The crimson weeding procession
774 Words
Chapter 5: The Crimson Wedding Procession (Part 1)
The capital of Tianxuan had never been so lively.
Before dawn, every main street had been swept clean, and bright crimson lanterns swayed gently beneath the morning breeze. The doors of every shop were decorated with red silk, while the citizens lined the streets long before sunrise, hoping to witness the imperial wedding procession with their own eyes.
After all...
This was the first time in many years that the Emperor had personally ordered such a grand procession for a bride.
Some believed it was because he favored the eldest daughter of the Lin family.
Others whispered that it was merely to uphold the dignity of the imperial family after the broken engagement with the Second Prince.
No one knew the truth.
Inside the magnificent Hall of Heavenly Governance, Emperor Xiao Liwei stood with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing at the golden dragon carved upon the palace roof.
He wore a robe of black silk embroidered with soaring golden dragons. A jade belt rested at his waist, while a simple golden crown held his long black hair in place.
His expression was as calm and unreadable as ever.
Behind him stood Commander Mo Ying.
"Your Majesty."
"The wedding procession has departed."
The Emperor gave a slight nod but remained silent.
Mo Ying hesitated before speaking again.
"The ministers have already begun discussing the marriage."
"They believe Your Majesty intends to strengthen your influence by allying with the Lin family."
The Emperor let out a quiet laugh.
"They only see what is in front of them."
His golden eyes darkened.
"If my uncle believes this marriage is only political..."
"Let him continue believing it."
Mo Ying lowered his head.
He understood.
The Emperor rarely explained his plans because even the palace walls had ears.
Far away, danger was already moving.
---
At the Lin Manor, servants hurried from one courtyard to another carrying wedding chests decorated with gold and crimson ribbons.
One chest contained priceless jade ornaments.
Another held embroidered phoenix robes.
There were rare medicines, ancient paintings, pearls, silks from distant kingdoms, and dozens of gifts sent from the imperial treasury.
Every servant who saw the gifts gasped in amazement.
Lady Su Meilan forced herself to smile.
Although she maintained the appearance of a loving mother, her fingernails dug deeply into her sleeves.
Why?
Why would the Emperor send such extravagant gifts for Lin Qingyue?
Wasn't he supposed to despise women?
The more she thought about it, the more uneasy she became.
"Mother."
Lin Yuerou entered the room wearing a beautiful lavender dress.
Her face twisted with jealousy.
"The Emperor has never treated any noble lady this generously."
Lady Su narrowed her eyes.
"It changes nothing."
"No matter how many gifts she receives..."
"She will never live long enough to enjoy them."
She turned toward Auntie Rong.
"Has the servant entered the bridal attendants?"
"Yes, My Lady."
"No one suspects her."
Lady Su smiled coldly.
"Good."
"Once Qingyue enters the palace..."
"Our game begins."
---
Meanwhile, in the eastern courtyard...
Lin Qingyue quietly looked around the room where she had spent most of her life.
The faded wooden table.
The cracked window.
The old plum tree outside.
This neglected courtyard had witnessed every tear she had shed since her mother's passing.
Xia He folded the last of Qingyue's belongings into a small travel chest.
Her eyes had already turned red.
"Miss..."
"When you become an imperial consort..."
"Will you still remember this servant?"
Qingyue smiled gently and took Xia He's hands.
"You are family."
"No matter where I go..."
"I will never forget you."
Unable to hold back her emotions, Xia He burst into tears.
She had served Qingyue since childhood.
To everyone else, Qingyue was merely the eldest daughter of the Lin family.
But to Xia He...
She was the kindest person in the entire manor.
Just then, a knock sounded on the door.
Lord Lin Jian stepped inside.
For a moment, he simply stood there, looking at his daughter dressed in elegant crimson wedding robes.
She looked so much like her late mother that his heart ached.
"You've grown up," he murmured.
Qingyue bowed respectfully.
"Father."
Lord Lin dismissed the servants with a wave of his hand.
When they were alone, he spoke in a low voice.
"There is something I have hidden from you for many years."
Qingyue looked up in surprise.
"It concerns your mother."
The room fell silent.
Outside, the sound of drums echoed through the manor.
The imperial wedding procession had arrived.
But inside the room...
A secret buried for twelve years was finally about to be revealed.
- Writer
