Chapter 98 Chapter 98 It can't be about meeting the parents...
beginning of summer.
The Great Yu Dynasty attached great importance to the day of the Beginning of Summer and specially set up a ceremony to welcome summer. The emperor would lead all civil and military officials to participate, and Lin Yan was naturally one of them.
Lin Yan stood in front of the mirror, letting the servant help him put on the brand-new red court robe.
The colors are so bright they're almost blinding; they feel a bit too festive.
Dressed entirely in red, anyone who didn't know better would think he was getting married today.
Lin Yan muttered to himself, tugging at his wide sleeves.
This crimson court robe was quite different from the official robes he usually wore, with more intricate patterns and more exquisite materials. It felt heavy on his body, as if it carried all the weight and passion of the summer season.
It must be said that people in ancient times were very particular; they even had special court attire for the day of Lixia (the beginning of summer).
As the carriage rolled through the quiet street, Lin Yan leaned against the carriage wall, continuing his battle with sleep. The sighs of his elderly father did not disturb him until the carriage stopped and the sounds of people and carriages outside began to fill the air, at which point he finally managed to rouse himself.
The morning court session was cancelled today, and all civil and military officials gathered directly in the southern suburbs. Lin Yan climbed out of the carriage and was momentarily dazzled by the scene before him.
The usually solemn and dignified ranks of officials have been transformed into a sea of red today.
Looking around, from high-ranking officials to low-ranking ones, everyone was dressed in red robes and adorned with red jade of varying shades. Even the carriages, horses, and flags were all decorated in red.
My colleagues, who are usually serious or refined, all looked quite festive at this moment, like New Year dolls dressed in matching outfits.
Lin Yan subconsciously searched for the most familiar figure in the crowd and easily found it—Xiao Che was surrounded at the front of the group, also wearing a red dragon robe, only the pattern was more majestic and noble.
The intense crimson color made his usually somewhat aloof features appear even more striking, as if he himself were glowing in the sunlight.
Tsk, his Xiao Che is just so good-looking.
Lin Yan couldn't help but glance at him a few more times. Xiao Che seemed to sense something, his gaze sweeping lightly across the crowd, lingering on him for a moment so quickly that it was almost an illusion, but Lin Yan caught that moment of focused attention.
Why are you looking at me? Do I look like your new wife in this red outfit?
Lin Yan almost laughed at his own thoughts, but he kept a straight face and even bowed slightly in Xiao Che's direction, showing full respect.
Lin Yan was already very familiar with the procedures of the Summer Welcome Ceremony when he was in the Ministry of Rites.
The offering of jade and silk was personally presided over by Xiao Che, whose movements were solemn, steady, and meticulous.
When the jade, symbolizing purity, and the silk, representing wealth, were offered, the entire altar was silent except for the sound of the wind fluttering the flags.
Next, it was Lin Yan's turn to do his job—read the congratulatory text.
He took a deep breath, holding the prayer text that he had polished for countless nights, and even had his former colleagues from the Hanlin Academy help him refine it with the finest writing materials, and walked steadily to the designated spot in front of the altar.
Unrolling the scroll and clearing his throat, Lin Yan began to recite in a clear and steady tone.
"In the second year of the Jinghe era of the Great Yu Dynasty, the year of Jia Chen, on the day of the Beginning of Summer, Your Majesty, Minister Xiao Che, dares to proclaim to the Red Emperor Zhurong: 'As the beginning of Heaven and the virtue of Earth are received by Heaven, the sun is in the position of the Pleiades, and the virtue of fire is flourishing. Your divine virtue matches the brightness of the fire, and your merit is both nourishing and nurturing. The order of sacrifices is revered, and the rites are complete. Your subject humbly receives the mandate of Heaven, succeeds to the great foundation, looks up to the Emperor's blessings, and looks down upon the people. Now, as the Red Emperor governs the seasons, and all things flourish, we follow the ancient rites, reverently perform the sacrificial rites, and prepare jade and silk, pure offerings and fine wines. May your bright virtue be fragrant, and may the essence of the fire nourish the land, harmonize with the flowing energy, drive away the scorching heat from the hills, and bring abundant rain to the fields. May the swarms of insects be banished so that crops may be plentiful, and may the calamities be cleansed so that the people may enjoy peace and happiness. We rely on this great blessing to forever secure the imperial rule. We respectfully offer this incense, sacrificial offerings, and various kinds of food to the God. May you accept this offering!'"
Lin Yan put his heart and soul into writing this eulogy, striving to both conform to the solemn style of worshipping the Red Emperor and subtly praise Xiao Che to the skies.
The phrase "respectfully receiving the mandate of heaven and succeeding to the great foundation" means that Xiao Che respectfully accepted the mandate of heaven and inherited and protected the great foundation. The phrase "respectfully receiving the emperor's blessing and governing the people" means that Xiao Che was blessed by the emperor and governed the people. The words conveyed the feeling that "my emperor is the best".
While reciting, Lin Yan felt her cheeks getting a little hot, but fortunately, her red court robes concealed it.
According to the ritual, at this time the emperor and his officials should gaze at the prayer text, jade and silk, and some of the sacrificial offerings being burned in the altar, a process known as "watching the burning."
However, Lin Yan always felt that a gaze was not on the burning altar, but was firmly fixed on him.
His gaze was tangible, carrying a scorching heat that almost set his crimson court robes ablaze.
It's obvious whose gaze came from.
I know I read well, with great expression and clear pronunciation, but could you please be a little more professional and look at the fire?
Lin Yan couldn't help but mutter to himself.
After finally finishing reading the entire congratulatory text, Lin Yan breathed a sigh of relief as the last syllable fell. He had completed a difficult task, and a thin layer of sweat had seeped out of his back.
The Beginning of Summer is a major event for the people of Dayu. If he makes a mistake here, he will be drowned in spittle.
During the subsequent offerings, including the second offering, the final offering, the removal of the food, and the music, Lin Yan remained quietly in her place, like a background prop.
The ceremony finally came to an end, and the emperor's entourage prepared to return.
Lin Yan stretched his stiff neck, preparing to follow the main group back home. Just then, Li Lianshun quietly walked up to him and whispered, "Lord Lin, His Majesty has decreed that the ceremonial procession will detour to the Imperial Mausoleum. Please accompany us."
Lin Yan was taken aback.
The imperial tombs? That's not on today's itinerary. What is Xiao Che planning to do now?
Lin Yan looked up in the direction of the imperial carriage and saw Xiao Che being surrounded by a group of people as he boarded the carriage, without turning around.
Filled with questions, Lin Yan had no choice but to follow Li Lianshun, who was leading the way, and board another carriage that had been arranged.
The convoy did not head towards the capital, but instead turned onto another official road leading to the imperial mausoleum on the outskirts of the city.
Lin Yan was the only person in the carriage. He leaned against the carriage wall and began to ponder Xiao Che's intentions.
The imperial mausoleum is a place where the spirit tablets of the emperors of the Dayu Dynasty are enshrined. It is a solemn and dignified place, and even Xiao Che himself would not go there easily except for major sacrificial ceremonies. Today is the beginning of summer, which is not a specific day for sacrificial ceremonies. What is Xiao Che going to the imperial mausoleum for? And why is he taking him with him?
It can't be a trip to meet the parents... right?
Lin Yan suddenly realized that Xiao Che might actually be taking him to meet his parents.
The carriage stopped in front of the sacred path of the imperial mausoleum.
Lin Yan got out of the carriage and found that, apart from the necessary guards and eunuchs, all other officials and entourage had returned to the capital.
Xiao Che stood at the starting point of the sacred path, his hands behind his back, gazing at the majestic mausoleum buildings ahead. His crimson dragon robe stood out conspicuously in the empty mausoleum, exuding an indescribable loneliness.
Hearing footsteps, Xiao Che turned around: "Walk with me for a bit."
"Yes," Lin Yan replied, obediently following half a step behind him.
There were too many people around, so he couldn't get into a physical altercation with Xiao Che.
He saw Xiao Che reach out his hand but then had to pull it back.
Sigh, it's not easy being a boyfriend. I'll comfort him when I get back.
The two walked along the long spirit path into the depths of the mausoleum.
The stone statues on both sides stand solemnly, the air is filled with the fragrance of pine and cypress and a unique sense of solemnity, and the surroundings are so quiet that you can only hear their footsteps and the rustling of the wind blowing through the pine forest.
After walking for a while, Xiao Che suddenly spoke up: "That congratulatory text was well written."
Lin Yan remained modest for a moment: "You flatter me, you flatter me. I was merely fulfilling my duty and writing in accordance with the rites."
"Is that so?" Xiao Che's tone couldn't hide his rising voice. "I hear it's not all just empty rhetoric about etiquette."
Lin Yan also lied through his teeth: "His Majesty is diligent in governing and loves the people, and his achievements are outstanding. Heaven should know this..."
Xiao Che suddenly stopped and turned around to look at him.
They had now reached an open space in front of a side hall, surrounded by ancient trees and a tranquil environment.
"Let Heaven know?" Xiao Che raised an eyebrow slightly, his gaze falling on Lin Yan's lips, which were slightly pursed due to nervousness. "Or do you want me to know?"
Lin Yan: "!!!"
Xiao Che, what are you doing? And you even launched a surprise attack?
Lin Yan's heart suddenly raced, and her cheeks began to heat up uncontrollably.
It's still embarrassing to have those little thoughts hidden beneath high-sounding words so bluntly exposed by the person involved.
Seeing Lin Yan looking like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, her eyes darting around and her cheeks flushed, Xiao Che's eyes lit up with a smile. At the same time, he took Lin Yan's hand.
Now that his eyes were gone, he could finally hold Lin Yan's hand in his own without worry.
“I did not disagree with my father from the beginning. Some of the things my father said made sense.” Xiao Che’s gaze swept over the place he had once set foot in. “My father once said to me here that a ruler should be like the four seasons, each with its own time: spring brings life, summer brings growth, autumn brings harvest, and winter brings storage.”
Lin Yan was somewhat confused, but still listened quietly.
"The beginning of summer is not just about welcoming the season, but also about welcoming a magnificent atmosphere. All things grow to their fullest at this time, and the affairs of the court should also have this atmosphere. Your congratulatory text today, although it had... personal motives." Xiao Che paused, turned his head to look at Lin Yan, making Lin Yan's ears turn even redder, "but the lines in it that pray for national prosperity and peace and abundant harvests are very much to my liking. Hanzhang, you always understand my heart."
Lin Yan felt as if something had gently bumped into her heart, leaving her with a tingling, numb sensation.
He looked at Xiao Che's profile against the backdrop of ancient pines and cypresses, his crimson dragon robe seemingly blending seamlessly with the solemn atmosphere of the imperial mausoleum.
Xiao Che wasn't teasing him about his personal motives in the prayer letter; he was saying that they shared the same ideals.
“I also hope that you will be like the summer sun, bright and upright, nourishing all things.” Xiao Che said earnestly, holding Lin Yan’s hand slightly tighter.
The expectation and weight in those words made Lin Yan put away her earlier embarrassment and joking thoughts.
He grasped Xiao Che's hand in return, gently scratching his palm with his fingertips, and then solemnly said, "I've remembered it, and I will certainly live up to your expectations."
He no longer used "Your Majesty" or "Your Majesty"; at this moment, he was simply Lin Yan, making a promise to the person he loved.
Xiao Che's fingertips traced the back of his hand, and a clear smile curved his lips. "Mmm."
The two continued walking forward, their hands still clasped, their wide sleeves overlapping, cleverly concealing their intimacy that was not meant for outsiders.
After passing through a pine forest, the view suddenly opened up. Instead of the ancestral hall I had expected, it was a small mausoleum built against the mountainside. It was obviously smaller than an imperial mausoleum, but it was very well maintained. The surrounding area was full of orchids, which were in full bloom at this time of year, filling the air with their fragrance.
"This is..." Lin Yan was somewhat puzzled; this didn't look like an emperor's mausoleum.
"This is where my mother rests." Xiao Che stopped and looked at the tomb, his gaze softening. "She loved orchids most in life, and her temperament was like an orchid—refined and quiet."
So you really are here to meet my parents.
Lin Yan immediately composed himself, straightened his robes, and respectfully bowed to the tomb.
Seeing Lin Yan's solemn expression, Xiao Che's eyes warmed even more. After Lin Yan stood up, he said softly, "If Mother were alive, she would definitely like you."
Lin Yan's ears felt slightly warm, and she asked softly, "Why?"
“She often said that the most important thing in life is to live authentically and enjoyably.” Xiao Che looked at him with a playful look in his eyes, “She would definitely find your personality interesting.”
Lin Yan: "..." Is this a compliment or an insult?
However, if Xiao Che's mother were still alive, how would she get along with him, her son-in-law?
Lin Yan cleared his throat and, facing the direction of the mausoleum, said in a soft but clear voice, "Mother, don't worry, I will take good care of him."
After saying that, Lin Yan couldn't hold back anymore. Why did those words sound so much like what a groom would say to the bride's parents at a wedding?
Xiao Che chuckled softly, naturally putting his arm around Lin Yan's shoulder and pulling him closer. He then said to the mausoleum, "Mother, you see, this is the person I admire, the one who can walk alongside me."
Lin Yan leaned against Xiao Che's side, looking at the quiet orchid garden and the mausoleum in front of him. At this moment, his red court robes made him look more and more like a wedding dress.
Sunlight filtered through the pine needles, casting dappled golden spots that fell upon the two embracing figures, making time seem to stand still and stretch on forever.
After a long while, Xiao Che finally let go of him and took his hand: "Let's go home."
"Um."
The two returned along the same route, still holding hands, until they were close to the entrance of the sacred path and could see the ceremonial procession waiting in the distance, at which point they tacitly let go.
However, Lin Yan no longer rode in a carriage by himself, but instead brazenly climbed into the emperor's carriage.
Li Defu waved his whisk, ordering the servants to close their eyes, and shouted loudly, "Let's depart and return to the palace."
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Author's Note: Because his father would scold him if he saw him, Xiao Che decided not to see him. [covering face and peeking]
Congratulatory text reference:
The Great Tang Kaiyuan Rituals, The Great Tang Suburban Sacrifices Records, The Inscription and Preface of Mount Tai, The Decree for a General Amnesty at the Winter Solstice Suburban Sacrifice, and The New Rituals of the Five Rites of the Zhenghe Era.
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