Starting in Exile: Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Lucky Little Wife

Chapter 311 Love

The night in the Nanzhao Kingdom was tranquil and gentle. In the garden of the Mu residence, the moonlight, like water, spilled over the pavilions and towers, draping the mansion in a silver veil. Mu Yixuan sat alone in the pavilion, his folding fan opening and closing unconsciously, his thoughts already far away. His mind was filled with the image of Su Yao—her delicate face, her gentle demeanor, every detail etched deeply into his heart. Finally, he made up his mind to tell his parents about his feelings.

"Xuan'er, it's so late, why are you still here?" Mu Zetian's voice came from behind, interrupting Mu Yixuan's thoughts.

Mu Yixuan quickly stood up and bowed respectfully: "Father, I have some things on my mind, so I'm sitting here for a while."

Mu Zetian walked into the pavilion, sat down on the stone bench, and gestured for Mu Yixuan to sit down as well: "If you have anything on your mind, feel free to tell your father."

Mu Yixuan took a deep breath and mustered his courage to say, "Father, your son... your son has fallen in love with a girl."

Mu Zetian raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, then smiled and said, "Oh? Which family's daughter is it that has captured my Xuan'er's heart so?"

Mu Yixuan's face flushed slightly. After hesitating for a moment, he said, "Her name is Su Yao. She is a woman from an ordinary family. She lost both her parents at a young age and lived with her grandmother, making a living by embroidery."

Upon hearing this, Mu Zetian's expression turned somewhat solemn: "Xuan'er, you are now the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, a position of great prestige. Your marriage is a matter of family honor, and I am worried..."

Mu Yixuan quickly said, "Father, I understand your concerns. But what I value is Su Yao's character and talent. She is gentle, kind, strong, and independent. Although I haven't spent much time with her, I always feel a strong connection with her whenever we meet."

Mu Zetian was silent for a moment, then said, "Xuan'er, I don't want to interfere too much in matters of the heart. But you also need to consider this carefully, as it is not only a matter of your life but will also affect the family. Have you introduced her to your mother?"

Mu Yixuan shook his head: "Not yet. I want to tell you first, and then tell Mother."

“Alright, bring her to the manor tomorrow so your mother can meet her,” Mu Zetian said. “Marriage is a major event, and the parents’ decision and the matchmaker’s words are still necessary. If your mother is satisfied, we will ask the matchmaker to come and propose marriage.”

Mu Yixuan was overjoyed and quickly said, "Thank you, Father! I will go and fetch Su Yao to the manor tomorrow."

The next morning, Mu Yixuan arrived at Su Yao's house early. Su Yao's eyes lit up with surprise and delight upon seeing him: "Lord Mu, what brings you here?"

Mu Yixuan smiled and said, "Miss Su, I would like to invite you to my home to meet my parents."

Upon hearing this, a hint of panic flashed across Su Yao's face: "Meet...meet the adults' parents? Is...is this appropriate?"

Mu Yixuan looked at Su Yao earnestly: "Miss Su, I have told my father about our relationship, and he wants to meet you. If you don't mind, I would like to spend the rest of my life with you."

Su Yao's face instantly turned red. She lowered her head and said softly, "It is Su Yao's good fortune to be favored by you, sir. However, Su Yao comes from a humble background and I am afraid I am not worthy of you."

Mu Yixuan gently held Su Yao's hand: "Miss Su, your background is not important. What matters is that we understand each other. You don't need to worry. My parents are very understanding people."

Su Yao raised her head, tears glistening in her eyes, and nodded gently: "Then...then I'll listen to the adults."

Mu Yixuan brought Su Yao back to the Mu residence. Lin Ruoxue was already waiting in the main hall. When she saw Mu Yixuan and Su Yao enter, she smiled kindly.

"Mother, this is Miss Su Yao," Mu Yixuan introduced.

Su Yao quickly bowed and said, "This humble woman, Su Yao, greets Madam."

Lin Ruoxue quickly stood up and helped Su Yao up: "Miss Su, please get up, no need for formalities. Come, let me take a good look at you."

Lin Ruoxue took Su Yao's hand and carefully examined her. Su Yao had delicate features and dignified manners; though simply dressed, her gentle and refined气质 (qi zhi - inherent quality/temperament) was undeniable. Lin Ruoxue was very satisfied.

“Miss Su, I heard from Xuan’er that you have been living with your grandmother since you were a child. You are such a pitiful child,” Lin Ruoxue said with heartache.

With tears in her eyes, Su Yao said, "Thank you for your concern, Madam. Although life is hard for Su Yao, I feel very happy to have my grandmother by my side."

Lin Ruoxue nodded: "Miss Su is such a sensible child. I think you and Xuan'er are a perfect match. If you are truly in love, neither his father nor I will object."

Upon hearing this, Mu Yixuan and Su Yao were overjoyed and quickly expressed their gratitude.

"But marriage is a major event, and we must follow the proper customs," Lin Ruoxue continued. "We will ask a matchmaker to come and propose marriage, present betrothal gifts, and bring you into the Mu family in a grand and glorious manner."

Su Yao blushed and nodded gently: "I will follow Madam's arrangements."

After leaving the Mu residence, Mu Yixuan and Su Yao walked side by side down the street. Sunlight shone on them, highlighting their happy silhouettes.

"Su Yao, did you hear that? My mother likes you very much," Mu Yixuan said excitedly.

Su Yao smiled and said, "I'm also very happy to have gained Madam's approval. Thank you, Lord Mu."

Mu Yixuan gently pinched Su Yao's cheek: "Don't call me Lord Mu anymore, just call me Yixuan."

Su Yao's cheeks flushed, and she called softly, "Yi Xuan..."

Mu Yixuan looked at Su Yao, his heart filled with sweetness. He knew that his happy life was about to begin, and Su Yao would be the most important person in his life.

The streets and alleys of the Nanzhao Kingdom were filled with the aroma of cooking fires and the sounds of vendors calling out their wares. In a secluded alley, a plaque hung that read "Wang Po's Matchmaking Agency." Beneath the plaque, a woman well past fifty sat at the doorway, fanning herself with a palm-leaf fan, her eyes constantly scanning the passersby. She was Wang Po, the city's most famous matchmaker, who had arranged countless marriages and brought about many happy unions.

That day, the steward of the Mu family rushed over, his expression a mixture of joy and urgency: "Wang Po, I've finally found you! My young master, Mu Yixuan, is interested in marrying a young lady and has come to ask for your help."

Upon hearing this, Granny Wang immediately became interested and hurriedly got up to greet her: "Oh, this is a big deal! Please come in, please come in! I wonder which family's daughter has caught Young Master Mu's eye?"

The butler entered the room, sat down, and recounted the entire story of Mu Yixuan and Su Yao. After listening, Granny Wang nodded repeatedly: "What a perfect match! Young Master Mu is young and promising, and Miss Su is gentle and virtuous. Leave this marriage to me!"

The next day, Wang Po dressed herself up carefully, wearing a dark blue silk dress embroidered with peonies and a gold hairpin in her hair. With bound feet, she walked towards Su Yao's house. Along the way, she pondered how to propose marriage, a confident smile frequently appearing on her face.

Arriving at Su Yao's door, Granny Wang raised her hand and knocked. A moment later, Su Yao opened the door, her eyes filled with confusion as she saw Granny Wang: "Who are you?"

With a smile, Wang Po said, "Young lady, I am Wang Po, and I have been a matchmaker for many years. I am here today on behalf of Young Master Mu of the Mu family to propose marriage for you."

Upon hearing this, Su Yao's cheeks flushed instantly. She lowered her head and said softly, "Wang Po, please come inside first."

Inside the house, Su Yao's grandmother sat to one side. Upon hearing the purpose of Wang Po's visit, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes: "Young Master Mu? Is that Mu Yixuan, the one who topped the imperial examination and is now working in the Ministry of Works?"

Granny Wang nodded hurriedly: "That's right! Young Master Mu fell in love with Miss Su at first sight. He went back and told his parents. His master and mistress were very satisfied, so they asked me to come and propose marriage."

Su Yao's grandmother's hands trembled slightly with excitement: "This...this is truly Yao'er's good fortune! It's just that our family is poor, and we're afraid we can't be worthy of the Mu family."

Granny Wang waved her hand: "Old lady, please don't say that. Young Master Mu values ​​Miss Su's character and doesn't care about these things. The Mu family said that as long as the young lady is willing, the marriage is settled. The betrothal gifts will be of the highest standard."

Su Yao sat to the side, her face flushed with shyness, but her heart was filled with sweetness. She recalled every moment she spent with Mu Yixuan and became certain that he was the one she wanted to entrust her life to.

Seeing that Su Yao did not object, Granny Wang smiled and said, "Miss Su, what do you think?"

Su Yao nodded slightly, her voice barely audible: "It's all up to Grandmother."

Su Yao's grandmother looked at her lovingly and said, "Yao'er, since you are willing, then we agree to this marriage."

Upon hearing this, Granny Wang clapped her hands happily: "That's wonderful! I'll go back and tell the Mu family to prepare the betrothal gifts and choose an auspicious day to hold this happy event."

After leaving Su Yao's house, Granny Wang rushed to the Mu residence to report back. Mu Yixuan's face beamed with happiness when he heard that Su Yao had agreed to the marriage: "Granny Wang, you've really gone to a lot of trouble! This is just a small token of my appreciation, please accept it." As he spoke, he handed over a heavy red envelope.

Granny Wang accepted the red envelope, her eyes crinkling into slits with a smile: "No trouble at all! It's my honor to have facilitated this perfect match between you two. Young Master Mu, now it's time to prepare the betrothal gifts and the wedding date."

Mu Yixuan quickly said, "Everything will be done as Wang Po says. I have already instructed the steward to prepare the betrothal gifts, which are all top-quality silks, jewelry, and some precious ornaments. We must ensure that Miss Su marries into the Mu family in a grand and glorious manner. As for the wedding date, please ask Wang Po to help us find an auspicious day."

Wang Po nodded and said, "As for the wedding date, I consulted the most famous fortune teller in the city. The fifteenth of next month is an auspicious day for marriage."

After hearing this, Mu Yixuan nodded in satisfaction: "Then let's set it for the fifteenth of next month. Granny Wang, I'll have to trouble you to make another trip and tell Miss Su and her grandmother about the wedding date."

Granny Wang readily agreed, "No problem, leave it to me!"

In the days that followed, the Mu household was bustling with activity. The steward was busy purchasing betrothal gifts, and the servants were busy decorating the house in preparation for welcoming the new bride.

The capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom awoke in the autumn morning light, the entire city enveloped in a festive atmosphere. Today was the day Mu Yixuan and Su Yao were to be married. The streets and alleys were decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, red lanterns and silks swaying gently in the breeze, as if offering the newlyweds their best wishes.

The Mu residence was bustling with activity. Large "double happiness" characters adorned the vermilion gates, and the stone lions at the entrance were adorned with bright red flowers. Inside, guests arrived in a steady stream, and laughter echoed in every corner. Mu Zetian and Lin Ruoxue, dressed in their finest attire, stood at the entrance to greet the guests, their faces beaming with happiness.

"Congratulations, Lord Mu! Congratulations, Lord Mu! Your son is very happy today, it's truly a joyous occasion!" A court official said, bowing with his hands clasped.

Mu Zetian quickly returned the greeting: "Congratulations! Thank you for coming to support us."

On the other side, Mu Yixuan, dressed in a bright red python robe, wearing a golden scholar's hat and a large red flower on his chest, looked dashing and heroic. He glanced at Su Yao's room from time to time, his eyes full of anticipation.

"Young master, it's almost time to go fetch the bride," the steward reminded him from the side.

Mu Yixuan took a deep breath, straightened his clothes, and strode towards Su Yao's room. According to the customs of the Nanzhao Kingdom, the wedding procession had to go through a series of ceremonies before the bride could be taken away. Mu Yixuan arrived at Su Yao's door, only to find it tightly closed, and heard playful noises coming from inside.

"If you want to take the bride away, you'll have to get past us first!" Su Yao's best friends shouted with laughter from inside the house.

Mu Yixuan smiled helplessly, took out a red envelope he had prepared beforehand from his pocket, and slipped it through the crack in the door: "Ladies, please do me this favor."

The girlfriends accepted the red envelopes before opening the door. Mu Yixuan walked into the room and saw Su Yao dressed in a phoenix coronet and wedding gown, sitting gracefully on the edge of the bed, as beautiful as a fairy descended from heaven. He slowly walked to Su Yao and gently took her hand: "Su Yao, I've come to pick you up."

Su Yao raised her head, tears glistening in her eyes, and nodded gently. Mu Yixuan covered Su Yao's head with a red veil and carefully carried her out of the room.

The wedding procession set off in a grand procession, accompanied by music and fanfare, attracting a large crowd of onlookers. People cast envious glances and offered their blessings to the newlyweds.

Upon arriving at the Mu residence, the wedding officially began. Inside the hall, red candles burned brightly, and the air was filled with the fragrance of flowers. Mu Zetian and Lin Ruoxue sat in the main seats, while Mu Yixuan and Su Yao performed the three-bow ceremony under the guidance of the master of ceremonies.

"Worship heaven and earth!"

The two turned around and bowed deeply to the ancestral tablets.

"Two thanks to the high hall!"

Mu Yixuan and Su Yao knelt and kowtowed to Mu Zetian and Lin Ruoxue. Mu Zetian and Lin Ruoxue's eyes were full of joy; looking at the newlyweds, they seemed to see a reflection of their own youth.

"Couple greetings!"

Mu Yixuan and Su Yao faced each other, slowly bowed, and performed the husband-and-wife bowing ceremony.

After the ceremony, the guests applauded and offered their congratulations. Mu Yixuan took Su Yao's hand and led her into the bridal chamber. The bridal chamber was decorated warmly and romantically, with red curtains, a wedding quilt, and a pair of burning dragon and phoenix candles.

Mu Yixuan gently lifted Su Yao's red veil, revealing her beautiful and shy face before him. He held Su Yao's hand and said affectionately, "Su Yao, from this day forward, you are my wife, and I will protect you for the rest of my life."

With tears in her eyes, Su Yao smiled and said, "Yi Xuan, I will always be by your side and walk hand in hand with you through life."

Just then, a commotion arose outside the door; it turned out the guests had come to play pranks on the newlyweds. Everyone rushed into the bridal chamber, some posing difficult questions for the couple, others asking them to perform, filling the room with laughter and chatter. Although Mu Yixuan and Su Yao were a little shy, they cooperated fully, and the room was filled with a joyful atmosphere.

After the wedding night festivities ended, the guests gradually dispersed, and the Mu residence quieted down. Mu Yixuan and Su Yao sat on the edge of the bed, smiling at each other. This day had been filled with so much happiness and emotion; now, they were finally husband and wife, beginning a new chapter in their lives.

"Su Yao, no matter what difficulties we encounter in the future, we must face them together." Mu Yixuan held Su Yao's hand tightly.

Su Yao leaned on Mu Yixuan's shoulder and whispered, "Yes, I believe we can do it."