"It's absolutely true," the butler said, seeing the princess's disbelief. He hurriedly handed over a portrait, his voice trembling even more, almost crying. "This was painted by a street artist. The artist insists he saw the two men riding horses out of the city."
Princess Pingyang snatched the portrait away, staring intently at the two people in the portrait. In the portrait, Su Jinli was dressed in men's clothes, looking heroic and dashing, with a bright smile on her face. That smile was full of relief and happiness, as if all her troubles had been left behind. Jiang Yan gazed at her affectionately, his eyes filled with endless love and doting, as if she was his whole world. The princess looked at the portrait, her whole body shaking with anger. Her hands clenched into fists, her nails digging deep into her palms, almost pinching them to bleed. She gritted her teeth and shouted word by word: "Su Jinli! I can never coexist with you!" Her voice was filled with deep hatred and unwillingness, as if she wanted to tear Su Jinli into pieces before she could slightly calm the rage burning in her heart.
At this moment, the capital was completely engulfed in a bustling carnival. The streets and alleys were ablaze with excitement over this unexpected event. Like bees drawn to honey, people flocked to the streets, spreading the news. In teahouses and taverns, as well as in the homes of ordinary people, people were enthusiastically discussing the astonishing event: the emperor had decreed that the wedding go ahead as planned after Su Jinli and Jiang Yan eloped in the middle of the night. Speculations and rumors drifted freely in every corner of the capital like flying catkins. Some marveled at the emperor's wise decision, believing it to be a story destined to be passed down through the ages, demonstrating the royal family's tolerance and generosity. Others were astonished by Su Jinli and Jiang Yan's elopement. However, even more people offered their heartfelt blessings for their undying love, hoping that this couple, who had weathered so many twists and turns, would find happiness from now on.
The Prime Minister's and the No. 1 Scholar's residences were a scene of bustling activity. Servants hurried back and forth like industrious ants, each one diligently making final preparations for this highly anticipated wedding. The wedding hall was meticulously decorated with exquisite beauty, a scene of utter joy. Tall red silk hung from the beams like vibrant flames, swaying gently in the breeze as if dancing joyfully. Wedding candles flickered with a warm, bright light, illuminating the entire hall with a golden splendor. Every inch of the hall was filled with a rich, festive atmosphere, as if embodying the grandeur and beauty of this wedding. Prime Minister Su and Jiang's father, though somewhat frustrated and resentful at their children's audacious late-night elopement, were compelled by the Emperor's powerful decree to accept the impasse and devote themselves fully to preparing for a wedding destined to become a national legend. They knew that this wedding was not only a lifelong event for their two children, but also a moment of profound importance for the family's reputation.
Upon hearing the news, Su Jinli and Jiang Yan hurriedly packed their belongings, both hurriedly and joyfully. Then, eagerly mounting their steeds, they galloped towards the capital like an arrow from a bow. Along the way, Su Jinli's heart was filled with the joy of her upcoming wedding. Her mind replayed, like a film, the beautiful image of herself, clad in a phoenix coronet and bridal robe, walking hand in hand with Jiang Yan into the wedding hall, receiving the blessings of the crowd. She could almost feel the festive atmosphere, hear the people's laughter, and her heart was filled with endless longing and yearning for a better life in the future. Jiang Yan, watching her childlike excitement, felt a surge of warmth in his heart, a smile of happiness and contentment spreading across his face. He knew that no matter how many hardships and dangers lay ahead, as long as he had Su Jinli by his side, all difficulties would pass, and their life would be filled with joy.
As they gradually approached the capital, the bustling noise, like the rising tide, became clearer and clearer. The city gates were already crowded with eager citizens. They were like people waiting for the triumphant return of heroes, their eyes full of curiosity and anticipation. When Su Jinli and Jiang Yan appeared in everyone's sight like two shining stars, the crowd erupted in an overwhelming cheer. The people flocked forward like a tide, vying to offer them their most sincere blessings. Surrounded by the crowd's warm embrace, Su Jinli and Jiang Yan seemed to be in an ocean of love as they slowly walked towards the prime minister's residence. Along the way, blessings and cheers echoed one after another, like a beautiful melody, adding brilliant colors to their road to happiness.
At this time, the front of the Prime Minister's residence was already festooned with lights and colors, bustling with activity, like a grand festival. Bright red lanterns hung high, like flaming fireballs, punctuating the festive atmosphere. Multicolored silks fluttered in the breeze, as if dancing for the wedding. Carefully supported by her bridesmaid, Su Jinli entered the Prime Minister's residence with the grace of a fairy descending from the earth. She donned her magnificent phoenix coronet and bridal robe. The pearls and jade on the coronet shimmered like twinkling stars, each radiating a captivating luster. The bridal robe was exquisitely embroidered, each stitch meticulously crafted, as if all the beauty of the world had been woven into it. She looked like a fairy from the ninth heaven, breathtakingly beautiful. Jiang Yan also wore a vibrant red wedding gown, perfectly tailored to frame his tall figure. He was a dashing, graceful figure, his every gesture exuding elegance and dignity. To the melodious sound of joyful music, Su Jinli and Jiang Yan slowly entered the wedding hall, hand in hand. The music seemed like a song of blessing from heaven, each note telling their love story and adding endless romance and warmth to this sacred and beautiful moment.
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com