Before we knew it, the sweltering heat had subsided, and the nights of early autumn were growing longer.

The marriage between Princess Zhao Chunhua and Prince Rui has become a hot topic of discussion.

As dusk fell, every street in the imperial city was filled with joy as people poured out of their homes to witness this historic moment.

Inside the palace, everything was resplendent in gold and jade, with red ribbons fluttering in the wind and palace lanterns hanging high, illuminating every corner.

Zhao Zhi was dressed in an exquisitely luxurious phoenix crown and embroidered robe, on which were lifelike phoenixes spread their wings as if about to take flight and break through the sky.

The skirt of the wedding dress was several feet long, layered and cascading, as light and flowing as clouds.

On the hem of the skirt, gold and silver threads intertwine to form various auspicious patterns, shimmering with dazzling light.

Zhao Zhi's hair was styled in a high bun, and she wore a phoenix crown.

After being made up, Zhao Zhi's face was as bright as the moon, her eyes were like autumn water, and her red lips were slightly parted, revealing a hint of shyness and anticipation.

Lanru and Fenghong looked at Zhao Zhi's appearance and couldn't help but tear up, murmuring, "If the Empress Dowager saw this scene, I wonder how happy she would be?"

"Alright, don't be sad. From now on, we will take good care of the Eldest Princess on behalf of the Empress Dowager."

The two men helped Zhao Zhi carefully board the Yan Zhai carriage.

The roof of the car was covered with purple silk, which fluttered gently in the wind, like a flowing cloud.

The chariot moved slowly forward, its wheels rolling over the bluestone pavement, making a soft sound.

Outside the carriage, the people had been waiting for a long time. They flocked to both sides of the road, craning their necks, eager to catch a glimpse of the princess.

However, the carriage was surrounded by tents, so they couldn't see anything. But there were still wedding candies and fruits, and they still cheered.

Lanru and Fenghong served by her side, constantly scattering wedding candies and fruits into the crowd, creating a lively atmosphere.

At the very front of the Yanzhai carriage was Shen Hanshan, who had come to fetch the bride.

He wore a jade crown, a brocade wedding robe, and a gold and jade belt around his waist. At the belt buckle, a lifelike auspicious head was carved.

She wore a pair of cloud-patterned brocade boots, with auspicious clouds and mythical beasts embroidered on the boot shafts.

However, his gloomy face seemed somewhat out of place in this joyous occasion.

Du Heng whispered a reminder from the side, "Your Highness, today you are the groom, the glorious prince consort. At least smile, everyone is watching!"

"What are you laughing at?" Shen Hanshan hissed angrily. "I've already given her plenty of face by not wearing all white!"

Du Heng twitched his lips and fell silent.

Yan Zhai's carriage slowly came to a stop in front of the Prince Rui's mansion.

According to the rules, Shen Hanshan should carry the eldest princess out of the car.

He remained frozen beside the horse, refusing to move forward.

Lanru had no choice but to call out again, "Please, Prince Consort, escort the bride alighting from the carriage!"

Shen Hanshan took a deep breath and reached out to Yan Zhaiche. Zhao Zhi slowly peeked out, while Feng Hong carefully supported the phoenix crown on her head.

Through the bridal veil, Zhao Zhi looked at those large, calloused hands, her heart pounding like a deer.

Unexpectedly, after all the twists and turns, she still ended up marrying him.

Seeing that the princess was not extending her hand, Shen Hanshan grew impatient.

He stepped forward, stretched out his long arm, and suddenly pulled the princess into his arms.

Zhao Zhi instinctively reached out and hugged his neck tightly.

Her exclamation was quickly drowned out by a commotion.

"Prince Rui is valiant!" "The Prince Consort is amazing!"

But after that hug, Shen Hanshan clearly sensed that something was wrong.

Women are generally slender and wouldn't be this heavy.

He wore a bitter expression, thinking to himself, "Judging by this weight, could the princess be a fat person?"

He gently placed the princess on the ground, his movements careful yet revealing a hint of stiffness.

Shen Hanshan led Zhao Zhi by the hand and they walked slowly ahead.

Several maids stood behind the two, carefully carrying the princess's wedding dress.

Shen Hanshan frowned, unable to hide his reluctance to the marriage.

Zhao Zhi sensed his unease, her heart sank slightly, and then she suddenly realized something, her face lighting up with joy.

Shen Hanshan unconsciously kneaded Zhao Zhi's slender fingers, as if confirming something.

"No, if it were a fat person, these fingers would be so slender..." he thought to himself, it was rare to see a fat person with such beautiful fingers.

Zhao Zhi felt a slight itch in her heart from Shen Hanshan's sudden action. She lowered her head, a blush rising on her cheeks.

Upon seeing this, the maids behind him all lowered their heads, not daring to look any longer.

As the master of ceremonies chanted loudly, the two were led to the front of the wedding hall.

Although unwilling, Shen Hanshan could only force a smile and stand side by side with the princess.

Zhao Zhi held Shen Hanshan's hand tightly, her heart filled with anticipation.

"First bow to Heaven and Earth—" the master of ceremonies announced loudly.

Shen Hanshan and Zhao Zhi bowed together, but Shen Hanshan's gesture was clearly perfunctory.

Zhao Zhi sensed his reluctance and felt both amused and exasperated. She wondered how Shen Hanshan would feel when he found out that the person he was marrying today was none other than Zhao Zhi himself.

"Second bow to the parents—"

The two bowed again, this time Shen Hanshan's bow was slightly more serious.

He raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the four memorial tablets one by one, and his nose began to sting with emotion.

The images above show his and Zhao Zhi's parents.

Their parents are now both buried in the earth.

Shen Hanshan couldn't help but glance at the eldest princess beside him, and suddenly felt a sense of empathy for her, and felt more sympathy for her.

But the thought that Zhao Zhi had been hidden away by Zhao Yi because of her vanished in an instant.

"Husband and wife bow to each other—"

The master of ceremonies' voice rang out again, and Shen Hanshan and the Princess stood face to face.

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