Chapter 227 The Two Beauties Enter the Mansion
Chapter 227 The Two Beauties Enter the Mansion
Two days later, the Prince of Zhenbei's mansion was once again decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers.
Red silk ribbons were hung from the main gate all the way to the inner courtyard, and lanterns swayed under the eaves, making the entire palace feel warm and cozy.
The servants were so busy they barely had time to breathe, but they all had smiles on their faces. There had been many happy events at the Prince's mansion lately, and they were receiving a lot of rewards.
"Hey, what do you think will happen tonight since the prince is marrying two at once?"
"Get out of here, what business is it of yours to concern yourself with the master's affairs?"
Two young maids hurried past carrying brocade, covering their mouths and giggling.
The front yard is already bustling with activity.
Although it was a smaller affair than when he married Zhao Mingyue, all the people who were supposed to come were there.
Minister Wang, the Vice Minister of Rites, held his wine cup and marveled at the sight before him:
"In my sixty years of life, this is the first time I have ever seen someone take a princess of a country as a concubine."
"That's right," the Vice Minister of War leaned closer.
"However, that Princess Dongli's temperament—tsk tsk!"
And that holy maiden from the temple, Miss Blue, her silver ornaments jingling, was dazzlingly beautiful.
Just then, the emcee outside shouted, "The auspicious time has arrived!"
Lin Chen, dressed in a bright red wedding robe, stood in the center of the hall.
On the left is Lan Fenghuang, dressed in a wedding gown from Nanzhao, and on the right is Liu Shengxue, dressed in a formal gown from Dongli.
Goodness, this scene!
Someone in the guest area exclaimed "Whoa!" first, followed by a chorus of gasps.
Lan Fenghuang's wedding dress from the Nanzhao Kingdom was embroidered with intricate patterns, and the tassels hanging from her silver crown swayed gently, making her small face look exquisitely beautiful.
Perhaps due to nervousness, her fingers gripped the hem of her clothes tightly, her knuckles turning white.
Liu Shengxue was much calmer. Dong Li's dress was layered yet appeared light and airy. She stood straight, but her hands were clasped together, her fingertips turning white from gripping them so tightly.
"Your Highness is incredibly fortunate..."
"Eleven wives, right? Each one is stunningly beautiful; I can't help but envy them."
"I'm so jealous! I'm going home and looking at my haggard wife, I probably won't be able to sleep tonight."
Amidst the buzzing chatter, Lin Chen couldn't help but smile.
He coughed lightly and reached out to grasp a slightly cool hand from each side at the same time.
Liu Shengxue's hand trembled slightly, while Lan Fenghuang gently returned the grip.
The emcee announces: "First bow to Heaven and Earth—"
The three of them turned around and bowed towards the door.
"Bowing to the parents twice—"
The old lady and her mother, Su Wanqing, smiled so much that their eyes narrowed.
"Husband and wife bow to each other—"
This is a bit tricky.
Lin Chen looked to the left, then to the right, and finally took a half step back and bowed to both of them at the same time.
Lan Fenghuang and Liu Shengxue turned slightly to return the greeting.
"The ceremony is complete—offering them to the bridal chamber!"
Cheers and shouts erupted.
Lin Chen was pushed out. He looked back and saw that Liu Shengxue was being helped by the nanny to the backyard.
Lan Fenghuang walked steadily on her own, but before leaving, she glanced back at him.
That look in his eyes was interesting.
……
The banquet began, and Lin Chen had to stay and offer toasts.
"Your Highness, this is double celebration! We must drink this cup!"
"Congratulations, Your Highness, on the addition of two more beauties!"
Lin Chen accepted all comers' drinks and emptied his cups in no time.
After the third round of drinks, the steward leaned over and whispered, "Your Highness, someone from the palace has arrived."
The Empress's gift arrived—a pair of mutton-fat jade ruyi scepters, their surfaces warm and smooth, their carvings exquisite.
"His Majesty said he wishes the Prince and his two wives a long and happy marriage," Qingluan said with a smile.
"They also said that Your Highness should take it easy and take care of your health."
The room was filled with laughter.
Lin Chen remained composed as he accepted the gift, saying, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty..."
He then lowered his voice and said to Qingluan, "Please tell His Majesty that I am in excellent health, and she is overthinking it!"
Qingluan was slightly taken aback, then coughed lightly: "I will convey Your Highness's words."
The banquet lasted until dusk before gradually dispersing.
After seeing off the last guest, Lin Chen rubbed his dizzy head and turned to walk towards the backyard.
The steward followed: "Your Highness, which way should we go first?"
Lin Chen paused in his steps.
"Let's go in order! Let's go to Madam Lan's first."
……
West Wing
Two maids stood outside the bridal chamber. Upon seeing Lin Chen arrive, they bowed in unison, their eyes filled with smiles.
"Your Highness."
Lin Chen casually took out two silver notes and handed them to the two women, then pushed open the door and went inside.
Lan Fenghuang sat upright on the edge of the bed, her face hidden by silver beads and tassels, her hands clasped together, clearly a little nervous.
Lin Chen picked up the scale and deliberately slowed down his movements.
Blue Phoenix's breathing became noticeably rapid.
"My lady, your husband is here." Lin Chen smiled and lifted the tassel.
Lan Fenghuang's cheeks flushed slightly, her eyelashes trembled, and her eyes were filled with shy joy.
"Husband, my husband..."
The sound was so soft it was like a mosquito's buzz.
Lin Chen sat down beside her, and the soft bed sank in.
Lan Fenghuang tensed up. Although everything that was supposed to happen between them, except for the last step, had already happened, and even their parents and how they addressed each other had changed.
But at this moment, she couldn't help but feel a little nervous.
"So nervous?" Lin Chen chuckled, reaching out to take her hand.
"You were so bold before, daring to ambush me. Now you're scared?"
"That...that's different..." Lan Fenghuang looked at Lin Chen, her eyes brimming with tears.
"Today is the wedding night...a woman only has this one chance in her life..."
"Don't worry," Lin Chen said earnestly, looking into Lan Fenghuang's eyes.
"Now that I have married you, I will treat you well for the rest of my life. The affairs of the temple are my affairs."
Lan Fenghuang's eyes flickered slightly, and her eyes instantly reddened.
"My husband, actually... I don't care anymore. I've been really... really happy these past few days in the Prince's Palace."
"I care!" Lin Chen pinched Lan Fenghuang's cheek.
"I married you because I coveted your beauty, but now that you've become my woman, I will fulfill all your wishes."
After saying that, Lin Chen got up, poured two cups of nuptial wine, and handed one over.
The two intertwined their arms and drank the nuptial wine.
The liquor was a bit strong, and Lan Fenghuang coughed from the fumes, her face turning even redder.
Lin Chen patted her back, and the two talked for a while.
Most of the time, Lan Fenghuang talked about the customs of Nanzhao and her childhood. As she talked, she gradually relaxed.
The two of them lay down on the bed without even realizing it.
Lin Chen put his arm around Lan Fenghuang's waist and chuckled softly:
"My lady, it's getting late. Let's hurry, I have another event to attend!"
Lan Fenghuang nodded, blushing, and bit her lip.
"Please, my husband, have mercy on me!"
"must!"
PFC