Chapter 524: Marrying Heimu Qingquan

Three days time, neither long nor short.

The news that Cheng Feng was to take the third daughter of the Heimu family as a concubine blew through the entirety of Heimu Prefecture overnight like a draft.

The brothers of the Canal Gang at the docks were the first to know; Leng Feng spent the day tidying the branch office inside and out, replacing everything with brand-new red silk and lanterns.

Next was the inside and outside of the Cheng Mansion, where the Principal Wife Zhao Wei busied herself with Cheng Feng's concubines, purchasing supplies, decorating, and arranging the banquet.

Nominally it was taking a concubine, but both Cheng Feng and Heimu Canglong were clear that this was no Ordinary concubine ceremony.

The Heimu family was the premier noble family of Heimu Prefecture; for a woman of the clan to marry, even as a concubine, it could not be done shabbily.

The people sent by Heimu Canglong arrived at the Cheng Mansion a day early to discuss the details of the process.

The women on Cheng Feng's side were also reasonable and did not trip him up.

Zhao Wei even personally organized a south-facing side room for the bride, laying out the finest brocade quilts and a vanity.

Cheng Feng was not short on money now, so he let Zhao Wei handle it according to the highest standards.

On the morning of the third day, before the sky was fully bright, the entire Cheng Mansion was already bustling.

The main gate was decorated with lanterns and colored streamers, with two large red "double happiness" lanterns hung high.

Red silk hung from the lintel all the way down to the sides of the stone steps, and even the trees on both sides of the alley were tied with red cloth strips.

Cheng Feng changed into a dark red satin robe, tied a wide belt with gold-rolled edges around his waist, and stepped into black boots.

His whole person appeared tall and steady, truly possessing a bit of the groom's flair.

"Master Cheng, you really have it today." Leng Feng had brought dozens of Canal Gang brothers over early to help.

He spoke with a smile, but his hands were not idle, leading the men to set up a formation to welcome guests at the gate.

From the alley entrance to the mansion gate, two rows of men were lined up, each wearing cyan martial attire, waists tied with red sashes, looking spirited and energetic.

After all, for a wedding, one must have a sense of ritual.

The current Cheng Feng wants face!!!

Cheng Feng smiled slightly: "Don't just stand there, go and bring the people who need to be brought."

Leng Feng replied "Got it," vaulted onto his horse, and led a team toward the Heimu family.

According to the rules of Heimu Prefecture, taking a concubine usually did not require such a grand procession, but Cheng Feng and Heimu Canglong had agreed to handle it according to the standards of a Principal Wife.

Not a single bit of the required betrothal gifts was missing, and not a single formality was skipped.

A team of musicians followed behind Leng Feng's horse, drums and music blaring, passing through streets and alleys, drawing the city's commoners to crowd around and watch.

Those who didn't know the situation, seeing this formation, thought the Cheng family was marrying a Principal Wife.

Cheng Feng stood before the mansion gate, constantly cupping his hands and exchanging pleasantries with the arriving guests.

Trading firms from the docks and merchants in the city who had dealings with the Canal Gang arrived one after another.

Wei Yuanshan personally led the high-level members of the Hong Sect from Qingxi County to offer congratulations, gifting a pair of red coral ornaments as tall as a person.

The eldest brother Cheng Shu and the third brother Cheng Lei were also among them.

The three Cheng brothers finally met.

It made Cheng Fu and Cheng Mu incredibly happy.

Cheng Feng invited the people into the main hall, his face wearing a smile, but his heart was very clear.

The people who came today were here half for his sake and half for the sake of Heimu Canglong.

Near the hour of the snake, Leng Feng's cavalry appeared at the alley entrance.

They were escorting an eight-bearer sedan chair; the sedan body was painted entirely red, the roof covered in red silk, with gilded bronze bells hanging from the four corners.

Following beside the sedan were eight maidservants of the Heimu family, all dressed in scarlet dresses, holding lacquer trays, with jade ruyi, gold jewelry, and brocade silks placed on the trays.

Behind the sedan were two carriages carrying the dowry given by the Heimu family.

That scene was more magnificent than many families' weddings for a Principal Wife.

The sedan landed steadily in front of the mansion gate. Cheng Feng walked forward and, according to the rules, used a red silk ribbon to lead the bride out of the sedan.

Heimu Qingquan stepped slowly out of the sedan, wearing a bright red wedding dress, a gold-threaded phoenix crown on her head, and a thin red veil covering her face, with only her delicate brows and eyes vaguely visible beneath it.

She placed her hand on the red silk ribbon Cheng Feng offered; her fingertips were slightly cool, but they trembled lightly the moment they touched him.

Cheng Feng held the red silk ribbon steadily, leading her across the brazier and into the main hall.

The main hall had already been properly arranged. Cheng Fu and Cheng Mu sat in the high seats, both dressed more solemnly than usual today.

Cheng Feng's mother wore a date-red front-buttoned long jacket, her hair combed meticulously, the joy in the corners of her eyes and brows impossible to hide.

His father had changed into a dark gray robe kept at the bottom of the chest; although his face was still stern, the curve of his mouth could not be hidden.

"Your son pays his respects to Father and Mother." Cheng Feng stood still in front of the hall, lifted his robes, and knelt down.

Heimu Qingquan also bowed gracefully, her voice soft: "Daughter-in-law Qingquan pays respects to Father-in-law and Mother-in-law."

Cheng Feng's mother smiled from ear to ear and hurriedly raised her hands: "Get up quickly, get up, the floor is cold."

She then had Zhao Wei bring over the tea sets prepared earlier. Heimu Qingquan took the tea and knelt to offer it: "Father-in-law, please have tea; Mother-in-law, please have tea."

The two elders took the tea and each took a sip. Cheng Fu gave a red envelope, which was heavy.

Cheng Mu took a pair of jade bracelets with excellent luster from her sleeve and personally put them on Heimu Qingquan's wrists, saying "good" repeatedly.

"Sister, please have tea."

Zhao Wei also knew the importance of the situation; Cheng Feng now had a large family and a big estate.

Some things were unavoidable, and Zhao Wei, who managed the Rear Courtyard, would not make things difficult for her junior fellow apprentice.

"Good sister, good, good, good."

A display of the demeanor of a First Wife.

After the ceremony was completed, Cheng Feng sent Heimu Qingquan into the bridal chamber.

That south-facing side room had been tidied up perfectly, red candles burning high, the quilt cover embroidered with mandarin ducks.

Heimu Qingquan sat on the edge of the bed, her spine straight, her face beneath the red veil appearing and disappearing.

Cheng Feng paused at the doorway and said in a low voice, "Rest if you are tired. There are still guests out front; I will return later."

Heimu Qingquan gave a soft "Mm," her fingers resting on her knees slowly tightening.

Cheng Feng turned and returned to the front courtyard. The banquet had already been set, and all three courtyards were filled with people.

Wei Zhuang and Leng Feng had a good exchange.

Now it could be considered standing in support of the Hong Sect and the Canal Gang.

After Cheng Feng leaves in the future, it will depend on how Wei Zhuang commands.

The intelligence exchange was mostly finished.

Wei Zhuang also let loose with his brothers.

They ate and drank as they pleased.

Leng Feng led the Canal Gang brothers to greet the guests, the sounds of clinking cups rising one after another.

Cheng Feng carried a wine cup and toasted table by table, his face always wearing a perfectly measured smile.

Some offered congratulations, others teased him, and he handled it all with ease.

Just judging by his current physical constitution, drinking with these people,

Cheng Feng could point one index finger to the sky—and keep drinking forever.

Heimu Canglong arrived before noon. As soon as he arrived, everyone in the courtyard stood up to welcome him, the atmosphere even three parts hotter than when Cheng Feng toasted them himself.

The Heimu family gave enough face; not only did the Patriarch come in person, but he also brought three direct branches of the family.

Heimu Fangrong also followed. He didn't say much today, only following behind Heimu Canglong, his gaze occasionally sweeping toward the direction of the bridal chamber, as if worried about something.

Cheng Feng went up to meet him and invited Heimu Canglong to the seat of honor. The two drank three cups together, and Heimu Canglong set down his cup, looking around with a chuckle: "Brother Cheng's residence is truly lively today. In all the years I have lived, I have rarely seen a concubine-taking ceremony held so decently."

"It is all thanks to the favor of the Patriarch and the Heimu family," Cheng Feng said, cupping his hands.

"No need for excessive modesty." Heimu Canglong waved his hand and lowered his voice, "Since you have entered the Immortal Gate, your status will not be the same in the future. I am at ease with Qingquan following you. She is a sensible girl and will not cause you trouble."

Cheng Feng nodded in agreement.

After three rounds of drinks, Leng Feng quietly came over and whispered in his ear: "Brother Cheng, there are a few unfamiliar faces at the entrance, loitering at the street corner for a long time. I have had people keep an eye on them."

Cheng Feng calmly picked up his wine bowl and, using the motion of tilting his head to drink, glanced toward the main gate. Those few people were mixed in the crowd of onlookers, dressed ordinarily, but one person's physique made him pay attention for a moment.

The other party's standing posture was loose, but his center of gravity was sunk into the inner sides of his feet; he was a Martial Artist accustomed to hiding blades.

"Don't worry about them," Cheng Feng set down the wine bowl. "Today is a joyous occasion; if they want to watch, let them watch. If they dare to step one foot into the residence, then it won't be too late to act."

Leng Feng understood and stepped back to continue greeting guests. Cheng Feng withdrew his gaze, a trace of very faint coldness flashing in the depths of his eyes.

He roughly knew where those people came from—the remnants of the Sun Family, or the forces behind them.

Coming today was nothing more than to probe the reality. It was just as well to let them see clearly what kind of standing he, Cheng Feng, had now, and what kind of relationship he had with the Heimu family.

If they really dare to enter the door to cause trouble, they need not leave again.

Cheng Feng would not mind a blood-red wedding banquet.

The banquet lasted until the sun set behind the mountains. As the guests gradually dispersed, Cheng Feng stood at the main gate, seeing them off one by one.

Before Wei Yuanshan left, he patted his hand and said in a low voice: "The gate... Cheng Feng, today's event was handled beautifully. From now on, in the black and white worlds of Heimu Prefecture, the Hong Sect and the Canal Gang have truly stood firm."

"From now on, it depends on your development."

Cheng Feng smiled and said earnestly.

After the last wave of guests left, the residence became quiet again.

Leng Feng led the brothers to clean up the aftermath, and the women were also tired after a day and returned to their rooms.

Cheng Feng stood in the courtyard for a while, letting the night wind blow away some of the wine scent from his body, before walking slowly toward the bridal chamber.

The red candles had burned more than halfway, and candle tears piled up in a small patch in the copper tray.

Heimu Qingquan was still sitting on the edge of the bed, her posture exactly the same as it had been several hours ago, like a finely carved jade statue.

Hearing the door sound, she raised her head, her eyes behind the red veil sparkling.

Cheng Feng walked in front of her and reached out to gently lift the red veil. Under the candlelight, Heimu Qingquan's face was stained with a thin layer of red, her brows and eyes gentle, her vermilion lips slightly pursed.

She added a few more touches of softness than when they first met, like a flower that only blooms at night.

"Are you hungry?" Cheng Feng asked.

She was stunned for a moment, then laughed and shook her head: "Not hungry. It's just... a bit unreal."

Cheng Feng sat down beside her: "This marriage has wronged you."

Heimu Qingquan turned her face to look at him, her gaze clear: "Master Cheng need not say that. This marriage is my own wish."

Women of the Heimu family are born knowing that marriage is never up to themselves.

But this time it is different. Before I came, the Patriarch let me choose for myself.

After I saw you at the tea house, I felt... you would do."

Cheng Feng looked at her, and a certain string in his heart was gently plucked. He reached out and held her hand; it was slightly cool and fine-soft, like holding a handful of spring water.

"From today on, you are my person, Cheng Feng's," he said. "As long as I am alive, I will not let anyone bully you."

Heimu Qingquan's eyes turned slightly red, and she gently leaned her head on his shoulder. Outside the window, the night wind blew gently, and the fallen red petals in the courtyard were like snow.

A light gauze.

Clothes falling clearly.

Heimu Qingquan's alluring figure was set off by the candlelight.

It was also reflected in Cheng Feng's pupils.

"Th-this..."

Cheng Feng pounced like a hungry tiger.

"Ah, Master Cheng, I hope you will cherish me..."