Chapter 479 Daiyu's Wedding
When the procession arrived at the gate of the Women's Academy, all the teachers and students had already lined up to welcome them.
The dean presented a roster adorned with gold leaf, his voice choked with emotion:
"This is a joint blessing from 57,897 people across the country's academies, wishing the Governor and the Prince a long and happy marriage!"
Daiyu reached out her slender hand and took the register, her fingertips trembling slightly.
Through the hazy veil, she could see those familiar and sincere faces.
As dusk fell, the palace lanterns inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony shone like daytime, and all the officials stood solemnly.
The Emperor and Empress sat in the main seats, looking at the newlyweds below, and a rare tenderness appeared in the Emperor's eyes.
"First bow to Heaven and Earth—"
"Second bow to the parents—"
"Husband and wife bow to each other—"
As the master of ceremonies proclaimed his respects, the Tenth Prince and Daiyu stood facing each other. He bowed deeply, and as he rose, a glint of tears appeared in his eyes.
He held Daiyu's hand tightly, conveying all the warmth and determination accumulated over twenty years through his palm.
The grand banquet was held in Qionglin Garden, with a continuous feast extending from inside the palace to outside, allowing the people to enjoy themselves together.
Amidst the clinking of glasses and the cacophony of laughter, guests from all corners of the world raised their glasses to the newlyweds.
Just as the wine was flowing freely and everyone was in high spirits, the Tenth Prince gently put down his wine cup and said softly to Daiyu:
"Yu'er, look outside."
Before he could finish speaking,
"Whoosh—Bang!"
A sharp bang ripped through the night sky, and then, a huge, dazzling crabapple blossom burst open against the dark blue sky! Golden and silver threads, like flowing fire, illuminated the entire capital city.
Immediately afterwards, a second, a third... countless begonia-shaped fireworks rose into the sky one after another, adorning the night sky like a dreamlike realm.
Fireworks rained down like raindrops, or like a reversed Milky Way, dazzling and spectacular, lasting for a full hour.
The people of the capital looked up and cheered. This meticulously prepared fireworks display became the most magnificent footnote to this extraordinary wedding.
Inside the bridal chamber, red candles burned brightly, their wax dripping.
The Tenth Prince used a wedding scale to very slowly and solemnly lift the bright red veil.
Daiyu shyly raised her eyes, her bright eyes reflecting his affectionate figure.
"Yu'er," his voice was slightly hoarse, "Am I dreaming?"
Daiyu smiled and gently shook her head: "Husband, it's true."
This call finally overwhelmed him, and he gently pulled her into his arms.
Twenty years of lonely waiting are now filled with happiness.
Outside the window, the moonlight, like water, quietly enveloped this city that was still celebrating and never slept.
This wedding was not only the fulfillment of love, but also a magnificent chapter of an era, witnessing the legend of a woman and the glorious prosperity of a dynasty.
The grandeur and clamor of the wedding, like the dazzling fireworks of that night, gradually settled into a legend talked about by the people of the capital after its extreme fervor, and also settled into the gentle warmth flowing within the Ten Princes' Mansion.
The red candles flickered, illuminating the smiling faces of the two people looking at each other.
Although they are no longer young, the affection in their eyes is deeper than when they were young.
After their marriage, Daiyu continued to live in her estate on the outskirts of Beijing, and the Tenth Prince resigned from his official post in court to live a semi-secluded life with her.
Every day, the two would either read or play chess in their space, or stroll in the mountains, and occasionally receive old friends who came to visit.
That day, Baochai came to visit and, seeing Daiyu's rosy complexion, jokingly said:
"It's true that people are in high spirits when they have good news. If I had known that marriage would have such benefits, I should have advised you to agree sooner."
Daiyu retorted angrily, "Sister Bao is making fun of me too."
Baochai said seriously, "To be honest, we are all happy to see you happy. The Tenth Prince has waited for twenty years, and such affection is truly rare."
Yes, how many twenty-year periods does one have in a lifetime?
How fortunate it is to meet someone who is sincere and unwavering in their affection.
In the evening, the Tenth Prince returned from the city, bringing news:
The Emperor is preparing to abdicate in favor of the eldest prince, and he intends to travel the world with the Empress.
"My brother asked us if we would like to travel together."
Daiyu and the Tenth Prince exchanged a smile and shook their heads in unison.
"We're fine here," Daiyu said softly.
"Seeing the students of the academy grow up, and seeing women all over the world become independent and strong, that's enough."
The Tenth Prince held her hand: "Wherever you go, I will go."
Peaceful and serene times, this is probably what it means.
Sometimes Daiyu would think that if she had agreed to the Tenth Prince's proposal twenty years ago, perhaps there would have been no overseas expansion or salt administration reforms later on.
But without those experiences, she wouldn't be who she is now, and the Tenth Prince wouldn't be who he is now.
Everything happens for a reason.
As the sun sets, the two stand hand in hand at the highest point of the space, overlooking this paradise.
In the distance, the two-colored crabapple trees they planted together were in full bloom, just like their relationship, which had weathered storms and finally seen a rainbow.
“Granny is right,” Daiyu said softly.
"Everyone has their own path to walk. I'm so glad that you've been with me on this journey."
The Tenth Prince pulled her into his arms:
"Life is long, and I will always be with you."
Contrary to popular belief, after her marriage, Daiyu did not advance further in the court by virtue of her status as a princess and her outstanding achievements.
After a long talk with the Tenth Prince Yu Jin, she only asked her brother for a sinecure as "Inspector of Education and Civilization of the Realm," a low-ranking and low-power position. Her only duty was to inspect women's academies and official schools in various places and to report to the emperor at any time.
Anyone with eyes to see can see that this is the Emperor's consideration for his meritorious sister-in-law, giving her a legitimate reason to leave the capital and travel the country.
A spacious and comfortable carriage with elegant furnishings, dozens of elite guards, and several attentive servants to attend to his daily needs—this was the Inspector's complete attire.
Without any entourage or procession, just the two soulmates, they embarked on their journey through the clouds.
Their journey was not rushed; they traveled along official roads or through mountains and fields, doing as they pleased.
Inspecting the girls' college was naturally the top priority.
Daiyu would personally inspect the academy's rules, needlework, mathematics, and poetry courses, discuss with the headmaster and teachers the way for women to establish themselves and succeed, and have heart-to-heart talks with those bright-eyed girls, listening to them talk about their aspirations or express their confusion.
She doesn't act like a governor, but rather like a senior student. Her words are gentle yet powerful, and often just a few words can awaken those who are lost.
The Tenth Prince, meanwhile, played a supporting role, either sitting quietly to the side, listening with a smile, or chatting with the male students of the academy and local officials in the outer courtyard, thus clearing away many potential obstacles for Daiyu's supervision.
However, the actions of this couple with special status could not be confined to the high walls of the academy.
On this day, the carriage arrived at a bustling town in the Jiangnan water region.
It was during the plum rain season, and the air was humid.
Daiyu was playing chess with the Tenth Prince by the window of the inn, listening to the rain pattering on the banana leaves, when suddenly she heard a commotion and mournful cries coming from outside.
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