Inside the residence, Shangguan Qin'er bowed to the northwest direction, which was considered a way of paying respects to her father and mother before her marriage.
After leaving the residence, Shangguan Qin'er paid her respects to the Empress Dowager and Empress Yunbei, then boarded a sedan chair and headed towards the palace gate.
Upon arriving at the palace gate, Shangguan Qin'er saw the eunuchs harnessing twelve carriages to carry her dowry. The carriages and horse bridles were adorned with red cloth and red flowers, creating a festive and grand scene.
These dowries were delivered by the Kingdom of Loulan three days ago, specifically for Princess Shangguan Qin'er of Loulan's dowry.
Shangguan Qin'er climbed onto the carriage using a small ladder, and the nanny shouted, "Lift the sedan chair!"
Shangguan Qin'er felt the carriage sway slightly, then it stabilized. Dozens of musicians led the way, and for dozens of miles, there was a procession of red processions. Countless red ribbons were tied to the trees along the way, and large red lanterns were hung. Flower petals were scattered along the roadside, and gongs and drums were played all along the way.
The crowds lined the roadside in a continuous stream, creating a lively scene as they chattered about the grand wedding.
"Have you heard? It's the First Prince's wedding!"
"It seems she married a princess from Loulan."
"What does the princess of Loulan look like?"
The onlookers by the roadside chattered and made a noisy commotion.
Under the veil, Shangguan Qin'er appeared calm on the surface, but inside she felt a little uneasy and anxious.
After all, she had only met the eldest prince once.
...
Inside the Nanyang Imperial Palace, Yun Duoduo, Yun Yizhong, Yun Yishu, and others waited for Yun Yibo to come out of Empress Zhaoyuan's Zhaoyang Palace.
Inside the main hall, Yun Yibo was bowing to Empress Zhaoyuan in farewell.
"Mother, now that I have started my own family and established my own residence, I will have fewer days to spend with you in the future."
Yun Yibo felt a mix of emotions. He recalled that when he was a child, his greatest wish was to be able to live in his own house. That way, no one would control him anymore, and he could read as many stories as he wanted.
But as he grew older, living separately from his family meant he had to start taking on responsibilities and could no longer do things as he pleased.
The road ahead will likely become increasingly difficult.
"When you have time, come to the palace to visit the Empress Dowager."
Empress Zhaoyuan patted Yun Yibo's head, her eyes reddening.
"Mother..." Yun Yibo choked up a little.
"You were also granted the title of Prince Rui for this marriage, which is a good thing."
"Go quickly, don't miss the auspicious time. No matter what happens in the future, your mother will be there for you." Empress Zhaoyuan patted Yun Yibo on the shoulder.
Yun Yibo knelt on the ground, kowtowed once, and left the main hall.
"Elder Brother!"
"Royal sister?" Yun Yibo walked to the entrance of the main hall and looked at the group with some surprise.
"You've all arrived?"
"Eldest brother, we've come to see you off," Yun Yizhong said.
The group slowly walked towards the palace gate.
"Congratulations, eldest brother, on being granted the title of Prince Rui by our father. You are the first among us brothers to receive a title as a prince."
"Hey, don't make fun of me. As long as the Loulan princess I married isn't a tigress, that's fine!" Yun Yibo sighed, feeling uncertain about the unknown future ahead.
"After I leave the palace, you must take good care of my younger sister." Yun Yibo looked at Yun Duoduo.
"Big brother, don't worry, we've got it covered!" Yun Yishu said, patting his chest.
...
They arrived at Prince Rui's residence amidst much noise and commotion. Shangguan Qin'er was helped by the nannies to step over the brazier and perform the fan-offering ceremony.
After Yun Yibo and Shangguan Qin'er completed a series of rituals of offering prayers, Yun Yibo greeted the guests, and Shangguan Qin'er went into the bridal chamber first.
Upon arriving at the bridal chamber, Shangguan Qin'er peered through the gap in her veil into the flickering candlelight. The room was large, and the furniture was adorned with bright red "double happiness" characters.
Sitting on the bed waiting for her veil to be lifted, she suddenly felt that the place she was sitting on was a bit uncomfortable. Turning her head, she saw that the silk quilt was covered with peanuts, red dates, longans, melon seeds, and lotus seeds.
"Tap tap tap," Shangguan Qin'er heard footsteps approaching. She adjusted her headdress, sat upright on the couch, her whole body tense.
Yun Yibo entered the bridal chamber, but instead of lifting Shangguan Qin'er's veil, he sat down in the chair opposite her.
"You must be tired today, Princess. Are you getting used to your stay in Nanyang?" Yun Yibo said, breaking the silence.
Shangguan Qin'er was puzzled. [Why is he still calling me princess?]
Now that they're married, shouldn't he address her as Princess?
Is he still resisting marrying me?
"Thanks to Your Majesty's great favor, I am very comfortable here," Shangguan Qin'er said calmly.
I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's great favor.
Yun Yibo looked at her, recalling Shangguan Qin'er's praise of Yun Beiye in the main hall.
He was filled with doubt, wondering, "Why is she still mentioning my father? Does she regret marrying me?"
Perhaps, the person she truly wanted to marry was her father, the Emperor.
After a long silence, Yun Yibo slowly spoke, "If you have other ideas, if you are unwilling to stay in the Prince Rui's residence, I will find a way to send you away..."
He had read in the book that if her heart wasn't here, forcing her to stay would only harm her.
Since I consider myself a gentleman, I should think more about her.
Shangguan Qin'er stiffened. [Is he...disliking me?]
[Seriously, are we going to kick her out?]
Indeed, he already rejected me that day in the main hall. It was I who was presumptuous and forced him into things.
But why was he so ruthless towards her? On their wedding night, he actually asked for a divorce?
Shangguan Qin'er was already somewhat angry about how Yun Yibo had rejected her in the main hall that day.
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