Chapter 281: Grand Wedding (Part 2)

Chapter 281: Chapter 280: Grand Wedding (Part 2)

The four men dismounted. Xiao Hong and the others stepped aside. “By order of Your Majesty, you must push this gate open yourselves.”

Now there was nothing for the four to argue about. They went forward together, placed their hands on the gate, and pushed open the heavy palace doors with all their might.

The moment the gates cracked open, a rain of petals drifted out.

The petals were mixed with gold foil, creating a stunningly gorgeous and dreamlike vision in the sunlight.

The commoners watching from behind all gasped in amazement.

As the gates slowly opened amidst the fluttering shower of petals, a red carpet woven with gold thread was revealed, stretching far into the distance. It was flanked on both sides by guards in golden armor, holding Red Cherry Spears.

The spears crossed in the air, forming a barrier as if to block their path.

But as the four men walked in, the guards retracted their spears one by one, clearing a wide path for them.

The four walked forward slowly, surrounded by fluttering colored silks and dancing petals.

They were flanked by countless guards, over a thousand officials and their families who had come to witness the ceremony, and innumerable commoners craning their necks in anticipation at the gate.

But the four men kept their eyes fixed forward, walking straight down the center of the path.

The four reached the long flight of vermillion steps. They split into two pairs and ascended.

From the moment their feet touched the steps, petals and gold leaves were scattered from both sides. Above, the Minister of Rites loudly read from an imperial edict, chanting words of congratulation.

Finally, the four men slowly ascended the last steps and saw the Emperor, standing there in a red wedding gown.

She wore a magnificent, draping hair crown of gold inlaid with Dongzhu pearls, exuding an air of unparalleled nobility. Her wedding gown, made in a woman’s style, was voluminous, with wide sleeves and a crossed collar, embroidered with nine circling dragons.

Your Majesty’s beauty was unparalleled in all the world, and today, in her ceremonial dress, she was breathtakingly beautiful.

A vision of beauty, splendor, and authority—it made one want to submit, yet also stirred illicit desires.

The four men stood in their designated places, their gazes fervent as they bowed. “Your Majesty.”

Today, they were her Imperial Consorts, but they could never cross the line between ruler and subject.

Xiao Yang smiled faintly, raised a hand, and returned the gesture.

Xiao Yang slowly turned to stand in the middle of the four men, and together they paid respects to Heaven and Earth.

Afterward, Prince Jing personally inscribed the names of the four men into the Royal Jade Scroll.

The four watched as their names were written down, recorded upon the jade scroll next to that of Your Majesty. From this day forward, they were husband and wife, witnessed by Heaven and Earth, announced to the world, and recorded in the annals of history.

After the ceremony, the Empress would lead her Imperial Consorts on a procession through the Capital City to see the people.

“Long live the Emperor, for ten thousand years! Long live the Imperial Consorts, for a thousand years!”

Civil servants led the way, clearing the path with ceremony, while military officers followed behind, providing a protective escort.

In the center was the Emperor’s carriage, with Xiao Yang seated primly inside, attended by Xiao Ziling and Xiao Jinsu. The four Imperial Consorts rode on horseback outside.

The four men rode with their heads held high, chests puffed out, looking spirited and refreshed. Even the introverted Xu Xingchen had a smile on his face today.

The four would peek over from time to time at Xiao Yang, seated in the magnificent carriage.

Xiao Yang sighed. ‘So tiring, but I have to keep smiling.’

‘I’ve never been one for decorum, but today I’m forced to be dignified.’

‘Don’t bow your head, the crown will fall.’

‘This hair crown—gold, Dongzhu pearls, and gemstones—weighs a full nine jin.’

‘If it fell, it could break my foot.’

‘It’s gorgeous, but it’s really, really heavy.’

‘From the time I finished my morning preparations until now, I’ve been wearing it for a full three hours.’

‘Even for a martial artist, my neck is getting tired.’

‘Beauty is pain!’

The grand procession moved through the main street. The commoners crowded the sides of the road to watch. Envoys from various nations stood among the crowd, all on their best behavior this time.

The Capital City was enormous. It had already been the largest city, and now it had been expanded even further. A full circuit would take until nightfall.

Xiao Yang had already chosen a representative route beforehand. The procession would last only one hour before they returned. She still had to change her clothes for the evening’s banquet.

Wherever the procession passed, lucky candies and red envelopes were scattered across the ground. The envelopes contained copper coins, gold melon seeds, and silver melon seeds. What you picked up was all a matter of luck.

Not only were candies and red envelopes given out in abundance, but to ensure the entire Capital City shared in the joy of Your Majesty’s wedding, soldiers went door-to-door distributing lucky candies and the five grains. Red silk ribbons fluttered from every corner of the city.

According to local custom, all sorts of steamed pastries were also made and distributed.

In addition, the curfew was lifted for three days. The entire city would be lit up all night, and fireworks would be set off for three consecutive nights to celebrate the Emperor’s grand wedding.

The commoners had food to eat, drinks to drink, and entertainment to enjoy—the entire city was a scene of jubilant celebration.

The officials had successfully completed their duties. With a banquet to attend and rewards to receive, they were also very satisfied.

But one very important mystery, watched by all, was yet to be revealed today: who would the Emperor choose?

There were four Imperial Consorts, but only one wedding night.

Although the Imperial Consorts were all very reserved, their gazes were scorching, fixed on Xiao Yang, each hoping to be the chosen one.

The officials were craning their necks in anticipation, eager to see if their bets were right. Although the Emperor had forbidden them from gambling on the matter, a little wagering-free speculation was still allowed.

Then there were the spectators like Xie Liuzheng and Xiao Suixi, their eyes, hungry for gossip, shining like lightbulbs. They were more excited than if it were their own weddings.

In the end, all the pressure was on the Emperor.

Xiao Yang, however, wasn’t one to be coy. After a moment’s thought, she had someone bring over a box she had prepared in advance.

‘The fairest way is to leave it to luck.’

Nine red strings were tied to the box. Xiao Yang held one separate string, while eight other ends faced the men. Only one of them was connected to the string in Xiao Yang’s hand.

She was giving them a choice. Whoever pulled the right one would be tonight’s lucky man.

Rong Yin asked, “There are four of us, but eight strings here. What if none of us choose the right one?”

Xiao Yang looked at the four handsome men in their wedding clothes. They were all dashing and alluring, but there were four of them…

‘I must have had water in my brain to have agreed to this marriage.’

“If none of you pick it, then I will sleep alone.”

‘Even though it’s my wedding night, I’d actually love to sleep alone. That way I’m not with anyone, which is perfectly fair.’

The four men exchanged glances, hesitated for a long time, and finally each chose a string.

Xiao Yang clicked her tongue with a smirk. “Then let’s reveal the answer.”

With that, she reached out and pulled.

One by one, the strings were pulled up, then fell slack. Just as everyone was feeling utterly dejected, the last string slowly pulled taut…