Love Lock

Chapter 234 A Rightful Way to Hug You
The next day, as dawn broke, the streets of Qingshui County were already packed with people.

The invited guests got up early to wash and dress. When they came out of the inn, they found that the streets were already crowded with people who had come to offer their congratulations.

Some enthusiastic villagers even brought their bedding and slept by the roadside last night, afraid of missing this once-in-a-lifetime event.

"Old Wang, you're here really early!" a peddler carrying a load on his shoulder called out to the old man squatting by the roadside.

The old man patted the straw mat beside him and said with a smug smile, "Of course! I reserved this spot yesterday noon. Our prince's wedding is probably a once-in-a-lifetime event, so I had to see it with my own eyes."

Along both sides of the street, the entire main street from the prefectural government office to the Cangzhou Prince's Mansion was covered with festive red lanterns, each with a tassel of gold thread hanging down, swaying gently in the morning breeze.

The yamen runners of the prefectural government were tying red ribbons to the sycamore trees by the roadside, and several children followed behind, picking up the fallen pieces of ribbon and laughing as they compared whose collection had the most vibrant colors.

"Look over there!" a little girl with pigtails suddenly shouted, pointing to the street.

A group of royal guards in brand-new uniforms were seen carrying baskets of wedding candy and copper coins, distributing them to the onlookers along the way.

"His Highness says that the whole city rejoices today!" the lead guard announced loudly, eliciting cheers from the crowd.

The crisp sound of copper coins falling on the bluestone slabs mingled with the people's words of thanks, adding a unique vitality to the streets in the early morning.

At the hour of Chen (7-9 AM), a loud suona horn sound came from afar, and the crowd suddenly stirred.

"Look! They're here! The prince's wedding procession is here!"

Someone shouted, and the message spread through the crowd like waves. Everyone stood on tiptoe and craned their necks to look at the end of the street.

Zhao Zun, the King of Cangzhou, appeared in everyone's sight riding his sturdy brocade-eared horse.

Today he was dressed in a bright red wedding robe, the python pattern embroidered with gold thread gleaming in the sunlight, and even the brocade-eared horse beneath him had a large red silk flower tied to its chest.

His usually aloof and dignified face was now beaming with undisguised joy as he repeatedly clasped his hands in greeting to the people lining the road.

"Long live the Prince!" An elderly woman with white hair knelt down shakily, and was immediately helped up by the guards at Zhao Zun's signal.

“No need for such formalities, sir,” Zhao Zun said in a particularly gentle tone today. “Today is a day of great joy for me, and a time to share this happiness with my people.”

Big Fatty and Hua Tianyou served as best men, following behind Zhao Zun.

They are now the pillars of Cangzhou's development, busy with various miscellaneous tasks on a daily basis. But for their good friend's wedding, they still rode to the Prince's Mansion in Qingshui County late last night.

Big Fat Head's massive body almost deformed the saddle, causing the children by the roadside to point at him and giggle.

Hua Tianyou, beaming with joy, tossed wedding candies into the crowd from time to time, causing a scramble to grab them.

"I heard that these two gentlemen didn't arrive in Qingshui County until the wee hours of the morning last night," a man dressed as a merchant whispered to his companion. "They didn't stop for a moment in order to attend the prince's wedding."

His companion exclaimed, "Your Highness is truly blessed to have such a close friend!"

When the wedding procession arrived at the gates of the prefectural government office, the gates were already open.

After a burst of firecrackers, eight maids dressed in pink dresses came out carrying flower baskets and scattered fresh petals on the steps.

Then, Han Lei slowly walked out, supported by Madam Luo and the matchmaker.

She was dressed in a phoenix coronet and embroidered robe. Although her face was covered by a bright red veil, her graceful figure still drew cheers and admiration from the onlookers.

"Wow, look! The bride is coming out!"

"Look at the bride's phoenix coronet and embroidered robe, she looks so beautiful!"

……

"The bride is so beautiful!" an older woman carrying a vegetable basket exclaimed.

The young woman beside her smiled and said, "I heard that the princess is not only beautiful, but also helps the prince with government affairs. She is a lucky star for our Cangzhou!"

Zhao Zun sat on his tall horse, watching Han Lei slowly walk towards the bridal sedan chair, a smile playing on his lips.

Just as the bride was about to step into the bridal sedan chair, Hua Tianyou suddenly took the outdoor karaoke speaker that Han Lei had given him from the saddle.

He smiled mysteriously and lightly pressed a button on the speaker.

In an instant, the cheerful melody of the folk music performance "Joyful Yang Yang" resounded through the sky.

"Joyful Yang Yang" is a classic Chinese wedding background music, festive and lively, and most suitable for the wedding procession or the start of the ceremony.

The unprecedented music stunned everyone who heard it, and then erupted in cheers.

"My God! Is this He Xianle?" An old man exclaimed in surprise, his beard bristling.

The young man looked around excitedly: "The sound seemed to come from the sky, yet it was so close to my ear!"

"Hehe!" Hua Tianyou winked smugly at the fat man. "How about it? This is much more exciting than your suonas and gongs, isn't it?"

The fat man patted his round belly and laughed, "You, Hua Tianyou, actually have such a rare thing! But it's really lively. Zhao Zun's wedding will probably be talked about for a hundred years!"

Standing at the gate of the prefectural government office, Luo Hai and his wife looked at the grand wedding with smiles of satisfaction on their faces.

"Zun'er is getting married today, and he's married the girl he loves. That's wonderful! Brother Zhao's spirit in heaven can finally rest in peace," Luo Hai said with a smile.

Madam Luo nodded slightly, "Yes! This child is becoming more and more promising."

Upon receiving the bride, Zhao Zun, seated on horseback, clasped his hands in greeting to Luo Hai and his wife. Then, amidst joyous folk music, the wedding procession began its return journey.

People along the way clapped and stomped their feet to the rhythm of the music, and some who knew how to dance even started doing the Yangko dance.

The children chased after the procession, their laughter echoing joyfully amidst the music, creating a lively scene.

When the procession arrived at the gate of the Cangzhou Prince's Mansion, according to etiquette, the groom was required to kick the sedan chair door.

As soon as Zhao Zun dismounted, Hua Tianyou, with a wicked grin, suddenly shouted at the top of his lungs, "Zhao Zun, carry the bride! Zhao Zun, carry the bride!"

This jeer was like a drop of water falling into hot oil, instantly causing an uproar.

The onlookers joined in the shouting, the noise growing louder and louder.

"Carry the bride! Carry the bride!"

Even the guards who came with Zhao Zun to welcome the bride cheered loudly.

"Roar! Your Highness, carry the bride! Your Highness, carry the bride! Roar!"

"Your Highness, don't be shy! Hahaha..."

Zhao Zun stood in front of the bridal sedan chair, his ears burning red.

He turned and glared at Hua Tianyou, only to see the other man laughing even harder.

Big Fatty was laughing so hard he almost fell off his horse.

Just as everyone was laughing and joking, Hua Tianyou, as if the fun wasn't over yet, pressed a button on the karaoke speaker, and the folk music performance instantly changed to Huo Feng's "The Big Red Sedan Chair."

The energetic and cheerful intro resonated in the air, and the lyrics brought the atmosphere to a climax—

When the sun comes out, I climb the hillside.
I want to sing when I reach the top of the mountain

The song floats to my sister's ears.

She smiled when she heard me singing.

……

I was laughing out loud, "Yo-ya-ya-ya!"
I'm so happy inside!
My sister didn't say anything, she just looked at me and smiled.
I know she's waiting for me to hug her.

Hug that hug

It laughed so hard it bent over, hugging the moon. Hug that one, hug that one.

I carried my little sister onto the bridal sedan chair.

.........

The folk-style song had a light and catchy rhythm, and the straightforward lyrics, full of local flavor, stunned everyone, who then burst into even louder laughter.

Even Han Lei, who was sitting in the sedan chair, couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle when she heard this.

Zhao Zun shook his head helplessly, but the smile in his eyes was unmistakable.

It's just carrying the bride, right? He's wanted to do that for a long time, and he's determined to fulfill everyone's request.

He took a deep breath and, under the watchful eyes of everyone, lifted the curtain of the sedan chair.

The gilded sedan curtain had been lifted by Zhao Zun's well-defined knuckles, and the onlookers chuckled good-naturedly.

As Zhao Zun bent down, his crimson wedding robe spread out in flowing cloud patterns on the bluestone ground. His movements as he carried the bride out of the sedan chair were as swift as someone wielding a spear on the battlefield.

"Your Highness, be careful of the bride's phoenix crown!" The wedding attendant's urgent reminder made Han Lei feel the arm supporting her knee suddenly tighten.

Through the gap in the tassels at the bottom of the veil, she saw Zhao Zun's Adam's apple move, and his black boots paused hesitantly on the steps covered with red silk.

"Girl! Just say so if it hurts." Zhao Zun's eyes seemed to be blazing with fire, reflecting off the bright red veil.

When his deep voice brushed past her ear, Han Lei realized that she was unconsciously clutching the python pattern embroidered in gold thread on his chest.

Amidst the deafening sound of firecrackers in front of the mansion gate, Han Lei heard Zi Tan chuckle behind her, and her ears immediately turned red.

Song Yuanqing, who was among the crowd watching the ceremony, was dressed in a light blue brocade robe and looked very energetic.

He watched Zhao Zun get into the bridal sedan chair, imagining how beautiful and charming Han Lei would look as the bride today, and a bitter feeling welled up in his heart.

But thinking that they were meant to be a couple, his lips still moved slightly a few times.

From his lip movements, you could tell he was saying, "Bless you!"

When Zhao Zun actually carried the bride out of the bridal sedan chair in front of everyone, the crowd erupted in thunderous applause and cheers.

"Roar! Your Highness is mighty! Haha..."

"Wishing the Prince and Princess a long and happy marriage!"

Han Lei was both happy and shy, burying her face in Zhao Zun's chest, while Zhao Zun straightened his back and strode towards the gate of the mansion with his bride in his arms.

The late autumn sun shone on the newlyweds, bathing them in a golden glow, making them look like a divine couple descended from heaven.

Along the streets, people spontaneously knelt and prayed, their blessings echoing throughout the county. The entire Qingshui County was immersed in this unprecedented festive atmosphere.

The acacia candle in the main hall popped a flame.

Red candles burned brightly, and joyous music filled the air. Red silk cascaded down from the beams, and the double happiness characters embroidered in gold thread shone brightly in the candlelight.

Eight gilded red lanterns hung at the four corners, illuminating the entire auditorium as if it were daytime.

On the sandalwood table, a pair of dragon and phoenix wedding candles crackled and dripped blood-like tears onto the gilded candlesticks.

"The auspicious time has come——"

The master of ceremonies' drawn-out chanting pierced through the noisy crowd. The entire hall fell silent instantly, and dozens of eyes turned towards the entrance.

When Zhao Zun strode in carrying his bride, everyone who had been waiting in front of the hall was so shocked that their mouths dropped open.

They hadn't witnessed the lively scene at the entrance of the Prince's Mansion, and now that the groom hadn't even bowed to heaven and earth before carrying the bride, they all thought Zhao Zun was too impatient.

The master of ceremonies frowned and exclaimed, "Your Highness! Put it down immediately! This is against the rules! This is against the rules!"

The old woman, who was already seated in the main seat and waiting for her daughter-in-law to serve tea, covered her mouth and chuckled softly.

"Hahaha..." Zhao Zun laughed heartily, picked up Han Lei, strode to the front of the hall, and put her down.

The brand-new bright red wedding robe accentuated Zhao Zun's broad shoulders and narrow waist, and the jade belt around his waist shimmered with a warm glow in the candlelight.

Han Lei stood obediently beside Zhao Zun, dressed in a wedding gown with a phoenix embroidered with gold thread, the phoenix spiraling upwards from the hem of the skirt and blooming with magnificent tail feathers at her chest.

The tassels hanging from the red veil were still swaying gently, and the delicate outline of her chin could be vaguely seen beneath them.

She clasped her hands together in front of her abdomen, holding a warm and smooth white jade ruyi, her fingertips turning slightly white from the tension.

"The prince is about to pay respects to heaven and earth!" a child shouted, eliciting chuckles from the room.

"Worship the heavens and the earth-"

The official's voice was as clear and melodious as a chime.

Zhao Zun turned around first to face the sky outside the hall, his wide sleeves drawing a smooth arc in the air.

Han Lei felt the matchmaker gently pressing on her shoulder, and she quickly turned around.

The two bowed to the sky together. When Han Lei bent over, the pearl tassels on her phoenix crown collided with each other, making a soft rustling sound.

She heard the rustling sound of Zhao Zun's clothes beside her, mixed with the thunderous pounding of her own heart.

"Second worship high hall-"

The two turned around and bowed deeply again to Luo Hai and the old lady, who were sitting in the main seats.

"Husband and wife pay homage——"

The two stood facing each other, bowing to one another. Zhao Zun's smile deepened, while Han Lei felt the jade ruyi in her hand become scalding hot.

"The ceremony is completed——"

Cheers erupted like a tidal wave.

The matchmaker placed a piece of red silk into each of their hands, with a large love knot tied in the center of the silk.

Zhao Zun was supposed to take the red ribbon and lead Han Lei into the inner hall, but instead he grabbed the red ribbon and suddenly leaned close to Han Lei's ear.

His warm breath brushed against Han Lei's ear: "Little girl..."

The call made Han Lei pause in her tracks. Before she could respond, a burst of good-natured laughter suddenly erupted around her.

"Now I can rightfully hold you. Hehe!"

As he spoke, Zhao Zun's arms were already wrapped around Han Lei's waist. Even through the layers of clothing, she could still feel the heat and strength emanating from those hands.

"Don't be afraid," he whispered in her ear, his voice filled with a tenderness she had never heard before.

As soon as she finished speaking, Han Lei was already airborne. The pearls and jade on her phoenix crown jingled, and the wind lifted a corner of her veil, revealing Zhao Zun's Adam's apple so close to her eyes, as well as an old scar that was faintly visible on his collar.

A spark crackled and burst from the embers in the brazier. Zhao Zun strode over, the wind whipped up by his robes causing the flames to leap high.

Han Lei subconsciously gripped his shirt, and then heard a soft laugh from above her head.

The laughter stirred a blush in Han Lei's heart, and her cheeks involuntarily burned.

Zhao Zun's steps were light and steady, and Han Lei heard the guests' blessings gradually fading away.

When Zhao Zun gently placed her on the wedding bed covered with red dates and peanuts, Han Lei saw through the veil that the tips of his boots stopped at the hem of her skirt.

I was too tired yesterday and took a day off. Today I'm back to ask for comments, favorites, and votes!!!