Chapter 92 Chapter 92: Overjoyed
Inside the palace, lanterns and colorful decorations were hung everywhere, and festive banners were raised high.
The red velvet carpet spread out along the palace gates and into the depths of the palace.
Yu Wanyin's bedroom was redecorated inside and out with red silk and red cloth, and palace servants in the courtyard hung red lanterns at the doorways of various rooms by climbing ladders.
A companion pointed out, "It's crooked, bring it a bit over here."
Inside the house, Qing Song and Aunt Duan helped Yu Wanyin change her bedding to her favorite red silk brocade.
The gauze curtains were also changed to bright red, and tasseled beaded curtains were hung all around.
Aunt Duan hung the lucky bags and sachets she had prepared earlier on the table, alternating between them.
A tender atmosphere quickly filled the room.
Yu Wanyin sat to the side, idly packing lucky bags for them to use.
The aroma drew me in, and I couldn't help but look over.
"It smells so good."
"Yes," Aunt Duan said, arranging the sachets one by one. "These sachets are made with a new recipe of mine, perfect for your wedding."
Yu Wanyin smelled it for a while longer, then said, "We can prepare more in the room."
This smells very pleasant.
It's a flavor that can quickly relax both your mind and body.
Even after smelling it for a long time, it doesn't make you feel uncomfortable, but it does make your muscles and bones feel a little weak, as if your soul can float away.
It's a feeling of lethargy.
Aunt Duan laughed, saying that too much of this incense shouldn't be kept in the room.
It can only be used for weddings or other necessary occasions.
Over time, the spices themselves won't have any adverse effects on the body.
However, Yu Wanyin was already deficient in Yin, and Rong Si was also very fiery.
This spice is warming in nature and is used for heating rooms and tents.
It's been sitting indoors for a long time.
It's likely that the man with the raging fire could burn this yin-deficient young woman dry.
But Aunt Duan knew that Yu Wanyin was shy, so she didn't directly say the secret of the spices. "The spices can be changed from time to time. If you need them, I can make you some that are good for your health."
Yu Wanyin readily agreed, "Okay."
A palace servant came in to report, "Princess, your wedding dress is ready."
"The Queen wants you to come and see her."
Yu Wanyin agreed and got up to go out with the palace servants.
People came and went in the courtyard, making the entire palace garden lively and festive.
Many roses that were in full bloom were also transplanted.
When they saw Yu Wanyin come out, they quickly gestured, "Princess, be careful."
A person nearby patted him and joked, "What do you mean, 'Princess, be careful'? You should be the one being careful around the princess."
Everyone burst into laughter.
Yu Wanyin smiled but remained silent.
Everyone in the palace knew that Yu Wanyin didn't care about these petty squabbles.
They were quite content working in the courtyard.
The peace and stability that follows chaos allows everyone to appreciate every joyful moment more.
The palace servants were all extremely dedicated and attentive to this marriage.
As Yu Wanyin walked along the palace road, she often saw servants coming to prepare for the wedding banquet.
After several rounds, upon seeing Yu Wanyin, they all bowed and then proceeded.
"These are all congratulatory gifts reported and sent from various places."
The palace attendant explained, "As the princess knows, the situation has just stabilized, and there isn't much treasure in various places. What's being sent are mostly local delicacies and everyday items."
"Some of them were used at banquets."
Yu Wanyin was a little surprised, "Has the news of this marriage spread this far?"
The palace maid smiled and said, "That's for sure."
Even though Yu Wanyin didn't say much about it, many of Rong Si's subordinates are now serving as military officers in various prefectures and counties. It's not uncommon for word to spread from one person to another throughout the country.
The palaces of Shanyun and Gu Hong were equally bustling.
The courtyard was festive, resembling a wedding for a daughter. Shan Yun laid out the wedding clothes they had previously taken measurements for inside the house and pulled Yu Wanyin over, saying, "Look, isn't it beautiful?"
This wedding dress was custom-made.
It was made by Shan Yun, who hired the best tailor from Shanshan, and Gu Hong, who hired a tailor from the Central Plains.
Exquisitely crafted, adorned with strings of Shanshan totem beads.
It was a lucky charm that Shan Yun had specially brought back from the mountain from his ancestors.
Hanging on it, it shimmered and dazzled.
The wedding dress alone was enough to make people unable to look away.
Shan Yun was momentarily lost in thought as he watched the palace maids help Yu Wanyin try on her wedding dress.
She asked, "Yaoyao, would it be alright if you stayed here with me for the next couple of days?"
"Your wedding is in three days. I will escort you to your wedding in place of your mother."
Yu Wanyin paused slightly, then smiled and said, "Okay."
Gu Hongyuan wanted to go and see how the wedding banquet was being arranged, and along the way he listened to his servants talking about the arrangements and plans for the wedding banquet.
Halfway there, they were stopped by a palace servant who said, "Your Majesty, a young man outside the city has sent a letter requesting entry."
"Why do I need to be informed before entering the city?" Gu Hong frowned. "They will decide."
He was currently busy preparing for Yao Yao's wedding banquet.
If he doesn't handle it properly, Shan Yun will definitely throw a tantrum.
Gu Honggang walked a few steps away.
The palace servants hurriedly caught up with them, saying, "Your Majesty, entering the city is no ordinary matter, which is why we have come to ask for permission."
"It was the former Marquis of Yanbei, Chu Yu."
Gu Hong stopped in his tracks. "Chu Yu?"
*
Outside the palace gates, Qin Yuan and her companions prepared to enter, only to see a vast procession stretching through the streets and alleys.
The troops were well-organized, and their attire looked somewhat familiar, similar to Rong Si's previous marches, but not exactly the same.
It appears that they are all guards from the Central Plains who have come to submit their reports.
Qin Yuan glanced at it a few more times, her gaze finally settling on the carriage at the very front.
There were probably some powerful or wealthy people sitting inside the carriage, and there were many guards around, so she couldn't see who was inside.
The people in the city looked around curiously, discussing the background of the newcomer.
Only after the palace gates were opened wide did some of the waiting crowd enter.
The other part remains in place, waiting for orders.
After the envoys entered the palace gates, it was Qin Yuan's turn.
Qin Yuan didn't take it seriously at all.
At the beginning of the establishment of the new dynasty, many surrounding forces came to surrender or pay tribute, and many more have come in recent days.
As soon as Qin Yuan entered the palace gate, she asked the guard beside her, "Is the princess in the palace today?"
“Yes,” the guard said. “Right now, I reckon they’re trying on their wedding gowns in the Queen’s palace.”
Qin Yuan agreed and headed straight for the Queen's palace.
When Qin Yuan arrived, Yu Wanyin had already finished her test and was sitting in the courtyard chatting with her aunt.
Shan Yun was also all smiles, his face beaming with joy.
The autumn wind rustled through the scattered flowers and plants in the yard.
It's not hot at this time of year, so it's perfect to cool off in the yard.
Yu Wanyin's eyes lit up when she saw Qin Yuan approaching.
She hadn't seen Qin Yuan for a few days, and her voice was gentle and soft as she said, "You've come, have a seat."
Qin Yuan walked to the side and bowed, "I just came from your residence, and I'm covered in dust, so I won't sit down."
Yu Wanyin asked in confusion, "Our residence?"
“Yes.” Qin Yuan smiled and her eyes crinkled. “You’ve forgotten about your and Rong Si’s residence.”
Yu Wan paused slightly, her words making one's ears burn.
She then remembered that Qin Yuan was referring to her future new home.
After all, it wouldn't be very convenient to live in the palace all the time after getting married.
Yu Wanyin looked at her, "Isn't it still under construction over there? Why did they ask you to help supervise the work?"
"I just had nothing to do," Qin Yuan asked her. "They said the back garden was repaired before it froze over in winter, and Rong Si asked me to come and ask if you had time to go and take a look."
Yu Wanyin happened to have some free time at the moment. She told her aunt and then went out to the mansion they were repairing.
"Where is Rong Si now?"
"Yes," Qin Yuan said. "Construction on your residence will be suspended three days before the wedding and will resume after the wedding."
"Part of the inspection is being conducted today, so he's here too."
To be honest, after the mansion was decided, Yu Wanyin basically stopped paying attention to it.
It's all Rong Si's business to worry about.
She went to see it twice in total.
The first time was choosing a location, and the second time is now.
Ahead of the palace road, Chu Yu's grand procession entered the main hall of the royal palace.
After they passed by, Yu Wanyin came out of the palace road.
They brushed past those who had just entered the palace.
Once Yu Wanyin entered the carriage leaving the palace, she did not lift the curtain again.
Qin Yuan glanced a few more times at the neatly arranged soldiers outside the palace gates, "Another person has entered the palace to pay homage."
Yu Wanyin had heard many stories of people entering the palace these past few days, so she said, "Let's pay our respects."
Qin Yuan remained noncommittal.
The carriage left the quiet part of the crowd and headed towards the brand-new mansion that was under renovation.
Rong Si had probably received the news long ago and was waiting at the door.
They only went over when they saw the palace carriages and horses approaching.
The carriage curtain was lifted, and an arm stretched across in front of Yu Wanyin.
She looked up and saw Rong Si standing in front of her, helping her down from the carriage.
Just like the countless times I'd picked her up before.
Yu Wanyin casually reached out and used the momentum to get down, "What do you think is going on inside?"
“I’m a rough man, I can see everything as good, but it depends on you.” Rong Si didn’t let go of her hand before she got down, but instead took the opportunity to squeeze her hand that was resting on his forearm and held it in his palm.
Once you catch it, you'll rub it a couple of times, intentionally or unintentionally.
Yu Wanyin was very sensitive and noticed this, causing the back of her hand to turn red from being pinched.
The buildings inside the mansion are mostly newly built, in the early stages of construction, but not yet very presentable.
The courtyard has been mostly renovated, and some flowers, plants, and trees have been planted.
These things need time to adapt to the soil. Once they grow in the spring, they will be even more suitable for them to live in.
Although Rong Si was a rough man, he was quite serious when it came to important matters.
Regardless of other factors, the arms industry alone is not something a careless person can handle well.
The renovation of the mansion he arranged was flawless, and Yu Wanyin thought it was excellent.
The courtyard is exquisite with many flowers and plants, and the trees and shrubs in the woods are arranged in a pleasing manner. Even in autumn, you can still feel the coolness and pleasantness of the woods when you walk here.
It would be even better if it were springtime.
The lake in the courtyard is being prepared to be filled with water, and some lotus flowers and other aquatic plants have been sprinkled into it.
Against the backdrop of the surrounding artificial hills and trees, it looks like another mountain village.
I heard it was Su Fang and the others who came up with the idea by talking over each other.
They wanted to move everything into their yard.
It's almost as if they moved the entire mountain stronghold from Jiangling exactly as it was back then.
Even so, it seems to be working quite well.
Yu Wanyin stayed in the new mansion for an hour or two.
Zongcheng and his group arrived midway and chatted with them until dusk.
As Yu Wanyin and Rong Si were preparing to return to the palace and packing up to go back, they saw through the back gate of the courtyard that things were being moved into the neighboring courtyard.
It sounds like someone from next door has come over.
Yu Wanyin looked outside the courtyard. "When I came last time, there didn't seem to be anyone next door."
She asked, "Have any new neighbors moved in recently?"
This area belongs to the royal city and is a place where only officials of the court can live; ordinary people cannot move here.
Those who can be neighbors with them must be people in high positions of power and influence.
But these people are all well-known military figures.
He hadn't heard of anyone moving in.
Rong Si frowned and took a step forward. "I'll go ask."
Yu Wanyin stayed where she was and waited. "Okay."
Rong Si walked out of the backyard and called out to one of the messengers who was about to deliver something, "Is it a court official who is moving in?"
“Oh, yes,” the errand boy said, “it’s a distinguished guest who just arrived in the city today.”
Rong Si had been busy with the wedding preparations lately and couldn't concentrate on this news. "What important person?"
The messenger pondered for a long time, "I heard he is a rising star in the court, the former Marquis of Yanbei, Chu Yu."
The name "Chu Yu" seemed particularly distant and unfamiliar at this moment.
Immediately afterwards, a carriage walked down the street and stopped right in front of Rong Si.
Judging from the looks of it, he has just returned from requesting permission from the royal palace.
Rong Si's aura instantly darkened.
It wasn't anyone else, but the first person to get off the bus was Wu Zhou!
Chu Yu is back.
Upon seeing Rong Si, Wu Zhou leaned forward and spoke a few words to the person in the carriage.
When he turned around and came out again, Rong Si had already returned to the courtyard.
Chu Yu leaned out and looked over.
Rong Si slammed the back door shut.
Chu Yu: "..."
Yu Wanyin's questioning voice came from inside the courtyard, "Why is the gate closed?"
Rong Si said in a serious tone, "It's windy."
Inside the courtyard, Yu Wanyin looked around. "There's... no wind."
Rong Si didn't say much, but walked forward with feigned composure, leading Yu Wanyin in the opposite direction from where Chu Yu was.
"It's getting late, we should head back."
Yu Wanyin was led a few steps by him before she realized something was wrong. "Wouldn't it be shorter if we went through the back door?"
"The stuff is all up ahead." Rong Si didn't know what was up ahead, but it was certain that there was something dirty behind him.
Rong Si's face was gloomy and deep.
Didn't he move the wedding date forward? How come Chu Yu is back so soon?
Based on the journey from the south to the western capital, it would take at least two or three months.
In addition, Chu Yu couldn't just rush on his journey; he also had to handle local government affairs along the way before he could arrive.
Yu Wanyin could clearly sense the change in Rong Si's emotions. "So who moved in next door?"
Rong Si simply said, "Just a colleague."
Before Yu Wanyin could ask any further questions, he pushed her into the inner courtyard. "Are you hungry? What would you like to eat for dinner? I'll have them prepare it."
Yu Wanyin remembered her aunt's words, "I'm going to my aunt's for dinner tonight, they're probably waiting for me."
Yu Wanyin walked out of the courtyard and was helped into the carriage. As she sat down, she said, "By the way, my aunt asked me to stay at her place for the next two days."
"She will be married from her room in exactly three days."
Rong Si hesitated for a moment, "Could it be that I won't be able to see you starting tomorrow?"
Yu Wanyin smiled and said, "Yes."
"You'll be able to pick up your bride in just three days."
Rong Si took a deep breath.
Although he could not be seen, Chu Yu returned.
Rong Si remained silent for a long time.
On the bright side, however, Yu Wanyin was waiting to be married in Shanyun for three days.
Chu Yu has no chance of seeing her.
Even if we saw it, what could we do?
Yao Yao chose him.
Rong Si felt much calmer after thinking about this.
He escorted Yu Wanyin back to Shanyun's palace. Shanyun greeted him with a smile and invited Rong Si to stay for dinner before letting him go back.
As she was saying goodbye, Shan Yun left a message: "Auntie will wait for you to come and greet Yao Yao in three days."
Rong Si's heart skipped a beat. He bowed respectfully to Shan Yun and then returned to the Military Affairs Office.
Chu Yu did not appear at the palace for the next three days, nor did he deliberately inquire about anything. He was fully aware of the great joy that would happen at the palace within those three days.
Some things can only begin again when they end.
Therefore, he was never afraid of the end.
The entire western capital was bustling with activity on the eve of the princess's wedding.
Just as the entire capital city was completed, some people, having nothing else to do, hung red lanterns and pasted double happiness flowers at their doorsteps to add some good luck.
Shops hung red banners with congratulatory messages.
Within ten miles of the city gates, red silk banners were everywhere, congratulating the princess on her wedding.
Yu Wanyin had no intention of letting her marriage affect anything in Xidu.
Seeing this, she specially prepared many more lucky bags to distribute to the people.
Inside were millet, wheat, or sugar cubes and melons—things that could feed or sustain people.
Gradually, people began hanging the lucky bags they received all over the streets and alleys.
Amidst the orange and yellow hues of autumn leaves, countless vibrant reds and joyful colors are interspersed.
The entire western capital was bathed in a dazzling golden-red hue, resembling a fairyland on earth.
The wind rustled not only the leaves but also the lucky bags clattering and rubbing against each other.
On the wedding day, firecrackers went off early in the morning, and the aroma of fireworks mixed with the fragrance of autumn morning dew spread throughout the streets and alleys.
Rong Si entered the palace directly from the city gate to welcome the bride.
Wild geese lead the way, and eagles soar.
Congratulatory shouts echoed throughout the city, and people came and went in the streets and alleys.
The attic of the house was densely packed with people.
Even inside the palace gates, the sounds from outside could still be heard.
Yu Wanyin was a little nervous as she sat upright in front of the dressing table, watching her makeup and hair accessories gradually come together in the bronze mirror.
The festivities that had been simmering in the courtyard finally erupted when the matchmaker outside shouted for the new groom to come and greet the bride.
Unlike the reserved and proper etiquette of the Central Plains, this place is full of the wildness and uninhibitedness of the Western Regions.
Here, it is believed that only the bravest can marry the girl they desire.
Shan Chenjun and his men blocked the way.
The well-behaved soldiers were no match for the fierce bandits who broke out of the mountains.
It wasn't long before Zong Cheng broke through the barrier and stormed into the inner courtyard.
Shouts and shouts rose and fell.
Rong Si strode in, and before Yu Wanyin could decide whether to leave, she was met with Rong Si riding high on his victory.
Someone behind them shouted with laughter, "What are you standing there for? Stop him!"
Rong Si laughed too, "What can I do? There are just too many people blocking my way. I'll have to snatch my wife back."
As he spoke, he took a few steps to her, picked her up, and snatched her away.
Rong Si was also very strong. Yu Wanyin was lifted up by his strong strength and even bounced a bit before falling back into his arms.
Startled, she instinctively reached out and wrapped her arms around his neck.
Rong Si was embraced by her, and she smiled as she carried him out.
Those who had previously blocked them came forward, but no longer obstructed them. They were escorted away to pay respects to their parents and complete the wedding ceremony.
Fireworks and fireworks were set off, red smoke filled the sky, and the high-hanging sunlight bathed them in a warm glow.
In the perfect daylight, Yu Wanyin served tea to her elder brother.
Rong Si's parents are no longer here, which saves him from other troubles.
Normally, a wedding would involve spending half a day at the bride's home and half a day at the groom's home, but Yu Wanyin had to stay up all night.
It's not needed nowadays.
The wedding banquet is held twice, once at noon and once in the evening.
Yu Wanyin ate lunch in her room. She had more freedom in the evening, and was able to change her clothes and join them at the banquet.
The banquet was even more grand and magnificent, with officials from the court gathering to congratulate the newlyweds.
Yu Wanyin was unable to hold her liquor, so Rong Si took over for her.
Yu Wanyin was a little afraid that he would drink, but in this situation, she was afraid that only one of them could escape.
Given her drinking capacity, it would be better for him to do it.
The banquet lasted a long time, from dusk until late at night.
Yu Wanyin couldn't hold on any longer, so she left first, which didn't cause any major problems.
The night sky seemed to have absorbed the hustle and bustle of the day, appearing strangely soft and warm.
It wasn't until Yu Wanyin left that a refined and elegant young man, arriving late, appeared outside the main hall.
Rong Si had been waiting for him for a long time at the wedding banquet, which was filled with distinguished guests.
Almost as soon as Chu Yu appeared, Rong Si noticed his arrival.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the surroundings and the comings and goings of people, few noticed when yet another guest had arrived.
But those who knew Chu Yu, led by Zong Cheng, fell silent the moment he entered.
They all looked at the newcomer with suspicion.
Chu Yu casually handed his wedding gift to the master of ceremonies standing to the side.
Then, without looking to the side, he walked straight toward Rong Si.
As Rong Si watched him approach, the smell of sparks slowly filled the air, whether from fireworks or something else, he couldn't tell.
Chu Yu walked up to him and stood still, his eyes and brows dark and unfathomable.
A cryptic smile still lingered on his lips. "What, are you unhappy to see me?"
Rong Si sneered silently, his amber pupils flickering in the lamplight as he stared intently at Chu Yu, exuding a provocative aura.
Chu Yu casually picked up the wedding wine presented by the attendant and toasted Chao Rongsi.
"I have come here today specifically to congratulate Lord Rong on his joyous occasion."
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This chapter will randomly drop [kiss].
Also, a heads-up! The remaining chapters of this world's side stories will all contain peaceful coexistence-themed wife-stealing competitions. Those who don't like multi-person battles and competitions should proceed with caution! There will also be separate "what if" storylines for Rong and Chu later on, which will be indicated in the titles~ Love you all [doge head with rose in hand]
I'll resume daily updates starting today. I'll let you know in advance if I take a break.
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