boyutpedia Chapter 304 The Marriage in the Nanzhao Kingdom
Chapter 304 The Marriage in the Nanzhao Kingdom
In the days leading up to the wedding of Crown Prince Xiao Nanyi, the royal palace of the Nanzhao Kingdom resembled a dreamlike city reborn. As dawn broke, sunlight, like a golden tide, washed over the long palace walls, bathing the magnificent palace in a sacred glow. Birds circled in the sky, their clear calls seemingly cheering for the upcoming grand event.
In the Qingliang Palace, Xiao Jingchuan, now abdicated, sat facing Gu Liuli. The air was thick with the fragrance of sandalwood, its aroma wafting through the carved beams and painted rafters, creating a tranquil and solemn atmosphere. Xiao Jingchuan, dressed in simple, plain clothes, still exuded regal authority despite having relinquished the burden of the throne. Gu Liuli, on the other hand, wore a pale purple palace gown, a jade hairpin swaying gently with her movements, showcasing her elegant and noble bearing.
"Yi'er is of marriageable age now. This wedding must be a grand and glorious affair." Xiao Jingchuan picked up his teacup, took a sip, and his eyes were full of expectations for his son.
Gu Liuli nodded slightly, a hint of tenderness flashing in her eyes: "That's right, this is not only a major event in Yi'er's life, but also a major event for the Nanzhao Kingdom. We must let the world know that the Nanzhao Kingdom has successors and is prosperous and strong."
As they were talking, the Minister of Rites hurriedly entered the hall, knelt down and bowed: "Your Majesty the Retired Emperor and Empress Dowager, we have drafted a preliminary plan regarding His Highness the Crown Prince's marriage. Please take a look."
Xiao Jingchuan took the plan and carefully reviewed it. The plan detailed the wedding process, scale, and all the details, from the arrangement of the wedding procession to the menu of the wedding banquet, leaving nothing out.
"Hmm, the overall arrangements are quite good." Xiao Jingchuan nodded approvingly. "However, the wedding procession could be expanded to showcase the power of our Nanzhao Kingdom. Also, the banquet dishes should be carefully selected from Nanzhao Kingdom's specialties, so that guests can taste authentic Nanzhao cuisine."
Gu Liuli added, "On the wedding day, the palace should be decorated even more festively. Red silk and lanterns can be hung everywhere to create a lively atmosphere. In addition, the bride's betrothal gifts should be generous, so as not to lose face for our Nanzhao Kingdom."
The Minister of Rites quickly recorded the instructions of the two: "Your subject will respectfully obey the imperial decree of the Emperor Emeritus and the Empress Dowager, and will do his utmost to ensure that His Highness the Crown Prince's wedding is as perfect as possible."
In the days that followed, the entire palace was immersed in a busy and joyful atmosphere. Craftsmen worked day and night to meticulously decorate the palace. In front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, a huge wedding tent was erected, its roof covered with red silk and surrounded by golden lanterns, resembling a dazzling galaxy. Inside the tent, various precious and exotic flowers and herbs were displayed, their fragrance filling the air, making one feel as if they were in a fairyland.
At the same time, the choice of the Crown Princess was also finalized. The other party was Lin Wanqing, the daughter of the Prime Minister. She was not only beautiful, but also well-educated and virtuous, proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting. She and Xiao Nanyi were a match made in heaven.
In the Prime Minister's residence, Lin Wanqing sat in her boudoir, being meticulously dressed by her maids. In the bronze mirror, she wore a magnificent wedding gown embroidered with phoenixes and peonies, symbolizing good fortune and wealth. The pearls and gemstones on her phoenix crown shone brightly, making her face even more beautiful and captivating.
"Miss, you look so beautiful today. His Highness the Crown Prince will surely be captivated by you." The maids exclaimed as they did Lin Wanqing's makeup.
Lin Wanqing's cheeks flushed slightly, her eyes filled with anticipation for the future: "I hope that I can spend my life with His Highness the Crown Prince and create a bright future for the Nanzhao Kingdom together."
On the wedding day, the entire capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom was brightly decorated and bustling with activity. Red lanterns and ribbons hung on both sides of the streets, and people flocked to the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.
The wedding procession set off from the palace in a grand procession towards the Prime Minister's residence. Within the procession, guards, clad in gleaming armor and wielding weapons, stood imposingly. The bridal sedan chair, carried by eight strong men, was lavishly decorated with gold and embroidered with auspicious dragon and phoenix patterns.
When the wedding procession arrived at the Prime Minister's residence, Lin Wanqing, supported by her maid, slowly walked out of her room. Xiao Nanyi, dressed in a magnificent crown prince's robe, stood dashingly in front of the residence. He looked at Lin Wanqing, his eyes filled with amazement and love.
"Wanqing, I've come to pick you up," Xiao Nanyi said softly, his voice tinged with excitement.
Lin Wanqing nodded slightly and handed her hand to Xiao Nanyi. Then, Xiao Nanyi helped Lin Wanqing into the bridal sedan chair, and the wedding procession returned to the palace in a grand procession.
Back at the palace, the wedding ceremony officially began. In front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Xiao Nanyi and Lin Wanqing stood side-by-side on the high platform. Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli sat in the main seats, their faces beaming with happiness.
Under the master of ceremonies' loud announcement, Xiao Nanyi and Lin Wanqing first bowed to heaven and earth to express their gratitude for their protection; then they bowed to Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli to thank them for raising them.
"We bow to heaven and earth, a match made in heaven!"
"Bowing twice to our parents, we express our deepest gratitude and boundless blessings!"
"May the couple bow to each other, wishing for a long and happy marriage, and eternal unity of heart!"
With each call to "Greetings," Xiao Nanyi and Lin Wanqing slowly bowed in greeting. The officials and common people below applauded, offering their sincerest blessings.
After the ceremony, everyone moved to the Hall of Supreme Harmony to attend the wedding banquet. Inside, the hall was brightly lit and filled with a sumptuous feast. Delicacies from land and sea, and all sorts of rare and exquisite dishes were on display, filling the air with their enticing aromas.
Xiao Nanyi and Lin Wanqing toasted the guests in turn. Among those who came to offer their congratulations were not only the princes and ministers of Nanzhao, but also envoys from neighboring countries. They presented gifts to express their blessings to the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.
"Congratulations, Your Highness! Congratulations, Your Highness and Your Highness's Consort! May the Nanzhao Kingdom prosper and enjoy lasting peace under your guidance." The envoy from the neighboring country raised his wine cup and said with a smile.
"Thank you for your blessings, envoy." Xiao Nanyi and Lin Wanqing responded with smiles, then drank their beverages in one gulp.
Throughout the wedding banquet, laughter and joy filled the air, and everyone was immersed in the happy atmosphere. Xiao Nanyi and Lin Wanqing moved among the guests, receiving blessings from everyone, their faces always beaming with happiness.
After the wedding banquet, the guests gradually left. Xiao Nanyi and Lin Wanqing returned to their bridal chamber, which was filled with various exquisite gifts and flowers. Xiao Nanyi gently lifted Lin Wanqing's red veil, and the two smiled at each other, their eyes filled with love.
"Wanqing, from today onwards, you are my wife, and I will protect you for the rest of my life," Xiao Nanyi said gently.
Lin Wanqing blushed and said softly, "Your Highness, it is Wanqing's blessing to be your wife. Wanqing will stay by your side and spend her life with you."
The carved palace lanterns cast a soft glow on the gilded candlesticks, bathing the Jiaofang Palace in a warm yellow light. Newlyweds Xiao Nanyi and Lin Wanqing embraced on the carved canopy bed, the bed curtains swaying gently in the breeze like a hazy dream veil. Lin Wanqing's cheeks were slightly flushed, her eyes still tinged with the shyness of newlyweds. She nestled gently in Xiao Nanyi's arms, her fingers unconsciously tracing the patterns on his dragon-patterned robe.
"Your Majesty," Lin Wanqing said in a soft, sweet voice, with a hint of curiosity, "I've heard that Jiang You'an, the younger brother from Xijing Kingdom, already has a child."
Xiao Nanyi raised an eyebrow slightly, a smile playing on his lips, and gently brushed a strand of hair from Lin Wanqing's ear: "It is true. A few days ago, I received a secret letter from Xijing Kingdom. You'an and Su Liyue were overjoyed to have a son, and the child is now a hundred days old."
Lin Wanqing raised her head, her eyes sparkling with a lively light: "What's the child's name? He must be a clever and adorable little prince."
“His name is Jiang Chengyu,” Xiao Nanyi said, his thoughts seemingly drifting into the distance. “You’an has been exceptionally intelligent since childhood, and now with Su Liyue’s assistance, he has managed Xijing Kingdom very well. The birth of this child has brought many auspicious signs to Xijing Kingdom.”
Lin Wanqing nodded gently, then asked with some concern, "Your Majesty, the Western Jing Kingdom is growing stronger day by day, what about our Nanzhao Kingdom..."
Xiao Nanyi saw through her thoughts and gently patted her shoulder: "Wanqing, there is no need to worry. Nanzhao and Xijing have been on good terms for many years, the border is peaceful, trade is frequent, and the people of both countries can live and work in peace. Moreover, our Nanzhao Kingdom also has unique advantages in agriculture, commerce and culture, and has been developing continuously in recent years."
As he spoke, Xiao Nanyi stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the tranquil night outside. Moonlight shone on the glazed tiles of the palace, like a layer of silver frost. Seeing this, Lin Wanqing also got up, put on a cloak, and walked to his side.
"Your Majesty, I have heard that the Western Jing Kingdom recently repelled a barbarian invasion and enhanced its national prestige. Shouldn't our Nanzhao Kingdom also strengthen its military defenses?" Lin Wanqing suggested cautiously.
Xiao Nanyi turned his head, his eyes full of admiration: "Wanqing, it is truly remarkable that you could think of these things. I have already ordered the Ministry of War to begin preparing for war, training elite soldiers, and updating weapons and equipment. But the strength of Nanzhao lies not only in its military, but also in the well-being of its people. Only when the people are prosperous can the country enjoy lasting peace and stability."
Lin Wanqing nodded thoughtfully: "Your Majesty is absolutely right. When I was in the Prime Minister's residence, I heard that the people praised Your Majesty's new policies. The newly built water conservancy projects have made it more convenient to irrigate farmland, and the people can farm with peace of mind."
Xiao Nanyi smiled and took Lin Wanqing's hand: "This is far from enough. I plan to implement new commercial policies nationwide to encourage merchants to engage in foreign trade and increase the country's fiscal revenue. At the same time, we must also attach importance to cultural education and cultivate more talent."
Lin Wanqing's eyes shone with admiration: "Your Majesty has the world at heart. Under your rule, the Nanzhao Kingdom will surely become more and more prosperous. Although I am a woman, I am willing to share Your Majesty's burdens and contribute my strength to the Nanzhao Kingdom."
Moved, Xiao Nanyi embraced Lin Wanqing: "Having you by my side is my good fortune, and also the good fortune of the Nanzhao Kingdom. From now on, the affairs of the harem will be entrusted to you. I believe you will be able to rule the world as an empress and create a harmonious and peaceful harem."
Lin Wanqing nodded slightly and leaned on Xiao Nanyi's shoulder: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will do my best. By the way, for the hundred-day celebration of the Prince of Xijing, should we prepare a generous gift?"
Xiao Nanyi pondered for a moment: "Of course we need to prepare. I plan to select a batch of rare specialties from the Nanzhao Kingdom, along with a painting of 'One Hundred Sons and a Thousand Grandsons' by a famous artist, to express our congratulations and to symbolize the long-term friendship and prosperity between our two countries."
The two discussed for a long time until the candlelight dimmed and the night deepened. Back in bed, Lin Wanqing fell asleep in Xiao Nanyi's warm embrace.