The wedding procession was very long, especially the dowry. Nan Su included all the betrothal gifts from Yu Jingchen as part of Nan Zhiyun's dowry, along with almost everything in the General's mansion.
Furthermore, there were the gifts from the Empress Dowager and many nobles, as well as Yu Jingchen's betrothal gifts which were also included. All these items combined were enough to circle the capital several times. The ten-mile long street, adorned with red silk, was a spectacle that drew envy.
As Nan Su watched the procession gradually depart, his heart felt increasingly heavy. Tears welled up and spilled over. He, the dignified Grand Marshal, the general who defended the nation, the iron man in the eyes of the world, could no longer hold back his emotions. Nan Zhiyun was the softest spot in his heart, and now, with this farewell... she would become another man's wife.
Yu Jingchen led the procession all the way to the imperial palace, distributing candies and pastries to children along the way. Laughter and joy filled the air, as if celebrating a grand occasion for all.
Inside the Imperial Palace
All the officials were waiting, along with all the palace concubines, for the Emperor and Empress to arrive. Yu Jingchen did not want Nan Zhiyun to suffer, so he abandoned the usual grand enthronement ceremony, saving Nan Zhiyun from the arduous ritual of kowtowing.
"His Majesty and Empress have arrived!" Xing Lai announced.
Then, Yu Jingchen appeared in everyone's sight, holding Nan Zhiyun's hand. A large retinue of palace attendants followed them. All eyes were on the couple.
The ceremony was held in front of the Golden Luang Hall. Yu Jingchen and Nan Zhiyun walked hand in hand across the long steps of white jade. Upon reaching their designated positions, Xing Lai read aloud the imperial decree for the Empress's investiture ceremony, which lasted for about half an hour.
Fearing Nan Zhiyun might be tired, Yu Jingchen gently placed his arm around her lower back, allowing her to lean against him.
"Lean on me if you're tired, don't force yourself," Yu Jingchen said, worried that Nan Zhiyun, burdened by her elaborate and heavy attire, might not be able to bear it.
"Mhm," Nan Zhiyun replied. She was indeed a bit tired. She had been feeling fatigued for the past few days, but perhaps it was also due to the overwhelming excitement. Nevertheless, Nan Zhiyun felt she was managing well.
"Bestow upon her the Empress's Seal and bestow the Golden Seal!" Finally, it was over.
Palace attendants brought forth the phoenix seal and other regalia. As Nan Zhiyun prepared to kneel, Yu Jingchen supported her.
"Yun'er and I are one, there is no need to kneel," Yu Jingchen declared.
"Yes... Thank you, Your Majesty." Nan Zhiyun did not insist on kneeling. Yu Jingchen took the items and handed them to Nan Zhiyun. As she accepted them, everyone in unison knelt down, "Your humble subjects pay respects to Your Majesty, and pay respects to Her Majesty the Empress! May Your Majesty live for ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand years! May Her Majesty the Empress live for a thousand years, a thousand years, a thousand thousand years!"
At this moment, Nan Zhiyun officially became the Empress of the Yuan Dynasty, the first and only wife of Emperor Tian Sheng.
After the ceremony, Nan Zhiyun was escorted to Fengyin Palace. Fengyin Palace had been the sleeping quarters of empresses throughout the dynasties. Its central location within the harem signified the empress's supreme position.
By the time Nan Zhiyun returned to Fengyin Palace, she was too exhausted to move. So tired...
Yu Jingchen followed her in. Seeing Nan Zhiyun's utterly fatigued state, he chuckled. He walked to her side, lovingly embracing her.
"Are you tired? That dress is heavy, let's take it off," Yu Jingchen said, his gaze filled with concern for Nan Zhiyun's appearance.
At Yu Jingchen's command, Qian Xia and the other maids stepped forward to help Nan Zhiyun remove her makeup and jewelry. Once everything was taken off, Nan Zhiyun suddenly felt a great sense of relief.