Chapter 1249: Chapter 679: First Bow to Heaven and Earth (Double Chapter)
Early this morning, before dawn, large red lanterns had already been hung at the entrances of each household along the main road of Dragon Tail City, all arranged by the Prince Mansion. It was reminiscent of ten years ago when the Prince of Annan wed his main wife, and similarly distributed large red lanterns, demanding them to be hung along the streets, followed by generous gifts of silk, money, and grain to each household.
Though it wasn’t for marrying a main wife, as the Southern Border Prince, the ceremony for taking a concubine was also exceedingly grand, far surpassing ordinary standards. So today, while it might not compare entirely to ten years ago, it was only just slightly less. Yet, no one knew the background of this concubine, whose grandeur matched that of a main wife.
Thus, eyes and heads poked out from across the street buildings and alleyways, as peddlers, wandering scholars, merchants, and exotic warriors all discussed fervently, eagerly awaiting.
Who wouldn’t be curious to see this concubine on equal footing with a main wife?
The long bridal procession snaked from afar, with music playing in harmony. The grand sedan chair carried by eight men sat at the heart of the procession, slowly advancing down the main street. On both sides were female attendants and servants holding colorful flowers, spectacularly abloom and fragrant.
The continuous clamors and exclamations erupted, making the whole long street restless.
Amidst the crowds’ expressions of surprise, the Prince of Annan, donned in marital attire, emerged from the mansion’s main gate to personally welcome the procession. Soon after, the brilliant red and gold-laden palanquin approached slowly.
The auspicious hour arrived, and the sound of drumming and music transformed, becoming more solemn and passionate.
Though the eastern gate of the mansion was not the main gate, it too was adorned in red decorations. A grand silk floral ornament was prominently hung on the door beam, with two columns of iron-clad armored soldiers fanning out like bird wings on both sides. Under the reflection of lantern and torch lights, their armor glimmered with a cold light, exuding solemn majesty. Besides them, dozens of housekeepers and servants, dressed in new blue uniforms with red sashes at their waists, stood with hands respectfully at their sides, holding their breath in anticipation.
The traffic of carriages and horses clogged the path before the mansion. Civil and military officials of the Southern Border, prominent family heads from the territory, and representatives from various sects arrived in formal attire, exchanging pleasantries, congratulations echoing ceaselessly.
Presents were registered and announced by ceremonial personnel, with the sound of names being repeated continuously, and the roaring of gongs and music intermingling endlessly.
Guided by the ceremonial entourage, the sedan chair carried by eight men arrived smoothly before the eastern gate. Its body was adorned with embroidered phoenix and harmony designs, with gilded incense balls hanging from each of its corners.
Under the watchful eyes of all, the concubine finally descended from the sedan.
The first to step out from the curtain was dressed in bright red wedding attire, its designs different from the phoenix patterns of a main wife, instead of featuring phoenixes. With a red wedding veil draped over her head, the concubine stepped out from the sedan, her figure upright, though her face was unseen. Under the splendid attire, she appeared extraordinary, immediately attracting many curious, investigative, or envious gazes.
For a bride, it might have seemed overly tall.
Yet when all saw the Prince of Annan approach slowly to welcome her, they immediately relaxed.
Moments before, they only thought this concubine’s stature was much more towering than that of a woman. But when compared to the Prince of Annan’s figure, it seemed rather demure, which no longer surprised them.
The two met for a moment, and the concubine returned to the sedan, while the Prince of Annan mounted his horse. Even under the daylight, though dressed in festive attire, he exuded innate authority and a formidable presence.
The ceremony was held in the main hall of the mansion, where red carpets covered the floor, festive candles burned brightly, and memorial plaques were offered in tribute to heaven and earth.
In accepting a concubine, this ceremony was considered beyond decorum. An even greater breach occurred earlier when Vassal King Qin Qingluo did not remain seated to receive the ceremony, as would be customary, instead going out to welcome his guest.
After dismounting before the hall, her gaze landed on Chen Yi as he entered, and amidst her calm demeanor was a hint of indescribable solemnity.
The Ceremonial Officer loudly announced the proceedings:
"First bow to heaven and earth—"
"Second bow to ancestors—"
"Husband and wife bow to each other—"
Chen Yi and Qin Qingluo stood facing each other, bowing deeply.
At this moment, the illustrious Vassal King and the concubine exchanged bows. Within the hall, the guests held their breath, witnessing this picturesque and artistic scene......
......
The grand ceremony was complete.
As the ceremony concluded, outside the hall, firecrackers resounded, music blared intensely, and cheers of congratulations surged like waves.
Immediately following, the grand wedding banquet formally commenced.
The Prince Mansion had long prepared countless delicacies and exquisite dishes, with maids flitting about like butterflies among flowers, diligently pouring wine. Guests swapped cups, laughter and banter filled the air, and endless words of congratulations echoed, immersing the entire Prince Mansion and half of Dragon Tail City within.
After the ceremony, Chen Yi, led by a maid, passed through the still bustling yet for the moment unrelated banquet corridors, heading towards the already prepared bridal chamber, while Qin Qingluo needed to remain at the main hall to entertain the guests.
Though nominally this event was for accepting a concubine, the procedures and rituals were complex and elaborate, requiring some hours to complete.
Opening the door and lifting the curtain, upon stepping inside, the scent of burning candles enveloped him.
Chen Yi surveyed his surroundings; the room’s furnishings were exquisitely ornate, yet not merely an excessive display of gold and silver, but meaningful in elegance and symbolism.
The bed was adorned with a canopy of "Hundred Sons and Thousand Grandsons," embroidered with images of playing children. The bedspread was covered with red dates, peanuts, longans, and lotus seeds, symbolizing the wish for offspring soon. At the corner of the bed was placed a pair of vivid jade-carved dragons and phoenixes, glowing warmly in the candlelight.
On the round table made of purple sandalwood by the window were several delicate snacks and seasonal fruits, alongside a warming jug of wine and two crystalline wedding cups.
Chen Yi glanced around the arrangements, understanding that each item was placed with Zhu E’s meticulous intentions, each holding significance.
The tall burning candles cast his lone shadow long upon the wall.
Chen Yi sat alone, murmuring to himself, "At last, we have reached today."
After years of separation, frequent were his thoughts, yet sometimes he dared not dwell too deeply on them, leaving only a word or a phrase on paper.
That prophecy lingered often in his mind, "In the palace of spouses, the sun turns inauspicious, marriage substantial yet unrecognized,"
Chen Yi’s eyes swept over those two empty wedding cups.
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