The Wedding

They both wanted a simple wedding. Not only did they had to be low-key because of the mourning period, but they also didn't want to gather too much attention. Yao Ying still gave her a betrothal gift, even though it was just a simple gift. He wanted to give her the respect that she deserved. She was his wife, not a concubine. He gave her a jade pendant with the word 'Xiao' on it. It was the only thing from his past. It was found on his body when Yao Ling saved him.

She didn't have many things to offer as a dowry. She gave him her golden bird hairpin as an exchange. They decided to trust each other with their past, present, and future. Although this was just a contractual marriage, they did want to take it seriously.

There was no matchmaker, no family, and no guest. Just the two of them. They held the wedding on the beach where they sent Jiu Lan away. They wanted her to see and bless their marriage. They believed Jiu Lan was able to see them.

The groom prepared a simple red altar there and stood in front of it. He was waiting for Yao Ling to come to him. Yao Ying wore a simple red robe that he purchased in town the previous day. They didn't have much money, but they still followed the wedding custom. They didn't want to take this marriage as a joke. They were serious!

The bride was preparing herself inside their house. Her mother already prepared the wedding qibao for her -- including the red veil. Jiu Lan sew it by herself and embroidered golden bird pattern on it. It was the same bird that was carved on her hairpin. Jiu Lan was really thoughtful of her. When looking at the dress, it brought tears to her eyes once again.

'Thank you, Mother! I love you so much!' She thought to herself.

While buying the groom's outfit, they bought a cheap phoenix coronet. They didn't want to spend all their money because they needed it for their journey later. Cheap didn't mean that it wasn't important. They didn't have the luxury to indulge for their wedding, but both of them were positive-thinking people. Their future was more important.

The wedding was the start of their life journey. Without the other, they were just one lonely person. They only had each other.

Yao Ling did her make-up herself. After putting on the wedding dress, she did her hair in a simple bun and wore the phoenix coronet. She looked into the mirror - which Yao Ying had bought for her the previous day. How could she do her make-up without a mirror? She was thankful for Yao Ying's attentiveness.

'Mother, do you see me now? Do I look beautiful? I'm getting married today – just like what you want. I wish… you are here.'

She almost cried and ruined her make-up. She decided to push the thought away, trying to be brave. This was her decision and she would have to live by it. Be happy or not, it was dependent on herself. She walked to the beach slowly. When she was almost there, she put on her veil before she saw Yao Ying. She already remembered her way to the altar – just go straight and she would arrive there.

Yao Ying heard footsteps and he raised his head. There she was… his beautiful bride. The wedding dress accentuated her body contour perfectly. Even without lifting her veil, she emitted an aura of elegance and beauty. She walked toward him softly and confidently.

Yao Ying walked toward her, guiding her to the red wedding altar. They kowtowed once to worship the Heaven. The second kowtow was for the parents. They kowtow to the direction of the ocean. And finally, the third kowtow was for husband and wife. They bowed to each other. Their hearts skipped a beat and they knew from this moment on they were bound to each other.

Their hearts and souls belonged to each other.

Yao Ying led her to their house, entering the bridal chamber. He let her sit on their bed. They already decorated the bed in red color, symbolizing luck and happiness of their wedding. He slowly lifted her veil and was stunned. She was so beautiful… His heart raced a bit, while Yao Ling was looking down shyly.

After composing himself, he led Yao Ling to the small table in front of the bed. A jar of wine and two cups had been prepared beforehand. Both of them sat down while Yao Ling poured down the wine into two cups, and then she gave one to Yao Ying. It was time to drink the nuptial cup.

"Ying ge-ge, let's drink the wine," she toasted him shyly.

"En.. after drinking this, we are officially husband and wife," Yao Ying said in a soft voice.

They linked their arms and drank the wine together.

Now, they are officially married. Husband and wife.

---Edited by: L0v3lamb---