Unknown Happen Stance

Chapter 46: Mogwai Legends P4

Flashback to the Descendants World, the Kingdom of Yueh

Queen Chi Li, Yueh nee Tan, daughter of Tan Li and his wife, was the youngest little sister out of six and was extremely famous for defeating the Yung Serpent of her county of Chiang Lo. Her family's heroics and legendary times were just beginning. Chi Li's older sister, Tan Shiyu Lo, had recently married Yan Liang, a storykeeper and writer who preserved the orally told tales of Chi Li's adventures and those of her sisters on paper made from bamboo in secret.

The wedding ceremony of Shiyu Lo Tan, now Shiyu Lo Yan, was a magnificent affair, steeped in tradition and rich with symbolism. A week after Chi Li had married the King of Yueh, the Kingdom was still basking in the glow of festivity, and everyone was buzzing in anticipation of the next high-profile wedding.

As dawn broke, the sun painted the sky with hues of gold and rose. Guests adorned in vibrant silks and brocades filled the courtyard of the Tan family home, creating a tapestry of colors that blended seamlessly with the blooming chrysanthemums, symbolizing joy and longevity. The wedding was a sight to behold, a celebration of love interwoven with the cultural heritage of their lineage.

The ceremony began with the arrival of the bride, Shiyu, elegantly dressed in a traditional red qipao embellished with golden embroidery, showcasing intricate patterns of dragons and phoenixes, symbolizing power and grace. Her hair was adorned with delicate gold ornaments and red ribbons, signifying happiness and good fortune.

As she was escorted by her family, carrying a bouquet of peonies—symbols of good luck and prosperity—an air of anticipation filled the atmosphere. The groom, Yan Liang, stood waiting at the altar, dressed in a formal dark blue silk robe with intricate silver patterns, representing nobility and elegance. The moment their eyes met, a spark of recognition and joy lit up their expressions; they were destined to be together.

The ceremony began with the traditional tea ceremony, where Shiyu and Liang served tea to their elders, a gesture of respect and gratitude, symbolizing the merging of their families. Each elder offered blessings in return, filling the couple with auspicious words for their future.

Afterward, they exchanged vows amid the soft sounds of traditional instruments, depicting a harmonious union. When it was time to seal their promise, they performed the sacred bowing ritual—first to the heavens, then to the earth, and finally to their families, showcasing respect for the divine and their ancestors. Together, they shared a glass of nuptial wine, symbolizing their commitment to one another, pledging to face the challenges of life as partners.

As the ceremony concluded, vibrant firecrackers filled the air with joy, signaling the beginning of their new life together. The festivities continued with traditional music, dance, and a lavish banquet, as friends and family celebrated their union with feasting and laughter.

Yet, amid the revelry, Chi Li's heart was heavy. Grateful for her sister's happiness, she was reminded of the sacrifice she had made only days earlier. A week had passed since Chi Li vanquished the Yung Serpent, a fearsome creature that had terrorized Chiang Lo by feasting on many maidens. In a courageous act of honor, Chi Li buried both the daughters of the criminals who had been sacrificed to it and the female slaves who had lost their lives to the monster.

Now, as the celebrations of Shiyu's wedding filled the air, Chi Li felt the weight of her duty. She intended to return to the sacred ground where the girls rested, composed herself to mourn for the innocent lives lost, and pay her respects. Chi Li understood the profound sadness that could accompany celebration, knowing that while her family's legacy was filled with heroics, it was also marked with hearts broken by loss.

A week after the wedding, Chi Li prepared herself for the solemn task ahead, determined to honor those whose lives had been intertwined with her own in ways she would never forget. Her strength as a warrior was paralleled only by her compassion as a leader, and with each step she took, she reaffirmed her commitment to uphold her family's legacy both in battle and in heart.