The noise at the front of the Nanshan estate was coming to an end, but there were still several villagers enjoying the cheap alcohol and meat dishes in the chilly evening air.
It was winter? So, what? The alcohol would warm them up!
How could the villagers turn down free food and drink at the expense of a local tyrant?
The Xuan family wasn't even local, they were landlords from the capital. Many of the villagers were beyond thrilled to even drink the wedding wine of the only young master of the Xuan family.
They were even able to drink a few rounds with Xuan Yang himself. Although the young master was aloof and detached, this didn't destroy the villager's merriment, with free wine at their disposal.
For Xuan Yang and Xuan Jian—who had stuck to him as soon as was appropriate—the atmosphere in the frigid front yard was much warmer than the hall for the Xuan family and distinguished guests.
The hall wasn't even nearly as cold as it could be when it was only the Xuan family present, yet the pretentious air was still stifling.
Yes, Xuan Jian was now by his side, but Xuan Yang somehow felt even more disgusted with his family. Even when the perverted Ger was around, he didn't feel so disgusted and out of place.
"The Ger was quite beautiful," one of the guests in the hall murmured.
"Mhmm mhmm," agreed another. "Of course, the Xuan family's young master must marry a beauty."
At this comment, Lady Xuan and Old Lady Xuan both seemed to perk up, as they made small talk with each other. They were like peacocks, brandishing their feathers for everyone to see how radiant they were.
There was no one else aware of their status at this wedding. Only Yilin town's Old Lady Wang and her daughter-in-law were able to keep the big Buddha's company.
The setup was similar for Old Xuan and the Xuan patriarch, who were chatting with Wang Yuze and his son. The conversations were stale, but they often occurred at events like this.
"But everyone knows the Xuan young master has a liking for…" the speaker paused, "special-looking gers."
At this, the entire room went silent, and the speaker's face went pale. They were bold enough to make such comments in public but still didn't want to be heard by the host.
It wasn't very pleasant, but they were right. Xuan Yang looked at the man beside him, Xuan Jian. He did have a special taste, and the ger was a beauty.
All the comments were true.
He didn't care about petty gossip, and he knew Xuan Jian didn't either.
Trying to bring back some normalcy to the wedding, Wang Yuze's wife swallowed her saliva before she tried to change the topic.
"The celebration is very modest," she smiled at the Xuan women with a reserved but friendly look, "The Xuan's have done a good job."
"Yes," another woman nearby chimed in, "it's so good for such a prominent family to take in the concerns of the people of Donghua, and host a modest wedding for their only young master!"
At this, the floodgate burst forward, and a torrent of praise was showered on the Xuan family. Those giving the praise were so proud, while those receiving the praise were silent.
Xuan Yang, looking at his mother and grandmother, knew something wasn't right at all. Old Lady Xuan was beaming at first before the glow began to dim, and the twitching on her forehead matched the twitching of Lady Xuan's hands.
The two women were clearly angered beyond words, but to the guests who didn't know the women, as well as Xuan Jian and Xuan Yang, everything seemed fine. They continued their torrents of "praise."
Xuan Yang finally paused to take in the decorations in the hall. Even for a rural estate, the decorations were minimal. For the villagers, they might find these decorations lavish, but for a family from Jinghua, it was laughable.
Outside, the villagers had 2 meat dishes, and several vegetable dishes, and they were excited about the cheap wine served. Inside, the guests from Yilin town thought the 4 meat dishes and medium-grade wines were proof of the Xuan family's modesty.
The cooking methods were simple, and the sources of meat were common. Even for a small family in Jinghua, this was a modest wedding. For a family as prominent as the Xuan's, even if this was a contract marriage, it was an embarrassment.
To top it all off, the bride was of immortal bloodline, and all the guests would be lying if they didn't agree he was a good fit—at least visually and by bloodline—to join the Xuan family.
The Xuan family had ancient immortal blood, plus they had a firm footing in the capital.
It was an even match, and the Xuan's still decided to be modest at a time like this. Most of the guests continued to sing praises to the heavens. Lady Xuan was losing her composure.
Not only was her son still wayward, but she also had to sit and take this insult from their guests.
"The lady called," Steward Wu replied, his face full of pride as he heard all the praise coming from this high society crowd.
"You planned such an interesting wedding in my absence," Lady Xuan's smile was cold, but the excited steward hadn't noticed it was colder than usual.
Steward Wu had clearly half-assed the celebration. The money given did not add up. Crossing Lady Xuan in front of her face and in front of her in-laws was a bad idea.
Xuan Yang looked at the steward, and the Xuan family members, before nodding back to Xuan Jian, who was also leaving the hall.
It was late enough for the groom to leave. The festivities were winding down.
The façade he had to put up in public was tiring as usual, and his family didn't make it any easier.
Xuan Yang shook his head and moved into the bridal chamber. The red candles were meant to last a full 24 hours and were around halfway melted.
At the center of the bed was a beautiful sleeping Ger.
As he got closer, the Ger's eyes opened, and Xu Feng sat up in bed. The shock he expected to see didn't come, instead, there was only a jerky movement coming from the Ger.
Was he ill?
"Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto…"