We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real? Chapter 430: Big Sister, I’m Getting Married

Zhou imperial capital.

As the morning sun began to peek over the horizon, the citizens of the imperial capital stirred from their sleep.

Each person's face was alight with joy, as if the Lunar New Year had arrived.

There was a very good reason for this widespread happiness.

Today marked the grand wedding ceremony of His Majesty the Emperor.

It was not just the announcement that the Great Zhou Dynasty would hold celebrations for three years straight, with a halving of taxes during this period—this alone was cause for immense delight.

The sheer eagerness to partake in the festivities was also deeply rooted in human nature.

If one missed witnessing the royal wedding procession, who could tell when the next such magnificent spectacle would occur?

Consequently, the common folk rose early, hastening to secure their positions along the designated route of the procession.

Merchants and vendors, likewise, were busy preparing their wares and heading out to their usual selling spots.

Simultaneously.

Within a humble village nestled on the far outskirts of the imperial capital, an atmosphere even more vibrant than that of the Zhou capital itself began to unfold.

The previous evening, just as the village men returned from the spring plowing, they encountered government soldiers stationed at the village entrance.

Initially, a sense of apprehension arose, with the thought that someone from their village might have incurred the wrath of the law.

However, upon approaching, each man was presented with two red envelopes.

It was then they understood: a distinguished young lady was to be married.

This revelation only deepened their confusion.

In their secluded little village, from whence could such a wealthy young lady originate?

Even if someone from their village had achieved great success, had they not all relocated to the imperial capital?

How could anyone possibly return to the village under such circumstances?

While the men of the village were filled with curiosity, the women were even more so.

Yet, even the most inquisitive and gossipy among the women, after a brief inquiry, dared not probe any further.

The village head remained conspicuously silent, offering only a cryptic statement: “That individual from our village possesses an extraordinary level of nobility.”

And within a modest, somewhat dilapidated courtyard in this very village, known as Lion Bridge Village—

Yan Ruxue awoke with the early light.

After Spring Swallow had finished attending to her young lady's morning ablutions and grooming, imperial palace maids promptly arrived to assist Yan Ruxue in donning her wedding attire and adorning her with fine jewelry.

Once adorned.

Yan Ruxue took her seat before the vanity mirror, where the palace maids attentively applied rouge and cosmetics to the face of the soon-to-be noble consort.

Madam Yan and the maid Spring Swallow observed the procedure with rapt attention from the sidelines.

Spring Swallow could not help but feel that her young lady was already breathtakingly beautiful.

Her young lady possessed a beauty comparable to an immortal maiden even before this occasion.

Now, dressed for her wedding, she surpassed that celestial standard.

Truly.

“A woman’s most radiant attire is undoubtedly red.”

This timeless saying was proving to be far more than mere words.

However, Spring Swallow found herself perplexed as to why her young lady was so adamant about holding the wedding ceremony in this particular village.

Not only Spring Swallow, but Yan Ruxue’s mother, Madam Yan, also struggled to comprehend her daughter's choice of venue.

Madam Yan recalled that she and her daughter frequently visited a lakeside near this village for leisurely strolls during the spring.

Its proximity, coupled with the village's simple and honest customs and its genuinely picturesque scenery— made it an ideal location, even offering a pleasant respite from the summer heat [N O V E L I G H T].

With these considerations, Madam Yan had acquired a courtyard within this village.

It was the very same courtyard they occupied at this moment.

She still chuckled inwardly when recalling the peculiar events surrounding its purchase.

Madam Yan remembered how she and her daughter had scoured the village for a suitable property, and her daughter had eventually led her to this vacant courtyard, previously uninhabited.

Situated at the village's periphery, adjacent to a hill known as Snake Mountain, the courtyard immediately appealed to Madam Yan, who expressed her desire to purchase it.

However, upon hearing this, the village head of Lion Bridge Village appeared visibly distressed.

He spoke of 'ancestral injunctions forbidding the sale of this particular courtyard' and declared it to be the 'foundation of the village'.

In his desperation, the village head was nearly moved to tears, pleading, “I implore you, my lady, do not impose further difficulties upon this old man. Aside from this specific courtyard, you are welcome to establish a residence anywhere else you desire.”

Madam Yan was not one to act tyrannically.

Witnessing the old man, well past seventy years of age, weeping profusely, she was inclined to abandon the pursuit.

Yet, the following day, the village head of Lion Bridge Village personally journeyed to the city to visit the Yan Residence.

There, he conveyed that the courtyard was indeed available for purchase.

When Madam Yan inquired about the reason for this sudden change of heart, the village head explained that he had received a divine message from the ancestors in a dream the previous night, indicating that the courtyard could be sold.

Madam Yan remained uncertain whether the village head was employing a tactic to inflate the price, but ultimately, she proceeded with the purchase of the courtyard.

“Could it be that Ruxue often frequented this place to escape the heat in her youth and holds a certain fondness for it? She must think that after entering the palace, she’ll never return, so she desires to wed here for one last look at her cherished childhood memories?”

Observing her daughter in the dressing mirror, Madam Yan pondered this possibility.

However, neither Madam Yan nor her husband, Yan Zhen, objected to their daughter’s peculiar request.

Their hearts already felt burdened with guilt for sending their beloved daughter into the imperial palace.

If their daughter wished to marry within this village, who were they to deny her?

Consequently, on the eve of the wedding, Madam Yan accompanied her daughter to this very village, assisting in the decoration of the courtyard.

Once the palace maids had completed Yan Ruxue’s makeup and adorned her hair with ornaments, Madam Yan stepped forward. Taking the comb, she began to stroke her daughter’s hair from root to tip, one deliberate pass after another.

“One stroke to the end—may you and your husband remain together until your hair turns white.”

“Two strokes to the end—may you be free from illness and sorrow.”

“Three strokes to the end—may you be blessed with many children and a long life.”

After completing the ritual, Madam Yan gently helped her daughter to her feet. She gazed upon her soon-to-be-wed daughter, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“Beautiful. You are truly beautiful.”

“My dearest daughter, from this day forth, you shall enter the palace. Once within the imperial court, you must conduct yourself with utmost propriety. Take good care of yourself, cherish His Majesty, and aid him in shouldering his responsibilities, do you understand?”

“I understand, Mother. Please be at ease. Your daughter will take excellent care of herself, and she will also be attentive to His Majesty’s needs.” Yan Ruxue replied, nodding.

“Mm.” Madam Yan looked at her daughter, a deep sense of reluctance to part evident in her gaze. “You have always been obedient and well-behaved since childhood, possessing a kind heart. In the imperial palace, do not fixate on the position of empress. If it is not obtainable, let it be. Your safety and well-being are paramount; all else can be discussed. Be generous towards the servants, do you hear me?”

“I hear you, Mother,” Yan Ruxue responded.

“Very well.” Madam Yan dabbed the corner of her eye. “Mother will attend to other arrangements for now. Please sit here. We shall come to fetch you when the auspicious hour arrives.”

“Yes, Mother,” Yan Ruxue affirmed with a nod.

Not long after, Madam Yan departed with the palace maids, leaving only Spring Swallow to attend to Yan Ruxue.

“Young Lady, you look absolutely stunning.”

Spring Swallow moved closer, her eyes shining brilliantly.

“Beautiful?” A faint smile curved the corners of Yan Ruxue’s lips.

Spring Swallow nodded vigorously. “Beautiful, Young Lady! Truly, incredibly beautiful! Dressed in red today, no other woman in this world can hold a candle to you.”

“You little rascal—your words are as sweet as ever.” Yan Ruxue playfully tapped her forehead.

“It’s not flattery!” Spring Swallow puffed out her cheeks. “This servant is merely speaking the truth.”

As she spoke, a knowing smile played on Spring Swallow’s lips.

“His Majesty and you, Young Lady, were acquainted long before. His Majesty surely holds a favorable impression of you. When you enter the palace today, if His Majesty realizes the woman he met previously was you, he will undoubtedly be overjoyed. And you are even more radiant than an immortal maiden today—His Majesty surely will not be able to bear leaving your chambers tonight.”

“What improper talk is this? You are always so brazen.” Yan Ruxue pinched Spring Swallow’s cheek.

When Yan Ruxue had been undergoing training in palace etiquette, the lady-officials had also instructed her on certain matters pertaining to the bedchamber. Spring Swallow had been an attentive listener throughout.

She had blushed scarlet then, yet later, she had gone out of her way to procure romance novels and erotic scrolls.

This made Yan Ruxue feel rather helpless.

“Heeheehee.” Hearing her young lady’s rebuke, Spring Swallow merely let out a playful giggle.

“Come, let’s go into the courtyard for some fresh air,” Yan Ruxue suggested.

“Yes, Young Lady. Please, walk carefully,” Spring Swallow quickly offered, supporting her young lady. They exited the room and proceeded into the courtyard.

Seated on a stone bench, Yan Ruxue surveyed the courtyard, now adorned with red lanterns and brimming with festive cheer. A gentle light began to gather in her eyes.

“Oh, right, Young Lady. Is there something particularly special about this place? Why did you decide to hold your wedding ceremony here?” Spring Swallow inquired with curiosity.

“Special… perhaps not truly. But there is a story associated with it.” Yan Ruxue sat with her knees drawn up, her small hands resting on her lap. She lowered her head, gazing at her red wedding robes, a soft smile gracing her lips.

“What story?” Spring Swallow’s curiosity intensified.

“This village—legend has it that, tens of thousands of years ago, it was part of the territory of Ancient Qin. And not far from this very spot, our Zhou imperial capital stood as the capital of Ancient Qin back then.”

“After the fall of Ancient Qin, time marched on relentlessly. Dynasties rose and fell, and the old capital of Ancient Qin eventually vanished, leaving this land as it is today.”

“Then, approximately ten thousand years ago, several grand dynasties emerged. Qi was among them, and this very region was once part of Qi’s dominion.”

Yan Ruxue raised her gaze, a flicker of recollection dancing within her striking peach-blossom eyes.

“This village, situated in Qi’s Jiangnan Prefecture, was reportedly not called Lion Bridge Village but Stone Bridge Village – ‘stone’ as in rock,” she explained.

The woman gracefully extended a hand, her fingers emerging from a crimson sleeve, and gestured towards a nearby mountain.

“And that mountain wasn’t named Snake Mountain, but She Mountain – pronounced the same as ‘snake,’ but written with a character resembling ‘surplus’ without the radical component.”

“Legend tells of a young man from Stone Bridge Village who once ascended that mountain and rescued a white snake.”

“After tending to its wounds, the young man set the snake free. This particular white snake possessed spiritual awareness and, through diligent cultivation, transformed into human form. She was eager to repay the young man’s kindness.”

“Despite a childhood marked by hardship, the young man was devoted to his studies, aspiring to pass the imperial examinations, attain official rank, and become a renowned minister.”

Intrigued by her young lady’s captivating tale, Spring Swallow quickly sat beside her, eagerly inquiring, “Young Lady, Young Lady, and then what happened?”

“Well, that little white snake’s cultivation talent was quite remarkable. Before long, she successfully transformed into a young girl and awaited him on the mountain.”

A subtle smile graced Yan Ruxue’s lips as she recounted the story.

“Initially, the little girl believed her human guise was perfect, that he surely wouldn’t notice. However, the young boy had already seen through her disguise.”

“Yet, the young boy remained silent, and so she, too, kept her secret.”

“Subsequently, the little girl descended the mountain with the young boy. They supported each other, growing up together from their youth.”

“The little white snake blossomed from a girl into a young maiden, and then into a graceful woman.”

“Meanwhile, the boy transitioned from a humble cattle herder to passing the preliminary imperial exams, and then successfully navigated the provincial examinations.”

“An affection gradually blossomed between them. The man vowed to the woman that upon returning from the capital after the metropolitan examination, he would marry her.”

“She pledged to await his return – anticipating the grand procession, the exquisite wedding attire, and his triumphant arrival on a swift steed.”

At this juncture, Yan Ruxue’s narrative faltered. She paused, her gaze drifting towards the horizon, leaving the story untold.

“Young Lady, did the young man and the white snake ultimately end up together?” Spring Swallow asked, her anxiety mounting without a resolution.

“You guess,” Yan Ruxue replied with a gentle smile, playfully tapping Spring Swallow’s forehead.

“Ah, Young Lady, how can you do this? Leaving me in suspense like this is just not fair!” Spring Swallow protested, puffing out her cheeks.

“Very well, very well. I shall tell you later. The auspicious hour approaches. Please go and wait at the village entrance; I wish to be alone for a moment,” Yan Ruxue said with a smile.

“Alright, this maid shall head to the village entrance to await the imperial procession. Young Lady, you must promise to finish the story for me later,” Spring Swallow pleaded playfully.

“Mm,” Yan Ruxue affirmed with a nod.

Only after receiving her young lady’s explicit agreement did Spring Swallow depart the courtyard.

In the tranquil courtyard, Yan Ruxue remained alone.

She stood and traced her fingers along the weathered courtyard wall, her eyes drawn to the newly adorned red lanterns.

This humble courtyard had undergone countless repairs and reconstructions over the ages.

Yet, its appearance, despite enduring approximately ten thousand years, had remarkably remained unchanged.

Before her eyes, it was as if a vivid scene unfolded: a man engrossed in reading within the courtyard, while a woman, sleeves rolled up, wrung out freshly washed clothes, gave them a crisp shake, and hung them on a bamboo pole.

Just as the woman’s thoughts were consumed by these cherished memories, a subtle stir from beyond the courtyard captured her attention.

She withdrew her contemplative thoughts and glanced outwards.

Beneath a large tree, five children – three boys and two girls – were concealed, peeking with avid curiosity at Yan Ruxue.

As the five youngsters realized they had been spotted by the beautiful young lady, a wave of panic washed over them, and they prepared to flee.

“Would you like some candy?” Yan Ruxue inquired, a gentle smile gracing her features.

The children exchanged glances, then nudged each other as they emerged from their hiding place behind the foliage and stepped into the courtyard.

“Yes, please,” the five children chorused, the eldest among them appearing no older than six.

“Wait here a moment.”

Yan Ruxue retreated into the house and soon reappeared, carrying a delicate porcelain plate.

Smoothing her skirt, she lowered herself to the ground, personally filling their pockets with wedding sweets until they were stuffed to the brim.

Observing their elder sister's kind demeanor, the little girl, Huang Ju, exclaimed with sparkling eyes, "Elder Sister, you're so beautiful."

"Yes, Elder Sister," the little boy, Liu Nian, said, a drippy nose adding emphasis. "Elder Sister, you're prettier than my mom."

"Thank you," Yan Ruxue replied, ruffling their hair.

"Why is Elder Sister here all by herself?" the five-year-old Qian Qianqian inquired.

"Because," Yan Ruxue's eyes crinkled into crescents, "Elder Sister is waiting for someone."

"Waiting for someone?" the other five-year-old boy didn't quite grasp the concept.

"Yes," Yan Ruxue affirmed with a nod. "Elder Sister is waiting for someone to come and marry me."

"Then has Elder Sister waited for a long time?" the little girl asked.

"I have."

Yan Ruxue gently caressed the girl's hair. A vision of a figure clad in a blue scholar's robe flickered through her mind as she whispered to herself.

"Elder Sister..."

"I am getting married."