As the four Aeon-like silhouettes faded from the sky and the celebratory cannon fire came to an end, the wedding ceremony slowly drew to a close.
Qingque lifted the red veil from Fu Xuan's head. Their eyes met, and for a moment, they simply looked at each other. Then, almost involuntarily, both of them smiled.
Years of dreaming, and finally, it had come true.
Down below, Sushang scratched her head, looking lost. "What's the last step in a traditional Xianzhou wedding again? Something about... a room? I can't remember."
Everyone around her put down their chopsticks and looked up at the newlyweds.
Fu Xuan knew exactly what that last step implied. Her eyes held anticipation, longing.
"The Grand Diviner and I will toast you all one more time," she said, "and then we'll take our leave."
Qingque scratched her head. She had been hoping for another round of jade tiles. But one look from Fu Xuan, and she gave up the thought.
When the toasts were done, Fu Xuan sought out Herta and offered her the bouquet.
Herta stared at it, confused. "What is this for?"
Fu Xuan's smile was proud. "A blessing."
"What kind of blessing?"
Fu Xuan frowned. Wasn't this woman supposed to be a genius? She didn't know the tradition behind the bouquet?
"I didn't think much of you when we first met, Madam Herta. But Ruan Mei—both Qingque and I are grateful to her. That's why I'm giving this to you."
Herta handed the bouquet back with a snort. "I don't need your blessing. Give it to someone else."
Stubborn genius, Fu Xuan thought. Doesn't even know what it means.
"Are you sure?"
Herta crossed her arms and closed her eyes, the picture of arrogance. "Do you really need to ask?"
Fu Xuan sighed. "The bouquet is meant to bring marriage to whoever receives it. I don't think much of you, but Ruan Mei—she deserves the blessing. And you're the key. Take it or leave it. Believe it or not."
She offered it again. This time, Herta took it. "Thank you. I'll invite you and Qingque to our wedding too."
Fu Xuan nodded and grabbed Qingque by the arm. "You were thinking about jade tiles again?"
Qingque shook her head frantically, playing the fool. "No! No, I just... looked. Just looked."
Fu Xuan hummed in disbelief and carried her away.
There were three great joys in life. The first was nearly complete. As for the second... Fu Xuan's gaze swept the room and settled on Jing Yuan, dozing at a nearby table.
If only he would pass on the Lightning Lord. The position of Luofu General. If only.
But the world didn't work on if-onlys.
Qingque noticed where Fu Xuan was looking and sighed inwardly. Even now, she's still thinking about the General's seat.
"Grand Diviner, let's go back to the Star-Gazing Terrace."
Fu Xuan nodded. She took one last look at Jing Yuan—and thought she could almost see the Lightning Lord behind him.
Then she carried Qingque away.
Yanqing, seated beside Jing Yuan, had watched it all. Impressive, he thought. When the General wakes, maybe I should speak to him. Fu Xuan's ambition is no secret. And Qingque's performance these past months—she's clearly a candidate for the Lightning Lord too. The next Luofu General will be one of them. The General could finally retire in peace.
---
Elsewhere, Asta had noticed the bouquet in Herta's hand. She approached and sat beside her. "From Fu Xuan and Qingque, Madam Herta?"
Herta quickly opened a [Mirror] and sent it back to Herta City. "Asta. Was that whole display with Herta Ninety-Nine your idea?"
Asta shrugged. "Could I arrange something like that? You overestimate me. I thought it was your doing. It seems like something you'd enjoy."
Herta sniffed. "I keep a low profile these days. You, though—your entrance was quite something."
Asta smiled and—almost casually—touched the starry sleeve pendant at her wrist.
Herta's eyes followed the movement. She didn't have one of those yet.
"So, Madam Herta, isn't Madam Ruan Mei supposed to make you one too?"
There was something in Asta's tone. A hint of pride, maybe. A question: I have one. Why don't you?
Herta steadied herself. "The starry pendant is simple work. It makes sense she finished yours first. Mine requires far more planning. More artistry."
Asta tilted her head. "So yours will be perfect, then?"
"Of course."
"Do you even know what it looks like?"
Herta froze. She knew only that it was taking longer, that Ruan Mei had said it was more difficult. What it actually was—she had no idea.
She looked away, unable to meet Asta's eyes. "It's better than yours. More perfect. That's all you need to know."
"How can you be so sure? You haven't seen it."
Herta's gaze turned cold. "Asta. Watch your tone. Is that any way to speak to me?"