Chapter 393: The Grand Wedding

Chapter 393: The Grand Wedding

Last night’s nuptial chamber was ablaze with passion. Consequently, the newlyweds overslept. When the three siblings arrived at the Shi An Garden for breakfast, Cui Yun told them, "The Marquis and his lady discussed matters late into the night, so the young masters and lady may have your meal first."

The siblings were puzzled, what matters could have necessitated such a late night? However, they did not inquire further and went about their business after breakfast.

Meanwhile, Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai didn't rise until the sun was high. When Cui Zhu and Cui Yun came to attend to them, Tang Shuyi blushed, glaring fiercely at Xiao Huai for last night’s tumult.

Xiao Huai was unperturbed, casually mentioning, "After Yu Chen’s marriage, we shall separate the households."

After the division, there would be no daily commutes for meals, nor disruptions to their private lives.

Tang Shuyi frowned at him again as Xiao Huai’s lips curved in a smile. After freshening up, Tang Shuyi recalled something and leaned in to whisper to Xiao Huai, "Yu Chen’s wedding is imminent. Does he understand the matters between men and women?"

Xiao Huai was taken aback. Tang Shuyi added, "This task is yours; don’t let him become a laughingstock on his wedding night."

In prominent families of the capital, it was customary to instruct young men with the help of a maidservant before marriage. Tang Shuyi didn’t approve; she wished for her sons to stay true to one wife, living harmoniously for life.

Xiao Huai hadn’t given it much thought, but with Tang Shuyi’s direction, he dutifully agreed with a nod, signaling his compliance. After breakfast, he went to the study, selected a couple of books, and carried them to Xiao Yu Chen’s quarters.

Father and son sat together in the study, sipping tea when Xiao Huai broached the subject, "You are about to be wed; are there things you understand?"

He was too embarrassed to be direct, and Xiao Yu Chen didn’t quite grasp his implication, "Father, what are you referring to?"

Xiao Huai hesitated, then said, "...It concerns the matters between men and women."

Xiao Yuchen's face turned a deep red as he stuttered out, "I... I..."

In the end, he couldn't provide a clear explanation because he only had a rough idea about the matter, uncertain whether to claim understanding or ignorance. Seeing this, Xiao Huai pulled out two prepared books and handed them to him, saying, "Do some research on your own. Sometimes, self-taught is the way to go with these things."

After he left, Xiao Yuchen escorted him to the courtyard gate. Upon returning, he saw the two books on the table. His face flushed with hesitation, but finally, he closed the door and began to "study" earnestly.

Meanwhile, the Dowager Duchess of the Lai State pressed a pamphlet into the hands of Princess Jianing and said, "Don't be nervous when the time comes, just follow the Crown Prince's lead."

Princess Jianing's face turned red, and she hummed an acknowledgment. The Dowager Duchess, seeing her like this, was suddenly reminded of her own daughter's wedding day, and her eyes grew moist.

She took a deep breath and said, "Marrying into another family is different from staying in your own. There are in-laws above you and younger brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law below, you must consider all sides."

As she spoke, tears fell. Princess Jianing quickly offered her a handkerchief to wipe them. Holding her hand, the Dowager Duchess said, "The Duchess of Dingguo may seem kind and generous, but she is still your mother-in-law. You must observe the proper rituals and contribute to the household."

Princess Jianing nodded, "Don't worry, Grandmother, I understand."

The Dowager Duchess patted her head and added, "I know you are clever. All I hope is that you will have a harmonious and beautiful life with the Crown Prince."

Princess Jianing nodded, determined to make the best of her new life.

The wedding day arrived in the blink of an eye. Tang Shuyi woke up before dawn and went to Xiao Yuchen's courtyard. When she arrived, he had just finished freshening up. As Tang Shuyi watched a maid dress him in a bright red wedding robe, making him look even more splendid than usual, she felt a surge of emotion.

It seemed just yesterday that they had arrived here, and now her son was getting married, all the past events felt as if they had happened only the day before.

When the auspicious time for the bridal procession arrived, Tang Shuyi personally placed the hat adorned with red flowers on Xiao Yuchen's head and tied a large red flower on his chest, then said, "Alright, go and bring your bride back."

Xiao Yuchen bowed respectfully to Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai before striding off. In a low voice, Xiao Huai said to Tang Shuyi, "Getting married means he's truly grown up, it's time to let go."

At that moment, House Steward Zhao came running to report, "The Emperor will arrive shortly."

Upon hearing this, Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai went out to greet Emperor Li Jingyi. They had just reached the mansion gate when the imperial procession arrived, and they moved to kneel in welcome. Emperor Li Jingyi quickly stepped forward to prevent them, but Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai insisted on bowing respectfully.

Even though they regarded Li Jingyi as a child in private, the protocols of their feudal society dictated a strict adherence to ritual; a subject must always pay due respect to the sovereign.

Li Jingyi reluctantly accepted their courtesies and then entered the mansion with them. Amid the festive atmosphere, he harbored a longing for the day he would marry Yu Zhu.

After sitting and chatting for a while in the hall, Li Jingyi's gaze kept straying outside, eager to see Xiao Yuzhu. Noticing this, Tang Shuyi arranged for him to have a private conversation with Xiao Yuzhu.

According to the customs of the capital, the groom fetches the bride in the morning, marries her in the afternoon, and the couple bows at the wedding ceremony in the evening. As the sun set, the bridal procession returned. Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai sat in the center, receiving the bows of the newlyweds, then watched the couple bow to each other before being escorted to the bridal chamber.

In the bridal chamber, a series of joyful rituals unfolded until Xiao Yuchen lifted the bridal veil with the ceremonial wedding scale, revealing the bride’s radiant beauty. Congratulations filled the room, and after, the wedding matron ushered everyone out, leaving the couple some private time to talk.

Sitting beside Jianing, Xiao Yuchen hesitated for a moment before taking her hand and softly saying, "I am very happy."

His words sounded somewhat silly, prompting a chuckle from Jianing. She turned to him and replied, “I am very happy, too.”

Xiao Yuchen’s smile stretched ear to ear, and Jianing, with her head lowered, also smiled. After their joyous moment, Xiao Yuchen said, “In a while, I’ll have Yuzhu and Anle keep you company. You’re familiar with both of them.”

Jianing nodded, “I know.”

The two continued to chat, holding hands, but soon Xiao Yuchen had to leave to toast the guests. Reluctantly parting, he then left and Yuzhu and Anle came in, their chatter and laughter filling the room, making Jianing feel once again that this marriage was truly a blessing.

Outside, her two senior maids were conversing with the maids from Qingfeng Courtyard, inquiring about the household. They were pleased to learn that Xiao Yuchen didn’t keep a personal maid with privileges to show her face, indicating a more reserved household. After Yuzhu and Anle left, they came to Jianing’s side to report:

“The young master has only one senior maid. He dismissed another one who made mistakes.”

“We haven’t heard of any favored maids in this courtyard.”

“The young master’s courtyard wasn’t this large originally. A few months ago, the Duchess ordered the merging of two courtyards into one.”

………

Listening to their reports, Jianing’s unease gradually settled. She stood up to have a bath prepared. After her bath, as she waited, Xiao Yuchen was helped back to the room. She promptly took care of him. After the attendants left, Xiao Yuchen sobered up.

Seeing this, Jianing smiled and asked, “Were you pretending, my lord?”

“What do you call your husband?” Xiao Yuchen asked with a smile.

Blushing, Jianing answered, “Husband.”

Xiao Yuchen chuckled, then softly called her, “My lady.”

Suddenly, they both felt a bit childish and couldn’t help but laugh. Seeing that she had changed clothes, Xiao Yuchen went to take his bath. Meanwhile, Jianing sat on the bed’s edge, her nerves mounting until Xiao Yuchen emerged from the bathing room.

Xiao Yuchen returned to the bedside and took her hand, feeling it tremble. He understood her nervousness, which mirrored his own. After a moment of shared tension, he whispered into Jianing’s ear, “My lady, this is also my first time. I am... nervous.”

Hearing his words, Jianing laughed, and her nervousness significantly dissipated. Then, Xiao Yuchen led her into the bed canopy...