The emperor's lips curled into a cold sneer. Chu Qianyi was indeed sensible. Had he resisted, the emperor would not have let him off today.
"Throw him in prison."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Hua Lige replied, taking the order. He waved his hand, and two guards surged forward, flanking Chu Qianyi and escorting him out.
The eighth of October dawned fair and sunny, the blue sky adorned with white clouds, truly a beautiful day.
Today was the wedding of the Prince of Beijin. The streets were teeming with people, stretching as far as the eye could see, packed to the brim.
Windows in restaurants and tea houses were all snapped up.
Today, the Prince of Beijin was getting married, and the Emperor and Empress would personally preside over the ceremony. How could this not stir excitement and thrill the hearts of the populace?
It was known throughout the land that Emperor Xian was a rare handsome man, not only handsome but also wise and astute. As for the Empress, she was a woman of unparalleled beauty and boundless compassion, a perfect match for Emperor Xian.
The Prince of Beijin's mansion was bustling with activity from early morning. Maidservants and housekeepers bustled about, their faces beaming with smiles. Today was the day of the Prince's wedding. Even the servants, though working tirelessly, wore pleased expressions, though the Prince himself was not looking his best...
The mansion, inside and out, was guarded by soldiers.
Today, the Emperor was coming to officiate the wedding. Should any mishap occur, the Prince of Beijin's mansion would be held responsible. Therefore, Steward Ning had meticulously checked everyone since early morning. Only when he confirmed that all were loyal subjects did he feel at ease and went to the study to report to the Prince.
"Your Highness, everything is prepared."
"Mm," the Prince of Beijin nodded without speaking. A fleeting worry crossed his cold, pale face as he slowly said, "I wonder where Chu Qianyi has gone. Are the people he sent reliable? What about later?"
"Your Highness, your subordinate has something to say. You must be extremely cautious today. The Emperor and Empress are making such a grand display to preside over your wedding. The eyes of the world are sharp. If anything untoward happens to them, it will be difficult to explain."
"Explain? The victor is king, the vanquished is a bandit. To whom do I need to explain?"
The Prince of Beijin, Murong Liumo, spoke with a chilling indifference. The arrow was already on the string and had to be fired. Regardless of where Chu Qianyi had gone, he had no choice but to stake everything.
"Your Highness?" Steward Ning wished to say more, but the Prince's cold, bloodthirsty gaze fixed upon him, silencing him.
For some reason, he felt a growing unease, a sense of disquiet spreading throughout him. What had gone wrong? Steward Ning withdrew from the study, leaving Murong Liumo alone.
In the vast Prince of Beijin's mansion, a sea of crimson enveloped everything, so thick it seemed to drown all else.
At Chen Shi, the bridal sedan chair of the Prince of Beijin's mansion had already departed to fetch the bride from the scholar's residence. The Prince of Beijin, Murong Liumo, not feeling well, did not accompany the sedan chair. He would only kick the sedan door upon its arrival.
In front of the grand gate, guests continuously arrived, both acquaintances and those merely curious. Hearing that the Emperor and Empress were personally officiating the wedding, they naturally came to witness the spectacle.
Steward Ning, while greeting guests, kept his gaze fixed on the distance. The Prince had not yet emerged from his study.
The Emperor and Empress would be arriving soon. He needed to be there to welcome the distinguished guests.
The royal dragon carriage had departed the palace, making its way towards the Prince of Beijin's mansion. Five hundred iron cavalry led the way, followed by a ceremonial procession, and then the Emperor's dragon carriage. Behind the carriage, Prince Nan'an led a detachment of Imperial Guards to ensure the safety of the Emperor and Empress.
The streets were lined with black cloth screens, and rows of soldiers were stationed along the roadside to maintain order.
The citizens shielded by the screens craned their necks to peer out. The sound of magnificent music and the orderly hoofbeats, which they heard from afar, soon arrived before them.
The first to pass were the five hundred iron cavalry, mounted on powerful steeds, clad in armor, their faces impassive, their gazes sharp. The sight of these five hundred cavalrymen clearly indicated they were handpicked elite soldiers.
After the five hundred iron cavalry came a long ceremonial procession. Each person was dressed in splendid attire, playing joyous and grand melodies, resonant and pure.
Following them was the golden dragon carriage, resplendent and luxurious, displaying the imperial grandeur without reservation. The tall carriage was adorned with large luminous pearls inlaid on its canopy, which shimmered brilliantly under the sunlight. Golden gauze embroidered with flowers hung around the sides, vaguely revealing two figures within. It was undoubtedly Emperor Xian and the Empress. The crowd erupted in cheers, which grew louder and louder.
"Empress, ten thousand years! Empress, ten thousand, ten thousand years!"
Since the incident at Yue Jue Temple, the current Empress had deeply imprinted herself in the minds of the people, and many were captivated by her.
Inside the dragon carriage sat the current Emperor, Xian, and the Empress, Mu Qingyao. Listening to the thunderous cheers from outside, they exchanged smiles. The Emperor held Mu Qingyao's hand tightly and affectionately called out, "Yao'er."
"Your Majesty, I don't think you should have come today," Mu Qingyao strongly disapproved of his personal risk. If something happened to him, Xian Yue would fall into chaos, and then the empire would belong neither to the Murong family nor the Chu family, but to other kingdoms.
"Don't worry. If I don't appear, I believe he won't make a move. I have everything arranged. Yao'er, be at ease."
Emperor Xian smiled confidently, his eyes deep like a vast vortex, easily drawing one's soul in. Mu Qingyao curved her lips into a smile. Since he said so, he must have full confidence. This man's capabilities were absolutely first-rate.
"That's good then."
Inside the dragon carriage, the atmosphere was intimate. They spoke no words, and the Emperor's hand did not let go of hers. His long fingers gently caressed her tender, jade-like hand, sending a tingling sensation.
The majestic dragon carriage proceeded all the way to the Prince of Beijin's mansion. Someone had already informed the Prince of Beijin. The Prince, along with guests of all ranks, came out to the gate to greet them, kneeling on the ground.
"Your subject and others respectfully welcome His Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress."
Emperor Xian elegantly alighted from the dragon carriage first. As his tall, slender figure stood there, he was like an unmoving mountain, exuding immense dignity. His every movement was graceful, noble, and commanding. He slowly extended a long hand and uttered in a deep, alluring voice, "Yao'er, it's time to get down."
Hearing such a gentle and refined voice, everyone felt as if a clear spring had flowed through their hearts. It seemed the rumors were true: the Emperor doted on the Empress.
Mu Qingyao, supported by the Emperor, descended from the carriage. They walked together to the entrance of the Prince of Beijin's mansion and looked at the dense crowd kneeling before the gate. The guards protecting the Prince of Beijin's mansion also lowered their spears and knelt.
"Everyone, rise," a clear voice rang out.