Chapter 1, The Grand Wedding
Ye Zhenzhen did not respond and allowed her to lead the way
"Impudent!" Ji Wujiao quickly reacted, looking sternly at Ye Zhenzhen. Even though he was accustomed to maintaining a stoic expression, he could not completely suppress his anger at this moment, his chest heaving violently as if he might breathe fire at any moment
As soon as Ji Wujiao entered the bedroom, he saw Ye Zhenzhen yawning widely
However, Ji Wujiao halted her actions. He picked up the glass of wine she had drunk from and downed it in one gulp
Regardless of whether the parties involved are willing or not, Elder Ye is determined to ensure that his precious granddaughter has a magnificent wedding.
Three years ago, the late emperor passed away. The current emperor, in pure filial piety, stated that he must observe the full mourning period for the late emperor before he can marry
Why is the grand wedding taking place today
The matchmaker finally adjusted Ye Zhenzhen's clothing and straightened her phoenix crown. After confirming that everything was in order, she helped her up, saying, "Miss, the Holy Envoy is about to arrive, please accept the conferment first."
The speaker is Feng Youde, the chief eunuch of Ji Wujiao, who has served him since he was still the crown prince, having accompanied him for over ten years
Fortunately, Ye Zhenzhen is beautiful enough; after closing her eyes, her usual imposing demeanor completely disappears, revealing a somewhat pitiable charm.
What is the matter
However, at that moment, Ye Zhenzhen suddenly felt a tearing pain beneath her, and before her mind could process it, her body reacted instinctively, lifting her foot to kick the person inflicting the pain.
Ye Zhenzhen stared at her reflection in the mirror with a sullen expression. The mirror had been purchased at a high price from a Florentine artisan; it was smooth and bright, capable of revealing every detail of a person. It was also the first time Ye Zhenzhen realized that she looked like this.
The Ye residence is filled with joy today, with red characters of happiness posted everywhere, and red flowers and red silk hanging about. Everyone's face bears a hint of joy, except for one person.
At the end of Changning Street, near the Forbidden City, a procession slowly approached, accompanied by the sounds of music and celebration, resembling a wedding entourage. However, unlike a typical wedding party, there was no red bridal sedan chair; instead, there was a light yellow ceremonial palanquin carried by sixteen bearers. The curtains of the palanquin were embroidered with phoenixes in gold thread, and golden tassels hung from the top. At each corner, golden dragon heads protruded, each holding a string of colorful and precious beads that swayed gently in the wind, creating a dazzling display that harmonized with the golden phoenix on the curtains and the carved golden dragons on the palanquin's frame, shining brilliantly and almost blinding to the eyes.
Ye Zhenzhen sat in the ceremonial carriage, reflecting on her grandfather's highest instruction to her: she must not be deposed as empress.
Who is Elder Ye?" a tender child's voice asked
Isn't that Elder Ye?" Someone in the crowd, with sharp eyes, immediately recognized the identity of the old man
Ye Zhenzhen reluctantly accepted it, her face showing clear disdain as she disposed of it
Ji Wujiao let out a long sigh, the pent-up frustration in his chest finally eased a bit, "Proceed to the Luhua Palace"
After yawning, Ye Zhenzhen saw Ji Wujiao. She slowly got up and saluted him, saying, "I pay my respects to Your Majesty"
Moreover, since ascending the throne, the emperor has looked unfavorably upon the Ye family. One is a powerful old minister, while the other is an ambitious new emperor. In the court, the struggle for power is rife with undercurrents. Just because the emperor's foundation is currently unstable and he cannot act against the Ye family does not mean he will not do so in the future. Although she appears to be flourishing like a flower in full bloom now, when the emperor settles accounts with the Ye family, she will likely be the first target to be dealt with as the empress.
After receiving the ceremonial seal, it was soon deemed an auspicious time. After Ye Zhenzhen was assisted into the resplendent bridal sedan, the wedding procession set off again, now with a long trailing line behind, which was all her dowry. It flowed out like a stream, completely covering the entire length of Changning Street, leaving onlookers in awe.
Bang
Punishment, how should it be administered? This crime can vary in severity, depending solely on the emperor's attitude. However, to impose a severe punishment on the empress on the very first day of the wedding is tantamount to directly slapping Ye Xiu's face—he indeed wants to do so, but now is not the right time
As the team was approaching the Ye residence, they could see from a distance that a crowd of people was kneeling at the entrance, with an elderly man at the forefront, his hair and beard grizzled, his expression respectful, and his eyes bright and spirited
Ji Wujiao sat on the ground, the desire on his face not yet faded, and his gaze carried a rare hint of confusion.
Dare to casually speak the name of Her Majesty the Queen, are you not afraid of being caught and punished?
Your Majesty, the eunuch from the Luhua Palace has just reported that Concubine Li has unfortunately fallen and her injuries are serious
After Ji Wujiao finished this cup of wine, he filled his own glass again, took a sip himself, and then handed it to Ye Zhenzhen
The expression of resolutely closing his eyes as if facing death still left him with no appetite
I heard that this engagement was arranged three years ago
Although the makeup is extravagant, it complements Ye Zhenzhen's exquisite and grand features quite well, evoking a sense of reverence in one's heart. However, it remains uncertain whether the Emperor will appreciate this particular taste
The streets are lined with people, each stretching their necks to look at the procession, occasionally erupting in waves of exclamations, more lively than a temple fair—temple fairs happen every year, but an imperial wedding, one might only witness this once in a lifetime, how could they not take a good look
Watching Ye Zhenzhen kneel to receive the Empress's golden decree and seal, Xiang Niang secretly breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that the matter was settled. No matter how unwilling the young lady was, she was now truly the Empress. It was strange; for others, becoming an Empress was a tremendous honor, something that required several lifetimes of good fortune to attain. Yet, for their young lady, it was met with a thousand unwillingnesses. Fortunately, the young lady was exceptionally obedient and clever in front of the Old Master, managing to amuse him to the point where he was almost always in good spirits. However, because of this matter, the two of them had quarreled several times, and peace was elusive. It was odd; for others, becoming an Empress was a tremendous honor, something that required several lifetimes of good fortune to attain. Yet, for their young lady, it was met with a thousand unwillingnesses. Fortunately, the young lady was exceptionally obedient and clever in front of the Old Master, managing to amuse him to the point where he was almost always in good spirits. However, because of this matter, the two of them had quarreled several times, and peace was elusive. The Old Master and the three young masters took turns acting as mediators, but it was of no use. Thankfully, the younger generation could not outmatch the older, and in the end, the young lady still yielded.
However, just after she took a sip, she noticed Ji Wujiao staring at her. Ye Zhenzhen felt a bit embarrassed, "Would you like some?" She put down her wine glass and picked up the wine jug, intending to pour some for him as well. She thought to herself that she had been too hasty earlier and should have poured wine for the Emperor first. It was just that she had overlooked it because she found him displeasing.
Master Ye is a Grand Secretary of the Central Palace, the Chief Minister of the Cabinet, a mentor to two emperors, and a senior official of three dynasties! As the speaker enumerated these multiple identities, his tone also rose accordingly. Although he was not well acquainted with Master Ye, this did not hinder the pride he felt when speaking these words
This time, no one answered him, and his father directly covered his mouth.
With a face resembling a duck egg, ruby-red lips, and pearly white teeth, her delicate and high nose accentuates her strikingly profound and spirited features; a pair of phoenix eyes, distinctly black and white, sparkle with life as they glance around, their outer corners slightly raised, exuding an air of authority when she is not smiling; her long, arched eyebrows complement her eyes, yet at this moment, her brows are slightly furrowed, suggesting a heart full of displeasure
As instructed
Thus, Ji Wujiao finally began to feel something
Moreover, both the physique and the tactile sensation are excellent
At this moment, a cautious "Your Majesty" from outside rescued the Emperor and Empress from the strange atmosphere
In fact, Ji Wujiao has been guided by renowned masters since childhood, excelling in both literature and martial arts. Under normal circumstances, if he were to be attacked by someone with skills like Ye Zhenzhen, he could easily evade the attack. However, he was just then completely focused on doing that kind of thing
The more she thought about it, the more she felt her future was bleak. Ye Zhenzhen had no choice but to stop her thoughts and rest her chin on her hand, dozing off. She had been dragged out of bed early in the morning before dawn to get dressed, and this complicated and heavy outfit left her utterly exhausted; now, she was indeed feeling sleepy
She slept all the way to Kun Ning Palace, seemingly pausing briefly at the Qianqing Gate, but she did not wake up. When she was assisted into the bedroom, she was still in a daze.
The flames of the gilded red candles flicker gently, illuminating the faces of the two individuals, one resembling a beautiful jade and the other a delicate flower, truly a perfect pair.
Ye Zhenzhen knelt on the bed, striving to make her expression appear sincere, "I was reckless for a moment and did not intend to offend Your Majesty's person, please punish me!"
The people around also expressed a round of admiration that pleased the speaker due to this statement Although everyone is aware of such matters, every time one hears someone mention it, they cannot help but show reverence, much like stopping to watch a street performer demonstrating their skills, even if one has seen it many times before
Moreover, on the wedding night, the wife kicked her husband off the bed; if such an incident were to escalate, would it not be a disgrace to the husband...
She rubbed her neck, which was sore from the pressure of the phoenix crown, and thought to herself, Grandfather, you truly understand me well
Thinking about her future husband, Ye Zhenzhen felt even more of a headache. In every aspect, the emperor was not a candidate for Ye Zhenzhen's ideal husband.
"Father, if the Emperor is to marry the grandson of Elder Ye, then won't he have to call Elder Ye 'Grandfather' in the future?" The tender voice of the child asked once again.
After drinking the wedding wine, the next thing to do became rather awkward. Ji Wujiao steeled himself and carried Ye Zhenzhen to the bed, proceeding to loosen her clothing. However, under Ye Zhenzhen's piercing gaze of "You shameless lecherous scoundrel," he truly could not muster any interest.
On the ninth day of the eighth month in the second year of the reign of Da Qi Xi, it is advised against traveling and recommended for marriage
Although the wedding procession was large and accompanied by music, it advanced in an orderly manner without any chaos. Among them, four charming little eunuchs were specifically responsible for tossing candies and coins into the crowd. Half of the candies and coins packed in large burlap sacks had already been distributed. With the little eunuchs raising their arms, waves of excitement rippled through the crowd.
Only the queen would be qualified to ride in such a thing for her wedding
"The Queen is exempt from formalities." Although the disdain was almost palpable, the necessary pleasantries still had to be expressed. After saying this, Ji Wujiao took a seat.
Ji Wujiao walked to the bedroom door and, as if compelled by some unseen force, turned back to glance at Ye Zhenzhen on the bed, only to find her covering her mouth and letting out a long yawn
Thus, Ji Wujiao's gaze towards Ye Zhenzhen was tinged with a hint of entanglement
Ji Wujiao's already gloomy expression darkened a few more shades. Such demeanor is unworthy of being a queen. Ye Xiu Ming, that old fellow, truly has some skills.
The couple gazed at each other, then turned their faces away simultaneously, finding mutual disdain in their glances
The young lady who is getting married today is none other than the legitimate granddaughter of Elder Ye, named Ye Zhenzhen, and she is only seventeen years old. Elder Ye has three grandsons, yet he has only this one granddaughter, whom he cherishes like a precious treasure, showering her with countless affections
At this point, this intimate encounter can still be considered somewhat harmonious
The young eunuch raised his hand, and the copper coins fell like rain with a clattering sound. A few people, unable to spare time for conversation, crouched down and desperately picked up the money.
This day truly lives up to the reputation of being a propitious day meticulously selected by the Imperial Astronomical Bureau. The sky is clear and bright, the wind is gentle, and even the autumn heat has softened considerably, as if the once tempestuous lion of the East has suddenly lost its ferocity and taken on a more bashful demeanor
Ye Zhenzhen finally remembered what she had truly overlooked: the wedding wine! On the wedding night, the couple is supposed to drink the wedding wine, a detail that the matchmaker had reminded her of. However, the process of getting married was too complicated, so it is understandable that she might have missed one or two things
Ji Wujiao let out a cold snort
The status of women in the Great Qi Dynasty is significantly higher than in previous eras, and women have a certain degree of freedom in choosing their husbands. Ye Zhenzhen comes from a prestigious family; her grandfather is a veteran of three reigns and also the emperor's teacher, with former students and officials spread throughout the court. Her father serves in the Ministry of Personnel and is expected to enter the cabinet in the future. Therefore, apart from princesses, there is likely no other girl in the world whose background is more distinguished than Ye Zhenzhen's. With such a powerful family backing her, Ye Zhenzhen can choose any kind of man she desires. However, regardless of whom she chooses, it will definitely not be the emperor. She has been spoiled by others, and it would be ideal for her to be pampered in her husband's family as well; of course, the most important point is that her husband must not take a concubine. This is something the emperor cannot fulfill.
However, since you understand me so well, why must you push me into that palace that devours people without leaving a trace
Close your eyes," Ji Wujiao commanded
Ye Zhenzhen poured herself a glass of wine. It is said that the wedding night can be quite painful, so she planned to drink more wine to numb herself, hoping to become so intoxicated that she would lose her senses, which would likely lessen the feeling of pain