Chapter 686 Postscript: The Wedding

Three months later.

In the capital city, the trees are green and shady in summer, and this ancient capital with a history of thousands of years has regained its prosperous atmosphere.

The war is over, and the people of Yu State have ushered in the long-awaited peace.

In the Zhao residence, in a study, the carved window sash stood open. Through the lattice, one could see a well-proportioned hand, holding a pen and dipping it in ink, writing words one by one on a large book:

"...Ksitigarbha Dharma King has finally been annihilated. This battle to ascend to heaven went more smoothly than expected.

Subsequent review shows that this is because Ksitigarbha's split soul has returned to one, his foundation is unstable, and he is gaining faith by causing great suffering to the people, which goes against the will of heaven.

Although Zhang Yanyi is dead, the Heavenly Dao he inspired still assisted me in that battle..."

“Thinking carefully, when Ksitigarbha collapsed, I even sensed the resistance of the Red Sect Master and Bian Ji within him. This may also be one of the many factors that led to the collapse of this false god.

He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world. This contest between Hinayana and Mahayana that lasted for hundreds of years has finally come to an end.

And Dizang, whose soul was completely wiped out, will never be able to make a comeback."

"After the war, having lost almost all of its high-ranking forces, the Buddhist sect was no longer a threat, and the soldiers from the Western Regions surrendered one after another... I didn't interfere much with the aftermath, leaving it to the court generals to handle. I felt at ease.

However, after this battle, the Yu Kingdom has made up its mind to establish a 'Protectorate' in the Western Regions. As for the dissatisfaction of the Western Regions countries, Zhenbao means to leave it to Princess Wenzhu to appease them."

“The upper echelons of Buddhism have undergone a major purge, but there are still a large number of believers at the grassroots level and a deep grassroots foundation.

This problem is easy to solve, just as I imagined a long time ago, Prajna Bodhisattva, who has been tested and proven his own position, is the best candidate.

The female Bodhisattva finally doesn't have to worry about dual cultivation anymore... Haha, I gave her a difficult task, to travel around and integrate the scattered Buddhist disciples in Yu State and the Western Regions to complete the "merger". How can this not be a great merit?

Well... although she had a very resentful look in her eyes when she accepted the task, I pretended not to see it. I am so smart.

"The Liao people in the southwest are also a potential threat, but it only wasted half a day of my time.

I brought Tuoba Weizhi back and took him to Dajiang, and arrested the clan leader Song Zhi. He did not run away, but waited for me in the big village where the clan leader lived. He asked to commit suicide, and I agreed.

From now on, the Liao people will be managed by Tuoba Weizhi again.

By the way, I unexpectedly saw a small group of remnants of the Kuangfu Society in DJI, but what surprised me was that Xu Jianwen’s wife and children had both died in their residence before I arrived.

Zhao Shixiong said that Princess Wen must have poisoned her offspring and then committed suicide...presumably because she didn't want to be humiliated. She was quite a strong-willed person, what a pity.

I hope that their family can be reunited in the underworld and stop harming others in their next life.

But Zhao Shixiong actually asked me to retire... Well, let him go. He has fought all his life, and it is time for him to enjoy his retirement."

"Speaking of the Kuangfu Society... I suddenly remembered that girl Yunxi. I haven't seen her in ages. After returning to the capital, I sent someone to investigate and learned that she's still tirelessly hunting down the remaining rebels of the Kuangfu Society. You can imagine how much harm Zhuang Xiaocheng's deception caused her...

But Yuxiu's sister, Nie Yurong, got involved with Yunxi and became friends, which was quite interesting."

"After the Eight Princes' Rebellion ended, of the several great princes, apart from the Lingnan Prince who did not participate in the war at all and lived out his days in the most remote place, only the Huai'an Prince and the Chen Prince were still alive.

I asked Zhenbao about her opinion, and she said, "We'll strip them of most of their wealth and power, leaving them with only a small fortune, so they can live out their lives in peace. This will also be considered fulfilling our original promise to surrender."

"There's an interesting story. Back in Yongjia City on the Huai River, I casually recruited that clerk, Du Ruhui. It's said that he's been shining brilliantly in the rear this year, so impressive that he's been transferred to the capital and is now employed by the Ministry of Personnel. During a casual conversation with Yuan Gong, I heard him say that he has the talent to be a prime minister...

I suspect that old fellow Yuan Li is flattering me indirectly. Ha, everyone knows that Du Ruhui is my adopted man, so how could the entire court not give him a green light? "

"After the war, according to merit, the Duke of Zhenguo retired due to injury, and the young Duke Tang Ping took over and became the youngest Duke. That's great.

Dong Da didn't die on the battlefield either. We returned to Beijing together. He will surely rise to a higher position in the future. It is said that he intends to take over the Hanlin Academy.

Ning Zechen resumed his post as governor-general of the grain transport system and supervised the Jiancheng and Huaishui routes.

Emperor Xianzong of Wei also rose to prominence thanks to his military exploits, and Zhenbao promised to forgive the past.

"...The day before yesterday, Xiao Ma (Ma Yan) came to me and asked what to do with the people imprisoned in the imperial prison. I almost forgot about Chai Keqiao's group from Qingshan. After thinking about it, I decided to release them.

It's not that I'm soft-hearted, but after all, I'm the true founder of the Qingshan lineage... Now that Wu Xiankui is dead, the people below him are no longer a threat, so it's better to let them continue to pass on the Qingshan legacy than to cut it off."

"Speaking of inheritance, Yuxiu brought the priests back to the Tianshi Mansion and was elected to become the first 'female Tianshi' in the history of Taoism.

After experiencing the baptism of war, she suddenly realized and entered the realm of a half-step celestial being. I gave her the heavenly book left by Zhang Yanyi.

I believe that under her leadership, the Tianshi Mansion will be reborn from the ashes and return to its former glory in a few decades."

"What else is there to worry about? After thinking about it, there are three things."

"First, I don't know whether Gu Hua Zhenren is dead or alive. To this day, this old Taoist priest no longer poses any threat. I just want to thank him in person... and say, Taoist priest, you are a really good person. Seriously."

"Secondly, Pei Niannu was unwilling to return to the capital with me, and instead stayed alone in the Mubei Forest, intending to live out the rest of her life there... until her soul was scattered...

Ah, when I wrote here, I remembered that I had missed this important thing, that space crack. After careful consideration, I decided to fill it up.

Although I have thought about whether I can preserve this entrance and try to return to Earth in the future, but... since I already have a new life, why should I miss the past?

As for whether this rift will appear again in the future, it remains to be seen. Waiting for the 'disaster star' to strike again hundreds of years from now is such a distant prospect, so let's not think about it for now. At most, we can trust in the wisdom of future generations."

"The third one is Old Xu... Before he reincarnated, he didn't say where he was born. But I think if he is reborn, he will come to the capital sooner or later. Perhaps this time I can guide him into spiritual practice..."

In the study.

The well-proportioned hand put the brush back into the pen holder.

The summer wind blew in through the open window, drying the ink stains, causing the papers to rustle and finally close.

There were a few big words on the cover: "Diary of a Serious Man".

Zhao Duan was admiring his masterpiece with satisfaction when he heard the maid's crisp voice coming from outside the door:

"Master, the old lady wants you to come over. If you're any later, you might miss the time!"

Zhao Duan said helplessly: "Here it comes."

Today, the entire Zhao Mansion is hung with red silk and candles. Before dawn, the entire house was busy preparing for today's big event. As for preparations, they started half a month ago.

Not only the Zhao residence, but the entire capital, and even the entire Yu State, had known about the major event that would happen today a few days ago:

Lord Zhao is going to marry Your Majesty!

…

In the wing room.

Zhao Duan, who had already become a human immortal, was pressed in front of the mirror by Eugene Hua like a puppet, allowing her to manipulate him.

Finally, when the last step was completed, Eugene Hua stood behind her stepson, looking at the handsome young man in the mirror, her eyes couldn't help but turn red.

"Why is your aunt crying?" Zhao Duan asked.

Eugene Hua hurriedly turned her head away, wiped away her tears with the back of her hand, and smiled:

"Yes, I am happy. I am happy."

After going through countless hardships, how could she not be happy that Dalang, whom she had long regarded as her own son, was finally going to get married?

At this time, the door of the wing room was pushed open. Zhao Pan'er, wearing a brand new dress, a hairpin on her head, and a Pekingese dog at her feet, pushed open the door and said loudly:

"Mom! Big Brother! The wedding procession is here!"

Outside the mansion, there were already knocking sounds, and a team of hundreds of people, all dressed in their best, came in. Looking closely, the servants lined up in formation were actually dressed as brocade-robed captains from the imperial yamen.

The surrounding alleys had already been under martial law, and the families of dignitaries and dignitaries came out and stood by to watch the ceremony.

Zhao Duan, dressed in a red robe and dressed as a groom, walked out of the house surrounded by his stepmother and sisters and saw this scene.

Hou Renmeng, Chen Juan, and Qian Kerou held large red flowers in their hands and smiled brightly: "Sir!"

In the back, Zhang Han, Haitang and other officers were talking and laughing, and they all saluted: "Greetings, Your Highness!"

After the war, in order to match the status of the empress, Zhao Duan was quickly promoted to the title of prince.

Zhao Duan rolled his eyes and jokingly said, "At least you didn't bring a sedan chair."

"How dare we?" The secretary smiled and tied the big red brocade ball to his chest.

The empress got married.

Unprecedented in history.

How to carry out the etiquette has worried a large number of officials in the Ministry of Rites.

Especially if he was just an ordinary prince consort, it would be fine, but the emperor's husband is the strongest man in the world with a higher reputation and stronger cultivation than the empress.

He is the true pillar of the Dayu Kingdom.

It was finally decided that the etiquette would follow the process of a man marrying a woman, but the banquet would be held in the palace.

"I think you are all very brave." Zhao Duan smiled casually, jumped up, and climbed onto the pure white BMW without a single speck of color in the team.

In front of the Zhao Mansion, the sound of firecrackers continued.

Zhao Duan rode a horse, and the ceremonial guard composed of the kings of hell in the capital marched through the city and headed straight for the palace.

On both sides of Zhuque Street, the capital's guards were on duty, and countless people watched the ceremony with flower baskets in their hands.

In full view of the public, Zhao Duan rode a white horse into the imperial city.

Outside the Meridian Gate, many dignitaries, including civil and military officials, were already lined up to welcome him.

Dong Xuan, Yuan Li, Ma Yan, Xue Shence, Hai Chunlin... all the familiar faces, facing the white horse, congratulated in unison:

"Welcome the Prince!"

…

…

The Empress's bedroom.

The curtains hang low and the sandalwood incense is curling.

The bedroom door was open, and the ladies-in-waiting were running back and forth busily, making the place very lively.

In front of the dressing mirror, Xu Zhenguan sat upright with his back straight, gazing at himself in the bronze mirror with his beautiful eyes.

The woman in the mirror is truly the most beautiful woman in the world. She is a fusion of the ethereal beauty of a fairy and the grace of an emperor, like a goddess on earth.

Only a goddess is worthy of being the number one god on earth.

"Your Majesty, you are so beautiful."

In the mirror, Mo Chou, who was putting makeup on her behind her, fixed the last hairpin in her black hair.

The female prime minister stared blankly in the mirror at the stunningly beautiful empress wearing a phoenix crown and a red robe.

Xu Zhenguan smiled, slowly stood up and turned around. Today she did not have any of the dignity that an emperor should have, and she looked like a married woman in the mortal world.

The look he gave Mo Chou at this moment was not directed at the maidservants, but at his close friend.

Xu Zhenguan took Mochou's hand, his eyes sincere, and said softly, "You still don't like him now?"

Mo Chou curled her lips, although she was a little unconvinced, but she finally said:

"I was short-sighted back then. This time, let him win you over."

That being said, after going through so many hardships, Mo Zhaorong has long been convinced by Zhao Du. If there is anyone in this world who is worthy of the empress, it is only him.

Xu Zhenguan couldn't help laughing. How could an intelligent empress not see through Mo Chou's thoughts? She said seriously:

"I have no relatives left, and Sun Zhangyin is gone too. You are my last relative."

Mo Chou burst into tears, tightly grasped the Empress's hand, and choked with sobs:

"I will remain unmarried and serve Your Majesty for the rest of my life. When Your Majesty gives birth to a prince, I will serve him."

The empress blushed and was about to speak when a female official came over from outside the palace:

"Your Majesty, the Emperor has arrived outside the Meridian Gate."

…

Royal weddings have complicated rituals.

Zhao Du'an entered the Meridian Gate and exchanged greetings with the officials for a while. Then, he was led by the palace ladies and officials from the Ministry of Rites to the South Gate, where he changed into the official robes of the son-in-law of the emperor and presented betrothal gifts such as wild geese, money and silk.

This is "flying geese", which symbolizes loyalty and a couple's lifelong love.

After the Goose Procession Ceremony was over, Zhao Duan and the wedding party took their seats and waited for the auspicious time.

At this moment, all the officials came one by one to congratulate.

"Congratulations on your marriage to Your Majesty."

When Ma Yan, a tall man with a white face and no beard, walked over, everyone around him subconsciously stepped back, which shows the power of reputation.

Zhao Duan smiled and said, "Over the past few years, I have been very grateful to the Governor for his care."

Ma Yan was terrified and said seriously, "It is God's blessing on the Yu Kingdom that has brought the prince here."

Haha, you, a tough guy, can also flatter... Zhao Duan found it very interesting.

Ma Yan left and Yuan Li came over. This senior official who had weathered many storms in the court wore a smile full of vicissitudes of life:

"When I first met the prince, I knew he was a rare talent."

Zhao Duan smiled softly and said, "When did Lord Yuan learn to flatter? Say it again, will you?"

Yuan Li was stunned.

Zhao Duan laughed out loud.

Yuan Li smiled. No matter if he was a god or an emperor or a prince, he was still the same person.

"Grandmaster. Why did you come here when you weren't at home recuperating?"

Zhao Duan looked at the elderly man in his octogenarian who was sitting in a wheelchair and being pushed by Dong Da.

Dong Xuan looked older than before, but his complexion was still good. He smiled and said:

"I am the master of ceremonies for this wedding, how can I not come?"

It is a difficult problem to find someone to officiate the wedding of an emperor and a human immortal.

Originally, if Zhang Yanyi had not died, he would have been the most suitable candidate. But after much selection, the choice finally fell on Dong Xuan, the imperial tutor.

Zhao Duan said seriously, "Thank you, Grand Master."

He looked at Dong Da again and smiled slightly: "Brother Dong, how are you?"

After being tempered and transformed by the war, Dong Da, who had become much darker, smiled calmly, showing no sign of stage fright. He took out a piece of paper from his sleeve:

"When I was away at war, the prince gave me a poem. Today, as the prince is getting married, I should return the favor."

"Oh?" Zhao Duan was greatly surprised and accepted it with pleasure. After seeing the grandfather and grandson off, he unfolded the paper and saw that there was no "poem" on it at all, only one sentence:

"Don't go whoring anymore."

Zhao Duan's expression froze, and he thought to himself, what a slander, this is slander... I went to Qinglian Villa to see Miss Zhao Xiaoya in order to investigate a case. Alas, people's hearts have changed. Xiao Dong has become cunning after experiencing the hardships of war.

He wailed and wailed in his heart... He laughed again.

What is this high and mighty god?

This is the kind of worldly atmosphere he likes.

"The auspicious time has arrived!"

At this time, Eunuch Hai came out wearing a brand new dragon robe and holding a whisk.

Zhao Duan stood up solemnly and led a group of people to the bedroom. The empress was already waiting there.

At this moment, the empress, wearing a bright red wedding dress, was supported by Mo Chou as she walked out of the bedroom, with the female officials standing side by side behind her.

King and minister.

Male and female.

They looked into each other's eyes and smiled.

After going through all the hardships, the king and his ministers are still there, and when they meet, they smile and become charming.

"Please invite the newlyweds into the Taimiao!" Eunuch Hai shouted again.

This wedding was held in the Taimiao, and was decided by the emperor and his ministers together.

Although it is not in accordance with etiquette, the relationship between the monarch and his subject is etiquette.

The empress slowly boarded the vermilion carriage, while Zhao Duan rode on horseback.

Amidst the blaring sounds of music and the sight of beautiful flowers, everyone arrived at the newly decorated Taimiao. At this moment, the place was already full of people, including court officials, as well as the families and ladies of the officials.

There are members of the Zhao family including Eugene Hua and Zhao Pan.

There were also priests from the Tianshi Mansion such as Yuxiu, Jinjian, Gongshu Tianyuan, Han Zhao, and Li Wushangdao who came to watch the ceremony.

Even the far-away Prajna Bodhisattva sent a gift.

When the empress got married, no one could bear to pay homage, so many spirit tablets in the wedding hall were temporarily removed, leaving only the spirit tablet of Xu's great ancestor and the old Taoist priest, which was arranged by Zhao Duan and placed together separately.

Not your parents, but better than them.

Everyone had smiles on their faces and sincerely congratulated the newlyweds.

Grand Tutor Dong acted as the master of ceremonies and presided over the process, during which the emperor and his ministers bowed in turn.

Finally, with a shout of "The ceremony is over!", Zhao Duan held the red silk and looked at the empress who was covered with a veil. Their minds met, their eyes were drawn together, and everything was said without words.

…

…

The noisy and complicated wedding was over, and the banquet in the palace would last all night.

When the bright moon was high in the sky, Zhao Duan, who was drunk, pushed open the bedroom door with the wedding character on it.

In the candlelight, the Queen of Yu sat quietly on the bed. Sensing his arrival, the Queen clenched her ten fingers on her legs.

"Your Majesty," Zhao Duan picked up the golden scale, lifted the veil, and looked at the beautiful empress under the candlelight with a dazed look, and said softly: "Your Majesty..."

Xu Zhenguan raised his eyebrows in mock displeasure: "Still calling us monarch and subject?"

Zhao Duan's heart moved: "My wife..."

The empress's cheeks were flushed as if she was drunk.

In the charming atmosphere, with the door closed, Zhao Duan sat beside the empress. He had no idea about the ceremony of drinking wine together and was hesitant to speak.

"Just say whatever you want to say."

Xu Zhenguan felt the hot skin beside him, as if leaning against a stove, and his neck also turned red.

Zhao Duan slowly moved closer to her earlobe and whispered softly:

"My brother's dual cultivation... look..."

Brother? The Zhao family doesn't just have one sister? The empress was stunned for a moment, then suddenly let out a low cry, and her whole body flew up into the air, then fell into the red quilt. She shyly pushed him away, seeming to refuse and welcome him:

"You reek of alcohol, go wash..."

Qi flowed through Zhao Duan's eight extraordinary meridians, and the smell of alcohol dissipated.

"Tomorrow, don't go to court..."

He supported himself on the bed with his arms, and heard the rustling sound of cloth tearing.

On the window paper of the new house, black shadows overlapped and were covered by red waves.

After a long time, the gods and humans merged and went to Wushan again.

(End of the book)

————

ps1: There will be a closing remark later.

Thank you. Sincerely.

(End of this chapter)