Chapter 416.1: not stepping across the fire pit
Deafening cheers shook the capital of Beimin. The streets were lined with red silk on both sides, and people from all walks of life were standing in orderly lines with joyful expressions. Some of the men had managed to pick up the wedding sweets, and were handing them to their happily awaiting children.
Part of a very long wedding procession, the bridal sedan chair was carried by four strong and robust men. The procession itself was so long that even as the front of it arrived at the Prince Hao Residence, the back had just left the imperial palace. The scale of the wedding was so massive that it shocked even the monarchs of other countries.
The Crown Prince of Dongling, Chu Linglong, was dressed in an alluring purplish set of robes. His eyes were slightly widened in surprise. “Tsk tsk, it’s so extravagant. Prince Hao really throws away a thousand pieces of gold for the beauty. This must be Su Xi-er’s fortune that she has accumulated from many previous lifetimes.”
Hua Zirong, the monarch of Xiliu, had an indifferent expression as he cast a cursory glance at Chu Linglong. “This imposing aura of Prince Hao really impresses this Emperor.” He organised a wedding of such an enormous scale that news of it has already spread far and wide, eliciting much discussion. Yet, despite numerous unsavoury rumours popping up, Pei Qianhao has completely disregarded them and done as he wishes.
“This Prince agrees. I am also impressed by such an imposing aura.” Chu Linglong enchantingly smiled.
Among the crowd, a man dressed in white robes stood in at the back of the crowd as he watched the bridal sedan chair pass by with complicated emotions swirling in his eyes.
The grand and majestic wedding procession slowly filed through the capital, with the accompanying noise and music practically shaking the heavens and earth. The streets were overflowing with a festive mood as the praise of the commoners constantly flew through the air.
Qin Ling saw Yun Ruofeng’s placid expression, but also the solemnity in his eyes. “Master, let’s return to the inn.”
Yun Ruofeng waved his hand. “I’ll watch for a while longer.” No one knew how tightly he was clenching his fists under his sleeves. I have never expected that she would marry someone else one day. Yet, all I can do is helplessly watch. The daytime is unsuitable for us to act, so we can only wait.
It was unclear how long Yun Ruofeng stayed there before he disappeared from the crowd and returned to Ye’s Inn.
After they returned, Qin Ling immediately went to the other inn to check on Mei Jinxiu. However, once he opened the door to her room, he found it completely empty.
Qin Ling furrowed his brows. This is bad. Mei Jinxiu must have escaped, and will tip the others off. How can I let her ruin Prince Yun’s plan?! Hence, he immediately left the inn and concealed himself among the masses as he headed for the Prince Hao Residence.
The bridal sedan chair had stopped in front of the entrance of the Prince Hao Residence, allowing Pei Qianhao to leap down from his horse and stop next to the sedan. The civilians cheered as they witnessed his outstanding and elegant demeanour.
Next, a guard passed Pei Qianhao a bow and arrow to shoot the door of the sedan as a display of the groom’s might.
When Pei Qianhao glanced at the arrow, he was suddenly reminded of how Ning Rulan died. An arrow piercing her heart.
He immediately waved his hand for the guard to bring the arrow away, and under the astonished gazes of the crowd, personally went forward to lift the curtain of the sedan.
The civilians’ eyes widened in shock. Why didn’t he shoot the sedan door? And he even personally lifted the curtain?
However, Pei Qianhao’s next action shocked them even further. Prince Hao actually carried Princess Consort Hao out from the sedan on his back, and he even ordered someone to remove the fire pit[1] in front of the residence!
According to Beimin’s customs, the man has to display his might in front of the woman. This…how is this right?! The commoners couldn’t help but begin fervently discussing. “Prince Hao can’t bear to have Princess Consort Hao suffer in any way, so he is disregarding the customs. The extent of his affection is astounding!”
1. Stepping across the fire pit symbolises getting rid of bad luck and misfortune.