At last, after sixteen long days, the awaited moment arrived.
Five sacred sites were adorned with exquisite decorations. The door of a magnificently embellished chamber opened, and from within stepped two figures clad in ancient red ceremonial robes. A great multitude.....crowds numbering in the thousands....erupted into cheers upon seeing them. These were no ordinary garments; they were replicas of the very same ceremonial attire once worn by Master Jayong and his stepbrother, many years ago.
Representing that sacred ritual on this day were Lady Shiyan Lee and Lady Wang Ayi.
Among the countless attendees, the ones whose hearts brimmed with the greatest joy were Su Nian and Duie.
In a beautiful red platter lay two crimson talismans, bound together with red silk. Upon one was inscribed Yu Sui's name, and upon the other, Mo Yan's, written in the sacred Chwen script. These talismans were the first to be carried to the ceremonial altar.
A towering dais had been erected, encircled by seas of people. And ascending it, hand in hand, was the couple of the hour.....none other than Mo Yan and Yu Sui.
---
The First Ritual of Zhaio Sko
A circle of the sacred river's water was drawn. Inside that sanctified circle, Yu Sui and Mo Yan were seated facing one another. A red thread was brought forth, resting inside a graceful platter. At its very center was an unopened peach blossom bud.
Standing tall before them were Lady Shiyan Lee and Lady Wang Ayi. Lady Shiyan, calm and composed, addressed the crowd:
"The first ritual of Zhaio Sko shall now begin.
If this peach blossom blooms, the remaining rites shall proceed.
But should it remain closed...then this union shall never be."
One end of the thread was placed into Yu Sui's hand, and the moment Mo Yan grasped the other
The flower bloomed.
Cheers thundered across the entire gathering.
Joy erupted on every face. The happiness reflected in Mo Yan and Yu Sui's eyes...it was a joy that no words could ever describe.
Among the crowd stood Mo Yan's twenty disciples, each dressed in full ceremonial splendor.
---
The second ritual commenced inside the circle of the sacred river.
Lady Wang Ayi stepped forward.
The crowd fell utterly silent...as though not a single soul breathed. Beside her stood Duie, dressed in finery, along with Su Nian.
Lady Wang spoke with solemn reverence:
"These are the sacred talismans....the very first rite of Zhaio Sko's sacred union.
You shall each place upon the other's forehead the talisman bearing their name.
This talisman may only be removed in solitude.
But should one of you not be present with the other, then its removal is strictly forbidden."