Nianqing has found her perfect match and is happily married.
Shen Nianqing has made a name for himself in the court, possessing both the talent of being a second-place scholar in the imperial examinations and the military merits of victories on the frontier. Coupled with his upright and humble character, he is the perfect match in the eyes of the noble ladies of the capital. Although Shen Qingci and Su Yunqing hope that their son will get married, they do not want to bind him with social status. They only advise him: "Marriage is a major event, and the most important thing is that you are compatible with each other. You don't have to be bound by family background."
In late spring of that year, to celebrate peace on the borders, the Emperor held a banquet in the Imperial Garden, inviting court officials and their families to attend. Shen Nianqing, dressed in a moon-white brocade robe, stood beneath the crabapple blossoms, discussing border defense strategies with his colleagues, when suddenly he heard the elegant sound of a zither drifting from the pavilion in the middle of the lake. Looking in the direction of the sound, he saw a woman sitting gracefully in the pavilion, her delicate hands playing the zither, her features gentle and refined like spring water—it was none other than Li Yanran, the daughter of Minister Li of the Ministry of Personnel.
The music stopped abruptly. Li Yanran looked up and her eyes met Shen Nianqing's. A faint blush rose on her cheeks, and she rose and curtsied. Shen Nianqing returned the greeting, a strange flutter stirring in his heart. During the banquet, the two occasionally exchanged glances, discussing everything from the elegant verses of the Book of Songs to their insights on calligraphy and painting, from the lives of people on the border to the governance of the court. Their views resonated deeply, and they found themselves increasingly compatible. Li Yanran was not only exceptionally talented but also deeply admired Shen Nianqing's commitment to the people; Shen Nianqing, in turn, appreciated her intelligence and insight, which set her apart from the typical delicate gentleness of a young lady.
After that, Shen Nianqing often used the pretext of visiting Lord Li to meet with Li Yanran in the study. Sometimes they would appreciate ancient books and paintings together, and sometimes they would stroll side by side by the lotus pond in the Minister's mansion, chatting about everything under the sun, and a tacit understanding gradually developed between them. Su Yunqing noticed her son's feelings and secretly asked someone to inquire about her. She learned that Li Yanran was not only talented and beautiful, but also famous for her filial piety. She often provided medicine and food to the elderly living alone, and her character was upright. She was even more satisfied with her.
Shen Qingci then sent a matchmaker to the Ministry of Personnel to propose marriage. The Li couple already held Shen Nianqing in high regard, and upon hearing the purpose of the proposal, they immediately agreed. The Emperor, upon learning of this, was also very pleased, personally bestowing a marriage certificate and generous rewards, praising the two as "a perfect match in talent and virtue, a match made in heaven."
On the wedding day, the capital was brightly decorated, and the Shen family mansion was bustling with activity. Shen Nianqing, dressed in a bright red wedding gown and wearing a jade belt, rode a tall horse and led a grand wedding procession to the Li family mansion. When the bridal sedan chair arrived, Li Yanran, dressed in a phoenix coronet and embroidered robe, was helped into the sedan chair by her father and brothers. Under the red veil, a smile she couldn't hide played on her lips.
The wedding ceremony was grand yet heartwarming, with red ribbons fluttering in the air and drums beating loudly. Shen Qingci and Su Yunqing sat upright in the hall, receiving the newlyweds' kneeling obeisance. Looking at their son and daughter-in-law standing side by side, their eyes were filled with joy. Guests raised their glasses in congratulations, praising the perfect couple, a match made in heaven.
On their wedding night, Shen Nianqing personally lifted Li Yanran's red veil. In the candlelight, her features were exquisite, and she was shy and charming. He took her hand and said solemnly and gently, "Yanran, from this day forward, we are husband and wife. I will never let you down, I will protect you and stay by your side for the rest of my life."
Li Yanran looked up at him, her eyes sparkling, and nodded with tears in her eyes: "Nianqing, I will also treat you for the rest of my life, take care of your family affairs, relieve your worries, and walk hand in hand with you through good times and bad times."
The flickering red candles illuminated the warm atmosphere of the room, and the passing down of the family tradition added a touch of perfect harmony to the vows of the newlyweds.
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