He listened to the murmurs in the crowd.
As Qing Qianxue mounted his horse, his thin lips curved into a smile.
Among the men accompanying him to fetch his bride, Xie Ciyan was by far the most brazen.
Well, what could he do?
His dear sixth sister had handed them leverage on a silver platter last night.
And now, today was perfect.
His sixth sister's beloved band of sisters were either nowhere to be found or feeling unwell. In short, not a single one had come to bar the door.
The couple's wedding took place on the Grand Terrace of the Imperial Palace.
Because Chu Youning had requested that everything be kept simple, there were few congratulatory speeches.
Once those were finished, Chu Youning and Qing Qianxue walked hand in hand toward the towering Grand Terrace. Under the eyes of the gathered crowd, they offered three sticks of incense together in the Bronze Ding.
Next came the ceremony.
Little Wukong recited the instructions for the wedding bows.
"First, bow to heaven and earth. May the newlyweds live as long as the heavens!"
"Second, bow to your elders. May the newlyweds' parents enjoy good health!"
"Husband and wife, bow to each other. May the newlyweds grow old together!"
"Next, will the Elder Princess and her prince consort offer tea to the Empress Dowager, His Majesty, and the Empress!"
Chu Youning and Qing Qianxue lifted their cups and offered tea in turn to the three, who were likewise dressed in splendid ceremonial attire.
Wu Qingyuan and Cui Zhao'an's eyes brimmed with gratification.
Chu Wenzong, meanwhile, was beside himself with excitement.
As the saying went, a married sister was water poured away. His sister would finally belong to someone else's household.
He only prayed that his ancestors would hear his heartfelt plea