The Prince Can Do Divination-Chapter 138 - 124: Wedding Night, a Call of "Husband", a Wish Fulfilled

Chapter 138: Chapter 124: Wedding Night, a Call of "Husband", a Wish Fulfilled

After the ceremonial entrance, they slowly walked into the inner hall.

The guests had already filled the seats, a gathering of familiar officials, scholars, and Concubines who had all been invited. It was late in the afternoon.

The people from the Qi Mansion had all arrived.

What was originally the seating for four parents was now slightly crowded.

Qi Xingyan had brought his wife.

Lu Mingyuan had a rare glimpse of Qi Muxue’s mother. She was a middle-aged woman with her high chignon secured by a single hairpin. Though she had crow’s feet at the corners of her eyes, he could tell she must have been a beautiful young maiden in her youth.

Wang Zhaoyan sat in the seat of honor. An empty seat was next to her, upon which an imperial edict had been placed to represent the Holy Emperor’s blessing and show respect.

"I entrust my daughter to you."

Qi Xingyan sat in his chair, a smile on his face as he looked at Lu Mingyuan.

Lu Mingyuan nodded emphatically. "Rest assured, Father-in-law. As long as I’m here, Mu Xue will never suffer the slightest grievance."

"The Champion Marquis has arrived!"

Soon, another sedan chair arrived at the entrance of the hall.

She was escorted by Imperial Guards in festive attire and black gauze caps. Huo Hongling, however, had no Maid to support her. She held her hands stiffly in front of her and her steps were flustered. Clearly unaccustomed to wearing a dress, she rushed inside in a few large strides.

Under everyone’s watchful eyes, her cheeks were slightly flushed, and she pressed her thin, cherry-like lips together. She was obviously very nervous, completely lacking Qi Muxue’s calm and graceful composure.

Huo Hongling was slightly more petite and not as tall as Qi Muxue, but her figure was slender and straight. She wore a seven-phoenix crown, and her ceremonial shawl was embroidered with golden clouds and phoenix patterns. Her dress was decorated with golden phoenix emblems on the chest and back, and her delicate nose and cheeks were adorned with jade beads.

The Champion Marquis and his wife followed behind them. Their steps were vigorous, and they soon entered the main hall as well.

With the parents of both sides now present, the wedding ceremony officially began.

First, they bowed to Heaven and Earth, then to the ancestors and elders, and finally, the husband and wives bowed to each other.

Lu Mingyuan and his two Princess Consorts stood facing each other. The groom stood to the west and the brides to the east, symbolizing the union of yin and yang.

Ancient weddings weren’t necessarily as lively as those in his previous life, where all friends and relatives would come to celebrate. The *Book of Rites* states: "Music is not used in a wedding ceremony, for it is a solemn and private matter. Congratulations are not offered at a wedding, for it is a matter of human succession."

The *Book of Rites* also says: "The family that takes a wife does not play music for three days."

However, marriage was ultimately a joyous occasion, a matter of "great fortune, extraordinary fortune."

In later ages, as rituals and music fell into decay and chaotic times arose once more, many rites were abolished, and weddings gradually became more lively celebrations.

The rites of the Great Yan only required the parents of both sides to be present; there were no requirements for other guests.

"First bow to Heaven and Earth, second bow to the parents."

Lu Mingyuan bowed to Heaven and Earth, then turned and bowed slowly toward Qi Xingyan and the Champion Marquis.

The Champion Marquis helped Lu Mingyuan up. Looking at the dashing and talented young man, he smiled faintly and said, "I set out for the Northwest tomorrow. I don’t know when I’ll be back. I’ll have to entrust Hong Ling to your care, son-in-law."

"Of course. I will await your victorious return, Father-in-law."

Lu Mingyuan nodded firmly.

Qi Xingyan reminded them, "Who knows when this war in the Northwest will end. If you have anything more to say, you should say it all now."

With Prince Zhenbei’s campaign proceeding smoothly, the Court would surely invest even more military strength into the Border Region. They would take advantage of the chaos in the Demon Country to carve out a large swath of land in the north and establish it as a military buffer state, fortifying the region.

The person stationed there could very well remain in the Border Region for ten, or even twenty, years.

"Father, are you really leaving tomorrow?"

Hearing her father, Huo Hongling’s voice was tinged with reluctance to part.

Her father had been with her in the manor throughout her childhood. Now that she was married, she had to part with him, and she couldn’t help but feel sad.

"Silly child, a married daughter must be independent. How improper would it be to always be thinking of your maiden home? You are with Prince Huai’an now. You will be a Princess Consort, a person of noble status. You should be happier."

The Champion Marquis’s wife took her daughter’s hand, instructing her in a soft, gentle voice.

Huo Hongling glanced at Lu Mingyuan, who was standing beside her, and her face turned bright red.

"Husband and wives, bow to each other!"

Lu Mingyuan and his two wives bowed to each other.

At this moment, a young Palace Maid brought clear water for the three of them to wash their hands, while another poured wine.

Lu Mingyuan first exchanged cups with Qi Muxue. Before drinking, they took a lock of hair previously cut from each of them and tied them together to symbolize being of one heart. This is what is known as "hair-binding."

It comes from the saying: "Hair bound as husband and wife, our love shall never be in doubt."

After drinking the cross-cupped wine, their hands clasped tightly together, symbolizing the vow "to hold your hand and grow old with you," to never betray each other in this life. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

Huo Hongling then had to perform the same ritual.

With that, the main wedding ceremony was complete. The groom was to go out and entertain the guests, while the brides were taken by sedan chairs to the bridal chamber, located in Qingzhu Hall.

During this part of the reception, many people toasted Lu Mingyuan to show their respect. He, however, couldn’t hold his liquor well, and he couldn’t openly use his Primordial Qi to dispel the alcohol’s effects in public. ’It would be terrible to be dead drunk and reeking of alcohol on my wedding night.’ Fortunately, in his moment of need, his fathers-in-law stepped forward.

The Champion Marquis took many drinks on his behalf.

Only then was he able to slip away.

"His Highness, Prince Chongwen, has arrived!"

A eunuch’s cry echoed from outside the hall.

A young man in a Cyan Python Robe, as graceful as jade, entered with a smile. One arm was held across his chest as he walked in with brisk steps.

"Well, well, if it isn’t the Eighth Prince, Lu Yunqing, who’s been all the rage lately?"

Lu Mingyuan was overjoyed to see him, but his tone was teasing.

Everyone in the Capital City knew that Prince Chongwen, Lu Yunqing, was the Prince most likely to contend for the throne. He had the support of two Saints, and his mother had recently become the new Empress.

On the night the three great Princes met, he had displayed an impressive faction of his own.

The depth of his power and resources could already faintly rival that of the Second Prince, Lu Guangjing.