The eaves and corners of the Prince's Mansion were decorated with red brocade, and the railings were also a vibrant red.
Even the trees along the corridors of the Prince's Mansion were tied with red ribbons, and pretty bows were tied on them.
The paper-cut window decorations have been replaced with bright red "double happiness" characters, and large red lanterns hang high under the eaves, creating a festive atmosphere everywhere.
The maids and servants were all busy with their duties in an orderly manner, and their faces were beaming with smiles.
Upon hearing the sounds of drums and firecrackers, the maids and servants on duty in the hall all went out to greet them.
The Empress Dowager urged the Emperor Emeritus with a smile, "Stop dawdling, go sit in the hall and we'll send the young couple to their bridal chamber after they've completed their wedding ceremony."
The Emperor Emeritus couldn't suppress the smile on his face, but he pretended to be calm and said, "There's no rush. It will take a while for Kang'er to lead the newlyweds into the hall from outside. We can take our time."
As the retired emperor spoke, he unconsciously quickened his pace.
Aunt Cai quickly followed, smiling and saying, "We've finally waited for this day. We must hurry up and send them to the bridal chamber. Our royal palace will have new babies next year, and it would be best if they had two at once."
"Did you prepare the nuptial wine yourself? There won't be any mistakes, will there?"
The Empress Dowager's voice was not quiet, and the Emperor Emeritus slowed his pace and turned around, "Kang'er still needs to take care of his health. The nuptial wine is just a token gesture, but please don't use strong liquor."
Aunt Cai's forehead throbbed, and she glanced at the Emperor Emeritus with a guilty look. "Her Majesty has already given the order to use diluted sweet rice wine."
"Ahem, don't say anymore. Aunt Cai has been a senior member of my family for a long time, and I trust her to handle things."
The Empress Dowager was afraid that Aunt Cai might accidentally let slip the secret about mixing sweet rice wine with tonics.
Those who know the inside story will understand her good intentions as a mother, worried that her son's poor performance in bed would spoil the bride's mood.
Those who don't understand might think she's an improper mother, adding something to her son's wedding wine.
You should know that when ordinary people get married, these kinds of pranks are usually tricks played by the groom's cronies to amuse his friends.
Aunt Cai had served the Empress Dowager for many years, and she could understand the meaning behind a single glance from the Empress Dowager.
She quickly changed the subject and instructed the maids behind her, "Once the bride enters the room, you few are responsible for bringing in some delicious and non-greasy food."
The maids nodded in unison.
Aunt Cai had arranged all these things the day before, including everything after the prince entered the bridal chamber.
With the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager in charge of the Prince's residence, there was no need for Prince Kang to leave his bride to attend to social events.
As the bridal sedan chair landed, the matchmaker handed over a bow and an arrow tied with a red ribbon.
Xiao Kang said calmly, "I can't shoot arrows, and I'm afraid I might hurt the bride."
“Your Highness, this arrow has no arrowhead, so it won’t hurt anyone,” the matchmaker explained.
Xiao Kang walked past the matchmaker and headed straight for the bridal sedan chair.
The custom of the bride getting out of the sedan chair and the groom shooting an arrow has two meanings.
The first meaning is to ward off any evil spirits the bride might have picked up along the way.
Xiao Kang had specifically researched this custom before his wedding. The second explanation is that it's a warning from the groom's family to the bride, a way of putting her in her place.
The intention was to frighten the bride, so that she would be virtuous and gentle after entering the household, and not be domineering.
Seeing that the prince gave the matchmaker a cold glance and walked straight toward the bridal sedan chair, Xiangcao, who was next to the sedan chair, quickly lifted the curtain.
Xiao Kang reached out his large hand towards Su Hui.
"Hui'er, we're home."
His voice was clear and melodious, like a spring breeze in March.
Su Hui lowered her eyes, her well-defined fingers resting in front of the bridal veil.
She slowly extended her right hand and placed it in his palm. Enveloped in the warmth, her anxious heart calmed down.
Su Hui was led down from the bridal sedan chair by Xiao Kang. The matchmaker hurriedly handed her a red silk ribbon, but Xiao Kang did not immediately hand the other end of the ribbon to Su Hui.
Su Hui was on high alert, and just as the matchmaker reminded her to step over the fire basin, Xiao Kang once again picked her up around the waist.
"Don't be afraid, I'm here for you."
"Um!"
Under the bridal veil, Su Hui's eyes were red-rimmed, and she tightly hugged Xiao Kang's neck with both hands.
With someone like you, my life is complete.
Xiao Kang carried her over the brazier until they crossed the threshold of the hall, then gently put her down.
The onlookers cast envious glances.
The girls who went to the Su family to add makeup to their outfits were particularly captivated by the sight.
It was always said that Xiao Kang was sickly, but today he was radiant, beaming, and carrying his bride without any effort at all; he showed no signs of weakness whatsoever.
This is clearly a strong and handsome young man.
Upon entering the hall, Su Hui had one end of a red silk cloth slipped into her hand, and Xiao Kang's gentle voice rang in her ears again, "Hui'er, take this, and come with me." His voice was so soft that only the two of them could hear it.
The hall was filled with guests who came to watch the ceremony.
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the two walked slowly forward on the red carpet.
"First bow to Heaven and Earth."
"Bowing to the parents twice."
"Husband and wife bow to each other."
"Send them to the bridal chamber!" Before the master of ceremonies finished speaking, Xiangcao and Liu'er, along with a group of maids, rushed over.
With a single glance from the Empress Dowager, the crowd escorted the newlyweds towards the backyard.
The Prince's mansion was not for ordinary people. Those who wanted to catch a glimpse of the bride restrained their curiosity and did not follow. They were soon led to their seats by the Prince's mansion's guest master.
The newlyweds were led into the bridal chamber, and the matchmaker hurriedly recited the blessings.
Xiangcao handed over the auspicious scale with both hands, then gave the matchmaker and the others a wink. They understood and silently withdrew.
"Hui'er".
With a thousand words stuck in his throat, Xiao Kang was so excited that his hand, which was lifting the bridal veil, was trembling slightly.
Su Hui tucked her hands into her sleeves, her fingers slightly bent.
She was a little nervous, but mostly excited.
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