At the General's Mansion Gate
Yu Jingchen, dressed in dragon-embroidered wedding robes, arrived on horseback, followed by a phoenix carriage carried by sixteen people, which stopped with him at the entrance.
Nan Su carried Nan Zhiyun out. The ground was already covered with red carpet, and not just that; it was also strewn with fresh flowers, paving the path and filling the air with fragrance. It was a vision of a life of prosperity, grand avenues, and radiant, blossoming steps that awaited her in the future.
Nan Su gently set Nan Zhiyun down. Yu Jingchen looked at the girl beside him, his heart overflowing with emotion. Today, she was finally his wife.
The Empress Dowager emerged and paused, gazing towards them. The figures in her sight grew blurry, and eventually, she could no longer see clearly.
The bride's mother's loud calls reached her ears: "Bride, board the carriage! Empress, let the procession begin!" Instantly, gongs and drums roared, and cheers erupted.
The Empress Dowager's heart settled somewhat. She was boarding the carriage... it was a pity she couldn't witness it with her own eyes.
"By Imperial decree! Today, the Emperor and Empress are wed! His Majesty has decreed a general amnesty for the realm! All taverns in the city will host banquets for three days, with food and drink flowing freely! All citizens, regardless of status, are invited to partake!" a herald shouted. Immediately, all the citizens knelt, crying out in unison: "Long live His Majesty, long live His Majesty, long live His Majesty! Congratulations to His Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress on this joyous occasion!" The cheers were like a tidal wave, continuous and deafening.
Nan Zhiyun, personally assisted by Yu Jingchen, boarded the carriage, clutching a Ruyi scepter. She hadn't expected Yu Jingchen to issue such an order; her heart was filled with joy yet also tinged with nervousness.
"Yun'er, do not be afraid. Today, you only need to stay by my side. Leave everything else to me," Yu Jingchen soothed her gently.
"Mm..." Nan Zhiyun nodded slightly.
After reassuring Nan Zhiyun, Yu Jingchen returned to Nan Su. He cupped his hands in a respectful bow, and Nan Su did not evade it.
"Father-in-law..." Yu Jingchen uttered.
"Since Your Majesty calls me father-in-law, I shall take the liberty today, and as an elder, speak a few words to Your Majesty. Yun'er is the treasure of my palm, the pearl of my eye. I remember clearly how Your Majesty treated Yun'er in the past. To be honest, I could not help but feel heartbroken, nor could I harbor any resentment or anger towards Your Majesty."
"But back then, I was a subject, and Your Majesty was the sovereign I was sworn to serve, so I never spoke of it, nor dared to express it. However, now... I am Yun'er's father, and you, Your Majesty, have personally acknowledged me as your father-in-law. Therefore, I will tell Your Majesty clearly: Yun'er has suffered too much. Not only Your Majesty, but even I have failed her. Thus, I sincerely hope that in the future, Your Majesty will treat her well... If, one day, you no longer love her, do not let her suffer. Give her a small courtyard, and let her live the life she desires..." Nan Su looked at Nan Zhiyun inside the carriage, his eyes filled with reluctance.
"Father-in-law, please rest assured. I swear by the name of the Emperor that in this lifetime, I will only have Yun'er. I will never again let her suffer any grievance." Yu Jingchen knew how much he and the Nan family owed Nan Zhiyun, and he would spend his entire life making amends.
"I hope Your Majesty will keep your word. Let's go... do not delay the auspicious hour," Nan Su said, his hands clasped behind his back.
Yu Jingchen bowed once more, offering the courtesy of a junior, before mounting his horse again.
"Let the procession begin!" As soon as the bride's mother's voice faded, the sound of suona trumpets filled the air.
After receiving Nan Zhiyun, Yu Jingchen headed back towards the imperial palace. Since they were not taking the same route back, they made a circuit around the capital.