Chapter 68
The grand halls of the Wu Kingdom were filled with laughter, music, and the scent of fresh blossoms. Banners of red and gold decorated the palace as nobles and royals from across the land gathered for a joyous occasion—Princess Xia's wedding.
Ling and Ping arrived together, hand in hand, as the grand procession began. Ping wore a flowing silk dress embroidered with golden phoenixes, her pregnancy barely visible beneath the elegant folds. Ling, ever the proud king, stood tall beside her in his regal attire, his gaze sharp yet warm whenever it landed on his wife.
Xia, draped in a magnificent red wedding robe, stood beside her groom, a powerful general from the Northern Lands. Though known for his prowess in battle, the man looked almost nervous beside his radiant bride.
Ping glanced at Ling. "She looks happy."
Ling nodded. "Xia has always been strong-willed. If she chose this man, then he must be worthy of her."
The ceremony was traditional and grand, filled with customs that symbolized unity, strength, and prosperity. As Xia and her husband performed the tea ceremony, Ling and Ping were called forward as honored guests.
Xia smirked at Ling as she poured tea into a delicate porcelain cup. "I never thought I'd see the day you'd attend a wedding without being forced."
Ling rolled his eyes but accepted the tea. "I never thought I'd see the day you'd settle down."
Ping chuckled softly, watching the playful exchange between the two. She had once been intimidated by Xia, but over time, she realized Xia had never been a threat—just a woman who cared deeply for Ling as a friend. And now, she was moving into a new chapter of her life.
As the evening continued, the feast was grand, and the courtyard filled with dancing and celebration. Ping found herself smiling, feeling at peace.
Later that night, as Ling and Ping prepared to leave, Xia pulled Ping aside. "Take care of him," she said, her voice soft for once. "He may be strong, but you're his weakness."
Ping's heart warmed, and she nodded. "I will."
With that, they bid farewell, leaving the Wu Kingdom under the glow of lanterns, Xia stepping into a new life while Ping and Ling continued building theirs.