Chapter 106 The Empress's Conferment Ceremony (Niohuru Zhaoxue's Arrival)
Half a month passed quietly, and the flowers in the courtyard outside the palace bloomed and withered, withered and bloomed again.
Chu Huaiyu's injuries have gradually healed, his former pale and sickly appearance has faded, and the solemn and majestic demeanor of an emperor has returned to his brows.
That afternoon, sunlight streamed through the carved window lattice and fell on the gilded table.
Chu Huaiyu suddenly took Lu Zhaoxue's hand, his fingertips tracing her palm, his voice low and solemn:
"Zhaoxue, the Imperial Household Department has made all the preparations for your coronation ceremony. The best day for the coronation will be in three days."
Chu Huaiyu's eyes shone brightly, revealing a deep and serious appreciation.
"I will hold the grandest ceremony to have you worshipped by all my ministers, so that the world will know that you are my empress."
Lu Zhaoxue looked up at him and saw the stars shining in his eyes, reflecting her own image. Her heart stirred slightly.
She nodded slightly and replied softly, "Your Majesty's arrangements will be made by me."
There was no joy in Lu Zhaoxue's tone.
But as she finished speaking, her fingertips curled up quietly, hiding a hint of unknown unease.
On the day of the investiture ceremony, the imperial city was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and a brand-new red carpet was laid under the vermilion palace walls.
Extending from the Vermilion Bird Gate all the way to the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the imperial guards on both sides stand solemnly in their bright armor, holding spears and halberds, exuding an imposing aura.
The civil and military officials, dressed in court robes, were arranged neatly according to their rank, their expressions solemn.
The sounds of ceremonial music rose from outside the palace gates, grand and melodious, piercing the clouds.
Lu Zhaoxue was dressed in an elaborate empress's court dress, with patterns of phoenixes singing in harmony embroidered on the vermilion brocade, and the red and gold threads shimmering in the sunlight.
The phoenix coronet and embroidered robe accentuated her stunning beauty, yet she also exuded an air of dignified elegance.
Chu Huaiyu, on the other hand, wore a black dragon robe with coiled dragon patterns, exuding majesty and solemnity.
Chu Huaiyu approached Lu Zhaoxue and placed her hand in his palm.
The moment their fingertips touched, it felt as if a warm current flowed through their entire bodies, and Chu Huaiyu's hidden unease was quietly soothed by the warmth of Lu Zhaoxue's palm.
Before the investiture ceremony, Chu Huaiyu was worried that Lu Zhaoxue would not cooperate, but now he can finally relax.
Chu Huaiyu gripped Lu Zhaoxue's hand tightly, his strength steady and gentle, carrying an undeniable sense of protection.
The two walked side by side up the steps of the Danbi, step by step towards the center of the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
Outside the palace, bells and drums resounded, and the music reached its peak. The officials knelt down and shouted, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress!"
The sound reverberated through the sky and lingered in the air above the imperial city for a long time.
After the assembled officials had calmed down, the Minister of Rites, holding the gilded imperial edict and seal, slowly stepped forward.
The pages of the Empress's investiture book were engraved with vigorous seal script, recording Lu Zhaoxue's merits and the imperial decree for her investiture.
The imperial seal is inscribed with the four characters "Empress's Seal".
Chu Huaiyu personally received the Empress's seal from the Minister of Rites, then turned to face Lu Zhaoxue with a gentle yet solemn gaze.
Lu Zhaoxue curtsied respectfully, but her heart was filled with a myriad of emotions.
She gazed at Ce Bao before her, then at Chu Huaiyu's deep eyes.
This is not just an honor, but also a guarantee.
She was once a sinner, but now she stands beside the emperor, revered by all the people under heaven.
The sudden change in her identity brought a slight lump to her throat.
She quietly raised her eyes and saw Chu Huaiyu gazing at her, his eyes filled with love.
Lu Zhaoxue lowered her eyes, avoiding Chu Huaiyu's gaze.
Chu Huaiyu took her hand again and gently placed the precious seal in her palm.
He unfolded the book and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear:
"From this day forward, you will be my Empress. I assure you, with me here, no one will ever dare to humiliate you again."
Lu Zhaoxue nodded, her fingertips gripping the precious seal tightly.
She straightened her back even more, and the slight unease in her expression gradually faded, replaced by composure and determination.
For the rest of her life, she will live for herself and never let anyone hurt her or the people she loves again.
In the past, she was the fish on the chopping block, and man was the butcher.
Today, it's time for a change.
Sunlight shone on their clasped hands and on the gilded book, making it sparkle brilliantly.
——
The night was as thick as ink, gently blurring the hustle and bustle of the imperial city.
The elaborate rituals of the investiture ceremony consumed the daytime hustle and bustle.
The palace maid Haitang helped Lu Zhaoxue remove her heavy phoenix coronet and wedding robes, and changed her into a soft, moon-white satin nightgown.
Lu Zhaoxue's long hair was loosely tied up, with a mutton-fat jade hairpin inserted at her temple. She had shed the dignified and graceful demeanor of an empress, and at this moment she was elegant and gentle.
She sat in front of the dressing table, and footsteps came from behind her, carrying the refreshing scent of ambergris, which gently enveloped Lu Zhaoxue.
Chu Huaiyu wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, resting his chin on her neck, his grip filled with an irresistible tenderness.
His breath was warm, carrying a hint of intoxication from the alcohol, and also concealing a long-suppressed ecstasy.
"Zhaoxue...you are so beautiful today that I can't take my eyes off you," Chu Huaiyu murmured softly, his voice hoarse.
Lu Zhaoxue stiffened, then forced herself to relax, trying to reach out and brush away Chu Huaiyu's hand that was on her waist.
"Your Majesty..." Lu Zhaoxue was about to speak when she was interrupted by Chu Huaiyu's sudden action.
Chu Huaiyu scooped her up in his arms and carried her slowly to the bed in the inner hall.
The brocade quilt was soft, and a brocade rug embroidered with phoenixes singing in harmony was laid out, just like the symbolism of the investiture ceremony in broad daylight.
He gently placed her on the bed and leaned down to gaze at her.
Chu Huaiyu's eyes reflected her image, as if there was no room for anyone else.
He lowered his head, his nose brushing against hers, their breaths mingling, carrying each other's warmth.
"Zhaoxue," Chu Huaiyu murmured in her ear.
He had already silently repeated these words to himself countless times.
"I am so happy... so happy..." Chu Huaiyu repeated the words, his voice choked with emotion.
"I am so happy that I am afraid it is all a dream, and that when I open my eyes, you will no longer be by my side."
His lips gently landed on Lu Zhaoxue's forehead, then kissed her lips, tenderly lingering and caressing them.
Chu Huaiyu's actions lacked the majesty of an emperor, revealing only a man's infatuation and cherishment of the woman he loved.
"For the rest of my life, I will never let you suffer the slightest grievance again."
He kissed Lu Zhaoxue's lips, speaking each word with utmost solemnity.
Looking into his eyes at the deep affection and ecstasy, Lu Zhaoxue felt a desolate emptiness in her heart.
After a long while, Chu Huaiyu still didn't hear her reply.
Chu Huaiyu felt a pang of pain in his heart and could only hold Lu Zhaoxue tightly in his arms, with such force that it seemed he wanted to meld her into his very bones.
It's as if only in this way can we confirm that she really exists.
Chu Huaiyu rested his chin on Lu Zhaoxue's head and murmured to himself, "With you here, my empire is complete."
The sound of the wind outside the window gradually subsided, leaving only Chu Huaiyu's heartbeat and gentle murmurs inside the hall.
In Lu Zhaoxue's heart, this belated love was ultimately worthless...
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