Shangwei capital, Tianyu was lively. A large crowd of political figures, family and friends and a troupe of musicians playing joyful tunes accompanied the bridegroom.
The seventh prince of Shangwei, Long Dahai, the bridegroom, was a respectable prince. Lovingly dubbed 'Prince of the river'. He was in every aspect a righteous man, holding the aura of someone who would only do good, see good and think good. Thus the people had high expectations for him and this marriage.
The bridal party paid their respects to Long Dahai, and the music stilled, all eyes turned to the sedan.
The young soldier's heart pounded against his chest. From the ambush till now, he racked his brain to think about an explanation for the empty sedan.
Did Jeontu never plan on marrying someone to Shangwei for an alliance? Was this a facade to poke against the Empire and rage war against them?
Was Prime Minister Han acting alone? Surely he loves his daughter too much. Maybe he couldn't bear seeing her marry someone from another country, so he hid her somewhere?
Or perhaps the young lady had a secret admirer who stole her when they found out about the marriage? Or the Young Lady ran away with her secret lover.
Perhaps this was all just a precaution against any evil befalling the bride who would bring peace to Jeontu? But then, how the hell did the Young Lady leave a heavily guarded sedan?
The adrenaline pulsated in his head as the wedding nanny extended her hand into the curtain.
The air sucked out of his lungs when the wedding nanny unexpectedly helped out a pale hand.
Even with the bride's face covered, he could tell it was Han Aeng because Nanny Na brushed away her tears. He might be unable to tell her apart, but the nanny who raised her sure as hell could.
How on earth did she get into the sedan again?
The festive atmosphere once again commenced. The wedding nanny placed Han Aeng's hands into Long Dahai's, and he accompanied her along the red mat to the family altar where the imperial family were waiting.
The ceremony began promptly.
"May the couple pay homage to heaven and earth, pay respect to gods and ancestors."
"May the couple kowtow to pay homage to the groom's parents."
"May the couple kowtow to each other."
In union, the two bowed one to the other.
Just like that, Long Dahai and Han Aeng became an official couple: married by matrimony.
The crowd looked on with satisfaction. They couldn't help but admire the sight.
"The bride is composed, gentle and elegant. While the groom's form is tall, proud and dashing. Their every movement refined and cultivated."
"The pair looked like a match made in heaven."
"His Highness sure is easy on the eyes. While Her Highness is… well… we'll find out once the veil is removed."
Despite how collected they seemed, Long Dahai's nervousness had his other hands clenched so tight the knuckles turned white, while the tips of Han Aeng's toes were ice cold.
Han Aeng was led to the nuptial chamber, the guest to the banquet feast, and Long Dahai into the fierce pits that were his friend and elder brother. They couldn't keep their mouth shut and took every opportunity to tease him.
"Hey~" Gu Yunzhi, Long Dahai's childhood friend, nudged playfully, throwing his arm over Long Dahai's shoulder. "She seems really delicate, don't you think, Dahai? So tender, o' so fragile."
Long Dahai didn't respond but downed the liquor from the nearest table, sneering at the bitterness aftertaste.
Gu Yunzhi watched with interest. It was rare to see his best friend in such a state. Long Dahai was somewhat a collected and calm individual who didn't make casual jokes with someone they just met, someone you could rely on when you needed something. Or someone you could run to when something goes wrong, probably had a backup plan for everything, type of calm and collected.
"Are you drinking to celebrate your wedding or because you want to black out?" Gu Yunzhi questioned, snatching the cup from Long Dahai's hands when he went for seconds.
"You're nervous, dear bridegroom?" Sixth Prince, Long Bojing, questioned.
The two are a close pair of brothers; they have always looked out for and supported each other. In fact, for the past three weeks, Long Bojing and Young General Wu spent their time counselling Long Dahai for the marriage and mentally preparing him. While the results aren't very promising, it's the thought that counts.
"It shows?" Long Dahai's tone was hushed that only Gu Yunzhi and Long Bojing heard him.
He was nervous, maybe beyond his own explanation.
Getting married wasn't something people could just prepare for by reading or studying the topic. Everyone he consulted had different answers; there was no clear-cut explanation nor promised result. This is how he concludes that marriage is tangible. No two couples will ever have the same experience; they are all unique in one way or form.
"No…" Long Bojing glanced at Long Dahai's quivering hands, "Well, perhaps, the slightest. You'll be fine."
Gu Yunzhi grinned. Walking his fingers along Long Dahai's arm, he whispered, "You can't be nervous, Mr Groom. You have to be the one taking the lead. I bet she's waiting for her husband now."
Long Dahai threw Gu Yunzhi's hand off, giving him a stern, grimaced look.
He was stressed about getting married and making acquaintance with his bride, not… erh, anyway. This woman would be with him every day from this point onwards. They were married, and the only thing he knew about her was her name, age, status, and nothing else. He didn't know what her favourite colours were, what she did in her free time, whether she liked to read or paint. Most importantly, if she preferred sweet food over spicy ones. In his defence, they needed to know each other's taste palettes if they were to dine together.
"Stop saying weird things to him," Long Bojing cut in. Taking Gu Yunzhi's arm off, he reassuringly advised, "Hai'er, listen to your brother. Just trust your natural instinct. You know, we men are naturals at this. Just give in to every temptation thrown your way. If you want to touch her, then do it -"
Dahai's eyes widened. He wasn't so innocent as not knowing what his brother was talking about. Still, he definitely was shy enough to not want to hear more. "Stop Ge! I prefer Gu Yunzhi's advice more."
Gu Yunzhi laughed aloud, "Haha. I see the wedding nanny calling you over. Off you go, Mr Bridegroom."
Long Dahai threw his head back, dreading what was coming his way. Still, he bid farewell to the two and headed to the nuptial chamber.
Watching his best friend leave, Gu Yunzhi tried to keep his lips shut but couldn't help himself and called out, "She has a lot to learn. Be gentle to her, would you?"
Long Dahai turned to see Gu Yunzhi laughing to his heart's content with Long Bojing. He looked down with a meaningfully nervous smile before heading towards the bridal chamber where 'his wife' was waiting for him.