Did Emperor Xiaoxuan and the Crown Prince arrive in person?

Shen Zhiyi was surprised and hurriedly went out to greet them. The music stopped abruptly, and everyone knelt down and kowtowed to welcome the emperor.

Both he and the Crown Prince were dressed in casual clothes today, and brought congratulatory gifts. Apart from their personal eunuchs, they only brought a few guards. "Rise, everyone. Today is a joyous occasion for the Duke of Shen. The Crown Prince and I have come to celebrate. Please make yourselves at home."

As he spoke, he personally helped Shen Chongde up, saying, "Duke Shen, what a joyous occasion!"

"It is my honor that Your Majesty has come in person," he said, leading Emperor Xiaoxuan and the Crown Prince into the house.

At first glance, Zhou Xuance was seen sitting and drinking tea.

"Your Majesty." He stood up, but did not bow.

"You're here too?"

"It is only right to celebrate the marriage of my savior. Moreover, my elder brother has also reminded me not to stay at home all the time, but to go out more. You said that the Duke is a pillar of the country and a veteran in the army, and that I should ask him to learn from him. I have always remembered what you said."

"It's good that you're listening," Emperor Xiaoxuan said with a smile. "How have you been lately?"

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I can still manage."

"That's good."

Shen Zhiyi noticed that the Crown Prince had lost a lot of weight, even his lips were pale and bloodless, and his cheekbones were so thin that they protruded slightly.

"The young master of the Shen family is getting married. I never expected that His Majesty, the Crown Prince and the Regent would all be here. Looking at the entire capital, who else has received such treatment?" The guests were already discussing it enthusiastically.

"The Shen family has served as the guardians of the border for generations, so it is normal for His Majesty to value them."

"..."

As the crowd whispered among themselves, the wedding procession returned. The Wen family only had one daughter, so her dowry was naturally generous, stretching for dozens of miles, with the caravan moving in an orderly fashion.

Shen Muzhi was an impatient person, and he dragged Shen Zhiyi along to see what was going on.

Shen Jingchuan kicked the sedan chair door, and when the curtain was lifted, Wen Qing, dressed in a fiery red wedding gown, phoenix coronet and embroidered robe, with a red veil on her head, moved lightly with lotus steps. Her wedding attire was elaborate, and she was probably a little nervous, as her hands, which were hidden in her sleeves, unconsciously tightened.

Unexpectedly, a hand appeared in their line of sight the next second.

"Groom, aren't you being a little too hasty? You want the bride's hand right now?" the matchmaker said with a smile.

These words made the people around her laugh, and Wen Qing's face involuntarily flushed under her red veil.

Shen Jingchuan ignored her and simply took her hand, saying, "Don't be nervous, I'll lead you inside."

"Mm," Wen Qing responded in a muffled voice.

The two stood side by side, looking exceptionally well-matched.

He led Wen Qing through the door like that.

Inside the main hall, with the elders above, the newlyweds slowly entered. The Shen couple were naturally relieved. As the master of ceremonies announced their greetings, the newlyweds performed the three-bow ceremony.

They bow to heaven and earth, pay respects to their elders, and the husband and wife bow to each other, pledging their love for each other across lifetimes amidst the blessings of their guests.

Emperor Xiaoxuan even offered his blessings: "May you be like a pair of flying geese for eternity, never to be separated for a hundred years."

He also bestowed upon him two jade pendants with a love knot design.

The two kowtowed to thank His Majesty, and everyone's attention was focused on the newlyweds. Today, even the servants of the Duke's mansion would receive extra favors. Seeing that the ceremony was over, they inevitably became a little lax, so no one noticed that someone had mingled among the guests.

Just as the atmosphere was getting heated, someone rushed out and shouted, "Wait!"

A loud shout successfully silenced all the guests instantly.

As everyone was wondering who dared to act so presumptuously with His Majesty present, someone pushed through the crowd and knelt directly before Emperor Xiaoxuan, saying, "Greetings, Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty!"

"Song Maozhang?" Emperor Xiaoxuan frowned.

"Lord Song, today is a joyous occasion for our Duke's mansion. What are you doing?" Shen Chongde frowned.

"Today is a big day for the Duke's mansion. If Lord Song wants to come and ask for a drink, the Shen family will certainly welcome him." The guests also looked puzzled.

"Your humble servant is not here to attend a wedding banquet, but rather to..."

"We sue the Duke of Zhenguo!"

Song Maozhang spoke at a very loud volume, and after he finished speaking, he kowtowed to Emperor Xiaoxuan.

The crowd erupted in uproar.

To the Duke of Zhenguo?

How audacious!

The hall fell silent instantly. Shen Chongde was a decorated military figure with considerable military power. To sue him? That would require solid evidence!

With His Majesty present, His Majesty has the authority to make His Majesty's decision, so for a time no one dared to speak.

Emperor Xiaoxuan was clearly surprised, even the Crown Prince was stunned for a few seconds, and the Shen family members all had different expressions.

Zhou Xuance, however, was still leisurely drinking tea, as if he were watching a play.

Shen Zhiyi was standing next to her second brother at this moment. Shen Muzhi had a quick temper and would explode at the slightest provocation.

He jumped up instantly: "You old bastard, your Song family bullied my family because no one in the capital existed, and you insulted my sister first. Today, my elder brother is getting married, and you come to ruin it again. Have I given you face?"

His face was filled with murderous intent, and he seemed about to rush over and kill him as he spoke!

"Mu Zhi!" Shen Chongde shouted, "How dare you act so presumptuously before His Majesty!"

"No wonder they say that an old man who doesn't die is a thief. This old bastard dared to disrupt my elder brother's wedding banquet..." With old and new grudges piled up, Shen Zhiyi couldn't stop him at all.

He was tall and strong, and when he suddenly rushed over, Song Maozhang was so frightened that his face turned slightly pale.

Fortunately, Shen Jingchuan was there and grabbed his arm. "Second brother!"

"Big brother, he..."

"With His Majesty here, he will surely give the Shen family justice." Shen Jingchuan pulled his younger brother and looked at Emperor Xiaoxuan. "Your Majesty, Mu Zhi has lived on the frontier since childhood and is impulsive. Please forgive him."

"It's alright." Emperor Xiaoxuan looked at the person kneeling before him. "The Duke of Shen has worked diligently and conscientiously for the cause; how dare you slander him!"

"Men, drag him away!"

As soon as the sound fell, guards stepped forward and tried to drag him away.

Song Maozhang struggled, "Your Majesty, you must believe me. Duke Shen Chongde is a traitor who has colluded with the enemy and betrayed the country. You must not be deceived by him!"

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