The Imperial Astronomical Bureau observed the celestial phenomena at night and selected several days, which were then presented to Xie Lang for review. Xie Lang ultimately decided on the third day of the sixth lunar month, deeming it auspicious for all activities.
The date wasn't rushed, nor was it long, since Xie Lang had already prepared most of the arrangements, and there was enough buffer time in between.
However, before that, Xie Lang followed all the necessary steps, such as offering sacrifices to Heaven and Earth, asking for names, and accepting auspicious omens, without missing a single one.
Not for any other reason than to bring good luck and pray that he and Wen Heming could grow old together.
In a sense, this is not superstition.
Having touched the truth of the world, they know that there is indeed something invisible that is controlling the world.
Therefore, what you ask for may come true.
A few days before the wedding, Qin Yi forbade Wen Hemian from seeing Xie Lang again. No one knew the reason behind it, but since a few more days wouldn't make a difference, Wen Hemian didn't insist.
If there's anything truly important, there are plenty of people to relay the message, so there won't be any delays.
The marriage of the emperor and empress was not like that of ordinary people. Even though the process was simplified, the remaining procedures were still complicated. Therefore, both the palace and the Prince of Huailing's residence had been preparing for it well in advance.
Inside the palace gates and mansions, red silk ribbons and auspicious characters are hung on the eaves and corners of the corridors, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere that brings joy to the eyes.
Uncle Lu and Qingyun were taking care of everything in the mansion. Both of them had smiles on their faces as they walked around, not seeming tired at all.
Wen Hemian watched for a while, then smiled: "It's been a long time since the manor has been this lively."
"What nonsense are you talking about? How can your wedding not be lively?" Qin Yi handed her the gift list. "Look, there are quite a few people who have come to give gifts. I've already screened out those with ulterior motives."
Empress Wen Hemian's position is extraordinary, and she will continue to serve as an official in the court in the future. Qin Yi is determined not to let her give anyone cause for criticism in these trivial matters.
Whether it was a genuine blessing or a veiled attempt to curry favor, one could glean a clue from the gifts given. Qin Yi could tell what they were thinking with just a glance.
"Thank you, Mother." Wen Hemian looked around and saw that those who stayed were indeed her closest colleagues and friends.
Qin Yi patted her hand reproachfully: "What are you thanking me for? I'm your mother, it's only right that I do these things."
They chatted intimately for a while, but didn't say anything sentimental. After all, it was just a wedding, not a life-or-death separation, and there was no point in saying too much.
The preparations before the wedding were already so lively, and the wedding day itself was even more grand.
It was indeed a fine day with clear skies and gentle breezes. The road from the Prince's Mansion to the Imperial Palace was adorned with fluttering red silks, and soldiers stood on both sides of the road to maintain order. The common people watched the ceremony from the outside, their faces beaming with joy and eagerly anticipating this rare and grand occasion.
Fortunately, she had rested well in advance, so when she was made up early the next morning, Wen Hemian did not show any signs of fatigue. Instead, she had a lazy look, like a cat, and was very alluring.
After changing into a bright red wedding dress, her complexion appeared even more radiant, like snow. With the addition of lip rouge, she gained a healthy glow and a touch of vibrant color, making her look exceptionally beautiful.
Qin Yi's eyes lit up: "No wonder she's my daughter!"
If they hadn't spent the best years of their lives disguised as men assisting the young emperor, the threshold of the Huailing Prince's mansion would probably have been worn down by suitors long ago.
But it's all good, being confined to the inner quarters is nothing compared to the freedom of being an official.
Everything in the present moment is the best of everything.
The makeup artist from the palace was also amazed. After being amazed, she hurriedly put the phoenix crown on Wen Hemian's head and carefully secured it.
Wen Hemian doesn't usually wear jewelry, so she found the phoenix crown even heavier. She blinked and looked at herself in the mirror, feeling a little unfamiliar, but the feeling wasn't bad.
Qingyun arrived in a hurry just as she finished dressing.
"His Majesty has arrived and is waiting outside."
The original procedure was for the Empress to get into the sedan chair and be sent directly to the palace, but Xie Lang felt that would be too distant, so he changed it to him picking up the bride.
After not seeing each other for a few days, this action seemed somewhat hasty.
Qin Yi raised an eyebrow: "Alright, I'll see you out."
Later, they would have to go to the palace for the investiture ceremony. The phoenix coronet and embroidered robe were heavy, and someone followed behind to adjust them. Qin Yi led Wen Hemian out of the palace and walked through the corridor. First, they saw Wen Chengyuan guarding the gate of the outer courtyard, and then the emperor in red.
As far as I can remember, this seems to be the first time I've seen Xie Lang wearing red.
The young emperor was tall and handsome, his wedding robes embroidered with dragons in gold thread, exuding magnificence and nobility. He stood there smiling, and beneath his usual composure in front of outsiders, an unexpected hint of innocence was revealed, as he eagerly awaited the arrival of his beloved.
When he saw Wen Hemian come out, his expression changed. There were other people around, but in the end, he only restrained himself from reaching out his hand.
"Han Shuang, I've come to pick you up."
Not all those standing in the courtyard today were close relatives. Hearing the emperor address himself in front of Wen Hemian, everyone's hearts tightened, and they held back the gasps of surprise that were about to escape their lips.
So this is how His Majesty is in front of Lord Wen?
Walking up to him, Wen Hemian calmly extended her hand, placed it in his palm, and smiled: "Okay."
I was a little nervous at first, but the moment I saw the person, I completely relaxed.
Xie Lang held her hand tightly, and the two of them got into the sedan chair that was waiting outside the door.
This palanquin was similar to a modern sightseeing vehicle, with sheer curtains on all sides, allowing people inside to see out and vice versa. They rode through the streets in it, scattering candy and coins along the way.
Many ordinary people never get to see the emperor's face in their entire lives. Aside from joining in the excitement, they mostly peeked around, wanting to see what the person sitting in the sedan chair looked like.
"Is that His Majesty and Lord Wen? They are such a perfect match!"
"This kind of extravagance, even our grand wedding wasn't this big, was it?"
"The royal family and the Wen family are already close; wouldn't this make them even closer?"
Hearing the whispers of the common people, Wen Hemian smiled and turned his head: "Your Majesty, are you nervous?"
The hand holding hers was a little sticky, as if it were sweaty, indicating that the owner of the hand was not in a calm mood.
“Somewhat.” Xie Lang gently moved closer to her, almost bumping into the falling tassels. He said in a low voice, “Hanshuang, you are even more beautiful than that day.”
Wen Hemian scrutinized him closely, sparing no praise: "Your Majesty is handsome too."
Xie Lang smiled, his eyes crinkling: "It's good that I can please Han Shuang."
The outside was bustling, and the two inside the sedan chair were not restrained at all, chatting quite lively, which relieved their tense mood.
However, this was only the beginning of a long process. After the parade, there was a investiture ceremony in the palace, attended by all the officials. Music was played, and the scene was grand and magnificent.
The two men held hands and went up to the high platform. They looked down at the crowd kneeling on the ground, and then the shouts that came from below were so loud that they almost made people's eardrums burst.
It's not "Long live the Emperor" or "Long live the Empress," but rather—
"Long live the Emperor and Empress! Long live the Emperor!"
Wen Heming glanced at Xie Lang out of the corner of her eye, but no one noticed that they were exchanging glances up there.
The young emperor's eyes were gentle.
"To live for thousands of years is but an illusion."
"But Hanshuang, I want to be with you for a thousand years and a million years."
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