It's an unspoken but common acceptance in the Nie Sect for when specific, special circumstances are met, for close relatives to marry. So when it was clear that Nie Mingjue was uninterested in every woman proposed to him as a spouse, and the obvious closeness to his half brother, this acceptance was put into practice.

The ceremony was appropriate, if kept to their clan and select other clan heads (those who at least accepted the arrangement enough not to cause trouble) for sect leader and heir. There's a lightness to Mingjue's step as he leads his brother-husband to their rooms, anticipation thrumming through him the closer they get. There's a hot bath waiting for them should they choose to enjoy it before...or after...or even during the cementing of their vows.

The door closes behind them and he turns to Huaisang, reaching for the veil as he ponders over just how gentle he can manage to be now that they're finally joining. Because he knows his brother loves the pomp and circumstance, his lips quirk before he speaks.

"Did you enjoy the ceremony?"