Double happiness, a perfect match made in heaven
After the palace banquet incident, Lu Beichen did not delay. Early the next morning, he dressed in military attire and solemnly entered the palace to pay his respects.
In the Golden Palace, Lu Beichen knelt on one knee, his voice steady and powerful, resounding: "Your Majesty! Your subject Lu Beichen, by Your Majesty's grace, has been entrusted with guarding the border, and has fortunately fulfilled his mission. Today, I humbly request Your Majesty to grant me marriage!"
The emperor looked at his beloved general with great interest: "Oh? Which family's young lady has Beichen taken a fancy to? Please speak freely."
"Your Majesty, I have long admired Shen Anci, the daughter of General Shen Wei of the Northern Garrison." Lu Beichen raised his head, his gaze sincere and firm. "Anci and I have known each other since childhood and are kindred spirits. I swear that I will cherish and love her for the rest of my life and protect her. I humbly beg Your Majesty to grant my request!"
These words caused a stir in the hall, but then they seemed to find them quite reasonable. The Shen family was a military family, and Lu Beichen was a rising star in the army. Their union would not only be a perfect match, but also a powerful alliance that would benefit both the country and the military.
The Emperor was overjoyed. He had always admired Lu Beichen and had also heard of Shen Anci's cheerful personality. He immediately clapped his hands and laughed, "Excellent! A fine son and a fine daughter-in-law, a match made in heaven! I grant it! I hereby bestow the marriage upon Shen Anci, daughter of General Shen Wei of the Northern Garrison, to General Lu Beichen of the Northern Garrison. An auspicious day shall be chosen for the wedding!"
"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness!" Lu Beichen kowtowed deeply, feeling a great weight lifted from his heart, his joy overflowing.
The imperial decree of marriage quickly spread throughout the capital. The happiest person was Shen Anci, who was so excited in the General's mansion that she almost started practicing her spear skills, only to be restrained by her wife, who was both amused and exasperated. Inside Prince Yi's mansion, Zhao Jingyi was even more excited than the couple themselves, circling around Qin Yuti: "Wife! See! What did I tell you! They're definitely going to get together! Hahaha! This is going to be exciting!"
Qin Yuti was genuinely happy for her close friend, but seeing her lord's expression, she couldn't help but remind him, "Your Highness, please tone it down. Anyone who doesn't know better would think you're about to get married."
Just then, another piece of good news came from the palace: the marriage between the gentle and refined Second Prince, Prince Huai, Zhao Jingxuan, and Li Jingshu, the daughter of a Hanlin Academy scholar, had also been arranged. The Imperial Astronomical Bureau presented an auspicious date, and the Emperor was delighted to see it—the next best day was the same as the wedding date of Lu Beichen and Shen Anci!
The Emperor waved his hand and declared, "Good things come in pairs! The wedding of Prince Huai and Minister Lu shall be held on the same day! I wish this capital to be filled with double joy and celebration throughout the land!"
The news caused a stir in the capital once again. One family was a union between a prince and a talented woman from a respectable family, while the other was a marriage between a general and the daughter of a military family. One was a scholar, the other a warrior; they complemented each other perfectly, a truly remarkable story of a prosperous era.
On the day of their wedding, the capital was adorned with red bridal processions for miles, and the streets were deserted as everyone flocked to the city.
Both the Prince Huai's Mansion and the newly built Lu Mansion were brightly decorated, creating a festive atmosphere. The wedding procession was so grand that it almost blocked the streets of the capital.
Prince Huai, Zhao Jingxuan, was a refined and elegant man. He personally rode a white horse to the Li residence to fetch his bride, displaying royal bearing and respect for his wife. Li Jingshu, adorned in a phoenix coronet and wedding gown, was infinitely shy and demure. The two standing together were like a perfect couple from a painting.
Lu Beichen's wedding procession was even more "unique." Dressed in a bright red wedding robe, yet still exuding the heroic air of a soldier, he rode a magnificent warhorse, accompanied by a troop of equally spirited soldiers, heading imposingly towards the Zhenbei General's Mansion. However, at the mansion's gate, Prince Yi, Zhao Jingyi, who claimed to be Shen Anci's best friend, led a series of "obstacles," demanding martial arts contests, poetry recitations (which stumped the generals), and the presentation of red envelopes, creating quite a commotion. Finally, it was only when the bride, Shen Anci, couldn't wait any longer and nearly rushed out with her skirt lifted that Lu Beichen "broke through the encirclement" and successfully took his bride away. This scene drew continuous laughter from the onlookers, creating an extremely lively atmosphere.
Two grand weddings were held simultaneously, with a banquet held in the palace where civil and military officials, as well as imperial relatives, gathered to bless the two newlyweds. The emperor looked at the beautiful brides and grooms below the stage, his heart filled with joy.
At the banquet, Zhao Jingyi was exceptionally excited, dragging Qin Yuti around to offer toasts. He would tease the still-respectful Prince Rui and his wife, then try to get Lu Beichen drunk, only to be blocked by Shen Anci, nearly collapsing himself in the process. Qin Yuti followed behind him, both helpless and amused, repeatedly apologizing to those she was harassing, then secretly pinching Zhao Jingyi's waist to make him behave.
Seeing Shen Anci dressed in red, exuding both heroic spirit and charm, her eyes gleaming with happiness as she gazed at Lu Beichen beside her, Qin Yuti was genuinely happy for her. She turned to look at the man beside her, who, despite his boisterous nature, held her hand tightly, and a warm feeling welled up inside her. Perhaps their marriage began as a farce, but now, it seemed to be on the right track.
That night, the capital city was ablaze with lights, and the atmosphere was filled with joy.
Two couples, after overcoming different hardships, finally became husband and wife.
Meanwhile, in our lives, the Prince Yi and his wife, amidst their chaotic yet tender lives, continue their story in a lively and bustling manner.
The future is long, and who knows what interesting things and challenges await them?
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
