Chapter 010 Wedding Ceremony 02

Chapter 010 The Wedding Ceremony 02

Henry reproached himself, "It's all my fault. I failed to look after the Marshal."

Henry's self-reproach, in turn, made Wang Han, the "culprit" who caused Wei Qing to faint, feel a pang of guilt.

"What do we do now? The wedding can't possibly proceed without a groom, can it?" Henry asked Wang Han.

Wang Han slumped into a chair, swiftly taking a pinch of snuff to clear his head.

He told Henry, "Go fetch Young Master Zhou. The wedding will be held here at my residence."

Henry's jaw dropped, stunned. "Huh?"

With his hands clasped behind his back, Wang Han paced the study as he spoke to Henry. "Explain to the Zhou family that Wei Qing fainted and the ceremony will be postponed. As for outsiders..."

"Just say that I, as an elder, cherish the younger generation and wish to witness their wedding. But since I have trouble with my legs, the ceremony will be held in my home's hall."

Henry nodded. "Understood."

Wang Han summoned his butler. "Old He, bring your grandson's anti-allergy serum and administer it to Marshal Wei Qing. Then immediately mobilize everyone to decorate the hall."

"Transform it into a wedding venue. Oh, and I dislike strangers entering my home. As for the wedding guests and media, Old He, ensure they are thoroughly vetted."

The butler, Old He, nodded repeatedly. "Yes, Master."

Wang Han, indeed, was the retired Old Marshal of the Tyrell Empire. Even when assigning tasks, he exuded the same commanding presence as in his prime.

Seeing this, Henry's anxiety eased somewhat.

Then, someone tugged at his sleeve.

Henry looked down and met his Marshal's open eyes. Those emerald-green eyes were clear and alert, utterly devoid of any unconsciousness.

The Marshal had been faking the entire time!

Henry quickly glanced at Old Marshal Wang Han, who was still giving instructions to the butler and hadn't noticed.

Wei Qing gestured toward the door, signaling Henry to escort him out.

In this urgent situation, Henry had no choice but to go along with his Marshal. He gave a slight nod.

After finishing his instructions, Wang Han walked over to Henry. "I'll keep an eye on Wei Qing. You go fetch Young Master Zhou."

Henry felt a pang of guilt and let out a nervous chuckle. "Old Marshal Wang, I suddenly feel... the wedding isn't quite so urgent after all."

He took Wei Qing’s arm, draped it over his shoulder, and helped him up, heading for the door.

"We really shouldn't trouble you any further... I'll take the Marshal away now. Perhaps he'll wake up as soon as we're in the car, haha."

"Hey—" Wang Han blocked his path. "I take responsibility for my actions. Since I'm the one who caused Wei Qing's current state, I will handle it."

Henry grimaced. "Uh, Old Marshal Wang, there's really no need for you to..."

"What? Do you look down on this old man?" Henry's words sparked Wang Han's stubbornness.

"No, that's not what I meant."

"Then hurry up and go fetch him! How can a wedding not be urgent? Don't worry, I'll take good care of him."

Wang Han took Wei Qing’s other arm and placed it over his own shoulder.

"I... You... He..." Henry stammered.

"Why are you stuttering and dithering? Go!" Wang Han urged.

"Alright."

Henry returned to his aircraft looking glum and sighed deeply. "What a mess this is!"

After Henry left, Wei Qing was unceremoniously dropped back onto the chair by Wang Han, his head hitting the armrest.

It stung.

Clutching the snuff bottle in his hand, Wei Qing endured the pain for its sake.

After dropping Wei Qing, Wang Han hurried out, calling, "Old He! Old He!"

Wei Qing opened his eyes and stared at the study’s ceiling, rubbing the back of his aching head.

The old man had been pampered his entire life—he had no idea how to care for others and was utterly clumsy.

He had come to see Wang Han early that morning to ask for a snuff bottle.

The air in this world was filled with pheromones. In enclosed spaces or crowded areas—like a wedding hall—the scents were overwhelming.

Wei Qing had a sensitive nose, and too much scent made him nauseous.

In the past, he wore activated charcoal masks. But after discovering snuff bottles, he began using them to trick his sense of smell.

Yet the first thing Old Wang said to him today was that he would never give him another snuff bottle. So Wei Qing had to try a roundabout approach.

When the old man insisted he inhale the snuff, Wei Qing saw an opportunity. He inhaled the snuff, and he genuinely blacked out for a moment.

It was a terrible experience.

When he woke up, he was about to open his eyes when he heard Henry wailing.

Then, after Henry and Wang Han’s conversation, the wedding plan was decided, leaving Wei Qing no chance to intervene.

At this point, Wei Qing knew Wang Han’s temper well. If he opened his eyes now, the old man would surely accuse him of faking and take away the snuff bottle.

All his efforts would be wasted.

Carefully tucking the snuff bottle into his pocket, Wei Qing scratched the red rash on his hand and said with regret, "I shouldn't have thrown the last one away so carelessly."

***

At the same time, Zhou Mo leaned against the wall of a quiet corridor near the wedding hall, looking serious.

Just as he was about to light a cigarette, Zhou Younan, dressed in wedding attire, approached from the other end of the hallway.

"Are you really not getting your hair styled? The stylist could probably do something about... your forehead," Zhou Mo suggested.

Zhou Younan shook his head. "No styling. This is fine."

"Whatever you say." Zhou Mo didn't press the issue.

"Has my forehead always been like this?"

"No, it wasn't like this as a child." Zhou Mo paused. "I think it was after that accident."

"So it was that accident." Zhou Younan brushed aside the black hair on his forehead and asked, "Brother, you look terrible. What happened?"

Zhou Mo smiled self-deprecatingly. "Not many guests came. Lance sent invitations to everyone I invited, and most of them went to his gala instead."

"Wei Qing didn't send invitations to anyone either. I only realized it through the live stream and the comments."

Zhou Younan gave a soft "Mhmm" and comforted him, "Brother, it's alright."

"As long as you're fine with it. Has Wei Qing arrived?"

"Not sure."

Zhou Younan's terminal chimed.

It was a call from Henry Gray.

Henry briefly explained the current situation and Old Marshal Wang Han's arrangements.

"The ceremony is moved to the afternoon too?" Zhou Mo asked.

Zhou Younan introduced, "This is my brother, Zhou Mo."

Henry replied, "Yes, please forgive the inconvenience."

"What about the guests?" Zhou Mo asked.

"Please send me the guest list. Old Marshal Wang Han wants to vet them."

After the call ended, Zhou Mo no longer seemed dejected. Instead, he chuckled as if recalling something amusing.

"Brother, what's so funny?" Zhou Younan asked.

"Wei Qing is actually allergic to chocolate. What a surprise." Zhou Mo patted his head. "His passing out is actually good for you."

"Old Marshal Wang Han is highly respected, a hero in the eyes of the older generation. Holding the wedding at his home will make outsiders think he's showing you favor."

Zhou Younan gave an absent-minded "Oh," thinking to himself: No matter where the wedding is held, he must make Wei Qing take that capsule.

***

After being given two shots of anti-allergens, Wei Qing opened his eyes just as the butler, Old He, was about to administer the third.

Old He chuckled. "Marshal, it's good you're awake. The rashes on your body will fade in about an hour."

Wei Qing feigned ignorance. "What happened to me?"

"What do you mean, what happened? Aren't you supposed to have a keen sense of smell? Couldn't you tell the snuff I gave you was cocoa powder?" Wang Han demanded.

Of course, Wei Qing knew. He gave a wry smile. "I thought a little wouldn't hurt."

Wang Han, soft-hearted, was completely swayed. He was well aware of Wei Qing's gluttonous tendencies and couldn't bring himself to scold him further. "How old are you, still so greedy? That's what you get for fainting!"

Wang Han walked out with his hands behind his back, instructing a servant to bring Wei Qing a glass of water before informing him about the wedding plans.

Wei Qing agreed.

Before they knew it, it was 1:30 PM—almost time for the wedding.

Wang Han motioned Wei Qing closer and personally adjusted his military uniform. "I just met the young master of the Zhou family. He seems decent."

Wei Qing didn't confirm or deny, merely raising an eyebrow.

Seeing the rashes on Wei Qing's hands had faded, Wang Han felt somewhat relieved.

Stroking his beard, Wang Han said, "A groom shouldn't be covered in rashes and become a laughingstock. You remind me of how I looked when I got married."

Wei Qing smirked. "Oh? You've been married three times too?"

Wang Han sputtered. "I—no. I've only been married once. My wife and I grew up together, well-matched in status and affection."

Wei Qing grinned wickedly. "My wife and I were strangers, matched by royal command, sharing sheets, not souls."

Knowing something about Wei Qing's past two marriages, Wang Han patted his shoulder. "People must always look forward. Who knows? This wife might suit you well. There's a saying—love grows with time."

Wei Qing laughed dryly. "I don't believe in that saying. I believe in love at first sight."

Wei Qing pushed Wang Han's wheelchair, who had limited mobility, into the hall. After thanking the guests briefly, he took a glass of wine and chatted with General Su Xi, who had just arrived from the military.

Su Xi was a female Alpha with short red hair cut at ear-length. A key was tattooed on the back of her right hand. Though delicate in appearance, her stern expression made her seem unapproachable.

In a professional tone, she said, "Congratulations on your wedding, Marshal."

Wei Qing: "Hah."

"The joint military exercise is scheduled for next week."

Wei Qing nodded slightly to show he was aware.

"I think Nabel might be planning something."

Wei Qing smirked, eyes narrowing. "Isn't that what military exercises are for?"

"Where's Henry?"

"Old Wang said he's with the Zhou family."

"Oh."

After just a few words, a servant from the Wang family approached, leading Wei Qing to the door and informing him that the young master of the Zhou family would be arriving soon.

Wei Qing had no love for his third wife.

This young master of the Zhou family had thrown a wrench in the Emperor's original plans, and records showed he had been a collaborator at the 411 Research Institute.

A cold glint flashed in Wei Qing's jade-green eyes. He despised the institute and its staff—collaborators included.

That was why he had needled him on purpose, watching him struggle without offering help.

Wei Qing left his spot and sat on a sofa in the corner, scheming to himself: If that young master of the Zhou family enters and I don’t come meet him, what will he do?

Will he panic? Break down crying? Or make a scene?

Whatever his reaction, it’s bound to be fun to watch.

With that thought, Wei Qing knocked back his drink.

The hall was crowded, and the mixture of perfumes lingering in the air was overwhelming. Wei Qing’s nose started twitching.

Just as he was about to reach for his snuff—

"And now presenting the other groom!"

At Wang Han's announcement, the heavy, towering arched door of the hall swung open, revealing a slender figure clad in a gaudy, over-the-top outfit that clashed with his appearance.

His black hair hung so long it covered his eyes.

Wei Qing raised an eyebrow, and wondered if he could even see where he was walking.

So this was Young Master Zhou? He looked truly...

Just as Wei Qing was about to mutter "ridiculous,"

An arresting, intoxicating scent wafted from Young Master Zhou.

The scent hit Wei Qing's nostrils, making his pupils shrink to pinpricks.

It sent his heart hammering.

It made him momentarily lose control of his body.

By the time he regained his senses, the wine glass in his hand had already been shattered.

He inhaled slowly.

Though faint and mixed with other strange scents, it was unmistakably—

The catnip he'd been desperately craving.