Here I wait, wondering what to do next. I am still wearing my headpiece. Ruomei says the groom is supposed to take it off. I feel so nervous and tired. Who knew Chinese headpieces were so heavy? Ruomei sees how anxious I am.
"Young mistress, you are shaking. Are you nervous?" She says laughing.
"Stop laughing! I don't know what to do!" I say standing up and pacing for a while.
I can't believe this. I was going to loose my virginity in Han dynasty. This was crazy. I have to say, I was okay with everything that happened to now. But not this. Just as I about to die from high blood pressure, someone announces his presence. Ruomei helps me sit on the bed.
He enters with two cups and a jug of wine. I guess this is what they call the nuptial wine. Legend has it that the nuptial wine ties the couple to three lifetimes together.
"You can go." He says to ruomei. Ruomei looks at me and I nod my head.
When we are left alone I become more nervous. He sits beside me and holds my hand.
"Juan'er, you look very beautiful. I can't believe we are married now. This is like dream for me" he said.
"Well, I have to say the headpiece is killing me." I said.
"Oh, am sorry. Let me remove it for you" he said removing it carefully.
All I could do is shake. I couldn't even pay attention to the fact that he was complimenting me. As if he senses my body shaking, he laughs and stands up.
"No need for you to be nervous. We can consummate the marriage when you are ready. But for now, we shall drink this" he said.
"Isn't that the nuptial wine?" I asked.
"No, we will drink the nuptial wine when you are ready to consummate the marriage. Juan'er, I don't want to pressure you. I want you to feel free here." He said.
"Why are you and the emperor at odds with each other? Both of you seem like nice people. " I ask.
"Because it is destiny. In time you will understand. But all I ask is your support. Don't betray me. Tomorrow, we will go to the palace and thank his majesty for his great benevolence." He said.
He pours both of us a cup of wine and we drink. Later on, I feel at ease with him. He doesn't seem like a bad person either. We both fall at sleep side by side....