One bow to heaven and earth…..

“Hey, do you see that person in front?”

“That Liu Xiting is an outstanding talent, but he’s also eccentric. His fiance is marrying the person he recognizes as his elder brother, but he’s happily attending the wedding banquet and helped with the reception.”

“I heard the engagement was called off because they weren’t compatible.”

“Who knows? Maybe Li Xingruo couldn’t bear Liu Zhenqing’s licentious nature, or maybe Huo Feihan forcibly seized his brother’s woman.”

“Martial Huo, Talent Liu, and Medical Li, the brightest combination of two men and one woman in the capital, have ended up like this. There will definitely be a rift between them, and they might even become enemies in the future…..”

Two idlers at the edge of the crowd were talking excitedly when they were suddenly hit in the knees and fell to the ground behind the crowd of people.

Although the two shouted out loud, the surroundings were so lively that even the people standing in front of them didn’t know there was something going on in the back.

The two cried out in pain and looked back, only to find a youth in his teens standing behind them.

The boy appeared taller and more upright than his peers, and his youthful face was cold. Eyes as dark as cold stars simply glanced at them, and the two young men suddenly didn’t dare to breathe.

Their gossip had been heard by the subject’s family member.

However, the youth didn’t make things difficult for them. He just walked between the two of them, squeezed to the front of the crowd, and stood next to the person they had just been gossiping about.

“Second, bow to honor the parents!”

They watched the newlyweds kneel down and pay their respects.

The curve to Liu Zhenqing’s mouth lifted higher and higher, and his heart couldn’t help but surge with excitement at this scene. He sensed someone beside him, and turned to find a youth standing there. He lowered his head slightly so they could look each other in the eyes.

Liu Zhenqing embraced the youth with a smile, patting his head: “Where has Er-gou been? You’re late for your brother and sister-in-law’s wedding?”

As soon as Liu Zhenqing finished speaking, he saw Huo Fenglie raise his hand and offer him a piece of peach blossom cake.

Liu Zhenqing was stunned, and almost burst into laughter. Er-gou was so cute. He had just gotten back from helping with the wedding reception earlier and was feeling hungry, so when he saw servants passing by, he couldn’t help but say: “I’ll eat a piece of peach blossom cake to fill my stomach later.”

He forgot about it after getting busy again, but Er-gou, who had been following him around, unexpectedly remembered. Had he just gone out to find this peach blossom cake for him?

There was no obvious flattering smile on Huo Fenglie’s little face, only an expression of sincerity. A pair of eyes, black and bright, looked straight at him like small stars twinkling in the sky, serious to the point of being cute.

Liu Zhenqing’s peach blossom eyes arched into crescents with his smile. He was inherently attractive, his smile as vibrant as a rose. If the people watching the ceremony across from them happened to see him right then, they would be distracted by his exquisite face. Even straight men would blush. 

Suppressing his smile, Liu Zhenqing leaned forward and took the cake into his mouth from Er-gou’s hand. He could just barely eat it in one bite.

He secretly chewed and swallowed it. Feeling some residue at the corner of his mouth, he could only wipe it away with his tongue. 

But he didn’t notice that when Er-gou lowered his head next to him, the ears hidden behind his black hair were red, and the hand that had offered Liu Zhenqing the pastry was clenched into a fist.

Because Liu Zhenqing’s soft, cherry-red lips had accidentally brushed his index finger, and that finger was now being held and rubbed.

“Third, exchange bows with one another!”

“Er-gou, look, your brother is so awkward,” Liu Zhenqing said suddenly, trying hard to hold back his laughter.

Huo Fenglie looked over and saw that the face of the tall, mighty, handsome Huo Feihan was flushed, whether due to excitement or because of his red robes. The corners of his mouth were stiff, but couldn’t stop rising, and his eyes sparkled as they stared straight ahead.

On the surface, he had his head held high and his chest puffed out like a majestic general, but underneath, it was as if a mechanical spring had broken, and he began to move his hands and feet in an unnatural manner.

It was fortunate that he didn’t have to walk much, or he would be pointed at and mocked.

Huo Fenglie knew that his elder brother had been too excited to sleep the night before and had walked endlessly around the new house that had been prepared long ago, never satisfied no matter how he looked at it. Whenever he thought of buying something his fiance would like, he would immediately find someone to take care of it overnight.

It was the first time his brother had tormented the people in the manor like this, but the smile on his face never dropped.

The ceremony ended.

Everyone cheered and applauded. Huo Feihan was so excited that he picked Li Xingruo up horizontally. In fact, it was rare in Great Zhou for a newly-wed husband to carry the bride to the bridal chamber, and if it ever happened, the two in question would need to have a very close relationship.

The crowd surrounded the newlyweds and sent them to the bridal chamber.

Liu Zhenqing naturally pulled Huo Fenglie over with him.

When they arrived at the bridal chamber, the newlyweds went through lifting the veil and drinking the wedding wine according to tradition.

After some commotion, someone from outside delivered a message that Crown Prince Jing Yang had arrived.

It was, of course, a supreme honor to have His Royal Highness the Crown Prince come to congratulate them.

This was a good opportunity to prevent this group of people from making mischief in the bridal chamber.

Huo Feihan hurriedly urged everyone to leave together, and said to Li Xingruo before he left, “Eat if you’re hungry, don’t worry about tradition. The kitchen has stewed your favorite pork elbow…..”

Before he could finish speaking, Li Xingruo gave him an elbow to the chest, obviously unhappy with him airing her food preferences to the public.

Huo Feihan was naturally used to being beaten. He grinned foolishly, then said unnaturally with a blush: “Wait until I come back, M….Madam.”

Li Xingruo stared, then nodded with flushed cheeks: “En.”

Huo Feihan then rushed out happily.

Liu Zhenqing was about to leave when Li Xingruo called him back: 

“Shixiong.”

Liu Zhenqing instantly froze with a full-body shiver, then turned cautiously to look at Li Xingruo. Any time she called him ‘shixiong,’ she would have excessive demands.

“Wh…..what do you need?”

“Help me keep an eye on Huo Feihan. Don’t let him drink too much.”

Liu Zhenqing breathed a sigh of relief: “You scared me to death. How is this a big enough deal for you to call me ‘shixiong?’ Could it be that you’ve gotten more sensible after marriage?”

Li Xingruo sent him an angry glare and raised her fist: “Don’t force me to beat you on my marriage day!”

Liu Zhenqing immediately smiled and said: “Don’t worry, Shimei. I won’t allow Huo-dage to spoil your wedding night fun no matter what, hahaha.”

He ran out with a grin after saying this, but looked back at Li Xingruo in her bridal makeup and couldn’t help but laugh: “This is the first time I’ve seen Shimei look so beautiful. You finally look a little feminine.”

A silver needle flew toward him in response.

Liu Zhenqing ran away in fright, thinking that his shimei was truly amazing to have brought silver needles with her even on her wedding day.

When he left, he ran into Er-gou, who was waiting for him alone. Er-gou usually followed him around, so it was normal for Liu Zhenqing to see him as soon as he turned his head.

Liu Zhenqing walked forward and nonchalantly embraced Er-gou, who handed over a piece of peach blossom cake. Amused, he leaned forward to eat it.

When they arrived at the gates, Huo Feihan had already brought people to welcome Crown Prince Jing Yang.

Liu Zhenqing could see Yuan Jue following the crown prince from afar. Although they were the same age, Yuan Jue hadn’t caught up to Huo Fenglie in height.

Yuan Jue seemed to be looking around. He happily waved his hands as soon as he saw them outside the crowd, not even bothering to maintain the demeanor of His Royal Highness, Eldest Grandson of the Emperor. Presently, he tugged at Crown Prince Jing Yang’s hand.

Crown Prince Jing Yang leaned forward slightly and listened attentively to Yuan Jue’ s words. When he looked up and spotted them, the corners of his lips curled up and he waved at Liu Zhenqing.

Liu Zhenqing quickly brought Huo Fenglie over to pay their respects.

The crown prince didn’t allow Liu Zhenqing to kneel. He held him up and said: “No need to be polite. I just came to deliver gifts, and I’ll be off again soon.”

“You’re not staying for the wedding banquet, Your Highness?” Huo Feihan asked.

“No. If I’m here, people won’t be able to enjoy their drinks.”

“No way, we can only drink to our hearts’ content when His Highness is here,” Liu Zhenqing said with a smile.

The crown prince gave Liu Zhenqing a helpless look, but his tone was rather doting: “You can’t fool me. If you get drunk and cause trouble, I’ll have to clean up your mess for you.”

Huo Feihan laughed out loud at this, while Liu Zhenqing donned an innocent look. It was just that after getting drunk, he had taken Huo Feihan and Li Xingruo to go and bully a few dignitaries. His Highness was so petty.

The two stood to the left and right of the crown prince, laughing and chatting. Huo Fenglie and Yuan Jue, who were also familiar with each other, were engaged in their own friendly conversation. Nobody else could get close.

The crowd of onlookers could only feel jealous. Great Zhou was presently stable, and the internal struggles between the three kings had been silently resolved by Crown Prince Jing Yang. Even the health problems he had faced previously were slowly being cured with the help of a miracle doctor.

Now that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was in good health, the restless three kings gradually lost interest.

After all, Crown Prince Jing Yang was capable, and none of the civil and military officials in the court had any objections. He was also the darling of the common people, and had no intention of exterminating his royal uncles. Only those with defective brains would want to rebel against the whole country.

Therefore, it could be seen that Great Zhou had a stable future. And for Liu Zhenqing and Huo Fenglie, who could be considered confidants of Crown Prince Jing Yang, their future prospects were limitless.

Huo Feihan was a member of the Huo family, and also became a top martial arts champion. Nobody was able to match him, and he would naturally be the right hand of the crown prince after he ascended the throne. And although Liu Zhenqing didn’t seem to fit in, having achieved an average score in the Imperial Examination, anyone who had studied alongside him at the Imperial Academy knew of his talent. Not to mention that he had previously been the main force behind solving several major cases in the Imperial Court. His talent was evident to all, and it stood to reason that he would be the future prime minister.

Huo Feihan had taken the position of military general, and was considered to be the successor to the Huo Family. It was thought that Liu Zhenqing would obtain a civil service position, or even become an official in the crown prince’s palace. But Liu Zhenqing was a layabout who only wanted to enjoy his freedom, and was unwilling to serve as a court official. Up to now, in addition to his identity as a son of a wealthy family, his only position was tutor to the emperor’s eldest grandson, whom he went to the East Palace to teach alongside Huo Feihan.

The key point was that the crown prince didn’t ask them to do anything and truly treated them as younger brothers, indulging them in whatever they wanted to do. When people saw Liu Zhenqing enjoying every honor and favor without vying for a position or seeking power, how could they not be filled with resentment?

The crown prince only spoke a few words and was about to leave with Yuan Jue. Huo Feihan wanted to see him off, but the crown prince rejected him, telling him to entertain his guests well. Seeing the reluctant look on Yuan Jue’s face, Liu Zhenqing went to see them off on Huo Feihan’s behalf and asked Er-gou to bring some food for Yuan Jue.

Although there were all kinds of good things at the palace, there was still a different feeling to eating out. Yuan Jue felt much better as he held the pastry box.

It wasn’t that he couldn’t stay by himself, but he still had to go to the palace and talk to the Empress Dowager, since it would soon be time for his father’s successor to be chosen.

Once they set out, Yuan Jue glanced at the smiling Liu Zhenqing and suddenly said: “My father told me today that he wants to arrange a marriage for you.”

Liu Zhenqing’s eyes instantly widened. He shook his head.

Following behind Yuan Jue, Huo Fenglie abruptly looked up and forward. Yuan Jue was surprised by his reaction.

The crown prince smiled and said: “Don’t worry, I know what you’re thinking and I’ve already rejected it for your sake. But you’re already so old. If you don’t marry, your old father will be worried. You don’t have a girl you like, but I’ve heard that numerous girls in the capital like you. If you want someone, no matter who they are, I can help you obtain them. Don’t miss out on the flowering season of young women.”

Liu Zhenqing shook his head: “I still feel like I’m young.”

Liu Zhenqing did indeed feel like he was young, but for a crown prince in ancient times, hearing this made him want to laugh.

The crown prince gave a silent sigh. It seemed that this little brother had not yet become enlightened. 

“By the way, the three Imperial uncles may have to leave the capital soon. Where do you think is an appropriate place to put them?” asked the crown prince.

Liu Zhenqing suddenly gave the prince a level look. “Your Highness must already have an answer in mind.”

The crown prince could only raise his hand and smack Liu Zhenqing on the head: “I’ve dealt with so much trouble for you, and now that I ask you to use your brain for once, you’re complaining?”

Liu Zhenqing touched his forehead, quick to apologize with a smile. Such a powerful backer as His Highness should not be offended. 

“I think there should be no worries about sending King Qi to the eastern coastal area. Song Xingmu’s family is there. He’s a man of many talents, but he’s best at angering people to death, so he’ll definitely be able to keep an eye on him. King Huai is skillful in battle, and also more upright, so it would be best to have him guard Nanfeng City. Seeing the difficulties faced by the common people, it’ll be difficult for him to have any wicked thoughts. The Dai family is nearby. Although they are in a period of transition, there won’t be a problem with using them as an internal source. As for that awful King Zhao, hmph, pick anywhere in the north or west. Oh, wait, the west. Huo-dage intends to go west, so send him to the north. It’s full of hardship there, suitable for reforming him.”

Liu Zhenqing had no scruples in front of the crown prince. Although the starting point was different, the results coincided with what the crown prince had expected. Generally, decisions went through the two of them before he settled on one.

The crown prince smiled and patted the back of Liu Zhenqing’s head: “Very clever. Alright, let’s have a drink next time.”

Liu Zhenqing watched the crown prince’s carriage leave and felt a little regretful. If the crown prince had stayed, Liu Zhenqing could use his power to intimidate those fellows who were about to force him to drink like crazy. 

But Liu Zhenqing also understood that him coming here today was not a good idea.

After all, the old emperor was narrow-minded. Since he himself had no ability, he didn’t want his son to be too capable, and it was even worse that he was close to a military general. 

However, the crown prince was a righteous, loyal man, and came over with difficulty to give them gifts as a show of respect, so that others would give them face. He wouldn’t deliberately invite trouble on their wedding day. After all, many of those attending the wedding banquet were close to the three kings, and even if the three kings seemed to be giving up now, it would still be easy to ignite a conflict. 

“Qing-ge,” Huo Fenglie said in an inquisitive tone.

Liu Zhenqing turned to look at Er-gou: “En?”

Huo Fenglie said: “Qing-ge, are you still going to marry later?”

Liu Zhenqing was stunned for a moment, then laughed out loud: “You little brat, why do you still care about such a thing? I get it. After watching your brother get married today, are you feeling lonely? Don’t worry, you’ll always be our beloved didi.” 

Liu Zhenqing held this dog’s head and kneaded it for a while. Er-gou didn’t resist, just letting him play. However, there was a sense of crisis and possessiveness in those eyes as black as obsidian.

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Wedding Extra 7 << Table of Contents >> (Alt Universe) Extra 9