allonlinenovel Chapter 219 I’m back
Chapter 219 I’m back
The next morning, the sound of gongs and drums was deafening, and colorful ribbons and red lanterns were hung from the palace to the residence of the Marquis of Pingnan. The people of Beiliang rushed to both sides of the street to watch, and for a time, the crowds surged and bustled.
The wedding procession stretched like a long dragon, moving slowly. Leading the way was a tall, magnificent horse, upon which rode a handsome man in a gold-trimmed red robe. Despite being the crown prince, he showed no aloofness or disdain for the common people; instead, he was remarkably approachable, smiling and waving to them frequently. Behind him were several royal princes, all handpicked by the crown prince.
Behind them was a large, red sedan chair carried by eight men, embroidered with phoenixes in gold thread, each phoenix holding a tassel in its beak. Behind the sedan chair came eunuchs beating drums and gongs, followed by elaborately dressed palace maids carrying treasure boxes of various materials, containing precious items carefully selected by the Crown Prince. Further back were the Imperial Guards in armor, wielding long spears, standing imposingly.
This is what can be seen; in places unseen, there are also garrison battalions and officers from the Commandant's Office responsible for defense.
I've seen wedding processions before, but I've never seen one like this. It made the unmarried girls extremely envious.
On the second floor of Baihua Pavilion, Han Ting stood at the window, gazing at the procession. He wore a dark red robe, and a jade pendant given to him by Lu Zhiyuan for protection hung at his waist. Bai Ruofu brought in wine and dishes, and seeing Han Ting standing by the window, she couldn't help but move closer.
"Judging by this entourage, His Highness the Crown Prince has probably brought the entire Eastern Palace." Seeing that Han Ting remained silent, Bai Ruofu continued, "Those treasure boxes look extremely precious, and they must contain rare treasures. No wonder so many Imperial Guards are escorting them. I heard that today's banquet is not only for the Eastern Palace, but also for the Xie family, the Prime Minister's family, the General's family, and the Marquis of Pingnan's family. Civil and military officials, wealthy merchants, and even people from both the legitimate and underworld circles must attend this banquet."
"Miss deserves it."
If Miss marries him, he will do everything in his power to give her the best.
Bai Ruofu pretended not to understand and echoed, "What the leader says is true. Miss Lu is very lucky. A legitimate daughter of a marquis's family who is not on the family register is able to marry the crown prince."
“The Crown Prince is the one who is truly blessed.” Han Ting raised an eyebrow. “My young lady is worthy of anyone in this world.”
"My young lady?" Bai Ruofu pursed her lips. "Why does the gang leader say that? Could it be that the gang leader also has a connection with the Pingnan Marquis's mansion?"
"The Marquis of Pingnan's residence?" Han Ting scoffed. "I stayed there with Miss for a while."
"Is the gang leader from the Lu family?" Bai Ruofu continued to probe. "Ruofu has never heard anyone in the gang mention it."
“I was bought from the slave market by Miss.” Han Ting glanced at Bai Ruofu: “The elders in the gang all know this.”
Having lived in the capital for a long time, I naturally knew what the slave market the gang leader was talking about was. There was an unwritten rule in the Hundred Flowers Pavilion: every so often, they would go to the slave market to buy slaves who caught their eye. Those with families and places to go were helped to find their families and go where they were meant to go. Those without families and places to go stayed in the Hundred Flowers Pavilion. The older ones helped out here, while the younger ones went to a private school to study, hoping to become members of the gang someday.
She had been to the slave market and seen what the slaves looked like; she couldn't imagine that her gang leader had ever been to such a place.
"My father was the former gang leader. He was murdered by his own good brother, who was also the deputy gang leader. I escaped but was sold to the capital. Miss saved me and helped me return to the gang. The Qinghe Gang's current status is all thanks to Miss. I am Miss's servant, and so are you." Han Ting stared into Bai Ruofu's eyes: "Bai Ruofu, I know what you're thinking. You must understand that if Miss hadn't saved me, I couldn't have saved you. Your savior is Miss, not me. The Qinghe Gang belongs to Miss, and so does the Hundred Flowers Pavilion. If you harbor any thoughts you shouldn't have, I will kill you just as I saved you."
"Ruofu understands." Bai Ruofu lowered her head, still feeling somewhat resentful. As women, why was Lu Zhiyuan's life so much better? The Crown Prince liked her, the gang leader liked her, and even the new ruler of Southern Chu sent a delegation with congratulatory gifts.
Why?
What right does a fifteen-year-old, inexperienced girl have?
Just because of her good family background, she benefited from the influence of the General's Mansion and the Prime Minister's Mansion.
After composing himself, he asked, "Is the boss going to escort the bride?"
"Of course I have to go." Han Ting straightened his clothes. "It's been seven years. It's time to see Miss."
At the Pingnan Marquis's residence, Lu Huai, accompanied by Lu Jingyuan and other members of the Lu clan, waited respectfully outside. Seven years had passed, and Lu Huai had transformed from the dashing Marquis into a gaunt old man. He had returned yesterday evening and had not yet seen Lu Zhiyuan.
First, the long journey had taken its toll on his health. Second, he hadn't seen her for many years and didn't know if Yuan'er had forgiven him as her father or if she would even want to see him. Third, his feelings were complicated. As a father, he hadn't fulfilled his responsibilities for a single day. After so many years apart, he had returned only to see her off on her wedding day.
Before she could even process what was happening, the wedding procession had already arrived.
The Minister of Rites, dressed in a dark red official robe and wearing an official hat, appeared before the crowd with a slight smile on his face.
"Congratulations, Lord Lu! Congratulations, Lord Lu!" He bowed to Lu Huai and said, "Lord Lu has given birth to a wonderful daughter."
"Thanks to Your Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress, without their guidance, Yuan'er would not be as outstanding as she is today." Lu Huai returned the greeting to the Minister of Rites: "Thank you for your hard work, Your Excellency."
The Minister of Rites stepped aside, and His Highness the Crown Prince, following the protocol of the wedding ceremony, walked for half an hour before arriving at Fangfei Courtyard. The gate of Fangfei Courtyard was open, and Liuying, Qingzhi, and the Song sisters stood on either side. Further inside were the Xie brothers, Lu Yun, and Han Ting.
The Xie brothers were dressed like江湖人士 (jianghu figures), Lu Yun was a guard, and Han Ting looked at His Highness the Crown Prince with a provocative gaze.
Half an hour ago, Lu Zhiyuan, who was doing her makeup, smelled an unfamiliar scent. Through the bronze mirror, she saw a red figure facing her from behind. The corners of her lips turned up, forming a faint smile.
"You're back?" Without turning around, he already recognized the person.
Seven years have passed, and he has grown much taller, but the aura emanating from his bones remains the same as before.
"Since you're here to escort me to my wedding, why don't you put this veil on my head?"
Han Ting's heart clenched as he looked at the red veil being handed to him.
"Does Miss really intend to confine herself to that deep palace?"
Looking into those eyes that were both strange and familiar, Lu Zhiyuan gently shook her head, not hiding anything: "My marriage to the Crown Prince is a family alliance. The Xie family needs the royal family for support, and the royal family needs the Xie family to serve them. I am the bridge connecting the royal family and the Xie family. The Crown Prince and I have agreed that if he cannot promise me a lifetime of monogamy, I will only be a fake couple with him. Whether it is the Crown Princess or the Empress, I will appear when it is my turn, and I will not stay in the palace when it is not my turn. I still have many things to do, at least while I still have the energy to walk, I want to see the rivers, lakes, mountains and beautiful scenery of Beiliang."
Han Tingqiang suppressed the excitement in his heart: "Miss and His Highness the Crown Prince are a fake couple?"