Herta, Ruan Mei, and Asta returned to the space station in an instant. Herta kept stealing glances at Ruan Mei, her thoughts churning.
She said she came to check on the Starcrusher Swarm King. But really... wasn't she here to see me? To find the right moment to give me that pendant? And how long is she planning to stay?
Before she could work up the nerve to ask, Asta beat her to it. "Madam Ruan Mei, how long will you be staying this time?"
Ruan Mei glanced at Herta. Their eyes met for a split second before Herta looked away, feigning perfect indifference.
Ruan Mei sighed. "A month. Though I'll need to visit the Xianzhou Luofu in three days."
Asta tilted her head, puzzled. Why the Luofu again? Is she researching the Hunt? Or the Abundance? The Arbor?
"Is there some experiment you're working on there?"
Herta stepped between them. "It's a wedding."
Asta froze, her eyes going wide. "A... a wedding?!"
Ruan Mei produced an invitation. It bore the names of Fu Xuan, Grand Diviner of the Divination Commission, and Qingque, librarian of the same.
Asta let out a breath. Just attending a wedding. Wait—those two... they're also...
She stared, stunned. Herta raised an eyebrow. "What's so surprising?"
Asta shook her head, lowering her voice. "But I heard the Xianzhou people are very traditional. Except maybe on the Yaoqing."
(A/N: A certain side quest mentions that the Yaoqing has close ties with the IPC, making them the least traditional.)
Herta crossed her arms. "Well, I don't see anything wrong with it."
She turned to Ruan Mei. "Come with me to the Simulated Universe. I want to check the recent data."
Ruan Mei nodded.
"Asta, back to the Master Control Zone. You have work."
She led Ruan Mei away. Asta watched them go, a wistful smile on her face. She muttered under her breath, "I fund the entire Simulated Universe. You could at least invite me along."
On the Xianzhou Yuque, Qingque clutched a wild goose in one hand and a stalk of purple lilies in the other. She turned to her father, Qing Ming.
"Old man, do I really have to go to the Fu estate? I'm afraid I won't make it back. Those elders—"
Qing Ming shook his head, unfazed. "What's there to fear? Three Xianzhou generals have already blessed this union. Anyone who objects can answer to them. Today, we complete the first five of the six rites."
...
Minutes later, father and daughter stood before the Fu estate. Crimson gates and towering stone lions—it was several times grander than Fu Xuan's residence on the Luofu.
Qingque gaped. "I've never seen anything like this."
Even Qing Ming, with centuries of life behind him, had to admit this was new. The Fus and the Qings were worlds apart in standing. But what did that matter? His daughter had always played the fool. And she had three generals behind her. And Fu Xuan herself had chosen her.
"Take these inside. I'll wait outside."
Qingque nodded, alone, and stepped through the massive gates.
Pavilions rose through layers of mist. Seven of them, named for the seven stars of the Northern Dipper. The nearest was Tianji.
Eight corners, crimson tiles, and glazed roofs catching the light. Twin phoenixes carved into its pillars, so lifelike they seemed ready to take flight.
Two hours passed. Qingque walked past rock gardens and winding paths, thousands of them, until she had no idea how to find her way back. The main hall might as well have been on another world.
She admitted defeat. She was lost. This estate was several times larger than the Divination Commission.
She muttered to herself, "The Fu family really is something."
A familiar voice cut through her thoughts. "Gilded on the outside, hollow within. The Fu family hasn't been truly powerful for generations."
Qingque spun around. Fu Xuan stood before her, dressed in pink Hanfu that seemed to carry its own ancient grace.
"Grand Diviner! You look..."
Fu Xuan allowed herself a small, pleased smile. Then she frowned. "You're here to complete the first five rites. Why are you dressed like that?"
Qingque scratched her head. "It's what I'm used to."
"Used to?" Fu Xuan crossed her arms. "You're marrying me. You'll not shame yourself with such plain attire. Come. I'll find you something proper."
Qingque followed eagerly, grateful for an escape from the labyrinth.
Minutes later, they stood in a room that held only clothes—and was several times larger than her own home.
Fu Xuan gestured. "See anything you like?"
Qingque pointed to a few robes in white and green. Fu Xuan handed them to her. Qingque reached for the ties, but Fu Xuan brushed her hands aside and began fastening them herself.
"What are you—"
"Don't talk," Fu Xuan said, her voice cool. "I'm just afraid you won't know how to wear them properly."
When she was finished, when the robes were straight and the hairpins were set and her brows were lightly painted, Fu Xuan stepped back and nodded. "There. Now you look like my wife."
Qingque mumbled under her breath, "You're my wife."
Fu Xuan's gaze sharpened. "Look at yourself."
Qingque turned to the mirror. She stared, unrecognizing. "That's... that's me? I look so—so refined, so elegant. It's not real. I must be dreaming."
Fu Xuan rapped her lightly on the head.
Qingque winced, then smiled. "Alright. Not dreaming."
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Chapters Owed: 5