These people were the merchant caravan sent by Liu Hong from the Ministry of Finance, who had just arrived in Dunhuang today and were invited by Xun You.
"Please go first, everyone!"
Upon arriving at the platform, Xun You politely stepped aside, intending for the two eunuchs and the Imperial Guard officer to proceed first.
The Imperial Guard officer said, "Prefect Xun is the local official in charge of this area. We are just passing through. How can we presume to take the place of the host? Prefect Xun, please go first!"
"Yes, yes, yes! Prefect Xun, please go first!"
Upon hearing the Imperial Guard officer speak, the two eunuchs, Xia Yun and Duan Gui, quickly nodded in agreement.
This Imperial Guard officer, named Sun Qing, is now a centurion and one of Liu Hong's bodyguards. Along the way, Xia Yun and Duan Gui followed Sun Qing's lead in everything they said and did.
Seeing this, Xun You stopped making excuses and took the lead on the high platform, looking down at the bride and groom with a smile.
Xun You said loudly, "Gentlemen, I am deeply honored to be able to attend and preside over your wedding today. First of all, I would like to sincerely congratulate you!"
"good!!"
With Li Jue leading the way, the crowd below the stage began to cheer.
Xun You waved his hand, and after everyone quieted down, he continued, "I hereby announce: Your wedding ceremony has officially begun! Please turn around, newlyweds!"
Upon hearing this, Chen Erlu and the others' brides all turned around, facing the direction of Luoyang.
"I bow to Heaven!"
As one of the officials beside Xun You shouted, the newlyweds looked up at the sky and then bowed.
"Bowing to the earth twice!"
Upon hearing this, everyone turned to face the earth again.
"Three bows to my parents far away!"
The crowd gazed into the distance and bowed once more from afar.
"The ceremony is complete! Please take your seats, newlyweds!"
With the master of ceremonies' final shout, everyone, along with their brides, found a large table and sat down.
Xun You then picked up his wine cup and said loudly, "Gentlemen! I propose that we raise our cups and toast His Majesty, who is far away in Luoyang!"
"Respectfully, Your Majesty!!"
As soon as Xun You finished speaking, everyone present raised their wine cups, bowed towards Luoyang, and then drank the wine in their cups in one gulp.
Then Sun Qing stood up and said loudly, "Gentlemen, I propose that we share half of the food on the table with the people around us, so that they can also enjoy this rare joy. What do you all think?"
"good!!"
The crowd responded in unison, and then picked up the food from the table and served it to the onlookers.
"Thank you, thank you all!!"
The onlookers all expressed their gratitude and thanked them.
The entire wedding venue immediately became lively, with the soldiers and the people of Dunhuang joining in the festivities.
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