And so preparations began for a grand and solemn wedding. This was not merely the king's wedding; it was also invested with immense political symbolism. An edict was publicly issued and proclaimed throughout the realm, declaring the marriage to Princess Xianming a great national ceremony that would "honor Heaven's mandate above, accord with the people's wishes below, reconcile the past, and inaugurate amity for ten thousand generations."
The wedding was magnificent in every respect. Wedding finery stretched for miles through Chang'an City, and everyone poured into the streets. The ceremonial procession extended from the palace to the Former Royal Residence, where Princess Xianming was temporarily staying. Banners fluttered along the route, armored soldiers stood at attention, and music filled the air. Wearing a phoenix crown and embroidered bridal robes, Princess Xianming boarded her phoenix carriage beneath the complex, inexpressible gazes of countless former subjects of the Former Ming Country and rode toward the palace that symbolized a new beginning. This wedding was deliberately fashioned into a ritual-the noblest bloodline of the old dynasty joining the body of the new dynasty in the most solemn manner, symbolizing cultural acceptance and the continuation of legitimacy after military conquest. Many elderly people of the former Ming Country watched the procession recede and quietly wiped away tears. Those tears held sorrow, release, and perhaps a faint, uncertain hope for a new life.
On the wedding night, red candles burned brightly in the eastern warm chamber of Weiyang Palace. Having removed her elaborate ceremonial robes and heavy crown, Princess Xianming-who should now be called the queen-sat on the edge of the bed, still composed. Chen Yu dismissed the palace attendants, leaving only the two of them in the room.
"Now there are no people of the realm, no former lands, only you and me." Chen