Within the imperial study, Emperor Xian, clad in a dragon robe of imperial yellow, was stunningly handsome. His eyes, as deep and profound as churning seas, were not focused on the memorials on the imperial desk but on a distant, ethereal space.
Yao An, his personal eunuch, dared not breathe, cautiously trying to fathom the Emperor's thoughts. The Emperor was always inscrutable, his mind unfathomable to ordinary people. However, just moments ago, the Emperor had summoned the princess.
As Yao An was lost in thought, a young eunuch's voice sounded from outside the door: "Your Majesty, the Princess has arrived."
Emperor Xian immediately snapped back to attention, his voice deep and resonant, "Announce her."
"Yes, Your Majesty," the young eunuch replied, leading in a lovely, butterfly-like little fish. She was no longer called Mu Xiaoyu; the Emperor had bestowed upon her the name Murong Qin Yu, the Chang Le Princess of Xian Yue.
"I pay my respects to Father Emperor."
Little Yu'er curtsied. A warm, brilliant light flashed in Emperor Xian's eyes. He waved his hand, signaling the eunuchs in the study to withdraw.
In the vast space, father and daughter gazed at each other for a moment. Little Yu'er then smiled and playfully asked, "Father Emperor, do you have something to ask of me?"
Liu Zun also smiled. Little Yu'er was becoming increasingly astute. He did indeed have something to ask, but for the moment, he didn't know how to begin. Hearing her question now, he chuckled, "Come, sit down. Father Emperor needs your help."
Little Yu'er sat beside her father, her clear, bright eyes gazing at him. Her usually steady and imposing father seemed hesitant now, a flicker of excitement in his pupils as if he had decided on something momentous. Little Yu'er curiously pressed.
"Father Emperor, what is it?"
"Little Yu'er, can you do Father Emperor a favor?"
Murong Liu Zun extended his large hand, holding his daughter's small one. His demeanor was unusually serious, his brow marked by the fleeting brilliance of flowing clouds.
"Please, Father Emperor."
Little Yu'er's curiosity was piqued, her large eyes unblinking, awaiting her father's words.
Murong Liu Zun's voice deepened, carrying the mellow aroma of aged wine. He spoke gently and kindly, "Little Yu'er, Father Emperor wishes to hold a grand wedding ceremony for your mother again. Can you help Father Emperor find out what kind of wedding your mother desires most?"
As Murong Liu Zun finished speaking, Little Yu'er blinked, undeniable excitement shining in her eyes.
In truth, she had always regretted not witnessing her mother's wedding. Since Father Emperor harbored this wish, why not oblige? As for Su Chen's ideal wedding, she knew it like the back of her hand.
A radiant smile bloomed across Little Yu'er's palm-sized face.
"Father Emperor, you've come to the right person for this. I've heard Mother mention it. Mother once dreamt of a luxurious wedding, and upon waking, she greatly admired such a ceremony."
As Little Yu'er finished speaking, Murong Liu Zun's interest was immediately piqued. He knew that dream was in fact real, likely from Qing Yao's world. He wanted to give her a wedding that would be the envy of the world, a scene that would be remembered forever.
The Empress of Xian Yue was truly peerless in her grace and beauty. The previous wedding had been held against her will, when he had married the Prime Minister's daughter, Mu Qing Yao.
This time, the one he wished to marry was Su Chen, the miraculous woman who had crossed a millennium to be by his side.
Little Yu'er immediately leaned into Murong Liu Zun's ear, whispering animatedly, her face radiant and captivating. Her face was strikingly similar to Murong Liu Zun's, as if cast from the same mold, possessing the same commanding presence and sharp brilliance.
Murong Liu Zun's handsome features, his narrow brows arching, the points of light in his pupils growing larger, finally elicited a soft exclamation.
"Is it truly like that?"
"Father Emperor, would I lie to you? Honestly, I'm trying to help you out of kindness."
Little Yu'er seemed displeased, her eyes, like fluttering fans, puffing out her lips in protest. The Emperor immediately reached out and affectionately ruffled her hair. "Alright, Father Emperor believes you. But this wedding dress you mentioned, who can make it?"
"You don't need to worry about this, Father Emperor. Just leave it to me."
Little Yu'er patted her chest. The court's imperial tailors were second to none, their craftsmanship possibly rivaling that of modern times, and in terms of embroidery, they held a distinct advantage. Therefore, there was no need for concern.
Now, she needed to draw a design. In her previous life, she had been Su Chen's bridesmaid, and she knew intimately the wedding dress her mother loved to wear. Thus, the process would flow naturally.
"You've seen that kind of wedding dress?"
Murong Liu Zun assumed Qing Yao had drawn it herself, which was why Little Yu'er had seen it. He did not suspect anything further.
Little Yu'er paused for a moment, then gave a dismissive smile, playing with her fingers, and casually said, "Mother once drew it. I will draw it again and then instruct the imperial tailors to make it as soon as possible. Father Emperor, please don't worry."
"Good. This matter is entrusted to you."
"Alright," the father and daughter shook hands, their faces etched with mystery. This matter was being kept secret from Mu Qing Yao.
Little Yu'er left the imperial study and quickly returned to her palace to draw the design.
For women living in the modern era, the greatest dream was to wear the most beautiful wedding dress and, with the person they loved, under the witness of God, become inseparable companions.
Ten days later, the weather was pleasant, and the sun shone upon the rear garden of Feng Luan Palace.
On a chaise lounge, a jade-like beauty reclined languidly, her hair loosened and flowing like clouds. Amidst her silky, smooth raven tresses, a flawless face was revealed.
Her fair skin, bathed in sunlight, exuded a natural rosy hue. Thick eyelashes concealed the brilliance in her pupils. She wore a simple, thin dress, its hem adorned with tiny rhinestones that sparkled and shimmered in the sun.
She looked as if she were reclining on clear, jade-like waves, captivating and alluring.
A light sound of footsteps approached. The eunuchs and palace maids standing not far from the chaise lounge bowed, about to kneel. The person approaching waved his hand with a steady motion, and everyone slowly retreated.
The person who had been sleeping on the chaise lounge stirred slightly. The faint scent of dragon saliva, long absent, wafted into her nostrils. The corner of her lips curled into a smile. Without opening her eyes, her soft, charming voice resonated,
"Why have you come so early?"
After a long silence beside her, he suddenly opened his eyes. The dark, clear depths were like a serene lake, melting a pool of spring water.
"What are you doing?"
Qing Yao opened her eyes, startled by the man's actions beside her. The emperor, a ruler of his generation, was now kneeling on one knee by the chaise lounge with utmost sincerity. His handsome features bore a rare seriousness, devoid of any jest. Qing Yao turned over and sat up, reaching out to pull him up.
"Liu Zun, what are you doing?"
"Su Chen, will you marry me?"
"Liu Zun, what is this?"
Qing Yao stammered. What did he mean? She was already married to him. At this moment, Little Yu'er appeared from somewhere, cheering on the side, waving her small hands with all her might, "Mother Empress, promise Father Emperor! Mother Empress, please say yes."
"You two?"
Liu Zun ignored Qing Yao's amused bewilderment. His usually stern face showed eyes of darkness and charm, flickering with a blazing inferno that seemed to ignite a prairie. He gazed at her steadily and then, as if performing magic, produced a large bouquet of flowers from behind him.
"Su Chen, marry me."
These flowers were Chinese roses, also known as small roses. He had learned this and used them in place of roses.
However, Qing Yao understood it all. Little Yu'er must have told him.