After the ceremonial entrance, they slowly walked into the inner hall.
The guests had already filled the seats, a gathering of familiar officials, scholars, and Concubines who had all been invited. It was late in the afternoon.
The people from the Qi Mansion had all arrived.
What was originally the seating for four parents was now slightly crowded.
Qi Xingyan had brought his wife.
Lu Mingyuan had a rare glimpse of Qi Muxue's mother. She was a middle-aged woman with her high chignon secured by a single hairpin. Though she had crow's feet at the corners of her eyes, he could tell she must have been a beautiful young maiden in her youth.
Wang Zhaoyan sat in the seat of honor. An empty seat was next to her, upon which an imperial edict had been placed to represent the Holy Emperor's blessing and show respect.
"I entrust my daughter to you."
Qi Xingyan sat in his chair, a smile on his face as he looked at Lu Mingyuan.
