With the festive music playing, the swaying Sedan Chair came to a stop.
Xiao Yao was supported by the Matchmaker, carefully stepping out of the Sedan Chair. At that moment, the sound of firecrackers echoed loudly. Under the red veil, Xiao Yao felt a blur in front of her and could only entrust the task of leading the way to the Matchmaker.
Crossing through the gate of Xuanping Prince's Mansion, one end of a red silk was handed to Xiao Yao. She grasped the red silk, knowing that the other end must belong to her husband-to-be, He Yu. The Matchmaker continued to support Xiao Yao until they crossed through the door of the Main Hall and came to a stop in the main hall.
Since there were no elders present at this time, the tea ceremony was omitted; however, the couple still needed to enter the palace to express their gratitude.
As the host's prolonged voice echoed, the Newlyweds acted in unison.
"Ritual—Complete!"
Xiao Yao stood up, and He Yu, holding onto the other end of the red silk, wore an unmistakable gentle and happy smile as he led his bride into their New House.
Once seated, He Yu lifted the veil, revealing Xiao Yao's shy face gradually appearing before him. At that moment, He Yu seemed to have completely forgotten how to breathe. Xiao Yao felt that her surroundings finally became bright and clear. She raised her head to gaze at He Yu; beneath his Jade Crown, his features were striking—sharp eyebrows and starry eyes. The subtle patterns on his bright red Wedding Dress matched exactly with hers, leaving Xiao Yao somewhat dazed.
The two quietly gazed at each other, neither willing to break the silence for fear of disrupting this tranquil moment.
At that time, the Matchmaker stepped forward with two cups of wine. "Please drink this Harmony Cup wine together; may you have a harmonious and fulfilling life together and grow old side by side!"
Hearing the Matchmaker's words, they exchanged smiles and each picked up their delicate wine cups. They leaned their necks together and drank it all in one go.
After enjoying a bowl of peanut lotus seed longan soup each, the Matchmaker congratulated them with "May you have children soon and bear a son with ease," before leading everyone else out.
Once most people had left, Xiao Yao finally felt a bit more at ease. He Yu smiled, but his gaze was filled with deep affection as he caressed Xiao Yao's cheek. "You look beautiful today."
Xiao Yao said nothing and simply lowered her head. He Yu understood she was shy and stood up. "I'll go greet the guests first; let your maid come in to keep you company."
"Okay." Xiao Yao nodded. "Hurry back."
He Yu nodded again and gently patted Xiao Yao's head before quickly walking out.
Yun Zhu had been waiting at the door with Yun Yue and Yun Bi. Upon seeing He Yu come out, they hurriedly bowed. He Yu said, "I'll go ahead; you all can go in and attend to her."
Xiao Yao walked confidently towards the main courtyard.
Yun Zhu entered the room with two maidservants. Seeing the three maidservants come in, Xiao Yao finally relaxed completely and let out a long sigh, "You all finally made it. Those matchmakers earlier really made me feel quite nervous."
"Princess, would you like to eat something first? The prince is entertaining guests up front and probably won't be back for a while," Yun Zhu said with a smile.
"Forget it," Xiao Yao nodded. "I just had some soup, so I can't eat anything else right now."
"Then I'll prepare some snacks for you," Yun Zhu thought for a moment and said, "Just in case you get hungry later and can't find anything."
"That works." Seeing that Yun Zhu was indeed thoughtful, and knowing that Yun Zhu was very familiar with Xuanping Prince's Mansion, Xiao Yao considered designating Yun Zhu as the head maid. After all, given their ages, it would be appropriate for Yun Yue and Yun Bi to gain experience under Yun Zhu's guidance.
Thinking this, Xiao Yao looked over at Yun Yue and Yun Bi. Yun Bi was relatively reserved, standing still and looking somewhat at a loss, but overall she seemed honest. In contrast, Yun Yue was different; her bright eyes darted around curiously, finding everything fascinating and fun. However, since her mistress hadn't spoken yet, Yun Yue didn't dare to move recklessly.
Xiao Yao found Yun Yue's behavior amusing.
After all, these two maidservants had come with her. Although Xiao Yao had changed internally as a person, her fondness for Yun Yue and Yun Bi hadn't changed. Therefore, she didn't plan to impose too many restrictions on them. After all, she was the princess of Xuanping; even if she was just He Yu in name, it was unlikely that the senior servants of the mansion would disrespect these two maidservants.
However, basic etiquette needed to be taught; it wouldn't do for maidservants coming from Xuanping Wang's courtyard to be unruly. This was also why Xiao Yao planned to place these two maidservants under Yun Zhu's care.
Since they came from a rural background and hadn't seen much of the world or gained experience, if they were placed too high up, they could easily become arrogant and cause trouble. Having someone to guide and mentor them would be much better, especially with her as their mistress to keep them in check.
These two weren't bad girls; naturally, they wouldn't go astray.
Yun Zhu returned shortly after she left, carrying a tray with several plates of exquisite pastries. "I’ll prepare some snacks for you first, Princess. If you get hungry later, you can have some. Let me help you take off this heavy crown and wash your face so you can feel more comfortable."
"Okay," Xiao Yao nodded with a smile.
Hearing this from Yun Zhu, Yun Yue and Yun Bi finally realized what they needed to do and quickly followed behind Yun Zhu with flushed faces to help out.
After removing the several-pound crown, Xiao Yao felt her head lighten significantly. She let out a long breath, "Phew, finally liberated! That was so heavy."
Yun Bi quietly stepped forward to massage Xiao Yao's shoulders while Yun Yue brought over a basin of warm water. "Um... Princess, why don't you wash your face?"
"Since we are all from the same household, there's no need to be too formal. Just call me 'Master' on ordinary days," Xiao Yao said with a slight smile. "When we go out, just call me 'Princess.'"
"Ah!" Yun Yue, seeing that Xiao Yao remained as calm and friendly as ever, immediately relaxed and devoted herself to helping Xiao Yao wash up.
On the night of the grand wedding, it was lively and festive.
However, where there is liveliness, there are always places of silence and solitude.
Cheng Yuezhu stood by the window, looking up at the twinkling stars. Not far away, the sounds of celebration could be heard; today was the day of great joy for the Prince.
Miao Xin noticed that Cheng Yuezhu was standing motionless in front of the window and approached her to persuade her, "Madam, it's late and the dew is heavy; you should rest early."
"Indeed, it is late and the dew is heavy," Cheng Yuezhu sighed softly. "I fear that the excitement in the main courtyard has already dried up this night's dew. Never mind, that excitement does not belong to us; let's go to bed early."
The softly spoken words left Miao Xin feeling uncomfortable.
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