Thirteen years after the Great Jin entered the Tianqi era, Emperor Qi's illness worsened.
The Empress tried her best to delay the inevitable within the palace, but she could not stop his life force from gradually fading.
Sometimes he would be conscious for only an hour or two a day, and other times he would be in a deep slumber the entire day, barely recognizing those around him. Many concubines who came to attend to him, their brows furrowed with worry, wondered what would become of them if Emperor Qi were to pass away suddenly.
Unlike these fading beauties, the inner chambers of the Crown Prince's mansion were a scene of vibrant competition.
Although no imperial selection had been held, after the New Year, the mansion suddenly gained seven or eight new concubines, all from families with some standing and influence in the court.
The Crown Princess, heavily pregnant, had little energy to deal with these matters, so everything was left to Consort Guo.
She was an old resident of the mansion and handled affairs with thoroughness and propriety. However, it was a pity that after so many years, she had not borne any children.
Therefore, seizing the opportunity, she specifically selected a distant cousin from her own family to bring into the mansion and kept her in her own courtyard.
Her thought was that perhaps she could seize this chance to have a child, whom she could then raise as her own.
Thus, the Crown Prince's mansion was far livelier than any other place in the Eastern Capital.
However, this did not include the private residence of Prince Ding.
After New Year's Eve, the families interacted even more frequently.
The weather in the Eastern Capital was cold and harsh, offering no pleasant scenery, so Prince Ding's private residence became a common destination for everyone.
It was warm and pleasant, with an inviting atmosphere.
After the seventh day of the new year, Feng Jinlin and Xu Mingyue, along with Elder Xu and Madam Xu, traveled south.
Feng Jinxu, with rare free time, stayed at home to accompany his wife and children, enjoying a period of peaceful days.
In the blink of an eye, March arrived.
Spring bloomed, and new shoots emerged, marking the perfect season for weddings.
Early in the morning, Feng Jinyao was awakened by Yun Xu. After being attended to and dressed, she ate something to fill her stomach.
Madam Feng and her second aunt, Madam Hua, also arrived early, holding auspicious locks of good fortune and golden apples symbolizing peace and safety.
It was easy to guess that the golden apples were a grand gesture from her second aunt.
"I'm a person who loves things with good meanings. If gold is made into apples, wouldn't it guarantee lifelong peace and safety!"
Everyone laughed after she said this.
Although it was a bit exaggerated, it was still the elder's heartfelt wish.
Therefore, Feng Jinyao respectfully accepted them.
Granny Wu, the wet nurse, came to dress and adorn her, sometimes stirring noodles, sometimes combing her hair, all the while muttering auspicious phrases.
"First comb, to the end; second comb, white hair side by side; third comb, a house full of children and grandchildren..."
Her smiling words brought joy to everyone.
Accompanying her as dowry attendants today were her cousin from her second uncle's family and Bai Sihan.
Although Bai Siruo's pregnancy was not yet obvious and she could move freely, it was not appropriate for a pregnant woman to join such a lively occasion. Therefore, she remained at home, planning to attend the banquet later.
Everything in Prince Ding's mansion had been meticulously prepared. Today, Prince Ding had shed his usual weariness and sickly appearance, looking much more energetic and standing tall.
Mounted on a pale golden Hánxué treasure horse, his crimson wedding attire exuded an aura of noble grandeur.
His features were handsome, and his expression was triumphant.
Before departing, Aunt Zhang had once again meticulously arranged his attire. The excitement in her eyes was palpable.
Prince Ding patted her shoulder and said, "Don't worry, wet nurse. I'll go and bring A'yao over now."
"Good! Good!"
The wedding procession was like a long dragon. Unlike other wedding processions, this one consisted entirely of individuals from the royal household and Prince Ding's army.
Each man stood tall and righteous, their imposing presence clearly indicating their extraordinary status.
The onlookers who had gathered to witness the spectacle hesitated, afraid of offending them and bringing trouble upon themselves.
However, Yang Zhao, who was by Prince Ding's side, noticed something amiss.
He said to the person next to him,
"Give the order for everyone to smile. No more long faces. We are accompanying the Prince to marry his consort, not going into battle!"
"Yes! General!"
Upon receiving the order, the men exchanged glances, but they had no choice but to comply.
Each of them, with sharp eyes, managed a smile.
This made the onlookers even more unnerved. The people of Prince Ding's mansion were truly... extraordinary...
The bridal sedan chair arrived at the Feng family's gate. Although the second master Feng was absent, Su Cheng was adept at handling such matters. He, along with Feng Jinhua and others from the second branch of the family, blocked the entrance.
One moment they demanded poems and verses, the next they required a gate-crashing gift, making for a lively scene.
Prince Ding's expression remained largely unchanged. After completing the rituals, he proceeded inside.
Yang Zhao, following behind, quietly asked Su Cheng, "Aren't you afraid the Prince will settle accounts with you later?"
To which Su Cheng chuckled, "Besides today, when else will you have a chance to vex the Prince like this?"
Yang Zhao couldn't help but admire Su Cheng's boldness.
Little did Su Cheng know, while he enjoyed himself then, he would later discover the true meaning of the Prince's "enthusiastic anticipation" when he joined Prince Ding's army!
He was treated as if he were made of iron, given no chance to rest, and trained to the point of exhaustion!
According to tradition, the Prince's wedding ceremony should have included paying respects to the Emperor and Empress in the palace. However, with the Emperor gravely ill and the Empress constantly attending to him, this matter was neglected.
The Crown Prince's seniority was insufficient, so this step was canceled.
Given his status as a Prince, even facing members of the Feng family, he would not accept their obeisance.
Therefore, the couple merely bowed to the elders and then left, proceeding with music and fanfare towards Prince Ding's mansion.
Sitting in the bridal sedan chair, Feng Jinyao felt a sense of déjà vu.
Having lived two lives, today she was to be married.
The person holding her hand was ahead, and her past hardships would finally come to an end.
The resounding gongs and drums, the lively crackling of firecrackers, all filled her with profound emotion.
Upon arriving at Prince Ding's mansion, the rituals of shooting the sedan chair, stepping over the brazier, and crossing the horse's saddle, until she was led into the bridal chamber, brought a sense of reality to her heart.
Marrying Prince Ding was something she had never imagined.
Yet, step by step, it had become a reality. From now on, she would be the one walking hand in hand with Prince Ding, for a lifetime, never to be separated.
Thinking of this, Feng Jinyao smiled, her fiery red wedding dress making her appear even more radiant and captivating.
She had initially expected to wait a long time in the bridal chamber for Xiao Tingyi to arrive. To her surprise, after sitting for less than half an hour, she heard someone announce from outside, "Your Highness."
He walked in, lifted her veil, and their eyes met, their gazes filled with unspoken affection.
"Let's go."
"Go where?"
Feng Jinyao asked, her eyes filled with confusion.
She saw Xiao Tingyi take her hand and lead her out of the bridal chamber, through a covered walkway, and into a courtyard marked with the inscription: Qinghui Courtyard.
Feng Jinyao was puzzled as to why he had brought her here so suddenly. As she approached, she realized that Feng Hai and Madam Feng were seated inside.
And above them hung a painting of the late Emperor and Noble Consort Min playing the qin and xiao.
"The royal ceremony must not be neglected, but today, only Xiao Tingyi, a scion of the Xiao family, is present. To marry the youngest daughter of the Feng family is a blessing from three lifetimes. We humbly request that Father Emperor, Mother Consort, Father-in-law, and Mother-in-law accept our respects."
With that, he respectfully led Feng Jinyao to bow to the elders.
One bow, two bows, three bows.
Madam Feng's eyes were already teary, and Feng Hai was filled with comfort at his son-in-law's thoughtful arrangement.
Feng Jinyao had not expected him to do this. Beyond her surprise, she was deeply moved.
"Your Highness..."
"A'yao, in this life and the next, I will never fail you."