Chapter 100 Princess Fuxing's Wedding Day
Before daybreak, Prince Yong's mansion was already ablaze with lights. Nangong Ye wore the prince's customary wedding gown, a red base embroidered with gold thread, featuring four-clawed coiled dragons and auspicious clouds. He wore a jade belt around his waist, and his dark hair was tied up high with a red gold and jade crown.
His figure was already as tall and straight as a pine tree, and now, illuminated by the candlelight in the room, he looked even more handsome and noble, like a god descending from heaven.
He stood before a giant floor-length peep-toe mirror, examining himself carefully. His fingertips brushed against the intricate gold embroidery on his lapels, adjusted his jade belt, and even raised his hand to adjust the golden crown that symbolized the prince's supreme honor.
There was no usual icy look between his stern brows, but instead there was an almost pious concentration and a barely perceptible tension.
Although System 118 was far away in the Taifu Mansion, it was "broadcasting" simultaneously in Dongfang Yuning's mind:
[Ding! Prince Yong has been activated! Entering final combat readiness! Target Nangong Ye has been detected performing an unprecedented 'self-inspection in front of a mirror'! Behavior analysis: Peacock spreads its feathers (crossed out)!]
It's the instinct of a male about to marry his beloved treasure! Striving to be the perfect match for his little princess! Host! Your brother Aye is so handsome today! (The system plays the passionate version of "Wedding March")
Nangong Ye's gaze finally settled on the depths of his own eyes in the mirror. There, the ice had long since melted, surging with scorching magma capable of burning everything and a determination to win.
He pursed his thin lips, forming a very faint but extremely firm arc.
[Ning'er, wait for me.]
Dongfang Taifu Mansion, Yuning Pavilion, Morning
"Hmm...it's still dark..."
Dongfang Yuning felt that he had just closed his eyes when he was dug out of the warm quilt by several gentle but irresistible forces.
She was helped to the dressing table in a daze, her eyelids feeling heavy as if they were weighed down by lead.
"My son, today is your big day, so don't sleep in."
The mother, Li Zhen'er, had a gentle sob in her voice. She stood behind her daughter, holding a warm and transparent white jade comb in her hand.
In the bronze mirror, Dongfang Yuning's sleepy face was reflected, but her natural beauty could not be concealed.
Li picked up the jade comb and carefully and with great care, gently combed her daughter's long, black and smooth hair that was like a waterfall.
The teeth of the comb slid across her hair, and Li's voice, with a strong nasal tone, slowly recited an ancient and solemn blessing:
"Comb your hair thoroughly and you will be rich and prosperous..."
"Combing your hair twice will keep you healthy and worry-free..."
"Combing your hair three times brings you many children and a long life..."
"Combing four times till the end, raising the case to the level of eyebrows..."
"Five combs to the end, flying together..."
"Comb your hair six times to the end, and you will be together forever..."
Every word is filled with a mother's deepest love, reluctance and best wishes for her daughter.
That familiar, gentle voice, like the softest feather, gently scratched Dongfang Yuning's heart. She looked at her mother's reddened eyes in the mirror, felt the soft touch of the jade comb in her hair, and listened to the heartfelt prayer...
The tension, shyness and confusion about the future of the past few days were completely washed away at this moment by the surging attachment and reluctance.
"mother…"
Dongfang Yuning's nose felt sore and tears welled up without warning, falling on the back of her hand on her knees, hot.
Queen Dongfang Qiwu, who was standing aside, saw her sister burst into tears instantly, and her mother trying hard to hold back her sobs. Her own eyes turned red instantly, and she quickly pressed the corners of her eyes with the handkerchief in her hand.
The eldest princess Nangong Yue even turned her back, her shoulders slightly shaking, and she was obviously wiping away tears.
[Wuwuwu… Mom… I don’t want to get married… I want to stay home… I want to eat the osmanthus cake you make… I want to listen to your nagging…]
Dongfang Yuning cried inwardly.
[118! My heart hurts! Why is getting married so hard?! Brother Aye... no matter how good Brother Aye is... I still miss my mother...]
The electronic voice of System 118 also softened at this moment:
[Drop! The host bursts into tears! Triggering the ultimate bond of 'mother-daughter love'! Energy field analysis: Pure love and reluctance! Suggestion: Release your emotions! This is the only way to grow!]
Your brother Aye is rushing to take you home (your new home)! (The system plays soothing instrumental music)
"Miss! Stop crying! Your makeup is ruining!"
The personal maids Hongxiu and Biyu hurried forward, one of them carefully wiped away the tears on Dongfang Yuning's face with a warm wet handkerchief, while the other quickly brought a small bowl of warm bird's nest soup.
"Miss, eat something quickly to fill your stomach. You'll be busy today!"
With everyone's comfort and help, Dongfang Yuning managed to stop crying.
Nanny Quanfu and the top dresser immediately stepped forward, and like the most meticulous craftsmen, they began to draw eyebrows, paint lips, apply powder, and apply flower ornaments for the most noble princess-to-be of Yan Kingdom... Hairpins, rings, and jewelry were presented like a stream of water: phoenix hairpins inlaid with red gold and kingfisher feathers, shimmering earrings from the East Pearl, and necklaces inlaid with pigeon blood rubies...
Each piece of extremely gorgeous ornament makes the person in the mirror look more noble and radiant.
When the last step was completed and Nanny Quanfu put on her the gorgeous and intricate wedding dress embroidered with a pattern of birds paying homage to the phoenix and adorned with pearls and gems, the entire Yuning Pavilion fell silent for a moment.
The girl in the mirror has picturesque eyebrows, skin whiter than snow, and red lips. Set against the backdrop of extremely luxurious makeup and wedding clothes, she has lost all her youthfulness and recklessness. She is breathtakingly beautiful, like the Queen Mother of the West descending to the mortal world, or like the most delicate and charming peony in full bloom on the branch.
Charm and dignity are perfectly unified in her.
“So beautiful…”
Nangong Yue couldn't help but murmur, and even forgot to wipe away her tears.
Dongfang Qiwu and Li looked at their stunningly beautiful sister/daughter, their eyes filled with complex tears of pride and reluctance.
Just then—
“Crackle, crackle—!!!”
"Dong-dong-clang! Dong-dong-clang!"
The deafening sound of firecrackers and the festive clamor of gongs, drums, and suonas swept in from outside the palace gate like a tide, accompanied by the cheers and noise of the crowd!
"Here they come! Prince Yong's wedding procession has arrived outside the palace gate!"
The gate of Yuning Pavilion had already been closed tightly.
At this moment, this door became the last and strongest barrier for Nangong Ye to marry his bride!
In front of the goal, Yan Country's top-notch "blocking team" was ready:
Crown Prince Nangong Chengqian was dressed in the apricot-yellow crown prince's uniform, with a gentle smile on his face, but he had the majesty of a crown prince, standing at the front.
The twin princes Nangong Yijun and Nangong Lintian, known as the "Heng Ha Generals", wore the same style of princely dragon robes, crossed their arms, had stern faces, and looked very aggressive.
The eldest brother Dongfang Liezheng, dressed in a military uniform, was as tall and strong as a mountain, with a murderous aura. He stood aside with his arms folded, his eyes as sharp as knives, examining the "enemy" who was about to take away his precious sister.
The second brother, Dongfang Qichen, was as gentle as jade, but at this moment his eyes were filled with scrutiny and reluctance.
The third brother, Dongfang Linyuan, had a shrewd smile on his face that was typical of a businessman who was calculating red envelopes, but deep in his eyes he was also protecting his sister.
And the last door god was actually the eldest princess Nangong Yue!
She was dressed in a fiery red palace dress, with her hands on her hips, blocking the moon-shaped door of Yuning Pavilion. A sly yet determined smile appeared on her pretty face, giving her the aura of "one man guarding the pass against ten thousand men"!
[Aunt! Let me check for you!]
Nangong Ye, dressed in a gorgeous prince's wedding dress, was surrounded by his groomsmen (mostly children of royal family and nobles). He passed through many "checkpoints" and finally arrived at this last fortress.
His face remained calm, but deep within his deep eyes, a flame burned hotter than ever before. His eagerness was almost breaking through the ice! He wanted to see his Ning'er!
Right now! Right now!
"Uncle!"
Crown Prince Nangong Chen was the first to speak, his smile was gentle but with the oppressive feeling of a crown prince.
"Taking my aunt away won't be easy! You have to overcome this final hurdle yourself!"
Nangong Ye overcame all sorts of challenging literary tests (poetry and song), martial arts tests (pitching pots and archery), and even a "business challenge" posed by Dongfang Linyuan: how to quickly double the profits of the Fengming Jiuxiao Chamber of Commerce? All of these challenges were overcome one by one with astonishing speed and flawless performance!
It seemed as if he had used all his wisdom in deploying troops and anticipating the enemy's moves on the battlefield at this moment. His movements were as swift as lightning and his thoughts were as meticulous as hair, which dazzled everyone and amazed them!
Finally, they arrived at the last door guarded by Nangong Yue.
Nangong Yue stood coquettishly at the door, her big eyes full of cunning:
"Uncle! Want to see my aunt? You have to get past me first! As for the question..."
She deliberately drew out the tone.
At this moment, Nangong Ye's eyes seemed to accidentally sweep over Chen Xiaoyun, who was standing beside Nangong Yue, also wearing a crimson purple brocade robe and staring at his wife.
Chen Xiaoyun received the look from his father-in-law, and his fox eyes lit up instantly! Those eyes were filled with longing for his wife after just one night apart! And a deep sense of resentment (Why won't you let me in!).
He immediately took a step forward, and before anyone could react, he stuffed a heavy, bulging, almost bursting super red envelope into Nangong Yue's arms with lightning speed!
The size of the red envelope made Nangong Yue stagger!
"Yuer!"
Shen Xiaoyun's voice was not loud, but it was clearly heard by everyone, with incomparable sincerity and doting.
"Take it! It's all yours! The Emperor's uncle said that everything today belongs to you!"
As he spoke, he secretly squeezed his wife's palm.
Nangong Yue was stunned by this sudden sugar-coated bullet and her husband's little action. Holding the heavy gold leaves in her arms, she subconsciously lowered her head to look.
It happened in the blink of an eye!
In the split second that Nangong Yue was distracted!
Nangong Ye moved!
His figure was like a ghost, so fast that only a red afterimage was left. Before anyone, including Nangong Yue, could react, he had already "slid" into the moon-shaped door of Yuning Pavilion through the gap beside her like a gust of wind with incredible precision!
"ah?!"
Nangong Yue was holding the red envelope, stunned.
"Uncle Emperor has great skills!"
The prince clapped his hands in praise.
“…”
The three brothers of the Dongfang family looked at each other.
Shen Xiaoyun gave his wife a foxy smile that showed he had a plan.
Inside the Yuning Pavilion, red candles were burning brightly and the air was filled with warm fragrance.
When Nangong Ye's tall and straight figure, with a cold aura but wearing festive and gorgeous clothes, broke in, all eyes were focused on him.
At a glance, he saw the figure sitting on the edge of the bed, wrapped in a gorgeous wedding dress and a dazzling phoenix crown, so beautiful that it made him hold his breath for a moment - his Ning'er.
The shy posture of slightly lowering the head, the slender hands wearing delicate armor twisted together due to nervousness...all made his heart burn, as if the strongest liquor was burning.
His Ning'er. He was finally going to marry Ning'er.
There was no one else in Nangong Ye's eyes. He strode up to Dongfang Yuning, his breathing slightly faster.
He stretched out his hand, with a barely perceptible tremor, wanting to lift the troublesome veil and immediately hold his treasure in his arms!
"Your Highness! You can't do that!"
The experienced bridesmaid was quick to stop him with a smile.
"The veil can only be lifted in the bridal chamber! Now, Your Majesty, please take the princess' hand and go to the main hall to bid farewell to your parents!"
The matchmaker put one end of a big red silk ribbon tied with a heart knot into Nangong Ye's hand, and gently placed the other end into Dongfang Yuning's hand.
Nangong Ye's hand froze in mid-air. He looked at the troublesome red silk, then at the vague outline under the veil. His brows furrowed slightly, and a hint of displeasure at being disturbed flashed across his eyes.
But he finally held back, and his slender and powerful fingers tightly grasped one end of the red silk, as if he was holding the whole world.
His low and gentle voice came through the red veil:
"Ning'er, come with me."
Dongfang Yuning, who was wearing a red veil, heard the familiar voice and felt the firm strength coming from the other end of the red silk. Her heart, which was in a state of panic due to separation, miraculously calmed down a little.
She hummed softly, letting him lead her and slowly stood up.
The main hall of the Grand Tutor's Mansion was solemn and dignified. Sitting in the main seat were Dongfang Yanru, dressed in a dark brocade robe and with red eyes, and Li Zhen'er, also dressed in formal attire and with tears streaming down her face.
What moved everyone was that below the Dongfang couple sat Emperor Nangong Yu and Empress Dongfang Qiwu in casual clothes!
At this moment, they were not the high and mighty emperor and empress, but merely an elder sister and brother-in-law, who came to bid farewell to their cherished younger sister.
At this moment, the human relationship surpassed the etiquette between the emperor and his subjects, and it seemed extremely sincere and warm. Those who understood naturally understood that the emperor wanted to be an ordinary brother-in-law with the queen and become an ordinary couple who sent their sister to marry.
Nangong Ye, holding the hand of Dongfang Yuning, who was actually tied together with a red silk, slowly walked into the main hall.
Everyone's eyes were focused on this perfect couple.
Under the guidance of the matchmaker, Dongfang Yuning slowly knelt on the soft mat that had been prepared long ago.
She held the red silk tightly in her hands and bowed deeply and solemnly through her veil towards her parents who gave birth to her and raised her in the main seat.
Her voice, with its heavy nasal tone and uncontrollable sobs, came through the red veil clearly, and every word struck everyone's heart:
"My daughter, Ning'er, bids farewell to my father and mother! Although I have married into the royal palace, I will return often to visit them. I will never forget the years of nurturing and teaching of my parents, and will always uphold filial piety and remember it in my heart! May my father and mother live a long and healthy life, and may everything in our family go smoothly and be happy and free from worries!"
At the end of her speech, tears burst out again, dripping onto the red skirt in front of her knees, leaving dark marks.
The suppressed cry and the sincere words made everyone who heard them feel sad.
Li Zhener couldn't hold it in any longer and covered her mouth tightly with a handkerchief. However, the suppressed sobs still came out and tears flowed down her face.
Dongfang Yanru, the usually serious and dignified tutor, was also in tears at this moment. He forced himself to stand up and bowed deeply to Nangong Ye, who was standing next to his daughter and had an equally moved expression. His voice was hoarse and choked with sobs:
"Your Highness... I, this humble servant, will now entrust Ning'er to you! She... she has been spoiled by us since she was little, and has a playful personality. If she does anything wrong, or violates the rules... please... please tell me, I will teach her and punish her... I only beg... I only beg Your Highness not to let her suffer any injustice... please don't let her... cry alone..."
By the end of his speech, he was already in tears. The deep love of an old father for his daughter was very touching.
Queen Dongfang Qiwu looked at her sister, father and mother who were crying, and she also burst into tears, holding the emperor's hand tightly.
Although Nangong Yu was the emperor, he couldn't help but feel his eyes hot when he saw this scene of separation (not death, but equally heartbreaking), and saw his sister-in-law's thin shoulders trembling with tears, and he shook the queen's hand tightly.
Nangong Ye looked at the little person kneeling on the ground, his shoulders trembling slightly under the veil, crying uncontrollably, and listened to his father-in-law's tearful entrustment. His heart felt as if it was being tightly grasped by a big hand, and it hurt so much that he could hardly breathe.
He stepped forward and bowed deeply to Dongfang Yanru and Li, performing an unprecedented ceremony. His voice was deep and powerful, carrying a promise as strong as iron:
"Father-in-law and Mother-in-law! I swear here! In this life, I will treat Ning'er as my own life, cherish her, love and protect her!
I will never let her suffer even the slightest injustice or shed a tear of sadness! If she is wrong, it is because I failed to teach her well! If she is happy, it is what I have always wanted!
The Dongfang family will always be her strongest backing, and so will Ye! This heart and this promise are witnessed by heaven and earth, and are made clear by the sun and the moon! If you disobey, you will be forsaken by both humans and gods!
This resounding oath, like the firmest rock, instantly calmed the anxious hearts of Dongfang Yanru and Li Zhener.
It also passed through the red veil and reached the crying little bride.
【Brother Aye...】
Dongfang Yuning sobbed inwardly.
[118…Is what he said…true?]
System 118 is rarely serious:
[Ding! Target Nangong Ye's oath energy fluctuation detected: MAX! Sincerity: 100%! Emotional concentration: off the charts!]
Host, please believe your brother Aye! He is serious! (System plays "I Swear" BGM)]
Dongfang Yuning turned to the Emperor and Empress and bowed deeply as well.
"Yu Ning bids farewell to my sister and brother-in-law! Thank you for your care over the years! Yu Ning will definitely remember your teachings and live up to your expectations!"
Dongfang Qiwu quickly helped her up and held her tightly in his arms:
"Ning'er...my dear sister...you must be happy!"
The two sisters hugged each other and cried.
After saying goodbye, it was finally time to get married.
According to custom, the bride should be carried out of the boudoir by her brothers and put into the sedan chair. After she gets into the sedan chair, her parents' home will pour a basin of water on her, which means "a married daughter is like poured water."
Dongfang Yuning's veil was temporarily lowered (for easier carrying) and carried by her three brothers in turn.
The first one was General Dongfang Liezheng. He carefully carried his sister on his back, as if holding the most fragile treasure, his steps were as steady as a mountain, and each step was extremely solid.
He said nothing, but his tense jaw and slightly red eyes betrayed his inner excitement.
Next came the second brother, Dongfang Qichen. He carried his sister on his back, his movements gentle, his voice soft but choked with sobs:
"Ning'er... the palace is not like home. If you miss home... come back anytime. Second brother saved your favorite chestnut cake for you..."
Finally, there is the third brother Dongfang Linyuan.
He carried his sister on his back, his steps became lighter, but his tone was filled with the shrewdness of a businessman and the doting of a brother:
"Don't worry, little sister! I've doubled your dowry bill! I've also converted the betrothal gifts from the palace into cash for you to invest in the Chamber of Commerce!"
From now on, you can just lie down and count your money! Have you been wronged? Tell my third brother! My third brother will kill Prince Yong with silver! "
Although it was a joke, it made Dongfang Yuning burst into laughter under the veil.
When Dongfang Linyuan carried his sister steadily to the extremely luxurious dragon and phoenix wedding sedan chair customized by the prince and pulled by sixteen snow-white horses, everyone held their breath, waiting for the symbolic "splashing of water".
However, it was beyond everyone's expectations!
Dongfang Yanru, who had been silently following at the end of the team, suddenly rushed forward. Before the nanny in charge of pouring water could make a move, he suddenly stretched out his hand and firmly grasped the edge of the copper basin filled with clear water! His eyes were red, his gray beard was trembling, and he shouted in a hoarse but extremely firm voice:
"Don't spill it! My Ning'er...will always be the daughter of my Dongfang family! She's not like spilled water! No one is allowed to spill this water!"
He gripped the copper basin tightly, his knuckles turning white, as if he was defending something most precious.
The whole audience fell silent instantly!
Everyone was shocked by the loss of composure and deep fatherly love of this always upright and polite tutor!
Nangong Yu and Dongfang Qiwu exchanged a look, their eyes filled with emotion. Nangong Ye looked at his father-in-law's stubborn back, and his respect for him grew even stronger.
The nanny in charge of throwing water was so frightened that she was at a loss. Li Zhener looked at her husband, tears welling up again, but she was full of understanding and support.
In the end, the basin of water that symbolized "giving up" was quietly carried away without being spilled.
Dongfang Linyuan carefully carried his sister into the magnificent wedding sedan chair, which resembled a small palace. The curtains were lowered, separating the inside from the outside.
Nangong Ye took a deep look at his father-in-law, mother-in-law and three uncles whose eyes were red, saluted solemnly, and then jumped on his horse.
"Get up the sedan!!"
The ceremonial officer's high-pitched singing pierced the sky!
The deafening sounds of firecrackers, salutes, gongs, drums and suonas instantly resounded through the sky!
Amidst the scattered flowers and confetti and the cheers and blessings of the people of the city, the huge and luxurious wedding procession, carrying the dragon and phoenix wedding sedan carrying countless love and blessings, slowly started and drove towards Prince Yong's Mansion, towards the new future belonging to Dongfang Yuning and Nangong Ye.
Dongfang Yanru stood at the gate of the mansion, watching the group gradually retreat, unwilling to leave for a long time. In his hand, he tightly grasped the brocade handkerchief that his daughter had just wiped her tears with; it was his only comfort at the moment.
The wind blew his gray hair.
My daughter is married.
The unspilled water represents his deepest and most stubborn love and protection for his daughter as a father - she will always be his treasure, no matter where she marries.
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