Chapter 55
When the decree for Crown Prince’s imprisonment was passed down, Zongzheng Mufeng was escorting his bride to the marriage ceremony in a luxurious imperial canopy meant to be enjoyed only by the empress.
Zongzheng Mufeng asked for the favor from his imperial brother, hoping to give XunMi a grand and gorgeous wedding ceremony. He urgently wanted to inform everyone that Belle was his.
XunMi sat at the dressing table as Shangguan Yan gently combed her hair.
“One brush from the top, so that there shall not be worries for riches. Two brushes from the top, so that there shall not be worries of health. Three brushes from the top, for many children and long life. One last brush from the top, for mutual respect in marriage. One brush to the bottom, so that your wings may fly openly. Second brush to the bottom, may your two hearts be one. From start to end, may your life be full of honor.” She was able to see her daughter be happy in this lifetime.
She was at ease knowing that she was marrying An wang. As long as her daughter can be without worry and happy, then she would also be satisfied.
“Mother, we will both be happy.” She hugged the hand that Shangguan Yan placed on her shoulder and spoke seriously.
Shangguan Yan nodded her head. She put on the head ornament for her daughter and straightened out her clothing. She supported her as her little brother helped her up the marriage sedan.
The sedan slowly made its way through the city’s main streets, greeted with the citizens’ cheers and congratulations.
XunMi’s hands were folded in her lap, a small smile on her face. This was the second world. After this, she and her lover will have many more worlds.
She was a greedy woman at heart, hoping that her lover would be able to accompany her forever.
BaoBao laid on her shoulder happily. This was his first time coming to ancient times and seeing this kind of scene. There really was a big difference compared to modern times. Most importantly, this place was much more interesting than modern times.
There were customs like the groom must kick down the sedan door, having to step over a brazier, and being blessed with mugwort leaf water. There needed to be dates and peanuts sprinkled on the bed, they needed to eat tangyuan, etc.
By the time they arrived at the Prince estate, it was already evening. XunMi now knew why the ceremony was called hunli, as she was about to faint (‘hun’) by evening.
Zongzheng Mufeng carried XunMi into the estate, stopping in front of the door to the grand hall, where a marriage maid brought over red silk. The two head onto the red silk as they headed to the front of the hall. The Prince estate was surrounded by friends and family today. Even the emperor had come to witness their wedding.
“Kneel to the heaven and earth.” The two turned and kneeled facing the entrance of the room.
“Kneel to the ancestors.” The two turned to face the people sitting above in the front of the room and kneeled.
“Kneel to your spouse.” They faced each other, the same wide smile on their faces as they kneeled down.
“The ceremony is complete, send to the bridal room.” The announcer’s loud voice ended the ceremony.
Xiao Xiang and two other maids supported XunMi to the room. She was now already three months along. Luckily, her clothes were a bit complex so that her slightly protruding stomach was unnoticed.
She now had an increased appetite, eating more than most other pregnant women. Zongzheng Mufeng once laughingly said that she was definitely pregnant with a son. Why else would the baby be so mischievous. XunMi hadn’t thought much about it at the time. No matter whether this fellow was a daughter or son, she would love it all the same.
When Zongzheng Mufeng entered the room, it was already past midnight. He exchanged the newlywed cups of wine with XunMi.
“Belle, in this life this world, Zongzheng Mufeng will grasp your hand and walk this lifetime with you.” He removed the heavy head ornament, helped her take off her outer layer, and unhurriedly placed her onto the bed.
Bathing in spring air, as inseparable as water, two blurred figures created waves crashing together.
The next day, XunMi felt nothing but a sour back. She knew that her husband had given her a massage afterwards. By that time, she had already slipped into sleep.
She called for Xiao Xiang, changed her clothes, and went to find her dear husband.
Zongzheng Mufeng was in the study room reading the news from the palace. The empress had been exiled to the the Cold Palace. All of the crown prince’s allies had been taken care of. As for that Bai Ling, before Zongzheng Mufeng was able to tell the crown prince about his ties to Wenren Yunfei, the crown prince had already killed him. The crown prince had inadvertently discovered evidence of Bai Ling’s betrayal. It could only be said that Bai Ling was doomed to suffer bad luck.
Due to his ties with the crown prince, the prime minister had also been expelled from office and exiled out of the city. This was the result after Zongzheng Mufeng had personally appeared to plea for leniency. If not, the emperor would have executed three generations of the prime minister estate. Thus, XunMi has officially returned all the favors she owed the prime minister. In the future, they would have nothing to do with one another.
“What are you looking at?” She strolled to his side.
Zongzheng Mufeng wrapped his arm around her waist and placed her on his lap to allow her to see the documents together. The documents recounted how Nangong Muchen had left for beyond the Great Wall. Now he had completely become nomadic. Guan Shengqing was diagnosed with congenital heart disease by physicians. All hope for him was gone. As for Wenren Yunfei, after receiving a guest with an extreme fetish, her mask was pierced and ruined. Her real face had completely scared the guest to the point of fainting. She couldn’t accept the reflection in the mirror and also went crazy. After the female brothel keeper drove her out of the brothel, she became a mere beggar.
Wenren Xiang had left behind a good half of the women in his estate, and was currently traceless.
XunMi took in the news with a tranquil heart.
“When Belle has the child, we’ll go out and sightsee.” He placed down the documents and proposed.
“Alright.” She lightly stroke her stomach, her eyes gentle. Her mother and grandfather had settled down in Jiang Nan, keeping away from the stormy seas of the capital. Her brother had gone with her maternal uncles back to the army camp to sharpen his skill.
Six months later, XunMi gave birth to a big fat baby son.
A year later, Zongzheng Mufeng sent him to Jiang Nan for his mother-in-law to take care of. He then took his Belle to go sightseeing through the country. They didn’t need excitement in their life, only hoping for peace.
By the time the two had their own set of grandchildren, they still could remember that year. The spring breeze flowed beautifully and peach blossoms flew overhead when they met.
On their deathbeds, Zongzheng Mufeng held XunMi’s hand, “If there’s a next lifetime, then I will definitely be able to recognize you on first glance.” I’ll recognize you, protect you, love you.
XunMi nodded her head. There were no tears in her eyes, only anticipation and blessings.
She’ll wait for him in the next life. No matter how long or short, she’ll wait until he arrives.
Years later, when people mentioned them, they still praise the two lovers’ story. That peach blossom tree was treated as a tree of good luck, with the power to bring forth a beautiful love. Those hoping to pray for good marriage or for peace will come kneel before the tree.
XunMi’s soul floated in the air, lingering besides the peach blossom tree before finally disappearing into nothingness.