CHAPTER 417: CHAPTER 414: A LIFETIME

Song Qizheng watched the lively procession depart. Knowing that Song Xian wanted to marry Xie Liangchen, he also wished to help prepare his eldest son’s wedding, but Song Xian had already made his own plans.

Song Xian had already bought a residence in advance and had built a few houses in Chen Family Village. It seemed he was preparing to live in Chen Family Village with Princess Jia’an for a long time.

Although the National Guardian General Mansion had not split the family estate, Song Xian had spent many years outside and no longer needed the monthly silver from him. His finances were entirely separate from the National Guardian General Mansion, with no intention of inheriting the family business.

For this marriage, Song Xian also did not ask him for money, just using his savings and the money left by his birth mother, Mrs. Feng. Song Qizheng sent money to Song Xian, but it was returned in its original form.

It was supposed to be his eldest son’s wedding, yet it seemed to have nothing to do with him. Song Qizheng could only inquire about the situation from his mother, thinking that if Song Xian needed help, he would send it in his mother’s name.

Who knew that his mother wouldn’t help him cover up, and even if she used money, it was from her private store.

Deep in the night, Song Qizheng often fell into contemplation. He had three sons; Song Min and Song Yu ultimately wanted the military power in his hands and the wealth of the National Guardian General Mansion. Now they were exposed, one dead, the other imprisoned.

And... Song Xian, now his only son, didn’t want any of what he had. It felt as if he had no heir.

This was all his fault, and he wondered if there would be a chance to redeem it in the future.

Song Qizheng tried hard to suppress his emotions, hoping to immerse himself in this celebration.

...

Qin Maoxing followed in the wedding procession.

After the incident with Cai Rong, Qin Maoxing admired Song Xian from the bottom of his heart. To manage the northern affairs well and capture Gao Yu all at once—even three of him couldn’t have done it. What’s more, Song Xian took the opportunity to use the Liao people’s Third Prince to exchange back Xiao Xingzong, who was a scourge.

Yet, it didn’t stop him from lamenting for Huaiqing; if it weren’t for Su Huaiqing’s mother, perhaps today it would be Huaiqing going to Chen Family Village to fetch the bride.

While they were busy in Yingzhou, they heard that Xie Liangchen was titled as Princess Jia’an and was betrothed to Song Xian.

Su Huaiqing was silent for a moment before saying, "Song Xian has a broad vision and will surely achieve great things in the future; Princess Jia’an is intelligent and kind, so this marriage is well-matched."

If Huaiqing felt no stirrings inside, he wouldn’t have pondered for so long.

The wedding procession stopped, and Qin Maoxing returned to his senses, just in time to see Song Xian, at the front, dismount.

This was still not yet at Chen Family Village, so why did Song Xian get off his horse?

"The people ahead are villagers," Qin Maoxing heard Du Jian say, "Most likely here to offer their congratulations, right? Surely they can’t block the road from here?"

With the groom dismounting, the rest of them who were welcoming the bride naturally had to follow suit.

Qin Maoxing and Du Jian stepped forward, seeing the congratulatory villagers surround Song Xian. The Song Family started to give wedding money, but the villagers refused to accept it.

"We don’t want money."

"The groom should say something nice instead."

The villagers declined as they pushed away the money, none reaching out to take it, and they did not disperse, either.

The groom couldn’t easily marry their lady away; while they didn’t understand big family poetry, they could at least stand in the way, since the auspicious time was still early.

Normally, they wouldn’t dare treat Song Jiedu like this, but today, taking advantage of a happy occasion, everyone was in high spirits, and they wondered how Song Jiedu would navigate this—whether through composing poetry or writing an essay?

Among the laughter of the villagers, Song Xian took two steps forward and bowed to them in greeting.

Hei Dan, standing at the front, saw this and scuttled into the crowd like a loach—how could he accept a formal greeting from Mr. Song?

The villagers who couldn’t dodge felt embarrassed having received such a salute.

Song Xian said, "I, Song Xian, have idled away twenty years. By good fortune, I’ve met the princess, and today I wed her, leaving no regrets for this life. I’m grateful for everyone coming to celebrate, and I will remember it always."

"Once the wedding date was set, I awaited day and night; saying the days passed like years isn’t an exaggeration. Finally, it’s the auspicious time, and I ask you all to guide me, so I can quickly bow to the elders of the Chen and Xie Families."

The people looked at each other in disbelief that Song Jiedu could say such things. Words like "no regrets for this life," "day and night awaiting," and "days like years"...

These words could cause those with thin skin to blush instantly.

As Song Xian spoke, he moved forward.

Behind him, Du Jian nudged Qin Maoxing: "Did you hear that? What did Song Xian say?"

Qin Maoxing cleared his throat, seemingly understanding why Huaiqing missed his chance—not entirely the fault of the Su Family elders, as Huaiqing couldn’t compete with Song Xian himself.

Qin Maoxing looked at Chang An and others behind Song Xian. The Song Family’s household generals remained expressionless, each fulfilling their duties. One must admit, Song Xian indeed had a way with training troops.

Chang An kept smiling; they had long grown calluses on their ears from hearing such lines from the master. Now, these words meant little to them.

Hei Dan ran all the way to the village; Mr. Song was too formidable to stop. He saw as everyone gradually dispersed, turning the blocking into a celebration, forcibly making way.

Moreover, Hei Dan was sure that once they reached Chen Family Village, the villagers would be defeated even faster.

Mr. Song’s words made him want to plead with everyone; Mr. Song had it so tough, they should stop blocking him.

Song Xian continued forward, continually thanking those around him.

"Sir, we truly can’t accept such courtesies."

How could they not accept? Sincerely coming to offer congratulations and blocking the way for a good time—just this was worth gratitude.

Song Xian proceeded, reaching the entrance of Chen Family Village, where he saw Zhang Weihe and others, who had rushed over from the eight states.

"Old General Zhang," Song Xian greeted as he approached.

Zhang Weihe hadn’t had the chance to refuse before Song Xian had already embraced him: "I must thank the old general; without your help speaking before my father-in-law, it wouldn’t have been easy to get his approval."

Looking at Song Xian’s face full of joy, with bright eyes, Zhang Weihe felt an inexplicable softness in his heart.

Song Xian smiled and said, "Grandmother and father-in-law must be impatiently waiting; I’ll go in and pay my respects now."

Zhang Weihe remained silent as Song Xian quickly walked into the village, followed by the crowd entering as one.

...

Xie Liangchen had donned the wide-sleeved auspicious attire, listening to the joyful music outside.

The wedding maid said, "Song Jiedu is outside waiting for the auspicious time; he’ll soon come in to bow to the elders."

The wedding maid picked up and put down Xie Liangchen’s red bridal veil, gently reminding her: "In a moment, I and Elder Master Chen will help the princess board the sedan chair."

Xie Liangchen nodded.

"Sister, don’t worry," Chen Zigeng held Xie Liangchen’s hand, "I’ll go to the Song Family with you."

If not for her younger brother, she wouldn’t have today with Song Xian.

Xie Liangchen softly said, "Sister is not worried."

In the main house, Song Xian was saluting Old Mrs. Chen and Xie Shao Yuan, "Grandmother, father-in-law, rest assured, I will protect Liangchen for a lifetime."

The world is unpredictable; there is no absolute. Therefore, this lifetime could be his life or hers. In case he departs before her, what he leaves behind will also protect her.

Just thinking about it made him feel at ease and joyful.

He promised, only this once, just this vow, to fulfill with a lifetime.