Chapter 381 The Emperor Visits the Wen Residence to Welcome the Queen

Wen Mansion, Qiwu Garden.

Before daybreak, Wen Li'er had been awakened by her mother and several senior maids sent from the palace.

Cleansing the face, dressing, changing clothes, each step is rigorous and complicated, revealing the royal majesty and respect for the new queen.

The bright red phoenix wears a peony cloud brocade wedding gown, with intricate and gorgeous patterns outlined with gold thread. Every stitch and every thread embodies the hard work of countless embroiderers.

The wide cuffs and the long skirt make her look radiant and elegant as she moves.

The heavy nine-tailed phoenix crown inlaid with red gold and kingfisher feathers was worn firmly on her bun, with tassels hanging down and pearls and jade swaying, making Wen Li'er's gentle face even more graceful and elegant, beyond compare.

Liang Yuhe looked at her daughter in the mirror, dressed up and radiant, with tears in her eyes, feeling both reluctant and proud.

She personally arranged the last strand of her daughter's hair, her voice choked slightly:

"My pear...it's so beautiful today."

"Mother..." Wen Li'er held her mother's hand, her heart surging.

At this moment, it was far better than she had expected before she got married, and it was considered the perfection of her marriage.

From the time His Majesty called out "Father-in-law and Mother-in-law" at the Wen Mansion, to the moment when she put on the wedding dress that symbolizes the honor of the Queen Mother, every step was stamped with his feelings for her.

She was really happy.

She will accompany him all the way forward.

As long as he doesn't let go, she will always be with him.

When the morning light was just beginning to shine, the red gate of the Wen Mansion opened.

The front of the palace was decorated with lanterns and colorful lights, the long street was sprinkled with clean water, and the imperial guards, in their bright armor, stood solemnly like a forest.

Everyone in the Wen family, from Wen's father and mother to the servants, wore auspicious attire, held their breath, and stood respectfully inside the door with their hands lowered. Their excitement was beyond words.

The solemn ceremonial music came from far away, the chimes were deep and the drums were loud, and the majesty of the emperor's ceremonial procession enveloped the entire street.

With golden axes, dragon flags and phoenix fans leading the way, the imperial guards led by Zhang Sicheng slowly marched to the main gate of Wen Mansion.

The imperial chariot came to a stop, and Yongtai, dressed in a crimson gown, spoke in a resounding voice:

"The Holy Emperor will personally welcome you—the auspicious time has arrived—"

Wen Tingkuan led the entire palace in kneeling deeply in homage: "Your Highness, we respectfully welcome you. Long live the Emperor!"

Yan Shixu was wearing a dark robe with twelve emblems, a golden crown on his head, and sitting upright on the imperial chariot.

His deep gaze penetrated the morning light, passed the ceremonial guards and the kneeling crowd, and went straight to the depths of the open mansion gate.

Without waiting for Yongtai to support him, he had already stood up nimbly and stepped down from the imperial carriage.

The black robe fluttered in the breeze, strangely blending the dignity of an emperor with the eagerness of today's groom.

And just at this moment, the rings and bracelets jingled and the pearls and jades shone brightly.

Wen Li'er, dressed in gorgeous attire, was led by her brother and surrounded by palace maids and matchmakers as she slowly appeared in the light and shadow of the porch.

Yan Shixu's footsteps suddenly stopped the moment he saw her clearly.

The fiery red wedding dress was like the burning morning glow, making her skin look as white as snow;

The dazzling phoenix crown hung down with pearl tassels, swaying gently in front of her forehead, shining brightly.

She moved lightly with graceful steps, and every step seemed to step on Yan Shixu's suddenly disordered heart.

Even though we are together day and night, with children around us...

At this moment, she was dressed up for marriage and was personally welcomed by him. She was so beautiful that it took his breath away.

Yan Shixu felt a surge of hot satisfaction in his chest.

He subconsciously took a big step forward, and the jade beads hanging from the crown tassel swayed slightly.

Wen Li'er walked steadily along the red carpet, step by step, towards her emperor, her destination.

Her gaze was tightly intertwined with those burning and deep eyes.

The noise faded away, the rituals and music became blurred, and all that remained between heaven and earth was the strong affection in each other's eyes and the solemn expectations for the future.

When she reached the gate of the mansion, she bowed at the signal of the ceremonial officer, her clear voice trembling slightly:

"Your humble servant, Wen, bids farewell to my parents and relatives and bows to thank Your Majesty for welcoming me personally."

Yan Shixu took a deep breath, suppressed the surging emotions in his chest, and said loudly, "Queen, please stand up."

He didn't even wait for the ceremonial officer to finish his greetings before he strode over the threshold of the Wen Mansion and firmly and steadily grasped Wen Li'er's slightly cool hand.

The broad and warm palms instantly wrapped around her, giving her a sense of comfort.

Yan Shixu held her hand tightly and turned around.

The emperor and empress walked hand in hand towards the sixteen-person golden-topped phoenix sedan chair outside the door, which symbolized the empress's honor.

The ceremonial music played loudly, and everyone inside and outside the Wen Mansion knelt down in unison, with cheers echoing throughout the street.

"Farewell, Her Majesty! Long live the Emperor! Live the Empress a thousand years, a thousand years, a thousand thousand years!"

Amidst the waves of noise, Yan Shixu personally helped Wen Li'er onto the phoenix carriage.

…

Imperial Palace, square in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

The sunlight shines on the square paved with white marble, reflecting dazzling light.

Civil and military officials dressed in court robes, stood at attention according to their ranks, with solemn expressions.

Bells and drums rang, ceremonial music played loudly, and solemn and dignified music echoed over the palace.

Yan Shixu stood on the high steps, his posture as straight as a pine tree, showing the majesty of an emperor.

His deep gaze penetrated the pearl curtain of the crown, passed through the layers of people, and landed accurately on the golden-topped phoenix sedan chair that was slowly approaching and carried by sixteen people.

Inside was the bride he had just brought home.

The phoenix carriage came to a complete stop, and the official from the Ministry of Rites, with a deep breath, saluted loudly: "The auspicious time has arrived—"

The bead curtain opened slightly, and a slender white hand wearing red gold armor inlaid with oriental pearls gently rested on Qingzhu's arm, which had been bowing and waiting.

The next moment, Wen Li'er appeared in front of everyone.

She walked to the bottom of the high steps and bowed under the guidance of the ceremonial officer.

"Your humble servant, Wen, pays respects to Your Majesty."

The clear and melodious voice was clearly heard throughout the square.

Yan Shixu took a deep breath, suppressed the excitement in his heart, and said loudly: "Queen, please stand up."

He strode down the steps, reached out his hand, and held Wen Lier's hand firmly.

Wen Li'er raised her eyes and met the smile in his eyes. Her cheeks felt slightly hot and she returned a gentle smile.

The emperor and empress walked hand in hand up the jade steps leading to the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

The ceremonial music rose again, and all the officials bowed in salute, with cheers resounding through the sky:

"Long live the emperor—"

"Long live the Queen, a thousand years, a thousand years, a thousand years—"

The sound was like a tide, symbolizing the unity of the emperor and empress of the Dayan Dynasty and the eternal stability of the country.

The complicated and sacred ceremony was carried out in an orderly manner under the guidance of officials from the Ministry of Rites.

Yan Shixu held Wen Li'er's hand tightly all the time, never letting go.

Next, it is time to offer sacrifices to heaven, inform ancestors, and confer titles.

In front of the ancestral tablets in the Taimiao, Yan Shixu personally handed the golden book and golden seal symbolizing the queen's authority to Wen Li'er.

At that moment, he stared into her eyes, silently conveying: From now on, you and I will share this vast land and share the responsibility of building this country for generations to come.

Wen Li'er took it with both hands. Her fingertips touched the cold golden book, and her heart was also burning.

She responded clearly and solemnly: "Your humble servant, Wen Li'er, will faithfully obey the Holy Order and fulfill my duties, assisting the Emperor and serving as a model for the nation. I will live up to the trust placed in me by Your Majesty and the expectations of the people."

The solemn oath echoed in the solemn and dignified Taimiao.