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Grandma Gui, fearing any delay to the auspicious time, didn't allow them any chance for conversation. Instead, she briskly directed several imperial maids and eunuchs to help Rong Shu prepare for her wedding – removing her face mask, dressing her up, and adorning her with the wedding attire.

All these tasks were completed only after three hours had passed.

Minglu Yard was packed with people. There were relatives from the Shen family who had hurried over from Yangzhou, Guo Jiuniang, and Rong Ze, who had rushed in from Taiyuan. Even Lady Jiang, Rong Wò, had made an appearance.

In her previous life, when Rong Shu was married off, it was Rong Ze who personally carried her out of the marquis residence and placed her hand in Gu Changjin's. He had whispered secretly to her, "If Lord Gu ever wrongs Zhaozhao in the future, remember to tell your big brother. I'll avenge you."

This time around, she still hoped that Rong Ze would send her off on her wedding day.

She had initially thought that Rong Ze wouldn't make it, but to her surprise, Gu Changjin had fetched him earlier, giving her a pleasant shock.

As the afternoon auspicious hour arrived, sounds of excitement could be heard outside. Drums boomed, firecrackers crackled.

Ying Que dashed in, breathless, and exclaimed, "Miss, the Crown Prince is here!"

Chapter 119

Ying Que hastily delivered the news before rushing out again.

Yingyue shook her head and said, "Everyone in the front courtyard is urging His Highness the Crown Prince to write his bride poem. Lord Shiiun and Chang Ji started it, saying that even as the Crown Prince, he can't be exempted from this tradition. He must compose the poem and lavish praise on the maiden, just like everyone else. Later, Supervisor Liu, Eunuch Qi Xin, and His Highness's former colleagues from the Ministry of Justice and the Board of Censors joined in the teasing. Ying Que, that girl, loves to join in such revelries."

Rong Shu lowered her eyes and smiled gently. "Let her have her fun. It's rare for things to be so lively today. She must be overjoyed."

In her previous life, when Gu Changjin had come to the Cheng'an Marquis Estate to fetch her, the atmosphere had been cold and gloomy due to the marquis estate's disapproval of the marriage. How could it compare to the bustling scene of today?

Later, when they went to Wutong Lane, Ying Que had still felt resentful. How could such an important event in her lady's life be so devoid of warmth?

With today's boisterous celebration, Ying Que was likely content.

Rong Shu's mindset was different now compared to before. Today, those sending her off were all her dearest family and friends.

She no longer felt anxious but instead held a wholehearted trust and anticipation for the future. All the uncertainties she'd felt as a bride in her previous life had vanished with its unhappy ending.

From now on, Gu Yunzhi would not disappoint her, and she would not disappoint him either.

After a while, Nurse Gui noticed how out of hand the commotion outside had become. Hesitantly, she discussed with Rong Shu, "His Highness left early this morning to perform the three kneel-and-nine-kowtow ceremony to the Emperor and Empress. He even personally hunted the goose for the wedding. Tonight, he'll be busy until late at night. Since he's already composed about ten bride poems, perhaps it's time to let him in?"

At this, Nurse Gui couldn't help feeling a bit choked up.

The wedding ceremony for the Crown Princess has always been solemn and dignified, commencing with the bowing ritual followed by the goose ceremony. Once the Crown Princess takes her leave from her parents, she may then be escorted to the palanquin.

Why would the esteemed Prince of Great Yin need to compose a bridal poem?

The commotion is intolerable, how disorderly! It's sheer nonsense!

Sis Guì pondered for a moment before adding, "If this commotion continues, we risk delaying the auspicious time."

Upon hearing that their delay might jeopardize the auspicious moment, Shen Yizhen immediately protested. Without waiting for Rong Shu to respond, she eagerly took it upon herself to declare, "I'll go and reason with them right away!"

Aunt Gui stared at Shen Yizhen's departing figure for a moment, then promptly followed her to help extricate Gu Changjin from the situation.

Thus, the noble Crown Prince was finally able to enter the inner courtyard without incident.

When Shen Yizhen returned, Rong Ze was by her side. He wore a vibrant indigo brocade robe adorned with magpies perched on branches, looking slightly thinner but in excellent spirits.

Shen Yizhen adjusted Rong Shu's nine-peacock phoenix headdress and said, "Yunzhi is waiting. Let your brother escort you out."

As she spoke, her voice caught slightly, and just as she had two years ago when Rong Shu left the marquis residence for marriage, her eyes quietly welled up with tears.

Rong Shu also replied with teary eyes, "Alright."

"Zhaozhao, your elder brother will escort you out."

Rong Ze stepped forward, raising his arm for Rong Shu to lean on as he supported her, walking slowly towards the exit. He said while they walked, "Your elder brother has sent you off twice, both times to the same person. I don't wish to do it a third time."

Rong Shu giggled. "I'll try not to let that happen again."

Upon hearing this, Shen Yizhen scolded, "Stop being ridiculous!" Nevertheless, she couldn't help but smile.

When they reached the courtyard in the inner compound, Rong Ze paused.

Shen Yizhen placed an apple in Rong Shu's hand with reddened eyes and said, "Go then."

Rong Shu slightly lifted her gaze, looking at the handsome young man with an elegant demeanor ahead of her. She walked forward steadily.

She was dressed in a magnificent red wedding gown adorned with dragon and phoenix embroidery. The flowers on her phoenix crown swayed gently, and her sparkling jewelry enhanced the regal aura of her bright and lovely face.

Gu Changjin gazed at her intently and extended his hand slowly, inviting his wife back home.

Hand in hand, they walked slowly towards the door.

A great number of civil and military officials had accompanied the Crown Prince today for this wedding ceremony. The leader was the Minister of Rites, followed by a cluster of officials from the Ministry of Rites and the Board of Ceremonies. Behind them were hundreds of mighty Generals from the Imperial Guards, and trailing behind the ornate carriage that carried the bride was a grand procession of imperial guards tasked with escorting the dowry.

Amidst this vast assembly, every individual was radiant with energy, their bodies adorned with large red silk flowers. It was truly a scene of joyous celebration and grandeur.

Rong Shu was gently helped into a magnificent palanquin intricately carved with the image of a Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix by Gu Changjin. As the wheels of the carriage began to roll gently, she sat elegantly inside, listening to the peals of gongs and drums and the fading crackle of firecrackers. With her eyes half-lowered, they appeared even redder than before.

She solely remembered Aunty Gui's admonishment, not to shed any tears, for it might bring ill fortune and also ruin the meticulous makeup that had taken hours to apply on her face.

Rong Shu composed herself, eventually suppressing the urge to weep.

Noticing the fluctuations in Rong Shu's emotions, Aunt Gui spoke gently with a smile, "The Crown Princess can visit her parents' home in three days. From now on, living in the Eastern Palace, if you miss Lady Shen, you may summon her to join you here at any time."