Protect Our Clan Leader

“Wang Shouzhe, the bridegroom of the Wang family, has arrived.”

The main gate of Liu’s house was already open, and upon the loud announcement by Liu Gaoyun of the Liu family, several members of the Liu clan who were the principals immediately greeted them from the main residence, according to the proper etiquette the Wang family’s wedding procession was invited through the main gate.

Relatives and followers who had joined the procession were all taken care of by Liu’s family, with only Wang Shouzhe being invited into the main hall.

The layout of the Liu family’s main residence was grandiose, and today it was decorated even more resplendently, with big red “Joy” characters and silk flowers seen everywhere, presenting a panorama of jubilation.

The Clan Leader of the Liu family, Liu Gaowang, and the father-in-law’s wife, Mrs. Xu, were both dressed in their formal attire, suitable for significant occasions, and were waiting solemnly for Wang Shouzhe to come and pay respects.

Upon seeing this, Wang Shouzhe straightened himself up, sorted out his dress and hat, and respectfully stepped forward: “Greetings to my father-in-law and mother-in-law.”

His father-in-law, Liu Gaowang, coughed lightly, and a close attendant immediately helped Wang Shouzhe up in a respectful manner.

“Good, good, good- ” Mother-in-law Mrs. Xu carefully examined Wang Shouzhe, becoming even more satisfied the more she saw, “Shouzhe indeed looks as handsome and gallant as the rumors said. Please, sit, sit, and have some tea and snacks.”

Wang Shouzhe sat down as instructed, his back straight as a rod, not daring to show the slightest hint of laxness.

After a round of tea and snacks, and a few pleasantries, the ceremony was considered to have moved forward.

Mrs. Xu said: “Shouzhe, it’s almost time for the auspicious hour. Ruolan is waiting for you in the backyard, go ahead and attend to your duties.”

“Understood. Then I will take my leave now.”

Wang Shouzhe stood up, bowed, and respectfully left the main hall, leading a group of young friends towards the courtyard.

The Liu family’s main residence, the courtyard.

It was a neat and organized landscape with flower patches and trees, as well as a large area of solid stone pavement, which could be used as a martial arts field.

The courtyard also had a corridor connecting all the different doors and courtyards.

If one wanted to go to the backyard for the wedding ceremony without wanting to jump over the wall, this place was a must-pass location.

Young men and women from the Yuan and Wan generations of the Liu family, particularly those who hadn’t yet married and still brimming with youth, had been stationed here for quite some time, their expressions filled with excitement.

The leader was Liu Yuanrui, the direct second son of the Yuan generation. Among those under eighteen years of age, he held the highest status.

Today, Liu Yuanrui was dressed in gorgeous and festive clothing, hands tucked in his sleeves, his gaze sweeping across everyone sternly: “Did everyone understand what I just ordered?”

“Understood.” The young men and women of the Liu family, all brimming with energy, boomed in response.

“Our slogan is…”

“Brother-in-law, brother-in-law, my sister is the eldest.” “Family Head, Family Head, must put on a majestic look.” “Big things or small, wife is in charge.” “If you dare to disobey, ask our uncles and aunts.”

Their voices were loud and vibrant, even causing the air to tremble slightly.

“Oh, Yuanrui, you’ve created quite a lively scene here.” At this moment, Wang Shouzhe and his young brothers entered the courtyard. Seeing the bustling scene, he understood that the wedding ceremony had entered the next stage.

Liu Yuanrui also greeted them with a face full of smiles, politely bending his hand in salute: “Brother-in-law, you’ve finally arrived. I’ve been waiting here for quite a while.”

Upon seeing the throng of young people from two generations, all exuding an air of “tiger wolves”, and looking at him with predatory gazes, Wang Shouzhe couldn’t help feeling a chill down his spine, and somewhat nervously said, “Yuanrui, we’ve known each other for quite a while now, with feelings like those of actual brothers. I’m sure you know what kind of person your brother- in-law is. So how about we skip these old-fashioned rituals, hmm?”

Before Liu Yuanrui could answer…

Chen Fangjie, his brother-in-law standing to the side, chuckled and said, “Shouzhe, I remember when I went to your house to propose two months ago. I said the same thing to you. What was your answer then?”

“Uh… Okay.” Wang Shouzhe helplessly and honestly replied, “I said at the time that a wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event. It should be held in a grand manner, with a sense of ceremony, so that there would be more memories in the future.”

“Thanks to your gracious treatment, the memory of my wedding ceremony is unforgettable and permanently engraved in my heart.” Chen Fangjie started to speak, but his eyes became moist. The rite of passage of his wedding had been too, too impactful at the hands of Shouzhe…

Even thinking about it now, he couldn’t help shedding a tear. Getting married really wasn’t easy.

“Brother-in-law, you volunteered to help with the wedding preparations this time.” Wang Shouzhe said with sudden understanding, “So you were waiting for me here. This is indeed the workings of Heavenly Dao’s reincarnations.”

“Not at all.” Chen Fangjie, having spent a lot of time with Wang Shouzhe, had developed a thicker skin, “I simply thought that I could not let any regrets mar your grand wedding.”

Liu Yuanrui also chimed in with a smile, “Your words, brother-in-law, always inspire deep reflections in me. In that case, let’s not waste your precious time and begin the ceremony immediately.”

“Yuanrui, you’re a scholar, stay composed.” Wang Shouzhe, knowing that he couldn’t avoid this, folded his hands and threatened, “You’re sixteen this year as well; sooner or later, you’ll have to get married too.”

“Of course, being a scholar and your brother-in-heart, I would never cause difficulties for you, brother-in-law.”, Liu Yuanrui said politely and inquired, “Are you ready, brother-in-law?”

“I’m ready.” Wang Shouzhe took a deep breath, preparing himself.

“Ahem!” Liu Yuanrui spirited up, started a discourse, “For our Profound Martial family, the most important thing is ‘martial’. How does one protect their family without martial power? Brother-in-law, doesn’t what I say makes sense?” Liu Yuanrui smiled at Wang Shouzhe.

“It does.” Wang Shouzhe nodded.

He had to admit this.

“However, today is a joyous day for your wedding, it’s not suitable to brandish weapons. How about this, brother-in-law, show us your strength today, and we’ll consider it passing the test.” Liu Yuanrui said courteously.

“It’s that simple?”

Wang Shouzhe was suspicious.

“Just that simple.” Liu Yuanrui smiled and nodded, “You are my dear brother- in-law, I, as your nephew, would not intentionally make it difficult for you.”

With that, he raised his hands and gently clapped them.

Suddenly,

A deep voice came from the side corridor, “Yuanrui, here I am.”

As the words fell, heavy footsteps followed.

A nine-foot-tall giant man carrying a boulder on his shoulder came striding over. His burly body, covered with muscular bumps and a face full of beard, made him look like a god of war on the battlefield.

Wang Shouzhe’s eyes twitched, having a bad premonition.

The burly man with a big thump threw the boulder on the ground, creating a pit hole in the thick green stone floor.

Liu Yuanrui bowed to Wang Shouzhe with a grin, “Brother-in-law, since we are like brothers, I won’t make things difficult for you. You only need to lift this stone ball above your head to pass. We, your nephews and nieces, will then acknowledge your ability to protect my sister.”

“Um…” Wang Shouzhe broke into a sweat, looking suspicious, “Yuanrui, this doesn’t seem right, does it? This part of the ceremony should only include unmarried peers or juniors, why is this man participating?”

Liu Yuanrui grinned, “Brother-in-law, he is our youngest brother from the Yuan generation.”

With that, he turned to the giant, “Come on, Yuanqiang, tell your brother-in- law how old you are this year.”

The towering man scratched his head, smiling goofily at Wang Shouzhe, “Brother-in-law, my name is Liu Yuanqiang, I turned eighteen this year.” Eighteen years old!

Wang Shouzhe was taken aback.

It took him a while to recover, coughing awkwardly, “This Brother Yuanqiang—looks quite…quite mature.”

Liu Yuanqui remained very “cheerful”, giggling as if he had stolen a hen, “Brother-in-law, Yuanqiang has been practicing a strong cultivation technique since he was little, that’s why he looks more mature.”

Mature! Do you call this mature?!

Comer of Wang Shouzhe’s mouth twitched, he couldn’t help but complained in his heart. This rascal Yuanrui, when scholars decide to shamelessly, they really have more to them than martial artists.