Wedding Day (1)

"Huang Yi gives thanks to His Highness Prince Jing. I will do my best not to disappoint you."

Huang Yi's eyes curved, his lips quirked upward. "I will also ensure that I 'see' how my Huang family has 'grown' over the past years."

After that, Huang Yi gave his congratulations to Fu Yanqing and bid goodbye.

"I sincerely hope that Prince Jing's woman can live up to Zhao Country's expectations."

....

...

At the Empress Dowager's Palace, Zhao Yan was being dressed up by the female servants and handmaidens. A Good Fortune Madam also showed up and was personally invited by the Empress Dowager.

She took a thin thread, said a few auspicious words, and skillfully trimmed the thin hairs on Zhao Yan's face. It caused some slight pain but nothing that Zhao Yan could not handle.

The Good Fortune Madam performed the rite of passage that symbolized the transition from a young lady to a woman. Zhao Yan was already quite fair and after the few hairs on her face were treaded, her cheeks became more smooth like freshly peeled eggs, very delicate and watery.

The Good Fortune Madam couldn't help but say a few words to Zhao Yan whose beauty was really so blinding that her heart twisted a little. "There are a lot of young brides that I have handled and sent off to marry, but the lady is really special. The lady's complexion is so good. Did you sleep well last night? Look at this little face. It looks good enough that it doesn't need any makeup. It looks as moist and smooth as tofu. There is nothing unsatisfactory about your face or skin. Is the lady using some kind of special balm? This fair skin looks very natural."

Zhao Yan was a little embarrassed when she heard this. This could be counted as earning a compliment, right? Though she has some doubts, she chose to ignore them.

In Prince Li's mansion, she would always be criticized for being too gaudy when she tries to wear jewelry or dress up but when she doesn't, she would be labeled plain or boring, even ugly if they felt like saying it.

Zhao Yan could tell that the Good Fortune Madam was being sincere with her words so she thanked her and smiled.

To receive auspicious words on the wedding day, even the five facial features would be exaggerated by the surrounding people. Zhao Yan knew this but this time, the Good Fortune Madam who would usually say flowery words just to coax the bride's family to be full of happiness was not lying.

Moreover, the Good Fortune Madam was personally invited by Empress Dowager Fu Rong, if she lied, wouldn't it mean her head falling off her body? It was a really good thing that the bride was really beautiful that all the words flowed smoothly from the Good Fortune Madam's mouth, like water from a flowing river.

At the capital, both nobles and commoners had gotten news of the prince regent's wedding. For one of the members of the royal family to marry no matter which generation would undoubtedly attract people's attention, even more so when it is the wedding of the woman-hater of the century. Thus it was totally understandable if it swept the whole capital and made an uproar.

Zhao Yan was painted a rich bridal makeup amidst the laughter and auspicious words in the room. For a moment, Zhao Yan could not recognize the woman in the bronze mirror.

She actually felt beautiful for once even without anyone telling her.

The womenfolk were chattering and joking around when suddenly there was a sound of a firecracker outside. Everyone looked out, their gazes were very knowing as they looked at Zhao Yan.

Chun Lan whispered to Zhao Yan. "My lady, the bridal sedan has arrived, and His Highness is personally welcoming the lady as his bride. This is a rare scene. Don't let him enter the door easily!"

During a wedding ceremony, there was no big or small and friends and family usually teased the groom, however, who dares to tease Prince Jing? Even Si Yao and Si Chong who were acting their roles as bodyguards dare not say anything. This was a very important occasion for their master.

What's more, today's groomsmen were all first-rank officials. Following Fu Yanqing who has led many soldiers and armies to victory, were iron-clad elite soldiers that accompanied him to fetch the bride. This group of soldiers rushed to the door and stood there, even the red clothing they wore could not hide their murderous might.

The gatekeeper was stared at by so many people, his legs had gone weak.

Although he was used to seeing Prince Jing leading so many soldiers, he suddenly became short of breath when he saw the calm yet penetrating gaze of both His Highness and the soldiers.

As a result, Fu Yanqing's group soon arrived at the main hall. When the womenfolk and servants heard the news that Prince Jing had arrived, they all turned pale, exclaiming "So fast?" while hurriedly looking for the veil for Zhao Yan and to make her hold an apple. This was a fruit that symbolizes auspiciousness and peace.

Although Zhao Yan received etiquette and guidance from Court Lady Choi and the other handmaidens on the proceedings of a wedding ceremony, she was still nervous and stood stiff as a rock. Pretty soon, it was Jae-Ha and Chun Lan who led her.

Gradually, the movement outside became quiet and the air seemed to be different. Zhao Yan's heart jumped violently, even with her vision was all red, she knew that Fu Yanqing was right in front of her.

She was approaching Fu Yanqing every step of the way. She tried to keep her composure amidst the many gazes around her. For a woman, their wedding is undoubtedly one of the most important events of their life.

Zhao Yan was not expecting to marry after being past marriageable age. She always believed that it would be her grandfather who would guide her every step of the way but now... it was different. He was no longer beside her so she had to be brave on her own.

She would also have to be strong for her child.

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