Ming Dynasty Detective 1546

Chapter 233 The Big Wedding
April 8th, the eleventh year of the Jiajing reign.

It is auspicious for all activities, especially weddings and other joyous occasions.

The western part of the capital city, the residence of Princess Yongchun.

The entire household was filled with joy as it prepared to welcome the groom into the bride's home.

Zhu Yuying was not a princess registered in the Imperial Clan Court, so her marriage would not be arranged from within the palace. Originally, the plan was to temporarily choose a residence in the capital as her maternal home, but Princess Yongchun felt that was too shabby and took the initiative to arrange the marriage for her in her own residence.

Since the incident at the Princess's residence, in which she was saved, the two women have become very close friends, and now they are even sisters.

"The red silk is newly tied, the precious mirror is newly round, my sister is truly beautiful today!"

Princess Yongchun was a few years older than Zhu Yuying and usually looked quite childish, but at this moment she also had a maternal glow. She took over the nanny's work and personally put the pearl and jade crown on Zhu Yuying's head, but she was a little regretful: "Sister should wear the Nine-Phoenix Crown, then she would definitely be even more radiant!"

"Enough...enough!"

Looking at herself in the bronze mirror, dressed in a phoenix coronet and wedding gown, Zhu Yuying blushed and her eyes shone with an unprecedented brilliance.

The phoenix crown is a headdress decorated with auspicious patterns such as phoenixes and pheasants, while the embroidered shawl refers to a shawl draped over the shoulders and hanging down to the chest. The combination of the two exudes elegance and nobility. Originally the dress of empresses and noblewomen, it could also be worn by common women on special occasions such as weddings.

Of course, Zhu Yuying was not a commoner; her bridal attire today was from the imperial court and was extremely elaborate.

Wearing a phoenix-patterned, cloud-shoulder, long-sleeved, gold-embroidered, knee-length, round-necked robe, paired with a royal green, eight-treasure, running rabbit, gold-embroidered skirt, and a brocade necklace, the overall look is both rich and elegant.

The key lies in the most eye-catching headdress.

The headdress system in Ming Dynasty weddings was strictly hierarchical. The empress wore the "Nine Dragons and Four Phoenixes Crown", while concubines, crown princesses, princes' wives and princesses wore the "Nine Pheasant Crown". Women of officials wore the "Pearl and Jade Crown", while common women could only wear the "Necklace Crown".

Princess Yongchun wanted her younger sister to wear a nine-phoenix crown for her wedding, but Zhu Yuying insisted on a pearl and jade crown and refused to overstep her bounds in this matter.

"It's absolutely gorgeous! Hai Hanlin is so lucky!"

Zhu Yuying was already extremely satisfied. She had come to the capital of the Ming Dynasty with great anxiety and trepidation. How could she have imagined that she would be where she was today?

When she heard gentle praise from behind, she suddenly realized something was wrong. She turned around and saw that Empress Dowager Jiang was standing behind her with a smile.

"Mother, why did you leave the palace?"

Zhu Yuying was overjoyed, she never expected that this person would come out of the palace in person, but she still reduced the word in her address by one character, changing it from "Niangniang" to "Niang".

As expected, Empress Dowager Jiang was extremely pleased and said with a kind smile, "How can a mother not come to see her daughter off when she gets married? Forget about those rules, I've followed them my whole life, so I can indulge myself this once!"

Zhu Yuying's eyes were red, and she bowed gracefully, saying, "Mother!"

"Don't cry! Don't cry!"

Empress Dowager Jiang looked at her with a kind and reluctant gaze, just like a mother sending her daughter off on her wedding day: "When you go to your husband's family, be filial to your parents-in-law, and live in harmony with your husband. Take heed and strive for this!"

Zhu Yuying repeatedly replied, "I know! I know! I will follow Mother's teachings!"

at the same time.

Haiyue rode a tall horse, accompanied by gongs and drums, to fetch the bride in a lively and festive manner.

Before even reaching the mansion, they saw the Imperial Son-in-Law Xie Zhao, a relative of the bride, smiling as he stepped forward to block the gate: "Tonight, the first barrier to the gate is closed; the jade gate and golden lock will not be opened. If the imperial carriage is to enter the Peach Blossom Spring, don't hesitate to shower it with red lucky money!"

The crowd that had gathered around them cheered and begged for red envelopes.

The princess's residence was surrounded by powerful and wealthy people, whose wedding processions were usually much more extravagant than this one, but no one dared to underestimate this relatively humble wedding procession.

Putting everything else aside, the two Hanlin scholars serving as the master of ceremonies, Hai Rui and Lin Daqin, immediately responded loudly: "The cave dwelling is just a stone's throw away, why are you blocking the way at the gate? I am ashamed that I have no profit to offer, and I have no way to retreat but also find it difficult to advance."

After saying that, the group took out the red envelopes they had prepared and distributed them, then scattered millet, beans, candy, and copper coins to the children watching.

"Hai Hanlin is truly a man of integrity!"

The imperial son-in-law Xie Zhao was merely going through the motions and wasn't really making things difficult for him. With a look of blessing and envy in his eyes, he quickly opened the door.

He said this because when they were looking at each other across the wall from the Princess's residence, this person had told him that he was preparing to marry Li Yuying, but did not want to become a prince consort and be bound by all those constraints.

What was initially thought to be a young boy's wild idea turned out to be surprisingly true.

So at this moment, having endured much hardship, Xie Zhao, who was now in harmony with the princess, sincerely blessed them, saying, "May the lotus bloom in pairs, and the zither and drum resonate in perfect harmony. May you, my virtuous couple, be as precious as gold and tin, as fine as jade and precious as precious stones, forever enjoying the joy of music and music, and establishing a lasting bond of love and marriage!"

"Thank you for your kind words, brother!"

Haiyue returned the greeting and went inside carrying the wild goose.

The "offering of geese" is also an ancient ritual. Since wild geese are difficult to catch and are migratory birds, wooden geese or domestic geese are often used instead. Even official records state the rule that "if there are no geese, geese will be used instead".

Fortunately, it is April, the time when large numbers of migratory birds fly back to the north. The Yinglue Society took action and personally captured live geese to add a touch of splendor to the wedding.

At this moment, after comforting Yan'er and completing the ceremony, Zhu Yuying, under the guidance of the master of ceremonies, was covered with a colorful silk veil and officially left her home.

"Treat her well!"

Empress Dowager Jiang, her eyes red-rimmed, approached Haiyue and, choking back tears, earnestly instructed her, "My dear mother-in-law, I am deeply grateful for your kindness in taking me as your son-in-law. How could I not treat you with utmost sincerity? I will certainly treat you with the utmost respect and ensure that your daughter has a secure future!"

Haiyue bowed respectfully to him and made a proper promise.

Zhu Yuying's body trembled slightly. If it weren't for the matchmaker's support, she wouldn't have dared to touch him. At this moment, she wished she could embrace him.

I promise you a life of carefree happiness, adorned in a phoenix coronet and embroidered robes, and that from this day forward, the gentle breeze and bright moon will accompany you to the ends of the earth.

This is a lifelong commitment!

Meanwhile, the new home was already bustling with activity.

"The wedding procession is coming back soon, please make way!"

Because so many guests came, both ends of the alley were completely blocked. Yan Shifan rushed over to maintain order.

As one of the master of ceremonies, his interpersonal skills far surpassed those of Hai Rui and Lin Daqin. He bluntly instructed Zhao Wenhua: "Yuanzhi, you stay here and guard the place well. Make sure no one blocks the way again. I'm going to entertain the guests! Today has been quite busy, but also very enjoyable. It reminds me of the day I led the Five Cities Garrison and the Patrol Battalion to besiege the White Lotus Rebels. It was just as fulfilling!"

"Ah! So those thieves were remnants of the White Lotus Sect? No wonder they were so fierce and difficult to subdue. Brother Donglou has rendered a great service this time; it is truly a blessing for the nation!"

"You flatter me! You flatter me! I am only serving the emperor and doing my duty to him. I am merely doing my bit for the sake of my great Ming dynasty. Hahahaha!"

As the saying goes, a happy occasion makes one feel refreshed. Today is not only the wedding of Yan Shifan's close friend, but also the ninth day since the capture of Bai Lian.

During this opportunity, he would frequently mention this moment while chatting with his guests, unsurprisingly eliciting gasps of amazement.

Compared to Yan Shifan's proud demeanor and occasional hearty laughter, Lu Bing, standing not far away, was rather low-key, glancing sideways at the smug fellow and pursing his lips.

"What's there to be so smug about, like a blind cat catching a dead mouse?"

As a close friend he had known since Guangzhou, Lu Bing was invited to be a master of ceremonies, but he had to decline.

Firstly, his status as a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard would make it awkward for him to entertain a group of Hanlin scholars. Secondly, the Embroidered Uniform Guard has indeed been heavily ridiculed recently, which would also affect the groom's reputation.

Thinking that the White Lotus Sect's great contribution could have reversed the decline, but he missed it and instead Yan Shifan made a great contribution, Lu Bing felt depressed. He got up and went to the book of gifts, and secretly glanced at it a few times.

"Congratulations from Xu Gao, Chancellor of the Imperial Academy: ten ingots of pine soot ink, four brushes from Huzhou, and a handscroll of the 'Book of Rites: The Meaning of Marriage'."

"Xi Chunhe, Academician of the Hanlin Academy - One imperial-made Chengni inkstone, a pair of Qingtian frozen stone seals, and ten sheets of gold-flecked paper."

"A gift from the Duke of Dingguo's Mansion—a pair of red-gold mandarin duck pendants, ten bolts of imperial brocade, a sandalwood ruyi inlaid with jade, a finely engraved copy of 'Zhu Zi's Family Rituals,' and two jars of Western Region wine..."

……

"Mingwei is truly remarkable!"

Lu Bing watched in amazement.

When giving gifts on ordinary days, one should be mindful of the impact; however, exchanging gifts at a wedding is perfectly natural.

The perfect time is now to befriend a promising future Hanlin scholar.

Even so, if this gift list were to be circulated, it would surely cause a sensation in the court and among the public.

Because it's just too exaggerated.

From Xu Gao, the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, to Xi Chun, a Hanlin Academician, and then to Xu Yande, the Duke of Dingguo, all the civil and military officials and nobles of the court sent a gift that was either substantial or full of goodwill.

Lu Bing shifted his gaze to another figure, and his expression became serious.

Sun Weixian, Vice Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

This guy also prepared a generous gift. After all, when the Imperial Guards were harassed by the young Duke, it was Sun Weixian who sought help from the Hanlin Academy and asked Haiyue to resolve the issue. It's not surprising that they would reciprocate with gifts.

But at this moment, Sun Weixian took the initiative to come to the door and even went so far as to get close to Haiyue's parents. Lu Bing could see the resistance on his uncle Haihao's face. They were obviously not familiar with each other at all. It was really surprising that this person could still shamelessly go up to talk to him in a low voice.

'How come I never noticed before? This person is so humble; he'll be a formidable opponent in the future!'

After Lu Bing passed the military examination, he was no longer willing to be just a palace guard. Given Sun Weixian's age and the retirement of his master Wang Zuo, he was definitely a strong contender.

Even if he can rise to power by virtue of His Majesty's trust, he must prevent Sun Weixian from becoming too powerful and difficult to govern within the Northern Garrison.

"Fine! Why think about these things today!"

These thoughts raced through Lu Bing's mind. He shook his head and chuckled, then picked up his wine glass and downed it in one gulp. Suddenly, there was a moment of silence outside, followed by another commotion.

"The wedding procession is back? It can't be that soon..."

"It's the Directorate of Ceremonial! It's the Directorate of Ceremonial!"

Under the astonished gazes of the crowd, a group of eunuchs from the Directorate of Ceremonial filed in. Leading them was Huang Jin, whose familiar round face spoke in a soft, not-too-shrill voice: "His Majesty personally bestowed this calligraphy as a congratulatory gift to the newlyweds—"

"May the grand house stand in harmony, may peace and tranquility prevail for a hundred years, may the deer-drawn carriage be pulled together, may our hearts be united for a thousand years!"

(End of this chapter)