"I'm quite the son-in-law, having my father-in-law come out to greet me!"
Zhan Zeyi stepped out of the car slowly, holding Tang Qiyue's fair, jade-like hand in his palm.
A war god paired with a beauty!
Neighbors who had peeked out from the commotion stopped to look. Zhan Zeyi, in his military uniform, radiated a fierce aura, his tough and resolute character undeniable. Beside him, Tang Qiyue, in a cheongsam, appeared petite and charming, yet her eyes held a presence that rivaled his strength.
Leaning slightly against him, she seemed both delicate and unyielding. Zhan Zeyi casually embraced her, his gaze fixed intently on Tang's father at the door.
Tang's father exhaled a silent sigh of relief and hurriedly put on a smile. "Why, my son-in-law is here! Come in, come in!"
Chen Dazhuang had already unloaded the gifts for the return visit. Though modest, no one dared comment—the driver's military presence was too intimidating.
Tang's father instructed his sons to help move the items to the yard and invited Chen Dazhuang inside for tea. But Chen Dazhuang shook his head. "I'm Zhan-ge's driver. I'll just wait in the car."
He knew Tang Qiyue would be leaving soon, and stepping out would only complicate things.
The Tang brothers apologized awkwardly, arranging for one of them to keep Chen Dazhuang company outside.
Tang's father then invited Zhan Zeyi and Tang Qiyue inside.
He wanted to straighten his back and assert his authority as father-in-law, but when he saw Zhan Zeyi sitting down and idly stroking the pistol at his waist, all his confidence drained away.
It is said: when a scholar meets a soldier, reason is useless.
Zhan Zeyi was no ordinary soldier. Before reaching adulthood, he had already boarded a train to the battlefield abroad, charging into enemy camps three times with reckless courage. Later, he accumulated countless merits. If not for his notorious temper and disobedience, his current rank would have been far higher.
Tang's father reflected on his efforts to marry off his daughter. His eldest had eloped, shaming the family. Now, his youngest stood before him—stunning, composed, and accompanied by a formidable husband. Cold sweat ran down his forehead.
His gaze fell on Tang Qiyue. She was fortunate; though her eldest sister was reckless, Tang Qiyue possessed both beauty and composure. Even heroes, he thought, might be swayed by such charm.
"When did my son-in-law return?" he asked, trying to hide his nerves.
Zhan Zeyi, after fiddling with the pistol case, grew bored and grabbed Tang Qiyue's fingers, sitting beside her and teasing them in his scoundrel-like manner.
Tang Qiyue froze. She didn't pull away—she could feel the dangerous aura radiating from him. He was unpredictable, and she wasn't entirely familiar with him yet.
"The day after your daughter's wedding ceremony—with a rooster, no less," Tang's father replied nervously, wiping more cold sweat from his brow. He was forced into a stiff, awkward expression.
"I consulted Master Yuantong for an auspicious date, but such a lucky day is rare. Fortunately, my son-in-law returned safely, so it's not like—"
Before he could finish, Zhan Zeyi clicked his tongue and lifted his gaze to meet his. "Then should I thank you for your kindness?"
Tang's father froze, speechless. He glanced at Tang Qiyue for help.
Tang Qiyue, annoyed and embarrassed by Zhan Zeyi's mischievous grip, tugged back her fingers and glared at him. The sensation of his rough, powerful hands on her fingertips had made her ears burn. That scoundrel was doing it on purpose.
Seeing his daughter's lack of cooperation, Tang's father tried to save face. "No need for thanks—we're family. Formalities aren't necessary!"
Zhan Zeyi ignored him. Tang's father continued, his voice trembling, "It's our fault for temporarily replacing your wife, but Chunlan has gone to the countryside. I can't find her anywhere. When I do, I'll make her kowtow and apologize to you!"
Tang's father closed his eyes, practically begging for mercy.
"That's unacceptable," Zhan Zeyi replied casually. "I don't force women to marry me. Likewise, being forced into marriage is unpleasant!"
The room fell silent. Tang Qiyue, still red-faced, freed her fingers from his grasp.
Zhan Zeyi finally relented, allowing Tang's father to breathe. "For Qiyue's sake, I won't hold it against you, old man!"
Tang's father immediately smiled weakly.
"My old leader asked me to pass on a message: marriage is marriage. He's just acting as matchmaker, nothing else!"
Tang's father, anxious, had been hoping his old leader could lend a hand—the Tang family's reputation was on the line.
"Son-in-law, we're family. You don't want Qiyue's family to fall, do you?"
Zhan Zeyi helped Tang Qiyue stand. "If I were you, I'd obey the rules and do what's required. At least you'd still be alive. If you think about causing trouble, even if you're my father-in-law, I'll be the first to send you to jail."
Tang's father slumped into a chair, utterly defeated.
He then remembered a potential escape route. Surrendering the dowry was acceptable; at least it allowed him to recover later. But before he could compose himself, Tang Qiyue spoke up.
"Father, the dowry you prepared for me makes me uncomfortable. It wasn't given sincerely, so I'll donate it all to the country."
Tang's father's face went pale. He pointed at her, wanting to protest, but his nerves and heart left him speechless.
Tang Qiyue quickly administered the medicine her father always carried, helping him regain his composure.
By the time he recovered, Zhan Zeyi and Tang Qiyue had already left—unceremoniously, without even staying for a meal.
Tang's sons surrounded their father, worried. He slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "It's over! It's really over!"