The two wedding processions argued more and more fiercely. The matchmaker and the dowry maid stood with their hands on their hips, sarcastically comparing themselves to each other. The servants rolled up their sleeves as if they were about to fight. With the auspicious time for the wedding ceremony fast approaching, the wedding attendants waiting at the gate of the Prince's mansion were as anxious as ants on a hot plate because they had not seen the bride arrive for a long time.
Xueying's dowry maid rushed over. Xueying lifted the curtain to look at the situation ahead and asked, "How is it?" The maid bowed slightly and said anxiously, "It seems that the primary consort's procession is unwilling to give way. The auspicious time for the princess is almost here. If we don't set off soon, we might be late for the wedding ceremony..."
Xueying was troubled and extremely unwilling to back down at this moment, but if she didn't come up with a solution, she feared she would anger the Emperor. After much deliberation, Xueying gritted her teeth and said to her maid, "Go... make way for the First Princess!"
The maid was shocked, knowing that the proud and arrogant Xueying would never back down at this moment, and felt even more resentful for her mistress. Xueying gripped the armrest of the bridal sedan tightly, saying bitterly, "His Majesty is still angry with Ulanara. If I stubbornly delay the wedding, I'm afraid His Majesty will be furious..." The maid asked worriedly, "This servant is afraid that backing down today will make your life in the Prince's mansion difficult in the future..."
Xueying looked at her red wedding dress, then raised her head as if she could see Hongli waiting for her not far away. This had always been Xueying's wish; she would do anything to marry Hongli. Xueying gave a bitter laugh and sobbed, "Perhaps today's concession will let Hongli see my true feelings. I only hope he will treat me well, even if it's just as a concubine..." Seeing that Xueying's mind was made up, the maid stepped forward to make arrangements. Xueying's procession retreated a few steps, clearing the way, and Mingyu's procession swaggered past triumphantly.
The two groups arrived at the Prince's residence one after the other. Hongli, dressed in a bright red ceremonial robe, waited at the gate. The wedding attendants each led out their own brides, smiling as they placed their hands in Hongli's. The servant Hongli had sent secretly informed him of what had happened on the way.
Mingyu, with her red veil covering her face, couldn't see Hongli's expression at all, but she could sense his unusual behavior just now. Before she could speak, Xueying's bride helped Xueying up and led her hand from under Mingyu's veil to Hongli.
"Your Highness, please bring the concubine into the manor..."
Just as Xueying was feeling uneasy, a warm and generous hand took hers. Xueying's heart pounded like a deer's, filled with excitement and joy. And so, Hongli, the groom, led the two brides on either side of them, and under the guidance of the master of ceremonies, they were escorted into the front hall of the Prince's mansion.
Fourth Prince and Lanqin sat in the high positions, waiting for Hongli to return with his bride. Lanqin was especially excited. The master of ceremonies shouted at the entrance of the hall: "Incense smoke rises, candles shine brightly, the bride and groom ascend the flower hall together..." Then the music began, and the Prince's mansion was filled with joy as everyone gathered at the entrance to watch the wedding ceremony.
Hongli, accompanied by two matchmakers, approached the Fourth Prince and Lanqin. Lanqin, seeing the two consorts flanking Hongli, was overjoyed. The Fourth Prince gently patted Lanqin's hand, softly comforting her, "Don't cry now, I can't comfort you..." Lanqin gently pushed the Fourth Prince away, replying, "Qin'er is happy; even if I'm suffering, it's tears of joy..."
"First bow to Heaven and Earth..."
"Bowing to the parents a second time..."
Husband and wife bow to each other...
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