Chapter 26: The Wedding

Chapter 26: The Wedding

Yuan Jun was also filled with excitement.

Confined for over a month, his days were intertwined with silence, coldness, anger, and resentment. Trapped within the small Baohua Palace, he was on the verge of madness, especially when he calculated that his Imperial Sister should have already arrived in Jingbei. This only deepened his gloom.

Yet, he had not been able to switch bodies with that palace maid again until now. He continued searching for an opportunity to do so.

Was it because he missed his Imperial Sister to an extreme point? But he seemed to miss her every day, thinking about her so much that it was as if countless needles pierced his heart daily.

Or could it be that the opportunity lay with that palace maid named Rong Bi?

Lost in thought, he sipped a bowl of almond tea and ate two warm fried cakes before rising gracefully to follow the other ladies-in-waiting out. They were greeted by the lively sounds of gongs, drums, and firecrackers – today was the official wedding day for the King of Jingbei to receive his queen into the palace.

He noticed that he was indeed dressed in a formal lady-in-waiting's attire, complete with a red embroidered sash to signify the festive occasion, a deep crimson pleated skirt, and a pinkish-gray shawl. He had never paid attention before, but apparently, on significant days, the servants would stay up all night, ready to wear their finest clothes early in the morning.

Having lost his mother at a young age and with his Imperial Sister married off, he had always been detached from these lowly palace maids and eunuchs, assuming their service was their duty without considering that they too had bodies that felt exhaustion and pain.

As he followed the ladies-in-waiting to the door, he caught a glimpse of his Imperial Sister stepping out, holding the jade grain scepter. She was magnificently attired, her bright red robe adorned with a phoenix-patterned cloak, a dark skirt with exquisite borders on its hem and sleeves. A nine-dragon crown sat atop her head, signifying her status as the queen. Her grand ceremonial dress shimmered with brilliance, and her captivating features were stunning.

A slight ache stirred in his heart. He had already seen his sister off to marriage twice. Her previous husband, the prince consort, had tragically passed away young. Yet, his Imperial Sister had always been open-minded. Though she had been sorrowful, she had quickly moved on. Prince Jingbei... His sister had chosen this arduous path for his sake.

The wedding ceremony was held in the square before the family temple, where the majestic Altars of State and Land, adorned with splendid lesser sacrifices and five grand cauldrons, stood tall on either side. Below, the hundred officials of the prince's mansion awaited in silence, ready to bear witness to the investiture of the princess consort.

Amidst the morning breeze, an endless array of ceremonial troops stood motionless, their imposing figures silhouetted against the dawn. Colorful banners fluttered vigorously on all sides, while below the steps of the princely mansion, the royal ensemble played harmonious and serene melodies, filling the air with an aura of dignity and balance.

The red carpet rolled up the high steps, as the Duke alighted from his carriage to receive his Duchess. Together, they paid homage to the mountains, rivers, and the land, then proceeded along the red carpet into the Jingbei Family Temple, where they bowed to their ancestors. After returning to the Duke's residence, they performed the Zhou rituals, exchanged vows, and then held a grand banquet, thus completing the ceremony.

Prince Jingbei already stood below the Altar of Soil and Grain, holding a jade tablet in his hand. He was dressed in the formal nine-clawed dragon robe, its deep blue upper garment adorned with dragon patterns, extending to the skirt of the robe. Stationed there, he was as immovable as a mountain, exuding dignity, stability, and an aura of awe-inspiring authority.

Princess Yi Yang alighted from her palanquin with an unwavering aura, each step she took was deliberate and graceful. Yuan Jun followed closely behind his sister, feeling an immense sense of relief that he, in the guise of this humble court lady, could accompany his sister on this journey.

The elegant music resounded, and the Prince of Jingbei stepped forward to greet her. Turning together, they proceeded side by side amidst the long announcements of the ritual official, making their way towards the Altar of the State and Land. Guided by the officiant, they paid homage to the spirits of the state and the land, and then to the mountains and rivers. Afterwards, they continued at a measured pace towards the ancestral temple, where they offered their respects to the lineage of Jingbei Princes.

The family temple of the prince's residence was naturally off-limits to unrelated individuals, leaving Yuan Jun to stand in attendance under the eaves outside the temple. Yet, as he listened to the prolonged chants emanating from within, he understood that all was proceeding smoothly, and his heart settled with a faint sense of relief.

Yet, as he turned his gaze towards the square, he was slightly taken aback, his heart leaping once more into his throat. He observed the hundred officials, who had previously prostrated themselves, slowly rise after completing their deep bows, lining up at the side and clearing the square.

Subsequently, several generals rode on their horses, their hooves tapping rhythmically, as they led an abundance of soldiers to the square. They formed four neat, rectangular formations, standing motionless as if awaiting a command.

From above, one could see the soldiers adorned with red headbands and red sashes, their festive hues masking the chilling aura of warfare that emanated from them.

Was this… a martial display?

Military drills during sacrificial ceremonies were indeed part of ancient rituals, often performed during times of unrest to intimidate malevolent forces with the spirit of weaponry. In Northern Peace, where the people were fierce, and the Prince himself was a warrior, it was plausible for him to muster his troops and present a martial spectacle in honor of heaven, earth, and the spirits.

Yet, deliberately choosing this moment carried an undeniable hint of intimidation. If his elder sister were a delicate woman, reared within the confines of the palace, the grand spectacle of military drills on her wedding day might well overwhelm her.

A faint anger stirred within Yuan Jun.

The solemn voice of the chief ritualist sang out the lengthy prayers from within, followed by a bow, two bows, three bows...

His own sister was about to become the Princess Consort of the Prince of Northern Peace.

He stood there, his brows knitted, his heart seemingly seared upon a hot iron. He yearned to roar, but his pent-up emotions, like molten lava, surged within him, searching for an outlet yet finding none, leaving only a pounding sensation in his chest.

The Prince of Northern Peace and his future Princess Consort finally emerged. At the signal of the chief ritualist, a long blast of horns echoed, and the soldiers below raised their weapons, cheering, "Long live the Prince! Long live the Princess Consort!"

Tall and robust, the soldiers stood firm against the wind, clad in heavy armor, as immovable as indestructible iron towers. Their thunderous voices rolled like a tidal wave, accompanied by the dense forest of uplifted weapons, a magnificent sight to behold.

Majestic music filled the air as a group of shield-bearing soldiers, their muscular torsos exposed, rhythmically raised their arms, positioned their shields, crossed their arms, and struck stances to the beat of thunderous drums and harmonious melodies. Even Yuan Jun, harboring resentment in his heart, felt a surge of exhilaration at the grand spectacle before him.

Prince Jingbei, holding Princess Yi Yang's hand, was led by the master of ceremonies onto the elevated martial arts platform. Yuan Jun followed several lady officials to stand in attendance. He witnessed Prince Jingbei address the princess, "This is the renowned Military Array Dance, 'Barbarian Shields.' Have you seen it, Princess? Later, there will be 'Drum Surprises,' another highly acclaimed military dance. Our ancestors valued martial prowess, and Prince Jingbei's domain is founded on strength. On this joyous day, our soldiers present these dances for blessings and to ward off evil spirits. It's also an opportunity for us to inspect the military's might."

Yuan Yiqing smiled slightly. "Having paid respects to our ancestors and the heavens, Your Highness may now address me as your queen. As they say, seeing is believing. The Jingbei army indeed embodies valor and might."

Up close, Prince Jingbei's features were striking—his dark brows, high nose bridge. If one could overlook the chilling aura that emanated from him and his piercing, cold eyes, he would be considered a handsome young man. However, the icy detachment he displayed while surveying the troops made it impossible for anyone to meet his gaze directly.

Yet, Yuan Yiqing sat serenely by his side, her demeanor calm and composed as if she was entirely oblivious to the chilling aloofness that kept others at bay.

Drums thundered with exhilaration, and cheers roared like a mighty thunderbolt. The ensemble of soldiers wielding giant drums withdrew amidst the impassioned music.

Yet, to their surprise, the Four Generals entered the scene, each leading a squad of cavalrymen. The cavalrymen were dressed in dark armor, and around their heads and waists were four distinctively colored sashes—black, blue, red, and white.

Prince Jingbei spoke in a solemn voice, "These are the four generals who have fought and survived alongside me. Today, they will showcase the Four Symbols Formation for us. My lady, do you know what the Four Symbols refer to?"

Yuan Yiqing remarked, "I suppose it refers to the renowned Four Symbols Formation of the Jingbei Army – the Black Tortoise, White Tiger, Azure Dragon, and Vermilion Bird – who once valiantly defended against barbarian forces."

Prince Jingbei said, "Indeed, the four generals have risked life and limb for the peace of Northern Jing, rendering great service. Today, to allow the Princess Consort to witness their prowess, they have been specially arranged to perform a military drill as a tribute."

Yuan Yiqing's smile remained on her face, but her eyes turned cold. Was he going to put on a show and then expect a reward right then and there? With so many soldiers and the prince's court officials as witnesses, how could she possibly reject a marriage proposal in front of them?

This was an open scheme, yet she had no choice but to accept it... It seemed she could no longer protect the ladies in her service, but... there was still room for maneuver, albeit at the cost of sacrificing one... Who would be the more convenient sacrifice for future maneuvers?

Yuan Jun stood behind Yuan Yiqing, observing her right hand subconsciously draw back to clasp her left wrist. A pang in his heart told him that his sister was simmering with anger.

Why the need for anger?

Regardless of the reason, he clearly disliked this military formation. He cast a disdainful glance and suddenly stepped forward, kneeling on one knee before Yuan Yiqing. In a low voice, he said, "Your Highness Princess, since we're staging a military display to celebrate the Duke and Duchess' wedding, how can there not be a prize? This servant requests permission to break the formation with an arrow and claim the prize, to bring joy to the Duke and Duchess!"

Both Prince Jingbei and Yuan Yiqing were taken aback and turned to look at him.

Prince Jingbei said coldly, "Break the formation?"

Yuan Yiqing's gaze fell upon the graceful maid, who looked somewhat bewildered. But in a moment, despite her own doubts, she resolutely supported her lady-in-waiting. "Shooting arrows to break a formation, I've seen that before. Has Your Highness never heard of it? There must be a key point in each of the four formations. During the performance, a military officer can volunteer to break the formation by entering the ranks with the troops. If they can shoot down the embroidered ball on the key point with three arrows, they have successfully broken the formation."

Prince Jingbei's voice remained calm. "No one has ever dared to claim they could break my Four Symbols Formation. Your maid has quite the bold claim."

Yuan Yiqing chuckled, "Your Highness, while you have loyal and courageous generals ready to risk life and limb for you, I only have these few sisters whom I hold dear like my own limbs. On this fine day, let her have a try."

The Prince of Jingbei turned to look directly into Yuan Yiqing's eyes, their clarity and resolution unyielding.

His expression remained composed as he said, "Permission granted."