t to the point, taking out her second embroidery piece. This time it was a piece depicting blossoming wealth and auspiciousness, mainly focused on peonies. The double-sided peonies displayed different..."I got it!"
Zhang Xuedao's silent response was followed by him turning his head towards the outside of the car, looking at the bustling street outside at night, wondering what he was thinking in his heart.
When all the Zhang family members had left, Lianyi finally went to see Duan Zongqing with a bright and energetic look.
"Father, I've relented here and agreed to make peace with Zhang Xuetao."
"Well, that old fox Zhang Fenglin has already sent Yun Siyu to the mansion. I had her locked up. Now it's up to you what to do with her."
"No need to rush, she'll have her chance to shine."
"Ripple, what are you going to do next"
"Zhang Xuetao came to me again, playing the victim, being weak, making promises and swearing oaths, all just to marry me. But I didn't see a trace of love or remorse in his eyes, only his ruthless calculations. Since that's the case, I'll grant him his wish and see who ends up outsmarting the other."
Ripple said softly.
"I had long seen that he had no remorse, only under pressure from Zhang Fenglin did he publicly apologize to me."
Duanzongqing shook his head.
"Father, have the men you sent north arrived"
"Zhang Fenglin came over to help his son clean up the mess during a gap in time, and Duan Cheng had already taken people away."
That's great!
Zhang Fenglin was afraid that the night would be long and dreams would come true, so he wanted to get your marriage with his son done as soon as possible.
"No problem, Father. You're about to use the wedding as an excuse to keep Zhang Fenglin here, allowing our people to quickly capture all the key strongholds in the north. With both of the Zhang family's commanders present here, there is no one truly in charge, making them a loose collection of individuals, perfect for our people to operate within."
The ripples touched their bracelet and laughed.
"I understand. We will gradually send troops over there and strive for a peaceful handover of the northern forces."
The next day, Zhang Fenglin came to the Da Shuifu again with Zhang Xuetao and brought up the marriage of the two children. This time, Duan Zongqing agreed.
"Zhang, I don't want to make a fool of myself and I definitely don't want people who have ulterior motives to stir up trouble between us. Last night, Lianyi came to me and said she has forgiven Xuetou. So, about what you said, let's get things done!"
“Well, Liàn Yī still knows how to be discerning. Those commoners can’t compare.”
Zhang Fenglin began to put others down in front of the two people.
"However, marriage is a big deal, and time is so short. Zhang, you should stay here and help out. After the two weddings are over, we can go back north together. What do you think"
Duanzongqing asked a question.
"Of course! We can't rush things and make Liàn Yī feel uncomfortable. We have to plan the wedding properly, and I'll be here overseeing it so you don't worry. They are just children and don't understand anything; in the end, we still need to step up and handle things."
Zhang Fenglin smiled and said.
After the arrangements were made, Zhang Xuetao often went in and out of Duan Dashuai's mansion. He accompanied Lianshui every day to go shopping, responsible for paying and carrying bags, making sure to make Lianshui happy.
The day before the wedding, Zhang Xuedao went to Da Shufu specially and formally proposed to Lianyi. He gave her a ring made of pigeon blood ruby, fireworks, singing love songs, in short, the proposal ceremony was very romantic, and everyone in Da Shufu came to watch the excitement.
Nobody noticed Zhang Xuetao's subordinates sneaking into the big general's garage.
Ling ripples cooperated with Zhang Xuetao's performance in front of her the whole time. After putting on the pigeon blood ring, she even went to the cell specially and showed off in front of Yun Siyu before going to sleep beautifully.
The next day, General Zuan's mansion was adorned with lanterns and festive decorations. Everyone was busy preparing the bride's dowry.
On the other side, Zhang's mansion was also a sea of red. Zhang Fenglin looked at the time and saw that it was almost time, so he said to his son:
"It's about time, you should go and pick up the bride first. I'll be waiting for you at the Paoli Hotel. Don't delay the auspicious hour."
"I'm leaving now."
Zhang Xuetao was dressed in a navy blue military uniform today, with black boots on his feet. He looked energetic and handsome, tall and straight. Anyone who saw him would say he was handsome.
Though Zhang Xuetao wore a smile on his face as he got in the car, it didn't reach his eyes. He asked softly to the person beside him:
"Is everything done"
"Don't worry, Young Marshal, everything is done!"
"Didn't attract any attention from the people in Lord Duan's mansion, did it"
"No!"
"Wait for me to pick up people at the entrance of Baoli Hotel. Our car and the bride's car should be a distance apart, not too close!"
"Yes!"
“Is the sniper ready”
"Ready too!"
"When the time comes, strike together and don't miss the best opportunity."
Yes!
"Let's go!"
As Zhang Xuetao gave the order, black cars adorned with red ribbons lined up and drove towards Duan Dashuai's mansion.
When Zhang Xuetao arrived at the groom's mansion, he was blocked at the gate. He only managed to enter after the groom composed a poem praising the bride. The onlookers were all engrossed in the scene and even picked up wedding candies and pastries. Such a grand occasion wasn't often seen.
Zhang Xuetao, after overcoming many obstacles and challenges, finally arrived at the courtyard where Lian'yi resided. He was forced to drink three cups of wine before being allowed to meet his bride.
Ripple got married today, wearing a bright red wedding dress adorned with golden phoenixes spreading their wings. She looked radiant and beautiful, making Zhang Xuetao sigh in regret. He then lovingly took Ripple's hand and went to bid farewell to Duan Zongqing.
Duan Zongqing was also going to Baoli Hotel to meet Zhang Fenglin, and the wedding ceremony was to be held there. All the guests had been invited there as well.
Ripples tugged at Duan Zongqing's arm, putting on a reluctant expression. Zhang Xuetao immediately said in a considerate manner:
"Uncle, why don't you and Lianyi take a car together directly to Baoli Hotel I'll lead the way in front. When we get there, I'll pick up Lianyi and go in together. That way, you two can have some time to talk."
"Is that really possible"
Ripples of surprise asked in a bewildered tone.
"What's wrong with that."
Zhang Xuetao said with a smile.
"Father!"
"Okay, I'll take you there myself."
Duan Zongqing didn't object either, so he got into his own car with his daughter. Zhang Xuetao diligently helped the two close their car doors before turning and getting into his own car.
The convoy circled around Duan Dashao's mansion before arriving at Baoli Hotel. Someone had already informed Zhang Fenglin that the father and daughter of the Duan family had arrived.
He straightened his suit and led the way to the door. The entrance of Baoli Hotel and its surrounding area were filled with soldiers from both the Duan family and the Zhang family, securing the entire hotel airtightly, all to prevent any troublemakers.
After the convoy came to a halt, as Zhang Xuetao's bodyguard just opened the car door, a deafening "boom" rang out. The black limousine exploded one after another, being thrown into the air. Then came the sound of gunfire, followed by screams. The entire street immediately descended into chaos.
Those watching the commotion were startled and scattered, fleeing in all directions. The entire Baoli Hotel descended into chaos, becoming a battlefield.
In the mansion of Grand Marshal Duan, four concubines were gathered together in prayer when a squad of soldiers burst in, aiming their guns at Chunxiao.
"I'm sorry, take us to the jail cell!" in"Chenggang Sheng immediately said."Alright, I happen to have a pearwood box here that's just the right size for this."Then, Deng Chenggang took the packaged bracelet and stayed overnight in the pro...