The anti-Qing movement began with the looting of the Eight-Nation Alliance.

Shen Lian's wedding was three days away, and relatives began to arrive one after another. Dozens of people came from his hometown in western Hunan, as well as his father's old friends and comrades-in-arms.

Shen Lian has been staying at home these past few days, accompanying the old man in receiving various guests. Only now does he realize how much influence the old man has.

Not to mention the relatives from his hometown, many military officers from all over the country came. Numerous admirals and generals sent their men. Among them, the most distinguished was Zeng Guangquan, the eldest grandson of the Zeng family for three generations.

Shen Lian was well aware of his father Shen Hu's relationship with the Zeng family, but he himself had little respect for this so-called "half-saint." He was a ruthless killer, greedy for money and valuables, and utterly servile.

As a Han Chinese who controlled the two rivers region and commanded a large army, he could have easily overthrown the Manchu Qing dynasty by simply marching north. However, he squandered this golden opportunity for the sake of his so-called reputation.

So no matter how enthusiastic his father was towards Zeng Guangquan, Shen Lian only gave him a perfunctory response; he had no desire to have anything to do with the Zeng family.

He did take a few more glances at Zhang Peilun, the advisor personally sent by Li Zhongtang. Shen Lian knew that he was not only Li Zhongtang's advisor, but also his son-in-law.

Shen Lian didn't feel that he and his father had the honor of sending their son-in-law to his wedding, given that the shrewd Grand Secretary had sent such a person.

They were probably more interested in the Nie family. After all, his father-in-law came from the Huai Army and now held an important position with considerable military power. It wouldn't be surprising if Li Zhongtang sent someone.

Although this defeated general no longer holds any official position, he is quite famous. Shen Lian wondered to himself, "I wonder if it was him who arranged for Li Hongzhang to accept money from the Russians and Japanese?"

While the father and son were talking with Zhang Peilun, Uncle Fu came to report that the Nie family's boat had arrived. Shen Lian quickly apologized and went out.

Shen Lian led his men to the dock, where they saw ten official boats draped in red cloth moored. A large number of soldiers were maintaining order. It seemed his wife's dowry was quite substantial!

"Brother-in-law!" Upon seeing Shen Lian arrive, Nie Shuping was the first to disembark from the boat. His second brother, Nie Xianfan, followed behind.

"Greetings, brothers!" Shen Lian hurriedly stepped forward to pay his respects.

"Brother-in-law! You've done something amazing! I've heard about it all in the capital. You're truly impressive!" Nie Shuping patted Shen Lian on the shoulder and laughed heartily.

"I've already booked an inn! My two brothers, come with me to see if it's suitable."

With the wedding just two days away, the Nie family couldn't stay on the boat indefinitely, nor could they stay at the Shen family's place. Shen Lian had already booked the best inn in the city, Tongfu Inn, for the Nie family to stay temporarily, and they would also come here to pick up the bride on the wedding day.

"Alright! Zhiyuan, please lead the way!" Nie Xianfan was much more composed than the third brother, and he took the lead in escorting the bride this time.

After the three arrived at the inn, the two brothers were quite satisfied. After explaining everything, Shen Lian left, as he was not yet married and it was inappropriate for him to meet with Nie Xiaoqian at this time.

Two days later, the entire city of Linqing was spotless. Spirited soldiers, dressed in crisp uniforms and carrying brand-new Mauser rifles, guarded every key point.

Shen Lian mobilized an entire battalion of soldiers for today's wedding!

Whether it was the Nie family or the common people and officials of the city, everyone marveled at the soldiers wearing grass-green woolen coats with gleaming gold copper buttons on their chests and cuffs.

These soldiers are so imposing! Lord Shen is so generous with his money, how much silver did this uniform cost?

The soldiers were wearing military uniforms personally designed by Shen Lian, referencing modern dress styles. Although it cost a considerable amount of money, the effect was obvious. Not only had the common people never seen anything like it, but the soldiers themselves felt a surge of pride wearing them. Each of them held their chin high.

After lunch, Shen Lian changed into a brand-new groom's outfit. A large red flower adorned his chest, and he rode a white horse, leading an eight-bearer sedan chair to fetch his bride.

Two pairs of large red lions led the way, followed by thirty-six soldiers of the same height standing straight, with an equal number of soldiers bringing up the rear. The procession, accompanied by music and fanfare, led them to the inn.

The Nie family had, of course, made preparations long ago, and after a series of elaborate rituals, Shen Lian finally welcomed Nie Xiaoqian out.

Today, she wore a wedding robe personally designed by Shen Lian, with a cloak eighteen meters long. She wore a phoenix crown on her head and a heart-shaped necklace that shone brightly on her chest. She exuded unparalleled nobility.

"Lift the sedan chair!" The gongs and drums sounded, and firecrackers crackled. Two pairs of lions also danced energetically. The group began to slowly make their way towards the General's Mansion.

Following the bridal sedan chair was a large dowry, displayed openly for all to see. Besides the expected furniture, clothing, jewelry, and fine silks, the Nie family also provided 200,000 taels of silver as a dowry. The sight of the gleaming silver made the onlookers on the roadside wide-eyed.

On one of the loads was a stack of documents—land deeds for two thousand acres of land in the outskirts of Beijing. The entire dowry of the Nie family stretched for miles. This must be what they call a ten-mile-long red bridal procession! Shen Lian, however, did not see the legendary coffin.

"May Lord Shen's marriage be blessed with good fortune and his descendants enjoy longevity!" Everywhere they went, people along the roadside shouted their congratulations. Shen Lian bowed in gratitude. Many of the people along the roadside were workers from Shen Lian's cigarette factory and lighter factory; both factories were closed for the day of Shen Lian's wedding.

The workers, along with their families, came to attend Shen Lian's wedding. Although they couldn't enter the General's Mansion, they still kowtowed to Shen Lian on the roadside to thank him for giving them a respectable job.

Several carts followed on either side, laden with baskets full of copper coins. The workers grabbed them and threw them into the crowd, causing adults and children alike to scramble for them.

After circling the city, the procession finally arrived outside the General's Mansion as dusk approached. Shen Lian, though curious, was practically frozen with a forced smile.

Today, the main gate of the General's Mansion was wide open, and a red carpet ten feet wide stretched from the central hall all the way to the street.

Shen Lian dismounted and waited to the side. Two maids helped Nie Xiaoqian down from the bridal sedan chair and then brought her a red water chestnut. Shen Lian grabbed one end and led Nie Xiaoqian slowly inside.

Upon arriving at the main hall, Hu, dressed in brand-new official robes, sat at the head of the table with a broad smile. Nie Xianfan represented his parents on behalf of the Nie family.

Prefect Wu Huiqing personally read the blessing. Then, with a loud shout, "The auspicious hour has arrived! The bride and groom shall now perform the wedding ceremony!"

"First bow to heaven and earth, second bow to the parents, husband and wife bow to each other! Then escort them to the bridal chamber..." Shen Lian finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Shen Lian changed his clothes and, led by his father, began toasting each table to thank the guests who had come.

In the dead of night, after seeing off the guests, Shen Lian washed his face and went into his bridal chamber.

On the tall, brand-new, gilded canopy bed, a beautiful woman sat gracefully on the edge, her head covered by a red veil. Hearing Shen Lian enter, her body trembled slightly.

Shen Lian took the scale beam handed to him by the maid and gently lifted the red veil. A beautiful face, as lovely as a fairy, was revealed.