Chapter 58: The wedding day

The day was finally here. It had been almost a month since Prince Zi's mansion had held a marriage. However last month was a joyous occasion however today wasn't one. Today was the 23rd of July 1432. The royal astronomer had spoken that today was one of the best days of the year. However, to be in was the day where I enter Hell. As the time grew closer the only thing I could think of was Liu Xin'er. I haven't seen her in 2 years would she blame me for marrying someone else? The last time I hear any news of her was when her brother told me she was going to be married. Xin'er ah Xin'er what exactly happened then? Why did you end up marrying someone else when I was only gone for two months? I had even gotten my father's permission to marry you. I was lost in my thought and I didn't even hear Yu Xuan coming in. "Childe. Childe," he shouted. I looked up at him and he asked "are you ok?". I smirked and retorted "would you be ok if you were to marry that princess who is well known to be stubborn and ignorant?". Yu Xuan shook his head in reply. I signed and asked, "what's wrong?". Yu Xuan looked up and replied "The princess sedan is on its way here. According to tradition you've to go outside and welcome her," I nodded and asked, "Has gege arrived?". Yu Xuan nodded and commented, "Yes, I acted according to your instructions adding He family as one of our guests. I gave the young master a face mask to cover his real face,". I nodded at his consideration. At least someone older than me can see me getting married.

I stepped outside and began to walk towards the front door. Today I was finally entering hell. I glanced around at the crowds who had gathered around to watch the commotion. The face represents joy however I knew that it was nothing but a façade. Everyone in Chang'an knows that the third princess is as stubborn and ignorant as any other princess. Seeing my face An hui Zhong stepped forward and patted my shoulders. I glanced at him and asked "What?". He signed and replied, "Don't be too sad it shows on your face,". I turned to look at him and shouted "An Hui Zhong*(1) how about you marry the princess. I'm sure you would be able to keep a smile...". Smartly he silenced himself and patiently waited alongside me. The red sedan gradually came into sight and my whole face darken a few shades. The sedan stopped and everyone looked at me as if I was meant to do something. Oh, right I think I was meant to kick open the sedan chair. I sighed and walked down the stairs towards the red sedan chair. Usually, when the groom kicks open the sedan chair they would kick the side just in case the bride is harmed even when there are multiple layers of protection. However, I directly kicked the chair in the middle. I want her to get hurt so the whole marriage can be called off. I held a hand out for her to lean on it and brought her into the ancestral Hall.

Standing there was an old woman (who must have good fortune in her life) who was holding 2 sets of tea. "The first bow towards the sky" the women chanted as we turned towards the outside bowing with their hands held tight in front. " The second bow towards the older generation," facing back towards the name pallets we bowed down. " The last bow towards each other," the look of disgust was hidden through the smile that was shown on my face as we bowed delightfully. "The marriage vow if finished, please offer tea to the elder generation," the madam shouted. The first Tea should be offered to my late father. We split the tea onto the floor. The second tea offering is towards my late mother. Again we poured the tea onto the ground. Finally, we were done.

"Announce the Consort Dowager," a shrill voice belonging to a eunuch announced. Alongside my sister and Chiu Yeung, we knelt to greet Imperial Grandmother. "Tian You, Chiu Yeung, Tian An, Tian Yao, Tian Jing, Tian Ming, Tian Xia greets Imperial Grandmother," We chorused alongside citizens and relatives watching the marriage who addressed Imperial Grandmother as Consort Dowager. " Imperial Grandmother, what are you doing here?" asked Tian An as she arranged a chair for imperial grandmother. " Oh I'm here to participate in You'er wedding." she replied "After all there must be someone of the elder generation being served tea. And that I'm sure my son and daughter-in-law would have wanted for me to watch this ceremony in their stead," I nodded my head in agreement as Tian Hua ordered, "Come somebody pour another set of tea for Imperial grandmother,". Imperial Grandmother gracefully sat down on the chair and began talking to the third princess. " Chiu Yeung you are now married you must be so willful and stubborn anymore. Tell me if anyone including my grandson ever bullies you," commented Imperial Grandmother. "You'er I hope that you and Chiu Yeung will make a good pair, I'll wait for Chiu Yeung to give birth to a lovely great-grandchild. Do work in harmony,". I nodded as the Imperial grandmother smiled in approval " Imperial grandmother please take tea" I stated. Imperial Grandmother drank the tea and smiled at me longingly. In the next second, a delicate voice with a hint of arrogance uttered " Imperial grandmother please drink this tea from your granddaughter-in-law," grandmother drank the tea as we got up and went our separate ways. I was meant to go out and drink with my guest like a good host. And Chiu Yeung was sent to the bridal chambers. for the consummation.

I spent most of the time outside drinking with the guest. Those who knew me understood that I was trying to get drunk so I could drown in sorrow. However, those who didn't know my only thought that I was trying to be a good guest. When the sun began to set and many guests decide to return home or to the inns they've booked. I began to send everyone back to their carriage still holding a bottle of wine in my hand. An Hui Zhong, Imperial Grandmother and Hu Chao Xing had decided to stay over at my residence so I ask Butler He to accommodate them. In the end, An Hui Zhong and Hu Chao Xing had to send me to the bridal chambers whilst Yu Xuan rushed to grab some soup for me to sober up. I drank all of that soup all in one go as I entered the bridal hall.

Glossary:

1. Refer to Chapter 11