125, Vows, Matching Rings

Jing Qingxin’s lips curled into a gentle smile—she would accompany him through all the splendors of the world!

Suddenly, a realization struck her: today, they had officially registered their marriage! They were now truly husband and wife. The thought brought an immediate flush to her cheeks.

Lowering her gaze, Jing Qingxin began to brush her hair, avoiding eye contact as she stepped closer to the bed.

Seeing her approach, Gao Shen promptly set aside the book in his hands, unaware of her inner fluttering. He took the towel from her and gently helped her sit at the edge of the bed, softly drying her hair, concern evident in his voice. “Feeling better now?”

“Mm, soaking in the bath made me feel completely at ease,” she replied cheerfully, ignoring the strange flutter in her heart. Thankfully, she had the precious ‘Flowing Light Brocade’—without it, after such a busy day, she would surely be aching all over, and the long journey home would have left her utterly exhausted.

They chatted idly for a while until her hair was fully dried.

Jing Qingxin slipped into her place on the bed, a spot that now felt familiar and comfortable for them both. Yet, inexplicably, a sudden nervousness gripped her.

“Qingxin, wait before you sleep,” Gao Shen said hastily, seeing her about to pull up the thin blanket.

“Uh, why?” she blinked, her eyes wide and heart pounding.

He turned sideways to block her view, then reached beneath the pillow and pulled out a velvet box. Opening the red case, he revealed a silver ring resting in his palm. He took her left hand in his right, looking deeply into her eyes.

“What is it?” she whispered, her voice trembling, caught off guard by the atmosphere.

Her heart fluttered wildly—anxious and excited all at once.

“Qingxin,” Gao Shen said firmly, “today is the day we registered our marriage.”

She paused, then answered, “Yes, and?”

“Qingxin,” he called softly, his voice tender as they sat so close, gazing at one another.

Hearing her name spoken so gently, her heart softened inexplicably.

Gao Shen’s gaze was filled with unhidden tenderness, his handsome features softened by emotion. As the air seemed to still around them, he spoke slowly, “Qingxin, thank you for becoming my wife. From this day forward, your life and death belong to Gao Shen. You will never leave me. And I, Gao Shen, in the name of a soldier, swear my loyalty to you alone—for this lifetime, I will neither disappoint nor forsake you.”

With those words, he took her left hand and slid the silver ring onto her ring finger. It fit perfectly.

Jing Qingxin was stunned the moment he spoke—she had not expected such a surprise. Though his words carried a hint of possessiveness, she felt no discomfort; instead, she was delighted. To truly care for someone was to express a strong desire to hold their heart.

His vow moved her deeply. She knew that such solemn words from a disciplined soldier like Gao Shen were the utmost declaration of love—his way of sweetly expressing devotion.

Even more surprising, Gao Shen had prepared a wedding ring for her! In this era, weddings were all about the grand four treasures, not rings. Where had he gotten this from?

The ring on her finger was simple, far from lavish or ornate. It was pure silver, with a single heart carved in the center, inside which were two letters: “sx.”

“Sx?” They corresponded to the last letters of their names—Shen and Qingxin?

A sweet smile curved her lips. Did it mean “deeply in my heart”?

Jing Qingxin never cared much for grand ceremonies. What mattered was the person who held her hand, the one who would walk with her into the sacred halls of marriage—the sincerity of his heart.

From childhood, influenced by her parents, she had always hoped for a love like theirs: mutual understanding and companionship, two hearts meeting as equals, with respect, admiration, love, and unwavering support.

Having that one person was enough.

Tears welled in her eyes as she smiled softly. “Where did you get this ring? Do you know what it means?”

“I saw it in a book called ‘International Travel of the World,’” Gao Shen replied. “In your time, do couples wear a pair of rings when they marry? I read a little about it—the ring is worn on the left hand’s ring finger because the artery there leads straight to the heart. Wearing it means the heart is bound. So, Qingxin, I want to keep your heart, to connect our souls.”

Gao Shen’s lips curved with affection as he spoke tenderly.

Jing Qingxin never imagined he would be so thoughtful or so capable of such sweet words. Though he never said “I love you,” these words were enough to fill her heart with sweetness—so very sweet.

Her eyes brimmed with tears of happiness, which she did not wipe away. She gazed deeply into the man before her. These were tears of joy.

“And your ring?” she asked.

From beneath the pillow, Gao Shen produced another velvet box. Jing Qingxin opened it to find an identical silver ring, slightly larger.

She picked up the ring, gently took Gao Shen’s left hand, and slid it onto his finger. Her heart was tender and full, bursting with words she wished to share, yet none seemed strong enough to capture her feelings.

“May we have years to look back on, and grow old together with deep affection. Gao Shen, I will strive to be a good wife and give you a warm home—our home,” she said with a smile, clasping his hands tightly.

Then, leaning forward, she pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. Tears of happiness adorned her cheek. In this moment, her heart overflowed with tenderness and joy. With their lips meeting, she longed for him to feel her love.

Her arms wrapped around his neck, her kisses grew more passionate, as if only this could release the flood of emotion within her.

—Author’s Note—

Dear readers, there’s been a slight delay with the manuscript. The next update will come a bit later tonight, so please don’t worry. Much love!

Finally, I’d like to ask: which time of day do you prefer for updates? Morning, noon, or evening?

If five or more choose the same time, I will follow that schedule!

This novel is first published by Xiao Xiang Academy. Please do not repost!