Rise of a Lonely City: From Exiled Prince to Ruler of the Nine Provinces

The 18th day of the twelfth lunar month is an auspicious day, suitable for weddings, sacrifices, and prayers.

The town of Zhenbei was deserted as everyone flocked to it.

Before dawn, the main streets of the city were already being watered, paved with yellow earth, and decorated with red ribbons and colorful decorations.

From the newly completed and majestic main gate of the Jingbei Prince's Mansion—Chengyun Gate—all the way to the main roads of the inner city, banners fluttered and colorful lanterns hung high on both sides. The Prince's personal guards and some of the temporarily transferred city defense soldiers, dressed in brand-new Hanyuan armor and holding long halberds, stood solemnly on both sides to maintain order.

Countless people, young and old, flocked to the streets, eagerly anticipating the arrival of the newcomers, their faces beaming with genuine joy and curiosity.

The prince's wedding was an unprecedented event for this increasingly prosperous northern city, and an auspicious sign that a golden age was about to begin.

Inside the Prince's mansion, lanterns and decorations were hung, and a joyous atmosphere filled the air.

The expanded Prince's Mansion is magnificent, and today it displays its majesty and splendor to the fullest.

The five-bay Chengyun Gate, lacquered in vermilion and studded with gold, gleamed in the rare warmth of the winter sun. The square in front of the gate was wide and flat, large enough to accommodate thousands of people to watch the ceremony.

Entering through Chengyun Gate, passing through Fengtian Gate, and arriving at Fengtian Hall, the imperial road paved with white marble is lined with ceremonial guards of princely caliber, including banners, parasols, axes, and golden gourds, all gleaming with a dignified light in the sunlight.

The air is filled with the scents of sandalwood, pine, and a faint smell of gunpowder—cannons will be fired today to celebrate the wedding.

At 9:00 AM, the auspicious time is approaching.

The square in front of Fengtian Hall was already packed with dignitaries.

The civil and military officials of the Northern Frontier stood solemnly on both sides according to their rank. The civil officials wore brand-new official robes, and the military officials wore bright armor. They were all in high spirits and felt honored.

The leaders of the various grassland tribes who had submitted to the emperor, such as the son of the chieftain of the Gray Wolf tribe, wore magnificent fur robes and headdresses symbolizing power, their expressions showing respect mixed with awe.

The top managers of the Donghai Business Alliance were dressed in fine silks and satins, all smiles. The gifts they brought were said to be piled up like a mountain.

There were even envoys from several small kingdoms in the Western Regions who traveled thousands of miles to bring rare gems and spices.

Outside the square, some of the city's elders, meritorious soldiers, and academy students who were allowed to attend the ceremony craned their necks, eager to catch a glimpse of the prince and his future princess.

The imperial court sent only a fifth-rank official from the Ministry of Rites, with a few attendants and a meager routine congratulatory gift—nothing more than ordinary items such as brocade and jade ruyi, which was pitifully meager compared to the mountains of congratulatory gifts from all sides piled up in the square.

The official stood at the end of the line of officials, looking embarrassed and avoiding eye contact. He clearly understood how insignificant and unwelcome his status as an "angel" was in this place.

This cold and almost humiliating treatment precisely demonstrates that the Shenjing court has completely lost control over the northern border and over Prince Jingbei, Xiao Chen, and is even going so far as to treat the situation perfunctorily.

"The auspicious time has arrived!"

The clear, melodious chanting of rites by the officials of the Ministry of Rites echoed through the solemn square and reverberated among the majestic palaces.

Everyone's spirits lifted, and their gazes turned to the tightly closed vermilion doors of the Fengtian Hall, which stood atop the ninth-level high-level platform.

"Waaaaah—waaaah—"

The deep, resonant sound of horns echoed from the bell and drum towers at the four corners of the Prince's Palace, powerful and desolate, carrying the unique solemnity and grandeur of the North.

Immediately afterwards, drums and bells resounded, chimes rang out, and sheng and xiao played melodiously, creating a magnificent and joyous ceremonial music performance.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

The twelve bronze cannons, which had been pre-arranged on the high ground surrounding the palace, fired in sequence, their sound reverberating throughout the city and proclaiming the extraordinary scale of the wedding.

Amidst ceremonial music and the sound of cannons, the heavy doors of Fengtian Hall were slowly pushed open.

Xiao Chen's figure appeared on the high steps of the palace, where sunlight poured down, gilding his body with a golden halo.

He wore a nine-tassel crown and a prince's ceremonial robe with black and red skirts.

The black robe is embroidered with nine symbols in gold thread: mountains, dragons, pheasants, sacrificial vessels, waterweed, fire, rice grains, axe, and embroidered dragon. The crimson skirt is also decorated with corresponding patterns.

A jade belt was tied around his waist, from which he hung jade pendants and jade tablets.

This attire was solemn and dignified, exuding natural majesty. Its regulations represented the pinnacle of princely etiquette, especially the number of tassels on the crown and the emblems on the robes, which subtly touched upon the edge of the crown prince or even the emperor.

The civil and military officials present, especially those from the Central Plains who were well-versed in etiquette, were all deeply shaken. But then, an indescribable excitement and sense of identity welled up in their hearts—their king deserved such honor!

Xiao Chen remained calm, his gaze deep, as he slowly swept over the dark mass of people below.

Wherever his gaze fell, people of all kinds—civilians and warriors, Han and non-Han, merchants and commoners—all bowed their heads, not daring to look directly at him.

An invisible, chilling aura of majesty enveloped the entire square.

He slowly descended the steps, his steps steady and deliberate, each step seemingly touching the hearts of everyone present.

Upon reaching the center of the imperial path, stop, turn around, and face the main hall.

The music changed, transforming into a more soothing and melodious tune.

Guided by eight elegantly dressed maids carrying incense burners and palace fans, the bride appeared inside the palace gate.

Murong Xue wore a crown with nine dragons and four phoenixes, surrounded by pearls and jade, with a golden phoenix holding a pearl in its mouth, its wings spread as if about to take flight.

Wearing a bright red brocade robe with gold cloud and phoenix patterns, and a flowing shawl adorned with jade pendants, she was exquisitely beautiful and incomparably noble.

The style of this phoenix coronet and embroidered robe is also the highest standard for a prince's principal wife, and even surpasses it in some details. It complements Xiao Chen's ceremonial robes and together they form a silent yet powerful declaration.

Her face was covered by a thin yet luxurious gold-tasseled veil, obscuring most of her features, revealing only her smooth chin and a hint of red lips.

But just that straight back, elegant gait, and the calm gaze faintly revealed behind the veil were enough to give people a sense of noble and awe-inspiring demeanor, which was so in line with Xiao Chen's majesty.

Holding a jade tablet, she was supported by two ladies of high birth as she slowly walked down the steps of the imperial palace and headed towards Xiao Chen in the center of the imperial road.

Sunlight shone on her phoenix crown and pheasant robe, making her radiant and dazzling, like a goddess descending to earth.

The square was silent, with only the sounds of music echoing through the air, and countless eyes following the beautiful couple.

Finally, Murong Xue walked up to Xiao Chen and slightly bent her knees. Xiao Chen reached out and gently took her hand holding the jade tablet.

Their hands touched lightly in the air. Xiao Chen's palm was broad and warm, with calluses from years of wielding swords; Murong Xue's fingers were slender and slightly cool, but she gently squeezed back at the moment of contact.

The officials of the Ministry of Rites loudly proclaimed the rites, and carried out the complicated and solemn ceremony according to ancient customs: washing hands, sitting opposite each other, sharing food, drinking from the same cup, tying the hair together... Every ritual was performed meticulously, yet in the details, a few blessings and prayers from the grasslands and auspicious meanings from the old customs of Yan were subtly incorporated.

This is not a simple patchwork, but a meticulous design that symbolizes the fusion of the North and the South, the Abyss and the forces that submit.

Finally, sacrifices are offered to Heaven and Earth and to the ancestral temple.

As Xiao Chen and Murong Xue, side by side, performed the three kneelings and nine kowtows to Heaven and Earth and the ancestral temple under the guidance of the master of ceremonies, all the civil and military officials and guests in the square also knelt down in unison, shouting, "Congratulations on the wedding of the Prince and Princess! Long live the Prince! Long live the Prince! Long live the Prince!"

The sound waves surged like a tide, soaring straight into the sky.

The ceremony is complete.

Xiao Chen, accompanied by Murong Xue, turned to face the crowd in the square. He raised his hand, gesturing for everyone to rise.

As the noise subsided, Xiao Chen's clear and steady voice, delivered with internal force, resounded clearly in everyone's ears:

"Today, I marry Murong Xue, blessed by Heaven and Earth and celebrated by all people. From this day forward, Murong Xue will be the principal wife of the Prince of Jingbei, and will manage all affairs within the Prince's residence, ensuring peace and tranquility in the inner court."

He paused slightly, his gaze sweeping over the faces below, some excited, some awe-inspiring, some curious, before continuing, "The Princess is virtuous and exceptionally intelligent. From this day forward, in addition to managing domestic affairs, she may also participate in important military matters. She may offer advice on all matters concerning people's livelihood, education, construction, and diplomacy. All officials of the Prince's Palace must perform their duties diligently and assist her without any negligence."

These words caused a slight commotion below.

The princess participating in military affairs? This is almost unheard of in the Great Xia etiquette system, especially the words "military affairs," which carry great weight.

But the disturbance quickly subsided.

This is the Northern Border, the Frosty Abyss, and the rules were set by the Prince of Jingbei.

Moreover, many civil and military officials had already witnessed Murong Xue's charisma in teaching at the military academy and her talent in disaster relief and construction. Although they were surprised by this order, they felt it was only natural and even looked forward to it.

Through the veil, Murong Xue looked at the resolute profile of the man beside her, and the last trace of unease in her heart turned into warmth and determination.

He not only gave her a formal title, but also gave her a stage to show respect, trust, and ambition in front of the world.

This gave her more peace of mind than any vow of eternal love.

Xiao Chen surveyed the entire hall, his voice suddenly rising, filled with undeniable authority and pride: "My queen and I shall work together with one heart and one mind to defend our land, protect our people, expand our territory, and ensure that our northern border, Hanyuan, enjoys eternal peace and our might extends throughout the four seas!"

"Long live the Prince! Long live the Princess! May the Northern Border be forever secure! May the Frozen Abyss endure for ten thousand years!"

The thunderous cheers once again resounded through the sky, shaking every brick and stone of Zhenbei City. They will surely spread far and wide with the envoys and merchants present today, reaching the northern border, the central plains, and the ears of everyone who cares about this land.

In front of the newly built Fengtian Hall, Prince Xiao Chen of Jingbei officially announced to the world the establishment of the Northern Territory's mistress with a grand wedding that transcended regulations, integrated the North and South, and demonstrated absolute authority and future ambitions. It also announced that the war chariot of Hanyuan, after stabilizing its core rear, was about to embark on a new journey.

Murong Xue, the former princess of Yan, also completed her transformation amidst red makeup and the sound of cannons, becoming the most honored mistress of this vibrant and ambitious land, standing with her husband at the forefront of the times.

The cannons fired again, this time a continuous 36 salvos, symbolizing the highest respect and blessings.

Cheers and jubilation filled the air both inside and outside Zhenbei City, marking the start of a grand three-day celebration involving both soldiers and civilians.

The official in charge of the Ministry of Rites, his face ashen amidst the deafening cheers and cannon salutes, had quietly retreated into the shadows of the crowd.

He knew that what he brought back to Shenjing would not only be the recollection of a wedding, but also an unstoppable signal that a new era had already risen.