The Red Chamber: Starting from Saving Xue Baochai

Chapter 95: First Meeting with Daiyu and Sanchun

After Dai Quan finished reading the imperial edict, everyone was filled with thoughts.

This is truly a generous gift. Not only did the emperor come in person to preside over the wedding, he also issued an edict in person, conferring an imperial decree on the bride. What a royal favor this is.

Of course, everyone knows exactly who this favor is for. It can truly be described as honoring one's wife and blessing one's children.

The happiest person here must be Aunt Xue. Her daughter was granted an imperial decree right after she got married, and she was also a third-rank lady. She would probably wake up laughing in her dreams from now on.

More importantly, the imperial edict mentioned that Baochai came from a prominent family, so wouldn't that clear the Xue family's name in front of the world?

In the past, when people mentioned the Xue family, they only said that they were a family of royal merchants, with the emphasis on the word "merchant". Even though their ancestor was a Ziwei official, they were not looked down upon by others.

And today, the emperor specifically mentioned in the imperial edict that the Xue family is a famous family, and his words are golden. No one will dare to look down on the Xue family in the future.

For Aunt Xue, this was something that no amount of money could buy, and all of this was brought to her by her good son-in-law.

After a while, everyone stood up one after another.

Dai Quan handed the imperial edict to Baochai, then turned to Shen Yuan and said with a smile: "Congratulations, Master Shen. Now that the ceremony is over, let's quickly send her to the bridal chamber."

"Thank you for your hard work today, father-in-law."

As he spoke, Shen Yuan bowed to Dai Quan, and then bowed to Emperor Yuanzhen.

Then he sent Baochai back to the bridal chamber in the back hall.

After entering the bridal chamber, Shen Yuan helped his wife sit down beside the bed.

He stroked the beauty's soft hand and asked gently, "Did you eat anything to fill your stomach?"

Upon hearing this, Baochai nodded lightly, and her beautiful face under the veil suddenly turned red.

She had just eaten two pieces of cakes served by Ying'er, and thinking that she was in the bridal chamber and wearing wedding clothes, she couldn't help feeling shy.

The two chatted for a few more words, and Baochai said softly, "My husband, please go and entertain the guests. Don't keep the emperor and the guests waiting for too long."

It's still early now, and as usual the groom is going to entertain the guests in the hall.

Upon hearing this, Shen Yuan couldn't help but smile in his heart. As expected, she was still the "tragic" Baochai. Even though she was deeply attached to him at this moment, she did not forget to remind her husband of the important matters.

After gently holding the hand in his hand, Shen Yuan stood up and left the bridal chamber, returning to the front hall.

At this time, the front hall was filled with distinguished guests.

Emperor Yuanzhen had already taken his seat at the main table, enjoying himself with Prince Beijing, Feng Tang, Jiang Zhongnian, Shi Ding, Jia Zheng and other court officials.

Shen Yuan picked up a cup of wine, came closer, and first respectfully toasted the emperor. No matter what, the emperor's actions today made him remember them in his heart. He has always been clear about gratitude and resentment, and he will repay kindness and repay grievances.

Of course, Emperor Yuanzhen was not selfless. Every word and action of the emperor was full of expectations for the young man.

This was a kind of pressure for Shen Yuan. He knew very well that the favor he received came from his contribution to the strong army and the country. If one day he made a mistake or failed to meet the expectations of Emperor Yuanzhen, even if the emperor ignored him, the civil and military ministers around him, who had their own thoughts, would rise up and drown him.

He was not afraid of this. Man's life was a struggle against heaven and earth. How could he shrink his head and live in mediocrity just because he was worried about obstacles?

The emperor was in a good mood and drank a few more cups.

After sitting and chatting for a while, he was ready to leave. "Although I haven't had enough fun today, I am already very happy. State affairs are heavy and I can't stay away for long. I will return to the palace now." Emperor Yuanzhen paused, his eyes swept over the ministers and the soldiers of the new army, and continued with a smile: "If I don't leave, you won't be able to let go. I have been touched by Huaizhong's joy today, how can I ruin this festive atmosphere?"

"His Majesty."

Shen Yuan was about to say something to persuade him, but was interrupted by Emperor Yuan Zhen.

"I was just joking just now. In fact, I have no time to rest because of state affairs." Emperor Yuanzhen looked at everyone, and his tone suddenly became serious. He said, "I hope that one day you can help me realize the revival of the Great Zhou. By then, the world will be peaceful, the people will be rich, and the country will be strong. I can put down my burdens and drink with you until dawn."

Upon hearing this, Shen Yuan bowed to Emperor Yuanzhen and said loudly: "I will do my best to live up to your grace."

Everyone seemed to be inspired by this couple and they all stood up and saluted Emperor Yuanzhen.

"We, your servants, will do our utmost to help us revive the Great Zhou!"

"Okay! Drink this cup with me!"

Emperor Yuanzhen raised his glass high, drank a glass with everyone in the hall, and then left the hall.

Even before leaving the Shen Mansion, the emperor was still excited. He hoped that in his lifetime, he could witness the Great Zhou Dynasty regaining its glory.

After seeing the emperor off, Shen Yuan returned to the table and began to toast each table.

First came the table of Prince Beijing, Feng Tang, Jiang Zhongnian, Shi Ding, and Jia Zheng, who were considered the distinguished guests of the day, and they were toasted one by one.

After that came the table with Feng Ziying, Jiang Fan, Liu Xianglian, Zhao Huan and others. They were all middle and senior-level generals of the New Army Guard and also Shen Yuan's subordinates. They seemed quite relaxed when drinking and had no baggage.

Then came several tables of soldiers representing the new army. These people already respected their commander, and today they had witnessed the emperor presiding over the wedding, so they admired Shen Yuan even more.

Behind them was the table of the younger generation of the Jia family. Except for Jia Baoyu who was relatively indifferent, everyone else was quite enthusiastic, especially Xue Pan, who kept praising his brother-in-law. He kept shaking his big head and opening his mouth and talking non-stop until Jia Lian persuaded him to stop.

Finally, only the female members of the Jia family were left. After a little hesitation, Shen Yuan went behind the screen.

It was a happy occasion today, and Lady Jia had brought the whole household to celebrate. Logically, he should go and offer a glass of wine to show his gratitude, and his mother-in-law, Aunt Xue, was also there.

As for avoiding them, it was actually not that bad. Except for Daiyu and Sanchun, he had seen everyone else there many times. Besides, today was his wedding and there were enough people there. Simply toasting them with two glasses of wine and leaving would not arouse any suspicion on his part.

Seeing Lady Jia, Shen Yuan came forward with a wine glass in hand and said, "Old lady, you took the time to come and congratulate me. I will offer you a glass of wine to express my gratitude."

When Jia's mother saw Shen Yuan coming, she was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said in a friendly voice: "I am an old lady who has always been free, so I don't have anything to do. I came here today to share some of the festive atmosphere. However, I also want to drink Yuan's wine. Why don't we all raise our glasses together, first to wish Yuan's wedding, and second to share in the joy."

"The old ancestor is right. I'd like to share in the joy as well." Sister Feng smiled, picked up the wine and stood up, and was the first to respond.

At Grandmother Jia's suggestion, Fengjie, Aunt Xue, Lady Xing, Lady Wang, Li Wan, Youshi, Qin Keqing, Qiu'er, Xiangyun, Daiyu and the three springs all stood up, some happy, some indifferent, and some shy. They all drank a cup together.

After drinking this cup, Shen Yuan felt that he had done his best, so he did not stay any longer and prepared to leave.

During the whole process, he did not look at the girls. His eyes were clear from beginning to end, and he was as gentlemanly as jade, which made Jia Mu, Feng Wan and others admire him very much.

At this time, Xiangyun stood up, puffed up her rosy apple-shaped face, and chuckled, "Brother Shen is ungrateful! Sister Qiu'er, Sister Lin, and I have been organizing the wedding for Brother Shen and Sister Bao for days, but Brother Shen can't even toast to us alone. It seems that we have all worked in vain."

Upon hearing this, Shen Yuan paused and turned to look at Xiangyun and Qiu'er, while also glancing at Daiyu and the girls Ying Tanxi who were standing beside him.

This should be the first time Shen Yuan officially met them.
(End of this chapter)