The Wedding Beneath Heaven
Sect Master Liu Xuan of the Heavenly Veneration Sect, upon hearing Wu Tong's words, burst into hearty laughter, eyes brimming with pride and joy."Truly, the saying holds—heroes are born in youth! The Tang dynasty depends upon you to uphold it!"
His Daoist robes fluttered in the breeze, majesty tempered by a father's warmth.
Yet Liu Yun's heart was stirred beyond measure. Her eyes glistened with tears; parted from her beloved for so long, her longing had grown unbearable. At the sight of him, all the sorrow and yearning welled up at once. Her lips trembled as she whispered, "Brother Tong!"
In the next instant, she flung herself into his arms, weeping upon his shoulder, as though pouring out all the pent-up grief of their separation. Wu Tong's heart ached. He stroked her back gently, voice tender as water:"Don't cry. Are we not reunited now?"
His gentle words soothed her. Clinging to him, she felt warmth and safety return, her tears slowing though her eyes remained red, reluctant to part from his gaze.
Sect Master Liu Xuan watched with thoughtful eyes, then laughed brightly:"Why not hold a simple wedding here in a few days' time? Would that not settle matters swiftly?"
At once the hall fell silent. All turned to Wu Tong.
Wu Tong's heart leapt with joy. He bowed deeply:"Many thanks, Father-in-law!"
His voice rang with sincerity. But the two maidens blushed furiously, bowing their heads in shy confusion. Liu Yun pouted softly through her embarrassment:"Father! So sudden, without even asking me first…"
Liu Xuan pretended to ponder aloud:"Or perhaps we should wait until we return to the sect headquarters to hold the wedding properly?"
Before the matter could settle, Right Envoy Luo An interjected sternly:"That would be most unwise. Wu Tong is a rising hero of the age—delay too long, and who knows what beauties may appear to vie for his hand?"
At this, the hall stirred. Left Envoy Hu Qi folded his arms, adding with mock gravity:"Indeed, when Wu Hall Master shines at the upcoming Assembly, flocks of fair maidens will surely surround him. Who can say what entanglements may arise then?"
The teasing struck the hearts of both Zhao Rou and Liu Yun. Their faces paled with sudden unease; their delicate bodies trembled slightly. Liu Xuan himself felt the weight of truth—Wu Tong's fame blazed across the land, and wealthy clans would eagerly thrust forth daughters to win him. As a father, how could he not guard against losing such a son-in-law?
The young women stood in silence, cheeks burning, unable to speak for themselves. But Wu Tong straightened, voice resounding:"Then let Father-in-law host the wedding here and now—for the three of us!"
The two maidens started, then joy blossomed in their eyes. His open declaration before all was the truest promise he could give. Their hearts brimmed with sweetness. The hall warmed with laughter and approval.
Sect Master Liu Xuan's expression grew solemn, his heart heavy with memories. After a long pause, he declared:"Very well! Three days hence, I shall personally oversee the ceremony. Thus will I fulfill your late mother's dearest wish."
At this, his composure broke. Tears spilled freely as the past returned—his beloved wife, lost to illness years ago. Since then, he had never remarried, never surrendered to grief, but raised Liu Yun alone, bearing both the burdens of father and mother. To shield his pain, he had thrown himself into strengthening the sect, and now into the struggle against An Lushan's rebellion. Yet seeing his daughter grown, ready to wed, pierced him with bittersweet sorrow.
Liu Yun, too, wept anew. "Father!" she cried, her voice like a child's once more, and fell into his embrace. Father and daughter clung together, their tears mingling, the scene touching all present.
Gently stroking her back, Liu Xuan murmured,"These days we will see to the bridal preparations. Even if simple, my daughter must not be slighted."
Ziyang Daoist chuckled warmly, stroking his beard:"Congratulations, Sect Master, on gaining such a fine son-in-law! Wu Shaoxia is a rare gem among heroes—truly, this is a joyous occasion!"
Liu Xuan smiled faintly, somewhat abashed:"Forgive me that we are far from home. All must be simple. Daoist, I must trouble you to arrange chambers for the newlyweds."
The next morning, Wu Tong presented two hundred taels as "incense offering," in truth for the wedding arrangements. With silver in hand, matters proceeded swiftly. He went into the city, purchasing bridal robes and adornments—rouge from the East Market, bridal silks from the West, phoenix crowns from the South, cloud-embroidered shawls from the North. Invitations were sent to Xu Li, Qiu Feng, Fang Wei and his lady, Fang Xiong and Deng Ling. The wedding was set for the fifth day of the ninth month, at dawn.
The Wedding at the Temple
On the appointed morning, the temple courtyard brimmed with guests. The brides were radiant: "rainbow robes, cloud-like shawls, phoenix crowns swaying, jeweled pendants chiming."
The ceremony began within the Daoist hall. Wu Tong, flanked by Zhao Rou and Liu Yun, offered incense before the Great Emperor Zhenwu, their vows carried skyward. Prayers were read, invoking the Three Pure Ones, the Jade Emperor, and all celestial guardians to bless the union with harmony and fortune.
They bowed next to Sect Master Liu Xuan, then to the four directions, before Daoist Ziyang led them through the sacred rites. Wooden fish, cymbals, and drums marked each step of the ritual. Before long, the wedding was sealed under heaven's gaze. Smiles lit their faces—an unforgettable moment. Truly, as the old saying goes: "Of life's two great joys, one is the bridal chamber, the other the scholar's triumph."
At the banquet, Wu Tong raised his cup with his two brides beside him:"On this day of joy, I thank you all for joining us. Together, we offer this toast!"
Laughter and cheers filled the hall, cups clashed, wine flowed freely.
That night, the bridal chamber doors closed. Within, Wu Tong gazed upon Zhao Rou and Liu Yun—each fair and radiant, eyes shining with love. With a tender smile he saluted them:"Ladies, I am most honored."
Blushing, Zhao Rou whispered shyly, "Brother Tong…" before his kiss silenced her. Liu Yun, her eyes brimming with affection, flushed deeply, murmuring "Brother Tong…" as his lips found hers.
Wu Tong drew them both into his arms. Dragon and phoenix shared the bed; joy knew no bounds. The night overflowed with tenderness and love, whispered vows and unspoken dreams—bliss beyond words.