Chapter 44 The Grand Wedding.
Once the wedding date was set for the end of February, the entire Duan Prince's Mansion and the Imperial Clan Court were busily preparing for the grand wedding in April throughout March.
The Jia family was also preparing to send out invitations and hold a banquet. The first expense was money. The official accounts were practically empty. Jia Lian asked Jia Zheng for help, but Jia Zheng had no other choice but to ask his elderly mother for help.
Whether Princess Duan was willing to leave the Jia family or not is another matter, but the wedding was poorly organized, displeasing the imperial family and embarrassing the Jia family. They couldn't cut corners even if they wanted to.
The dowry list hadn't been given to Daiyu yet. After much deliberation, Grandmother Jia decided to use the Lin family's money to leave more money for her children and grandchildren, since Daiyu wouldn't know how much her father had left her. Even if things changed later, since this was for Daiyu's marriage, Grandmother Jia would still have something to say.
Upon hearing this, Jia She assumed that the old lady had taken his private funds. However, no matter how dissatisfied he was, he dared not utter a word. He could only think that since the Jia family had spent so much money, they couldn't possibly get nothing in return.
As long as Daiyu marries out of this family, even though they aren't considered the proper in-laws, the ten years of nurturing they received are undeniable. Do you think Prince Duan and his wife would have no regard for their relationship at all? Even royalty, who value loyalty and filial piety above all else, would still be afraid of being gossiped about!
Or, taking advantage of this wedding banquet, one can make more friends. The title of a first-class general of the Rongguo Duke's Mansion is quite impressive, and one can always take the opportunity to raise some money.
Jia She pondered this for a long time until the fourth day of the fourth month.
According to custom, the princess's dowry must be carried to the royal residence with the wedding procession on the day of the wedding. Today, the Jia family must display it in the residence.
Jia Min's dowry, Lin Ruhai's estate, the rewards Daiyu received these days, the various gifts sent by Prince Duan, and the additional dowry that Grandmother Jia reluctantly gave out—all of these were part of Daiyu's dowry.
The chests and trunks were laid out like a long dragon, and even Grandmother Jia's main courtyard could not contain them all.
When Grandmother Jia handed the dowry list to Daiyu, she should have given her some earnest instructions, but she had been busy with the preparations for a long time and simply didn't have the energy. She only said, "We can't help you here in the mansion. You'll have to take care of yourself in the future."
Daiyu curtsied and said, "Thank you... for your teachings, Grandmother."
For her mother's sake, this was the last time Daiyu called her maternal grandmother.
Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia's eyes flickered. She thought Daiyu had softened, so she tentatively said, "Yu'er, you should remember some of the kindness we showed each other in the past."
Daiyu said expressionlessly, "Grandma, you're telling me to take care of myself."
She has no regard for past affections, yet she expects Daiyu to remember them? It's truly laughable.
Grandmother Jia's face turned pale and then red, and she couldn't say anything else. She left, trembling, holding Yuanyang's hand.
Daiyu turned her head away indifferently.
...
On the day of the wedding, Prince Duan personally went to the bride's home to welcome her.
Since the beginning of this dynasty, it has been rare for the groom to personally greet the bride at the wedding of a prince. However, Prince Duan insisted on this, and the people of the Imperial Clan Court dared not offend him and had no choice but to comply with his wishes.
In short, Prince Duan said that he would take full responsibility for everything afterward from before the Emperor and the Empress Dowager.
Because he was to be personally welcomed by the emperor, Chu Heng got up very early that day. Amidst a mix of joy, trepidation, and worry, he changed into his formal attire, performed the rites of greeting, and then the emperor's chief and deputy envoys led the way with their imperial credentials, followed by Chu Heng. The long wedding procession went all the way to the Jia family.
The Rongguo Mansion opened its main gate wide, and all the members of the Jia family knelt outside to welcome the princess. Afterwards, the envoy read out the imperial edict conferring the title of princess.
Chu Heng rubbed his sleeves, having not seen Daiyu for nearly two months, and he was eagerly waiting to see her.
The bride's dressing and grooming were even more elaborate. When Daiyu got up, it was still dark, and she hadn't slept well the night before. Until she finished washing and grooming, her mind was blank, and her face was expressionless. She just let others serve her blankly.
It wasn't until the female official entered the second gate and read out the imperial edict that Daiyu came to her senses. She knelt down with the other women of the Jia family to receive the imperial decree and the imperial seal, then returned to her boudoir. Afterward, she dressed in formal attire and left home.
When the lady-in-waiting beside her said that Prince Duan had come to greet her in person, Daiyu was stunned for a quarter of an hour. Had he really gone to such lengths?
Why?
The ceremony proceeded smoothly, but Daiyu's heart was in turmoil.
Why did Chu Heng go to such lengths?
After exiting the second gate, the female official whispered that the prince was waiting ahead. Daiyu, supported by someone, curtsied and greeted him: "Your Highness."
Amidst the music, Daiyu discovered that she could hear soft footsteps. Soon, a pair of hands gently supported her, and a voice she hadn't heard in a long time said, "No need for formalities."
Daiyu felt a long-lost feeling.
Since Daiyu's parents had both passed away and their memorial tablets were in their hometown, they did not need to perform any extra rituals at the Jia family's residence.
At this moment, Grandmother Jia had a dark expression on her face as she listened to the old woman report that the Prince and Princess were preparing to leave the mansion.
She waited specially in the main hall, thinking that she was always the princess's maternal grandmother and had raised the princess for many years. In any case, Grandmother Jia believed that she was worthy of the etiquette of a newlywed couple.
Unexpectedly, the newlywed couple showed no respect whatsoever to this old Duchess!
There were still guests in the main hall who were there to watch the ceremony and see the newlyweds. Grandmother Jia couldn't get angry, so she just had someone invite them to take their seats.
The guests dared not discuss the prince and princess, nor could they laugh at the Jia family in front of the hosts. They could only turn their backs and chuckle quietly.
In order to make the wedding a spectacle and also to take the opportunity to gain some benefits, the Jia family invited all their distant relatives. Although they didn't get to see the prince, they were quite satisfied to see such a grand spectacle.
Once they get home and tell their relatives and neighbors, the capital will surely have plenty of gossip to talk about again in no time.
Meanwhile, the newlyweds left through the main gate. Daiyu rode in a sedan chair, while Chuheng rode a horse. The wedding procession, along with the ceremonial guard carrying the dowry, made a grand return to the Prince's mansion.
The Empress Dowager, the Emperor, and the Empress will not condescend to attend the ceremony, but a throne will be set up in the main hall of the Prince's Mansion, where Chu Heng and Daiyu will need to pay their respects. Afterwards, there will be another ceremony in the bridal chamber.
Putting everything else aside, when Chu Heng lifted the red veil with the jade ruyi, he saw Daiyu again after many days, and she was dressed in a magnificent outfit that he had never seen before.
For a moment, Chu Heng was so captivated by the breathtaking beauty that he held his breath. If someone hadn't reminded him, he would have almost forgotten that he was still holding the jade ruyi in his hand.
"I married the person I love," Chu Heng thought, feeling dizzy.
After the ceremony, Chu Heng and Daiyu were helped to change out of their formal attire. The female officials withdrew, leaving only the servants who had been attending to Chu Heng and Daiyu in the bridal chamber.
The formal wedding ceremony was then concluded.
It was already evening. Chu Heng glanced at Daiyu beside him. Her head was down, making it impossible to see her expression. Chu Heng asked softly, "Miss Lin, are you hungry?"
Daiyu was stunned for a moment, then her chin twitched slightly and she nodded gently.
Chu Heng breathed a sigh of relief and immediately ordered Zhao Qing to serve the meal.
Daiyu hesitated for a moment before saying, "Your Highness, there should still be guests ahead..."
Chu Heng shook his head: "Someone's already taken care of it, we don't need to worry about it."
Daiyu fell silent.
Seeing that she was very tense, Chu Heng wanted to help her relax, so he got up and sat down at the table. Seeing that Daiyu was still sitting on the couch with her head down, seemingly lost in thought, he raised his voice: "Miss Lin?"
Daiyu snapped out of her reverie, finally raised her head, glanced at Chu Heng, and then sat down at the table.
Zijuan and Xueyan stayed here to serve. Seeing this, they exchanged a glance. The prince was still calling Lin Miss. Was something wrong?
Miss Lin was not very happy...
Despite feeling a pang of sadness, Chu Heng, who had been watching Daiyu closely, still tried his best to cheer her up. After a moment's thought, he said, "Miss Lin..."
Before he could even finish speaking, Zhao Qing came over and said that the meal was ready. For the first time, Chu Heng thought he was too efficient.
But considering that Miss Lin had been hungry all day, it was more important to fill her stomach right now, so Chu Heng quickly forgave Zhao Qing again.
After a moment of silence, the meal was finished, and Zhao Qing led the people to clear the table.
Chu Heng and Daiyu moved to another soft couch and sat down. Chu Heng noticed that Daiyu was still somewhat absent-minded, and he couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.
Miss Lin felt no joy whatsoever for her wedding day.
After grieving for a while, Chu Heng's desire to comfort Daiyu prevailed. He then brought up a trivial topic: "Miss Lin, please tell Zhao Qing about your daily dietary preferences so that he can instruct the kitchen."
Daiyu said, "I'm fine... Thank you, Your Highness."
Chu Heng hesitated for a moment, then said, "From now on, you will be the master of this mansion, and you will be in charge of all matters."
Daiyu nodded subconsciously, then realized that he meant for her not to be so polite anymore.
She couldn't help but look at Chu Heng again. His eyes were very soft. Was it always like this, or was it only when he looked at Daiyu?
Daiyu's heart suddenly skipped a few beats. Just as she was about to pat her chest, Zijuan and several other maids came over to ask if she needed to wash up.
My heart, which had been pounding wildly, suddenly stopped.
Is she ready for her wedding night?
Seeing that Daiyu's shoulders trembled, Chu Heng said, "No rush."
“Okay…” Daiyu responded with a single word.
Chu Heng was taken aback. He turned to look at Daiyu, who lowered her head and remained silent, only her exposed earlobes were tinged with red.
Chu Heng's heart stirred. After hesitating for a moment, he followed Daiyu's advice and said, "Let's wash up now."
After a short while, once they had finished washing and dressing, all the servants had left, leaving only Chu Heng and Daiyu in the bridal chamber.
The door closed gently. Chu Heng looked at Daiyu, remembering the good words she had just spoken, and asked, "Shall we... rest?"
Daiyu fidgeted with her fingers, hesitated for a long time, and then asked in a low voice, "Your Highness, why did you come to fetch the bride in person today?"
Chu Heng was slightly taken aback. Not wanting to put pressure on Daiyu, he replied, "You are my princess consort. During the reign of Emperor Taizong, there was an old precedent of a prince personally welcoming a princess. I am not overstepping my bounds."
I wonder if this answer will put her mind at ease?
After a while, Daiyu raised her head and looked into his eyes, which were filled with tenderness. After another moment, she slowly nodded.
Chu Heng secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Seeing that her fingers were wrapped around her fingers, she was obviously very nervous, so he said softly, "I won't do anything, don't be afraid."
Daiyu lowered her head again, and after a long while, she whispered, "I am your queen."
Chu Heng was stunned again, not understanding Daiyu's meaning for a moment: "What?"
Daiyu lowered her head even further, never expecting to become Chu Heng's beloved and spend her wedding night with him.
But Daiyu had already accepted the idea of becoming Chu Heng's wife.
Chu Heng looked down at Daiyu for a long time, until Daiyu's heart went from nervous to uneasy, and her shoulders trembled again. Chu Heng took her hand and whispered, "Don't be afraid."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
