The Emperor, Xian Di, stepped forward to gently touch the man at the head of the welcoming party, the groom, Prince Bei Jin, Mu Rong Liu Mo. A hint of blush graced his usually clear and handsome features, making him look remarkably better than usual. Mu Rong Liu Zun, with his voice as gentle and flowing as water, remarked, "A happy occasion indeed makes one spirits soar. Prince Bei Jin, you look much better today than usual."
"Thanks to my imperial brother's well wishes," the Prince Bei Jin replied with refined elegance. After speaking, he glanced back, then respectfully asked, "For my wedding, why hasn't Mother Empress come?"
A sharp glint flashed in Mu Rong Liu Zun's dark eyes, his lips curving into a smile. "Mother Empress is feeling unwell. After Prince Bei Jin's wedding, you may bring your new bride to the palace to pay your respects."
"Yes, imperial brother," Mu Rong Liu Mo lowered his head, a flicker of resentment in his eyes. His mother, the Empress, could not attend his own wedding. His brother had been too ruthless.
"My brother, congratulations," Prince Nan An said slowly from the side. Mu Rong Liu Mo nodded, "You are too kind."
The guests at Prince Bei Jin's mansion were mostly officials. In the presence of the Emperor and Empress, they dared not speak, remaining silent and bowing respectfully.
Observing the scene, Prince Bei Jin quickly instructed the steward to escort the guests to the banquet hall, while he personally accompanied the Emperor, Empress, and Prince Nan An to the main reception room.
Seated at the place of honor, the Emperor took his seat, with Mu Qingyao on his left. Prince Nan An sat below them.
Maidservants in green brought in tea. Prince Bei Jin personally handed the cups to the Emperor and Empress, respectfully saying, "Your presence at my wedding today is a great honor, imperial brother and imperial sister-in-law."
"We are family, no need for such politeness," Xian Di's dark eyes casually glanced at the tea, but he did not reach for it.
Mu Rong Liu Mo calmly surveyed the Emperor, Empress, and Prince Nan An seated above. All three appeared remarkably calm, showing no hint of their true intentions. Was today truly the day for action?
Prince Bei Jin recalled Steward Ning's words: "My lord, I believe today is not the opportune moment to make a move."
Indeed, in front of so many court officials, if the assassination were successful, those officials could be subdued on the spot. If it failed, it would lead to utter ruin. Prince Bei Jin's eyes flickered with deep uncertainty.
It seemed caution was the better part of valor. Relaxing his brow, he was about to speak when hurried footsteps approached from outside the door. It was Steward Ning, breathless, announcing,
"My lord, the sedan chair has arrived. The sedan chair is here, and you are needed to kick the sedan door."
"Very well," Prince Bei Jin replied, turning back to bid farewell to the Emperor. He also instructed Steward Ning to lead the three of them to the main hall of Prince Bei Jin's mansion.
After all, the Emperor and Empress were to be the officiants during the ceremony.
Steward Ning respectfully guided the Emperor and his entourage to the main hall. Inside, guests who had come to witness the festivities were already gathered. Upon seeing the Emperor and Empress arrive, they quickly bowed and greeted, "Greetings, Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress."
"Enough," Mu Rong Liu Zun waved his hand, and everyone withdrew, standing on either side. A crimson carpet extended from the center of the main hall all the way to the entrance.
From the other end of the carpet, Prince Bei Jin entered, leading the bride. The bride was attended by a matron of honor and maids. The matron of honor, while supporting the bride, spoke auspicious words as they proceeded towards the hall.
The imperial etiquette officer, dispatched from the palace, stood at a corner of the crimson carpet. After paying respects to the Emperor and Empress, he commenced the ceremony.
The hall fell silent as all eyes turned to the groom, Prince Bei Jin. The usually sickly Prince Bei Jin, for once, did not look as pale, a gentle smile gracing his face, exuding the demeanor of a true gentleman.
"Alright, the ceremony of bowing shall now begin," the etiquette officer announced in a long, drawn-out cry. The groom and bride stood in their designated positions. Prince Bei Jin wore a joyful expression, while the bride, supported by the matron of honor and maids, took her place.
"First bow to heaven and earth," a voice intoned.
"Second bow to the honored elders." As the Empress Dowager was absent, this bow was received by the Emperor.
"Husband and wife..." Before the etiquette officer could finish his words, the once joyful hall's atmosphere dramatically shifted. The bride abruptly removed her phoenix coronet and veil, turning towards Prince Bei Jin Mu Rong Liu Mo and exclaiming,
"My lord, if not now, then when? Let us kill him together!"
As soon as the bride spoke, her crimson figure lunged forward, a sword in hand, aimed directly at the Emperor seated on the throne.
This sudden turn of events stunned everyone. By the time they reacted, people were scrambling for cover. Prince Nan An roared, "Prince Bei Jin, how dare you conspire to assassinate the Emperor!" With a swift movement, his long sword flashed, striking directly at Prince Bei Jin.
Prince Bei Jin instinctively dodged aside. This evasive maneuver revealed his martial arts foundation. Even without fighting, he might not escape imprisonment today. Better to fight for his life. With this thought, he roared, "Kill!"
Chaos erupted within Prince Bei Jin's mansion. The Imperial Guard clashed with hidden assassins disguised as servants, the sounds of shouting and killing filling the air.
Seeing the entire mansion engulfed in battle, the guests abandoned all pretense of dignity and fled, crying out in panic.
In the main hall, Prince Nan An and Prince Bei Jin engaged in combat. The bride, Ye Qianqian, fought with the Emperor, and troops from Prince Bei Jin's mansion charged in. The hall became a dazzling, chaotic spectacle.
Mu Qingyao's sharp gaze swept across the scene. She slowly stood up. Suddenly, a sword attack came her way. She raised her hand and met it with a punch. With a swift turn, she delivered a powerful kick, sending the attacker flying ten meters away.
Mo Chou and Mo You also joined the fray.
From front to back, Prince Bei Jin's mansion was filled with palpable killing intent, a chaotic melee raging both inside and out.
Suddenly, the sound of hooves echoed, followed by the rhythmic march of approaching troops. A clear voice announced, "This old minister arrives late to protect the Emperor. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness."
The arrival was none other than Xi Men Zheng Hao, leading five thousand guards from the capital. As he finished speaking, he drew his sword and commanded his men, "Kill! These traitors dare to harm the Emperor."
The five thousand guards descended like fierce tigers from the mountains. The soldiers of Prince Bei Jin's mansion were no match for them. Although the assassins fought bravely, they were too few in number. Moreover, the guards who had previously agreed to aid Prince Bei Jin's mansion turned their swords against them.
Prince Bei Jin Mu Rong Liu Mo watched his years of planning crumble so easily, so swiftly, so decisively. He was captured by the Emperor with effortless ease.
"Guards, seize the rebels!"
At the Emperor's command, two swords were simultaneously placed at Prince Bei Jin Mu Rong Liu Mo's neck. A layer of pain covered his pale face. He dropped to his knees with a thud, allowing himself to be taken.
Was this the result of his meticulously laid plans over many years? So fragile, so easily shattered. First, the Chu family, inexplicably ordered to relinquish military power. Although Chu Qian Yi had pledged his assistance, he was nowhere to be seen when events unfolded. Then, his own wedding. Mu Rong Liu Mo's cold, sharp eyes shifted to the bride standing to the side.