[Feng City · Canal Completion Banquet]
The City Lord's residence was draped in lanterns and ribbons, long tables packed with delicacies. Craftsmen, soldiers, and common folk were all invited to feast, and the noise of celebration rolled through the estate like a tide.
The City Lord raised his cup and proclaimed, "Months of toil, and at last the canal runs through. From this day on, the people of Feng City can live in peace, without fear of drought or hardship. This achievement is not mine alone, but the result of everyone working as one!"
A chorus of cheers answered him. Cups clinked, plates passed from hand to hand, and the mood turned bright and unrestrained.
Drums and flutes rose together. In the center of the square, the lights blazed.
Xie Wenyun stood in a pale teal robe, sleeves of pure white silk hanging from her wrists like floating clouds.
When the music began, her steps were slow and light, her sleeves rippling like water in widening rings. Under the lantern glow, her figure turned and flowed, as if the newly finished canal had just opened and clear springwater was finally feeding the fields.
Soft, yet brimming with life, her dance made even the onlookers feel their hearts wash clean.
People watched without daring to breathe. Every turn carried the gentleness and endurance of running water, quiet and far-reaching. When her sleeves finally gathered in, like waves returning to the sea, applause erupted like thunder.
Someone laughed, "Miss Xie's dance suits the canal perfectly!"
"Exactly! The canal nourishes the city, and her dance nourishes the heart!"
The City Lord beamed and personally raised a cup to her. Xie Wenyun returned a light smile and a graceful nod, turning her dance into blessing and encouragement for all.
Cangyuan stood among the crowd, watching with a calm expression at first, but the moment her sleeve-shadow brushed the air, his chest tightened without warning.
That elegance, that purity, reminded him of the stillest stream hidden deep in memory. Without realizing it, his breath slipped out of rhythm.
Then the drums surged, the melody sharpening.
Xie Wenyun's expression shifted. Her sleeves snapped out as she spun, white silk roaring like a pale dragon breaking the waves, spirited and fierce. Her eyes shone bright and unwavering, every turn carrying a resolve meant to protect.
Cangyuan's heart shook hard with each sweep of her sleeves.
Water could soothe the soul, and water could break bone. She showed the way of water with breathtaking clarity.
At the height of her turning step, her gaze met his.
The square was loud with music and cheers, but in that instant it was as if the world narrowed to only the two of them. The light in her eyes was clear as water, and yet there was the faintest curve of laughter, like a wordless confession.
Warmth flared in Cangyuan's chest. The power of the Water Yao within him stirred in quiet resonance, and for a moment he almost believed…
This dance wasn't offered to the whole city.
It was offered to him.
The song ended. Her sleeves lifted high, a white arc like a rainbow, then drifted down.
Silence held for a heartbeat, then the crowd exploded into a storm of applause.
But in Cangyuan's eyes, she never truly stopped moving, like waterlight lingering long after the river has passed, brushing open the softest hidden place in him.
"Wenyun…" he called her name silently, and his lips curved without him meaning them to.
[After the Dance · Side Chamber]
She had barely stepped down from the stage, her breathing still unsteady, the drums and applause still echoing in her ears. She gathered her sleeves, yet the momentum of the dance seemed to remain around her like an invisible current.
When she returned to rest, she found a familiar figure already waiting.
Cangyuan stood beneath the lamplight, plain robes washed pale as moon-white, his features clear and composed. He didn't speak at first, but his eyes betrayed every heartbeat he'd tried to hide.
Xie Wenyun hesitated, lips pressing together. "Lord Cang… was I too… conspicuous just now?"
A hint of unease slipped through her voice. She was usually restrained, yet tonight she had taken the entire square's gaze.
Cangyuan chuckled softly and stepped closer. "No. Your dance, whether gentle or heroic, made it impossible to look away."
He paused, gaze fixed on hers, his voice dropping lower.
"Especially for me."
Her heart jolted. Heat climbed to her ears. She lowered her lashes, and her sleeve slipped down without thinking, brushing the back of his hand.
He caught it. Not with force, only with certainty, as if he were holding onto a single gleam of the dance that had tried to slip away.
"Wenyun," he murmured, eyes warm and intent, "don't doubt yourself. Water can nourish all things, and it can split the waves. What you did just now…"
His lips curved, but his gaze was utterly serious.
"…moved me more than I can say."
He took one step closer, breath near her ear. "Last time I said I would wait, until you were clear-headed, until you truly wanted that kiss."
His voice softened, almost teasing, almost trembling.
"Now the canal is finished, the water runs full, and you danced for me…"
"Su'er… can I finally claim it?"
Xie Wenyun stared at him, the ripples in her eyes deepening. Their hearts, unspoken until now, became unmistakably clear.
Cangyuan's arm slipped around her waist, gentle but unyielding. Her heartbeat pounded, her sleeves trembling with each breath.
"Su'er…" he called again, a tremor of sincerity in his voice that she had never heard before.
She lifted her gaze straight into the depths of his waterlight eyes. The world's noise, the drums, the voices, all fell away.
And then he lowered his head and kissed her.
Warm and real, like a first spring that carried both coolness and unstoppable force. She froze for a heartbeat, then closed her eyes, letting her heart-lake bloom into circle after circle of ripples.
In the hush of the side chamber, their shadows stretched long in the candlelight, like a moment of sleeve-shadow finally made solid, gentle, resolute, irreplaceable.
[Later · The Proposal]
After the banquet, the City Lord held a smaller gathering for the remaining officials and close attendants. Cangyuan stood in the hall, plain-robed, far more solemn than he had been at the feast.
The City Lord lifted his cup, smiling. "With Lord Cang's help, Feng City owes you a great debt. When you return to the capital, you will surely receive His Majesty's praise."
Cangyuan set his cup down and looked up, steady and direct.
"City Lord, before I return to the capital… I have one request."
The City Lord blinked. "Oh? Please speak."
Cangyuan stepped forward and bowed formally, his voice ringing clear through the hall.
"Xie Wenyun is talented and steadfast, her merit in the canal project beyond dispute. She has brought benefit to the people, and she has earned my deepest respect."
He paused, eyes dark and bright at once.
"I swear my life as pledge. I wish to marry Xie Wenyun, with proper rites and a true wedding, and bring her with me back to Yaodu."
The hall fell silent.
Xie Wenyun's chest tightened. Her fingers clutched her sleeve, her cheeks burning, unable to lift her head.
The City Lord stared for a long moment, then burst into laughter, full of relief and joy.
"As expected of Lord Cang, open and upright. Wenyun has grown at my side since childhood. I know her character and talent well. For her to be cherished like this… is her good fortune."
He turned to her, voice warm yet solemn. "Wenyun. What do you say?"
She held her breath, then raised her eyes to Cangyuan. In his gaze was the depth of a river, firm and tender.
Lowering her lashes, she answered softly but clearly:
"…I am willing."
[A Ready Dowry, A City's Blessing]
Whispers rose at once. An elder spoke up. "Lord Cang's sincerity is beyond question, but to speak of marriage so suddenly, how can the wedding garments and dowry be prepared in time? Would it not slight proper ceremony?"
The hall quieted.
The City Lord coughed, then smiled, slightly embarrassed. "You all don't know. For years I've had a fine set of bridal garments and a dowry prepared. Only… we never found the right match, so it remained stored away."
He looked at Xie Wenyun with unmistakable affection. "Now that Lord Cang has spoken, I can finally set my mind at ease."
Realization spread across faces. Someone laughed, "So the City Lord has been ready all along. Truly a match made by heaven!"
Cangyuan's expression turned even more solemn. He cupped his hands. "Then I have no excuse to be careless. I will personally prepare the betrothal gifts, and the wedding will be conducted properly in every detail. For that, I will delay my return and only depart after the marriage is complete."
His words landed like a hammer. Everyone nodded in approval.
Xie Wenyun looked up, meeting the unwavering sincerity in his eyes, and felt her last trace of uncertainty melt into warmth.
The City Lord laughed heartily. "Excellent! The canal is finished, and now another joy is added. Feng City will host yet another grand feast!"
Laughter rose, drums began again, and the hall turned bright with celebration.
And beneath the noise, Cangyuan's hand quietly found Xie Wenyun's. Their fingers interlaced, firm and certain.
He leaned close to her ear, voice light but unbreakable.
"Su'er… I want the whole world to know: you are my wife."
Xie Wenyun's eyes shimmered. At last, she nodded.
[Feng City · Wedding Preparations]
News swept through Feng City. People ran to tell one another.
Some volunteered to set banquet tables, others brought red silks and fine cloth. The craftsmen built a bridal carriage with their own hands, and the women of the city stitched joyous curtains together. The whole city became a sea of red and laughter.
Xie Wenyun was shy, but as blessings poured in, her heart gradually steadied.
Cangyuan, meticulous as ever, handled every rite properly. Not once did haste make him careless.
This wedding was not only a vow of deep love, but a celebration shared by an entire city.
[Feng City · The Wedding Day]
At first light, Feng City was already dressed in festivity. Red cords and lanterns hung at every doorway. Drums echoed through the streets, and people gathered early just to witness this rare wedding.
Outside the City Lord's residence, red banners billowed. The bridal carriage waited at the front gate, its lacquered red body gleaming. The curtain was embroidered with magpies and blossoms, stitched together by countless hands in shared blessing.
Xie Wenyun wore her bridal robes, layered brocade and silk shaping her graceful figure. Before the red veil fell, she lowered her eyes, palms damp with nervousness.
A maid whispered, "Miss, today is your great joy. The whole city has been waiting."
Xie Wenyun smiled faintly, eyes misting. She had imagined marriage before, but never like this, never under so many eyes, never so sudden.
And yet… the steadiness in his gaze left her no room for regret.
The drums drew nearer.
Cangyuan appeared in dark teal wedding robes. Unlike his usual plainness, he looked strikingly dignified, joy brightening the line of his brows.
He stepped into the hall and bowed before all, voice deep and clear.
"I, Cangyuan, come to welcome Xie Wenyun as my wife, and ask the City Lord and the people of Feng City to bear witness."
The City Lord smiled broadly. "Good! Feng City offers its blessings!"
Gongs and drums roared. The crowd cheered.
[Bowing Ceremony · Main Hall]
Red candles blazed. Festive curtains hung.
Supported by attendants, Xie Wenyun entered beneath her veil, her skirts trailing softly across the floor.
Cangyuan stepped forward and took her hand, steady and warm, as if promising her without words: from now on, wind and rain will be shared.
"One bow to Heaven and Earth!"
The hall shook with sound.
"Second bow to the City Lord and the elders of Feng City!"
They bowed together, and the crowd answered like rolling waves.
"Husband and wife bow to each other!"
Cangyuan turned, holding her hands in both of his, and bowed deeply, gaze burning through the red veil, fierce and gentle at once.
"Send the bride to the bridal chamber!"
Cheers rose like thunder.
[Bridal Chamber · Night]
Night fell. Candlelight trembled.
Xie Wenyun sat on the bed, cheeks burning beneath the red veil.
Cangyuan entered slowly, holding the wedding rod with reverence and care. He lifted the veil, and met her brightian-shy, bright-eyed gaze. His throat tightened.
"Su'er," he whispered, "from this day on, you won't be alone anymore."
Her eyes shone with tears, but she smiled and nodded.
He leaned in, forehead resting against hers, voice hoarse and unshakable.
"In this lifetime, I ask only to keep you safe."
In the candle glow, their shadows clung together beneath the red canopy, like water and its riverbed, never to part.
[Feng City · Departure the Next Day]
Dawn was pale and mist still lingered when the city gates filled with people again.
Yesterday's wedding had left Feng City drunk on joy. Today was farewell.
Along the road, people struck gongs and drums, carried baskets of flowers, and tossed petals into the air. Children laughed, turning the street into a shower of blessings.
Cangyuan and Xie Wenyun walked side by side in travel-worn, elegant clothing. The red wedding robes were gone, but the joy in their brows remained.
She looked back at the city and felt a sting of sadness, soothed only by the steadiness beside her.
An elder called, "Miss Xie has always been Feng City's pride. For her to marry a good man, it's a blessing beyond measure!"
A woman wiped her tears, smiling. "Wenyun, take care of yourself! Come back to see us!"
Xie Wenyun's eyes reddened. She bowed deeply in thanks.
Cangyuan spoke out, voice ringing. "Rest assured, elders. I will treat Wenyun well and protect her for life, never letting her suffer even the smallest grievance!"
Cheers answered him.
The City Lord stood on the steps, eyes full of pride and reluctance. "Lord Cang, Wenyun, may you remain of one heart, for a long and peaceful life!"
Her younger brother, Xie Wenyang, straightforward to the core, forced boldness through red eyes and shoved a bundle into her arms. "I sewed this travel pack myself! There are herbs and needles inside, might be useful on the road. Don't laugh at how clumsy it is!"
Her older brother, Xie Wenxuan, calm by nature, couldn't hide his reluctance either. He pressed his lips tight and said softly, "Eldest Sister, take care. If anyone in Yaodu bullies you… write to us. We'll find a way to come to you."
Xie Wenyun's heart squeezed hard. Tears pooled at once. She pulled both brothers into her arms, voice trembling but firm. "Wenxuan, Wenyang… take care of the family business and our people. Don't worry. I'll write often."
Cangyuan watched, then spoke with solemn certainty. "You have my word. Wenyun is my wife now. I will protect her completely and allow no one to wrong her."
Xie Wenxuan waved a hand, rough voice thick with emotion. "Fine! I'm leaving my sister with you!"
Xie Wenyang lowered his eyes and bowed deeply, voice hoarse. "Brother-in-law… please treat my sister well."
The City Lord laughed, full of feeling. "This journey is not only Feng City's joy, but the Xie family's joy. Lord Cang, may you and Wenyun walk this life hand in hand."
Cangyuan took Xie Wenyun's hand, and together they climbed into the carriage.
The wheels began to roll.
Gongs, drums, and blessings followed them down the road, lingering long after the carriage had become a distant shadow.
Inside the carriage, Xie Wenyun whispered, "The people's kindness… it's hard to leave."
Cangyuan squeezed her hand, eyes steady and warm.
"Don't worry, Su'er. No matter where you are, you will always have a place to return to."
"And I… am your home."
Xie Wenyun looked at him, and at last her smile became calm and certain.
The carriage left Feng City behind, heading toward Yaodu beneath the rising sun.