With the sound of drums and music, the imperial guards slowly marched forward.
Chang’an wasn’t a big city, and the Fei family home was not far from Xiao Ming’s mansion. Walking down the straight street, Feiyue’er’s group gradually arrived at Prince Qi’s mansion.
By now, most of the guests who came to congratulate and drink had already gathered. The sound of drums outside made Xiao Ming realize Feiyue’er was about to arrive.
Officials from the Ministry of Rites immediately got busy. From the engagement banquet to the wedding ceremony, the Ministry handled everything, saving Xiao Ming a lot of trouble.
The bridal sedan chair soon arrived and was set down. The guards and honor guards stopped and withdrew — their job was done.
Following the guidance of Ministry officials, the accompanying female attendants lifted the pearl curtain and helped Feiyue’er out of the sedan. They slowly led her into the prepared bridal chamber.
Ziyuan and Lu Luo were already waiting outside the bridal room and followed inside to serve. Both smiled, knowing their place — just maids, no right to compete with the bride.
They were happy that Xiao Ming married a virtuous and well-bred lady like Feiyue’er. If she had been a fierce woman, their lives might have been difficult.
“The Princess Consort has arrived. Let the banquet begin!”
As soon as Feiyue’er entered the bridal room, a Ministry official shouted. According to palace rules, a prince’s wedding required sixty banquet tables.
At the signal, palace maids brought out delicious dishes. These cooks came from the imperial kitchen.
After all the fuss, with Feiyue’er finally inside the mansion, Xiao Ming finally relaxed.
Though he wanted to enter the bridal room and talk to Feiyue’er, he couldn’t ignore his guests.
He had to move from one table to another, politely toasting with tea instead of wine.
Surprisingly, besides many lords from the regional principalities, several of his brothers were also there — the Second Prince, Third Prince, and all other princes in the capital.
Perhaps the blood oath made the princes cautious and paused their fights.
The banquet lasted two hours before guests gradually left.
The noisy mansion quieted down, and Xiao Ming sighed heavily.
Though weddings were complicated, he was happy. In his past life, he had been alone.
Now, having a family was a kind of compensation — though in a strange new world.
Most importantly, eating and drinking alone was not the same as sharing life with another.
When Feiyue’er stepped in, he suddenly felt a new sense of responsibility.
A responsibility to a family.
“Your Highness, the remaining rituals will be prepared by the two palace matrons left behind. We will take our leave.”
The three Ministry officials bowed to Xiao Ming.
Xiao Ming nodded. Seeing their excitement, he said, “Thank you all. Here’s some wedding money — please don’t refuse it.”
Wedding celebrations were the Ministry of Rites’ favorite times, as they were clean government offices that rarely got bribes except on such occasions.
One official accepted the silver note — a thousand taels — and smiled broadly. “Thank you, Your Highness. Whatever you need in future, just say the word.”
Xiao Ming smiled and nodded, sending the officials out.
“Your Highness, it’s late. You should see your bride now.”
After the officials left, the two palace matrons gently spoke.
Because the wedding night rituals were not suitable for men, palace matrons took over.
Hearing this, Xiao Ming chuckled. He looked at the bridal room — this was his rightful wife.
Led by the matrons, he entered the room.
The bridal chamber was bright with red candles. Feiyue’er sat upright on the bed’s edge.
Her hands rested on her knees. The red bridal veil and golden crown on her hair gave her a radiant, jewel-like appearance.
“Your Highness, it’s time to lift the veil.”
One matron smiled and handed Xiao Ming a jade ruyi scepter, signaling him to lift the veil.
Taking the ruyi, Xiao Ming felt both anticipation and nervousness. He wondered what Feiyue’er looked like. They didn’t know each other at all — it was awkward.
“Come on, Your Highness,” the matrons giggled, covering their mouths.
Xiao Ming didn’t reply but looked at Feiyue’er.
He noticed she was tense; her hands clenched tightly on her knees.
“Damn old traditions,” Xiao Ming thought with mixed pain and joy. He bravely lifted the veil.
The red veil slowly slid off Feiyue’er’s head, revealing flowing black hair, delicate eyebrows, large lively eyes, a slender nose, and rosy lips — a face like a beautiful ink painting.
“A smile that charms all, leaving palace beauties pale,” Xiao Ming thought to himself.
Having seen many beauties in the palace and in his past life, Feiyue’er was among the finest — and she had a natural gentle temperament.
“Princess Consort is truly a rare beauty. Your Highness is very lucky,” the matrons congratulated.
Xiao Ming and Feiyue’er exchanged glances, studying each other as if to memorize the other’s face.
The matrons shared a look and smiled, “Your Highness, Princess Consort, there are still rituals to complete. Without them, it would be unlucky. After these, we will leave so as not to disturb your happy time.”
These matrons were seasoned palace veterans who could say anything.
Their blunt words made both Xiao Ming and Feiyue’er blush, as if a matchmaker suggested rushing to intimacy on a first meeting.
Clearing his throat, Xiao Ming said, “Thank you, matrons, please proceed.”
The matrons performed the rituals: tying the ceremonial robe, eating dates, sharing wine cups, and more.
After half an hour of these tedious rites, they finished.
Xiao Ming asked Lu Luo to tip the matrons. Then the matrons left.
Ziyuan, Lu Luo, and Feiyue’er’s maid Xiao Huan also left, leaving Xiao Ming and Feiyue’er alone on the bed’s edge.
The room was awkward. Feiyue’er lowered her head; Xiao Ming stared at the ceiling.
After a while, Xiao Ming cleared his throat to break the silence. Women in the Great Yu Empire were very conservative, so he had to take the initiative.
“Princess Consort, it’s late. You should rest now.”
Xiao Ming didn’t know how he shamelessly said that, and felt very embarrassed.