Chapter 37 : Stunning
Chapter 37: Stunning
“It’s here!”
Within Ziyun Pavilion, Li Yunqing gazed toward the main gate from afar.
The clamorous sound of gongs and drums suddenly ceased in unison. Jiang Yu, dressed in a bright red robe, stepped through the gate.
One chest after another of betrothal gifts followed behind him, all carried into the Li Residence like fish leaping through the dragon gate.
“Congratulations! Congratulations!”
Figures stood at the entrance, calling out toward Li Yansong with smiles and joy written across their faces.
“Thank you all for coming!”
Li Yansong returned the greetings, loudly saying, “Dear neighbors, forgive any shortcomings in hospitality—please come inside and take a seat.”
As the guests were guided into the various courtyards, the entire Li Residence became lively.
There were many people—most of them townsfolk who had followed the betrothal procession to offer congratulations and bear witness.
The courtyards surrounding the main hall were nearly packed to capacity.
Even the alley outside the Li Residence was filled with flowing banquet tables, with people coming and going, laughter and chatter never ceasing.
It was not until noon approached—
A loud ceremonial announcement suddenly rang out.
“The City Lord’s Qin Family has arrived, to congratulate the Li and Jiang Families on their engagement!”
“The City Guard’s Zhou Family has arrived, to congratulate the Li and Jiang Families on their engagement!”
“The Myriad Treasure Pavilion’s Lin Family has arrived, to congratulate the Li and Jiang Families on their engagement!”
“The Demon Suppression Division’s Commander Jiang Jing has arrived, to congratulate the Li and Jiang Families on their engagement!”
“The Inner City’s Wu Family has arrived—”
Amid the announcements, the head of the Jiang Family and Li Yansong both stepped forward to welcome them.
When many saw the Commander of the Demon Suppression Division, they were all startled.
They quickly stood in place to greet him, cupping their fists in salute.
The townspeople, upon hearing the announcements, immediately burst into discussion.
“The Demon Suppression Division actually came to congratulate them?”
“What’s going on? It’s normal for the major families to come, but the Demon Suppression Division doesn’t need to give anyone face!”
“Exactly! They answer directly to the Emperor, only slaying demons and suppressing evil—never forming factions, rarely interacting with the major families.”
“That’s right. They don’t belong to any faction—even the Jiang Family might not get their favor.”
“So whose face is this big?”
“Even the Myriad Treasure Pavilion sent people…”
“The Li Family is about to rise!”
For a moment, discussions rose one after another. Many families of similar standing to the Li Family showed expressions of envy.
Even members of the great families wore ambiguous expressions.
The Demon Suppression Division and the city’s powers rarely intersected—one maintained Qingzhou’s stability, the other dealt solely with demons and evil spirits.
They were essentially two different factions.
Moreover, being directly under the Emperor, no one dared form cliques within the Demon Suppression Division.
For them to come and offer congratulations had already exceeded everyone’s expectations.
“Esteemed guests, please enter the main hall!”
Li Yansong, though surprised, showed no hesitation, continuously greeting them with cupped hands.
In just a short while, the vast main hall was completely filled.
All were influential figures within Qingzhou City.
Even representatives from the ten great martial halls of the Inner City had come to congratulate.
Above the main hall, red lanterns swayed gently, reflecting brilliantly with the crimson carpet below.
Red silk, green paper, bright red lanterns, and various window decorations intertwined, fully displaying festivity.
Li Yansong’s face glowed as he stepped onto the raised platform, bowing toward all directions. “Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend my daughter’s engagement banquet.”
As he spoke, he bowed once more in all directions.
There were simply too many people—far beyond his expectations.
Especially figures from the Demon Suppression Division, the Myriad Treasure Pavilion, and families like the Zhou and Qin—people rarely seen even when sought out.
As well as the young masters and young ladies who accompanied them.
It could be said that today’s gathering encompassed nearly all major powers of Qingzhou City—truly a grand occasion.
“Now, I invite all of you to bear witness to the joyous engagement of my daughter and the young master of the Jiang Family!”
As soon as Li Yansong finished speaking, Jiang Yu, dressed in red, eagerly stepped onto the platform and bowed slightly to all directions.
His eyes were filled with joy as he looked toward the entrance of the main hall, his face brimming with anticipation.
The surrounding guests began discussing among themselves, exchanging compliments.
“The young master of the Jiang Family is truly handsome and talented!”
“I wonder what the Li Family’s young lady looks like, to make him so infatuated!”
“Hahaha… surely a match of talent and beauty—made in heaven!”
For such a grand engagement, no one would dare show disrespect.
Even Zhou Ru of the Zhou Family, Qin Wan’er of the Qin Family, and the many women who admired Jiang Yu—
Though displeased inwardly, none dared cause trouble in such a setting.
Amid the murmurs, faint footsteps slowly sounded, drawing nearer.
Almost instantly, everyone’s gaze turned toward the source.
Under the midday sunlight, a figure slowly approached, stepping into the main hall, gradually becoming clear before all eyes.
The red dress was dazzling, as if weaving the crimson glow of the sky into its fabric.
Like a phoenix ready to spread its wings, adorned with various gemstones that shimmered brilliantly.
The long hem trailed along the ground, gold and silver threads entwined into interwoven branches, winding elegantly.
A light red silk shawl, translucent and radiant, draped like clouds behind her.
It flowed over her jade-like shoulders and down her fair arms, dancing gently with the wind.
Her dark hair was gathered atop her head, secured with gold, silver, and jade hairpins. Strings of luminous pearls hung like several bright moons, swaying gently.
Thread after thread of light fell upon her flawless face.
At the moment her appearance became clear—
The entire hall fell into silence.
So silent that the pounding heartbeats of the crowd could almost be heard.
Only when Li Yunqing stepped onto the platform did everyone snap back to their senses.
“A beauty beyond compare—could she truly be the daughter of the Li Family?”
“Her temperament is like an orchid, her spirit naturally refined—what a stunning woman!”
“With such beauty, yet no reputation spread—how deeply the Li Family concealed her!”
“No wonder the young master of the Jiang Family is so enamored…”
In an instant, praises echoed throughout the hall.
Countless gazes, filled with amazement and shock, fixed upon her face.
Her brows and eyes were like a painting, gentle as water, as if containing deep affection.
Her bright eyes shimmered like rippling springs, scattering moonlight within them.
Between her slightly parted lips, two pearly teeth faintly appeared—like a hidden treasure that invited one to uncover it.
Her delicate, fair face carried a natural blush, untouched by cosmetics, yet still breathtaking.
Standing upon the crimson carpet, she exuded an indescribable tranquility and clarity.
Like a bright moon hanging high, illuminating a silent sea—
Yet bound by the vivid red dress, descended into the mortal world.
“So she is Li Yunqing?”
Zhou Ru exclaimed softly, biting her lip unconsciously, her eyes widening with shock and jealousy.
She and Qin Wan’er were famed throughout Qingzhou, known as the Twin Beauties—yet before this unknown Li Yunqing, she felt a sense of inferiority.
She finally understood why Jiang Yu had fallen for such a woman.
If she were a man, she too would want to possess such a beauty completely.
Yet no one responded to her words.
Most people remained entranced, their gazes heated as they wandered over the figure beneath the red dress.
Her partially exposed shoulders were flawless and smooth like jade, inviting one to hold and admire.
Her slender arms and delicate fingers rested together before her abdomen.
Above, her full chest rose like twin peaks; below, her long legs supported her rounded hips, forming graceful, captivating curves.
Such a bewitching figure, yet paired with a serene temperament—like a celestial goddess one wished to drag into the mortal world.
For a moment, the breathing of most people in the hall grew heavier.
Many even felt an urge to tear apart that red dress.
“Does such a perfect woman truly exist in this world?”
Lin Ya exclaimed, his throat bobbing as his gaze locked onto Li Yunqing.
He suddenly felt that Jiang Yu had not exaggerated—this young woman truly possessed boundless charm.
It was as if she radiated light, dazzling beyond compare.
“To think I’ve never seen such a celestial beauty!”
“There is actually such a woman in Qingzhou City?”
At this moment, the direct heirs of the Qin and Zhou Families stared intently at Li Yunqing on the platform.
A strong desire to possess her rose within their eyes.
It was the most instinctive reaction of men upon seeing unparalleled beauty.
Even the young masters of the various families stood with slightly parted lips, their eyes shining.
A deep regret arose in their hearts—
Regret that they had not encountered such a woman earlier.
For a moment, the gazes directed at Jiang Yu were filled with hostility, as if sharp blades were hidden within.
“The Li Family’s daughter is indeed extraordinary!”
“A peerless elegance, a divine maiden descended to the mortal world!”
The heads and madams of the great families finally came to their senses, unable to help but sigh in admiration.
Looking at Jiang Yu, who still stood there stunned, their expressions showed understanding.
If it were them, they would be the same.
“So beautiful…”
Jiang Yu’s heart pounded wildly, his throat tightening.
At such close distance, he could smell the faint fragrance from Li Yunqing, clearly see her tender, jade-like skin.
His breathing grew rapid, not knowing what to say.
Seated, Jiang Jing’s gaze was dark and unreadable as he too stared at Li Yunqing.
Clad in a red bridal dress, she was like a celestial being descending into the mortal world.
Passion and tranquility intertwined, yet her charm only grew stronger, stirring one’s heart even more.
He clenched his fist slightly, then looked toward the dazed Jiang Yu, his expression gradually darkening with suppressed resentment.
How was Jiang Yu worthy of such a woman?
After a moment’s thought, his lips moved slightly. Threads of True Qi wrapped around his voice, drifting like a breeze toward Li Yunqing.
Under the gaze of dozens within the hall, Li Yunqing stood calmly on the platform, like a still, clear pool without ripples.
The next moment, a familiar, hoarse voice softly echoed in her ears.
“Li Yunqing, if you are unwilling, just nod.”
“I will help you break off the engagement. You won’t need to do anything.”
“It’s not for any other reason—just because I don’t like Jiang Yu!”