With a happy smile on his face, Zhao Canchen gently pulled up the red ribbon with both hands and excitedly led his bride slowly towards the room behind the main hall.
A red ribbon connects them, symbolizing that they will walk hand in hand through the long journey of life.
Zhao Zongzheng watched the newlyweds leave, and murmured, "I wish you a son soon!"
This was originally a calculated wedding, but Zhao Zongzheng could see the deep affection on the groom Zhao Canchen's face, and he knew that it was actually a simple yet happy wedding. Of course, this was a secret, and he wouldn't tell anyone. He and a group of people still missed the former crown prince and cared about his only descendant.
The newlyweds entered the newly decorated bridal chamber and sat on the edge of the bed. A plump-looking woman dressed in red came forward to continue the "nuptial ceremony" for them.
With a smile, the fortune teller respectfully handed a brand-new scale beam tied with red silk to the groom, Zhao Canchen. This scale beam carried endless blessings and good fortune, symbolizing 'everything goes smoothly'.
Zhao Canchen's hands trembled slightly. He took a deep breath and accepted the scales that symbolized fairness and justice.
He walked up to the bride, Lin Yajun, who sat there quietly, her face hidden by a red veil, leaving only a touch of mystery in the red.
Zhao Canchen stood in front of her, his heart pounding like a drum. With trembling hands, he gently lifted the red veil from Lin Yajun's head.
When the red veil was slowly lifted, Lin Yajun's beautiful face was revealed before his eyes.
Her skin was fair, her eyebrows and eyes exquisite, like a snow lotus fairy. Lin Yajun raised her eyes and met Zhao Canchen's gaze; for a moment, time seemed to freeze.
Zhao Canchen stared intently at Lin Yajun, captivated by her beauty and unable to look away.
Lin Yajun felt a little shy from his direct gaze. A blush rose on her cheeks, as beautiful as the sunset, and she lowered her head shyly.
Looking at the well-matched newlyweds, Granny Fu's face was filled with a joyful smile.
She picked up two ladles tied with red ribbons, poured rice wine into them, and then presented them to Zhao Canchen and Lin Yajun with both hands, saying, "The newlyweds drink the nuptial wine."
Zhao Canchen and Lin Yajun took the ladle, passed it over to each other, glanced at each other, and then tilted their heads back and drank the sweet rice wine together.
The old woman put the two ladles together and then began to teach the couple how to perform the rituals of love.
She explained each step in detail to the newlyweds, her voice gentle yet solemn.
With a smile on her face, Granny Fu looked at Zhao Canchen and said earnestly, "Groom, the bride is a virgin who has never experienced the ways of men and women. So you must be gentle tonight and not hurt her or make her feel afraid."
Then, the old woman turned her gaze to Lin Yajun and kindly advised her, "Bride, every woman has to go through this. Don't be afraid or too nervous. Relax, and everything will go smoothly."
After saying this, the old woman's smile grew even brighter, and she continued, "Once you've passed through this wedding night, you'll begin a brand new and happy life! After that, you'll understand what the happiest thing in life really is!"
Zhao Canchen blushed deeply upon hearing Granny Fu's words, too embarrassed to even lift her head.
Lin Yajun was so shy that she kept her head down and didn't dare to look at Zhao Canchen at all.
Even Lin Yajun, who had traveled from the modern world, would feel embarrassed if such a private matter between husband and wife was mentioned so openly in front of others.
With a smile, the old woman placed a steaming bowl of glutinous rice balls in front of the newlyweds and said softly, "Come, newlyweds, have some glutinous rice balls, may you be reunited as a family."
As she spoke, she fed the glutinous rice balls to Zhao Canchen and Lin Yajun, chanting various auspicious words to wish them a long and happy marriage and many children.
After the newlyweds finished eating the glutinous rice balls, the old woman bowed to them, left the room, and gently closed the door behind her.
Only Zhao Canchen and Lin Yajun remained in the room.
Zhao Canchen raised his head, his gaze intense, staring intently at Lin Yajun as if trying to etch her image deep into his heart. However, despite having a thousand words in his heart, he was momentarily speechless, unsure how to express himself.
After a long while, Zhao Canchen finally mustered up his courage and said with a hint of guilt, "Xiao Jun, this wedding is really too simple, I..." He was very uneasy.
Lin Yajun smiled slightly, looked up at Zhao Canchen, and said gently, "This is quite nice. Without so many formalities, it feels more peaceful and tranquil." Her voice was soft yet sincere, which eased Zhao Canchen's unease somewhat.
The newlyweds sat side by side on the edge of the bed, the surrounding red hues making the entire room exceptionally festive. Dragon and phoenix candles burned, illuminating the room as brightly as day.
The newlyweds' mood contrasted sharply with the festive atmosphere; they were both unusually nervous and uneasy, unsure of what to do with their hands and feet.
Time was slowly passing by when the sound of a drumbeat came from outside.
Zhao Canchen finally broke the silence. He mustered his courage and said to Lin Yajun, "Xiaojun, it's getting late. Let's rest early. You said before that you didn't want to get married, so we don't need to consummate the marriage tonight. I'll sleep on the daybed." After saying that, he stood up and picked up a red quilt and a pillow from the bed.
Just as he was carrying the bedding away from the bedside, Lin Yajun suddenly reached out and grabbed him.
Zhao Canchen looked at her in surprise, only to see a blush creep up Lin Yajun's face. She said reproachfully, "Silly boy, how can we not consummate our marriage on our wedding night?"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Canchen was so excited that he loosened his grip, and the red blanket and pillow fell to the ground.
He looked at Lin Yajun somewhat at a loss, trying to discern from her expression whether she was reluctant.
Seeing him standing there like a wooden doll, Lin Yajun chuckled, took a step forward, put her arm around Zhao Canchen's waist, and buried her face in his chest.
Zhao Canchen felt Lin Yajun's body temperature, and his heart pounded instantly, as if it were about to jump out of his throat.
Lin Yajun raised her head and met Zhao Canchen's gaze. Her eyes were filled with love and shyness.
She whispered from the bottom of her heart, "I love you, Ah Chen."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Canchen's unease and tension vanished instantly.
He hugged Lin Yajun tightly and lowered his head to reply affectionately, "Xiaojun, from the moment I met you, I have always been in love with you. I will definitely treat you well in the future and will never let you down."
Zhao Canchen felt a surge of intense passion coursing through his body like a raging wave. His breathing became rapid, and his heart pounded like a drumbeat.
Unable to suppress his inner impulse any longer, he eagerly reached out and gently removed the magnificent phoenix crown and exquisite jewelry from Lin Yajun's head.
Lin Yajun's hair cascaded down her fair skin like a waterfall, exuding a faint fragrance.
Zhao Canchen's gaze was drawn to the beautiful scene. He couldn't help but move closer to Lin Yajun, tightly embrace her slender waist, and then gently kiss her cheeks and lips.
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