Venerable Demon King & The Doting Immortal (QT)-Chapter 482: Seal this marriage with a kiss

"And now," the officiator said, his voice softening yet holding an undeniable strength, "bow to each other."

Xiang Yu and Han Xin turned to face one another, their eyes meeting amidst the vibrant glow of the moment. They bowed deeply, a gesture not just of tradition but of mutual respect, love, and the promises that bound them together.

The room erupted into jubilant applause, cheers echoing across the hall and beyond, carrying their union into the vastness of space.

The ceremony passed in a blink, a beautiful blur of laughter and joy. When it finally concluded, Han Xin and Xiang Yu stood before each other, their hearts soaring. Their hands were clasped tightly together, fingers intertwined, as they faced the officiator and the gathering crowd.

"Now, you may exchange rings," the officiator prompted with a warm smile.

Xiang Yu went first, his heart racing with every second. He slowly slipped the ring onto his finger, the cool metal comforting against his skin. A leap of joy surged in his chest as he gazed into Han Xin’s radiant eyes, a promise of forever shimmering between them.

It was Han Xin’s turn next. As he prepared, Xiang Yu noticed the slight tremble in Han Xin’s fingers. Concern flickered in his chest, and he responded with a reassuring smile, one that shone brightly through the soft red veil draped across Xiang Yu’s face.

With careful precision, Han Xin slid the ring onto Xiang Yu’s slender finger. At that moment, he made a silent vow in his heart: to love and protect Xiang Yu in this life and the next. A wave of warmth coursed through him, binding them together.

When the officiator announced them as a couple, the guests erupted into applause. Lian and Mei, unable to contain their excitement, wiped away tears of happiness.

Han Zhan, overwhelmed with emotion, broke into joyful sobs, clutching his husband. "My little cousin is married!" he wailed, tears streaming down his face wishing his uncle and aunt could witness this special moment.

Little Bai, shaking his head in amusement, gently patted Han Zhan’s hair. "Come on, everyone is watching. Look at you, crying like the girls!"

Han Zhan took a deep breath, trying to compose himself, but the happiness swelled in his chest, akin to the twins nearby who were also in tears.

Amidst the celebration, Han Xin led Xiang Yu to their bridal chamber, excitement bubbling inside him. All he wanted was to be alone with Xiang Yu, to savour this new beginning.

In the birdal chamber, the officiator lit incense, chanting words of blessings that hung in the air like a warm embrace. "And may you have many children..." he intoned, unaware of the way Xiang Yu stiffened at the mention of children. If not for Han Xin sitting beside him, he might have kicked the officiator out the door in protest.

But Han Xin was a distraction, his hand warm and steady. The officiator’s gentle voice broke the moment. "Imperial Lord Han, remove the imperial empress’ veil."

Han Xin reached for the red veil, lifting it away. For a heartbeat, time stood still. Xiang Yu’s face was before him, and it took his breath away as if it were the first time they had met. Every feature, every curve was etched in his heart. He caressed Xiang Yu’s cheek, enveloped in the tenderness of the moment.

"What’s wrong? Cat got your tongue?" Xiang Yu teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Maybe," Han Xin replied softly, leaning in closer, the world around them fading into a mere whisper.

But the officiator, sensing the charged atmosphere, interjected hastily, "Wait, wait, wait! Drink the wedding wine first before tainting my eyes!" His laughter mingled with the warm air, breaking the tension.

The officiator chuckled to himself as he observed the eager couple before him. Never had he witnessed such palpable impatience in a marriage ceremony.

Well, that wasn’t entirely true; he’d seen it once before with the late imperial lord Han, who had been so restless that he nearly jumped his bride before the vows were even complete. A wry smile crept across the officiator’s face as he thought, like father, like son.

He quickly prepared the cups of wine, connecting them with a red string. "As the heavens have witnessed," he declared, handing the cups to the lovestruck couple, "may nothing come between this marriage." The sincerity in his voice underscored every word.

He didn’t linger. With a quick movement, he dashed out of the room as if someone had set fire to his robes, eager to leave the couple to their own devices.

Han Xin took the empty cup from Xiang Yu’s hand with a playful grin. "Husband, let me help you with that."

A soft flush crept across Xiang Yu’s cheeks as he replied, "Thank you... husband." The word felt comforting, like a warm embrace that settled deep in Han Xin’s heart. An excited itch spread from his ears to his very core.

He placed the cups on the bedside table, the sense of anticipation thick in the air. With a gentle push, Han Xin pressed Xiang Yu down onto the bed, capturing the moment between them.

He caressed Xiang Yu’s cheek, their eyes locking in a gaze that spoke of promises and the depth of their feelings. "Shall we seal this marriage with a kiss?" he murmured, leaning closer.

Xiang Yu’s lips curled into a smile as he reached for Han Xin, pulling him down, their mouths tantalizingly close. But just as they were about to connect, a sharp knock echoed through the room.

"Master! Let’s go eat!" Lian’s voice burst in, followed by Mei’s. "Yeah, they are all waiting for you!"

Han Xin slumped against Xiang Yu’s shoulder, letting out a frustrated huff. It seemed fate had other plans for them. Ahhh he just wanted to skip to the consummation. Was that too much to ask?

Xiang Yu chuckled, stroking Han Xin’s hair comfortingly. "I promise we will get back to this soon," he whispered, the teasing glint still in his eyes.

"Okay..." Han Xin replied, though his voice held an air of disgruntlement.