Chapter Fifty: The Marriage Concludes...

In just an instant...

Sun Sheng felt dizzy and lightheaded, his vision swimming with stars. His hefty frame, weighing over two hundred pounds, toppled to the ground with the crisp sound of a slap. His already plump face began to swell rapidly before everyone’s eyes; the eye on the side of the slap now looked bloodshot, as if soaked in crimson. When he finally regained his senses, the blood he spat from his mouth contained two broken teeth.

The patrol officers around him watched as their superior was struck, yet not a single one dared to utter a word—not even to breathe too loudly. Even the dullest among them could recognize the significance of the imperial token.

Xu Boqing walked up to Sun Sheng, looking down from above. “Lord Sun, do you have any objections to this slap?”

Though it seemed Sun Sheng had received only a single slap, a surge of force continued to wreak havoc within his body. His mind felt muddled, spinning out of control, his consciousness refusing to obey his will. He shook his head, trying desperately to clear it, but instead of clarity, his nose began to bleed...

“It’s good if you have no objections.”

Xu Boqing smiled and nodded. Before he could say more, a group of officers dressed in the uniforms of the Eastern Depot pushed through the crowd and entered.

“What’s going on here? What’s happened?”

The elderly eunuch at their head saw Sun Sheng sprawled on the ground and his expression changed, silently wondering who could have struck with such ferocity. But when he caught sight of the imperial gold token, his face froze, then quickly thawed into a smile. “Is this Undersecretary Xu from the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility?”

Xu Boqing nodded, “Indeed, my surname is Xu.”

“Undersecretary, please carry on—we are merely passing by.”

After bowing respectfully, the elderly eunuch led his men away, departing as quickly as they had arrived.

Xu Boqing raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised that the Eastern Depot’s officers were so sensible, merely making an appearance before leaving. He didn’t dwell on it, and turned to the patrol officers. “Why are you standing there? Lord Sun is suffering from exhaustion—hurry and take him away to recover.”

“Ah, yes, yes…”

The patrol officers snapped to attention. Even the Eastern Depot had bowed and withdrawn; they understood now that the matter was grave. They hurried to drag Sun Sheng aside.

Xu Boqing turned to see the bridal procession still stunned. He patted his cousin Xu Da on the shoulder and addressed the wedding party behind him, “Keep playing the music, keep moving.”

Xu Da came to his senses, grinned broadly, mounted his tall steed, and shouted, “Double the wedding money when we return! Keep playing, keep moving!”

“Alright~”

Laughter erupted among the wedding party. Never mind doubling the wedding money—with such a tale to share over tea, this trip would be worthwhile even without payment!

The sound of suona and drums resumed, mingling with the explosions of firecrackers, as the procession slowly arrived at the Xu family residence.

Inside the courtyard, cold dishes were already laid out in two rows. As the bride was helped from her sedan and carried inside, neighbors congratulated the family and took their seats after offering their gifts and well-wishes.

Yet the conversation at the tables centered not on family matters, but on the spectacle that had just unfolded on the street; everyone speculated about when the Xu family had acquired such a powerful connection.

Xu He, serving as master of ceremonies, was initially puzzled by the questions from neighbors. Once he understood what had happened, he excused himself and sought out his nephew wandering in the back hall...

“Boqing! Boqing…”

When Xu Boqing saw his uncle approaching, he smiled, “I noticed you were busy greeting the neighbors, Uncle, so I didn’t want to intrude. Congratulations on your role as master of ceremonies!”

Xu He laughed heartily, then leaned in to ask about the incident, his words full of concern for his nephew. Xu Boqing gave a brief explanation without going into detail, and after a short chat, persuaded his uncle to return to his duties.

No sooner had Uncle left than his cousin—the one who carried the bride inside—arrived...

“Brother Qing.”

Xu Boqing saw his cousin dressed in wedding finery, the large red flower at his chest not yet removed. He raised his eyebrows and teased, “How does it feel to be the groom?”

Xu Da hesitated, recalling that his cousin had once been a rake frequenting pleasure houses, but was now a eunuch, unlikely ever to experience the joys of marriage. His feelings were mixed, his nose tinged with sorrow, but he forced a smile. “It’s alright… just alright… not much to it, really.”

He spoke cautiously, feigning indifference, afraid his words might remind his cousin of unhappy things...

“Just alright?”

Xu Boqing noticed his cousin’s stiffness, puzzled. “Is something wrong at home?”

“No, nothing!” Xu Da waved his hands, “Don’t overthink it, Brother Qing. The family is fine, plenty to eat and wear.”

“Today is your wedding day. Why do you seem less than happy?”

“There’s nothing wrong~”

“Really nothing?”

“Really nothing…”

Xu Da realized his cousin meant to get to the bottom of it; his scalp tingled—he couldn’t very well say, “I don’t want to hurt your feelings.” His eyes darted as he thought up an escape and said, “Brother Qing, the banquet has started—neighbors and friends are waiting. I have to go table to table for toasts. You’re family; when the feast ends, we’ll have a private meal.”

He tried to slip away, but before he could leave, he heard, “Wait.”

Xu Boqing knew his cousin would be busy today, so he didn’t detain him; instead, he tossed a boxed “Dragon and Phoenix Harmony Jade Pendant” into his arms.

“A wedding gift~”

“Oh, from Jade Clear Street, no less!”

Xu Da glanced at the gift, tucked it into his chest without ceremony, and said, “Tonight, we’ll drink until we drop,” before slipping out of the back hall.

Xu Boqing shook his head helplessly. He could see that his cousin was ill at ease with him, but since he wouldn’t speak, there was no point in forcing the issue.

Out in the main hall, guests came and went, feasting on dishes and wine, chatting about family matters or the day’s amusements. Some turned red-faced from the spicy wine; others stared at the red “Double Happiness” characters pasted around the courtyard, lost in their own sorrows; still others laughed heartily at some amusing tale.

Such is the essence of earthly life.

Xu Boqing looked upon it all and sighed softly...

The Xu family was not wealthy; most guests were neighbors and friends. After the banquet, most drifted away, while close friends stayed for the ceremony and another meal in the evening.

With firecrackers crackling, the groom and bride entered the main hall to serve tea to their parents, lift the bridal veil, bow to heaven and earth, and drink the nuptial wine.

Xu Boqing watched and applauded from his table.

Those seated with him had either witnessed or heard of the day’s events and knew the main figure was at their table. Though they wished to befriend him, none dared approach, and the atmosphere was strangely tense.

Once the ceremony was complete, the bride and groom came to offer a toast. Xu Da drank wine, his new sister-in-law substituted tea. With every “A toast to Big Brother,” Xu Boqing could not refuse; one cup after another went down.

Seeing the bride and groom break the ice, the other guests rose as well, each with their own motives, to toast him.

After a few cups, Xu Boqing realized something was amiss—it wasn’t his wedding, yet all the toasts came his way. But having started, he could not refuse and kept drinking...

When the banquet ended, even with his inner strength dispelling some of the alcohol, he still felt a bit drunk. Most of his tablemates were glassy-eyed, some even slumped over the table asleep.

Seeing his uncle and aunt busy sending off guests, Xu Boqing did not linger. He offered his congratulations and returned to the palace.

But he did not go to Consort Liu to report, instead choosing to give himself a day off in the Empress Dowager’s quarters...