Chapter 10 The Grand Wedding: The Emperor and Empress's Deep Affection
"Isn't the wedding between Young Master Shen and His Majesty in three months?" He paused for a moment, then said casually.
Mao Gen's voice softened as he reported, "The Princess misses her family, so she summoned Young Master Shen to the palace to keep her company."
So it turns out the royal family doesn't follow the rule of 'not being able to see each other after engagement'.
He washed up somewhat absentmindedly: Does His Majesty like the Empress? Of course he does, after all, he is her cousin who grew up with her.
The Empress was of noble birth, and her reputation for virtue and beauty spread throughout the capital. What woman wouldn't like such a man?
He ate his breakfast somewhat absentmindedly.
"My lord, it's almost time for your training," Mao Gen reminded him.
Yes, it's time to exercise!
Sun Momo specially designed the exercise for him, which can make his chest more attractive to women, make his waist stronger, and make his back more perky and dazzling.
Judging from His Majesty's reaction last night, she liked it.
Therefore, he should strive to improve his physical condition.
He suppressed his other thoughts, closed the doors and windows, took off his coat, and began to practice seriously.
Meanwhile, Mao Gen stood guard outside the door, preventing anyone from getting close: because the exercises were a bit too unrestrained for men.
Gan Cao only dared to practice in a secret room. If it weren't for His Majesty's preference, he would never practice these things again, because some of the movements were really embarrassing.
Half an hour later, his temples were soaked with sweat; an hour later, his body began to ache; and half an hour later, he collapsed to the ground.
Mao Gen, feeling a little sorry for her, came to help her up: "Why did you practice for so long today, young master?"
"I just want to practice a little longer," Gan Cao said with a light laugh, offering no further explanation.
He didn't want to say that he was worried about falling out of favor, nor could he say that he was afraid of developing resentment.
He needs to keep himself busy so he won't overthink things.
——
Zichen Palace
“My uncle was worried that His Majesty was too busy, so he asked me to send over some soup. Please inform the Grand Eunuch,” Shen Mingyue said gently.
The chief eunuch bowed and said, "You are the future queen, and you cannot accept a word of 'trouble'."
After saying that, he turned around and went inside to report.
"My cousin is here?"
Si Ze put down his brush and ink, stood up and went out to greet him: "Just tell the palace servants to send it over, there's no need for you to bring it over personally."
She took the food box and personally poured him a cup of hot tea, saying, "You've been in poor health since you were little. What if you catch a cold?"
"I'm not that delicate," Shen Mingyue said reproachfully, but the blush on her face couldn't hide his feelings.
The boy who was like a porcelain doll in his childhood has become gentle and charming, and his boyish thoughts are almost overflowing from his eyes. Looking at his cousin like this, Si Ze couldn't help but have strange thoughts.
...
Shen Mingyue stayed with the Empress Dowager in the palace for a month.
During this period, he would deliver things to Zichen Palace on behalf of the Empress Dowager every few days. Both of them were young and in the prime of their lives, and their childhood friendship quickly took on a romantic connotation.
Both of them couldn't wait for their wedding day to arrive.
Because she had to prepare for her wedding, Shen Mingyue returned home early. Afterwards, the two exchanged letters and contacted each other several times.
Shangqin Bureau
Instead of exercising, Gan Cao was copying books and practicing calligraphy, because the drifting tumbleweed had come by.
"You're quite composed," Piao Peng said weakly, slumping onto the table. "His Majesty hasn't kept anyone around for a long time."
The ink droplet spread across the white paper, leaving an unsightly mark.
Gan Cao put down her pen: "No matter what, we are already the Siyin (a high-ranking official in charge of the bedroom), which is several times better than before. We should be content..."
He told himself he should be content.
But when he was cold and alone under the covers, how could he not miss the emperor's favor?
"Sigh, I can't be as magnanimous as you. I just want His Majesty to favor me a little more!" Piao Peng muttered.
Those who actually say it don't seem to have such heavy thoughts. Gan Cao somewhat envied his mindset.
Originally, the palace attendants were secretly competing with each other, but after two months of waning imperial favor, they have developed a sense of shared misfortune.
“His Majesty will be getting married next month,” Piao Peng said, playing with the dried fruit on the plate without eating it. “Everyone in the Six Palaces is busy now. I wonder how lively it will be.”
The emperor and empress's wedding was a cause for celebration throughout the land.
The Ministry of Rites was in charge of matters concerning the outer court, while the Empress Dowager, accompanied by the Six Ministers, was in charge of matters concerning the palace. The Emperor Zongzong was also assisting. It seemed that everyone in the world was looking forward to this grand event.
"Yes, it'll definitely be lively." Gan Cao forced a smile.
This is a joyous occasion for His Majesty; he should be happy for His Majesty.
He kept convincing himself, and gradually his smile became natural.
The following time passed very quickly for the busy Six Shang, but extremely slowly for the Si Qin.
But no matter how slow it was, that day still came.
Red silk ribbons were tied everywhere in the palace, and bright red "double happiness" characters were pasted all over the window frames.
To celebrate, the Empress Dowager rewarded the palace servants with an extra six months' worth of monthly allowance, and all the palace staff were beaming with joy.
The respectable male officials all changed into festive clothes, and everyone was busy.
Gan Cao was also dressed in a festive manner, but looking at the busy palace servants, he felt somewhat out of place.
At dusk, the Empress, her face veiled by a mask, walked down a bright red carpet and, led by the master of ceremonies, approached His Majesty.
"There is a man named Shen, who is dignified and elegant, virtuous and talented, and a role model for all men. He is hereby established as the Queen..." the master of ceremonies announced.
A role model for all men!
Shen Mingyue slowly knelt down to express her gratitude, her heavy phoenix crown and ceremonial robes remaining perfectly in place.
The officials in charge of rites around the Empress also began to chant in unison: "The Shen family has a son, a suitable wife and mother..."
From serving her parents and ensuring the continuation of her lineage, to managing the harem, assisting the emperor, and setting an example for the world, the official in charge of rites praised her as a perfect empress.
This is a word of praise and blessing, but also a responsibility placed upon the Empress.
Size was worried about his health, so as soon as the master of ceremonies finished singing, she reached out and helped him up.
The two then bowed together to Heaven and Earth, the Emperor, and the ancestral temple.
As the sunset faded, the two arrived at the Hall of Union, surrounded by a crowd.
Next comes the nuptial wine.
After all the procedures were completed, the two of them became even more important to each other.
The dragon and phoenix candles burned slowly, filling the Jiaotai Hall with a warm, fragrant aroma.
The historian who was writing the daily records waited outside the palace, while the chief eunuch and Liu Shangqin stood by the bedside, ready to give any instructions from the emperor and empress.
Shen Mingyue, having been raised in a traditional ladylike manner, was often served by servants during her baths, but she still couldn't help but blush in the face of this scene.
But he still remembered the Empress's demeanor, and even though he was tired and embarrassed, he still diligently served His Majesty as he changed his clothes.
Seeing his delicate, shy yet dignified appearance, Si Ze felt even more pity for him, so even though his body was beginning to stir, his movements became even gentler.
Shen Mingzhu was an inexperienced young man; he couldn't help but tremble slightly when touched by a woman he liked.
Birds entwine their necks under the moon, while a spring breeze caresses the railing inside the room.
A note from the author:
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