Chapter 4: A Sacred Marriage
Capítulo 4: Um Casamento Sagrado
The bond between Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian grew stronger with each passing day. They spent countless afternoons walking along the banks of the West Lake, sharing their thoughts, dreams, and philosophies. Xu Xian was captivated by Bai Suzhen's intelligence and grace, while she found in him a purity of heart that was rare among mortals.
O amor entre Bai Suzhen e Xu Xian amadureceu. Os dois decidiram se casar, para a alegria de Xiaoqing e dos vizinhos. O casamento foi realizado de forma simples, mas cheio de calor e felicidade.
One evening, under a brilliant full moon, Xu Xian gathered his courage. "Lady Bai," he began, his voice trembling slightly. "I know we have not known each other for very long, but my heart tells me that you are the person I want to spend the rest of my life with. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Bai Suzhen, em seu vestido de noiva vermelho, parecia uma deusa, enquanto Xu Xian estava elegante e mais feliz do que nunca. Os dois reverenciaram o céu, a terra e os ancestrais, jurando amar e cuidar um do outro para sempre.
Bai Suzhen felt a surge of joy unlike anything she had experienced in her thousand years of existence. "Xu Xian," she replied softly, taking his hands in hers. "I have loved you from the moment we met on the Broken Bridge. I would be honored to be your wife."
"Prometo ser um bom marido e amá-la até o fim dos meus dias", disse Xu Xian com voz firme.
Xiaoqing was delighted by the news. "It's about time!" she exclaimed with a laugh. "I'll handle all the wedding preparations. It will be the most beautiful ceremony Hangzhou has ever seen!"
"Também prometo ser uma boa esposa e estar ao seu lado para sempre, não importa o que aconteça", respondeu Bai Suzhen com lágrimas de alegria.
The wedding was indeed a magnificent affair. Friends and neighbors gathered to celebrate the union of the handsome young apothecary and the beautiful, mysterious lady. The house was decorated with red lanterns and silk ribbons, and the air was filled with the sound of music and laughter.
Após o casamento, os dois viveram uma vida conjugal feliz. Bai Suzhen usava secretamente sua magia para ajudar o marido e as pessoas ao redor, tornando suas vidas prósperas e livres de doenças.
"I promise to love and cherish you forever," Xu Xian whispered to his bride as they shared a cup of wine.
Xu Xian sentia que era o homem mais sortudo do mundo por ter uma esposa tão maravilhosa e bonita. Ele nunca suspeitou que a felicidade que possuía poderia não durar para sempre.
"And I promise to stand by your side, through joy and sorrow," Bai Suzhen replied, her heart full of love.
As the celebrations continued late into the night, Bai Suzhen felt a deep sense of peace. She had finally found the human connection she had sought for so long. However, in the shadows, a powerful force was watching, unaware of the trials that lay ahead for the happy couple. For now, they were simply two souls united in love, ready to face the world together.