The two spent a leisurely afternoon together, and when it was time to reel in the fishing nets, they caught three to five fish. They released the smaller ones and brought the larger ones back to the temple, where Liu Qianxiu made fish soup for dinner.
In the days that followed, Mu Wan truly experienced what it meant to live a life of peace and freedom. Liu Qianxiu took her on walks through the mountains and forests, where they admired the distant mountains and valleys, as well as the nearby bamboo groves and pines. When he meditated, she would sit beside him with a mat, and when he practised in the early mornings, she would sometimes hold an umbrella for him if it rained.
The view from the cliff was the most expansive, with mist-covered mountains layered in the distance, and the river winding through the valleys, accompanied by the sounds of insects and birds, all of which felt refreshingly natural.
Time passed quietly, with the sun rising from the horizon, painting the dawn with a cool, red hue. As the mist dispersed, the sunlight seemed to carry a chill.
During these days at the temple, Mu Wan’s heart became open and serene, as if cleansed and made clear. She felt as though she had returned to ancient times, forgetting the mundane world.
She began to understand why Liu Qianxiu practised Taoism—not to pursue immortality, but to remain pure and calm, to keep his mind peaceful amidst the tumult of fame and fortune. This, she realised, was the true meaning of his practice.
Five or six days before the wedding, Mu Wan and Liu Qianxiu, along with Xuan Qingzi and Qingchan, descended the mountain. As their car merged onto the highway, the density of people increased, and the bustling energy of the world once again surrounded them.
Life at Qingyuan Temple was not dull, and the world outside was not so mundane; the perception of both depended on one’s inner state.
Madam Mei had always respected Xuan Qingzi, and after their descent from the mountain, they visited the Mei family first. Since Xuan Qingzi preferred to avoid large crowds, they would return to the Liu residence after paying their respects.
The atmosphere at the Mei residence was joyous, and even before entering, Mu Wan could hear the lively chatter inside. It had been days since she last saw Madam Mei, and she missed her. The living room was filled with warmth and laughter. Xuan Qingzi greeted Madam Mei upon entering, and after exchanging pleasantries, Mu Wan was pulled to sit beside Madam Mei.
While Madam Mei and Xuan Qingzi chatted, Qingchan behaved with unusual decorum in this setting. Mu Wan had him sit beside her, and Mei Yaozhi entertained him.
Liu Qianxiu, still dressed in his blue Taoist robe, caught Mei Yaozhi’s attention. Mei Yaozhi looked at Mu Wan and said, “You’ve certainly picked an interesting place for a pre-wedding trip. Aren’t you worried that after a trip to the temple, Qianxiu might not want to come back?”
Liu Qianxiu glanced at him, while Mu Wan replied, “If he doesn’t come back, then I won’t either. We’ll live together in harmony.”
The room filled with laughter, and Mei Yaozhi joined in heartily. “I thought you dragged him back here against his will, given that he’s still in his Taoist robe.”
At the mention of the robe, Mei Yaozhi turned to Liu Qianxiu and said, “Your wedding attire arrived as well. You should try it on when you get back. If it doesn’t fit, there’s still time for alterations.”
There were three outfits for the wedding, just like Mu Wan’s, though hers were more elaborate and had already been finalised. Liu Qianxiu’s attire had been delivered to the Mei residence, and he was only now finding the time to try it on.
After spending some time at the Mei residence, Liu Qianxiu and the others returned to the Liu residence. After dinner, Xuan Qingzi and Qingchan settled in. Qingchan, still a child at heart, was eager to explore the back garden and see the koi pond, but Xuan Qingzi called him back for evening meditation.
With his master present, Liu Qianxiu joined them for the evening session, while Mu Wan, tired from the day’s activities, went to bed after a bath. When she woke up, it was already dark.
She hadn’t drawn the curtains before falling asleep, and now the night sky revealed a crescent moon, its cool, pure light spilling onto the windowsill. Mu Wan turned around and noticed the door to the dressing room was slightly open, with a soft, warm light spilling out.
She got up from the bed and walked into the dressing room, hearing faint rustling sounds before she opened the door. Inside, under the soft light, Liu Qianxiu stood holding a long robe of black and red.
He was still wearing his blue Taoist robe, which made his tall, slender figure appear even more graceful. Under the light, his features softened, and as he put down the robe and approached her, he gently touched her cheek.
“Did I wake you?”
“No.” Mu Wan replied, resting her forehead against his chest. She wasn’t still sleepy; she just felt like being spoiled after seeing him. After a moment, she looked up at him and asked, “Have you tried them on yet?”
Liu Qianxiu had three outfits to try on for the wedding. The ceremony was to be traditional, with a long robe matching her red wedding dress, while the other two outfits were suits.
He hadn’t yet responded when Mu Wan straightened up, reaching for the sash at his waist.
Her movement was neither large nor small, causing him to lean slightly forward, his body lightly brushing against hers. His eyes flickered as he looked down at her, and she smiled, her tone ambiguous.
“Let me help you change.”
He stood up straight, and she began untying his robe with focused attention, her head slightly bowed, her delicate face framed by wisps of hair. Beneath the strands of hair, her small, pink ears were gradually tinged with red.
Mu Wan wasn’t familiar with undoing his Taoist robe, thinking that untying the sash would be enough. However, her hands wandered across his waist, feeling the taut lines of his muscles beneath the thin fabric. Finally, she simply wrapped her arms around him, clasping her fingers behind his back as she leaned into him with a bright smile, her voice soft and sweet.
“How do I undo this?”
Her body pressed against his, soft and supple, like a snake coiled around him. The delicate touch of her hands glided over his waist, as she tilted her head to look up at him, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
In the confined space, the quiet intimacy quickly gave rise to a charged atmosphere.
He gazed down at her, his dark eyes deepening like ink spreading through water. The intense emotions were contained within, giving rise to a calm surface.
He grasped her wandering hands, her small, delicate fingers curled into a fist, completely enveloped in his larger hand. Her body, still warm from sleep, carried the faint scent of sandalwood from the bed.
Liu Qianxiu gently loosened her grip around his waist, and Mu Wan’s hand was left empty as she moved away. Her body, which had fit perfectly against his chest, now lay on the bed. He leaned down and kissed her gently, his voice low and husky.
“Go to the bed. I’ll teach you.”
Mu Wan felt a rush of warmth in her chest, a smile already forming on her lips. She nestled into his arms, as docile as a tamed serpent. Though docile, she remained playful, lightly biting his chin as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
His body tensed slightly, and she was gently laid on the bed. The moonlight bathed the room in a cool, white glow, illuminating his equally cool, white face. Mu Wan found herself lost in his beauty and then in his embrace.
In the days leading up to the wedding, Mu Wan had little to do other than practise the ceremony routine with Liu Qianxiu. Despite the lack of tasks, she wasn’t bored; being with Liu Qianxiu every day made her happy. Her emotions regarding the wedding remained steady, as they had already received their marriage certificate. For them, the ceremony was simply a formality.
The day before the wedding, Lin Wei came to visit. The two of them sat on the second floor of the pavilion, sipping plum tea and enjoying the view outside. The Liu residence was designed in the style of a traditional garden, with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and a pond filled with koi.
Qingchan had been playing with the fish but was eventually called away by Xuan Qingzi. The presence of the two Taoists, one old and one young, added to the antique charm of the Liu residence.
Lin Wei, seated beside her, marvelled at the design and decor of the pavilion, letting out small exclamations of admiration. As an interior designer, she had a habit of studying the layout of every place she visited.
“True antique decor requires genuine artefacts to achieve this level of grandeur and elegance.” Lin Wei remarked. Her work focused on high-end interior design, catering to clients of considerable wealth. However, many of the decorative items used in her projects were modern reproductions, as true antiques were priceless and hard to come by.
“Take a break.” Mu Wan said, her gaze shifting from the window to pour Lin Wei another cup of plum tea.
Lin Wei chuckled, turning her attention to Mu Wan. “You’re getting married tomorrow. How do you feel?”
Taking a sip of the tea, Mu Wan winced slightly at the sour taste and added some sugar before replying, “Not much different.”
“You’re so nonchalant.” Lin Wei teased.
Both women were in the early stages of pregnancy, and their complexions were glowing and full. Despite her usual distaste for sour foods, Lin Wei found herself craving them today, from candied fruit to plum tea, though she still couldn’t quite get used to the taste.
Mu Wan laughed and asked, “How did your parents and Lu Feng’s parents get along when they met?”
“My parents and his? They hit it off immediately.” Lin Wei said with a raised brow. “They’re both businesspeople, so they got along well. Lu Feng is an only child, so his parents want us to get married as soon as possible.”
After taking a sip of her tea, Lin Wei asked, “By the way, where are you two going for your honeymoon? I need some ideas.”
Hearing this, Mu Wan’s attention shifted from the koi outside back to Lin Wei. She hadn’t given it much thought, despite having plenty of free time lately.
After the wedding, they could indeed take a trip. Though she was still relatively free in her pregnancy, once the baby arrived, she would be preoccupied not only with caring for the child but also with the emotional attachment, making it hard to travel.
“I’ll ask Liu Qianxiu.” Mu Wan replied.
“You don’t have any places in mind?” Lin Wei asked.
Mu Wan shook her head, resting her chin on her hand as she gazed out the window. “Anywhere is fine as long as I’m with Liu Qianxiu.”
Lin Wei: “…”
She was also getting married soon, but she still felt like she was being fed dog food by Mu Wan.
After seeing Lin Wei off, Mu Wan and Liu Qianxiu went through the wedding routine one more time. After dinner, they took a walk in the back garden, hand in hand, until Liu Qianxiu received a phone call.
The call was from Madam Mei, and as he listened, he gently squeezed Mu Wan’s hand. After hanging up, he said to Mu Wan, “Grandmother wants me to take you over now.”
On the day of the wedding, Mu Wan would be leaving from Mei residence.
Their walk was cut short, and the evening sky hadn’t yet darkened completely. Mu Wan looked up at Liu Qianxiu, pursing her lips before saying, “Alright.”
By the time Liu Qianxiu dropped Mu Wan off at the Mei residence, it was already 8pm. They sat in the car for a while, neither eager to get out.
The night air in October was cool and damp, with a light breeze drifting through the open window. Mu Wan squinted slightly, enjoying the sensation.
Because of the wedding, the Mei residence was decorated with traditional red adornments, giving it a festive and grand atmosphere. This was all arranged for them, and the villa was brightly lit, filled with joy.
But the two of them remained in the car, not yet joining the festivities inside. The car’s interior was dimly lit, enveloped in a comfortable silence, broken only by the sound of their breathing.
Mu Wan leaned back in her seat, feeling as if her heart was slowly being purified, becoming light and buoyant.
She turned her head to look at Liu Qianxiu, who was already gazing at her. Their eyes met in the quiet, still moment.
His face was partly obscured in shadow, his features sharpened by the contrast, making him appear more sculpted and chiselled. His dark eyes were calm and steady as they held her gaze, and his lips were slightly pursed.
In the stillness of the parking lot, the only sound came from the occasional chirping of insects in the grass. Mu Wan broke the silence, tilting her head as she asked, “How long is your honeymoon leave?”
Dressed in an overcoat, her hair cascading over her shoulder, she tilted her head, her bright eyes looking up at him. Liu Qianxiu’s heart stirred, his gaze softening.
“Half a month. Where do you want to go?”
Hearing his question, Mu Wan suddenly laughed, a small smile playing on her lips as her eyes curved into crescents. She leaned forward, resting on the passenger seat, looking as gentle as a lamb.
“How did you know I wanted to go somewhere?” she asked.
After speaking, she lowered her head, smiling to herself, feeling content and happy.
“Of course, you know what I want to do.”
Her face lit up with a radiant smile as she got ready to leave, her slender fingers already reaching for the door handle. She said as she opened the door, “I’ll think about it and let you know.”
Just as she was about to step out, Liu Qianxiu caught her hand, gently but firmly, causing her to sit back down. She turned to look at him, finding his gaze filled with an unreadable emotion.
He looked at her, calling her name.
“Wan Wan.” His voice was low and slightly hoarse, “Tomorrow, when we meet again, you’ll be my bride.”
His words, carried by the night breeze, reached her ears. Mu Wan looked at him, feeling as if her heart, like a barren field swept by a spring breeze, was suddenly brought to life.
Her eyes shimmered, and she smiled, her gaze full of light. She grasped his hand in return, leaning in to kiss the corner of his lips. The warmth of their breath mingled in the air, and she looked into his eyes, her voice soft and tender, filled with deep affection.
“Then make sure you come early to bring your little bride home.”
As soon as she finished speaking, he pulled her into his arms. She heard the steady rhythm of his heartbeat and, with it, his quiet, “Alright.”
The Mei residence had already prepared a room for her to spend the night before the wedding. The room was filled with her belongings, making it feel as if she had lived there her entire life. Along with her things, there were wedding outfits, bridal gowns, and various red decorations, even the wallpaper had been changed to something new.
After Liu Qianxiu left, having sat with her for a while, the room felt empty. Mu Wan sat alone, surrounded by the carefully arranged furnishings, and felt the weight of the occasion begin to press on her.
The room was filled with the calming scent of incense, and Mu Wan took deep breaths, trying to relax. However, finding no success in calming herself, she decided to take a bath, hoping to force herself to sleep.
Just as she was about to drift off, there was a knock on the door, and she heard Madam Mei’s voice.
“Wan Wan, are you asleep?”
The older woman’s voice was soft, as if not wanting to wake her. Mu Wan glanced at the clock; it was already 10 p.m. and Madam Mei hadn’t gone to bed yet. Hurriedly, she got up and opened the door.
Madam Mei stood there, her face full of kindness. Mu Wan rubbed her eyes and greeted her, “Grandma.”
“Can’t sleep?” Madam Mei asked with a knowing smile, gently touching her cheek.
Mu Wan smiled and hugged Madam Mei’s arm, leading her into the room as she said, “Grandma knows everything.”
“Of course I do. I’ve been married too, you know.” Madam Mei said as she followed her in, closing the door behind her. Mu Wan moved to the bed, while Madam Mei settled into the upholstered chair beside it. The warm light softly illuminated her silver hair, giving her the appearance of a kind grandmother straight out of a fairy tale.
With Madam Mei’s presence, the nervous energy that had been building in Mu Wan’s heart began to settle. She smiled, feeling at peace.
“Lie down, and I’ll stay with you until you fall asleep.” Madam Mei offered, patting the bed with a smile.
“It’s late.” Mu Wan began to protest, touched by her kindness but concerned for her health. She was about to decline when Madam Mei said something that silenced her.
“When Qianxiu’s mother got married, I stayed with her until she fell asleep.”
The words caught in Mu Wan’s throat. She looked at the elderly woman’s white hair, her heart softening. She climbed into bed and took Madam Mei’s hand, pressing her cheek against it as she gently rubbed it against her skin, as if to comfort her.
Madam Mei was visibly moved, gazing at Mu Wan as she asked, “Are you excited?”
“Yes.” Mu Wan replied honestly, “I’m excited, a little nervous, and a little anxious.”
“Qianxiu’s mother felt the same way before her wedding.” Madam Mei said. Qianxiu’s mother had been her only daughter. She had married her off in a grand ceremony, only for things to end as they did.
Though Madam Mei’s expression remained calm, her eyes held a depth of complex emotions. She gently stroked Mu Wan’s hair, her voice soft and full of affection. “Wan Wan, I hope you will find happiness.”
Mu Wan thought of her own mother and wondered if, when she passed away, her mother might have felt the same way.
“Grandma.” Mu Wan called softly.
“Yes?” Madam Mei’s voice was gentle.
“We will love each other, be faithful to each other, and live a happy life together.” Mu Wan vowed with a solemn tone. “I promise.”
Madam Mei looked at her, a smile slowly spreading across her face. She patted Mu Wan’s cheek and said softly, “I believe you. Now, go to sleep.”
Mu Wan held onto her hand and gradually drifted off.
That night, Mu Wan slept soundly, not waking until she was gently roused by her aunt, Madam Mei. She sat up in bed, a little disoriented, and her aunt laughed softly, “Wan Wan, do you remember you’re getting married today?”
Mu Wan blinked, looking around as she gradually came to her senses. “Aunt.”
Her aunt responded with a smile, and soon after, the room filled with the wedding team, bustling about with makeup and wardrobe preparations. Once her makeup was done, Mu Wan looked at herself in the mirror before they carefully placed the red bridal veil over her head.
Everything was ready, and the bridesmaids had arrived. Lin Wei, tears in her eyes, couldn’t stop complimenting her beauty. The room buzzed with the sounds of people talking, but all Mu Wan could see was the red veil before her eyes. She sat up straight, her heartbeat steady and even, feeling as if her consciousness was floating, unable to distinguish between dream and reality.
Then, a pair of hands held hers, and Mu Wan felt as though her heart had been captured. She grasped those hands tightly in return.
His hands were cool and dry, with long fingers that carefully gathered and enclosed her hands, as if he were enclosing her entire being within his grasp.
The noise around them quieted, and he gently guided her to stand. Through the veil, Mu Wan saw him dressed in a black and red robe and caught the faint scent of sandalwood that clung to him. His hand reached under the veil, gently caressing her cheek, and her heart skipped a beat at the sound of his voice.
“I’m here to take you home.”
“My little bride.”
Mu Wan’s heart settled, and her “dream” came to an end.
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