Brocade Robe Unparalleled

Chapter 162 The Big Wedding
A grand betrothal ceremony had just ended, and many people in the capital were still reminiscing about it.

In less than half a day, Zhao Wan's new poem "Partridge Sky: Feelings on Accepting the Gift" spread like a spring breeze throughout every corner of the capital and became well-known to the city's literati.

Before being betrothed by His Majesty, Zhao Wan was a renowned talented woman in the capital region. She had a profound understanding of graceful and delicate poetry, and even some scholars who were skilled in poetry often used her poems to analyze and appreciate for their students.

Zhao Wan's poem "Partridge Sky: Feelings on Accepting the Gifts" was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake. At first, it only stirred up ripples within the literary circle, but it quickly evolved into a monstrous wave that swept across the entire capital.

The first to receive the manuscript were several of the largest poetry academies and literary societies in the capital.

At first, people only admired her elegant and graceful style and her exquisite and subtle use of allusions. But after reading it several times, appreciating the desolate imagery between the lines, and thinking about her situation, they couldn't help but understand.

This is a poem expressing the lament of a woman confined to her quarters!
Outside the curtain, the sounds of music and singing echo around the painted beams; a thousand brocade boxes are locked behind the secluded window.

The opening lines use movement to contrast with stillness and joy to depict sorrow. The phrases "shengge" (a type of reed pipe), "hualiang" (painted beams), and "jinxia qiandie" (thousands of brocade boxes) depict the joy and luxury of the betrothal ceremony. Then, the two words "locked" and "secluded" abruptly change the atmosphere, and an invisible sense of oppression comes rushing in.

Everyone says that the colorful phoenix perches on the golden parasol tree, but who sees the pure heart residing in the jade hall?
This statement is far too bold. It doesn't mention His Majesty at all, but every sentence is about His Majesty. It subtly expresses dissatisfaction with His Majesty's bestowal of a marriage and the helplessness of having one's fate arranged for one's.

The powder is cold, the eyebrows are cool, and the temples are frosted with gray in the mirror.

This sentence uses exaggeration. It should have been used to add a touch of glamour, but in her case, it only evokes a sense of coldness, vividly depicting her rejection and disillusionment with the marriage, to the point that even dressing up became a torment.

"Tempers turned to frost" does not refer to actual aging, but rather to the immense sorrow and despair projected onto the words, as if the vitality of youth had been prematurely exhausted by this marriage...

The spring breeze cannot untie the lilac buds, yet it still carries the long, resounding sound of gongs and drums.

The concluding lines use a scene to express the emotion, pushing the emotional conflict to its climax.

The "spring breeze" should bring vitality and hope, but here it becomes a symbol of incomprehension, implying that His Majesty is completely unable to understand her inner pain. The "noisy gongs and drums" that symbolize celebration and the approaching wedding date are so jarring to her ears.

The word "long" not only describes the continuous sound of gongs and drums, but also implies that this mental torment seems to have no end. The external hustle and bustle and the inner bitterness form the most acute and helpless contrast, leaving a lingering and endless sorrow.

Through multiple contrasts and progressive developments, the poem vividly portrays the helpless, lonely, and sorrowful state of mind of a talented woman in the face of imperial power. It is not only Zhao Wan's personal lament but also a common reflection of many women today.

"The words are beautiful, but alas!"

"Miss Zhao is expressing her dissatisfaction with His Majesty..."

"No wonder there were rumors that Miss Zhao was unwilling to marry; it seems there was some truth to them..."

"I wonder how His Majesty will handle this..."

Ordinary people in the capital, though they did not know how to appreciate poetry, could still feel some of the emotions in this poem, and after listening to others' analysis, they gradually understood it.

"Miss Zhao has no intention of getting married!"

"Tsk tsk, who would have thought that she wouldn't be happy to have climbed such a high branch as Lord Chen?"

"What do you know? She's a talented woman from a family of upright officials, she values ​​integrity, and maybe she just looks down on military officers!"

"But this is a marriage bestowed by His Majesty! Writing such words is tantamount to slapping His Majesty in the face, and slapping Lord Chen in the face as well."

……

Zhao Mansion.

When Zhao Runzhang, the principal of the Ministry of Rites, returned from his office, before he had even changed out of his official robes, the old steward handed him a trembling sheet of copied text.

Looking at the words on the paper, Zhao Runzhang felt as if something had suddenly clenched his chest, and his breath caught in his throat.

He leaned on the edge of the table, slowly sat down, and read the thin sheet of paper over and over again. Every word felt like a steel needle piercing his heart.

He never imagined that his daughter was suffering such pain and torment.

Zhao Wan stood pale-faced in the hall, biting her lower lip and shaking her head, saying, "This is what I wrote yesterday, reflecting on my feelings. I never thought it would be circulated by Ying'er..."

At this point, it's pointless to hold the maid responsible.

Looking at his haggard daughter, Zhao Runzhang didn't fly into a rage or scold her. He just sighed deeply, his voice filled with heartache, and whispered, "Wan'er, it's all my fault..."

Zhao Wan shook her head and said, "This is not Father's fault, it is all my fault. If I hadn't always liked to write these poems, none of this would have happened... If Your Majesty blames me, I am willing to take the blame alone!"

Zhao Runzhang stepped forward, took her hand, patted it gently, and said, "No matter how His Majesty punishes us, our family will bear it together..."

Yasushi.

Commandery.

Few of the military men of the Jingye Division were interested in what new poems the talented Zhao Wan had written.

However, if this poem criticizes His Majesty, then it's a different story.

The Heavenly Guards, who were in charge of reporting rumors in the capital, were in a dilemma. According to past practice, anyone who dared to criticize His Majesty in poetry, regardless of gender, would be arrested by the Jingye Division and imprisoned in the imperial prison.

But this time, the situation is too special.

This Miss Zhao was betrothed by His Majesty, and her wedding is just a few days away.

Not arresting her is their dereliction of duty, but arresting her... wouldn't that be considered deceiving the emperor?
Moreover, the man Miss Zhao is going to marry is Lord Chen of the Sixteenth Guard, their direct superior.

If his fiancée is arrested, even if it's done in the spirit of justice, he'll probably have a hard time getting along with her in the Jingye Division.

Left with no other choice, they had to report the matter to Lord Wenren.

A moment later, Wenren Yue came to Lin Xuan's duty room with a piece of paper in her hand, looked at him in surprise, and asked, "What does this poem say?"

Her subordinates, the Heavenly Guards, said the poem was critical of His Majesty, but she couldn't see it at all.

The poem makes no mention of His Majesty whatsoever.

Lin Xuan took the note from her hand, and after reading it, his brows twitched slightly.

His fiancée truly deserves the title of the most talented woman in the capital.

These words are beautifully written...

Seeing that Renyue was still waiting for his reply, Lin Xuan translated it for her sentence by sentence.

"Outside the curtains, the sounds of wedding music lingered on the painted beams. Those magnificent dowry chests piled high seemed to me like heavy chains, locking up my secluded boudoir... This sentence, through contrast, directly depicts the external celebration and the author's inner repression."

"Everyone outside says that I, the colorful phoenix, have found the golden phoenix tree, but who can see that my pure and innocent heart is only forced to reside in that magnificent mansion... The colorful phoenix here refers to her, and the phoenix tree refers to me."

"The rouge and powder in my hand feel cold to the touch, the black ink for drawing eyebrows also exudes a chill, and the originally cloud-like black hair in the mirror seems to have been prematurely frost-covered... This is an exaggeration, expressing the lyricist's despair and sorrow."

"The spring breeze that caresses all things has no understanding of the sorrow in my heart that is as unresolved as the lilac blossoms; instead, it keeps bringing the long and noisy betrothal drumbeats... Does this sentence need any explanation?"

Wenren Yue shook her head and said, "No need."

Although she didn't understand poetry, Lin Xuan had explained it so clearly, how could she not understand?

Because of her similar circumstances, she was able to better understand the feelings described in the poem.

She looked at Lin Xuan and said, "She doesn't want to marry you."

Lin Xuan nodded.

Although he had never met that Miss Zhao, her poem had already explained everything.

Lin Xuan also wanted to help her.

Unfortunately, like her, he was also a pawn to be manipulated, and he was powerless to help her...

Wenren Yue sized up Lin Xuan. In her mind, Lin Xuan should be like her, not very knowledgeable about literature. Only today did she unexpectedly discover that, after knowing him for so long, this was the first time she had seen this side of him...

How many things are there about him that she doesn't know?

After regaining her composure, she slowly began, "They say that this poem criticizes His Majesty..."

Lin Xuan shrugged and said, "She's my fiancée. I should avoid any appearance of impropriety in this matter. You handle it as you see fit. I suggest you submit it to Commander Lu and let the Commander decide..."

If it only involved himself, then it wouldn't matter.

The crucial point is that this matter involves His Majesty, and no one can make the decision for His Majesty.

If Your Majesty can cancel this engagement, that would naturally be a good thing.

However, Lin Xuan felt that the chances were slim...

Before long, a piece of paper was placed on the desk of Chen Bing, the commander of the Jingye Division.

He tapped his fingers lightly on the table. As was customary, anyone who criticized His Majesty would be imprisoned in the imperial prison for a few days.

However, given Miss Zhao's special status, it would be best to leave the decision to His Majesty.

Wanshou Palace.

The light was dim, and the air was filled with a rich, strange aroma that blended herbs and cinnabar.

Emperor Dayong, dressed in a slightly worn Taoist robe, sat cross-legged on a bright yellow futon, closing his eyes to rest. On a small table in front of him, several memorials and scrolls of alchemical texts were scattered.

After bowing silently, Chen Bing respectfully placed the paper on a corner of the small table, stood with his head bowed, and said softly, "Your Majesty, Zhao Wan, the daughter of the Ministry of Rites' principal, has composed a new poem that is circulating among the common people. Some people think that the poem may contain criticism of the Emperor's favor. I dare not make a judgment on my own, so I present it to Your Majesty for your perusal."

The Emperor of Dayong picked up the note, read it, and then casually put it back. His expression remained unchanged, and his voice was devoid of emotion: "The poem is well-written, it has a certain charm, but my youngest daughter is a bit too preoccupied. Let her be..."

Chen Bing clasped his hands slightly and said, "Yes."

It seems that His Majesty has no intention of pursuing this matter.

Thinking about it, it's not really a good idea to hold a grudge. After all, the woman was personally betrothed by His Majesty, and the wedding was of such a high standard. If we were to punish her now, it would only make His Majesty seem contradictory...

However, His Majesty's decision not to punish them does not mean that the Jingye Division will turn a blind eye. A moment later.

Zhao Mansion.

Looking at the man before him, whom countless officials in the capital trembled with fear, Zhao Runzhang, the principal of the Ministry of Rites, had already prepared for the worst. Unexpectedly, Chen Bing simply patted his shoulder lightly and smiled, saying, "Principal Zhao, your daughter's poems are very good, but they are too melancholic. A wedding is a joyous occasion, so she should write more celebratory poems, shouldn't she?"

Zhao Runzhang finally breathed a sigh of relief.

He knew that Chen Bing's words meant he would not pursue the matter further.

He nodded repeatedly and said, "The commander is right, I will advise my daughter..."

He finally breathed a long sigh of relief after watching Chen Bing leave.

Zhao Wan stepped out from behind the screen and whispered, "Father, I'm sorry."

Zhao Runzhang forced a smile and said, "It's all in the past. Just don't write poems like that again."

Zhao Wan shook her head and said, "I won't write anymore. My daughter will never write poetry again..."

The words she used to console herself were mistakenly spread by the maid in the manor, almost implicating the entire Zhao family. Her future husband must already know, and she can imagine how he will treat her after marriage...

However, she had already accepted her fate, and none of these things mattered to her anymore.

Whatever fate befalls her in the future, it will be her own fault...

……

Lin Xuan had been waiting for His Majesty to change his mind, and that wait eventually led to their wedding day.

The wedding procession took place in the afternoon. Officials from the Ministry of Rites arrived early to help Lin Xuan change into a special marquis-level wedding robe made by the Imperial Household Department. The robe was a crimson brocade embroidered with a majestic unicorn pattern, cinched at the waist with a jade belt, and adorned with a golden crown and hair ornaments.

Lin Xuan remained expressionless as the master of ceremonies directed him. Although Chen Yu and Lin Xuan looked different, their good looks were equally matched. The man in the mirror was handsome and extraordinary. Lin Xuan had to admit that, having lived two lives, this was the most handsome he had ever been.

Unfortunately, Qingluan and Youmeng cannot see it.

The welcoming procession was grand and imposing, led by the Imperial Guards of the Jingye Division, followed closely by the Ministry of Rites' ceremonial guard. Lin Xuan rode a tall, fine horse adorned with red ribbons at the very front of the procession.

Behind him was a gilded and jade-inlaid sedan chair carried by eight men, and a long procession carrying various gifts.

Wherever the procession went, cheers and celebrations from the people along the way were endless.

Although Lin Xuan had some reservations about the marriage, he did not show it at this moment. He rode on his horse, occasionally bowing and smiling at the crowd, performing all the proper etiquette.

After the group left, murmurs of doubt arose from the crowd.

"Is this the groom?"

"This Lord Chen looks so refined and handsome. Is he really the Sixteenth Guard who fought four against one in the Grand Competition?"

"Who was it that told me that this Lord Chen was eight feet tall, with a waist five feet around his waist, and was burly and ugly? I actually believed it!"

"Judging from this, he and Miss Zhao are quite a good match..."

"They're not just a good match, they're a perfect couple..."

Some of the women in the crowd, who had initially felt sympathy for Zhao Wan after reading her lament, quickly lost that sympathy as they watched the handsome groom walk past them, replaced by intense jealousy…

At such a young age, he had already risen to a position in the Sixteen Guards of the Night, wielding immense power. He was also incredibly handsome, favored by the Emperor, and had a promising future. Even his wedding was arranged by the court, a truly glamorous affair…

Why didn't they get such a good thing?

Miss Zhao has such a good life, yet she's still being so pretentious, writing those lamentations of a woman confined to her quarters. A so-called talented woman is nothing but affectation…

Before long, the wedding procession arrived at the Zhao residence.

At this time, the Zhao residence was already brightly decorated and filled with guests.

The main gate of the Zhao family was wide open. According to folk custom, when the groom arrives at the bride's house, the bride's relatives and friends will close the gate, and the groom's family must offer a red envelope as a sign of sincerity before the gate can be opened.

However, since this marriage was bestowed by His Majesty, no one dared to close the door.

Zhao Runzhang, dressed in a brand-new official robe, led his family to greet him outside the gate. He was taken aback when he saw a handsome young man in wedding attire dismount from his horse.

This new son-in-law of the Zhao family was very different from what he had imagined.

He didn't look like a strong and powerful warrior; instead, he looked rather delicate, making it hard to associate him with the fierce Sixteenth Guard.

Lin Xuan stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Greetings, Father-in-law."

Zhao Runzhang snapped out of his daze, looking somewhat flustered, and repeatedly said, "Alright, alright, come in quickly, come in quickly..."

After entering the Zhao family, Lin Xuan presented them with a wild goose according to custom, symbolizing that the marriage would be orderly and faithful, like a flock of geese.

After the goose-laying ceremony concluded, a figure dressed in an elaborate and gorgeous bright red wedding gown, with a heavy dragon and phoenix veil covering her head, slowly walked out of the inner hall, supported by her female relatives.

After Zhao Wan finished paying her respects to her parents, Lin Xuan, following the instructions of the master of ceremonies, stepped forward, took one end of the red silk bouquet that was leading the bride, and led Zhao Wan out of the Zhao family mansion gate and helped her into the bridal sedan chair.

The wedding procession did not return directly to the Chen residence, but instead, following the emperor's will, detoured along the main imperial street and eventually arrived at a royal garden called "Qinfang Garden".

This place has been temporarily used as the venue for Lin Xuan's wedding.

Inside Qinfang Garden, lanterns and decorations were hung, creating a festive atmosphere.

The Xiqing Hall, as the main ceremony venue, was decorated in a magnificent and grand manner.

There were quite a few guests at the wedding. A small portion were relatives and friends of the Zhao family, while the rest were Lin Xuan's colleagues from the Jingye Division.

Although the commander did not come, he sent gifts. Of the Seven Sons of Jingye, four who were in the capital were present, as were most of the Sixteen Guards. Wenren Yue was not among them in order to avoid suspicion.

As the two entered the main hall, the master of ceremonies stood at the front and spoke loudly.

"Worship heaven and earth!"

The two turned towards the outside of the hall and bowed deeply.

"I bow to Your Majesty's grace a second time!"

This marriage was bestowed by His Majesty. Lin Xuan and Zhao Wan turned around and bowed deeply to the imperial edict hanging in front of them.

"Bowing three times to my parents!"

The emperor bestowed the marriage upon them, and they then paid respects to Zhao Wan's parents. However, Lin Xuan's parents had passed away long ago, so the two of them only bowed to Zhao Wan's parents.

"Couple greetings!"

The two slowly turned around, faced each other, and bowed deeply.

"It's done!"

After the ceremony, the bride was taken to a carefully prepared attic in the garden, which would serve as their temporary bridal chamber, while Lin Xuan stayed behind to entertain the guests.

"Lord Chen, congratulations!"

"Happy together, rejoice together."

"Wishing Lord Chen and his wife a long and happy life together!"

"Thank you!"

As Lin Xuan walked in front of Lu Feng, Lu Feng gently patted Lin Xuan's shoulder and said with a smile, "Congratulations! Treat Miss Zhao well. His Majesty hopes you two will have many children soon..."

Lin Xuan could only reply vaguely, "We'll try our best..."

As darkness fell and night completely descended, the banquet finally came to an end.

After seeing off the last guest, Lin Xuan stood at the entrance of Qinfang Garden and let out a long sigh of relief.

Although he wasn't physically tired, dealing with so many people all night was inevitably mentally exhausting.

A palace lady-in-waiting stood beside Lin Xuan and whispered, "Lord Chen, it's time to go to the bridal chamber."

Lin Xuan breathed a sigh of relief and, led by the female official, arrived at an elegant little building in the garden.

He pushed open the half-closed door. Inside the room, red candles burned, filling the air with a faint scent of sandalwood.

A figure dressed in a wedding gown sat quietly on the edge of the bed, her hands folded on her lap. Although she tried her best to remain calm, her body was trembling slightly.

Lin Xuan walked forward slowly and used the scale rod to gently lift the veil off.

A stunningly beautiful face came into view.

Her eyebrows resembled distant mountains, her eyes were like autumn water, and her temperament was calm and gentle, as soft as water, quite different from the coldness of Youmeng and the brightness of Qingluan.

But those beautiful eyes were now filled with panic and fear.

However, when she saw the figure in front of her, the panic and fear in her beautiful eyes turned into confusion in an instant.

What Zhao Wan saw was not the rough and tough warrior she had imagined.

The man before me was tall and handsome, with deep and calm eyes. He lacked the ruggedness often seen in martial artists, instead exuding a calm and reserved temperament. He seemed more like a refined scholar than a military general.

This was completely different from the husband she had imagined.

Looking at that handsome face, she suddenly felt less afraid...

(End of this chapter)