned their heads and saw Guan Yu wearing a red robe embroidered with a gold dragon at the hem of his long sleeves.
Yi Lei Fang wore a one piece satin floor length red dress. It was adorned with gold dragon and phoenix. Her long wide sleeves also have a complicated embroidery on the hem as well. Her face was covered in a red veil and had embroidery which had a gold and silver peony pattern.
During the ceremony, Yi Lei Fang and Guan Yu stood at the family altar, where they would pay homage to heaven and earth and the family's ancestors. Since the wedding was fully done at the Yifu, two cups of red date tea were offered to the bride's parents, instead of the groom's. Finally, Yi Lei Fang and Guan Yu bowed to each other -- completing the ceremony.
Yi Lei Fang was led to her bed chamber with the other ladies in toll while the rest of the guests and groom moved to the gathering hall. Yi Mei did not go as she was using this chance to get closer to Mu Ling.
She sat down on the bed while listening to the women talking with enthusiasm.
One of the women in a fancy green hanfu waved her handkerchief and block her smile.
"Aiyo, our little Young Miss Yi has grown up and here she is, married to a handsome Wangye. I heard that men who are in an army has a strong body and high energy." She let out playful giggles.
Another lady chimed in. "Ah, you don't need to worry about that since our Young Miss or should I say Wangfei knows martial arts so no matter how high his energy is, she won't lose to him."
Yi Lei Fang's four maids who were behind them, blushed when they remember how much of a mess their Wangfei and Wangye made in the room.
Yi Lei Fang who has the red veil blocking her face, rolled her eyes. Man, the women in this era are more shameless than I thought, she inwardly said.
Nanny Lu waved her hands at the mischievous women out of the room.
"Okay. Okay, you ladies can go back to the gathering hall. If anyone ever hear you ladies speaking nonsense, their ears might give birth to a baby."
The ladies giggles and left the room, leaving only Madame Yu, Nanny Lu, and the four maids inside.
Madame Yu sat on Yi Lei Fang's left side while Nanny Lu sat on the other side. Madame Yu gently patted Yi Lei Fang's back.
"Fang'er, it's okay to feel nervous for this type of special event. If you have any questions, you can ask me any time. And even though we won't be around with you, you can still come visit us. This is your home too."
Yi Lei Fang nod her head. "Yes mu qin. And if I do have any questions I will definitely ask you."
Nanny Lu eyes softened. "Xiao Fang, you can also come over and visit this old lady too since I also lived in the capital. I can keep you company if you feel homesick."
"Nanny Lu, I will keep that in mind. Thank you."
Nanny Lu turn her gaze to Madame Yu. She saw that Madame Yu's eyes were getting teary so she excused herself and the maids to leave the mother and daughter pair to talk privately.
Meanwhile, in the gathering hall all the guests were drinking happily but Mu Ling drank his sorrow away instead. Yi Mei was sitting next to him, watching him downing shots after shots. She reached out her hands to stop him.
"Young Master Mu, drinking a lot is not good for your health."
Mu Ling didn't even looked at her. The more he sees her, the more he wants to rip her white lotus face off.
He let out a self mockering chuckles. "Heh, I am so stupid. If only I didn't believe the rumors, she would have been mine." He down another cup again.
Yi Mei nails dug into her palms. Why! Why is it always her! What's so good about her! She can barely even learn to be a woman! Yi Mei thought as a glint of killing intent flashed before her eyes. Soon her white lotus facade came back when she heard a commotion to her side.
"Aiya, Wangye this is a happy day for you. Stay longer and drink with us."
"Right! Right! The night is still long. No need to rush to see your Wangfei."
Everybody in the hall laughed.
Guan Yu look straight at Mu Ling who was also looking at him too. Then Guan Yu's lips curved upward and said, "Yes, the night is still long which is why this benwang wants to be with Wangfei and spoil her with all the love."
Mu Ling felt like Guan Yu was taunting him. Telling him that Guan Yu will make love with Yi Lei Fang all night. Thinking about this made Mu Ling's clenched the porcelain cup he was holding. He didn't realize there were cracks forming from his pressure.
Still, his eyes watched as Guan Yu make his way over to him. Mu Ling quickly composed himself and stood up to congratulate him. He cup his hands around the cup of alcohol.
"Wangye, congratulation. A toast to celebrate Yi Lei Fang and Wangye's happiness."
Guan Yu looked at the cup then at Mu Ling before he said, "Mhmm, I will accept your toast. Besides if it weren't for you calling off the engagement this benwang wouldn't know how to make a move on my Wangfei. So thank you for making things easier for this benwang."
Once his words came out from his mouth, he down the alcohol and place it on the table. He quickly left without looking back, leaving behind the loud guests and a fuming Mu Ling.