Gathering From All Sides (2)

"I'll take my leave first." Deacon Wang cupped his hands and turned to leave.

Looking at Deacon Wang's back, Shen Ping was not in a hurry to return to the backyard of the hall to share this unexpected joy with his wife, concubine, and Dao companions. Instead, he took out the purple jade ring and went straight to Jingsi House.

The small courtyard was simple and unadorned. There was no one in sight. But soon, a figure in a palace dress appeared beside the stone platform. There was a smile on her dignified and virtuous face. When Shen Ping saw this, he hurriedly went forward and bowed. "Thank you, Master, for allowing my wife, concubine, and Dao companions to participate in the ceremony."

The gentle voice said calmly, "It's a small matter. There's no need to care. Since they're your Dao companions, they'll live and die together and share fortune and misfortune with you."