C188. Extra 1.

Chapter 188. Extra 1.

In the second year of Ping Yan's spring, the Emperor was about to have a grand wedding.

Naturally, the groom was Chuhao Chao. He would be the first male empress-consort in history, and being in a nominal brother-in-law relationship with the Emperor, there should have been many obstacles.

However, Yuan Li had fought his way to the position of founding Emperor, reaching the peak of his authority. With both Yuan Li and Chu Hechao having resources and the unwavering support of the civil and military officials who had followed them on this journey, no one dared to raise objections.

Moreover, the divine sign of the phoenix descending to circle Chu Hechao had left a lasting impact on everyone's minds. Who would dare oppose Yuan Li and Chu Hechao after witnessing such a spectacular event?

Not only did they dare not speak against it, they also helped conceal the fact that Yuan Li and Chu Hechao were brother-in-law in name, ensuring that their union would be celebrated and praised by all.

Fortunately, Yuan Li had once performed a secret marriage ceremony for Chu Mingfeng, a fact known only to the scholarly class. The common people and the lower-class nobles could not inquire about the affairs of the Chu family, making it easier to keep this matter hidden.

The court historians had covered up the secret marriage ceremony by modifying it to be a time when Chu Mingfeng had admired the Emperor's outstanding talents, inviting him to stay at the Chu residence for a period of time, where the Emperor and Chu Hechao had formed a bond of friendship.

After Chu Mingfeng's passing, Chu Hechao had invited the Emperor to the northern frontier, and in gratitude for the support he had received from Chu Mingfeng and Prince Chu in uniting the region, the Emperor had accepted the invitation to govern Youzhou alongside Chu Hechao.

The court officials had hidden this old story, and the courtiers had remained silent on the matter. The changing winds at the court soon spread throughout the scholarly class, with those who knew about the past incident fiercely keeping mum to avoid angering the Emperor.

As time passed, this old story would eventually be buried in the dust of history.

Because this wedding was unprecedented and marked the first universally celebrated event after the founding of the New Dynasty, the officials at the Ministry of Rites were at their wits' end, meticulously researching historical records to ensure the proper ceremonial procedures.

Yuan Li and Chu Hechao often found time amidst their busy schedules to inquire about the wedding arrangements. It was only three months before the grand wedding that the ceremonial attires were finally completed and presented to Yuan Li and Chu Hechao.

Since both parties were male, traditional wedding attire could not be used. The attire was designed specifically for men, each outfit handsome and unique.

After trying on the wedding attire, Chu Hechao noticed a golden phoenix embroidered on it. His lips twitched, choosing to ignore the phoenix as he stepped out of the room to find Yuan Li.

Arriving at Yuan Li's room, he saw Yuan Li had just changed into the wedding attire. Chu Hechao stood at the door, admiring the sight of his wife in red inside the room.

The Emperor's wedding attire was exquisitely ornate and grand, with layers of fabric and a jade belt cinching the waist. Yuan Li extended his hands for the attendants to adorn him with accessories, his sleeves billowing magnificently, exuding a regal aura.

The golden dragon patterns shimmered faintly, lending a joyful light to Yuan Li's complexion, radiating splendor and grace. Spotting Chu Hechao, Yuan Li's eyes brightened as he appraised him with a smile, saying, "You look good."

Chu Hechao stood tall in his wedding attire, his stature impressive and commanding, embodying excellence.

"You look good too," Chuhao Chao complimented as he approached Yuan Li to adjust his collar, "My wife is truly handsome."

The attendants were accustomed to their unconventional banter and quickly left after dressing Yuan Li. The door closed gently behind them.

Yuan Li led Chuhao Chao to a copper mirror, where they gazed at their reflections. The figures in the mirror appeared harmonious and beautiful. Yuan Li teased, "Our Grand General bears the phoenix mark and is soon to be my Empress. I'm sure your father and brother never thought their family would produce an Empress."

"Cheeky," Chuhao Chao chuckled, then proceeded to press a blushing Yuanli against the wall, jesting, "Your Majesty, come, let the Empress assist you with your attire."

Yuan Li's wedding attire, which had only been on for a short while, felt loose and began to slip off. In the half-lit room, Yuan Li's cheeks were slightly flushed, and his hair was tousled.

The blazing sunlight seeped through the seams of the window, casting a radiant glow on his face. His hair shimmered like gold, and the walls were bathed in a red hue from the wedding attire.

Chu Hechao was momentarily captivated as he gazed at Yuan Li, reaching out to adjust Yuan Li's garments while whispering in his ear, "The first time I saw you, you were also wearing a bright red wedding attire."

Yuan Li murmured, "I remember."

Fate was indeed peculiar. Yuan Li had only worn wedding attire twice in his life - once for the secret marriage ceremony with Chu Mingfeng, where Chu Hechao had stood with him at the ceremony. The second time was now, with Chu Hechao as the groom once again.

Chu Hechao bit onto Yuan Li's earlobe, his breath slightly heavier, "We should have consummated the marriage that time, so I wouldn't have to wait two years to be with you."

Yuan Li chuckled and gently pushed Chu Hechao away, resting against his chest, playfully raising an eyebrow amidst the intense gaze of the man, "You should be thankful we didn't, otherwise I would have made you a eunuch back then."

Chu Hechao was stunned, then chuckled softly, "Very well, I like you even more."

The ceremonial attire for the wedding was expensive and intricate, not to be damaged. Chu Hechao tossed their clothes aside, and as they walked aimlessly, they found themselves near the door.

Chu Hechao was particularly excited today, while Yuan Li leaned against the door, head tilted back, his neck taut, veins visible beneath the pale skin. Sweating profusely, there were people outside, but Yuan Li refrained from making a sound.

Chu Hechao kissed him, stifling any moans or gasps. The door trembled with each push, but thankfully, the palace doors were sturdy enough to withstand the playfulness of two grown men.

The attendants already knew the protocol and didn't disturb them nearby. At a critical moment, a faint voice of an attendant outside the door could be heard, "Your Majesty, the Marquis of Yidong requests an audience."

Yuan Li and Chu Hechao paused. Marquis of Yidong was Yuan Dan, whom Yuan Li had to confer titles to after his coronation based on their achievements. Yuan Li was about to decline the audience, but Chu Hechao stopped him, covering Yuan Li's waist and mouth, playfully suggesting, "Let him in, he can speak outside the door."

Yuan Li glared at Chu Hechao, who grinned mischievously, suddenly lifting Yuan Li and leaning him against the wall next to the door, in a hushed tone saying, "Don't make a sound, let's have some excitement."

Yuan Li kicked at him, whispering, "Get lost!"

"Shh," Chuhao Chao whispered, "Someone is coming outside."

Upon hearing Yuan Dan's voice, Chu Hechao gestured to Yuan Li to speak. Annoyed and embarrassed, Yuan Li tried to maintain composure, asking, "What brings you here, Wenhan?"

Yuan Dan joyfully exclaimed, "I bring good news to Your Majesty!"

Curious, Yuan Li inquired, "What good news?"

Engrossed in his joy, Yuan Dan didn't notice the subtle change in the Emperor's tone and grinned, "My wife gave birth to a son this morning, and I have come to share this joy with you and the Empress!"

Empress...

Yuan Li couldn't help but chuckle, while Chu Hechao dangerously narrowed his eyes. After a moment, the Emperor grunted, offering a muted "Congratulations."

"It is I who should congratulate Your Majesty and the Empress." Scratching his head, Yuan Dan found it strange and asked, "Your Majesty, why so informal? When my wife was pregnant, we made a decision together. If it was a boy, we agreed to have him adopted by you and the Empress, which I had previously discussed with you."

The room fell silent after his statement. Perplexed, Yuan Dan sought clarity, "Your Majesty?"

"Understood, we will visit the child with the Empress later this afternoon," Chu Hechao's voice suddenly cut in impatiently, "Marquis of Yidong, you may leave."

Startled to find Chu Hechao present as well, Yuan Dan quickly agreed and turned to leave. Just before he could exit, Chu Hechao stopped him, saying, "Next time you see me, don't call me Empress again."

Yuan Dan stood puzzled, pondering for a moment, "Then what should I call you?"

With a deep sigh, Chu Hechao's anger simmered, "Why haven't you left yet?!"

Feeling the Empress's fiery temper today, Yuan Dan rubbed his nose sheepishly, muttering, "Alright, alright, I'm leaving now, nephew-in-law..."

Inside the room, Chu Hechao halted all movements, his face grim. Yuan Li's expression was odd, and after a few moments, he couldn't contain himself, leaning on Chu Hechao's shoulder, "Hahaha."

In the afternoon, the two of them went to see the newborn son of Yuan Dan and the Lady of the Chu family. The child weighed a healthy six pounds and was born smoothly.

The infant, red all over with sparse hair, was peacefully sleeping in swaddles. Chu Hechao stood by and after observing for a while, couldn't help but turn his head and remark, "So ugly."

Yuan Li also found the child quite unattractive, but he was more knowledgeable than Chu Hechao, explaining, "Newborns always look like this, they'll grow to be more charming. Think about your sister's appearance and Yuan Dan's, this child can't be ugly."

Chu Hechao agreed upon some reflection, nodding. After inspecting the child, they called for Yuan Dan to speak.

Yuan Li sighed, "Remember the discussion we had before? Being my successor is not easy. If this child doesn't show promising potential, I may have to return him to you. This back and forth could be harmful to the child, causing estrangement between him and you, creating discomfort for both parties."

Yuan Dan nodded solemnly, "My wife and I have prepared for any outcome, Your Majesty, please don't worry about this matter."

After a brief silence, Yuan Li raised a hand to pat Yuan Dan's shoulder, whispering, "Thank you, dear uncle."

Yuan Dan, overwhelmed with emotion, turned bright red and then knelt down, declaring, "I am willing to serve Your Majesty with my utmost dedication and loyalty until my last breath!"

Two hours later, Yuan Li and Chu Hechao departed. Yuan Dan expected them to take the child with them to the palace for care, but surprisingly, Yuan Li and Chuhao Chao instructed him to continue looking after the infant until after the grand wedding ceremonies.

Puzzled, Yuan Dan discussed with his wife, "His Majesty and the General seem unconcerned about their heir. It seems like I am more anxious about the child than they are!"

Since knowing the Emperor's plan to have him adopt their heir, Yuan Dan had been under immense pressure, with the scrutiny of his family and court officials weighing heavily on him. His wife, listened with a gentle smile, her appearance fuller than years before, indicating a content life.

She softly remarked, "His Majesty and the General aren't rushing for a child. You see, they haven't once pressured you or me."

Yuan Dan concurred with a nod, "True."

If it weren't for the officials and the country's need for an heir, the Emperor and the General may not prioritize their heir as much. She chuckled before suggesting, "My sister is also planning to adopt a child under my eldest brother's name. This way, the Chu family will have future generations to carry on. Even a hundred years later, someone will remember my eldest brother and honor his memory at the ancestral tombs."

Yuan Dan nodded in agreement, recognizing the significance, and deeply respected the late Chu Mingfeng.

Three months later, the Emperor and Empress held their grand wedding ceremony. Officials and dignitaries flocked to offer their congratulations, with gifts and poems pouring in from all corners of the thirteen provinces.

The wedding was modest and frugal, almost plain in its simplicity. However, the Emperor summoned elite cavalry to present a spectacular and eye-catching "parade" to elevate the occasion.

The display was magnificent, showcasing the valor and vigor of the troops, with each military unit delivering awe-inspiring performances that left the spectators in admiration. The three-bow bed crossbows and powerful ballistae resonated, demonstrating the grandeur and magnificence of the imperial family!

The foreign dignitaries from various regions, including the Xianbei and the tribes from the distant south, wore stiff smiles as they watched in awe and uncertainty. Even years later, this day remained a topic of lively discussion among the people, celebrated and recounted widely.