Wu Lijuan's POV
Ruomei and Suyin got up early and dressed me early for the arrival of the grand princess and the duke. The best of the accessories were used on me. The whole manor were decorated too. Father made sure everything was ready in the manor.
"The grand princess arrives.. The duke arrives.."
I was immediately forced to come out. Father allows me to stand beside him. This is because I am the bride.
"Greetings to you Grand princess Han. Greetings to you Duke Meisheng" we all say at the same time. All except my my father and my mother because my father is the Grand Defender of the Realm.
"Greetings to you defender" I hear the grand princess and the duke say.
My father leads all of us to the main hall, talking about my wedding and the court with the duke. When we all sit, Suyin whispers in my ear.
"Young mistress, go and greet the grand princess. The man beside her is your husband, Duke Meisheng. This will be the best time to win them over."
For the first time, I take a good look at the Duke. He is also handsome. Even wearing gold ear cuffs and elegantly dressed.
When I think of it, Lijuan had so many admirers. Okay, maybe not so many. But the emperor was clearly in love with her. I may not know what exactly is happening here, but I had a feeling it would be full of adventure.
Meanwhile, my mother in law was exactly like they said. Elegant and beautiful just like the consorts in the palace.
"Greetings to you mother" I say offering her tea.
When I realize she may not be taking it anytime soon, I raise my head. I realize the whole place is silent. I hope I didn't do anything against etiquette.
"Sit with me princess." she says taking the tea from my hand.
Ruomei helps me sit down like a proper princess. Wanting to avoid eye contact, I raise my tea and take a sip.
"Princess Juan. Or should I say Juan'er. I realize you must be sad. Everyone knows about you and the emperor's love story." She said.
Knowing she must be testing my loyalty, I immediately stand up,
"Mother, mountains are high. Once you climb over to the other side, you can't see what was behind you. In the past, it is true I loved the emperor but he issued a decree of my marriage to Duke Meisheng. I won't be sad over spilled milk. I just want someone who will love and be loyal to me" I say.
My step mother also stands up and says
"Grand princess, Juan'er has already forgotten about the emperor. Everyone has a past. We, elders, should be more mature in these matters"
"Duchess, Juan'er, there is no need for all this. I wasn't criticizing anyone. Please sit. I just heard that Juan'er tried to hurt herself but I know it must be a rumor. Defender,Duchess, let's leave the couple to chat a little " she says standing up.
"Father, Mother, Mother in law, respectfully seeing you off" I said.
"Mother, Father in law, Mother in law, respectfully seeing you off" he says taking my hand to escort them to the door.
After they had all gone, I noticed once more that my husband to be was very very handsome.. He had backed his hair up in a golden band. He had natural pink lips.... Ah, all the men in this era were handsome.. I wished I had my phone, I would take a picture and make sure I put all the modern age Chinese men to shame.
Duke Meisheng led me to the table to sit.
" Please sit princess... I believe its our first time meeting in person" he said smiling.
Oh well, this was starting to get interesting. A handsome Emperor and a bewitching husband....