Chapter 115 Tomorrow, he will be with Xiao Checheng...
Time flies by amidst anticipation and busyness, and the Mid-Autumn Festival is just around the corner.
At the morning court session that day, Emperor Xiao Che issued an imperial edict regarding adjustments to the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday.
The holiday originally scheduled for the tenth day of the eighth lunar month will be moved to the thirteenth day of the eighth lunar month. The Mid-Autumn Festival will be celebrated with a one-day holiday as usual, and the fourteenth and sixteenth days will also be holidays. In this way, a four-day holiday can be taken to allow people to enjoy the festival together.
Upon receiving the imperial edict, the entire court was stunned for a moment before stepping forward to express their gratitude for His Majesty's wisdom, compassion for his officials, and benevolence.
Only Lin Yan stood in the queue, his lips twitching slightly uncontrollably.
Adjusted work schedule.
It turned out to be a day off in lieu of leave.
He never expected that he would travel back to ancient times and experience such a unique holiday.
But the four-day holiday was really worth it.
Taking four days off in a row is a really good thing, which means that apart from the wedding day, he and Xiao Che will have three more days to spend together, which makes people happy just thinking about it.
After the court session, Lin Yan followed the crowd out, already planning how to spend his four-day holiday.
Should he go to the Dan Garden to read and play chess, or have Xiao Che take him horseback riding again? Or perhaps he could stay in the palace and enjoy some undisturbed time together? Maybe he could even drag Xiao Che out for a stroll incognito; the night markets during the Mid-Autumn Festival must be bustling…
Actually, it doesn't matter what, as long as I'm with Xiao Che, the feeling of being able to temporarily put work behind me and wholeheartedly enjoy my private time is simply wonderful.
...
Before long, it was August 13th. At the start of the holiday, Wen Yun sent someone to the palace to invite Lin Yan and Xiao Che to Dan Garden.
Lin Yan knew that the wedding attire had probably arrived, so he left the palace with Xiao Che.
These past two days they've all been staying in the Ziji Palace. On the contrary, the two people who are about to get married seem to be the most relaxed, with a bit of an "the emperor is not in a hurry" attitude. All the miscellaneous matters have been arranged properly by Wen Yun and Li Defu.
Upon arriving at Dan Garden, they indeed saw Wen Yun directing people to carefully unfold two extremely gorgeous wedding gowns.
Sunlight streamed through the window and shone on the clothes spread out, filling the room with a radiant glow, and even the air seemed to become solemn and luxurious.
"Come and try it on, this is the final version. If there's anything that doesn't fit, we can still fix it now." Wen Yun waved to her son, her eyes full of anticipation.
Lin Yan's gaze was immediately drawn to the two sets of wedding attire, and she unconsciously quickened her pace.
The wedding dress was made of the finest Yun brocade, which shimmered with a delicate, warm, cloud-like luster under the bright autumn sun. This precious material was a work of art in itself, let alone when it was meticulously tailored into such an elaborate gown.
His outfit was a deep, calm, and festive red, not the usual bright red. The color was more profound and restrained. The collar, cuffs, and hem were embroidered with gold thread mixed with colorful silk thread, featuring intricate patterns of phoenixes and lotus flowers. The stitches were so fine that they were almost invisible, yet the patterns were lifelike, as if they were about to take off and soar into the sky.
Xiao Che's outfit was more solemn, consisting of a black robe and a crimson skirt. The black robe was embroidered with soaring dragon patterns in silver thread. The dragon's body was winding, and its scales and claws were clearly visible against the dark background, exuding an inner majesty. The crimson skirt was decorated with exquisite mountain and river patterns, symbolizing the country and its people. The entire wedding outfit not only retained the majesty of imperial attire, but also retained a festive and grand feel due to the beautiful texture of the brocade and the specific style of the wedding.
The crowns displayed on the tray next to it were even more eye-catching.
Lin Yan's headdress is made of pure gold and uses an extremely intricate filigree technique to coil into the shape of flowers and phoenixes. It is inlaid with rubies, corals and pearls of uniform size and lustrous color, which are dazzling and eye-catching, yet distinct in layers and not messy. The tassels hanging on both sides are made of tiny gold beads and polished red jade, which shimmer and tinkle with a gentle sway.
Xiao Che's crown was a modified version of the twelve-tassel crown, which largely retained the majestic framework of the imperial crown, but the details were more exquisite. The tassels used more luxurious and lustrous Eastern pearls and rare black pearls, each one round and full. The crown itself also abandoned the overly rigid traditional patterns and was carved with more delicate and vivid dragon and phoenix patterns, which echoed the embroidery on the wedding dress, showing his status and being appropriate for the occasion.
"How grand!" Lin Yan couldn't help but exclaim, reaching out to touch the brocade fabric. It was smooth and slightly cool to the touch, like stroking a patch of stagnant rosy light or touching a warm spring. He could almost imagine the shimmering patterns that would appear on the fabric as he moved after wearing it.
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime event, so naturally we should have the best." Wen Yun urged with a smile, "Quickly, you and His Majesty should change into them so I can see."
The two smiled at each other and went to change into their wedding attire.
When Lin Yan changed into his deep red wedding dress and put on the heavy gold crown, he clearly felt Xiao Che's gaze instantly fix on him.
Xiao Che was also dressed and standing in the hall, his figure clearly reflected in his deep eyes, as well as his undisguised amazement and passion.
He was already taller and more imposing than Lin Yan, with broad shoulders and long legs. This solemn and dignified wedding dress accentuated his majestic and imposing presence.
The combination of black and crimson softened his originally aloof temperament, making him appear dignified and elegant. The modified crown he wore, with its pearl tassels swaying slightly, perfectly blurred the sharpness in his eyes, adding a touch of mystery and handsomeness, making him look like a god who had stepped out of a classical painting.
Wen Yun looked at the two people standing together. One was gorgeous and beautiful, like a shining pearl, while the other was majestic and dignified, like a verdant mountain.
Standing together, they exuded an indescribable harmony and were a perfect match, as if they were born to be side by side.
Wen Yun nodded in satisfaction, her eyes even getting a little moist, and said repeatedly, "Good, good, it couldn't be more perfect."
Lin Yan felt a little hot under Xiao Che's gaze, and his heart skipped a few beats. He couldn't help but ask him in a low voice, full of anticipation, "How is it?"
Xiao Che took two steps closer and, as if no one else was around, straightened his slightly crooked hairpin. His movements were natural and intimate, and his voice was deep and certain, carrying an unmistakable sincerity: "Very beautiful. All the officials in the capital are not as good as Han Zhang."
Watching the interaction between the young couple, Wen Yun's subtle worries about her son "marrying" the emperor completely vanished, leaving only a sense of relief.
She smiled and said, "Since it fits perfectly, I'll have someone carefully put it away. It can't be worn again before the wedding; it has to be properly preserved to share in the joy."
After the two changed back into their everyday clothes, Wen Yun immediately got to work again, like a wound-up top. She led a group of maids, servants, and helpers sent from the palace to inspect and arrange the Dan Garden inside and out, striving to make every detail perfect and leaving no room for error.
In the courtyard, bright red silk ribbons were wrapped around the pillars and lintels, and large embroidered balls made of red silk ribbons and adorned with gold tassels were hung up, called "Jiecai". From a distance, it looked like a beautiful and harmonious scene.
The large red lanterns were hung high, each one tightly covered with a golden "囍" character in full, rounded strokes. Once lit at night, they would emit a warm, festive, and peaceful light. The servants carefully adjusted the height and spacing of the lanterns to ensure the best possible lighting effect.
From the main gate to the main hall, and then to the bridal chamber, a brand-new red carpet was laid all the way. It was thick, pure in color, and soft and silent underfoot, as if walking on clouds, symbolizing that the newlyweds would have a happy and smooth life and rise to higher positions in the future.
The main hall for the wedding ceremony was meticulously decorated, with a solemn yet festive atmosphere.
Wen Yun personally directed people to place a heavy, polished octagonal table in the center of the north side of the main hall.
On the table stood a pair of enormous red candles decorated with auspicious dragon and phoenix patterns. The candles were as thick as a child's arm and painted with gold and color. When lit, they would surely fill the room with light and fragrance.
Since it was the emperor himself who was getting married, the "Heaven, Earth, Ruler, Parents, and Teacher" ancestral tablets commonly used in ordinary households were omitted, as it seemed inappropriate.
However, at Xiao Che's insistence, Lin Chengji and Wen Yun will be the elders to receive the newlyweds' worship. Therefore, two armchairs covered with dark red brocade with floral patterns are placed on both sides of the eight-immortal table. The chairs have straight backs and soft cushions. They are prepared for Lin Chengji and Wen Yun, symbolizing the elders' acceptance and blessings.
Wen Yun personally oversaw the decoration of the wedding room, putting her heart and soul into every detail.
Considering that the newlyweds are both men, the bright red brocade quilt is embroidered with mandarin ducks in intimate poses, necks intertwined, and lotus flowers blooming in pairs, with exquisite patterns that symbolize marital harmony and lasting affection.
Instead of the usual "early birth of a son" decorations like red dates, peanuts, longans, lotus seeds, and pomegranates, the quilt cover features dried lilies symbolizing "a harmonious marriage for a hundred years," red dates representing "prosperity and wealth," and longans symbolizing "family reunion," thus retaining the auspicious meanings.
A bright red bed canopy hangs above the bed. It is made of extremely light and breathable, expensive brocade, with intricate auspicious cloud patterns woven in a dark pattern, making it both luxurious and elegant.
Exquisite red paper-cuts were pasted on the window frames, dressing table, and even the screen in the corner. The patterns were mostly double happiness characters, intertwined mimosa flowers, butterflies, and other designs that symbolize happiness, reunion, and lasting bliss, decorating the whole room with a festive atmosphere that was not cliché.
After the new house was properly furnished, Wen Yun strictly forbade Lin Yan and Xiao Che from stepping inside again, saying that they should wait until the wedding day to be filled with the new joy and good luck. Although the two were very curious about what the house looked like, they smiled and followed this rule that carried good wishes.
With the wedding date fast approaching, apart from Lin Yan and Xiao Che, who remained relatively calm, the entire Lin family was immersed in a tense yet excited anticipation. The servants in Dan Garden walked with a brisk pace, their faces beaming with pride, checking each other's work to ensure there was no mistake.
The day before their wedding, Lin Yan and Xiao Che were required to separate temporarily according to custom, but they only stayed in adjacent courtyards within the Dan Garden and did not go far away.
The rest of the Lin family, including Lin Chengji, Wen Yun, and Lin Mo, had all moved into Dan Garden in advance to prepare for the auspicious day the following day. Dan Garden was soon packed with people, bustling with activity.
As night deepened, the Dan Garden remained brightly lit. Red silk under the eaves fluttered gently in the cool evening breeze, and the soft glow of lanterns bathed the courtyard, creating a tranquil yet festive atmosphere.
Lin Yan sat alone in the room arranged for him. The red candles inside were burning brightly, casting a faint blush on his cheeks.
He listened to the faint footsteps and whispers outside the window as people made their final checks and inspections, and his heart leaped with joy.
Tomorrow, he will marry Xiao Che.
In this ancient world that he once thought would only be filled with paperwork and workplace struggles, he found belonging and a lover.
Lin Yan looked down at the five-colored silk ribbon that Xiao Che had tied on his wrist and had never untied. His fingertips gently caressed the sachet behind his elbow, which emitted a light orchid fragrance. A gentle yet resolute smile appeared on his lips.
Xiao Che was in another room not far away at the moment, and he was probably feeling the same way, looking forward to tomorrow.
The moonlight, like quicksilver, streamed clearly through the carved window frames into the room, spreading a soft, gentle glow across the floor.
Everything is ready, all is prepared, and we await the auspicious time tomorrow when bells and drums will sound, the ceremony will be completed, and the marriage will be sealed.
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Author's Note: Chapter 113 has been revised. I also posted a 7000-word extra chapter as an apology. Thank you all for your help. [Hands clasped in prayer]
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