Chapter 437: The Emperor and Empress’s Grand Wedding

Chapter 437: The Emperor and Empress's Grand Wedding

Xiao Yuzhu was nearly eighteen, considered quite old for an unmarried woman in ancient times, so delaying her marriage was no longer feasible. Moreover, Li Jingyi had matured significantly, impeccable both as an emperor and a man. Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai agreed without hesitation.

However, both were concerned about Li Jingyi's request to marry before the end of the year, feeling it was too rushed. The grand wedding of an emperor and empress was not like an ordinary couple's union, with extensive preparations and procedures involved. But seeing Li Jingyi's earnest gaze, Tang Shuyi's heart softened.

"Well, a daughter will marry sooner or later; a few months make no difference."

Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai spent the day at the imperial palace before returning to their residence, followed by a stream of rewards from the Empress Dowager, reaffirming the Duke’s undiminished status despite years away from the capital.

At the following dawn court, Li Jingyi announced his impending wedding to Xiao Yuzhu as Empress. The ministers had anticipated this, yet none expected the Emperor to be in such haste, wanting the grand wedding before year’s end.

After the morning court, the Empress Dowager’s decree reached the Duke's residence, stirring the capital's elite once more.

Indeed, the Duke and his wife had another child, a daughter!

The Duke’s little daughter was taken as a god-granddaughter by the Empress Dowager and even titled a princess!

Now, the Duke's residence truly flourished, a spectacle of grandeur. Many speculated how long this would last, but Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai were unconcerned, as they harbored no desire to control court politics—what was there to fear?

The Emperor and Empress's grand wedding was an intricate affair, though officials from the Ministry of Rites handled the preparations, leaving the principals unburdened. Yet the household of the senior Ming was growing anxious.

For years, Ming Yu had remained unwed, waiting for Li Jingyi to take a wife before becoming his consort. Many in the capital harbored similar hopes. Amidst the wedding preparations, there was a flurry of activity behind the scenes.

During this time, Jia Ning and Xie Xihua were joyously discovered to be with child, adding to the Duke’s household’s happiness.

The grand wedding was set for the eighteenth day of the twelfth lunar month. The day before, Tang Shuyi visited Xiao Yuzhu’s room, and, looking at her daughter blooming like a flower, she wanted to smile but couldn’t. Her child was about to embark on a different life, and while she felt reluctance, there was also worry.

"I've imparted many lessons before, and I'll not repeat them now," Tang Shuyi said, embracing Xiao Yuzhu's shoulders. "Remember, you marry the Emperor not because our family needs it, but for the affection between you two. Your father, brother, sister, and I need nothing from you; we only wish for your happiness."

Tears streamed down Xiao Yuzhu’s cheeks, "I understand, Mother."

Tang Shuyi wiped away her tears with a handkerchief, adding, "As Empress, your heart must not solely harbor trivial affections, but also the welfare of the family and nation."

"I know," Xiao Yuzhu responded.

"Though Jingyi is the Emperor and has vowed not to take another consort, if one day he breaks this promise and you cannot bear it, do not endure in silence. Your father and I have prepared a way out for you. My daughter will not be embroiled in petty palace strife, wasting her time," Tang Shuyi declared firmly.

They could make their daughter the first Empress in history to be granted a divorce.

Xiao Yuzhu's tears flowed fiercely, "Mother, it's wonderful to be your daughter."

Tang Shuyi's eyes were moist, but she smiled, "Nevertheless, I trust the Emperor."

"Rest assured, Mother, if one day he breaks his oath, I mig

Li Jingyi, taught by Tang Shuyi, and even more so Xiao Yuzhu, had long transcended the narrow confines typical of inner chamber women, whose worlds revolved only around their husbands and the small slice of life within the inner palace.

Tang Shuyi laughed proudly, "My daughter should indeed be so."

Mother and daughter shared a knowing smile, and then, with a calm demeanor belying her inner awkwardness, Tang Shuyi produced two small booklets, "The harmony between husband and wife comes naturally with deep affection, you needn’t be too rigid or fearful..."

Compared to Xiao Huai, who simply handed his son a couple of books, Tang Shuyi’s education on marital relations was much more detailed. Some things are like that, initially hard to broach, but once started, the rest flows more easily. In short, Tang Shuyi taught everything she could.

The next morning, the principal and vice-principal envoys tasked with escorting the Empress, accompanied by palace ritual officers, arrived at the Duke's residence. The principal envoy was Qi Liangsheng, and the vice-principal was Tang Shubai. With Qi being of the first rank and Tang of the second, the arrangements were of the highest standard.

Through a series of complex ceremonies, Xiao Yuzhu boarded the Empress’s carriage and proceeded to the imperial palace. The procession naturally entered through the main gates. Adorned with a phoenix crown and draped in red, Xiao Yuzhu stepped into the palace, which would be her new home.

Typically, the process would have Li Jingyi waiting at the top of the steps for her; she would ascend, and together they would receive the officials’ bows. But upon entering the palace gates, she saw Li Jingyi already there waiting. Her smile blossomed, and he quickly strode forward, taking her hand and together they climbed the long staircase.

"Yuzhu, from now on, we will never be apart," Li Jingyi whispered to his Empress.

"Yes," Xiao Yuzhu replied.

The imperial couple ascended the steps together, a breach of protocol no one dared to question. Their Emperor was not a man to be trifled with now.

A series of complex rituals followed, and it was dark by the time Xiao Yuzhu and Li Jingyi returned to the Kunning Palace. After another set of procedures, the grand wedding was finally concluded.

Exhausted, Xiao Yuzhu collapsed onto the bed, gasping, "So tired, I never thought it would be this exhausting."

"Let me massage your back," Li Jingyi offered, slipping off his shoes and kneeling beside her, his hands gently pressing down on her shoulders.

"A little lower, yes, right there..."

Directed comfortably by Xiao Yuzhu, Li Jingyi served with a smile. It wasn't long before his hands wandered inside the folds of her garment, caressing her smooth back, and then he leaned down, his lips brushing her ear. Xiao Yuzhu melted into the sensation, turning to loop her arms around his neck as they entwined.

"Yuzhu," Li Jingyi whispered tenderly as he stroked her cheek, "I have waited for this day for too long."

Xiao Yuzhu teased with a smile, "Your Majesty has worked hard."

Li Jingyi laughed too, "Indeed, it has been very hard."

Then he bent down to kiss her lips...

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