Final Chapter
A grand wedding, with the empire as the betrothal gift.
In the warm spring of March, the grass grows and the birds fly, and all things come back to life.
The months-long purge of the court has finally come to an end, and the Great Entropy Dynasty, like the sky washed by spring rain, is radiating new vitality.
Amidst this flourishing scene, a grand ceremony that has attracted worldwide attention is about to begin.
The wedding day of Prince Heng, Zongzheng Hengyu, and the Prime Minister's daughter, Jiang Wanzhi, was set for the sixth day of the third month, an auspicious day calculated by the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, a day that was considered a once-in-a-century event.
On this day, the entire capital city seemed to be immersed in a sea of red.
The route from Prince Heng's Mansion to the Prime Minister's Mansion, and then back to Prince Heng's Mansion via the main Imperial Street, was already packed with enthusiastic people.
Red silk was laid out on both sides of the imperial road, brocade curtains were hung high, and imperial guards stood at attention, their helmets and armor gleaming, maintaining order, but they could not hide the overwhelming festive atmosphere.
The auspicious time has arrived.
The deafening sound of cannons echoed through the sky as the grand procession, symbolizing the highest level of ceremonial honors for a prince, slowly emerged from the Prince Heng's residence.
Banners fluttered, parasols filled the air, and the band played solemn yet joyful ceremonial music.
Wearing the wedding attire of a first-rank prince with nine pearls, Zongzheng Hengyu rode a magnificent black horse, his posture upright like a pine tree. The black wedding attire was embroidered with four-clawed golden dragons in gold thread, exuding majesty and nobility. Although his handsome face remained expressionless, the gleaming light in his deep eyes betrayed the turmoil in his heart.
The grand procession arrived at the Prime Minister's residence. After a series of elaborate yet solemn wedding ceremonies, Jiang Wanzhi, dressed in a phoenix coronet and embroidered robe, and covered with a large red veil symbolizing auspiciousness with dragons and phoenixes, slowly walked out of the residence gate with the help of the matchmaker, Chun Tao, and Qiu Ju.
At that moment, the noisy crowd seemed to quiet down for a split second.
Although her face cannot be seen, her slender figure, dignified demeanor, and the magnificent wedding dress that embodies the painstaking efforts of countless craftsmen are enough to make one imagine the splendor hidden beneath the veil.
Zongzheng Hengyu dismounted and walked to the sedan chair, extending his hand.
Jiang Wanzhi placed her slightly trembling hand in his warm and steady palm, and with his personal help, she sat in the extremely luxurious golden phoenix palanquin carried by sixteen people.
Lift the sedan chair!
Amidst the deafening sounds of gongs and drums, the crackling of firecrackers, and cheers as loud as a mountain collapsing and a tsunami crashing, the wedding procession set off again, circling the city to receive the adoration and blessings of the masses.
Petals, like colorful rain, fell continuously from the pavilions on both sides of the street, and their fragrance permeated the entire capital city.
In front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Imperial Palace.
On the plaza paved with white marble, civil and military officials stood solemnly according to their rank. Emperor Zongzheng Hong and the Empress sat on the high steps, with the Empress Dowager beside them, all with smiles on their faces.
The phoenix palanquin came to a steady stop in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
Zongzheng Hengyu stepped forward again, personally lifted the sedan curtain, and led his bride out.
The two walked hand in hand down the red carpet, step by step ascending the white marble steps that symbolized supreme power.
Sunlight shone on them; the man looked dignified and noble, while the woman was stunningly beautiful. They were like a perfect couple, attracting everyone's attention.
Under the loud chanting of the master of ceremonies, they knelt before the palace to worship heaven and earth, kowtow to express their gratitude to the emperor, and the husband and wife bowed to each other.
Each bow represents the end of the past and the beginning of a new one.
The collision at midnight on New Year's Eve, the compensation of one thousand taels, the protection and shielding in the carriage, the horror of the Hundred Flowers Banquet, the warning at the alley entrance, the all-night care when the patient was seriously ill, the kidnapping by the Night Hawk Pavilion, the turmoil at the palace banquet, the battle report from the northern border, the decisive battle in the ruins... all these scenes flashed through their minds, and finally turned into the clasped hands and the unwavering determination in their hearts at this moment.
"The ceremony is complete!" the master of ceremonies announced, drawing out the last syllable of his voice.
Looking at the newlyweds below, the Emperor was overjoyed and proclaimed in a loud voice: "A fine son and a fine wife, a match made in heaven! I am deeply pleased! I hereby bestow upon Prince Zongzheng Hengyu of the Nine Pearls double his salary, increase his guards by three thousand, bestow upon him ten bushels of pearls from the South China Sea, a pair of coral trees from the East China Sea, and a thousand bolts of Shu brocade... I hope that you two will be of one heart and one mind, support the nation, and build a harmonious and prosperous family!"
"Your subject (your daughter-in-law) thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness!" The two kowtowed in unison.
After the ceremony, a grand palace banquet was held. Inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, there was singing and dancing, and toasts were exchanged as members of the imperial family, high-ranking officials, and civil and military officials offered their congratulations to the newlyweds.
Although Zongzheng Hengyu still didn't talk much, his cold aura had softened considerably. He occasionally whispered a few words to Jiang Wanzhi, and his brows showed a gentleness rarely seen by outsiders.
As night fell, the Prince Heng's mansion was brightly lit, as if it were daytime.
Inside the bridal chamber, red candles burned brightly, filling the room with a sweet fragrance.
Zongzheng Hengyu picked up the jade ruyi and gently lifted the dragon and phoenix veil.
Beneath the veil, Jiang Wanzhi slightly raised her eyes. The candlelight illuminated her meticulously made-up face, her eyebrows like distant mountains, her eyes like autumn water, and her lips like a touch of red, delicate and alluring.
At this moment, she had shed her former naivety and panic, and gained a touch of the tranquility and charm of a married woman, making her breathtakingly beautiful.
Zongzheng Hengyu's breath hitched slightly, her figure clearly reflected in his deep eyes, as if he wanted to draw her into the depths of his soul.
He took her hand, led her to the table, and poured two cups of nuptial wine.
“Wanzhi,” he said in a low voice, with a hint of hoarseness, “you’ve suffered a lot on this journey.”
Jiang Wanzhi took the wine glass, crossed her arms with him, and tilted her head back to drink the mellow wine that symbolized their unity. The wine was slightly spicy, yet it warmed her heart.
"It is my honor to walk hand in hand with Your Highness through thick and thin." She looked at him, her eyes filled with unreserved trust and affection. "From now on, I will follow you through thick and thin, even if it means going through fire and water."
Zongzheng Hengyu's heart was filled with emotion. He put down his wine glass and gently pulled her into his arms. His embrace was broad and warm, carrying a reassuring aura.
"No more trials and tribulations." He whispered in her ear, his promise as heavy as a thousand pounds. "From now on, there will only be peaceful years and a lifetime of tranquility. What I promise you is a magnificent empire, and to share a peaceful and prosperous world with you."
The red candles cast a warm glow, and the spring night was priceless. Outside the window, the spontaneous cheers of the people celebrating in the distant streets could still be faintly heard. Inside, the two lovers had finally overcome all obstacles and truly belonged to each other.
All the conspiracies, schemes, loves, hates, and grudges were transformed into a significant chapter in history at this moment, and into the most brilliant mark in each other's lives.
In the future, there may be challenges in governing the country and maintaining peace, as well as responsibilities as royalty, but they know that as long as they work together, they have nothing to fear.
(End of article)
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