“Xiongfeng Escort Agency, Wang Changxiong, presents a copy of the martial art *Long Wind Palm*!”
“Lu River Inn, Du Yaonian, presents a pair of jade bracelets!”
“Yizhou Prefecture, Duan Xian, presents a piece of *Flower Scroll* calligraphy!”
“Zhuoshan County, Guo Laowu, presents five wooden toys, including a seven-piece puzzle and a thirteen-segment lock!”
…
“I don’t have much to offer, but how about I perform a puppet show for the guests?” a thin middle-aged man said, bowing repeatedly.
“Of course, the River God’s banquet was arranged on short notice, and we didn’t expect gifts. Your offerings are greatly appreciated, and your willingness to perform is something I, Luo, am grateful for in advance,” Luo Wensheng replied.
“You’re too kind. It’s only right. I’ll put on a lively show for everyone!” the man said.
…
Lu Zheng, the two from Xiongfeng Escort Agency, the innkeeper and his wife, and a few scholars were seated at one table, while the others were placed at another.
The performer who had just offered to entertain stood up again, retrieving two puppets from his box. With strings in hand, the puppets moved vividly, and he mimicked voices, male, female, old, and young, with impressive range.
Though not perfectly lifelike, the performance was convincing enough to earn a living as a travelling artist.
…
“I’m Wang Changxiong from Xiongfeng Escort Agency. Greetings, Young Master Lu!”
“Yellow Qing, also from Xiongfeng Escort Agency. Greetings, Young Master!”
Lu Zheng returned their courtesies, exchanging names with the others at the table, becoming acquainted.
“Young Master Lu, that was a generous gift. May I ask where you hail from and where you’re staying?” Duan Xian, the scholar who had presented the *Flower Scroll*, asked with a cupped-hand greeting.
Lu Zheng waved dismissively. “Just a mundane item, not worthy of true connoisseurs. You flatter me.”
Judging by his attire and demeanour, Duan Xian seemed the wealthiest of the scholars, but his shifty eyes and pale complexion suggested a heavy heart and overindulgence.
Lu Zheng had no interest in engaging further, so he offered a humble response without answering the question.
As expected, Duan Xian’s eyes flashed with resentment at Lu Zheng’s evasion, but he forced an awkward smile and didn’t press further.
Joking aside, someone with cultivation and the means to present a gift worth thousands of guan was clearly a significant figure. Duan Xian had hoped to flatter and connect, only to find Lu Zheng uninterested.
The innkeeper and his wife looked around, marvelling at the sights. The scholars either ate quietly or glanced about, their eyes lingering on the inner hall with anticipation. Lu Zheng, however, chatted with Wang Changxiong and Huang Qing, learning their escort mission was headed to Yangzhou in Yinan Circuit, passing through Tonglin County.
“That’s perfect. We’re travelling the same way. I’d love to learn more about the martial world from you both,” Lu Zheng said with a smile.
“You’re too kind, Young Master Lu. We’ll share all we know,” Wang Changxiong replied with a laugh.
…
Moments later, the performers finished and took their seats. The band around the hall began playing, and footsteps from the inner hall drew everyone’s attention.
A servant parted the beaded curtain, revealing a man and a woman stepping forward.
The man, appearing in his fifties or sixties, wore a dark gold crown with flowing water patterns and a vermilion robe with golden carp embroidery. His kind face, framed by a long beard, bore a calm smile.
The woman, elegant and beautiful, wore a three-coloured, water-rippled red fish palace dress and a golden crown adorned with precious pearls. Her gentle, radiant eyes suggested an age between twenty and forty, exuding grace and poise.
“The River God has arrived!” the servant announced.
“Greetings, Lord River God!”
“Greetings, Senior Li!”
The crowd rose to welcome them.
“Thank you! Thank you!” The River God pressed his hands downward. “Please, be seated!”
The couple walked to the main seats in the hall. Luo Wensheng approached them, bowing and whispering a few words.
The River God and his wife first glanced toward the entrance, their eyes gleaming, then turned to Lu Zheng’s table, nodding in gratitude.
…
With everyone present, the River God spoke briefly, and the wedding ceremony began.
Candles were lit, incense burned, music played, and the couple entered.
The groom and bride, both in red, stepped forward. The man looked mature and unremarkable, but his eyes shone with resolve. The woman, in a phoenix crown and embroidered cape, had a graceful figure and a lovely face beneath her beaded veil, a true beauty.
“It’s Zhu Yushan!”
“What? How is it him?”
“Rain-soaked bad-luck Zhu Yushan… has his fortune turned?”
The scholars gaped, whispering among themselves. Evidently, this unassuming scholar was quite well-known.
Lu Zheng blinked, piecing together Zhu Yushan’s story from his nickname alone.
Orphaned, plagued by misfortune, now marrying into the River God’s mansion… a destined protagonist?
Was he a native hero or a transmigrated soul? Should Lu Zheng forge a good connection?
Only someone like Lu Zheng, well-versed in web novels and blessed with a golden finger, would think of forming a bond. The scholars, eyes red with envy, barely contained their desire to take Zhu Yushan’s place. Others looked puzzled, wondering why the River God’s daughter chose him.
Only Wang Changxiong and Huang Qing remained composed, quietly sizing up the groom.
…
While Lu Zheng’s tables buzzed with murmurs Churchill, the water spirits at the other tables cheered and clapped.
“May you be together for a hundred years!”
“May you grow old together!”
“May you have children soon!”
“May the wife follow the husband!”
The couple walked forward, nodding in thanks. Despite their private thoughts, everyone rose to offer congratulations.
“Brother Zhu, I’m Duan Xian from the prefecture. We met once at White Crane Academy,” Duan Xian said, cupping his hands. “Wishing you and your wife harmony and a century of happiness.”
“Thank you, thank you!” Zhu Yushan smiled, returning the gesture, pleased to see human guests.
“Best wishes, Brother Zhu!”
“Congratulations, Brother Zhu!”
As they passed Lu Zheng, he also offered his congratulations. “Soaring like paired-wing birds in the sky, rooted like entwined branches on the earth. Lotus blooms in the jade pool, mandarin ducks play in the green river. Congratulations, Brother Zhu, may your marriage be forever auspicious!”
“Thank you, thank you!” Zhu Yushan said, pleasantly surprised, as his bride beamed and bowed alongside him.
Wang Changxiong glanced at Lu Zheng, then at Zhu Yushan, thinking that for someone of Lu Zheng’s status and strength to be so courteous, either his character was noble, or Zhu Yushan had remarkable qualities.
As for Lu Zheng’s thoughts?
Simple. Whether Zhu Yushan was a destined hero or not, a few kind words cost nothing. If he truly was a chosen one, Lu Zheng might benefit from the connection.
…
Incense was offered, prayers were made, rituals were led, and the couple bowed.
Lu Zheng had never witnessed an ancient Chinese wedding and wasn’t sure how the Great Jing Dynasty’s differed, but the ceremony felt deeply ritualistic.
The entire process took about half an hour, after which the couple was escorted to the bridal chamber.
