Chapter 705 - Avoid
In the evening the Royal Family members gathered at the Palace grounds. Upon Sheng Li's orders, Princess Bai Yaling was brought to the Palace Grounds. She had worn the red Hanfu dress sent by the Wang Family the previous day.
She stood beside Wang Hao, and the two bowed before the Royal Family members. Consort Dowager Ju Fen told Wang Hao to take care of Bai Yaling well.
"I will, Second Consort Dowager," he said.
Sheng Li came towards Wang Hao and hugged him. "My Dear Friend, my warm and best wishes are always with you. Always be happy," Sheng Li pronounced. They both pulled away when Wang Hao raised his hands above his forehead, which were joined with each other, and then bowed his head in the respect of the Emperor.
"I, Wang Hao, will keep the Princess happy and safe. Thank you Your Majesty for showing faith in me and allowing me to marry the Princess," Wang Hao said humbly.
Bai Yaling was taken to the palanquin which was decorated well. The maidservant helped her get in and the porters carried it on their shoulders.
Wang Hao bowed once again in front of everyone and then went to his horse. He hopped on it and they left the Palace. All the Royal Family members walked behind them till the Fu Imperial Gates to bid farewell to Princess Bai Yaling.
In the Wang Residence, everyone was waiting outside the house for Wang Hao and his bride. Lei Wanxi was also present in the Wang Residence along with Weng Yu. He rested his elbow on Huo Jin's shoulder and said, "The last time I waited like this was for Sister Lili when I heard that Brother Sheng brought her to the Palace."
Huo Jin tilted his head to glance at Lei Wanxi. "The Prince must wait inside," he opined.
"I did not mean that," Lei Wanxi answered. "You did not understand my words. I wait for those whom I respect a lot and who are close to my heart," he clarified.
He put his elbow down when he saw General Wang's horse. "They have come," he said with a broad smile and went ahead towards Weng Yu, who was beside Wang Fuxing.
"General Wang is looking handsome," Lei Wanxi praised him and looked at Wang Fuxing, whose eyes were watery. This was the moment for which Wang Fuxing waited for years. His heart was extremely happy and the feeling was indescribable.
'Our son will finally marry today,' he told his late wife, whose last wish was to see Wang Hao with a woman, who could make him feel warm whenever he came home.
The loud drum sounds could be heard. The people had gathered around both sides of the pathway as they wished for the couple's happiness.
The horse halted in front of the Wang Residence and General Wang hopped down. The palanquin was placed on the floor, and two maidservants went towards it to help Bai Yaling to come out of it without removing the red veil.
Weng Yu curiously looked at the carriages behind the palanquin. "Brother, what are those carriages for?" He whispered the query in Lei Wanxi's ear.
"They are the valuables that are sent when the woman comes to her husband's house," he answered. They all stepped aside as Wang Hao and Bai Yaling had to go inside.
They first bowed to the elder of the house, Wang Fuxing, who told them to go in. Wang Hao held the hand of Bai Yaling, who peered at him through the veil in front of her face and then looked at her hand.
"There are stairs ahead," Wang Hao said and the two stepped on the first stair. Bai Yaling lifted her high waist skirt a little and the two walked inside the residence, followed by the other people.
Wang Hao led Bai Yaling to the main wedding hall. The people, mostly from the upper-class society had gathered in the Courtyard, started to walk inside the main hall.
In the main hall, everyone stood at the two sides of the broad and long red carpet. In the front, both Wang Hao and Bai Yaling were ready to take their wedding vows.
The priest instructed them and the two followed the steps. They kowtowed first for the Earth & Heaven; then kowtowed to show respect to Wang Fuxing and lastly, kowtowed to each other.
The wedding wine was given to them which they drank. The priest declared them husband and wife. He blessed them with a happy married life. Yin Na came forward and told that she would take Bai Yaling to the bed-chamber.
Yin Na gently grasped Bai Yaling's arm and they left for the bed-chamber followed by the two maidservants who had accompanied Bai Yaling from the Palace.
Everyone started to congratulate Wang Hao. Prince Lei Wanxi and Weng Yu congratulated him first, followed by the Commanders from the military. Wang Hao thanked everyone and the wedding feast started.
Lei Wanxi came to Huo Jin with two wine glasses in his hand. He handed one to Huo Jin, who thanked him.
"I have something to tell you. Did you notice Minister Xu Wenhai? Earlier he had held the hand of Sister Yin Na," Lei Wanxi informed him.
Huo Jin's throat choked, and immediately, Lei Wanxi caressed his back. "Be careful," the Prince said anxiously.
"Prince Wanxi, I need to check on Father. I will soon be back," Huo Jin excused himself, and it confused Lei Wanxi.
"Did he just avoid talking with me?" He muttered.
Huo Jin came to an isolated place, away from the courtyard, and looked at the wine glass in his hand. He had also noticed how Xu Wenhai touched Yin Na's hand.
'Does she not hate it?' he thought and gulped the wine from the glass.
"Young Master, you are here!" A servant suddenly came to him. Huo Jin put his hand down and heard him say, "General Wang is looking for you."
Huo Jin hummed at him.. He promptly left with the servant to the Main Courtyard.