Chapter 36 The Princess's Wedding
Seeing the change in the emperor's expression, Duan Yunting raised an eyebrow.
He was just saying it casually to gauge the Emperor's attitude towards the princess, but he didn't expect the Emperor to actually consider it.
Back in the village, he had seen many families spend a few strings of cash to buy a girl and raise her at home. When the girl was young, she and the family's son would address each other as brother and sister. When the two children reached the right age, they would get married and become husband and wife.
Thinking about it this way, it's not unreasonable for the emperor to want to marry the princess. After all, the emperor was raised by the princess, so their feelings for each other are naturally different.
"If Your Majesty wishes, I will speak on your behalf. The princess is kind and gentle. As long as she doesn't throw me out of her residence, I will do everything I can to persuade her to agree to this."
Pei Heng glared at him, "Don't mention it again."
Duan Yunting immediately stopped smiling, lowered his head, and said, "Yes, this humble general dares not."
Looking at the emperor's tall back and gloomy profile, he became increasingly confused. This wouldn't work, that wouldn't work, what was the emperor thinking? Surely he didn't love women?
The boy looked bewildered, while the young man riding ahead on horseback had regained his serious, unsmiling expression. Though his heart was filled with a thousand waves of emotion, his face remained calm.
The autumn nights came earlier than usual, and as the sun set on the horizon, the emperor's entourage traveled along the main road through the woods.
A gust of wind blew by, rustling through the woods.
Suddenly, a cold arrow shot out silently from the depths of the dense forest, its light aimed directly at Pei Heng's head.
Duan Yunting, with the Imperial Guards protecting him, noticed someone firing a sneak arrow. He immediately drew his spear to block it, and before the arrow could reach the emperor, he leaped forward and broke it in two.
The boy and the broken arrow fell to the ground together. Holding a silver spear, the emperor, who was being protected behind him, was on horseback and had already nocked his bow and fired three arrows in the direction from which the arrow had come. Everyone heard the trees trembling in the forest, followed by the sound of a heavy object falling to the ground.
"Protect the Emperor! Capture the assassin immediately!" Duan Yunting ordered, and the Imperial Guards immediately protected Pei Heng in the center.
Duan Yunting led his men into the forest and quickly captured an assassin dressed in black. The assassin's shoulder was pierced by an arrow, shot by Pei Heng.
"Your Majesty, the assassin has been brought here. This humble general has not found any other suspicious persons. It is likely that this person has ulterior motives and has been lying in ambush here for a long time, intending to assassinate Your Majesty."
He removed the assassin's mask, revealing a weathered man's face, and forced him before the emperor.
He grabbed the assassin's injured shoulder and interrogated him: "Shameless traitor, how dare you assassinate the Emperor! Who are you? Who sent you? Tell us the truth!"
The assassin, his face contorted in pain, replied, "No comment!"
Pei Heng glanced at the assassin and sneered, "I remember you. You were once a retainer of my eldest brother. At my eighth birthday banquet, my eldest brother brought you into the palace and made an appearance at the banquet."
The assassin was shocked, never expecting that Pei Heng would remember such a casual glance from when he was young.
"You dog emperor, you murdered your brother, forced the imperial concubine to her death, framed them with fabricated charges, and exterminated the He family. You deserve to die a horrible death!"
He spat fiercely on the ground, striking a pose as if he were ready to die.
"I failed to kill you today, which is a betrayal of the Crown Prince's trust. No matter how you interrogate me, I have nothing to say. You dog emperor, I will never let you go!"
Like a hyena on the verge of starvation, it takes a desperate gamble to hunt a male tiger. It has nothing to begin with, yet it still dreams of turning the tables and becoming the dominant species.
As the emperor, did he need a reason to kill the imperial concubine, his brother, and the He family, the imperial concubine's maternal family? They were political enemies. When he raised his army in Liangzhou, only one of him and the imperial concubine's family could survive.
If he had lost then, would his elder brother and second elder brother have spared his life?
The victor is king, the loser is villain—this is an age-old truth.
Pei Heng didn't believe this person didn't understand this principle. He was just using his self-righteous sense of gratitude to flaunt himself. He wasn't even good at seeking wealth and status in danger, otherwise he wouldn't have come alone to assassinate him.
He looked down on the stubborn man and coldly ordered, "Cut off his head."
"This humble general obeys the order."
Duan Yunting bowed respectfully, straightened up, and revealed a bright smile. Two people on either side held down the assassin, and he stepped on the head, ignoring the man's terrified whimpers. With one slash, blood spurted out, and a round head fell to the ground.
The boy raised his head to show the emperor, exhaling with satisfaction. A smile still lingered on his blood-splattered face, giving him a somewhat sinister look.
"Your Majesty, the thief's head."
“Hang his body on the city gate for three days, then throw it into the woods to feed the wolves. Keep a close eye on him; anyone who dares to collect his body will be charged with treason and their entire family will be exterminated.”
"Yes, Your subordinate will take care of it immediately." Duan Yunting wiped his knife with his elbow and led a few men to dispose of the assassin's body.
The imperial carriage continued on its way, and Pei Heng raised his hand to beckon Cheng Yuan, the imperial guard on the other side.
"What are your orders, Your Majesty?"
“This person has a close relationship with the eldest prince. This assassination attempt may not have been a spur-of-the-moment thing. Find a few people to secretly investigate who was released when the eldest prince’s residence was cleared out, and who this person has been in contact with in the past two months.”
"yes."
"My visit to the military camp was a spur-of-the-moment decision today. He actually knew I would leave the palace and laid an ambush here in advance. I suppose someone in the palace passed him a message. Let's investigate secretly. We must not let anyone who is suspicious get away with it."
"Your humble servant obeys the decree."
Pei Heng waved his hand, telling him to do it, without showing even a trace of emotion from beginning to end.
Having experienced too many life-and-death situations on the battlefield, the assassination attempt was just a minor incident to him. After arranging everything, he no longer cared about it.
Life after returning to the palace remained busy. The hypothesis that had once touched his heart in the woods was like a stone sinking into a lake, creating ripples before slowly sinking to the bottom.
If he were to propose to Yuezhi, he wouldn't care what the world said; he'd probably just have Yuezhi beat him up first.
Every night after nightfall, he would sleep alone on the dragon bed, smelling her handkerchief and indulging in wanton pleasure with her clothes, which was ultimately not a proper way to treat his sister.
He promised to register her name in the imperial genealogy on an auspicious day, but he deliberately delayed doing so. Yuezhi, busy with her wedding, completely forgot about it.
Perhaps, she didn't really want to be his older sister.
Pei Heng sneered, mocking her own wishful thinking. In the end, she had Liang Zhang in her heart, her life's hope, and wanted to grow old with Liang Zhang. As time went by, there would be no place for him in her heart anymore.
He only finds temporary solace in his emptiness. After erasing the evidence, he will think: when he grows old and powerless, unable to withstand poisoning, assassination, or murder, and dies suddenly, will there be any regrets he cannot let go of in his heart?
His greatest regret was not being able to be with Yuezhi, and not being able to die in her arms…
He just can't let her go.
Whenever he recalls the simple and warm past, the loneliness and desolation he feels now are unbearable. He bears it all alone, while Yuezhi happily anticipates her marriage to another person.
After agonizing for several days, he could no longer bear it and sent someone to summon Liang Zhang to the palace, where he was received in the deserted East Warm Pavilion.
He had met Liang Zhang once during the palace examination and once at the teahouse. This was the third time he had seen Liang Zhang. The tall man was well-mannered, dressed in a white robe with a light blue background, his hair tied up with a jade crown, and he was handsome and upright.
Pei Heng noticed his jade crown and thought of the jade hairpin he had personally placed in Yuezhi's hair that day. It must be made of the same material as this jade crown—he really put his heart into it.
He suddenly felt very disgusted by this person.
If I hadn't been suspected by my father as a child and hadn't been exiled from the capital, I would be a more refined and magnanimous gentleman than Liang Zhang by now.
Yuezhi had always stayed by his side, and naturally became his concubine. Although her status was lower, she could be promoted to the principal wife once she became pregnant, which was better than the current situation.
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects. May Your Majesty be well." Liang Zhang knelt down.
Pei Heng snapped out of his unrealistic fantasies, sat upright, and asked, "Do you know why I summoned you here?"
"Your Majesty, I am unaware of the matter and would appreciate your guidance." Without permission, a subject is not allowed to look directly at the Emperor's face, and Liang Zhang kept his head bowed the entire time.
Pei Heng couldn't find fault with him, which made him irritable, so he cut to the chase—
"You and the princess will be married soon. I have thought it over and over. This marriage was arranged by me. You two are betrothed without knowing each other, and there will inevitably be some distance between you. In order to avoid delaying your lives, I have specially summoned you here to ask you: If I withdraw my decree and allow you to choose your own good partners, are you willing?"
Liang Zhang's lowered face showed surprise. He had thought that the emperor had summoned him to the palace to warn him to be honest and obedient, and to accept all the princess's lovers with kindness.
Unexpectedly, the Emperor wanted to rescind his decree to grant the marriage.
Now it was his turn to panic... Could it be that the princess didn't want her lover to be subservient and suffer grievances, so she asked the emperor to withdraw the marriage decree, or that the emperor didn't trust him to take good care of the princess and didn't think he could be a qualified prince consort?
Liang Zhang could not accept either of them.
"Your Majesty's wisdom and decisiveness are truly my greatest fortune. I have long admired the princess and longed to marry her. Now that Your Majesty has granted me this marriage, I will accept everything about the princess, regard her as my lifelong love, and live up to both her and Your Majesty's trust."
"I beg Your Majesty not to rescind the decree and allow me to marry the princess. Although I am not talented, I will take good care of the princess, even if... even if the princess has no feelings for me, I will have no regrets."
For a subject, loyalty to the emperor and love for the country should be exemplified in this way.
Hearing his earnest words, Pei Heng couldn't bring himself to utter the coaxing or threatening words he had originally intended.
He truly is the best man in the world, a loyal subject and husband, unwavering in his devotion. Even he couldn't bear to find fault with or punish him. How could Yuezhi not love him...
"Now that you have this intention, I understand."
Pei Heng swallowed his anger, praised Liang Zhang a few times, and quickly sent him away, fearing that the other party's open and aboveboard love would only make the dark and disgusting feelings in his heart even more filthy and repulsive.
He even considered ending the marriage to fulfill his own desires.
He was too ashamed to face Yuezhi.
*
After several days of continuous autumn rain, the dark clouds dispersed and the sky cleared. Under the azure sky, the golden and fiery red autumn leaves in the princess's mansion complemented the red silk hanging on the lintel, creating a beautiful scene.
The 26th is an auspicious day for marriage.
In her boudoir, Yuezhi sat in front of the mirror as someone did her makeup. On the table sat a golden phoenix crown, a pair of pearl hairpins, and countless gold and jade ornaments, all glittering in the sunlight streaming in through the window.
With the maids' careful styling, her hair gradually took shape. Wearing three layers of wedding attire, Yuezhi sat quietly, her cheeks already flushed red before makeup was applied. Her slightly lowered eyelashes fluttered, just like her excited yet nervous heart, unable to calm down.
She twisted her fingers, then suddenly remembered something.
"Huachun, do you remember where I put my handkerchief embroidered with butterflies?"
Hua Chun was tidying up the wedding dress she was going to wear as the outermost layer, carefully smoothing the pearl tassels embroidered on it.
Hearing her question, his heart skipped a beat, but he pretended to be calm and said, "I noticed that the princess's handkerchief was old. Since the princess doesn't use it often, she put it away. Did the princess accidentally mix the handkerchief in when she packed up old clothes to give to the emperor last time?"
"Oh dear..." Yuezhi frowned slightly.
“Today is the princess’s big day, you mustn’t be sighing and groaning.” Huachun raised her voice and asked with a smile, “A wedding should naturally use new things, why must you use old things? The princess has quite a few handkerchiefs, how about I pick out a similar one for you?”
"Okay." Yuezhi pursed her lips.
She didn't necessarily want to use that handkerchief; she just thought the image of butterflies flying in pairs among flowers was auspicious, and she remembered that the poem the prince consort exchanged with her contained the word "butterfly," so she wanted to show him the butterfly she had embroidered on their wedding night.
Now that the item is already in the palace, there's no need to send someone to make a trip for this little thing. At worst, she can embroider a butterfly handkerchief herself and give it to the prince consort after her eyes have healed.
After reciting the handkerchief, she recalled the words that the nanny had spoken to her alone last night when she was teaching her the wedding etiquette.
"Lie flat and place the bridal veil under your buttocks..."
"Proceed step by step, carefully incorporate..."
"There may be some discomfort at first, Princess, please don't be afraid. Your husband is not impatient and will treat you well..."
So that's what real matters between men and women are like. It's not that just becoming husband and wife and sleeping together will result in having children. There are so many complicated and careful things to do in between. No wonder Zhiyan didn't want to talk to her about it. Knowing this, she herself was too embarrassed to mention it.
Yuezhi exhaled slowly, easing the sudden heat on her face. She felt both shy and afraid, yet also secretly expectant...
She had written about her upcoming marriage in a letter long ago, and sent it to Yanjing and Jizhou along with Mid-Autumn Festival gifts.
Hua Qing seemed to dislike the prosperity of the capital, and wrote a letter to congratulate her on her marriage, saying...
My husband and I are very happy, and we don't want to go to the capital to play along with a group of powerful and wealthy people. Since you are about to go on your honeymoon and it is inconvenient to entertain guests, we will not go to the capital. It would be too tiring for us to travel back and forth and only see each other for a few days.
—If you miss me, sister, I will come to the capital to take care of you after you become pregnant. I will stay for a year or six months. At that time, it will be inconvenient for you and the prince consort to share a room. I will be able to stay with you day and night and have a good chat.
Miao Miao gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl. The two little babies are so cute and chubby. After her safe delivery, she gave me the Guanyin statue that her family worships for granting children. I am now a month pregnant. Seeing how efficacious this Guanyin statue is, I am giving it to you, sister, as a wedding gift. Please accept it with a smile.
The Guanyin statue that was sent along with the letter now sits quietly in a wooden box by the bed, waiting for the couple to consummate their marriage before setting up the altar and placing it there.
Despite being busy with official duties, her godfather in Jeju sent a letter to congratulate her, along with two quilts with a hundred children design made by her godmother and two pillows, which had already been laid out on the wedding bed.
My sworn brother's family gave me newly cultivated lotus seeds from Jeju Island and twenty pots of golden osmanthus, symbolizing harmony and happiness, and the wish for many children.
With the betrothal gifts from the Liang family, the congratulatory gifts from nobles and dignitaries in the capital, and the porcelain ornaments from the palace, the vast princess's mansion was almost filled with these treasures.
The courtyard was filled with dazzling red. Although Yuezhi couldn't see it, she could sense the lively atmosphere from the cheerful sounds of the servants bustling about.
After she finished dressing, the maids carefully helped her put on the golden phoenix crown and the last layer of her wedding dress.
The heavy weight almost made Yuezhi lose her balance. She had to hold onto Huachun's hand for a moment to get used to it before she could steady herself.
Having never worn such a grand and elaborate dress before, she felt a little nervous and asked softly, "Huachun, do I look good like this?"
Hua Chun looked at her eyes, which were like autumn water, and her face, which was like peach blossoms, and couldn't help but smile. "This is the first time the princess has worn such heavy makeup and such a red dress. She is more beautiful than a flower and is incredibly beautiful. The prince consort will definitely like her."
Yuezhi blushed at her praise, "You're such a smooth talker."
Just as everything was ready, a maidservant came in to report, "Your Highness, the prince consort and his bridal sedan chair have arrived from the Liang family and will be here in about half an incense stick's time."
"I understand." Yuezhi took out her money pouch from her bosom, grabbed a handful of loose silver, and handed it to the maid.
"This servant thanks Your Highness for the reward. I wish Your Highness a happy marriage and all your wishes come true!" The little maidservant accepted the reward with a beaming smile and happily left.
Yuezhi then gave each of the maids who helped her dress and do her makeup a handful of loose silver. Amidst everyone's blessings, she covered her head with a red veil and stepped out of her boudoir.
Outside the main courtyard, He Zhiyan and Cui Xianglan had been waiting for a long time. They took Huachun from her arms and helped her out.
Cui Xianglan smiled, her eyes full of joy: "Bride, your lotus steps are like a fairy descending to earth. May you walk on red brocade, loving each other until you grow old together!"
He Zhiyan smiled and replied, "Once you cross the threshold, good fortune will arrive, and you will hold your son next year. After leaving this door, every step will be splendid. May the princess and her husband be in perfect harmony, and see each other year after year."
Yuezhi held their hands on either side, her eyes slightly moist.
She was surrounded by maids, and the matchmaker chanted loudly.
"The tinkling of jade pendants accompanies laughter, auspicious clouds swirl around her skirt. The bride steps out of the grand hall, her feet shimmering with golden light!"
"Take one step, and everything will go smoothly; take two steps, and double happiness will come; take three steps, and you will be blessed with good fortune; step by step, you will walk towards your good husband! All the way to the bridal sedan chair, may your love last a hundred years!"
"Today I leave my boudoir, tomorrow I'll take charge of the grand hall. May the lotus blossoms bloom in pairs, and may happiness and longevity be with you forever!"
Amidst joyful blessings, she walked to the front yard and heard the wedding procession approaching from outside the door.
Outside the wall, the suona horns played joyfully, and the gongs and drums resounded. The clatter of horses' hooves stopped outside the princess's mansion gate, where a handsome young man sat on a tall horse—the groom she had been longing for day and night.
She couldn't see him, but her heart was already with him.
Because of this wedding ceremony, because of his arrival, she was no longer alone. In the long nights to come, she would have someone by her side to watch over her.
Yuezhi stepped onto the steps and walked out of the mansion gate.
The onlookers outside the gate chatted and laughed, busy grabbing wedding money and cakes to share in the good fortune, their eyes constantly glancing at the newlyweds.
The bride was graceful and beautiful, while the groom was handsome and refined. They were a perfect match, a truly wonderful couple.
The bride was helped into the bridal sedan chair, and the dowry was carried out from the mansion. Inside were four large chests full of copper coins. They followed the wedding procession, scattering lucky money along the street, spreading the joy for miles.
As a princess, Yuezhi was not allowed to kneel and serve tea to her subjects. According to the old custom of princesses getting married, the bridal sedan chair only stopped briefly outside the Liang residence. After Liang's parents knelt to greet her, He Zhiyan served tea on her behalf. After the formalities were completed, the bridal sedan chair took another route and returned to the princess's residence.
The bridal sedan chair was pulled down in front. Cui Xianglan and Huachun lifted the curtain, and Liang Zhang dismounted and leaned in to help her.
"May the bride alight from the sedan chair, bringing good fortune!"
As soon as the wedding attendant finished speaking, Yuezhi knew it was time to get out of the sedan chair. She raised her hand, which was heavy with the weight of her fine clothes, and before she could even feel around, she found a steady arm. With a heart full of sweetness, she took the arm and stepped out of the sedan chair.
"Every step brings joy, every step brings satisfaction!"
"Today we enter this magnificent hall hand in hand; may we never forget each other even when we are old and gray!"
*
As dusk fell, the princess and her husband held their wedding ceremony at the princess's residence. The hall was filled with guests, and under the lit red lanterns were smiling faces. Whether they were relatives or strangers, near or far, everyone was happy for the union of the newlyweds.
Only the young man dressed in indigo silk stood in the dark corner of the corridor, avoiding everyone, watching them perform the wedding ceremony from afar. A bitter feeling welled up in his throat, and he almost lost his voice.
Cheng Yuan lowered his head: "Your Majesty, shall we invite the princess and her consort to see you?"
Pei Heng shook his head. "I don't want to see anyone."
He said that, but he stood there without moving, his eyes fixed on the bride in red on the floor.
The bright candlelight made her look like a figure from a painting, radiant and dazzling. His eyes followed the bride's embroidered shoes, the hem of her skirt, her waist, all the way up to the red veil adorned with mandarin ducks playing in the water, and the glimpse of delicate skin revealed beneath the veil when the couple bowed to each other.
Only the prince consort knew what a stunningly beautiful face lay beneath the veil, and he had no chance to see it.
He sadly touched the cuff of his clothes, thinking to himself: This was a garment that Yuezhi had made for him when he left home to fight in the war. He had never been willing to wear it, and now that he was wearing it, she could no longer see it.
In the end, he couldn't hold onto anything, not even her. He was left alone, sitting on a high place, guarding his loneliness, watching her happiness.
The young man's eyes reddened, and he whispered, "Cheng Yuan, do you think she has me in her heart?"
"Of course the princess misses you."
"How does it compare to the prince consort?"
"The Emperor is the Princess's family, and the Prince Consort will also be the Princess's family in the future. However, even the closest husband and wife are bound to have different dreams while sleeping in the same bed. Besides, the Princess and the Prince Consort have never met before. How can they compare to the sisterly and brotherly affection between you and the Princess, which has deepened over the years?"
The words sounded nice, but Pei Heng didn't feel comforted at all—if he had known this would happen, he shouldn't have become her brother.
Before going to the capital, he had never called her "sister".
He thought that the princess's nobility and glory were the best things he could give Yuezhi, so he called her "Royal Sister"; he thought she deserved the best man in the world, so he sent Liang Zhang to her side.
His self-righteous dedication has brought her happiness today, but it has pushed him into an endless abyss.
The emperor's expression grew increasingly dejected, his reddened eyes stubbornly holding back tears. He rubbed his jade thumb ring heavily, unable to alleviate the bitterness in his heart.
He wanted to rub her handkerchief, but having finished his official duties, he hurriedly changed into casual clothes and came over, forgetting to bring the handkerchief with him.
He deserves to suffer this.
Cheng Yuan advised, "Since Your Majesty does not wish to see anyone, why not return to the palace sooner? Although this place is secluded, there are many guests at the Princess's residence today, and with so many people around, Your Majesty might be spotted."
A joyful shout of "Send them to the bridal chamber!" ignited the festive atmosphere in the mansion, and everyone raised their glasses in celebration, laughing and chatting.
Pei Heng sighed softly and slowly turned around...
Surrounded by the crowd, Yuezhi was escorted back to her bridal chamber. She was both shy and happy. The guests laughed and clamored to make a ruckus in the bridal chamber, but the prince consort gently persuaded them to leave.
The surrounding noise was too loud and chaotic. Her phoenix crown and hairpins swayed slightly and jingled in the crowd, so much so that the consort's voice was mostly drowned out. The only thing she could clearly perceive was his hand on her arm, which was still large, but not as strong as before.
The prince consort must have gotten up early like her to prepare, dressed in elaborate clothes, and was so tired that he was almost exhausted.
Yuezhi was overjoyed. Only after the guests and the prince consort had left the bridal chamber did she dare to temporarily set aside her princess airs and laugh heartily, clutching her chest.
She placed her hands back on her knees, stroking the gold embroidery on her wedding dress, thinking that the prince consort would accompany the guests to the front hall for a banquet, and would probably only enter the bridal chamber after all the guests had left.
I've only just parted ways with him, and I already miss him.
"You all go down and collect your rewards and have something to eat. I want to be by myself for a while."
Wearing heavy wedding attire and sitting upright with peanuts and longans under her bottom, Yuezhi was exhausted from doing this until late at night, so she sent everyone out of the room.
Before long, the room quieted down, but the sound of two gatekeeper maids pacing back and forth could still be heard from time to time outside.
After confirming that no one was in the room, Yuezhi loosened her belt, let her sleeves hang on the bed, and stretched her shoulders while supporting herself on the bed. Her body was really sore.
Suddenly, footsteps came from the courtyard outside the gate.
The maid did not stop him. The man pushed open the door and entered the bridal chamber. His footsteps were steady and powerful, not like someone who was drunk.
Yuezhi hurriedly tied her belt back on and sat upright again. She couldn't see the person approaching. The maid didn't report it, and he didn't speak either. Yuezhi felt a little flustered.
The question is: "Who is the person who came?"
The young man walked slowly to her, his voice hoarse with suppressed bitterness, "It's me."
The familiar voice reached her ears. Yuezhi carefully discerned the scent, smelled the faint pine and ink fragrance on his clothes, and heard the tinkling of the jade ring around his waist as he approached. It was the jade ring worn by the prince consort, the same jade ring that tied her tassel.
He had just persuaded the guests to return to their seats when he came back to see her. The prince consort was so gentle; how could anyone not feel a stirring of romantic feelings?
"My lord..." she said softly, half shy and half timidly.
The young man did not respond. He raised his fingertips and gently stroked her red veil. He breathed heavily, and the veins on his neck bulged, a sign that the poison was taking effect.
He didn't understand; he wasn't angry or emotional.
I just really, really want to lift her veil.
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