Author's Notes: The third installment is finally here! I hope the wait is more than repaid.
Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with the anime series, "Card Captor Sakura" or CLAMP, and any of its affiliates. This fanfic is for entertainment purposes only. This fanfic and its author do not intend to infringe on any copyrights.
A Perfect Union
Chapter Three.
Had he made the right decision? Yes, of course he had. He was to be the leader of the Li clan. Self-doubt was not a pleasure he could bask in. Self-doubt was the fault of feelings. Emotions clouded judgment. Emotions were the ruin of great leaders. Emotions would not ruin him.
But, the image of Meiling's eyes haunted him during these moments. He would forever wake to those eyes. Eyes he had not seen in many years. Eyes he had denied for many years. Eyes that he had come back to.
It was the right decision, he told himself, rubbing his temples. The Elders had told Syaoran that Meiling had given up looking for a man to marry.
He was saving her from a lonely life in the convent. There was nothing for her there. He was bringing her to a wonderful life. He will provide her with everything she needs to live. The Li clan will accept her as his wife.
With this marriage, everyone will be satisfied. The Elders and clan will have an assurance of a leader. His mother will feel comfortable knowing he was finally settled. Meiling will remember herself. Syaoran will forget himself.
Everyone will be satisfied.
Syaoran paced back and forth, forcing his mind to accept this truth. This was for the best. Marrying Meiling would be productive for everyone involved.
He was dressed in a long red gown, red shoes, and a red silk slash. He stopped and slowly exhaled. Yelan placed a delicate hand on his shoulder to calm his nerves. She led him out into the front of the house where they would wait for his bride's entrance.
"Are you ready, Syaoran?" she asked coolly.
Without hesitation, he replied, "Yes, mother."
Firecrackers filled the air as the bridal sedan came into view. A red carpet was placed in front so the bride's feet would not touch the bare earth.
Meiling quickly exhaled when she saw the scene in front of her. Firecrackers were going off in the background and a mass of family and friends were assembled right before her eyes. Everyone hummed and buzzed. Meiling held strong, swallowing her fear and apprehensions. She straightened her shoulders and began walking toward her future husband.
Syaoran gasped when he saw Meiling in the customary attire. She kept her head held high, and her splendid appearance rivaled that of his mother. Never in a thousand lifetimes would he have placed her in such a picture. The young, rash child of his youth was no more. Her patient walk stole his attention.
Yelan smiled when she saw her son's face, and was glad the Elders had not made a mistake with the marriage. It might indeed prove fruitful for the Li clan.
After what seemed an eternity for the couple involved, Meiling finally reached the man she was forced to spend the rest of her life with.
She found it difficult to maintain her composure as the bride and groom went side by side into the house. It was really happening. To leave now would forever disgrace her family. To leave now would forever disgrace her honor. Meiling carefully looked at Syaoran out of the corner of her eye. Although the veil distorted her vision she could see the straightforward gaze of Syaoran. It was the same look Syaoran used to have during their brief time in Japan, battling for the Cards. A bitter taste filled her throat. She was nothing but another mission to him.
A sweet melody filled the ears of all present. A small bird was outside singing its song—rejoicing. A few of the guests laughed among themselves. Merry music on the way to marriage was indeed a good sign.
Syaoran was struck with the memory of when he braved the odds to rescue Meiling's bird. The sweet remembrance brought a hidden smile to his lips. How inseparable they had been. The burdens on his shoulders seem so light then compared to now. Everything was so simple. Their relationship was so simple. They merely stuck together because they were of the same age and both wanted to play. Syaoran could not play with his older sisters and the other children of the clan feared the great future that many proclaimed for little Syaoran. Thus, he was alone. That is, until he met Meiling. She had been the sole child out of them all to approach him one day.
But, then, fate had taken them on a rocky ride. Syaoran refrained from holding those thoughts and turned his mind to the present. The past was written in books and stored away, collecting dust for a reason.
He prided himself on defaulting to reason at all times. There was a reason for returning to his homeland. There was a reason for agreeing with the Elders. There was a reason why the woman beside was not the only person he had ever told he loved.
But, it was all dust—all dust, he told himself. He had obligations to meet. He had a role to fulfill.
Syaoran and Meiling were conducted to the family altar, where they paid homage to Heaven and Earth, and the family ancestors.
The couple then turned towards each other and bowed. They offered Yelan and the elders tea, and were in turn presented with packets of money. The ceremony was complete. Syaoran and Meiling were now united as man and wife.
Everyone agreed it was a perfect union.