Chapter 87 (End of Main Text): The Emperor and Empress's Wedding
Eunuch Xu walked briskly.
Jiang Yuzhi stepped onto the horse stool and sat down in the carriage, with Zhisi beside her.
Bai Yan rode his horse alongside the carriage.
A corner of the curtain on the carriage window was lifted. "Why was I suddenly made a princess?"
She is ultimately not a person of this world; she will most likely return to the underworld in the future, or she will have to live in anonymity, walking among the people, always wary of hidden dangers.
Emperor Huizong should have been aware of these things. If he granted too much in terms of titles and positions, it would inevitably be recognized by others and difficult to explain.
“It belongs to my uncle.”
Why?
"...I have seen that whether in the court or among ordinary people, there are many who have reservations about Miss Zhong. Even though she is the adopted sister of the Duke of Zhenguo, they dare not say anything openly, but there are countless people who are jealous and resentful in secret."
Bai Yan suddenly remembered the morning court session when his uncle issued the decree.
The court officials were in an uproar.
The harem had been without an empress for many years, and the ministers advised them to establish an empress as soon as possible to ensure the stability of the country.
They were all suppressed by Xiao Ji.
Now they're actually going to make an orphan girl of unknown origin their empress.
This is the most ridiculous thing in the world.
Even though the orphan girl was known as the adopted sister of the Duke of Zhenguo, the Emperor never explicitly revealed her identity. However, since she was close to the Princess, it was necessary to know more about her.
My household registration was only obtained after I came to Beijing; I had no prior name or background.
The courtiers, thinking of the emperor in high office, coldly criticized the minister who had submitted the memorial to establish an empress, accusing him of having impure intentions, being unconcerned about the people's livelihood, and instead focusing on the affairs of the royal family, failing to fulfill his duties in his position.
He was banished three thousand miles away to serve as a minor official at a post station, sent to see the people of the world, and never to return to the capital.
No courtier dared to utter a word.
Now that the decree to establish an empress has been issued, these people's thoughts have become active again.
With the harem now having a master, all the positions for the concubines are now vacant.
They were only thinking of observing from the shadows to see if anyone would stand out.
Bai Yan coldly observed that no one uttered a sound, not even the censor.
After all, it's a matter for the emperor's family; at most, they'll be informed.
However, there were indeed those who didn't quite grasp the situation. One of them, lifting his robe, adopted the demeanor of a loyal minister offering direct advice: "Your Majesty, the matter of establishing an empress is not to be taken lightly. Empresses throughout history have all come from noble families and possessed exceptional upbringing, making them qualified to manage the affairs of the inner palace. This Miss Zhong, I've heard, comes from a rural background; I wonder..."
Before Xiao Ji could speak, Grand Secretary Zhang, who was standing in the front row, chuckled twice, "Lord Chang has been the Vice Minister of Rites for a long time, so he knows quite a lot about this."
Lord Chang fell silent.
"Then do you know how chaotic the previous dynasty was?"
Lord Chang, kneeling on the ground, felt a chill run down his spine and prostrated himself, stammering, "Your subject, Your subject..."
Minister of War Wen Xu didn't give him a chance to argue, and immediately retorted: "The imperial harem is full of noble families, and it's laughable that the princes never grow up. The princesses have chosen noble husbands, ha, anyone you randomly pick in the capital is a relative of the emperor."
"What, Chang Yuanshan, do you still want to indulge in being a relative of the emperor? Haven't you had enough of the people's hard-earned money?" Zhang Pei said mercilessly.
Chang Yuanshan kept saying "Your subject dares not," kneeling on the ground and trembling.
He really didn't dare, and he really wasn't smart enough.
Chang Yuanshan's elder brother was originally the consort of a princess who was out of favor in the previous dynasty, and the whole family's food, clothing and other necessities came from the princess's fiefdom.
The poor princess was short-lived; she died in the delivery room, and the baby couldn't be saved either.
It was a chaotic time, and no one cared about their family. The expenses of the princess's residence were not reduced.
When Emperor Huizong ascended the throne, the Chang family, seeing that things were not going well, gritted their teeth and unilaterally divorced the deceased princess, keeping a low profile for several years.
Many prominent families were aware of his family's dirty dealings.
Besides those like Zhang Pei, Wen Xu, and Ouyang Guang who were wholeheartedly devoted to the emperor, there were also aristocratic families who sought self-preservation and the benefit of their clans.
Having found fault with the Chang family, it was natural to push them out to test them.
"Mrs. Zhong came from an orphanage, where she worked to educate children, so literacy was second nature to her. My mother worked with her, and now the orphanage has its own income and no longer relies entirely on government funding. This is a great achievement. This shows that she is of noble character, gentle, kind, and frugal. Moreover, she is the adopted sister of the Duke of Zhenguo, which makes her my aunt. Does Lord Chang have any other objections?" Bai Yan's cold words left Chang Yuanshan speechless.
Seeing that things were almost settled, Emperor Xiao Ji said, "Since there are no further objections, the Ministry of Rites and the Bureau of Imperial Sacrifices shall discuss and make preparations. Ouyang Guang shall select a suitable candidate to serve as Vice Minister of Rites, Chang Yuanshan shall be dismissed and investigated, and the Court of Judicial Review shall handle the case. Emperor Xiao, please stay. Court is adjourned."
Just as Xiao Ji was worrying about not having a pretext to attack the aristocratic families, Chang Yuanshan barged in headfirst.
Lord Chang, sitting to the left, had already fainted.
The Imperial Study.
The palace servants were all waiting outside.
"How do you feel?" Xiao Ji sat down, lifting his robe, and casually picked up a memorial.
"The chronic illness has been cured... but in my heart... Uncle, do you know much about Miss Jiang?" Bai Yan learned from A Zhao that he had already taken Jiang Yuzhi to meet the Emperor. Therefore, he couldn't wait to learn about their past from all aspects.
Xiao Ji raised an eyebrow slightly. "You seem to have forgotten everything."
He was in a good mood and didn't want to make things difficult for Bai Yan, so he casually told him everything he knew, and added at the end, "I don't know what you're planning. You're mutually in love, but you don't even give her a definite answer."
Bai Yan was still reeling from the shock that Jiang Yuzhi and her uncle were not ordinary people, and murmured, "How could a love affair between a human and a ghost harm a ghost?"
"Naturally, he will be struck by lightning."
"Then...why..."
“Jiang Yuzhi is no ordinary ghost. If something were to happen, her elders in the underworld would have already intervened. Besides, you are not entirely human anymore.”
Yes, Miss Jiang cured him.
He was originally just a scarred Turing.
“Uncle,” Bai Yan said solemnly, looking at Xiao Ji with determination, “allow me to request that Miss Jiang be granted the title of Princess.”
"You've accomplished quite a bit together, so bestowing upon her the title of Princess wouldn't be difficult. She's no ordinary person; she won't stay here. Fame and fortune are of little use to her."
“If Miss Jiang and I get married in the future, I want her to be my Princess Xiao, but I don’t want her to suffer the same criticism as my aunt. I ask my uncle to make her achievements known to the world.”
Xiao Ji remained silent, realizing that he had not considered the matter of establishing an empress properly.
I thought those people would all keep a low profile, but it turns out there are some who are brainless or too greedy.
"Alright. But you'll have to explain it to her yourself later."
"Thank you, Uncle."
...
Jiang Yuzhi lowered the carriage curtain and inexplicably felt her cheeks burning.
They arrived at the Princess's residence quickly.
Jiang Yuzhi got off the carriage and looked up to see the two plaques, one inscribed with "Duke of Zhenguo" and the other with "Princess Chang," hanging high above the main gate.
The servants were busy going in and out of the side door.
Steward Wu had been waiting for a long time. The Princess's residence already knew about the news of the conferment of the title of Princess. When he saw them arrive, his eyes lit up. "Congratulations, Miss Jiang, on being conferred the title of Princess. Madam and Miss Zhong are waiting for you."
Jiang Yuzhi nodded and was about to go in when she saw Bai Yan being stopped.
Butler Wu said with a smile, "Young master, don't worry, the Emperor has ordered you to enter the palace immediately to take charge."
Bai Yan frowned and looked at Jiang Yuzhi.
"I'll be waiting for you to have dinner together tonight."
"good."
Only then did he head towards the palace, turning back every few steps.
The courtyard where the bride was to be married had been renovated, and the servants in the courtyard were busy decorating the mansion.
"This servant will take her leave now."
Thank you.
Inside the house were Zhong Yuxiu and Xiao Yao, whom they hadn't seen for a long time.
The two were sitting around a bright red phoenix robe embroidered with gold thread, and they were talking about something.
“Xiao Zhi is here,” Xiao Yao waved to her, “Come and take a look at this dress.”
"It looks so good." Jiang Yuzhi gently stroked the long sleeves of the phoenix robe.
"This was just sent from the Imperial Wardrobe. The head lady-in-waiting is a disciple of a highly skilled lady-in-waiting from the previous dynasty, Ms. Jiang. Speaking of which, you even share the same surname." Xiao Yao's unintentional remark, falling into Jiang Yuzhi's ears, aroused all sorts of thoughts.
"Although we share the same surname, my clothing-making skills are far inferior to hers." Thinking that the person who made these clothes was taught by her aunt, who was now a man and reigning as an emperor in the underworld, Jiang Yuzhi was momentarily at a loss for words.
"Xiuxiu, how have you been these days?" Jiang Yuzhi carefully chose her words.
Xiao Yao was a shrewd woman and immediately saw that they had something to say. "You two sisters can catch up, and I'll go and check Xiu Xiu's dowry so that the servants won't neglect her duties."
Zhong Yuxiu smiled and said, "Thank you for your hard work, Sister Xiao."
Only the two of them remained inside.
Jiang Yuzhi: "I remember you were so afraid of him before, how come you've changed your mind so much in the blink of an eye..."
“I’ll just let things take their course,” Zhong Yuxiu said, a little embarrassed. “After spending more time with him, I realized he’s not that kind of person.”
Having spent a lot of time together? Xiuxiu was in an orphanage, while Xiao Ji was in the palace. How could they have spent a lot of time together?
Could it be...?
Both of them were judges, but in terms of time spent adjudicating cases, how could they compare to the combined efforts of civil and military judges?
In this way, Xiuxiu must have found out something.
Don't you want to go home?
Upon hearing this, Zhong Yuxiu was stunned. After a long silence, she finally said, "You know... I'm sorry, I shouldn't have kept my origins a secret from you."
Jiang Yuzhi didn't take it seriously. "What's the big deal? You're new here, so you're bound to feel uneasy. Besides, this is no small matter. How can you just tell others about it?"
Chung Yu-hsiu visibly breathed a sigh of relief, as if the floodgates had finally been opened. "I was just going downstairs to throw out the trash when suddenly I found myself standing in the middle of nowhere, wearing slippers and pajamas. I was terrified. Later, I went to Kyoto with the refugees and by chance ended up in an orphanage."
“I taught the children to read and made them some food, and life was pretty good. To earn some money to help the orphanage, I started writing storybooks. You know what happened after that, Xiaozhi.”
“I originally studied law, but I couldn’t find a suitable job and stayed at home all the time. I never expected to come here. Even though it’s a different language, I can still recognize it.” Zhong Yuxiu misses the days when she had a cell phone and a sofa, but she doesn’t really yearn for them.
"The matter I asked you for help with before, I think it was because I did too much work as a judge that I gradually understood what was going on. I even ran into Xiao Ji. Oh, he's called Lu Zhidao in the underworld." When Xiao Ji was mentioned, Zhong Yuxiu's eyes and brows were filled with warmth.
"So you don't want to go home?" As Jiang Yuzhi and Zhong Yuxiu's relationship grew closer, she had originally planned to find a way to send Zhong Yuxiu back after restoring the Map of the State. Before, she lacked the ability; now she should be able to.
Unexpectedly, the woman, who had been all smiles and affection, suddenly changed her expression and raised her voice, "Of course not! Xiao Ji may be good, but I also miss my parents, and it's really inconvenient for me here."
Jiang Yuzhi could roughly guess the meaning of the unfamiliar words in Zhong Yuxiu's words, but she didn't quite understand the meaning behind them.
“In your world…” Zhong Yuxiu pointed upwards and mouthed the word “Heavenly Dao”. “He told me that I was lent to him by my world.”
When the topic of borrowing came up, Zhong Yuxiu's expression turned strange. "I was wondering why they chose me. They said it was because there was a gap in my trash can, so I was the one."
There was a hint of relief in her voice, "Xiao Zhi, there are so many people where we are, I'm just an ordinary person. I still want to go back. He promised me that as long as I work hard, he will let me go home to visit my family. I don't think he has any reason to lie to me. I have nothing, and I can't go back on my own. Otherwise, if I work hard as a judge, at least I'll have a proper job."
"If I bring Xiao Ji back with me in the future, my parents won't urge me to find a partner anymore."
Seeing that she had her own plans, Jiang Yuzhi relaxed and even had the mood to be curious about other things, "Your boyfriend?"
“Ah, it’s husband, husband or something like that.” Zhong Yuxiu touched her nose, a little embarrassed. “I haven’t told Xiao Ji about my background yet. I want to tell him on our wedding day.”
"It's good that you have a plan."
“Xiao Ji told me about you, Xiao Zhi! You are so pitiful!” Zhong Yuxiu explained herself clearly, felt better, and her emotions changed quickly. She looked at her with teary eyes, “Come and let me hug you.”
Jiang Yuzhi chuckled and opened her arms to give her a light hug.
We chatted for a while longer.
A servant outside the door announced that Prince Xiao had returned.
Zhong Yuxiu winked at her knowingly, "They've already come to call you, hurry up and go."
"Okay, okay, get ready for your wedding!" Jiang Yuzhi was teased and couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed.
lobby.
Red silk ribbons and double happiness characters were hung on the doors and pillars.
Bai Yanping dismissed the servants and waited anxiously for Jiang Yuzhi.
"Is everything alright in the palace?"
Upon hearing this, Bai Yan jumped up and said, "It's nothing."
Seeing his nervous expression, Jiang Yuzhi joked, "What are you so nervous about? Did you do something behind my back again?"
“After the Emperor and Empress’s wedding, my uncle ordered me to tour the country on his behalf. Would you be willing to come with me as Princess Xiao?”
Jiang Yuzhi remained silent for a long time. Bai Yan thought she was unwilling but didn't want to refuse. He just thought that if she had the memory of herself, she would be more likely to be accepted.
"Tamaori, please don't be troubled..."
"I didn't say I wasn't going." Seeing his tense expression, Jiang Yuzhi couldn't help but tease him. "You can also see if there are any loopholes that need to be fixed. It might even help you recover your memories."
His emotions were in turmoil; if Bai Yan hadn't recovered, he would have been breathless. "Alright, I'll send someone to pack our things right away!"
"So urgent?"
"Yes, we also have an assignment to help my uncle deal with the powerful clans in various places. We will travel in secret, but officially we will depart in a month."
Jiang Yuzhi nodded, indicating that she understood.
"Then... I'll go and have them clean up first."
"Go ahead, go ahead."
As he said he was leaving, his departing figure moved incredibly slowly.
"White inkstone".
His body suddenly stopped.
"Whether you remember or not, we have no chance of being apart; we are destined to be together."
"I know!" The forced calmness in her voice barely concealed a smile, and even her steps as she left were much more cheerful.
...
The wedding ceremony of the emperor and empress was grand and solemn.
At the palace banquet, Emperor Huizong (Xiao Ji) left after a short while.
He asked Bai Yan to take the toasts from the ministers on his behalf.
Jiang Yuzhi is a princess, one of the few imperial relatives in this dynasty, and her position is relatively high.
She recognized a few people: Zhang Wanying, the granddaughter of Grand Secretary Zhang, who is now the young mistress of the Wen family; and Wang Jiaojiao, the daughter of Wang Zhiyi, the commander of the Imperial Guards.
They exchanged a few pleasantries and then dispersed.
Ouyang Guang, whom I knew from Zuo Huai, also came. He is now the Minister of Personnel, and many people are trying to curry favor with him.
However, Lord Ouyang ignored the ministers who were trying to curry favor with him and simply walked towards Jiang Yuzhi.
“Princess Xiangning, it’s been a long time.”
"I hope you are well, sir."
"We've grown distant. I consider Mingze a nephew, and the same goes for the princess."
“Uncle Ouyang,” Jiang Yuzhi called out obediently.
"Hey. I see you two are getting married soon, so please forgive my bluntness."
"Uncle Ouyang, please speak."
"I've practically watched Mingze grow up. When you two get married, you'll need to take good care of his health. I can tell he's very fond of you. Husbands and wives need to support each other."
Jiang Yuzhi understood Ouyang Guang's good intentions and nodded, "I know."
"Back then, when the eldest princess was pregnant with Mingze, her due date was approaching. She was chased by enemy bandits to Zuohuai, where she hid for only a few days before, for some reason, the imperial army came to pursue her again." Ouyang Guang sighed deeply.
Jiang Yuzhi instantly realized that the pursuers were chasing He Ji.
"The princess was pregnant and her pregnancy was already difficult. Who knew that there were spies in the palace who plotted against her. Besieged on all sides, Brother Bai and the emperor were furious. They led the remaining troops and the people who supported them to repel the enemy."
"We thought the princess's child was doomed, but it was born safely in the end." Ouyang Guang's face was full of relief.
Jiang Yuzhi knew in her heart that it was actually impossible to save it.
"Now they're all getting married."
They talked for quite a while.
Bai Yan shook off the ministers who were offering toasts and came over. "What are you talking about?"
"I talked about some things from your childhood," Jiang Yuzhi said honestly.
Bai Yan looked at Ouyang Guang suspiciously, "Uncle Ouyang didn't say anything bad about me, did he?"
"Do you think your uncle is that kind of person?!"
"My uncle has never been reliable."
"You brat!" Seeing that Ouyang Guang was furious and had drunk a lot of wine, but had nowhere to vent his anger, he could only stroke his beard angrily, stomp his foot, and storm off.
Jiang Yuzhi was speechless. "Why are you making him angry?"
"The imperial physician said he shouldn't drink too much, but he's making an exception today. If he gets angry sooner, he can drink less."
"Pfft, then explain properly."
“If you speak politely, he will say, ‘One more drink, just one more.’ If you don’t believe in his drinking capacity, you’ll have to drink more.”
"I see."
As the princess and the prince talked, it was as if an invisible barrier separated them, and no one dared to step forward to speak.
...
The following day.
An imperial edict was issued, granting a general amnesty to the entire realm.
Princess Jiang of Xiangning was appointed as the Princess Consort of Prince Xiao.
King Xiao visited the world for the emperor.
We will depart in one month.
...
They were already on their way when the decree was issued.
Emperor Huizong's decree did not specify a wedding date, so Jiang Yuzhi and Bai Yan pondered and decided to get married on an auspicious day after they returned.
Starting from Kyoto, travel throughout the Xia Dynasty.
Bai Yan's memories are gradually returning.
They went to all the places they had been before.
There's even the mountain forest where the "Sheji Tu" (a map of the land and grain) was created.
Bai Yan always felt that one last opportunity was missing.
They went to Zuo Huai and met Long Jin, who had transformed into human form, at the seaside.
After exchanging only a few words, Jiang Yuzhi saw a familiar child not far away—the reincarnation of Granny Sun.
Bai Yan noticed her distraction and asked, "What's wrong?"
"I'll go take a look over there."
Bai Yan turned his head and saw a little girl selling loquats looking at him hesitantly. "Okay."
The little girl was very shy. When she saw Jiang Yuzhi coming over, she smiled shyly and said, "Sister, here, have some."
"Thank you." Jiang Yuzhi patted her head and took the loquat.
"Nannan! What brings you here?" The newcomer was an anxious, simple woman. Seeing Jiang Yuzhi's elegant attire, she feared that the child might have offended a noble person. "Miss, are you well? The child is ignorant. If she has offended anyone, please tell me."
"It's alright, she's very cute."
The woman quickly left with the little girl, and even from a distance, you could still hear the mother and daughter talking about what to eat for dinner.
Jiang Yuzhi then turned around.
Long Jin was nowhere to be found at the beach.
Bai Yan stood alone facing her, waiting for her to come over.
"Did Long Jin return to the sea?"
"Um."
"Let's go back too."
"good."
While saying "okay," Bai Yan kept looking at Jiang Yuzhi with a gentle smile on his face.
"Why not..." Jiang Yuzhi suddenly realized.
"I'm back, Tamago."
-----------------------
Author's note: The main storyline has ended, and the main text will also end here.
There will be some additional bonus content later.
And then there's the ongoing revision of the text.
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