Chapter 86 Chapter 86 Happy Wedding
Yonglian's wedding was on the seventh day of the ninth lunar month. As soon as the Mid-Autumn Festival was over, the palace began to get busy preparing for the wedding.
Qianlong was a very careful person and paid great attention to etiquette. He was extremely picky about the entire wedding process.
Prince Lu Yunlu was already old, and Emperor Qianlong didn't want him to run around all the time, so he asked Hongzhou to take charge. He could ask Yunlu for advice on anything he didn't understand. Yunmi, Hongxiao, and Yonghuang were all busy running around.
The wedding took place in the Forbidden City. The new residence was the courtyard of Prince Yonglian. After the Mid-Autumn Festival, the interior was redecorated, and all the furniture, furnishings, and curtains were replaced. Some flowers and plants were also planted in the courtyard.
Yonglian lived in the Old Summer Palace during this period. When he returned to the palace, he was very surprised to see that his courtyard had been completely renovated.
But the royal family lived in the Old Summer Palace for most of the year, so Yonglian and his wife also needed a place to live in the Old Summer Palace.
Qianlong thought about it and gave Taohuawu, where he once lived and now renamed Wuling Chunse, to Yonglian.
When Yonglian learned of this, he quickly declined. Khan Ama had previously studied and lived in Wuling Chunse, where Leshantang was located. This place was considered a hidden residence of the Old Summer Palace and held great significance.
Living here would be like telling everyone he was the crown prince. Yonglian wasn't afraid of anything else, but he feared the Khan's father would one day want to change the crown prince, or that he would be the one to leave before him. His wife and children would have to move out in disgrace, which would be incredibly embarrassing. So, he might as well not live here in the first place.
Qianlong firmly disagreed. He wanted everyone to know that Yonglian was the crown prince.
Because he had spent a lot of money in the past two years and had not built a mansion or a garden for Yonglian, he felt very guilty and had to choose a better place for Yonglian and his wife to live.
Wuling Spring is a place with mountains and water. It is very pleasant to row a boat and enjoy the peach blossoms in spring. This is what he and the queen enjoyed in the past, and now he wants Yonglian and his wife to enjoy it.
Yonglian tried to persuade Qianlong for a long time, but he refused to give in, so he had no choice but to agree.
When the ceremony was held, Yonglian went to Shumulu's house and met Shuhede and Shu Nan's brothers, but he did not meet Shu Nan himself.
After that, when it came to the betrothal ceremony, he often met Shu Nan's half-brother Shu Chang. Yonglian was now very familiar with this brother-in-law.
Shu Chang also became a third-class guard this year, serving alongside Erdeng'e and Mingrui.
The two of them helped Yonglian inquire about the situation of the Shu family. Shu Chang and his family had a half-brother named Shu Ning.
According to Shu Chang, Shu Ning grew up with his grandmother. Both Shu Hede and Mrs. Shu were not good at disciplining him, so he was spoiled beyond measure.
However, ever since Shu Nan was appointed as the wife of Prince Hui, Shu Hede strictly disciplined his children. Only then did he discover that Shu Ning had grown up astray, and four or five maids in the yard were all related to him.
When Yonglian learned about it, he immediately went to see Shuhede.
He had always been respectful to Shuhede, but this time he put on the airs of a young prince and sternly reminded him that he must keep Shu Ning under control. If Shu Ning caused any scandal and Khan Ama knew about it, it would inevitably implicate his wife.
The Shu family has so many children, and they cannot let Shu Ning bring trouble to other family members. Shu Hede immediately ensured that all the maids around Shu Ning were sold. Now he keeps an eye on Shu Ning every day. If this child is not promising, he will send him to the farm to fend for himself. He will never let Shu Ning influence his daughter.
Now Shu Ning is the public enemy of the Shu family. Everyone in the mansion is keeping an eye on him, fearing that he will cause trouble.
Naturally, Qianlong could not hide the affairs of the Shumulu family.
Qianlong didn't even need to place any spies in the Shu family. Shu Hede was popular with everyone. Yongchang, Zhaohui, and the brothers of the Niuhulu family were all his good friends. These people knew something about their family affairs.
Qianlong also discussed with the empress that since there are many people in the family, it is inevitable that there will be one or two playboys, and there are also such people in the Fucha family. As long as they are managed well and do not cause any big trouble, it will be fine.
A few days before the wedding, Qianlong came to see the queen every day to review the wedding process and reminisce about the past.
"When Yonghuang got married, I didn't feel this way. But when Yonglian got married, I felt like I wasn't getting any younger." Qianlong said, "I'm almost forty now. Time flies."
The Queen smiled and said, "You are now in the prime of life. Wait until Yonglian's child is married before you speak again."
Qianlong laughed heartily. "I'm looking forward to that day. Maybe we can even raise great-grandchildren."
The queen thought that this would not be a difficult task for Qianlong, but after giving birth to Yongcong, she obviously felt that her health was not as good as before, and she didn't know whether she could wait until that day.
The emperor and empress lay on the bed and recalled the past. Qianlong felt very happy at this time.
However, on the night before the wedding, Qianlong felt a little melancholy when he thought that Yonglian would have his own family tomorrow.
He called Yonglian to Changchun Palace and gave him instructions for more than an hour.
He even used himself and the Queen as an example, saying they were a positive example, a model couple. "You've seen how much I respect and love your mother. If you can't learn 100% of that, at least 70% or 80% will still allow you to live a good life."
Yonglian nodded like a chicken pecking at rice, but he didn't agree in his heart. If it weren't for his mother's virtue and generosity, it would be strange if he hadn't met a pig-hoof like you and lived a good life.
Qianlong wanted to tell Yonglian to be frugal and manage the household, but he thought that the child was already simple enough in his daily life, and if he told him more, he would be petty. So he told him not to be too stingy and to show off as he should, otherwise it would bring disgrace to the royal family.
Yonglian: “…”
The Queen couldn't bear to listen any longer, "Your Majesty, Yonglian will come to pay his respects to us tomorrow morning. It won't be too late to give him instructions then."
Yonglian also said hurriedly: "Yes, yes, I have finished talking now. There is nothing else I can tell you tomorrow."
Qianlong couldn't help but glare at him. "Don't worry about it. I have a lot to tell you. I can't finish it in a few days."
Yonglian: “…”
However, it was really late, so Qianlong sent Yonglian back to rest.
Before dawn the next day, Yonglian was called up, changed into new clothes, and went to pay his respects to the empress dowager.
The empress dowager smiled and told him to live a good life with his wife.
The concubines were also present, and they all praised Yonglian for his good looks. He had grown taller in the past two years, and there was nothing wrong with his appearance and demeanor.
Yonglian chatted for a while here and then went to the Yangxin Palace. The empress was also there, and the emperor and empress accepted Yonglian's greetings.
Yonglian paid his respects and noticed a hint of blue under Khan Ama's eyes. He asked with concern, "Khan Ama, did you not get enough rest last night?"
The queen wanted to say something, but Qianlong touched her arm and said, "Don't worry about it."
Then we began today's instructions, from advising husband and wife to respect each other and not to indulge in alcohol and sex and to take care of your health.
Only when the officials from the Ministry of Rites outside came to urge him did Qianlong wave his hand and let Yonglian go to meet the wedding procession.
Watching Yonglian leave the hall, Qianlong couldn't help but sigh softly.
The Queen said, "Marrying a wife is a good thing for bringing in more children. Why are you sighing?"
Qianlong didn't know why, but he always felt a little melancholy. He looked at the empress and said, "People say that when you marry a wife, you forget your mother. Aren't you worried that Yonglian will not be close to you in the future?"
Queen: "..." Are you afraid that Yonglian will no longer be close to you?
"The child has grown up and has his own family, so naturally he can't cling to his parents like a child," the Queen said, "but they definitely miss each other. And Yonglian lives in the palace, so we see him every day. How could they not be close?"
The Queen had no time to talk to Qianlong at this moment. After accepting Yonglian's greeting, she returned to Changchun Palace to entertain the ladies from inside and outside the palace.
When the prince gets married, the emperor will be fine as long as he accepts the prince's gift.
Qianlong felt mixed emotions at the moment and had no intention of reading the memorials. He just sat at his desk and wrote poetry.
The prince did not need to personally welcome the bride for his wedding. Instead, he sent two ministers in charge of the imperial guards, forty officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and eighty guards to Shumulu's house to pick up the bride.
Because Yonglian was getting married, the young princes in the Shangshufang were given a day off, and Yonghuang also came early in the morning to arrange the wedding.
In early September in Beijing, although there was a chill in the air, it was not too cold. The weather was clear and the sky was blue.
Everyone says the weather is nice today and it's a good omen.
The banquet was held in Chonghua Palace. It was also the place where Yonghuang held his wedding. The place was spacious and close to the prince, so it was very convenient.
The princes and nobles of the royal family who came to the banquet arrived one after another, and Yonglian was busy entertaining them.
The uncles of the Yun generation sat at a table. Looking at their gentle and well-mannered nephew, they couldn't help but sigh in a low voice.
Yunlu said, "I was a little dazed for a moment. When I attended the wedding of the Emperor and Empress, the banquet was also held here. The Emperor looked like this too, smiling and entertaining us."
Yunli said, "Yes, time flies. When Yonglian was one year old, we even came to participate in his "Zhuazhou" ceremony."
"What did Yonglian catch?" Yunmi was curious.
Yunlu said, "It's his father's private seal. The late emperor was extremely happy when he knew about it."
In the eyes of the late emperor, this was the inheritance of power.
Yunli did not attend Qianlong's wedding, but he had a good impression of his nephew, who was better than his annoying father anyway.
He and Yonglian had come into contact several times because of car purchases. This guy was just like his father, Huang Mafa, obsessed with money, and it was not easy to make money under his nose.
The tables below were occupied by uncles and aunts of the Hong generation. Hong Zhou was the overall person in charge, checking everywhere to see if there were any mistakes.
Hongchang, Hongtao, Hongxiao, Hongsheng, Hongyu and others sat at the same table. Each of them was richer than the other, and each had ordered a car and could take delivery in October.
Hong Tao said, "It's a pity that I can only enjoy it for two months."
He is really rich now. He will experience the car for two months and then give it to his younger brother Hongxiao to avoid Hongxiao and Hongchang quarreling over a car.
Hong Xiao and Yong Lian were the most familiar with each other, and he was the only one who knew Shu Nan's identity. In his opinion, these two children were made for each other. Neither of them was a rule-abiding person, so neither of them would find the other strange. Their life would definitely be sweet and happy.
Soon, someone came to report that the wedding sedan had entered the palace.
The sound of firecrackers and festive music was heard outside, and the brothers of the Yong generation immediately surrounded Yonglian to welcome the newlyweds.
Yonglian's eyes were curved with smiles as he looked at Shu Nan being helped into the wedding hall.
Hong Zhou teased him, "Nephew, there will be plenty of time to read later. Go and pay your respects."
Yonghuang, Yongbi and the others all laughed.
Yonglian blushed and hurried forward to bow to the bride.
Then the bride was supported by the ladies of honor and taken to the bridal chamber. Yonglian watched the male guests take their seats and was also surrounded and helped to have his veil lifted.
Accompanied by the congratulations and auspicious words from the ladies around her, Yonglian lifted the veil.
Shu Nan wore a crown inlaid with oriental pearls and a bright red robe with a dragon pattern, showing the dignity and nobility of a royal family lady.
The two of them looked at each other, sizing each other up.
Yonglian saw his wife pursed her lips and smiled at him, and his whole body felt light and airy. The nanny brought out the descendants' cakes, one for each of the bride and groom.
"Are you going to have a baby or not?" everyone asked with a smile, and a group of people nearby started to make a fuss.
Before Yonglian could finish swallowing the unpalatable thing, he heard his wife say crisply, "Raw."
Yonglian also quickly said: "Give birth!"
There was a burst of laughter in the room. Then there was another small bowl of longevity noodles.
Yonglian got up early and casually ate two pieces of snacks. This small bowl of longevity noodles was just enough to fill his stomach. After eating, he went out to entertain the guests.
The first wife, Niu Lun, Fei Ya, and some female relatives and ladies of the royal family were here to talk with the bride.
The bride was very generous. She knew many people in the room, except for a few princesses in the palace whom she met for the first time.
The Third and Fourth Princesses both spoke politely, but the Third Princess was more lively and called her "Sister-in-law" affectionately.
The eldest wife was also very easy to get along with, and she even had some food sent up.
Shu Nan was eating when a maid came in and said, "The Emperor has arrived at Chonghua Palace."
Everyone was stunned when they heard this. The emperor didn't need to attend the prince's wedding in person, so what was the emperor going to do at this time?
Niu Lun asked, "Is everything alright? Khan Ama probably just wants to go take a look."
"Yes, the Emperor said that he would take advantage of the prince's wedding as an excuse to have a few drinks with the royal family."
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief when they heard that nothing else happened.
Niu Lun complained in his heart that Khan Ama had always emphasized that his second brother should hold the wedding according to the regulations of the prince and must not exceed the limit in the slightest.
In the end, it turned out that he himself did not follow the regulations. The emperor was only required to attend the prince's wedding.
Who would believe that he was just having a few drinks with the royal family at the wedding? No one here believed it anyway.
The royal family members in Chonghua Palace didn't believe it either, but since they were already there, they could only accompany the emperor to drink.
Hong Zhou, who was in charge of the wedding, was caught off guard by his brother's behavior. Is this still the same brother who abides by the etiquette in every word, action and gesture?
Could it be that he is possessed by Khan Ama who doesn't play by the rules?
With Emperor Qianlong around, the royal family members did not dare to force Yonglian to drink. Yonglian went around each table to toast and remained sober.
When I arrived at Qianlong's side, I heard Qianlong writing poems with Yunxi, Hongxiao and others.
At this time, Yonglian still didn't know that Khan Ama had just written two poems in the Yangxin Palace. Now, after drinking two cups, his poetic inspiration came again.
Qianlong also wanted Yonglian to compose a poem with him, but Yonglian could not think of a single one.
Hong Xiao came to his nephew's rescue, "Yong Lian is thinking about entering the bridal chamber and has no mood to compose poetry. Tomorrow, when the wedding is over, he will naturally have a good poem."
Everyone laughed, and Qianlong also laughed, and pressed Yonglian's forehead lovingly.
Qianlong did not leave until it was dark. The guests were about to leave, and Yonghuang helped Yonglian see them off and pushed Yonglian back to the prince's residence.
Yonglian returned to his own courtyard. The women had all left. He entered the house, raised his sleeve and sniffed, then asked Ma Rui, who was standing beside him, "Does the master smell strongly of alcohol?"
Ma Rui knew that this was because he was afraid of disturbing the wife, so he couldn't help but laugh. "It doesn't smell like alcohol. We still have to drink the wedding wine soon, so we can wash up after that."
"Pour me a cup of tea so I can rinse my mouth," Yonglian said.
Ma Rui immediately went to pour tea.
Yonglian rinsed his mouth before entering the side room. Shu Nan had already taken off his imperial crown and changed his clothes.
She had just heard the conversation between Yonglian and the eunuch, and felt a little sweet in her heart.
She stood up and helped Yonglian take off his outer robe. It was cold outside, and Yonglian's hands were a little cold, but her hands were warm.
Yonglian couldn't help but pull her hand and whispered to her "Nanxing."
Shu Nan also narrowed his eyes. Although it was the first time they met, there was not much sense of strangeness between them.
"If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be Nanxing. Thank you, Your Highness." She had always wanted to express her gratitude to the Second Prince, but she never expected that she would say this in the bridal chamber as his wife.
Unexpectedly, Yonglian frowned and said, "You are not right. You are the shining star. I am just the one who discovered the star."
Before he finished speaking, footsteps were heard outside.
Shu Nan was very familiar with the process, so he said, "It's time to drink the wedding wine."
The two of them then sat side by side on the bed.
Two maids came in with a tray with two wine glasses on it.
They each picked up a glass of wine and brought it to each other's lips.
Yonglian didn't feel anything after drinking so much alcohol outside, but this small cup made him feel a little dizzy.
The nanny left, and hot water had already been prepared behind the screen.
The newlyweds walked arm in arm behind the screen.
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