Inside the Prime Minister's residence, a scene of bustling activity and lively chatter unfolded. Maids hurried between rooms, carrying various items needed for Lin Wan'er's wedding—exquisite jewelry, magnificent clothing, and auspicious ornaments. Servants busily moved the dowry in the courtyard, each box and item bearing the Prime Minister's family's deep affection and high expectations for Lin Wan'er.
Inside Lin Wan'er's boudoir, a faint fragrance of flowers and cosmetics filled the air. She sat quietly before her dressing table, a delicate bronze mirror before her reflecting her exquisite face, which now held an undisguised tension and reluctance. She wore a magnificent red wedding gown, meticulously crafted over several months by the most renowned embroiderer in the capital. The fabric was the finest silk, soft and smooth to the touch, warm to the touch like a gentle stream flowing through her fingers. The gown was embroidered with exquisite dragon and phoenix patterns, lifelike and auspicious, each stitch imbued with the embroiderer's heart and blessings. The golden threads shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight, as if proclaiming the happiness and joy to come.
Her hair was pulled up high into an intricate and exquisite updo, adorned with various precious ornaments. There was a gold hairpin inlaid with rubies, the rubies gleaming like burning flames in her hair; there was a hair ornament with pearl tassels, the pearls round and white, swaying gently with her slight movements, producing a crisp and melodious sound, like heavenly music; and there was a beautiful jade hairpin, the jade warm and delicate, radiating a faint halo, adding to her noble and elegant temperament.
Lin Wan'er's mother, the Prime Minister's wife, stood quietly behind her, her eyes filled with love and reluctance. In her hand, she held a delicate comb and gently combed Lin Wan'er's hair. Although the hair had already been combed very neatly by the maids, she still wanted to do something more for her daughter, as if she could pour all her love and concern into this simple action.
"Wan'er, you are getting married today. Although your mother is reluctant to let you go, I am also very happy to see that you can marry Yichen." The Prime Minister's wife's voice trembled slightly, with a hint of sob.
"The Regent adopted you back then, and later handed you over to us to raise. Seeing you get married today is like seeing your own daughter," the Prime Minister's wife continued.
“Mother, the Prime Minister’s Mansion and the Regent’s Mansion are both my homes, and they have given me warmth.” Lin Wan’er was deeply moved after hearing this.
Lin Wan'er turned her head slightly, grasped her mother's hand, tears glistening in her eyes, and said, "Mother, I also hate to part with you. But I know that I will be happy marrying Yichen. I will come back to see you and Father often."
The Prime Minister's wife nodded gently and said, "Yichen is a boy of good character and outstanding talent, and he is truly devoted to you. I believe he will take good care of you. In the General's Mansion, you must learn to be patient, get along well with your parents-in-law, and treat the servants kindly. If you encounter any grievances, you must tell your mother, understand?"
“Mother, I remember. I will try my best to be a good daughter-in-law,” Lin Wan’er said firmly.
At this moment, the maid Cui'er came in and said softly, "Miss, the time is almost here, General Xiao's wedding procession should be arriving soon."
Lin Wan'er's heart tightened suddenly, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside her. There was anticipation for her new life, reluctance to leave her loved ones, and nervousness about facing the unknown. She took a deep breath, stood up, and slowly walked to the window.
Outside the window, the courtyard of the Prime Minister's residence was brightly decorated, a festive sea of red. Red lanterns hung from the branches, swaying gently in the breeze as if dancing joyfully. A red carpet stretched across the ground, leading all the way to the gate, like a road leading to happiness. Servants were busy with the final preparations, their faces beaming with joy, as if this wedding was not only Lin Wan'er's happy occasion, but also a grand event for the entire Prime Minister's residence.
Soon, the sound of wedding drums and music grew louder as they approached, reaching Lin Wan'er's ears. Her heart pounded, and her hands clenched into fists involuntarily. She knew that the man she deeply loved, Xiao Yichen, was about to come and marry her, filled with joy and anticipation.
Xiao Yichen led the wedding procession into the Prime Minister's residence. His steps were firm and confident, each one seemingly carrying anticipation and determination for the future. He entered the courtyard and saw the festive scene, his heart filled with joy. But when he thought of the Prime Minister and his wife, who were about to part with Lin Wan'er, a sense of guilt and gratitude welled up in his heart.
He strode into the main hall and bowed to Prime Minister Lin and his wife. "Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, I have come today to marry Wan'er. I will cherish her for the rest of my life and never leave her. Please rest assured." Xiao Yichen's voice was loud and firm, his eyes filled with sincerity and deep affection.
Prime Minister Lin nodded slightly and said, "Yichen, Wan'er has been spoiled since childhood. If she is willful, I hope you will be tolerant. I hope you two can treat each other with respect and grow old together."
"Father-in-law, rest assured, I will certainly be tolerant of Wan'er and spend my life with her," Xiao Yichen replied respectfully.
Then, surrounded by the crowd, Xiao Yichen arrived at Lin Wan'er's bedroom door. He gently knocked on the door and said, "Wan'er, I've come to pick you up."
Lin Wan'er took a deep breath in the room and said, "Wait a moment." She walked to the dressing table again, picked up a handkerchief, and gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes. Then, she stood up, straightened her wedding dress, and slowly walked towards the door.
The door opened, and Xiao Yichen was instantly stunned when he saw Lin Wan'er in her wedding dress. He had never seen Lin Wan'er so beautiful and charming; she was like a fairy who had stepped out of a painting, breathtakingly beautiful.
Seeing Xiao Yichen's dazed expression, Lin Wan'er couldn't help but chuckle and said, "What, don't you recognize me?"
Xiao Yichen then came to his senses and quickly said, "Wan'er, you look so beautiful today, I'm completely mesmerized."
He gently took Lin Wan'er's hand and said, "Let's go home."
Lin Wan'er nodded, her eyes sparkling with happiness. She knew that from this moment on, she would leave the Prime Minister's residence where she had lived for many years and follow Xiao Yichen to the General's residence to begin a new journey in her life.
In front of everyone, Lin Wan'er bid farewell to her parents. She knelt on the ground and kowtowed three times to the Prime Minister and his wife, each kowtow being extremely forceful, as if she wanted to pour out all her gratitude and reluctance to part with her parents.
"Father, Mother, your daughter is unfilial and cannot be by your side often. But your daughter will always remember your kindness in raising me." Lin Wan'er's voice was choked with sobs, and tears slid down her cheeks and dripped to the ground.
The Prime Minister's wife was already sobbing uncontrollably. She stepped forward, helped Lin Wan'er up, and said, "Wan'er, my daughter, you must be happy."
After bidding farewell, Xiao Yichen took Lin Wan'er's hand and slowly walked towards the bridal sedan chair. Lin Wan'er's steps were slightly heavy. She looked back from time to time, gazing at the familiar courtyard, the familiar room, and the familiar family members, her heart filled with longing.
Xiao Yichen seemed to sense Lin Wan'er's reluctance to part. He gently squeezed her hand, offering her strength and comfort. "Wan'er, don't be sad. We will come back to visit your parents often in the future."
Lin Wan'er nodded slightly and said, "Yes, I understand."
Arriving at the bridal sedan chair, Xiao Yichen carefully helped Lin Wan'er into it. Looking at Lin Wan'er sitting inside, his eyes were filled with tenderness and love. Then, he turned, mounted his horse, and led the wedding procession slowly away from the Prime Minister's residence.
As the bridal sedan chair lifted, Lin Wan'er sat inside, listening to the joyful drumming and music outside, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She knew that a new chapter in her life was about to begin. She silently prayed, hoping for a lifetime of happiness with Xiao Yichen, hoping life in the General's Mansion would be as she wished, hoping to get along well with her in-laws, hoping…
As the bridal sedan chair receded into the distance, the Prime Minister's residence gradually blurred in Lin Wan'er's sight. But she knew that no matter where she went, the Prime Minister's residence would always be her home, and her parents would always be her strongest support. And she, carrying the glory and love of the Prime Minister's residence, would begin a happy chapter for herself and Xiao Yichen in the General's Mansion.
Surrounded by a crowd, the bridal sedan chair proceeded steadily toward the General's Mansion. Along the way, joyous music filled the air, colorful flags fluttered in the breeze, and people stopped to watch, uttering exclamations of admiration and offering their sincerest blessings to the newlyweds.
Inside the general's mansion, a scene of bustling activity unfolded, adorned with lanterns and decorations, resplendent in gold and jade. Servants moved about in every corner, meticulously arranging the wedding venue, striving for perfection in every detail.
In the main hall, a huge screen depicting dragons and phoenixes stood in the center. The embroidery on the screen was exquisite, so lifelike that the dragons and phoenixes seemed ready to take flight at any moment. In front of the screen was a long table covered with red brocade, laden with various offerings: fresh fruit, exquisite pastries, and fragrant wine, each exuding an enticing aroma. On both sides of the long table, rows of chairs were neatly arranged, each draped with red silk, creating a festive atmosphere.
A huge crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling of the hall, its crystals shimmering with iridescent light under the sunlight, like twinkling stars, illuminating the entire hall as bright as day. Red silk ribbons, embroidered with golden double happiness characters, hang on the surrounding walls, complementing the other decorations and creating a rich, festive atmosphere.
The courtyard was carpeted with red fabric, stretching all the way to the gate and connecting with the wedding procession's path. On either side of the carpet were pots of blooming flowers, their vibrant colors and fragrant aromas adding life and energy to the courtyard. In the center of the courtyard, a temporary stage had been erected, furnished with various musical instruments. Musicians were already in place, tuning their instruments, preparing to play beautiful music for the wedding.
At this moment, Xiao Yuanshan and his mother stood before the gates of the General's Mansion, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the wedding procession. Xiao Yuanshan wore a magnificent purple robe embroidered with gold patterns, a black belt cinched at his waist, and a lustrous jade pendant. He exuded an air of grandeur and elegance. His mother wore a long red brocade dress embroidered with exquisite floral patterns, and a jeweled gold crown. She appeared regal and graceful, possessing an air of unparalleled elegance.
"Master, why haven't Yichen and the others arrived yet?" Madam Xiao asked anxiously.
Xiao Yuanshan smiled slightly and comforted her, "Madam, don't worry. The wedding procession has a long journey and there are some formalities to attend to, so it will naturally be a bit slow. Let's wait a little longer."
Just then, the sound of drums and music from a wedding procession drifted from afar. Mr. and Mrs. Xiao's faces immediately lit up with joyful smiles.
The wedding procession slowly arrived at the gate of the General's Mansion. Xiao Yichen dismounted, walked quickly to the sedan chair, gently lifted the curtain, and helped Lin Wan'er out.
Lin Wan'er wore a phoenix crown, adorned with countless precious jewels that shimmered dazzlingly in the sunlight. She wore a red wedding gown embroidered with exquisite dragon and phoenix patterns, which swayed gently with her steps, as if the dragons and phoenixes were dancing gracefully. A red veil covered her face, obscuring her features, but her graceful figure and elegant demeanor hinted at her beauty and charm.
Xiao Yichen took Lin Wan'er's hand and slowly walked into the General's Mansion. They walked along the red carpet, through the courtyard, and arrived at the front hall.
The front hall was already filled with guests who had come to offer their congratulations. There were high-ranking officials from the imperial court, relatives and friends from the general's mansion, and some local celebrities and gentlemen. When they saw Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er enter, they all applauded and offered their blessings to the newlyweds.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er arrived at the center of the hall and stood before a screen adorned with dragons and phoenixes symbolizing good fortune. The wedding ceremony officially began.
First, the newlyweds paid their respects to heaven and earth. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er faced the sky outside the hall, slowly knelt down, and kowtowed three times. They thanked heaven and earth for their blessings, allowing them to meet and fall in love amidst the vast sea of people, and to become husband and wife.
Next, the newlyweds paid their respects to their parents. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er turned around, faced their parents, knelt down again, and kowtowed three times. They thanked their parents for raising them to adulthood and for enabling their marriage.
Mr. and Mrs. Xiao's faces were filled with happy smiles as they looked at the newlyweds, their hearts brimming with joy and satisfaction.
Then came the couple's bow. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er stood facing each other and bowed deeply. This bow represented their promise to each other, a promise to respect, understand, and support each other in their future life, and to spend their lives hand in hand.
After the wedding ceremony, the next step was the nuptial cup ceremony. A maidservant brought two cups of wine, and Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er each held one, intertwined their arms, and slowly drank the wine. This nuptial cup ceremony symbolized that they were now united as one, their hearts intertwined, and they would never be separated.
Throughout the wedding ceremony, musicians played beautiful music. The melodious tunes, like a clear spring, flowed into everyone's hearts, adding a romantic and warm atmosphere to the wedding.
The guests were also immersed in the festive atmosphere, enjoying the wedding ceremony while savoring the delicious food and wine prepared for them by the General's Mansion. The hall was filled with laughter and joy, a truly lively scene.
After the ritual of exchanging toasts, Xiao Yichen, holding Lin Wan'er's hand, approached the guests. They began to toast the guests, thanking them for their presence and blessings.
Xiao Yichen, holding a cup of wine, approached Prime Minister Lin and his wife, and respectfully said, "Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, thank you for betrothing Wan'er to me. I will cherish her and ensure her a happy life. This cup of wine is for you." With that, he drank the wine in his cup in one gulp.
Prime Minister Lin and his wife smiled and nodded, saying, "Yichen, we believe in you. We hope that you two can live in harmony and grow old together."
Next, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er toasted the other guests. At each table, the guests would stand up to offer their blessings. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er responded to each one, thanking them for their well wishes.
During the toasting, some amusing little incidents occurred. An old friend from the General's Mansion, seeing Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er so affectionate, was very pleased. He picked up a glass of wine, walked up to Xiao Yichen, and said, "Yichen, you've finally won the heart of your beauty today. You must treat Wan'er well; if she suffers any injustice, I won't forgive you."
Xiao Yichen smiled and said, "Uncle Li, don't worry. I will treat Wan'er well and will never let her suffer any injustice. This glass of wine is for you." With that, he drank the wine in his glass in one gulp.
But his old friend laughed and said, "You rascal, just drinking isn't enough. You have to put on a show for us and make us all happy."
Xiao Yichen was slightly taken aback; he hadn't expected his old friend to make such a request. But seeing the expectant looks from the surrounding guests, he smiled and said, "Since Uncle Li says so, then I'll make a fool of myself. I'll perform a swordplay demonstration for everyone."
As he spoke, Xiao Yichen picked up a sword from the weapon rack beside him and went to the stage in the courtyard. He stood in the center of the stage, closed his eyes slightly, and adjusted his breathing. Then, he suddenly opened his eyes, and the sword in his hand flashed like lightning, slicing through the sky. His swordsmanship was sharp yet graceful, and every move seemed to contain boundless power.
The guests applauded and cheered at Xiao Yichen's brilliant performance. They hadn't expected that Xiao Yichen was not only brave and skilled in battle, but also possessed such high attainments in swordsmanship.
After demonstrating his swordsmanship, Xiao Yichen returned to Lin Wan'er's side and continued to toast the guests.
As time passed, the wedding ceremony gradually drew to a close. However, the festive atmosphere inside the General's Mansion remained undiminished, and the guests were still immersed in this sea of joy.
After their grand wedding, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er were filled with happiness and joy. They knew that from this moment on, they would shoulder the responsibilities of family and face the future together. Their love, like a blooming flower, would blossom even more brilliantly within the General's Mansion.
Following the wedding ceremony came a grand wedding banquet. In the backyard of the General's Mansion, rows of exquisite round tables were neatly arranged, each covered with a red brocade tablecloth, which looked especially festive under the sunlight. The tables were laden with delicacies, including all kinds of rare and exotic foods, making one's mouth water.
Each dish was displayed like a work of art. There was steamed tender sea bass, its body meticulously carved into the shape of a flower, garnished with vibrant green cilantro and orange lemon slices, resembling a magnificent underwater scene. Braised prawns were a bright red, their bodies curved like the moon, radiating an alluring sheen, their rich aroma filling the air. There was also stewed bear paw, tender and served on an exquisite porcelain plate, its broth rich and flavorful, each bite brimming with the savory taste of time. And then there were various rare mushrooms and seasonal vegetables, either stir-fried or served cold, refreshing and delicious, adding a unique touch of freshness to the table full of meat dishes.
At the main table, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er sat in the center, with Xiao's father, Xiao Yuanshan, and mother on either side. Prime Minister Lin and his wife were also present. The remaining court officials, relatives, and friends were seated according to their rank and status, and everyone was chatting and laughing, enjoying a harmonious atmosphere.
Xiao Yichen, dressed in a bright red wedding robe, smiled broadly, his eyes filled with happiness and contentment. He gently held Lin Wan'er's hand and whispered, "Wan'er, you look beautiful today. Are you satisfied with this wedding banquet?"
Lin Wan'er nodded slightly, her face beneath the red veil radiant with beauty. She replied softly, "With you by my side, everything is alright."
At this moment, Xiao Yuanshan, the father of Xiao, stood up, holding a cup of wine in his hand. He looked around and said loudly, "Today, my son Yichen and Wan'er, the daughter of the Prime Minister, are happily married. I am deeply grateful to all our relatives, friends, and ministers who have gone to great lengths to come and congratulate us. This cup of wine is for everyone!" After saying that, he drank it all in one gulp.
Everyone stood up, raised their glasses in return, and shouted, "Congratulations, General! Congratulations, General!"
After several rounds of drinks and dishes, the wedding banquet atmosphere grew increasingly lively. In the center of the hall, musicians played cheerful tunes, and dancers, dressed in gorgeous costumes, danced gracefully. Their movements were light and beautiful, like fairies descending to earth, their long sleeves flowing like colorful clouds. Sometimes they twirled like flowers in the wind; sometimes they leaped like deer in the forest. Their lively eyes and charming smiles captivated the guests.
Amidst the cheers and laughter of the crowd, Prime Minister Lin rose to deliver his address: "General Xiao and his family are known for their loyalty and valor, having rendered outstanding service in defending the borders of Rong Kingdom. It is truly an honor for my daughter, Wan'er, to marry into the General's household. Seeing this perfect couple today fills me with immense joy. May they live a long and loving life together, and may Rong Kingdom prosper and enjoy peace and prosperity!"
Lord Lin's speech was met with applause and cheers. Following him, several ministers rose to offer their blessings. Some recited poems to express their sentiments; others recounted Xiao Yichen's heroic deeds in court, praising his youthful talent and promising future; still others were humorous, making amusing remarks that drew laughter from the crowd.
In this lively atmosphere, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er began toasting the guests. Hand in hand, they moved between tables, chatting warmly with each guest and thanking them for their blessings and kindness.
When they arrived at a table of former generals from the general's residence, an old general stood up and said excitedly, "Young general, you have followed the general in battle since childhood, and now you have married such a virtuous wife. It is truly a double blessing! We old ministers hope that you will soon inherit the general's mantle and lead us to continue to serve Rong Kingdom!"
Xiao Yichen bowed respectfully to the old general and said, "Uncles and elders, I will certainly not let you down. I will strive to improve myself, protect Rong Kingdom, protect the General's Mansion, and protect my family."
Lin Wan'er smiled and bowed to everyone, saying, "Although Wan'er is a woman, I am willing to support Yi Chen from behind and advance and retreat together with him."
Everyone nodded in approval, their admiration for the newlyweds growing even stronger.
During the toasting, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er encountered some amusing incidents. A young gentleman, slightly tipsy, saw Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er approaching and said with a grin, "Brother Xiao, you're really lucky today! Miss Lin is so beautiful and charming, you'd better be careful not to let someone else snatch her away!"
Xiao Yichen replied with a smile, "Brother, don't worry, Wan'er and I are deeply in love, such a thing will not happen. As for you, you should find a good match soon."
Upon hearing this, everyone burst into laughter again.
As time passed, darkness gradually fell. Countless red lanterns lit up the general's mansion, illuminating the entire place. The wedding banquet continued, and the guests' enthusiasm remained undiminished.
In a corner of the courtyard, a group of literati sat together, reciting poems and exchanging literary insights. Some were deep in thought, others were passionate, sometimes applauding a brilliant line of poetry, and sometimes debating a point of view.
Meanwhile, on the other side, some military generals were sparring. They wielded weapons, exchanging blows, their swords flashing and their heroic spirit shining through. But this was merely a friendly exchange, without any real hostility. On the contrary, after the competition, they admired each other and forged a deeper friendship.
Looking at the lively scene, Lin Wan'er was filled with emotion. She whispered to Xiao Yichen, "Today's wedding banquet has made me feel the warmth and glory of the General's Mansion, and it has also shown me the abundance of talent in Rong Kingdom. I believe that our future will be full of hope."
Xiao Yichen held her hand tightly and said, "Wan'er, with you by my side, I have endless motivation. We must work together to create a bright future for ourselves."
In this joyous atmosphere, the wedding banquet continued until late at night. Guests gradually dispersed, leaving the General's Mansion with hearts full of joy and blessings. Meanwhile, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er began their new life within the General's Mansion, jointly writing their own love story and adding a new brilliance to the future of Rong Kingdom.
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