Grand Wedding

Meanwhile, the master of ceremonies stood beneath the eastern steps, the roll of red paper in his hand softened from being clutched too tightly.

He had been waiting here since the Hour of the Ox, reading those two lines over and over, afraid of mispronouncing even a single word.

A Dou Emperor sat in the hall today, and nine brides stood below it. There would never be another wedding like this under heaven. No one would blame him if he misspoke, but he would remember it for the rest of his life.

The sun climbed to its zenith.

The master of ceremonies unfolded the red paper and drew a breath.

"The auspicious hour has arrived!"

As the three words fell, one hundred and twenty great drums thundered at once from the outer city.

The sound traveled through six streets to reach them, muffled rather than deafening.

The nine bridal sedans had long since been set down in the open space before the main hall, lined up in a row.

Their curtains were lifted at the same time.

Cao Ying was the first to emerge.

Her brilliant red robes were embroidered with gold thread, and the hairpins atop her head were so heavy that she walked more slowly than usual. Yet her back was held perfectly straight as she made her way, step by step, to the central position. Only after reaching it did she turn to glance back.

Xuan Yi's sedan had been carried the lowest.

When she stepped down, she did not allow anyone to support her. Beneath the red veil, the hem of her white and violet gown brushed the ground.

Cai'er was helped down by Xiao Yi Xian.

She held Xuan Yao in her arms. The child wore a tiny crimson robe embroidered with snake patterns and