In the courtyard, Ye Shikai held He Linghan’s hand and stood on the central platform. Ye Shikai did not wear usual groom’s attire but donned a red robe over his armor. It not only didn’t detract from his appearance but rather enhanced his powerful and majestic aura, highlighting his heroism.

"Villagers, General Ye is a great hero who fought against the Wolf Clan and now helps the village resist outside robbers, while Miss He is virtuous and filial. Today, the two become husband and wife, a perfect match," said the Three Elders to the villagers below.

"Indeed, General Ye is the epitome of a true hero, and the two are truly in love."

"This is truly a match made in heaven. We hope General Ye can continue to protect the village. Today’s events are truly terrifying."

"Yes, indeed."

"General Ye, Miss He, it’s time for the wedding ceremony," the Three Elders turned to the couple and said softly.

"We’ve prepared," Ye Shikai replied calmly.

"Alright then." The Three Elders moved to the center, cleared his throat.

"First, bow to Heaven and Earth."

They slowly knelt down, bowing to the outdoors. Actually, in modern times, there are quite a few Chinese-style weddings, but nowadays more use the bowing ceremony rather than kneeling. Since Ye Shikai traveled back over two thousand years to the Qin Dynasty, he naturally had to follow the local customs.

"Second, bow to the parents."

Ye Shikai and He Linghan turned around toward the hall. In the Qin Dynasty, Ye Shikai was alone without parents, so in front of them was only Master He, He Linghan’s grandfather. Before Ye Shikai’s arrival, he was He Linghan’s only kin, but now it’s different. Once married, they become spouses, naturally considered family.

"Rise quickly," urged Master He.

"Bow to each other."

They stood up, turned to look at each other. Through the red veil, Ye Shikai could faintly see He Linghan’s eyes. Perhaps it was an illusion, her eyes slightly reddened...

"Escort to the bridal chamber."

"Congratulations to General Ye, congratulations to the General’s wife." Villagers stood up to offer drinks and congratulations. Today was indeed a joyous day, the village repelled the robbers alongside the wedding celebration, a double blessing. As night fell, several attendants escorted He Linghan to the bridal chamber while Ye Shikai entertained the guests outside.

"Sir, congratulations, have a drink." Man Cang had drunk much fine wine and was starting to feel the effects. Normally, he remained sober to ensure Ye Shikai’s safety, never daring to be careless, but today was an exception.

"Alright." Ye Shikai boldly downed his drink, as several of his loyal guards came to toast him. Before he knew it, Ye Shikai had drunk dozens of cups, under normal circumstances, he would have stopped to stay sober, but today he drank to his heart’s content...

"Pour me another drink..." Ye Shikai lay face down on the table, his face flushed red; he was drunk. Most of the guests had left, leaving Ye Shikai’s guards to stand watch outside.

"How much exactly did you drink?" A gentle voice sounded in his ears. Ye Shikai looked up to see a woman, though he was so drunk his vision was blurry and he couldn’t clearly identify her. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

"Tch, your drinking capacity is unimpressive, yet you drank so much. Today is your big day." The woman was naturally Hua Liandie, who sat nearby while the guards were toasting. Ye Shikai was too busy "drinking" to notice her.

"You... a woman drinking so much, unladylike, and you dare to criticize me." In his drunken stupor, Ye Shikai’s speech was altered, now rambling incoherently.

"You... really, speaking nonsense when drunk; poor drinking etiquette," Hua Liandie couldn’t help but complain. She leaned in to study Ye Shikai carefully, relieved to confirm he was truly drunk.

"You once said I’m a merchant solely for profit; that’s shallow. If I were seeking wealth and prestige, there’s no need for me to travel the Seven Kingdoms. My home is already abundant." Hua Liandie muttered to herself, sipping her drink while she spoke.

"Once, you may have come from a prominent family in Yan State, now possessing extraordinary talent. Why are you willing to work for the Qin Country? Are you attracted to military achievements? If I sought grand ambitions, would you support me?"

"Perhaps all you desired was an ordinary life. However, Master Xu Fu once said you aren’t ordinary, your Life Chart is Sha Polang, and such a tranquil life won’t last long..."

An hour later.

In the bridal chamber.

Knock, knock, knock.

A hurried knocking was heard outside the door, soon followed by the slow opening of the door.

"Ahem, General Ye drank too much in the courtyard, so we, his brothers, helped bring him in." A few guards appeared, helped carry Ye Shikai who was dead drunk, gently placing him on the bed before quickly leaving.

He Linghan carefully removed Ye Shikai’s armor, gently wiping his face with a towel. Because of the alcohol, his face was red, a red veil covered her vision, so her movements were slow. Yet despite this, she didn’t lift the veil.

"Ling’er." Ye Shikai murmured softly, totally drunk, just the babbling of one intoxicated.

He Linghan quietly pulled the blanket over him, then lay silently beside him...

The next morning.

"What time is it now?" Ye Shikai rubbed his temples and slowly sat up. Waking from drunkenness felt terrible, his head was pounding, but rubbing his eyes, he finally saw his surroundings clearly.

"Awake?" He Linghan’s voice echoed in his ear. Turning to look, she was seated at the dressing table, yet still wearing her wedding attire, the red veil remained untouched.

Oh no, Ye Shikai slapped his head. He had drunk too much last night, not knowing how he ended up in bed without saying a word to He Linghan, passing out immediately.

"Did you not sleep all night?" Ye Shikai quickly dressed and got out of bed.

"I slept a little." Ye Linghan stood up and handed him a balance rod.

"What’s this..."

"The red veil on my head should be lifted by my husband, should it not?"

The young lady, waiting patiently for Ye Shikai to personally lift her red veil, had spent the entire night without touching it. Ye Shikai suddenly felt a pang of guilt; such an incident happened on their wedding night.