Qi Yixuan glanced at Ye Xuzhang with affectionate eyes before sitting down again.
The other people in the guest hall quickly excused themselves.
The first meeting was traditionally meant for the couple to be alone and get to know each other better.
Ye Xuzhang took a natural approach to the idea of marriage.
In this feudal society, even though people of the martial world had more freedom, ordinary folk rarely enjoyed the liberty of choosing their partners freely.
Since Qi Yixuan was pleasing to the eye and, if her personality matched his, there would be time to develop their bond after marriage.
After all, most couples lived this way.
As he observed the woman before him, Ye Xuzhang couldn't help but feel a hint of expectation for this union.
Perhaps… it was because she was so stunningly beautiful?
The two began conversing in the guest hall, discussing mundane topics like family circumstances and personal hobbies.
After a brief exchange, Ye Xuzhang found himself with a favorable impression of Miss Qi. She was gentle, composed, kind, and virtuous—seemingly an ideal wife.
Their meeting wasn't long—less than half an hour.
In such a short time, Ye Xuzhang could only form a preliminary impression of Qi Yixuan.
But this was ancient times.
There was no time to deepen understanding or feelings.
After their meeting, he would have to give Matchmaker Zhang an answer.
Before long, Qi Yixuan left the guest hall. After exchanging a few words with Matchmaker Zhang, she departed with the elderly woman.
"Ye Gongzi, what do you think of Miss Qi?"
Matchmaker Zhang entered the guest hall, her eyes filled with hope.
"Why don't you tell me first? What does Miss Qi think of me?"
Matchmaker Zhang immediately replied, "She's satisfied—very satisfied, of course!"
Ye Xuzhang smiled faintly. "Then let's pick a date."
Matchmaker Zhang's heart leaped, and she exclaimed, "Does that mean Ye Gongzi agrees to this marriage?"
Ye Xuzhang nodded with a smile.
Matchmaker Zhang was so moved she almost wept.
Saved! Her family was saved!
She knew that even though she had followed the Cult Leader's orders to the letter, if Ye Xuzhang had refused, neither she nor her family would survive the night!
"Very well! I'll inform Miss Qi right away and select an auspicious date."
"Oh, and congratulations in advance, Ye Gongzi!"
Matchmaker Zhang beamed as she spoke before quickly running off.
Watching her retreating figure, Ye Xiaoyu joked, "How much silver did this matchmaker take to be this overjoyed?"
"By the way, congratulations, Young Master, on marrying such an otherworldly beauty!"
"Young Master, could I get a red envelope in advance?"
Ye Xiaoyu was the only one in the Ye household bold enough to tease Ye Xuzhang.
Ye Xuzhang snorted. "No!"
The 8th day of May: the wedding day.
The Ye household was bustling with activity. Some attended to guests, while others collected wedding gifts.
In the kitchen, Chef Liu Dalu worked tirelessly to prepare a grand feast.
When the bridal party returned, the deafening sound of firecrackers filled the air.
Ye Xuzhang dismounted from his white horse and, following local customs, kicked open the bridal sedan door.
The bride stepped out, crossed the fire basin, and, amid cheers of congratulations, was escorted toward the hall by Ye Xuzhang.
As he held Qi Yixuan's hand, Ye Xuzhang noticed her trembling slightly.
He smiled gently, understanding that she was nervous, and lightly patted the back of her hand. "Don't be afraid," he whispered.
"Mm," Qi Yixuan replied softly, her steps graceful as lotus petals as she followed Ye Xuzhang into the hall.
Under Matchmaker Zhang's guidance, the couple performed the traditional marriage rites.
Afterward, the bride was escorted to the bridal chamber by the elderly woman from her family.
At that moment, a burst of wild laughter echoed through the hall.
"Hahaha! Congratulations on your wedding, Ye Gongzi!"
A group of burly men entered the hall.
Clad in black and armed with long blades, they had rough faces and muscular builds.
At their head was a middle-aged man with a bushy beard, exuding an overbearing aura.
Ye Xuzhang frowned as he recognized the man. Feng Ke, the leader of the Seven Killers Gang?
Why was he here?
The Seven Killers Gang was a local faction that controlled the southern part of the city. Known for their ill reputation, they often extorted local merchants and ran brothels and gambling dens.
When the Ye family was under the protection of the Zhao Tian Sect, the Seven Killers Gang dared not provoke them.
But now… Could it be that they had learned of the Ye family's split from the sect?
"Feng Ke, today is Ye Gongzi's wedding. Why have you come armed?"
A brave young man stood up and questioned sternly.
Feng Ke glanced up and chuckled. "Ah, it's Chen Shaotou of the Weiyuan Escort Agency. Feng is here, naturally, to congratulate Ye Gongzi on his wedding."
"The Seven Killers Gang also resides in Cangxi City. Though we don't often interact with the Ye family, we are neighbors."
"How could I not come to celebrate Ye Gongzi's big day?"
"As for the blades, well, carrying them is just a habit of our gang. What does that have to do with your Weiyuan Escort Agency?"
Hmph. His words sounded polite, but it was clear he was here to cause trouble—or perhaps to intimidate Ye Xuzhang.
"Ye Gongzi, congratulations!"
"Feng came in a hurry and didn't bring any wedding gifts. I trust Ye Gongzi won't mind?"
Ye Xuzhang remained calm and replied indifferently, "Not at all."
Feng Ke laughed heartily. "Besides offering my congratulations, I have business to discuss with Ye Gongzi."
Ye Xuzhang's eyes turned cold, anger simmering within, though he showed none of it outwardly.
He smiled faintly. "Today is my wedding. Could we perhaps discuss this tomorrow?"
"No," Feng Ke said, his expression darkening as his hand gripped the hilt of his blade, the threat unmistakable.
Ye Xuzhang glanced around the hall, taking in the guests, before replying, "Very well. Let's discuss this in the study."
He cupped his hands in apology. "Everyone, please excuse me for a moment. I'll return shortly to accompany you all."
No one noticed that beneath the bride's red veil, her once-gentle eyes had turned icy cold, filled with murderous intent.
As Qi Yixuan walked toward the bridal chamber, she used a voice transmission technique.
"Old Witch, what is the Seven Killers Gang?"
"I don't know, Mistress. Likely a minor gang of no consequence," the Old Witch replied through the same method.
"By noon tomorrow, I don't want a single member of that gang alive."
"Yes," the Old Witch replied respectfully.
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