Chapter 149: Marriage

The speed of Cheng Feng's progress greatly astonished Wang Tieshan; that he was actually able to lead his own brothers in practicing martial arts together was a move that made Wang Tieshan see Cheng Feng's cherishing of family affection and his own hands-on dedication.

Certain thoughts in Wang Tieshan's heart grew increasingly firm, yet at this very moment, he decided to remain still for now, waiting until Cheng Feng had cultivated to the Organ Refining realm before making further plans.

After conversing with his master for quite a while, Cheng Feng went to visit Lao San once more. With this, Cheng Feng could be considered to have brought this matter to a satisfactory conclusion.

The next morning, sunlight spilled into the room through the window. Cheng Feng got up early, and after washing up, he arrived before his parents' bedroom door. He knocked lightly on the door, and after receiving a response, he pushed it open and walked in.

"Father, Mother, I would like to discuss something with you," Cheng Feng said in a firm tone.

His parents looked at each other and asked in confusion, "What is it? So serious."

Cheng Feng took a deep breath and said slowly, "I want to go to Shopkeeper Mei's house to propose marriage."

Hearing this news, the elderly couple's faces revealed joyful smiles; they nodded repeatedly, expressing their approval. Cheng Feng had been clever, sensible, and diligent since he was young. Now that he had achieved success in his career and found a woman he admired, his parents were naturally very gratified.

Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was afternoon. Cheng Fu specially changed into a brand-new set of clothes, appearing exceptionally spirited. Cheng Feng wore a carefully selected, refined outfit, looking dashing and imposing. Although they were already very familiar with the marriage proposal process, they still dared not be the slightest bit negligent. Every detail had to be done to perfection, as this was, after all, a major event in life.

After everything was prepared, Cheng Feng took the generous betrothal gifts and set off on the road to Shopkeeper Mei's house. Along the way, his heart was full of anticipation and nervousness. For this proposal, he had done his homework beforehand, learning many rules and etiquette regarding proposals, fearing any mistakes that would make people laugh.

Finally arriving at the Mei residence, Cheng Feng stood at the entrance to adjust his breathing, then walked into the courtyard with steady steps. He first politely performed a deep bow to Shopkeeper Mei and his family, then respectfully said, "Shopkeeper Mei, this junior Cheng Feng has brought a modest gift today, hoping to win the heart of your daughter. If your esteemed household grants this, I would be most grateful."

After saying this, Cheng Feng waited quietly for the other party's response.

Shopkeeper Mei looked at this young, promising, and well-mannered Cheng Feng before him, nodding inwardly, a satisfied smile appearing on his face. Shopkeeper Mei knew what line of work Cheng Feng was in; to have such etiquette, the father of Mei was already fully satisfied.

He responded, "Feng-ge'er, I have already heard of your reputation; you are a rare young talent. However, the matter of marriage concerns the future of two families, so we still need to consult my daughter's opinion."

Cheng Feng understood that the father of Mei cherished his daughter and would naturally not entrust her away easily. He smiled slightly, expressing his understanding. As soon as he finished speaking, Meiniang was summoned to the front hall.

She was seen wearing a simple and elegant dress, as fresh and refined as a flower blooming in the early morning; her eyebrows were clear and her eyes bright, like a Fairy who had stepped out of a painting, making one's eyes light up. Cheng Feng looked at her, and a warm current surged in his heart, as if the whole world had become beautiful.

Meiniang walked to her father's side, bowed slightly in greeting, and then turned her gaze toward Cheng Feng. Her eyes were clear and bright, carrying a hint of anticipation. Cheng Feng took a deep breath, trying hard to keep himself calm, and nodded to Meiniang with a smile. He noticed that the corners of Meiniang's mouth also lifted slightly.

Next, the father of Mei and Meiniang spoke in low voices for a moment, asking her opinion on this marriage. Meiniang's face was slightly flushed, but her eyes firmly expressed her willingness to follow her parents' arrangements. Seeing this, a hint of gratification flashed in the father of Mei's eyes; he patted his daughter's shoulder, then turned to look at Cheng Feng and said, "Since my daughter is also willing, then this matter can be discussed further. Feng-ge'er, if you truly wish to marry my Meiniang, you must still demonstrate your sincerity and determination."

Hearing this, Cheng Feng hurriedly cupped his hands and replied, "Many thanks for your trust, Uncle! I fell for Meiniang at first sight, and I will certainly do my utmost to cherish her for a lifetime. Please rest assured, Uncle, I will definitely use my actions to prove my sincerity." Having said that, he looked firmly at the father of Mei and Meiniang, as if making a solemn promise to them.

At this time, the atmosphere in the hall gradually became harmonious, and everyone began to talk about some trivial household matters. Cheng Feng took the opportunity to converse with Meiniang, and the two talked happily.

Shopkeeper Mei saw this and nodded slightly, expressing his approval. At this moment, Cheng Fu finally began to play his part.

At the dining table, the father of Mei and Cheng Fu drank together: "Brother Cheng, this son of yours is truly outstanding." Hearing these words from the father of Mei, Cheng Fu could not hide the smile on his face, and he kept raising his cup to drink with the father of Mei. After they had eaten and drunk their fill, the two families began to discuss the wedding date, the atmosphere harmonious and enthusiastic.

The fifth day of the fifth month, auspicious for marriage, auspicious for travel, the sun was bright, and the air was filled with joy.

Cheng Feng wore a gorgeous wedding robe, his sleeves fluttering, looking exceptionally handsome. His face was handsome, and a faint smile hung on the corners of his mouth, like a spring breeze brushing against one's face, warming every guest who came to offer congratulations.

As for Meiniang, she wore a vibrant red bridal gown, as delicate and moving as a blooming flower. Every smile and every frown of hers revealed full happiness and beautiful expectations for her future life.

At the same time, on the other side, Cai'er was also wearing an exquisite and gorgeous bridal gown; her beauty made the sisters around her both envious and happy.

Who could have imagined that Cheng Feng would so thoughtfully prepare such an ingenious wedding for her?

In fact, Cheng Feng had already privately sought out Cai'er, expressing that he wanted to give her a formal status. After all, Cai'er had been managing the household for quite a long time; if he could not give her a proper wedding, even Cheng Feng himself would feel bad about it.

Fortunately, Meiniang was a sensible woman; she knew the important position Cai'er held in Cheng Feng's heart, so she readily agreed to Cheng Feng's idea. Although Cheng Feng's family circumstances were not very well-off, they still did their utmost to hold this wedding in a grand and lively manner. The entire scene was decorated beautifully, with lanterns and colorful streamers, filled with joy. People laughed and talked, together witnessing this beautiful love story.

The relatives of Meiniang's family saw this handsome and dashing groom and could not help but praise him one after another; they were incomparably satisfied with the union of this new couple and sincerely offered their best wishes. As for the groom's side, most of them were disciples of the Hong Sect, and they also did not hesitate to express their blessings.

After the wedding ceremony ended, Cheng Feng carefully took Meiniang's hand with his left hand and held the obedient and cute Cai'er with his right, and the three of them followed traditional customs to perform the tea-offering ceremony to both sets of parents.

Due to Cai'er's special background, her biological parents could not be present at the scene. Thus, Cheng Feng let the clever Cai'er take advantage of the opportunity while both sets of parents were present to logically offer a cup of fragrant tea to her "parents."

At this very moment, the parents' faces were beaming with gratified smiles. They looked at the three newlyweds before them, their hearts filled with anticipation and hope.

After entering the bridal chamber, Cheng Feng and Meiniang sat facing each other, their hands tightly clasped. The room was filled with the fragrance of red candles, the atmosphere both solemn and sweet. Cheng Feng looked at Meiniang, his inner excitement beyond words.

Legally speaking, this was a formal marriage.

Meiniang nodded slightly, her eyes revealing deep emotions as she gazed at Cheng Feng and asked softly, "What will our future be like?"

Cheng Feng held her hand tightly, responding with a firm and sincere gaze, "Regardless of the differences in wealth in life, or whether our bodies are healthy, I am willing to walk through this life with you."

A touch of emotion flashed instantly in Meiniang's eyes; she nodded slightly, expressing her understanding and giving her full support.

As night gradually shrouded the earth, the guests who attended the wedding left one after another. Cheng Feng and Meiniang remained in the bridal chamber.

Where the lights were dim, it was time for the clouds to gather and the rain to fall.

A long time later, amidst the swaying of the bed, the two climbed the mountain together to attend the feast of clouds and rain.

Cai'er knew well that today was Meiniang's big day, and that she herself could appear before so many friends and relatives was already a rare thing.

Cheng Feng was considerate and meticulous, instructing Cai'er to rest first.

At midnight, a black shadow quietly snuck into Cai'er's room, yet, Cai'er had already been waiting here for a long time...