With a sharp sound, silence fell within the pavilion. Over a hundred people, with swift and orderly movements, separated to the sides, clearing a path in the center.
Following the gaze of the crowd, Yun Xiao looked towards the entrance and saw a tall, slender figure walk in, accompanied by two subordinates.
The man had sharp, cold brows and chiseled features. Under the soft light, his skin was as smooth as dripping water, and his dark eyes held a shallow smile.
However, the smile did not reach his heart, remaining only on the surface. He wore a fine green robe and held two gleaming silver spheres in his hands, juggling them as he calmly nodded to those on either side. His demeanor was elegant and leisurely, and everywhere he went, he was met with utmost respect.
Yun Xiao mused that this man was likely no simple individual, observing everything with a calm expression.
As the man entered, the host of the evening, Ding Haowen, stepped forward with a deferential smile.
"My esteemed Alliance Leader, you have arrived. Everyone in this hall has been waiting for you."
Ding Haowen, a man adept at navigating social circles, personally escorted the Alliance Leader to the most prominent seat at the head of the hall.
The great hall fell silent, no one daring to speak. Only when the person at the head of the hall had comfortably seated himself did the people flanking the sides surge forward in a rush, gathering in the center and bowing towards the figure above.
"We greet the Alliance Leader."
Their voices rang out, piercing the entire hall.
At that moment, Yun Xiao felt a profound shock. This, she realized, was the martial world. In their realm, the Alliance Leader possessed supreme authority.
Within this small world, his power and capacity for destruction were not much less than that of an emperor in the palace, and perhaps even more unrestrained.
For they had few checks and balances, and sometimes, a mere principle could be enough to condemn someone to death.
"There is no need for formality. Today is also a joyous occasion for the Alliance Leader Ding. Please rise."
The voice was cool and clear, like a gentle breeze in February, neither overly harsh nor particularly soft.
"Thank you, Alliance Leader."
After expressing their gratitude, the crowd dispersed freely, no longer noisy but seemingly bound by a new restraint. They gathered in small groups, engaging in conversation and laughter.
Meanwhile, Ding Haowen, the host, naturally stayed to converse with the Alliance Leader.
Among the guests tonight were many female attendees, martial artists who carried swords and blades. Their bold and fiery gazes were fixed directly upon the man at the head of the hall.
Unfortunately, the man’s eyelids did not even flutter, as if he were oblivious to the women’s affections. This caused many to be disappointed, yet they continued to stare intently, hoping the Alliance Leader would show them some favor, grant them an opportunity.
Even if they could not become the Alliance Leader's wife, being a concubine would suffice.
The people in the hall conversed, their hearty laughter occasionally echoing.
Yun Xiao quietly observed the man from her corner. She saw him occasionally brush back the dark strands of hair that fell onto his chest, or casually shift his posture. A smile played on his sensual lips, but anyone with discerning eyes could tell it was a superficial, polite gesture.
In truth, impatience flickered in his eyes. One hand continued to juggle the silver-white steel spheres, which Yun Xiao suspected were not mere playthings but possibly concealed weapons.
As the man responded to Ding Haowen's conversation, he looked up towards Yun Xiao's corner. Even through the crowd, he could sense someone observing him, not with the admiration of an ordinary woman, but with a critical gaze. Who dared to be so presumptuous?
A flash of coldness crossed his dark pupils. Yun Xiao quickly lowered her head, feigning to look at the ground, her feet, or those around her, but deliberately avoiding him. Having just arrived, she wished to avoid unnecessary trouble. Once his gaze had shifted away.
She then heard an excited female voice near her ear.
"Oh my goodness, the Alliance Leader looked at me!"
"He looked at me, not you! Don't you even look at yourself, would the Alliance Leader look at you?"
Yun Xiao looked over in surprise, seeing two beautiful women arguing heatedly over who the Alliance Leader had glanced at. It was truly exasperating.
Wanwan, beside her, leaned over and whispered, "Mistress, the Alliance Leader is truly handsome."
Yun Xiao immediately replied with a playful tone, "Shall I send you to him?"
Wanwan rolled her eyes and looked away speechlessly. Sometimes, she felt her mistress was rather obtuse, no, very obtuse. She had spoken for her own good, after all. How could a mere maidservant possibly attract the attention of the esteemed Martial Alliance Leader?
Just as everyone was speaking enthusiastically, each with their own thoughts, and the Alliance Leader was on the verge of stifling a yawn, the steward of the Ding manor rushed in, smiling as he addressed his master. "Master, the bridal sedan chair has arrived."
Instantly, everyone turned their attention to Ding Haowen. The sixty-year-old man’s face was beaming like a blooming flower, his joy as vibrant as that of a young man of seventeen or eighteen. While greeting the Alliance Leader, he hurried out of the hall to welcome his new concubine.
As Ding Haowen departed, many in the hall wore expressions of disdain, and some even began to whisper.
"Madam Ding is truly unfortunate, to encounter such a man. In her old age, she has to endure this."
"Yes, I heard this new concubine is pregnant, which is why Ding Haowen is so eager to bring her into the household."
"Back in the day, Madam Ding was a beauty of Sucheng. And to assist the Alliance Leader in managing martial affairs, she practiced a unique, yin-leaning martial art, which resulted in her only being able to bear one child before becoming infertile. That child later passed away. Now, this Ding Alliance Leader has remarried, has another child, and is doting on his concubine, leaving Madam Ding all alone."
Everyone lamented with regret, feeling pity for the elusive Madam Ding, whom they had not seen at all throughout the evening.
The sounds of strings and flutes could be heard faintly from outside the manor, lingering and melodic.
Listening to the conversations beside her and recalling the lively scene outside the manor gates, Yun Xiao felt a heavy heart. This was the sorrow of ancient women, their lives revolving around their husbands.
But if her heaven were to collapse, what would become of her? The image of the old woman she had seen on the arched bridge during the day surfaced in her mind – so full of pain and despair. She must have encountered a great tribulation in her life. Yun Xiao was lost in thought.
Ding Haowen's joyous laughter could already be heard from outside the hall entrance, as he walked in.
The sixty-year-old Ding Haowen was experiencing his second spring, his face flushed with happiness and pride.
Today was a double celebration for him: taking a concubine and having a son.
He held a wisp of cotton in his hand, leading the delicate, charming new bride through the manor and into the hall. Someone inside chuckled and spoke up.
"Congratulations, Brother Ding, on gaining a beautiful lady and a precious son."
A thunderous wave of laughter erupted in the room. Despite their disdain, no one wished to openly offend, offering only polite congratulations.
Ding Haowen, either blinded by joy or indifferent to their opinions, acknowledged them all, as it was a day of joy for him, welcoming a new concubine and a son.
"You are too kind, too kind."
The Ding manor's steward hurried forward and whispered, "Master, the auspicious hour has arrived. Please proceed with the wedding ceremony."