Seven days later, Chen Capital Prefecture.
The main gates of the former Purple Dusk imperial palace stood wide open. Long Street, stretching ten miles, had been swept spotless, iron-armored dragon cavalry lined the street in formation, and dark Great Xia Dragon Banners unfurled in the wind.
Today was the day the Great Xia Eastern Palace sent its delegation to receive the bride. The Eldest Princess of Purple Dusk would accompany the ceremonial procession to the distant Great Xia Ancient Dynasty, putting the hearts of Purple Dusk's people at ease.
The commoners dared not approach. They stood at the far ends of the streets and alleys, craning their necks to look.
"I heard Great Xia's coming to receive the bride today?"
"Alas, just like that, the Purple Dusk Empire is gone."
"Uh, why do I think that's a good thing? Life's better now, anyway."
The wind scattered their whispers beneath the banners filling the city.
The bridal procession slowly approached from outside the city.
Great Xia had not sent many people to receive the bride this time, but those it had sent carried more than enough weight.
Leading them was Fu Ze, Great Xia's Ceremonial Officer.
He wore crimson official robes with a jade belt at his waist. His face was fair and beardless, his features upright, and he held a register of rites, his every movement meticulous.
Yet the true pillar of the delegation was Great Xia's Third Prince, Xia Wujie.
The chief ceremonial envoy had been changed at the last minute. Ultimately, responsibility had fallen to Great Xia's Third Prince, Xia Wujie.
Today, he was receiving the bride on his brother's behalf. In a rare departure from his usual combat attire, he wore black-and-gold ceremonial robes and a cloak embroidered with a Red Flood Dragon draped over his shoulders.