Chapter 472: Day 37 into the Farming Story (Extra 1)

Chapter 472: The Thirty-Seventh Day in the Farming Story (Extra Story One)

Meanwhile, inside the room.

Di Qingji was pacing nervously, occasionally tugging at his collar and fussing with his perfectly neat hair bun.

"An Yi, do I... look alright?" he asked for the umpteenth time, his voice thick with obvious nerves: "Is this belt too tight? Is my hair too neat? Does it look awkward..."

An Yi was taking his time adjusting his sleeves: "Everyone already saw you when I picked you up from the escort agency, and didn't they all say you looked handsome?"

Di Qingji leaned closer: "What about you?"

Hearing this, An Yi looked up at Di Qingji, a slight curve forming at the corner of his lips: "Hmm, let me take a look—Qing Ji looks quite handsome today." He paused, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes: "A bit tanner than usual, but still handsome."

"An Yi!" Di Qingji instantly forgot his nervousness and lunged forward to hug him: "There you go again! I told you, that was from getting tanned last summer, I've already gotten my skin color back this year!"

An Yi chuckled and dodged, reaching out to straighten his slightly tilted jade crown, his fingertips brushing across his forehead: "Stop messing around, it's almost time—the guests are all waiting outside."

Di Qingji fell silent instantly. He took An Yi's hand, drew a deep breath, and gazed intently at the man before him: "Alright, let's go out."

As the two walked out of the door hand in hand, the chatter and laughter in the courtyard fell silent for a moment.

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the two of them.

One was tall and dashing, barely containing his joy beneath a composed exterior; the other was refined and otherworldly, radiating a quiet brilliance.

Standing side by side, they made an inexplicably perfect pair, as if they were destined to stand side by side, through thick and thin.

Facing their gathered friends and family, they each raised a cup of clear wine.

Di Qingji's hand was steady as a rock, but his gaze burned fiercely. He looked at An Yi and spoke slowly, each word clear and solemn: "Heaven and earth as witness, friends and family as testimony, I, Di Qingji, today take An Yi as my lifelong partner. In this life, I will never leave him, sharing weal and woe, life and death. If I break this vow, may heaven and earth strike me down."

An Yi raised his cup, his amber eyes reflecting the sunlight and Di Qingji's image, clear as crystal. He smiled softly, his voice clear and gentle as a spring brook: "Qing Ji's heart is my heart. Meeting him in this life is my greatest fortune. I wish to hold your hand and grow old with you."

The two exchanged a smile, raised their cups, and drank the wine in one go.

The wine had a slight bite, but it turned sweet and mellow going down.

The crowd in the courtyard immediately erupted into enthusiastic applause, cheers, and well-wishes.

The men from the escort agency shouted the loudest: "Aren't you supposed to toast us? Why'd you drink first?"

Di Qingji laughed: "Coming right up!"

The banquet atmosphere grew even livelier.

Di Qingji was surrounded by his escort brothers, who kept pressing him to drink. He was in high spirits, turning no one down, his laughter hearty and bright.

"Boss An, Captain Di, congratulations!" Jiang Chiliu winked playfully: "Wishing you both a long and happy marriage!"

An Yi smiled: "Thank you. Congratulations to you both as well—I heard Master Fu passed the imperial exam this year. What great news."

At the mention of this, Jiang Chiliu's smile grew even brighter. He glanced at Fu Cong, who was currently engaged in conversation with Di Qingji, and said in a light tone: "Yes! The results just came out not long ago. He managed to place second in the provincial exam—not the top spot, but passing at all is already a huge blessing."

"It's more than just good news." An Yi praised sincerely: "Master Fu studied tirelessly, and today he's finally gotten what he deserves. What are your plans for the future?"

Jiang Chiliu: "I was just about to mention this to you, Boss An. Brother Cong wants to take advantage of our youth and try our luck in the capital, preparing for next spring's metropolitan examination. Even if he doesn't pass, it'll be a chance to broaden his horizons and look for opportunities. As for me..."

He paused: "Jiang Ji has done well for itself in the county town, and I've always thought about expanding the shop to a bigger place. The capital gathers the finest cuisine from all over the world, with plenty of opportunities. I plan to go with Brother Cong, scope things out first—who knows, maybe I really can open a 'Jiang Ji' in the capital!"

"An excellent plan." An Yi nodded and raised his cup: "Then here's to your journey to the capital—may your future be bright, and may you fly high together."

"Thank you, Boss An!" Jiang Chiliu happily clinked his cup: "And I wish you and Captain Di eternal unity and peaceful joy!"

The two exchanged smiles.

The banquet lasted until the moon rose above the treetops before dispersing.

The guests departed joyfully, leaving behind a warm afterglow in the courtyard.

After seeing off the last guest and closing the courtyard gate, the noise faded and the small yard returned to tranquility.

Only the red lanterns cast a hazy glow, mingling with the sparse stars and bright moon above.

Di Qingji had drunk quite a bit, but his eyes remained clear.

He took An Yi's hand and slowly walked back into the room.

Red candles burned high, casting a warm crimson glow across the room.

"An Yi." He called out softly, his fingers interlacing with his: "We're married."

"Mm." An Yi responded, his fingertips gently squeezing back.

Di Qingji leaned over and kissed him.

An Yi cast him a glance that was both teasing and enigmatic.

That single look made Di Qingji's heart flutter. He couldn't resist leaning in to kiss the corner of An Yi's lips, then gently pulled him down onto the bed spread with crimson brocade.

Candlelight flickered, and the gauze bed curtain hung softly.

"An Yi." Di Qingji murmured by his ear, his breath scorching: "A night of spring is worth a thousand gold pieces..."

An Yi reached up to wrap his arms around his neck and kissed him first.