At three o'clock in the morning, golden sunlight, like fine threads of silk, evenly bathed every inch of the capital, adorning this ancient and prosperous metropolis with a dazzling brilliance. As if overnight, the streets and alleys were enveloped in a festive atmosphere, with happy announcements plastered everywhere. The bright red paper, gleaming in the sunlight, resembled dancing flames, conveying the joyous news. Like bees drawn to the fragrance of flowers, the common people rushed from all directions, crowding the streets between the Prime Minister's Residence and the Number One Scholar's Residence. The crowds thronged, the chatter echoed, like a bustling market.
"Have you heard? Miss Su and Jiang Zhuangyuan eloped in the middle of the night!" A voice sounded in the crowd, instantly causing a small commotion.
"Nonsense! It's a wedding for good luck! The emperor has even issued an edict!" Another voice immediately retorted, with an unquestionable certainty in the tone.
Just as everyone was arguing, someone suddenly shouted, "Look! The wedding procession is coming!" Everyone's eyes immediately turned to the end of the street.
Jiang Yan was seen riding a tall and handsome white horse. The horse had a sturdy figure and a coat as white as frost. Its four hooves stepped lightly on the ground, making crisp sounds. Jiang Yan was dressed in a bright red wedding gown and a black gauze hat. The pearls and jade on the hat swayed slightly with his movements, reflecting a dazzling light. He wore a jade belt around his waist, looking heroic and elegant. His face was filled with a happy and determined smile, as if the whole world was in his hands. Behind him followed a neat row of eight-man sedan chairs. The sedan chairs were decorated with extraordinary splendor. The red silk fluttered in the wind, and the auspicious patterns embroidered with golden silk thread shimmered in the sun, highlighting the solemnity and grandeur of this wedding. The wedding procession was like a long red dragon, winding straight towards the gate of the prime minister's residence.
Inside the Prime Minister's residence, Su Jinli was already dressed in her vibrant red wedding gown, resembling a delicate peony in full bloom, radiating a captivating radiance. The gown was beautifully tailored and meticulously embroidered, with delicate mandarin duck designs embroidered along the collar and cuffs, symbolizing the loving union of husband and wife, and a long and lasting marriage. Her phoenix crown, inlaid with countless shimmering gems, shimmered with a multicolored light in the sunlight, framing her features with even greater beauty. Escorted by Prime Minister Su and Young Marquis Su, Su Jinli slowly emerged from the Prime Minister's residence with light and graceful steps.
"Sister," Young Marquis Su's eyes flashed with tears, his voice choked with sobs, "you must be happy!" He held Su Jinli's hand tightly, as if his sister would disappear if he let go.
Su Jinli smiled, her eyes filled with tenderness and comfort. She gently lifted the curtain of the sedan chair and said to Young Marquis Su, "Don't worry, your brother-in-law wouldn't dare treat me badly. If he dares to bully me, I'll definitely come back to you, and you'll help me teach him a lesson." As she spoke, she winked playfully.
The wedding procession marched through the streets, and the people gathered around, eager to witness this rare and grand spectacle. Their faces were filled with joy, and they offered their blessings to the newlyweds. "What a match made in heaven!" "May they have a long and happy marriage and a son soon!" The various blessings echoed through the streets like a beautiful melody.
However, at the back of the crowd, Princess Pingyang lurked in a corner, her eyes brimming with jealousy and resentment, like a venomous snake lurking in the darkness, ready to strike at any moment. She gazed at the almond-shaped eyes glimmering with happiness through the gap in the sedan chair's curtains, fueling the flames of jealousy within her. Suddenly, as if seized by some mad passion, she rushed forward, blocking the sedan chair and shouting, "Su Jinli! You are unfaithful to your husband and unworthy of marrying Jiang Zhuangyuan!" Her voice was sharp and piercing, like an arrow piercing the night sky, instantly shattering the festive atmosphere of the wedding.
Hearing the voice, Su Jinli slowly opened the sedan chair curtain and looked at Princess Pingyang, a sneer curling her lips. Her eyes were firm and calm, like a deep, unfathomable lake, unperturbed. "Princess, you're joking. Jiang Lang and I are in love and we're in love. Now that the Emperor has granted us a marriage, how can I be accused of being unfaithful to my husband? Princess, please don't mess around and spoil everyone's fun." Su Jinli's voice was clear and resonant, like pearls falling on a jade plate, every word clearly reaching everyone's ears.
Upon seeing this, Jiang Yan immediately dismounted and quickly walked to the front of the sedan chair, standing in front of Su Jinli like a loyal guard protecting his beloved. He looked at Princess Pingyang with a serious expression and said in a cold tone, "Princess, please respect yourself. Today is the wedding day for Miss Su and me. I hope you will not do anything that will bring shame to the royal family."
Princess Pingyang watched Jiang Yan protect Su Jinli, her fury uncontrollable. Trembling with rage, she blurted out, "You... you dare to scold me? You're just a humble champion, and you dare to speak to me like that!" Her face twisted with rage, her once dignified image shattered.
"I dare not," Jiang Yan still looked calm, his tone neither humble nor arrogant, "but if the princess continues to act like this, I will have no choice but to ask the Dali Temple Minister to judge and see if the princess's behavior is in line with the royal etiquette norms." Although Jiang Yan's voice was calm, it carried an unquestionable majesty, which made Princess Pingyang's heart tremble.
Just then, melodious ceremonial music filled the air, and the emperor's procession advanced in a grand procession. Yellow flags fluttered in the wind, and guards, dressed in magnificent attire, lined the road in neat rows. The emperor, seated in his dragon chariot, slowly peeked out, taking in the chaotic scene before him. He burst into laughter, "Brilliant! What a bride-kidnapping extravaganza! Such a delightful, truly delightful scene!" His laughter echoed in the air, tinged with playfulness and mockery.
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