Chapter 367: Wedding Feast, A Longing for Warmth p1
“M-Master, are you alright?”
Hua Shuya asked with a subtle and concerned expression.
“I’m fine.”
Lin Tianlu waved his hand with a wry smile, wiping the saliva from his face.
Thankfully, this Meixia horse was quite extraordinary. Although the saliva was a bit sticky, it didn’t have any unpleasant smell, but rather a strange fragrance.
Otherwise, his “torturous” bath would have been in vain.
“Neigh, neigh—”
Meixia’s horse face showed a very human-like expression of joy, her eyes blinking repeatedly as she neighed continuously, pawing the ground with her hooves.
“Long time no see.” Lin Tianlu sighed softly, a gentle smile appearing on his face as he stroked her face and brushed her soft fur, which felt as smooth as a young girl’s skin. Meixia also lowered her head obediently, nuzzling against his hand for more petting.
“You seem even healthier than before.”
“I had the maids prepare the best fodder for her.” Hua Shuya chuckled: “But Meixia is quite intelligent, she even likes cooked food, so I occasionally have lunch with her in the courtyard.”
“Really?”
Lin Tianlu smiled, stroking Meixia’s long neck and back, her coat soft yet firm and healthy.
“Neigh~” Meixia whinnied softly, like a girl’s coquettish murmur.
“Meixia’s eating habits are also different from ordinary horses, quite well-behaved and elegant.” Hua Shuya smiled gently: “She always carefully curls her tongue around the food and then slowly puts it into her mouth, without touching the plate or spilling any saliva or soup. Sometimes, having her eat beside me feels like having lunch with another refined young lady.”
Lin Tianlu was even more surprised. He felt Meixia nuzzling against him again, her eyes sparkling as she rubbed her head against his hand affectionately, seemingly full of pride, her head held high as if showing off.
He stroked her neck gently and said warmly: “Thank you for taking care of Shuya, Meixia. I’ve been a bit neglectful in the past, I’ll treat you better in the future.”
Recalling how he had always kept her in the stable and hadn’t even asked about her these past few days, he felt a slight pang of guilt.
“Neigh…”
Meixia whinnied softly, as if understanding.
Then, she suddenly stuck out her tongue and licked his face thoroughly.
Lin Tianlu: “…”
The smile on his face froze, and he wiped the saliva away with a helpless expression.
Another surprise attack?
“You’re truly loved by Meixia, Master.”
Hua Shuya chuckled and reached out to pet Meixia as well.
And then, she also got licked on the face.
“…”
The two of them looked at each other, then at Meixia with a slightly resentful and subtle expression.
But the cheerful and intelligent mare whinnied, her tongue sticking out as if wanting another lick.
“Cough, cough!”
Lin Tianlu quickly held her head and chuckled awkwardly: “Alright, alright, that’s enough, we still have a wedding banquet to attend.”
“Neigh…?”
Meixia blinked her eyes, lowered her head, and nudged his shoulder as if urging him.
Seeing her intelligence, Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment and then turned to Hua Shuya: “Shuya, how about letting Meixia have a seat at the wedding banquet as well?”
“I have no objections, but will Aunt and the others…”
“I’ll talk to them.” Lin Tianlu smiled and stroked Meixia’s head: “You have to behave yourself later, understand?”
“Neigh!”
Meixia nodded repeatedly, her eyes sparkling with joy. She pawed the ground impatiently, eager to go.
Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but chuckle and said: “Shuya, let’s part ways here. I’ll take Meixia to the main hall and have the maids prepare a seat for her.”
“Mm.”
Hua Shuya nodded, gathering her hair, and murmured shyly: “Then I’ll see you… at the ceremony.”
Lin Tianlu put his hand on her shoulder and said softly:
“Just relax, Ruoyu and the others will be there to guide you.”
“…You should go back now, Master.” Hua Shuya smiled sweetly: “Don’t tell anyone that I secretly left the bridal chamber.”
“Of course.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled and pointed at his face: “And remember to wash your face when you get back.”
“I-I know.”
Hua Shuya blushed, holding up the long and heavy skirt of her wedding dress, and ran back towards the bridal chamber.
Lin Tianlu watched her disappear around the corner and then chuckled wryly, rubbing Meixia’s ear: “Don’t lick my face again later, there’s no place for me to wash up at the banquet.”
“Neigh, neigh~”
Meixia lowered her head obediently and nuzzled against him, seemingly understanding.
“Good girl.” Lin Tianlu nodded with satisfaction and left the backyard with her.
…
“Th-This horse is also attending the banquet?!”
“Uh… Please wait a moment, Young Master, we’ll prepare immediately!”
“Young Master’s horse is so beautiful, her coat so smooth and clean.”
As Meixia was brought into the lively and bustling main hall, she immediately attracted the surprised gazes of the maids.
Some ran to prepare Meixia’s “special tableware,” while others curiously reached out to pet her. And Meixia, seemingly remembering Lin Tianlu’s instructions, although she occasionally whinnied and swished her long tail to shoo away the maids who got too close, she was still quite docile and well-behaved.
“It’s been a while, Meixia.”
Mao Ruoyu also came over to the horse, stroking her coat with a pleasant surprise: “You’ve grown quite a bit!”
“Neigh!”
But Meixia just snorted and turned her head away.
The previously smiling Mao Ruoyu’s expression froze.
This girl, her temper hadn’t changed at all?
She was even more affectionate towards the maids.
“Hehe~ This horse is quite intelligent, perhaps she knows how seductive you are, madam, and doesn’t want to get too close.”
Cheng Yishi walked over gracefully with a gentle smile, extending her hand: “As for me—”
“Neigh!”
“…”
Seeing the two women’s disappointed and awkward expressions, Yun Yue, who was standing not far away, chuckled softly, covering her mouth with her sleeve.
Although they were married women, these two still had a bit of a girlish side, quite adorable.
“I didn’t expect such a magnificent horse to exist in this world.”
A surprised murmur suddenly came from beside them.
Glancing sideways, they saw the elegant and beautiful Chi Lingyuan approaching, her phoenix eyes blinking: “Although it’s very faint, there seems to be a trace of dragon bloodline within her. Judging by her build, bones, and the color of her coat, she looks like the ‘Tianluo Colt’ from back then?”
Yun Yue asked curiously: “Do you know the origin of this horse, Miss Chi?”
“Although I don’t remember much about ancient times, I do have some impression of the Tianluo Colt, it was a method of cultivation used by the immortal sects.” Chi Lingyuan mused: “It seems they were bred from five types of spiritual horses, then nurtured with various treasures and secret techniques. It’s said that the Tianluo Colt is impervious to fire and water, unafraid of lightning, can walk on wind, and shrink the earth, as valiant in battle as a war beast. Some could even speak human language and transform into human form using magic.”
“Could this horse be—”
“But there are some differences.”
Chi Lingyuan frowned: “It’s not nurtured with spiritual energy, but Yin energy, there are quite a few differences. Perhaps, after thousands of years, the breeding method has changed.”
Yun Yue’s eyes flickered, and she suddenly whispered: “Miss Chi, have you heard of the Moon Soul Sacred Sect?”
“Moon Soul… Sacred Sect?”
“They borrow the essence of the moon, are skilled in Moon Shadow techniques, and also possess profound divination methods.”
Chi Lingyuan was stunned, her eyebrows furrowing slightly as she pondered and recalled for a moment.
“I haven’t heard of this sect, perhaps it’s a reclusive sect that emerged after the decline of the eight clans.”
Yun Yue nodded slightly and was about to speak when Chi Lingyuan suddenly continued:
“However, I have heard of another sacred land, its methods quite similar to what you just described, Miss Yun.”
“What is the name of this sacred land—”
“Ten Thousand Demons Palace of the Heavenly Sea, Xuanzhen Heavenly Yaochi.”
Chi Lingyuan crossed her arms and said seriously: “Its master is the Lord of the Heavenly Sea, the Demonic Star of the Four Desolations. No one knows his name or origins, only that his cultivation is heaven-defying, occupying a vast territory, unchallenged, and over time, he became known as the Yaochi Saint.”
“It’s said that even several treasures of the Wan Sheng Immortal Sect were gifts from this Lord of the Heavenly Sea, among which is an artifact capable of forging souls and spirits.”
Yun Yue’s eyes widened slightly, and she murmured: “Could it be… the Heart Sea Soul Pendant?”
“Indeed.”
Chi Lingyuan mused: “If this Moon Soul Sacred Sect is truly so extraordinary, Miss Yun, I’d like to visit them sometime—”
“Ruoyu’s adoptive mother is the Ninth Elder of the Moon Soul Sacred Sect, and Tianlu has a deep connection with them.” Yun Yue sighed softly: “Even I have a connection with the Moon Soul Sacred Sect, most of my cultivation comes from them.”
“Hmm?”
Chi Lingyuan was stunned, a subtle look appearing in her eyes.
“It seems I’ll have to visit them and see for myself.”
“Prince Hua, the two Madams have arrived—!”
A maid’s clear voice suddenly echoed.
Yun Yue and Chi Lingyuan quickly came back to their senses, exchanged glances, and smiled gently, walking arm in arm towards the entrance to greet them.
…
A while later.
Hua Yanxing strode into the main hall, stroking his beard, glanced around, and then laughed heartily: “Lin boy, you’re truly lucky with women! This villa is full of young and beautiful ladies, truly a dazzling sight.”
Lin Tianlu, who was following him, couldn’t help but chuckle: “Shuya and I prefer peace and quiet, we didn’t invite any other guests, only the maids of the villa are here.
But it would be too deserted for just a few of us to eat and drink, so Mother Tan and I decided to let the maids join us as well, to make it more lively.”
“Letting the servants join the banquet, what kind of propriety is this?”
Madam Ziyu, who was sitting on the other side, frowned slightly and scolded: “There are rules for a reason, Zisheng, how did you teach this child?”
“Please don’t mind, Mother.”
Mother Tan’s expression was calm and composed, her demeanor elegant, her voice confident: “Tianlu and Shuya are both kind and gentle, they don’t care about status or hierarchy. Letting the maids join us is an act of kindness, I see nothing wrong with it.”
Madam Ziyu glanced at her coldly and said indifferently: “Zisheng, why did you tie up your hair and cover it with a red cloth today?”
Mother Tan’s eyes flickered slightly, but she said calmly: “It’s a wedding today, as an elder, I naturally have to dress more festively.”
“Hehe~”
Suddenly, the elderly and benevolent Madam Huixin chuckled: “Ziyu, kind-hearted people are always blessed with a longer and more peaceful life. For Tianlu and Shuya to be so considerate of the servants will only earn their loyalty, why not?
Just let them be. Besides, having more people at the banquet makes it more lively, it would be awkward for just a few of us to eat and drink.”
Madam Ziyu frowned slightly and snorted coldly.
Lin Tianlu smiled gently and cupped his hands: “Thank you, Old Madam, I’ll offer you a toast.”
Madam Huixin returned a kind smile and said gently: “There’s no need to force yourself to drink alcohol, Tianlu, just have some tea, too much alcohol isn’t good for your health… But, are you still calling me Old Madam?”
Lin Tianlu paused slightly, then quickly smiled: “My apologies, I forgot, I should address you as Grandmother.
Two Grandmothers, and Grandfather, please accept this tea as a toast.”
“Excellent!”
Seeing him drain his teacup in one gulp, Hua Yanxing laughed heartily, stroking his beard, and glanced sideways at the maids sitting stiffly at the other tables, not daring to move.
He immediately said in a loud voice: “Alright, let the wedding begin! There’s no need to be so formal, girls. This is Zisheng’s villa, there’s no need to be so cautious around us old folks, just enjoy yourselves!”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
Seeing the usually stern old Prince so casual and approachable, the dozens of maids secretly breathed a sigh of relief, smiles appearing on their faces.
Mother Tan, seeing this, discreetly gestured to Lan’er, who was standing behind her: “Bring Shuya here, it’s time for the ceremony.”
“Father, Madams, please take your seats.”
“Alright!”
Hua Yanxing smiled and led Madam Ziyu and Madam Huixin to the main seats, where maids quickly served them warm tea.
Lin Tianlu adjusted his wedding attire and straightened his clothes.
Meanwhile, on both sides of the spacious hall, maids played cheerful music on their instruments, and several beautifully dressed maids danced gracefully amidst falling flower petals, their skirts swirling.
“It’s time—!”
As the lights brightened, the main hall became as bright as day.
“Young Master, please perform the washing ritual.”
A sweet and charming voice echoed beside his ear. Looking sideways, he saw a pretty young maid carrying a golden basin, a sweet and joyful smile on her slightly chubby face.
Lin Tianlu smiled gently: “Thank you.”
He slightly lowered his head, scooped up some warm water, and rinsed his face. After repeating this a few times, the maid carefully wiped his face dry with a silk cloth.
“The bride has arrived——”
…
