The next day I feel better because I have Danji as a friend. If I could not be with the emperor then its better if Danji had him. They were marrying for their countries.
The imperial maids come in with my wedding dress. I had only seen this in movies. Never did I expect that I would be marrying someone today. Back in the modern days, I would have a beautiful white wedding dress. My father, mother, brothers and sisters would all be there. But today, on my wedding, no one was here.
They put on my head piece and dress. When I look in the mirror, I look like an empress. Even the make-up is different.
"Young mistress, you look beautiful." Ruomei said.
"Young mistress look at you, I feel like crying. I never thought I would see this day." Suyin said.
"Do I look beautiful?" I ask straightening my dress.
"Of course you do. Your outfit is so beautiful. His majesty ordered the dress be sewn into a phoenix pattern." Ruomei said.
"Young mistress, time to head to the palace. Your father is waiting." A maid said.
They then cover my head with a red cloth. The maids hold the back of my dress as I walk while Ruomei and Suyin hold my arms. When I get to the entrance, I see general wu and my step mother waiting.
"Greetings father. Greeting mother." I said kowtowing.
"Juan'er, you are getting married today. I wish your mother was here to see this. But I know that she is content knowing you will live a good life" father said
"Father, thank you for raising me all this years. I will always listen to you in the future. Please accept this bow from me" I said kowtowing three times.
After I kowtow, the maids help me enter the carriage.
"Sister! Sister!" I hear Liwei calling. I order them to stop the carriage
"Liwei, what are you doing?"
"Sister, once you get married, promise me you won't forget about me" he said.
Smiling, I bend down and pinch his cheek.
"Silly boy, of course I won't forget you. You can always come and see me in the duke's manor" I say and hug him.
When we reach the palace, I'm helped by the maids into the hall. When I enter, I see all the ministers murmuring. Its like they invited the whole nation. Well, today is also the emperor's wedding. I also see Danji, who is dressed like a goddess. We go and hug each other.
"Genji!" She says whispering.
"Danji! Danji, you look beautiful." I say admiring her dress.
" You also look beautiful Genji. Later on, the ceremony will start. If you don't know what to do, just look at me okay?" She said.
Sighing, I nod my head and wait. Many people greet us.
"The king of Chu and his envoys arrives!!!" Someone announces.
Danji comes down and goes forward to greet her brother. I have long heard of the king of Chu state, Chu Fengwu. A tyrant who has been power hungry since the day he took the throne. He has put the nation to many wars since he took the throne. Chu State has been in famine but all the resources have been put into wars.
"Greetings Your majesty!" She and the ministers said. I too bow.
"Sister! You are getting married today. No need for ceremony." He said.
"Thank you brother" she said.
All the ministers stand up. Someone announces the beginning of the wedding. The king and the duke arrive and the wedding begin. The grand empress dowager is seated at the highest seat followed by the empress dowager then the duke's mother.
"The auspicious time has come! Bow to heaven!" the grand empress dowager's maid says.
The four of us bow together. It feels so unreal. Like I'm in a dream.
"Bow to your elders!"
We bow three times. One to the grand empress, the second to the empress dowager and the third to the duke's mother.
"Now, bow to yourselves!"
I face the duke. From today on, my life is now intertwined with the duke's. He had promised me so much. I had no idea what kind of man he was. Then it dawned on me! Wedding night! I had no idea what to do!
"The marriage is complete! All bow to the king and the empress of Han!"
We all bow immediately and wish them prosperity and long life. The duke holds my hand and smiles. I return the smile too. My eyes meet the emperor's. He seems shocked. Now, there was no turning back. I turn away and go with the duke to greet the imperial princess who is the duke's mother. I offer her a cup of wine.
"Greetings mother!" I said.
"Juan'er, today marks a new beginning. I hope you will be a good wife and manage the household." She said and collects my cup.
After we are taken to the duke's manor. It is night by the time we arrive. This is it! What will happen now?