Nangong Haoxuan and Qin Dan's marriage was put on the agenda before other matters. To "demonstrate" her benevolence, Zhu Yan even permitted the King of Qin to return to the capital to preside over his daughter's wedding.
At the same time, she instructed the Directorate of Astronomy to select a propitious date, setting Chong Yan's enthronement ceremony for the sixteenth of June. With more than two months until then, there was ample time to arrange most affairs.
At the wedding of Nangong Haoxuan and Qin Dan, Zhu Yan met the male protagonist of this world for the first time: Qi Qianfan, the consort of Nangong Cai. Qi Qianfan's maternal family was not prominent, and by status alone, he was even inferior to Chong Yan, who was born of a concubine.
The former emperor's greatest intention in bestowing the marriage upon them before his death was to prevent Nangong Cai from possessing any power to resist the original owner. Nangong Cai had always been acutely aware of this, and thus had always disliked him.
It was only later, as she was dying, that the man she cherished as her moon-white male lead betrayed her, killing her child with his own hands, while Qi Qianfan remained steadfast and ultimately accompanied her to the netherworld.
Therefore, in the more than a month since her rebirth, in addition to court affairs, there were many rumors circulating among the populace about them. Primarily, it was said that Prince An Yang's temperament had changed drastically; he had dismissed all the men in his inner court, keeping only his consort, and had stopped pursuing the grandson of the Grand Tutor's family.
In the original plot, the reason she was able to marry him was that before she was injured this time, he had accidentally fallen into the water. She heroically rescued him, and after recovering, she persistently proposed marriage. Coupled with the fact that they were both wet and embraced when she saved him, the rumors in the capital were so rampant that the Grand Tutor's mansion had no choice but to agree to her proposal.
Having been reborn, Nangong Cai wished nothing more than to stay as far away from that venomous man as possible. She had never mentioned proposing marriage, and without her endless pestering, the people of the capital had almost forgotten about the matter.
Given her recent diligent work, Zhu Yan would not prod at others' sore spots. She watched the two, dressed in vibrant red wedding robes, and subtly glanced at the person beside her.
It would be their turn soon.
Chong Yan felt her gaze and looked back. They exchanged a smile.
The wedding ceremony lasted nearly a day and a night. By the time they returned to the palace after the banquet in the evening, it was already past Xu Shi (7 to 9 PM). Having observed ceremonies all day, everyone was quite exhausted and simply went to wash and sleep.
The next morning at the court session, the King of Qin became the most watched official. Her return this time was by imperial decree. First, she expressed her gratitude in a grand ceremony, and then she presented her report.
"The Azure Dragon Kingdom established a Grand Preceptor a few years ago, who is said to be able to summon the wind and call the rain. Early this year, it was he who advised the Emperor of the Azure Dragon Kingdom that with the Vermilion Bird suffering floods in the north and drought in the south, it was an opportune moment for them to encroach. The Emperor of the Azure Dragon Kingdom believed his words implicitly, and has been recruiting soldiers and horses for these past few months. Once the Vermilion Bird's strength declines, they will surely attack. This matter requires early preparation. Your humble servant has heard that Your Majesty has dispatched an imperial envoy to the south to divert water for irrigation and maintain spring plowing. Your Majesty is wise."
Zhu Yan stated, "Regardless of whether that Grand Preceptor truly possesses the ability to pry into heavenly secrets, we must not panic. What of the will of heaven? Man will conquer heaven. As long as the entire Vermilion Bird unites, no matter how ambitious other nations may be, victory will ultimately be ours."
Vast stretches of swampland in the south had yet to be reclaimed. The so-called floods in the north and drought in the south referred only to the reclaimed land. The south rarely experienced continuous drought for several years. As long as managed properly, there would be no severe natural disasters.
As for that so-called Grand Preceptor, he was either a charlatan who swindled people or a scholar who could truly observe celestial phenomena, much like the weather forecasts of later generations. He posed no threat whatsoever.
Listening to her impassioned words, the civil and military officials were deeply moved: "Your Majesty is wise."
—
As usual, after the morning meeting, the focus of the day was once again the King of Qin.
Concurrently, Nangong Haoxuan and Qin Dan, who had just gotten married, came to the palace to express their gratitude on the second day.
Currently, there were few people left in the inner palace. The reception was naturally handled by Chong Yan and Qiao Yu, who was now formally working.
Having shed his status as a secondary consort, he had become an inner official in charge of the palace, responsible for assisting Chong Yan in managing inner palace affairs. For the time being, this primarily involved handling the marriages of those who wished to leave the palace.
Nangong Haoxuan had met him before and had vaguely heard about the recent widespread rumors. He had initially thought this person had been secretly executed until yesterday when he learned that Qiao Yu had transformed from his "brother-in-law" into his brother. The kind certified by the Emperor himself.
Upon seeing him, he was taken aback for a moment before rising to offer greetings.
"Greetings, Your Highness."
He smiled, "His Majesty has recognized you as sworn brother, so from now on, we are all brothers. No need for such formality."
Qiao Yu also smiled, "Then, your humble brother greets imperial brother."
They both then paid their respects to Chong Yan.
Chong Yan, with a smile, said, "Since we are all family, no need for formalities. Please be seated. His Majesty and the King of Qin have been waiting for some time."
The King of Qin had attended the court session early in the morning. Qin Dan and Nangong Haoxuan had only recently entered the palace; they had not arrived together.
"Thank you, secondary consort."
The group walked in together. The King of Qin was still reporting on matters at Qiuling Pass, mostly concerning troops and provisions. That area was unsuitable for agriculture, yet it was a strategically vital pass. Food for the people and horses had to be transported from elsewhere.
The batch of provisions sent last winter was almost depleted, and what little remained would not last until this winter. However, it was currently the spring plowing season, and there were simply not enough surplus grains.
In response, Zhu Yan simply told him to rest assured.
"I issued a decree some days ago to reduce the expenses of the inner palace and court officials, while also strictly investigating corruption and bribery. If the wealth they have accumulated over the years can be recovered, it would be more than enough to sustain the army, even the entire Vermilion Bird."
The King of Qin was clearly aware of these matters. Hearing her intention to thoroughly investigate corrupt officials, he breathed a sigh of relief and immediately mentioned several officials suspected of embezzling military funds.
Zhu Yan expressed her gratitude for this.
Looking up, she saw Chong Yan and smiled at him. The King of Qin also saw his daughter and son-in-law, a smile appearing on his face.
Having served on the border for many years, he felt he had wronged his daughter the most. Seeing her now achieve her heart's desire and marry the one she loved, he was naturally satisfied.
What most gratified him this time upon his return was the change in His Majesty.
Not only had her temperament changed considerably, no longer prone to fits of temper and excessive killing, but her attitude towards court affairs had also become clearer.
Seeing their affectionate glances, the King of Qin thought that the old saying was absolutely correct: one must establish a family before one can establish a career. Previously, His Majesty's indifferent attitude towards those in the inner palace had led to her lack of concern for court affairs and a spendthrift nature.
Now that she had someone in her heart, she had learned to plan.
This was not a bad thing.
"Your humble servant pays respects to His Majesty. May His Majesty live ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years."
"Today is a family banquet, no need for such formality. Imperial brother, imperial sister-in-law, imperial brother, please rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."