Shuhan

On March 21st of the third year of Yanxing, at dawn, the city of Luoyang was still shrouded in mist, like a beauty in a veil.

The sky began to turn pale, and was gradually dyed into a gorgeous golden red by the morning glow, making the ancient city walls and towering towers shine brightly.

The locust trees on both sides of Zhuque Street are densely hung with red silk, which looks like rolling clouds when dancing in the wind, and shines with the big red lanterns hanging high in the street, making the whole street look extraordinarily festive.

The official road from the Imperial Palace to the Duke of England's Mansion had been cleaned for three days already. The bluestone slabs were sprinkled with colorful petals that symbolized auspiciousness. The air was filled with the fragrance of pine and cypress and the sweet aroma of candied fruit, blending into an intoxicating scent - this was the auspicious day for the wedding of Prince Liu Si of the Han Dynasty and Zhao Qingyi, the daughter of the Duke of England. The whole city of Luoyang was immersed in joy and anticipation.

Deep inside the Duke of England's mansion, the copper clock in the embroidery pavilion was ticking. It was not yet the hour of dawn, but the atmosphere was already filled with tension.

Zhao Qingyi sat alone in front of a gilded carved bronze mirror, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the lotus pattern on the edge of the dressing table. The cool touch of bronze brought her back to her senses.

Outside the window, the March wind blew the fragrance of locust flowers into the window frame, but it could not disperse the stagnant air in the house - twelve maids were concentrating with holding their breath as they combed her snake bun, which symbolized a girl waiting to be married.

The layers of the sandalwood dressing box were opened, revealing the treasures hidden at the bottom of the box.

The top layer of the filigree gold phoenix coronet is the first thing that catches the eye. Nine golden sparrows are lifelike, holding three strings of oriental pearls in their mouths and hanging down in front of their foreheads. The giant clams inlaid on their tail feathers are glowing with the unique halo of mother-of-pearl. As the morning light shines through the window lattice, it seems as if they will flap their wings and fly away at any time.

Zhao Qingyi looked at the phoenix coronet and recalled the scene when she was caught by her father for secretly wearing her mother's hairpin when she was young. At that time, her father always said, "Daughters of the Zhao family should hold swords, not tie their hair up." Now, this heavy phoenix coronet would bind her to the royal rules.

"Young lady, it's time to put on your wedding dress." The voice of wet nurse Wang Ma was trembling. Twelve pieces of brocade skirt were slowly spread out by six maids. In an instant, the room was filled with colorful lights.

The wedding dress has a picture of hundreds of children and grandchildren as the background, and the twin lotus flowers embroidered with gold thread have a hidden mechanism. Tiny pearls are embedded in each petal, which opens and closes slightly as the fabric shakes, as if they come alive.

Zhao Qingyi let the maids put the elaborate dress on her body, but paused when she touched the soft sword at her waist - it was the coming-of-age gift her father gave her, but now it was wrapped in red silk, which was incompatible with the mandarin duck pattern on her wedding dress, which symbolized docility.

In the bronze mirror, she looked at her cheeks dyed red by rouge, and suddenly remembered the scene of her first meeting with Liu Si in the Imperial Garden not long ago.

At that time, she was dressed in tight clothes and riding a horse. She caught a glimpse of the prince's gaze in the pavilion, which was full of surprise and inquiry.

"The daughter of the Zhao family lives up to her reputation," he said at the time.

But after today, she is no longer the female general who can gallop in the martial arts field, but the Crown Princess, a woman of the Han Dynasty who needs to abide by the Three Obediences and Four Virtues.

"The auspicious time is almost here." Nanny Wang's reminder brought Zhao Qingyi back to her senses.

She took a deep breath and let the maid put the phoenix crown on her. The pearl tassels hung down in front of her eyes, blurring the view outside the window.

The weight of the wedding dress made her shoulders bend slightly, but it also reminded her of the responsibility on her shoulders - this marriage was a covenant between her father and the royal family, and a continuation of the glory of the Zhao family.

When the first sound of ritual music came from outside the courtyard, she touched the scissors hidden at her waist. Those were the scissors her mother had secretly given her, saying that they could "cut off old dreams and shear off sorrows."

Outside the Embroidered Pavilion, Duke Yingguo Zhao Yun was pacing back and forth holding his sword. The Taotie pattern on the scabbard was shining from his rubbing.

The door opened lightly, and his daughter appeared before him in gorgeous attire. Under the phoenix coronet and bridal robe, her face that resembled that of his deceased wife made his throat tighten.

"Father." Zhao Qingyi knelt down and saluted, the pearls on her wedding dress rustling.

"Qingyi will definitely protect the Zhao family's honor."

Zhao Yun's Adam's apple rolled, and finally he just slammed his sword heavily on his daughter's palm: "If someone bullies you, use it to speak."

At this moment, the sound of horse hooves coming from afar came closer and closer, shaking the blue bricks of the Duke of England's mansion.

At three quarters past three in the morning, the bronze chimes in front of the East Palace rang out, and thirty-six musicians, dressed in black formal clothes embroidered with gold, lined up in an orderly manner.

With solemn expressions, they dropped the gavels in their hands, and the majestic and solemn music of "Guanju" sounded. The music was like rolling spring thunder, resounding through the sky, awakening the still sleeping Luoyang city.

Liu Si sat upright on the Nine-Phoenix Green-Roofed Chariot. The carriage was decorated extremely luxuriously. The body of the carriage was inlaid with gold foil in exquisite cloud patterns. Nine phoenix sculptures stood lifelike on the roof, trembling gently in the breeze.

Liu Si was wearing a black groom's robe with a lifelike dragon embroidered on it with gold thread. Every scale was clearly visible, and it sparkled brightly in the morning light.

The mutton-fat jade pendant around her waist gently collided with the swaying of the car body, making a crisp and pleasant sound.

He looked at the street lights gradually lighting up outside the car window, and the instructions given by the Grand Master of Ceremonies the day before echoed in his ears: "Marry at an auspicious time, and perform the ritual of three bows and three concessions..."

He was feeling nervous about his upcoming marriage, but was also well aware of the heavy political significance behind this wedding. Beads of sweat formed on his palms, slightly soaking the cuffs of his robe.

In front of the Duke of England's mansion, the vermilion lacquered door was wide open, and the red silk tied to the door knocker fluttered in the wind.

Thirty-six armored soldiers holding halberds were neatly lined up on both sides of the gate. They were wearing shiny armor, and their red tassels fluttered in the morning breeze. They looked like warriors guarding treasures, showing their majesty.

Zhao Qingyi sat in the embroidery pavilion, with twelve maids surrounding her, carefully dressing her up.

Inside the embroidery pavilion, the dressing table was filled with all kinds of exquisite jewellery, including gold hairpins, jade hairpins, and pearl hairpins.

In the gilded bronze mirror, the girl's eyebrows are as dark as distant mountains, her eyes are as bright as stars, her skin is whiter than snow, and on the phoenix crown, nine golden sparrows hold oriental pearls in their mouths, which tremble gently with her breathing. Each oriental pearl is round and full, emitting a soft glow under the candlelight.

The wedding dress is made of Yunjin, which was tributed from Shu. It is colorful and soft. It is embroidered with twin lotus and mandarin ducks with gold thread. The needlework is delicate and the pattern is lifelike. The twelve skirts are stacked like blooming flowers, and when walking, they are like flowing clouds, which is beautiful.

"Miss, the auspicious time is approaching." Nanny Wang approached holding a lacquer tray, her voice carrying a hint of nervousness and anticipation.

A bronze mirror and scissors wrapped in red silk are placed on the lacquer tray. These two items have special meanings in weddings.

Zhao Qingyi took a deep breath, trying to calm her inner tension. She took the bronze mirror according to the ancient ritual and looked at herself. She looked like a fairy in the mirror with delicate makeup and phoenix crown and bridal robe. She also put the scissors on her waist, which was a ritual to dispel bad luck and protect the happiness of marriage.

Suddenly, she heard a burst of orderly horse hoof sounds coming from outside the courtyard, coming closer and closer. She looked through the window and saw the Nine Luan Green Canopy Carriage slowly driving in. Her heartbeat suddenly quickened, her cheeks flushed, and her hands unconsciously clenched the hem of her skirt.

Under the guidance of the master of ceremonies, Liu Si walked into the mansion with steady steps.

Every three steps, he bowed towards the main hall. His movements were solemn and elegant, fully displaying his royal demeanor.

Duke Ying of Ying, Zhao Yun, was dressed in black court robes, with fluttering silver beard, and stood tall in front of the steps.

When the prince walked to the bottom of the steps, Zhao Yun suddenly drew the sword from his waist. A flash of cold light shocked everyone and they all held their breath. He used the sword to lift a corner of his daughter's red veil according to the ancient etiquette and said in a loud voice: "My daughter Qingyi, according to the etiquette of the Han Dynasty, I entrust her to Your Highness the Prince!"

The voice was loud and firm, full of reluctance to part with his daughter and trust in the prince.

Zhao Qingyi, supported by her maid, slowly walked out of the embroidery pavilion.

When her skirt brushed against the bluestone, it made a rustling sound, like pleasant music.

Liu Si looked at the beauty in front of him and saw that her eyes were as bright as stars. Although she bowed her head and eyes according to etiquette, she could not hide her heroic spirit. She had a beautiful face, her lips slightly parted, and her cheeks rosy. She was so beautiful that it was intoxicating.

The two stood facing each other, and under the guidance of the master of ceremonies, they performed three bows and three concessions. Every time they bowed, the guests present at the ceremony murmured in admiration, praising the perfect match of the couple and the solemnity and elegance of the royal wedding.

The scene was even more spectacular when the wedding procession returned.

A guard of honor consisting of a hundred fine horses led the way, their bodies decorated with bright red silk and bells, their hooves stepped on the bluestone slabs, making neat and powerful sounds.

The sound of the copper bells hanging on the carriage and the chime music intertwined to form a beautiful movement. People along the way crowded on both sides of the street, vying to witness this grand wedding.

Some children threw copper coins at the wedding car and shouted "Have a baby soon". The copper coins fell like raindrops and were caught by the guards with red silk, which meant catching the blessing.

The people's faces were filled with joyful smiles, and they were talking about the newlyweds, with blessings coming one after another.

In front of the East Palace, a three-meter-high green pavilion had already been built.

The Qinglu is built with green cloth and decorated with various auspicious patterns and ribbons, which flutter gently in the breeze.

After the master of ceremonies shouted "The washing ceremony is complete", Liu Si and Zhao Qingyi washed their hands one after another.

The maids carried exquisite copper basins and towels, and the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess washed their hands solemnly to show that they were cleansing their bodies and minds, removing filth, and welcoming their married life with a new attitude.

Then the "Tonglao Ceremony" was performed. Millet and meat were placed on the table to symbolize the unity of husband and wife, and the two of them each held one corner to eat.

The fragrance of millet and the deliciousness of meat blend in the mouth. When the rice grains stick to the corners of the mouth, the guests smile knowingly, and the atmosphere is warm and joyful.

"Wedding Ceremony--" Following the master of ceremonies' shout, a maid brought up two gourds connected by a red string, filled with bitter wine.

The gourd is split into two, symbolizing that the couple has become one from now on.

The candlelight flickered in the green pavilion, and the embroidered patterns of the twenty-eight constellations were looming in the light and shadow. Liu Si and Zhao Qingyi knelt side by side on a brocade-covered futon.

The gourd for the wedding ceremony had been placed on the table, and the sweet aroma of bitter wine mixed with honey filled the warm air, but it could not conceal the subtle tension between the two.

"Your Highness, do you know why bitter wine is used as the wedding wine?" Zhao Qingyi suddenly spoke, and the oriental pearls on the phoenix crown trembled slightly with her movements, reflecting tiny spots of light under the candlelight.

She lowered her eyes to look at the gourd, her voice soft but somewhat tentative, and the pearl mandarin ducks on her wedding dress seemed to be listening with bated breath.

Liu Si turned his head to look at her and saw that the tips of her ears were red. Even though her face was covered by a phoenix coronet and bridal robe, it was still difficult to hide the liveliness in her eyes.

He reached out and took a gourd, brushed his fingertips across the back of her slightly cool hand, and said with a smile: "Of course it means that husband and wife share joys and sorrows. But in my opinion," he paused and lowered his voice, "Miss Zhao's personality will probably make this bitter wine a little more spicy."

Zhao Qingyi raised her eyes suddenly and met his smiling gaze. She recalled the time when she was riding a horse in the Imperial Garden three days ago, when this man looked at her with both amazement and inquiry. Now he was so close, his warm breath brushing against her golden-armored fingertips.

"Your Highness, are you complaining that I am not like an ordinary girl?" She raised her eyebrows. The soft sword wrapped in red silk at her waist suddenly hurt, reminding her that things are different now.

Liu Si handed the gourd to her. When their wrists were intertwined, he caught a glimpse of the half golden sparrow hidden in her sleeve - it was an ornament on the phoenix crown. His heart moved slightly, but he said calmly: "If you want to wield a sword and become the mistress of the East Palace, it will be more dangerous than a battlefield."

There was a warning in his words, but also a hint of expectation.

Zhao Qingyi tightened her grip on the gourd, and the aroma of bitter wine penetrated her nose.

After drinking, Zhao Qingyi wiped the corners of her lips with a handkerchief. Her eyes accidentally met Liu Si's. They both lowered their heads at the same time, their ears turned red, and shy smiles appeared on their faces, just like young boys and girls in their first love.

As the night deepened, the candlelight flickered in the Qinglu, and the light and shadows danced. The Taizhu official unfolded the bamboo slips and read aloud the marriage certificate: "In the third year of Yanxing, in the year of Jiachen, the Crown Prince Liu Si and the daughter of Duke Yingguo, Qingyi, are getting married..." Every time he read a sentence, the musicians would respond with clear and melodious sounds.

After the marriage agreement was read, Liu Si and Zhao Qingyi sat opposite each other on the brocade. The master of ceremonies brought a red rope and tied their thumbs together. This was the "hair-tying ceremony."

The red string tightly tied the two people's fingers, symbolizing that their fates are linked from now on and they will never leave each other.

Zhao Qingyi took off the golden hairpin on her head and picked off a strand of Liu Si's hair. Liu Si also took a pair of scissors and cut off the hair on her temples.

Two strands of black hair were placed in a brocade bag to be offered to the ancestral temple, symbolizing the couple's eternal union.

When the brocade bag was sealed, Liu Si looked at Zhao Qingyi, and saw that in her eyes there was both the shyness of a girl and the determination of a general's daughter. His heart suddenly felt ripples - this marriage that started with political considerations might really give rise to a different kind of feelings.

He gently held Zhao Qingyi's hand, felt the warmth of her palm, and a smile unconsciously appeared on the corner of his mouth.

The wedding banquet was held in the front hall of the East Palace, with 72 tables filled with delicacies. The dishes carefully prepared by the imperial chefs were delicious and the "Dragon and Phoenix" cakes were lifelike, just like real dragons and phoenixes; the tribute wine from the Western Regions was served in luminous cups, with bright colors and fragrant aroma.

Liu Chan and Queen Zhang sat in the main seats, with gratified smiles on their faces, watching the newlyweds express their gratitude to the guests.

Fei Yi, Sima Yi and other subordinates came forward to toast, and their words included both blessings for the newlyweds and implicit expectations for the future cooperation between the monarch and his subjects.

Everyone raised their glasses and drank, and laughter echoed throughout the front hall.

After three rounds of drinking, the guests started playing the game of "tossing a pot".

This is an ancient game in which the guests throw arrows into a pot in the distance, and the one who hits the target wins. Zhao Qingyi took off her complicated wedding dress and put on a tight suit, looking heroic.

She took the initiative to ask for a competition with the prince. She held an arrow in her hand, her posture was as straight as a pine tree, and her eyes were focused and determined.

As soon as the arrow left his hand, it fell steadily into the pot. The movement was clean and neat, which drew cheers from the whole room.

Liu Si smiled and rolled up his sleeves, but when he threw the third arrow, he deliberately missed it, causing Zhao Qingyi to raise an eyebrow: "Your Highness, are you giving in to me?"

"No."

Liu Si whispered, "If I win, Madam, I'm afraid I won't have peace in the future."

The two looked at each other and smiled. Seeing this, the guests around them applauded and cheered, and the atmosphere reached a climax.

As midnight approaches, the noisy wedding banquet is coming to an end.

Liu Si and Zhao Qingyi walked into the bridal chamber hand in hand. The red candles cast their shadows on the screen, making it look particularly warm.

The maids left according to etiquette, but heard laughter coming from inside the house from outside the door - this marriage that carried the country and the people on its shoulders finally opened a new chapter under the witness of the Han Dynasty's etiquette.

The people of Luoyang were still immersed in the festivities. Children were running and playing in the streets holding lanterns. Elderly people were sitting together, talking about this unprecedented wedding. The lights in the city were on until dawn, as if the whole city was blessing the newlyweds and looking forward to their beautiful future life. (End of this chapter)