ebookland Chapter 51 The Grand Wedding Ceremony, Fates Intertwined
Chapter 51 The Grand Wedding Ceremony, Fates Intertwined
Before dawn, Lin Xiaoqian awoke from her sleep. Some time had passed since she transmigrated to this world, and although she had gradually adapted to life in ancient times, deep down, the modern Lin Xiaoqian was still struggling. Having been single for twenty years with zero dating experience, she was now about to enter into a marriage devoid of any emotional foundation, with her partner harboring feelings for someone else. Her heart was filled with confusion and fear, as if she were in a foggy wilderness, unable to find her way.
Xiaodie tiptoed into the room and saw that her mistress had already gotten up, her eyes filled with worry and heartache. "Miss, it's a joyous occasion for you today. It's still early, why not sleep a little longer and recharge your energy?" Xiaodie said softly, her voice full of concern for her mistress.
Lin Xiaoqian shook her head slightly, "I can't sleep, Xiaodie, help me with my makeup."
Helpless, Xiaodie had no choice but to call over other maids to bring hot water and exquisite cosmetics.
Lin Xiaoqian sat in front of the bronze mirror, looking at her slightly haggard face, feeling a mix of emotions.
Xiao Die skillfully combed her long, ink-black hair, each stroke imbued with the deep affection between mistress and servant. Afterward, she placed a magnificent phoenix crown on her head, its jewels shimmering brilliantly in the dim morning light. A red shawl draped over her shoulders, its vibrant red weight seemingly pressing down on her, making it hard for her to breathe.
Lin Xiaoqian rose and went to the main hall to bid farewell to her father. Lin Zhenxuan sat upright in the hall, his expression serious, but his eyes revealed a hint of barely perceptible affection.
"Daughter, today you are getting married. You must be mindful of your wifely duties and get along well with the Ninth Prince." Lin Xiaoqian bowed respectfully. "Your daughter will follow your father's teachings."
Aunt Liu, standing to the side, pretended to wipe away her tears, saying, "Qianqian, I really can't bear to see you go."
Lin Yueyue stood to the side, a disdainful smile on her lips, her eyes filled with jealousy and helplessness.
At this moment, the wedding procession of Ninth Prince Murong Yi was already outside the mansion. The sounds of suona horns and gongs were deafening, and the people flocked to the streets, surrounding the Prime Minister's mansion, eager to witness the grand wedding.
Hidden in a corner amidst the crowd, Su Wan'er stared intently at the wedding procession, her heart aching as if torn apart. She gripped her sleeve tightly, her knuckles turning white, the vows Murong Yi had once made to her echoing in her mind. She gritted her teeth, forcing back her tears, the pain and resentment churning within her.
Murong Yi entered the Prime Minister's residence, his posture upright and his face stern. After bowing to the Prime Minister, he walked towards Lin Xiaoqian, took her hand, but that hand was icy cold and devoid of warmth.
Lin Xiaoqian was led by him step by step out of the Prime Minister's residence and into the bridal sedan chair. The wedding procession marched grandly toward the Prince's mansion, and the people on both sides of the road cheered and said auspicious words, but Lin Xiaoqian in the sedan chair was filled with desolation.
Upon arriving at the main hall of the Prince's Mansion, the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, the Empress, and all the ministers were already seated. Lin Xiaoqian and Murong Yi stood in the hall, and at the announcement of the Master of Ceremonies, they began their wedding ceremony.
"I bow to Heaven and Earth to thank the Creator for the grace that binds our hearts together." Lin Xiaoqian smiled bitterly to himself. How could their hearts be bound together?
"I bow to my parents twice, wishing for family harmony and lasting blessings." She bowed mechanically.
"Husband and wife bow to each other, hoping for harmonious music and a long and happy life together." As she rose from her bow, she secretly glanced at Murong Yi, only to see his indifferent expression.
After the wedding ceremony, Lin Xiaoqian was led to the bridal chamber. Inside, red candles flickered, and a warm fragrance filled the air. Murong Yi entered the chamber, looked at Lin Qianqian, and said coldly, "You should go to sleep early." With that, she walked to the bedside, spread out the bedding on the floor, and prepared to lie down.
Lin Xiaoqian felt a pang of sadness and said softly, "Your Highness, the ground is cold. I'll sleep on the ground."
Murong Yi frowned and said softly, "I am a man, a real man. How can I let a woman like you sleep on the floor? I will do it!"
Lin Xiaoqian quickly bowed, her voice gentle yet firm: "Your Highness is of noble birth and of noble birth. You have worked hard all day. If you suffer any harm because of me, I would rather die than atone for it. I have been raised in a simple manner since childhood, and this bed on the floor is no problem for me. Please do not refuse, Your Highness. Only when you lie down on the bed can I feel at ease." After speaking, she lowered her head slightly, her expression serene, displaying a gentle and magnanimous demeanor, leaving Murong Yi speechless for a moment.
Murong Yi was slightly taken aback. She looked up at her, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, but she remained silent. The atmosphere in the room was awkward and heavy, with only the tears of the red candle slowly sliding down, as if telling the story of this helpless wedding night.
I slept soundly through the night, and nothing happened.