A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace-Chapter 883: The Grand Wedding (2)

However reluctant.

However much there is someone in her heart, ultimately she must marry.

This is a fact that cannot be changed.

The maids were scolded and dared not say anything further.

They respectfully prepared the items needed for the Commandery Princess, and then retreated one by one.

Within the room, only Princess Hai Feng remained.

She stood up and slowly approached her wedding dress.

She reached out her hand and gently stroked the intricate patterns on her wedding dress.

The dress was bright red, intricately embroidered with peacock feathers in fine gold thread.

In addition, it was embroidered with four pieces of golden peacock plumes, representing the status of the Commandery Princess of the Western Xia Kingdom.

As for the quiet elegance and regal beauty of the wedding dress, perhaps there are few like it in the world.

But...

She could not bring herself to feel happy.

"Should I really marry?"

"Father, do you truly wish for me to marry him?"

From the beginning, the only person she wanted to marry was the Emperor of Great Chu.

She had tried every means to get her father to agree to the alliance between the two countries.

Now, with the arrow on the bowstring, it must be released.

Even if the Emperor of Great Chu was unwilling to marry, she could not refuse the marriage.

The Fifth Prince was her best option, leaving her with no retreat.

Princess Hai Feng lightly tilted her head, closed her eyes, and let tears flow.

Her hands clenched into fists, violently tugging the wedding dress together.

Hate burning in her heart.

"Fine! I will marry!"

...

September 15 arrived swiftly.

Early in the morning, the streets of the Capital City were crowded with people.

It wasn’t an exaggeration to say it was a sea of people!

The common people had been anticipating this day for so long, finally welcoming such a day of celebration.

Everyone stood by the sides of the road.

Bumping, whispering, the atmosphere was truly lively.

"Over the years, many Princes have married, and many Commandery Princesses have wed!"

"But a Prince marrying a Commandery Princess, this is the first time!"

Another person excitedly chimed in.

"Isn’t that right? And the bride is a Commandery Princess from another nation!"

"It’s said that Princess Hai Feng, acclaimed as the premier beauty of the Western Xia Kingdom, is indeed stunningly beautiful, capable of captivating the entire nation!"

Those around him, upon hearing this, displayed curious expressions.

"Oh?" 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"Just how beautiful must this Commandery Princess be!"

Nearby, a man with sharp features, eyes shining with desire, drooled and said.

"Oh wow, hearing all of you talk makes me want to see her too!"

"If I could just glimpse the beauty of the Commandery Princess, I’d be willing to die this instant!"

The people nearby laughed and mocked immediately.

"Oh, you?"

"A single strike from the Commandery Princess could send you to meet Yama!"

"Indeed, you truly overestimate yourself, haha..."

The sharp-featured man seemed somewhat unwilling.

"How could I, I wouldn’t provoke her, only take a look..."

"Even looking is not allowed..."

As they were making a commotion, suddenly one person in front said.

"Look, look, the people distributing wedding money have arrived!"

With this one sentence, all chatter ceased.

Eyes eagerly looked ahead.

After the time it takes a stick of incense to burn.

Sure enough, a few people dressed in festive attire resembling Little Eunuchs arrived pushing several wheelbarrows.

Above the carts were bags filled with peanuts, melon seeds, snacks, and some copper coins.

As they walked, they scattered copper coins and wedding treats towards the people lining the streets.

The common people laughed while scrambling for wedding money, busying themselves with kowtowing in gratitude.

"Thank you Fifth Prince!"

"Thank you Fifth Prince!"

After the people distributing wedding money passed by.

About the time of a tea session passed.

The faint sounds of gongs and drums could be heard approaching.

An onlooker shouted.

"This is the wedding procession, the Fifth Prince’s wedding procession has arrived!"

Everyone’s necks stretched a bit longer.

The wedding procession departed from Prince Zhe Mansion and went all the way to the guesthouse to retrieve the bride.

Leading the way were people from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Behind them were the Servants of Prince’s Mansion and those personally attending the Fifth Prince.

Finally, there was the Fifth Prince.

Only to see him in red attire, riding a splendid chestnut horse.

A big embroidered red flower was pinned to his chest, his face adorned with a smile.

Following him was a large red ornate canopy borne by sixteen bearers.

At first glance, the Fifth Master seemed to be filled with radiant joy and pride.

But upon closer inspection...

The radiance was reflected from the color of his clothes.

Behind the proud demeanor, there lay a thin smile of bitterness.

Nothing more than reluctance.

Meanwhile...

In the guesthouse

Princess Hai Feng, completely dressed and veiled, awaited for her groom to claim her.

Her mood was incredibly heavy.

At the thought of consummating the marriage tonight with that man.

She felt like crying.

But...

It was herself who initiated the alliance; she couldn’t go back against it, the marriage had to happen...

Alas!

Princess Hai Feng closed her eyes, desperately attempting to console herself.

’Forget it, at least he has a decent appearance!’

’If I keep my eyes shut, should not be too resistant then!’

...

The wedding procession and retrieval of the bride was an exuberant affair.

At the Prince’s Mansion, it was a different kind of excitement.

Because it was his younger brother’s marriage.

Zhao Junyao decided to attend personally to celebrate.

Empress Dowager Zhen brought along Sixth Master, as well as other Imperial Noble Consorts from the palace.

Only the concubines from the palace did not attend.

However, they all, in accordance with protocol, sent their most capable eunuchs to deliver wedding gifts.

It was considered complete.

Besides those from the palace, not a single member of the Royal Clan was left out, including Princess Consorts and Commandery Princes.

Additionally, some members of the Western Xia delegation arrived in advance.

Of course, most remain in the guesthouse for now.

When the Commandery Princess is brought over, naturally they will all come over together.

Besides members of the Royal Clan from both sides.

All the Civil and Military Officials from the court came to celebrate as well.

For a time.

The vast Prince’s Mansion was full of both male and female guests inside and outside.

Zhao Junyao was somewhat emotional.

"Such a prosperous alliance between two countries, indeed it is the will of the people!"

Looking at the usually stern-faced censor officials, now all showing smiles.

Zhao Junyao nodded in satisfaction, thinking.

’Indeed, willingness on both sides, it seems this alliance... is truly not a bad means of fostering diplomatic relations, it appears necessary for future exchanges!’

’Strive to establish diplomatic relations with other strong and great nations too!’

’Effort to let the people enjoy good times for years!’

Li Shengan was equally emotional.

"It’s fortunate the venue is large, otherwise, if unable to accommodate everyone, wouldn’t it be embarrassing?!"

...

An hour later.

The Commandery Prince successfully married the Commandery Princess.

An extravagant ten li of red bridal gifts stretched from the guesthouse to the Prince’s Mansion.

This time, the crowd’s reactions were even more tumultuous.

"Princess Hai Feng truly deserves being the most favored, the sole Commandery Princess of the Western Xia Kingdom, even her bridal gifts are so extravagant."

"Indeed, aren’t there easily several hundred wagons!"

"No doubt?"

"It’s said the first chariot entered the mansion; the last hasn’t left the door yet!"

"Oh my!"

The women alongside the road began to sigh with admiration.

Those unmarried young women were thinking.

’If only my future bridal gifts were half of this, I’d be content!’

A married woman quickly came over to share her experience.

"Tsk!"

"Let me tell you all, don’t count on it!"

"When the time comes, there won’t even be half of this half!"