Chapter 27: Bestowing Marriage

Chapter 27: The Marriage Decree

At the Yang residence, Liu Yun walked slowly alongside the Yang family's third young master, neither of them spoke right away.

After so many days apart, meeting again as a betrothed couple was awkward—not just for Liu Yun, but for Yang Xiuyuan as well.

Until, mid-walk, Liu Yun accidentally stepped on a small pebble and began to topple. Yang Xiuyuan swiftly caught her.

Through the thin summer fabric, he held her wrist with polite restraint, steadying her firmly.

"Are you alright, Sister Yun?"

Meeting Brother Xiuyuan's gentle, concerned gaze, Liu Yun blushed and thanked him: "Thank you, Brother Xiuyuan. I'm fine."

"I haven't yet had the chance to congratulate you on your new post—now you'll be able to stay in Yanjing for good."

Both were already pleased with this match, and once the conversation began, the atmosphere warmed.

In response to the young lady's sweet congratulations, Yang Xiuyuan's heart stirred as he said softly: "I must also thank Uncle Liu for his help this time."

Liu Yun quickly waved her hands: "No need, no need—it's only right."

She meant to say that with their families' years of friendship, such a small matter hardly required thanks; that would be too formal.

But to Yang Xiuyuan's ears, he heard it differently.

Helping one's future son-in-law was, of course, nothing worth mentioning.

With that thought, Yang Xiuyuan's gaze toward Liu Yun became even gentler, and he asked with tender concern: "I heard from Mother that you were ill a few days ago, Sister Yun. You must have delicate health. I have a century-old wild ginseng—I'll give it to you today to build up your strength."

Liu Yun initially wanted to decline—her illness was merely a chill from being startled, hardly a sign of weakness.

She looked up to refuse, but meeting the young man's warm, affectionate eyes, she suddenly understood.

"Then thank you, Brother Xiuyuan."

They were about to become betrothed—it was right to be closer and less formal.

They walked side by side, Yang Xiuyuan slowing his pace to accommodate Liu Yun, occasionally chatting with the smiling girl.

Seeing the moment was right, Yang Xiuyuan quietly took out a jade hairpin from his sleeve.

It was a twin-lotus hairpin, with delicate petals and a pink pearl at the center.

Though the jade wasn't of the finest quality, the stone had a smooth, warm texture and exquisite carving—Liu Yun loved it at first sight.

"Realizing I'd never given you a hairpin, I visited Huazhen Tower yesterday and saw this—it seemed to suit you perfectly, so I bought it."

"Do you like it?"

How could Liu Yun not? Her eyes sparkled as she nodded eagerly, letting out an enthusiastic "Mm!"

"I love it!"

A hairpin was a love token between a man and woman—now that Brother Xiuyuan was to be her betrothed, it was only fitting for her to accept it graciously.

With that thought, Liu Yun blushed, gathered her courage, and stepped closer: "Brother Xiuyuan, help me put it on."

Meeting the girl's eager gaze, Yang Xiuyuan's heart softened, and he secured the jade pin in her hair.

"There—it looks great on you, Sister Yun."

He praised her, his fingers brushing past her temple, a faint tingling sensation making Liu Yun's face flush instantly.

"Thank you, Brother Xiuyuan. I really like it."

She reached up to touch the jade pin in her bun, murmuring her thanks.

June marked the end of the silk tree's blooming season, and occasionally pink fluffy blossoms drifted in the breeze, landing in Liu Yun's hair. Yang Xiuyuan would smile, pluck them off, and show them to her with a playful comment.

Back and forth, question and answer—a scene of peaceful happiness.

This must be the one meant for her.

Liu Yun couldn't help but think.

After a lunch at the Yang residence, everyone was happy.

Her mother was beaming, her father half-drunk as the Yang family saw them off.

At the table, the elders discussed the wedding plans openly, not hiding anything from her or Brother Xiuyuan. Uncle Yang said they would come for the betrothal ceremony in three days, telling her to wait at home without worry.

After all, she was still a young lady—hearing her elders discuss her own marriage while the man she was to marry sat across from her, how could Liu Yun stay composed? She blushed and shyly answered Uncle Yang with a soft "yes," which made everyone laugh.

As she boarded the carriage, Liu Yun saw Brother Xiuyuan's hand extended to help her, and she shyly placed her hand in his before climbing in.

Settled inside, Liu Yun gathered her courage, lifted the curtain, and called to Yang Xiuyuan, who was about to leave: "Brother Xiuyuan's sachet is worn out. I'll embroider a new one for you—come pick it up in three days."

For Liu Yun, this was a very direct way of expressing her feelings.

Embroidering small items like sachets for a man outside the family was hardly proper, but for a soon-to-be betrothed husband, it was just right.

Yang Xiuyuan smiled warmly, nodded to Liu Yun inside the carriage, and said: "Alright, I'll be waiting for your sachet, Sister Yun."

The carriage rumbled away, the breeze still stirring the green curtain, partially revealing the blushing, smiling face of the young lady within.

...

Three days passed—not fast, not slow—and before they knew it, the day arrived.

Those three days were uneventful yet momentous for Liu Yun; everything seemed the same, yet everything felt different.

Because she was getting engaged.

It meant she would soon be living in another household, no longer the naive young girl always at her parents' side.

She would become a wife, a mother, running her husband's household, facing people other than her own parents and siblings.

It was a difficult transition—even at the very start, Liu Yun felt a twinge of sadness just thinking about it.

And during those three days, the uneventful calm of life also confirmed Liu Yun's read on the Crown Prince's attitude.

See—it was just a passing fancy.

He'd toyed with her like a pet for a moment and then cast her aside; he never truly harbored any feelings for her.

Relieved as she was, a barely noticeable flicker of disappointment stirred in Liu Yun's heart.

Indeed, a man like that would never take a liking to her.

After thinking it through, Liu Yun pulled herself together, ready to face her new chapter with a fresh mindset.

With her parents' blessing and the matchmaker's arrangement, with all the formal betrothal rites, she would marry a man her parents approved of, living a life of managing the household and supporting her husband.

Perhaps it wouldn't be grand or dramatic, but it would be peaceful and stable.

Now that made sense.

Liu Yun quietly envisioned her future, feeling it was okay, but not great.

But no matter what lay ahead, when the carriage came, she had to get on board.

On the third day, Liu Yun got up at Jin He's urging.

As she was having her hair done, her young maid Sui'er came running in, all smiles, with news.

"They're here, they're here~"

"The Yang family is here with the betrothal gifts!"

At the news, despite being prepared, Liu Yun's heart started pounding, and she tensed up all over.

She urged Jin He to hurry up with her hair, and once the last jade hairpin with twin lotus blossoms was in, Liu Yun hitched up her skirts and hurried to the front courtyard to see what all the fuss was about.

Of course, she wouldn't go right up front.

Though the Liu family wasn't rich or highborn, they were educated and knew their manners, knowing that as the bride-to-be, she shouldn't be out there mingling.

So Liu Yun just hung back, watching from a distance, watching the Yang family bustle about, and the heavy, bright red betrothal gifts stacked up across half the courtyard.

There was also a young man in a green robe standing in the courtyard talking to her father—gentle, refined, and composed.

Liu Yun watched curiously for a while, got her fill, then turned and headed back to her own courtyard.

She was sure her parents would soon send someone to ask for her final answer.

This was a customary formality—even though the two families had already secretly agreed, on the day of the betrothal, the bride's elders would still send someone to formally ask the bride-to-be for her consent.

Since the marriage had already been agreed upon, the answer would naturally be a happy one.

It was just a formality.

Sure enough, the woman in charge of the auspicious inquiry soon arrived—Old Wang, the fastest on her feet in the Liu household.

She came in grinning and called out loudly to Liu Yun, who was sitting quietly at the vanity: "The young master of the Yang family asks: will the young lady consent to marry?"

On this happy day, Liu Yun smiled, about to answer, "I consent."

But before the words could leave her mouth, a shout came from outside the courtyard, and someone came rushing in in a panic.

"Young lady, wait, wait!"

Startled, Liu Yun squinted and recognized her father's attendant, Ah Song.

He came running, face red, panting hard—clearly the bearer of big news.

"You little rascal, picking a happy day like this to interrupt—looking for a beating, are you?"

Old Wang was displeased and scolded him with a laugh.

But Ah Song was in no mood for jokes, only wanting to get the message out fast before it was too late.

So, turning to the astonished young lady, he said: "Young lady, hurry to the front courtyard—an imperial edict has arrived, and it's granting you a marriage!"

At these words, Liu Yun was dumbfounded, totally confused.

Why would the Emperor be granting her a marriage?

And to whom?

Even though her mind was racing with questions, she didn't dare delay once she heard it was an imperial edict. She straightened her clothes and hurried to the front courtyard.

What usually took the time it takes to burn a stick of incense was covered in no time with her hurried steps.

From a distance, she saw a eunuch in deep crimson brocade robes with a roundel pattern, leading a few young eunuchs, standing in the middle of the courtyard. Her parents stood nearby talking to him, looking a bit nervous.

Having an imperial edict suddenly arrive to arrange a marriage for their beloved daughter in the middle of betrothal talks—anyone would be caught off guard.

Of course, the Yang family, who had come to present the betrothal gifts, was in the toughest spot. Their betrothal ceremony was interrupted, and they were told the bride they had chosen was being given away by imperial decree. If it hadn't been an imperial edict, the Yang family wouldn't have let it go so easily.

The group, including Yang Xiuyuan, stood there stunned, their faces grim.

"Father, Mother, what is happening?"

Not knowing the eunuch's rank or name, Liu Yun just gave a proper bow and asked her parents.

But Liu Shiwen and his wife knew no more than what Ah Song had said.

"The Emperor has issued an edict to grant you a marriage. Kneel down quickly to receive it."

Liu Shiwen knelt first, and though confused, Liu Yun obediently followed.

The Liu family knelt in a row, and seeing this, the Yang family naturally dared not offend the imperial presence and knelt quietly as well.

The ceremonial eunuch, seeing that the awaited person had arrived, nodded in satisfaction. He took out a jade tablet from a brocade box, unfurled it in the bright sunlight, and proclaimed loudly: "In the eighteenth year of Ningde, summer, the twelfth day of the sixth month, the Emperor decrees: The eldest daughter of Liu Shiwen, Vice Minister of Works, inherits noble lineage and family virtue. Her nature is serene, her bearing elegant, gentle and principled, soft and self-possessed, her reputation flows through the women's quarters, and her virtue shines upon the nation.

The Eastern Palace is the foundation, and the heir's household requires virtue. Now, choosing an auspicious day to form a blessed union, I bestow her in marriage upon the Crown Prince. I appoint her as the Crown Princess, to take her position in the Spring Palace, to assist the heir, to govern the inner court with dignity, and to serve as a model for the Eastern Palace.

The relevant offices shall prepare the rites and ceremonies, following the statutes of the Great Yan, and select auspicious days for the six rites of betrothal: the proposal, name inquiry, auspicious divination, betrothal gifts, and personal welcome. Let this be proclaimed to all under heaven, that all may know."

The eunuch's voice was higher-pitched than usual, and with his spirited proclamation, Liu Yun's mind was already in a daze. When she suddenly heard the words "Crown Princess," her head spun.

Was she dreaming?

She was being betrothed to... the Crown Prince?

Not as a Liangdi or a Liangyuan, but as the Crown Princess herself?

Her breath caught, and Liu Yun was stunned, lifting her head blankly to look.

She even thought the edict might be false—that someone was playing a cruel joke on her.

And at the very moment when Brother Xiuyuan had come to present the betrothal gifts, with the two families about to finalize the engagement.

"Your Highness, the Crown Princess, will you not quickly accept the edict?"

Seeing Liu Yun's dazed expression, the ceremonial eunuch showed no surprise, even smiling as he addressed her as Crown Princess, reminding her to accept this great fortune.

Not even he had imagined the Crown Princess would come from the Liu family—likely few in all of Yanjing could have guessed it.

Not the lady of Duke Wen's household, not the lady of Secretary Qin's household, nor the lady of Duke Wei's household, famed for her looks—not even any of the talented and comely young ladies in all of Yanjing.

But the seemingly plain and honest young lady of Vice Minister of Works Liu's household.

Once this imperial edict was issued, Yanjing would be buzzing with excitement within half a day.

The eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonies heaved an inward sigh, yet his face was full of reverence for the Crown Princess.

The Crown Prince securely held the Eastern Palace, an indisputable legitimate heir, the future sovereign.

And this Crown Princess, sought by him personally, was destined to be the Empress, a motherly model for the entire realm.

He understood the weight of the matter and what was at stake.

Under the eunuch's grinning reminder, Liu Shiwen and his wife's expressions shifted, and they glanced sideways at the Yang family, their eyes betraying their reluctance.

In the end, Liu Shiwen, his conscience getting the better of him, spoke, trembling and hesitant: "His Majesty's grace is overwhelming, and I dare not refuse, but I had long agreed to a marriage between my daughter and the son of Master Yang, the Director. Today, the Yang family has come precisely to present the betrothal gifts. I fear my Liu family's blessings are too meager."

Liu Shiwen had never imagined he would one day dare to defy the Son of Heaven's decree and refuse the marriage, though he phrased it very euphemistically and cautiously.

But refusing was refusing.

Seeing this, the eunuch raised an eyebrow, secretly marveling at the Crown Prince's astuteness, and, having anticipated this, responded: "Ah, don't say that. I ask you—has the marriage between your two families been finalized? Is there a betrothal document? Have the rites been performed?"

Liu Shiwen and his wife shook their heads in unison. The betrothal document would only be written after the betrothal gifts were formally presented, and the rites were even further off.

The eunuch saw this and beamed, immediately saying with a smile: "Then that's that. Since none of the betrothal ceremonies have been completed, then the man is unwed and the woman is unbetrothed. What's wrong with His Majesty betrothing a wife for our Crown Prince?"

"Besides, Vice Minister Liu, don't be so set in your ways. Heaven, earth, the sovereign, parents, and teachers—apart from the heavens above and the earth beneath your feet, His Majesty is always first, isn't he?"

His words, delivered with a beaming smile, carried a hint of stern admonition, causing Liu Shiwen and his wife's faces to turn pale.

Finally, Liu Shiwen exchanged a glance with his wife, then looked back at Third Young Master Yang, whose expression was equally grave, and heaved a long sigh.

"Shanshan, accept the edict."

Liu Yun, in a daze, raised both hands, feeling the heavy silk scroll settle into them, and it felt as if a heavy stone were pressing on her heart as well.

She had truly become the Crown Princess?

This is utterly absurd!

Author's note:

Sorry! The actual plot turned out to be more than I predicted, so I'm late in posting this.

The imperial edict in this chapter is based on Tang Dynasty records for the formal appointment of a Crown Princess.