In the blink of an eye, the day of Ying Zheng's wedding arrived.

The city of Xianyang was filled with the sounds of music and drums.

From dawn onwards, embroidered curtains were hung on the city gates, and large "double happiness" characters were displayed above the vermilion lintels, creating a scene of jubilation. On both sides of the main street, people stood in rows, their faces beaming with joy, their eyes all fixed on the solemn and magnificent royal palace in the city.

As noon approached, within the palace walls, officials dressed in court robes stood in two rows, with the palace gates standing tall and majestic like pine trees.

The central red carpet stretched from the palace gate to the jade steps of the main hall. Brocade and colorful silks hung from the gold-plated pillars, fluttering gently in the wind. The music grew louder and more intense with each note. Court musicians and actors lined the high platform, striking chimes and bells in perfect unison. The solemn and powerful drumbeats resonated with the soul, like a hundred rivers flowing into the sea.

With a loud shout of "Welcome the new bride—", all the officials held their breath and watched as a golden-armored entourage strolled out from the inner court of the magnificent palace.

Dozens of maids slowly carried embroidered handkerchiefs and precious objects, followed by more than a dozen musicians holding jade flutes and vermilion pipes, playing music along the way. Guards in golden helmets and iron armor stood on both sides, holding long halberds, their expressions solemn.

Today, Ying Zheng wore a black robe with gold patterns, a jade belt around his waist, and a crown reaching to the heavens, exuding both imperial majesty and the joy of a newlywed. Beside him, his bride, Mi Ji, wore a long, flowing robe woven with exquisite brocade, her demeanor serene and graceful. Though she lowered her head and moved slightly, her radiant beauty was undeniable.

The two walked side by side, their steps slowly meeting on the steps, like the sun and moon shining together, instantly drawing admiration from the crowd in front of the hall.

At this moment, the master of ceremonies presented the golden book, and all the officials offered their congratulations in unison.

Ying Zheng's gaze was sharp as lightning. Under the glow of the lights at the top of the hall, his eyes revealed the decisiveness and domineering spirit of a great ruler, yet they also held a touch of joy due to the upcoming wedding.

He led Mi Ji to the high platform, stood there, looked down at the civil and military officials below, and waved his sleeve, saying with a smile, "Gentlemen, please rise!"

"We thank Your Majesty!" The ministers bowed and then stood still.

Zhao Gao shouted, "Take your seats! Attend the best seats! Summon the envoys from all directions to enter the palace for an audience!"

The command echoed throughout the hall, and the drums and music from the side of the hall rose again. As Zhao Gao proclaimed the order, the guards lined up on the left and right and slowly pushed open the towering palace gates.

After the attendants announced their arrival, the envoys from all directions filed into the hall. Some wore golden crowns, others were draped in exotic furs; though their etiquette differed, they all revealed a deep reverence for the Qin royal authority. Knowing this was a grand ceremony of the Qin Dynasty, they dared not show the slightest negligence.

In the main hall, Ying Zheng and Mi Ji stood side by side, like a phoenix rising and a dragon leaping, leaving all the envoys who came to the hall in awe.

Previously, I was only amazed by the wedding procession, but now I can truly feel the grandeur and majesty of the newlyweds: one is the ambitious and powerful King of Qin, and the other is the beautiful and noble Queen.

The two men used the imperial steps as a high platform to observe the officials and envoys from all directions, their eyes filled with confidence and composure.

The master of ceremonies immediately announced the names of the envoys, who then stepped forward in turn to present their gifts. Some offered treasures from the Western Regions and exotic stones from the southern barbarians, while others presented spices from beyond the Great Wall. Some respectfully offered jade-carved lions, and still others presented jeweled swords and knives.

In an instant, golden and emerald light flowed, and exotic fragrances filled the air, making others envious.

After the ceremony was completed, Ying Zheng personally raised his hand to indicate: "I am deeply honored that you have come from afar. Today is my wedding day, and I hope you will all rest well in my Great Qin. A grand banquet will be held for you later—and there will be some of my Qin's newly made wine and sweets for you to enjoy."

After she finished speaking, the prince's musicians began to play music again. The strings and bamboo instruments harmonized, and the sound was clear and beautiful. Accompanied by the bells and chimes striking the palace walls in the distance, it seemed as if the echoes from heaven and earth were also blended into this grand ceremony.

In an instant, the hall and its surroundings became even more lively.

The envoys were led to their seats by the maids. At the head table, Ying Zheng and Mi Ji sat side by side on the magnificent throne, personally raising their cups and looking around.

"Today is the day of my wedding, which also symbolizes the harmony within and without Qin, and the joy of all its people. Let us all drink to this cup!"

After he finished speaking, two groups of dozens of palace maids entered in single file, carrying exquisite bronze vessels filled with a dazzling array of delicacies, pastries, and fruits.

The maids placed the food on the tables, and immediately dozens of eunuchs came into the hall carrying bronze wine jars and began to pour wine for everyone present.

In an instant, the aroma of wine filled the air, and looking around the hall, it stirred up anxiety in everyone present.

"This wine is definitely not simple!" The four envoys stared intently at the wine glass, as if they wanted to pierce the glass with their eyes.

They didn't know that the wine in their cups was different from that of the Qin officials; it lacked mellowness and flavor, but was simply strong! Perfect for these barbarians.

Important ministers such as Meng Ao, Meng Can, and Han Fei, who were seated nearby, couldn't wait to pick up their wine cups and take a sip. They felt a hot and spicy sensation rush to their mouths and noses, yet the wine was also fragrant, mellow, and had a lingering sweetness on their tongues. They couldn't help but praise it repeatedly.

The envoys from all directions had just arrived in Qin when they heard about the newly brewed fine wine. Now, they were even more curious and tried it one after another. Some people showed surprise and delight, while others had flushed cheeks. Some wine connoisseurs even drank heartily, downing several cups in no time and exclaiming, "Delicious!"

After finishing their drinks, the guests tasted desserts, praising the sweet treats and whispering amongst themselves about the wealth of the Qin Dynasty.

Ying Zheng, holding a wine cup, smiled as he surveyed the entire hall. Suddenly, he turned his gaze to his wicked husband sitting below him, and the two exchanged a smile.

The wicked man picked up his wine cup and stood up, asking with a smile, "Are you all satisfied with the special wine made by my Qin state? We come from all over the country, and our customs are different. The wine before us is not the strongest, so that you may not be able to handle it."

These words caused an uproar among the uncultured barbarians.

I thought this wine would be the best I'd ever tasted, but I never imagined there was something even stronger. My heart was suddenly itching to try it.

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