bestfiction Chapter 293 A Good Marriage
Chapter 293 A Good Marriage
In the springtime of the Western Jing Kingdom's imperial palace, a warm breeze blows, and the imperial garden is a riot of color, with flowers blooming in vibrant hues—red like fire, pink like the sunset, and white like snow. Each flower vie for attention, releasing a refreshing fragrance. Butterflies flutter among the blossoms, and birds sing merrily in the branches, immersing the entire palace in a lively and vibrant atmosphere.
Inside the Imperial Study, Jiang Liushen and Jia Xiaoyan sat facing each other. Jiang Liushen held a secret report in his hand, a gratified smile on his face: "My dear consort, during this time, Miss Su and You'an have gotten along well and their feelings for each other have grown stronger. Miss Su is not only exceptionally intelligent, but she has also protected You'an on many occasions. She is a rare and precious woman."
Jia Xiaoyan nodded slightly, her eyes full of smiles: "Your Majesty is absolutely right. Miss Su is kind-hearted and highly skilled in martial arts, and she is a perfect match for You'an. I also think it is time to prepare for their wedding."
Jiang Liushen put down the secret report and pondered for a moment: "Miss Su is the daughter of Su Zhentian, the leader of the martial arts alliance. This marriage is no small matter. We need to invite the leader and his wife to the palace to discuss this matter together, as a sign of respect for the martial arts alliance."
Jia Xiaoyan nodded in agreement: "Your Majesty's thinking is very thoughtful. Alliance Leader Su has a very high reputation in the martial arts world. A marriage alliance with the martial arts alliance will not only bring about a good match between You'an and Miss Su, but also enhance the relationship between the court and the martial arts alliance, and consolidate the rule of our Xijing Kingdom."
Jiang Liushen immediately ordered an envoy to be sent to the Martial Alliance to invite Su Zhentian and his wife to the palace. The envoy traveled day and night at breakneck speed and arrived at the Martial Alliance in no time.
Su Zhentian was overjoyed to learn that the Emperor of Xijing had invited him and his wife to the palace to discuss their children's marriage. After discussing it with his wife, he decided to set off immediately.
A few days later, Su Zhentian and his wife, accompanied by envoys, arrived at the Xijing Kingdom's palace. Jiang Liushen and Jia Xiaoyan personally greeted them at the palace gate.
"Alliance Leader Su, you must be tired from your journey," Jiang Liushen said with a smile, his eyes full of sincerity.
Su Zhentian quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty's personal welcome is an honor for me. It is my privilege to be able to discuss the marriage between my daughter and His Highness the Crown Prince with Your Majesty during this visit to the palace."
Jia Xiaoyan stepped forward, took Madam Su's hand, and said kindly, "Madam Su, you must be tired from your journey. Are you alright?"
Madam Su smiled and replied, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. Everything is fine. It is my honor to meet Your Highness."
After exchanging pleasantries, the group headed together to the Imperial Garden. A lavish banquet had already been prepared there, with fine wines and delicacies on display.
Jiang Youan and Su Liyue also arrived at the Imperial Garden and bowed to everyone. Su Liyue saw her parents, and a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes. She quickly stepped forward and said, "Father, Mother, you've come."
Su Zhentian looked at his daughter with eyes full of love: "Liyue, are you doing well in the palace? Have you suffered any grievances?"
Su Liyue smiled and said, "Father, Mother, I'm doing well in the palace. His Majesty, the Empress, and His Highness have all taken good care of me."
After everyone was seated, Jiang Liushen raised his wine glass and said, "Alliance Leader Su, the reason we invited you and Madam Su to the palace is to discuss the marriage of You'an and Liyue with you. These two children are in love, and we hope to bring them together as soon as possible."
Su Zhentian quickly stood up and raised his wine cup: "Your Majesty, it is an honor for our Su family to form a marriage alliance with the royal family. It is a blessing for Li Yue to marry His Highness the Crown Prince."
Jia Xiaoyan also smiled and said, "Alliance Leader Su, Madam Su, Li Yue is a well-behaved and sensible child with superb martial arts skills. We all like her very much. From now on, she will be our daughter-in-law, and we will definitely treat her like our own daughter."
Tears welled up in Madam Su's eyes as she said, moved, "Your Majesty, we are relieved to hear your words. Li Yue grew up in the martial world and is straightforward. If she has done anything wrong, we hope Your Majesty will forgive her."
While enjoying fine wine and food, everyone discussed the details of the wedding. From the scale and process of the wedding to the betrothal gifts and dowry, every aspect was discussed in detail.
During the discussions, Jiang Youan and Su Liyue would occasionally exchange glances, their eyes filled with shyness and happiness. They knew that this wedding was not only a testament to their love, but also a symbol of the good relationship between the imperial court and their martial arts allies.
After the banquet, Jiang Liushen and Jia Xiaoyan arranged for Su Zhentian and his wife to rest in the palace. Su Liyue then accompanied her parents to their residence, sharing her experiences in the palace with them.
"Li Yue, how does His Highness the Crown Prince treat you?" Madam Su asked with concern.
Su Liyue's face was filled with a happy smile: "Mother, His Highness is very good to me. He is gentle, considerate and talented. It is my good fortune to be with him."
Su Zhentian smiled and said, "That's very good. In the palace, you must be dutiful, respect His Majesty and the Empress, support each other with His Highness, and work together to create a happy family."
Su Liyue nodded and replied, "Father, Mother, I understand."
Under the warm spring sun, the royal palace of Xijing Kingdom was bustling with activity, adorned with lanterns and decorations. The grand project of preparing for the wedding of Crown Prince Jiang You'an and Su Liyue was in full swing. The entire palace resembled a giant workshop, with craftsmen, palace maids, and eunuchs moving about, working together to make this wedding a grand event that would shake the court and be remembered in history.
The Imperial Household Department took the lead, carefully selecting an auspicious day to hold the wedding in mid-spring when flowers were in full bloom, symbolizing a life as vibrant and colorful as blossoming flowers. Following this, the head of the Imperial Household Department, Eunuch Wang, along with his subordinates, tirelessly inventoried the gold, silver, jewels, and silks within the palace, as these precious items would serve as decorations for the wedding and materials for the couple's attire.
"This brocade is brightly colored and has a fine texture. It is perfect for making the Crown Princess's wedding dress." Eunuch Wang gently stroked the shimmering brocade and instructed his subordinates, "Immediately arrange for top embroiderers to embroider an exquisite wedding dress within the deadline."
Inside the embroidery workshop, a dozen embroiderers sat together, their needles flying as they sewed. They were embroidering auspicious dragon and phoenix patterns on the wedding dress, each stitch filled with their best wishes for the newlyweds. The embroiderers worked day and night, their eyes bloodshot, but without the slightest sign of slackening.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Rites led the officials in drafting a detailed wedding plan. From the wedding procession to the seating arrangement at the banquet, and finally to the couple's wedding ceremony, every step was meticulously planned and refined.
"On the day of the wedding, the Crown Prince must personally lead the wedding procession to the Wulin Alliance's headquarters to show his sincerity." The Minister of Rites spread out the etiquette manual in his hand and explained to everyone, "At the wedding banquet, seating arrangements should be made according to rank, and fairness and order must be ensured."
Inside the imperial kitchen, the chefs were also extremely busy. They meticulously selected ingredients and researched recipes, preparing a sumptuous feast for the wedding banquet. Each dish, featuring delicacies from land and sea, underwent countless trials and improvements.
"This dish, 'Dragon and Phoenix Bringing Auspiciousness,' requires top-grade bird's nest and shark fin, paired with fresh chicken and fish, to create a delicious flavor," the head chef said to his assistants, pointing to the recipe.
To make the wedding even more grand, a large-scale celebration performance was organized within the palace. Musicians rehearsed day and night, playing melodious tunes; dancers trained diligently, choreographing exquisite dances.
As the future mother-in-law, Jia Xiaoyan was extremely attentive to the wedding preparations. She personally oversaw the setup of the wedding venue, paying attention to every detail, from the palace decorations to the hanging of lanterns.
"These lanterns should be hung at varying heights to create a festive atmosphere," Jia Xiaoyan said to the eunuchs in charge of the arrangements as she stood in front of the palace. "Also, fresh flowers should be placed inside the palace to bring life to the entire wedding venue."
Although Su Liyue was eagerly anticipating the wedding, she was also a little nervous. In her boudoir, she repeatedly tried on her wedding dress and adjusted her makeup. Her personal maids surrounded her, offering advice and suggestions.
"Miss, you look absolutely stunning in this phoenix coronet and wedding gown," the maid Xiao Hong said with a smile. "His Highness the Crown Prince will surely be completely captivated by you."
Su Liyue's cheeks flushed slightly as she gently stroked her wedding dress: "Xiao Hong, I'm a little nervous. I don't know if anything will go wrong on the wedding day."
Xiao Hong comforted her, "Miss, don't worry. His Majesty, the Empress, and all the officials are making careful preparations, and the wedding will definitely be a complete success."
Jiang Youan was also preparing for the wedding. He followed a wedding etiquette teacher to learn various wedding etiquettes, and underwent rigorous training in everything from walking posture to tone of voice.
"Your Highness, during the wedding procession, you must walk with a steady gait and a smile on your face, displaying the demeanor of a prince," the etiquette instructor patiently instructed Jiang Youan.
As the wedding date drew near, the atmosphere within the palace grew increasingly festive. Announcements of good news were posted throughout the streets and alleys, and the people were immersed in joy, offering their blessings to the newlyweds.
Finally, the day before the wedding, all preparations were successfully completed. The palace was brightly lit, as if it were daytime. The palace was beautifully decorated, adorned with flowers, and lanterns hung high, exuding a festive atmosphere everywhere.
Although Jiang Youan and Su Liyue were in different palaces, neither of them could fall asleep. Lying in bed, they looked forward to tomorrow's wedding, their hearts filled with anticipation and happiness.
"Tomorrow, I will become Miss Su's husband," Jiang Youan murmured to himself, gazing at the bright moon outside the window.
Su Liyue gazed at the night sky, a happy smile on her face: "Tomorrow, I will marry His Highness and begin a new life."