Consort of a Thousand Faces - Chapter 416

Chapter 416

CHAPTER 416 (1): NOT STEPPING ACROSS THE FIRE PIT

Deafening cheers shook the capital of Beimin . The streets were lined with red silk on both sides, and people from all walks of life were standing in orderly lines with joyful expressions . Some of the men had managed to pick up the wedding sweets, and were handing them to their happily awaiting children .

Part of a very long wedding procession, the bridal sedan chair was carried by four strong and robust men . The procession itself was so long that even as the front of it arrived at the Prince Hao Residence, the back had just left the imperial palace . The scale of the wedding was so massive that it shocked even the monarchs of other countries .

The Crown Prince of Dongling, Chu Linglong, was dressed in an alluring purplish set of robes . His eyes were slightly widened in surprise . “Tsk tsk, it’s so extravagant . Prince Hao really throws away a thousand pieces of gold for the beauty . This must be Su Xi-er’s fortune that she has accumulated from many previous lifetimes . ”

Hua Zirong, the monarch of Xiliu, had an indifferent expression as he cast a cursory glance at Chu Linglong . “This imposing aura of Prince Hao really impresses this Emperor . ” He organised a wedding of such an enormous scale that news of it has already spread far and wide, eliciting much discussion . Yet, despite numerous unsavoury rumours popping up, Pei Qianhao has completely disregarded them and done as he wishes .

“This Prince agrees . I am also impressed by such an imposing aura . ” Chu Linglong enchantingly smiled .

Among the crowd, a man dressed in white robes stood in at the back of the crowd as he watched the bridal sedan chair pass by with complicated emotions swirling in his eyes .

The grand and majestic wedding procession slowly filed through the capital, with the accompanying noise and music practically shaking the heavens and earth . The streets were overflowing with a festive mood as the praise of the commoners constantly flew through the air .

Qin Ling saw Yun Ruofeng’s placid expression, but also the solemnity in his eyes . “Master, let’s return to the inn . ”

Yun Ruofeng waved his hand . “I’ll watch for a while longer . ” No one knew how tightly he was clenching his fists under his sleeves .  I have never expected that she would marry someone else one day . Yet, all I can do is helplessly watch . The daytime is unsuitable for us to act, so we can only wait .

It was unclear how long Yun Ruofeng stayed there before he disappeared from the crowd and returned to Ye’s Inn .  

After they returned, Qin Ling immediately went to the other inn to check on Mei Jinxiu . However, once he opened the door to her room, he found it completely empty .

Qin Ling furrowed his brows .  This is bad . Mei Jinxiu must have escaped, and will tip the others off . How can I let her ruin Prince Yun’s plan?! Hence, he immediately left the inn and concealed himself among the masses as he headed for the Prince Hao Residence .

The bridal sedan chair had stopped in front of the entrance of the Prince Hao Residence, allowing Pei Qianhao to leap down from his horse and stop next to the sedan . The civilians cheered as they witnessed his outstanding and elegant demeanour .

Next, a guard passed Pei Qianhao a bow and arrow to shoot the door of the sedan as a display of the groom’s might .

When Pei Qianhao glanced at the arrow, he was suddenly reminded of how Ning Rulan died .  An arrow piercing her heart .  

He immediately waved his hand for the guard to bring the arrow away, and under the astonished gazes of the crowd, personally went forward to lift the curtain of the sedan .

The civilians’ eyes widened in shock .  Why didn’t he shoot the sedan door? And he even personally lifted the curtain?

However, Pei Qianhao’s next action shocked them even further .  Prince Hao actually carried Princess Consort Hao out from the sedan on his back, and he even ordered someone to remove the fire pit[1] in front of the residence!

According to Beimin’s customs, the man has to display his might in front of the woman . This . . . how is this right?! The commoners couldn’t help but begin fervently discussing . “Prince Hao can’t bear to have Princess Consort Hao suffer in any way, so he is disregarding the customs . The extent of his affection is astounding!”

1 . Stepping across the fire pit symbolises getting rid of bad luck and misfortune .  

CHAPTER 416 (2): NOT STEPPING ACROSS THE FIRE PIT

“As long as Prince Hao likes her, who cares what Princess Consort Hao’s personality is like? He likes everything about her, good or bad!”

Just as that person spoke, Su Xi-er took out the handkerchief from her sleeve and threw it out . The women in the crowd immediately shifted their gazes and began competing for it . The person who could obtain Princess Consort Hao’s handkerchief would receive good fortune!

The crowd became extremely lively, and after a few rounds of exchanges, a woman finally managed to obtain it . She jubilantly raised the handkerchief high up and hollered, “This peasant woman thanks Princess Consort Hao!”

With Su Xi-er having thrown her handkerchief, the masses began to gossip again . “Princess Consort Hao has a sense of propriety . Even if Prince Hao spoils her, she hasn’t become arrogant because of it . It’s Prince Hao and Beimin’s fortune to have such a virtuous woman!”

Immediately, the commoners were full of praise for Su Xi-er .  So what if she’s born of a humble background? It’s fine as long as Prince Hao likes her! Besides, rumour has it that Princess Consort Hao is talented and beautiful . She’s definitely fit for her position!!

Clad in a pink dress, Liu Yinyin was happily scattering the crimson cloth flowers in front of the entrance while Ning Lianchen calmly watched her from the side . When his gaze shifted to Su Xi-er, however, it was instantly filled with joy . Su Xi-er tightly grasped Pei Qianhao’s shoulders as he carried her into the main hall . When her hand came into contact with his warm back, she no longer felt nervous, and she lowered her head to lean against him .

In the main hall of the Prince Hao Residence, Pei Zheng and Consort Dowager Guo were sitting in the upper seats, while Grand Tutor Kong sat in the lower seat . He had arrived ahead of the procession after riding a horse carriage from the Prince Hao Residence .

It was tradition that the upper seats were to be taken by both a man and a woman . The groom would send a male senior, while the bride would send a female senior . Consort Dowager Guo’s face was wreathed in smiles as she listened to the high-pitched and resounding voice of the marriage officiant from the Ministry of Rites .

“First bow to the heavens and earth! Second bow to the parents!”

Consort Dowager Guo’s smile reached the recesses of her eyes as her head filled with images of her son’s potential future wedding . Her eyes began to moisten, but she managed to hold back her tears .

“Sending into the nuptial chamber!” With the last announcement from the marriage officiant, Ruo Yuan and Hong Li appeared to bring Su Xi-er away from Prince Hao and support her into the nuptial chamber .

As for Pei Qianhao, he had to remain behind to entertain the court officials and envoys from the various countries . Situ Lin was dressed in his dragon robes with a wide smile and appeared amiable . However, he managed to keep the deportment of an Emperor despite his fondness for lively events .

The banquet was held at the largest space in the residence, and it was still a bustling scene, with guards and palace maids running to and fro .

Meanwhile, a group of guards in the main courtyard stood respectfully to the side as Su Xi-er slowly walked into the nuptial chamber and sat at the edge of the bed .

Afraid that Su Xi-er would be hungry, Ruo Yuan asked, “You have to keep sitting here until Prince Hao comes at night . I’ll get you some fruits to eat . ”

Su Xi-er was indeed hungry, and reached out her hand to take the fruits from Ruo Yuan despite knowing that the bride wasn’t supposed to eat .

“The noise from the main hall is so loud that we can hear it even from here . ” Hong Li remarked before walking to Su Xi-er’s side . “Are your shoulders aching? Let me help you massage them . ”

Without waiting for Su Xi-er’s response, Hong Li started to massage her shoulders .

Su Xi-er ate the fruit as she looked at the fluttering red bridal veil in front of her .  Pei Qianhao will only come at night, which means that I have to keep waiting for him here .

The current Su Xi-er was just like any other woman, bashfully and quietly waiting in the nuptial chamber for their loved one to come .

At the banquet, Pei Zheng was hiding his anxiety behind a delighted expression .  Commandery Prince Xie is stuck 30 kilometres away . He said that I would have to delay Pei Qianhao, but what should I do now that Xie Yun isn’t around?

Despite his worry, Pei Zheng continued dining and toasting with the various officials as he expressed his gratitude . Most of the ministers had turned up, while Situ Li was the only one of Beimin’s imperial princes who had come, and he was currently sitting next to Consort Dowager Guo .