The Grand Princess

TGP Chapter 36.1: Getting Married

“He would protect her, Her Imperial Highness — his Grand Princess.”
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On the night before the wedding, the whole Palace was busy at work from top to bottom. No one was able to sleep soundly. Only Li Rong, who slept all the way until daybreak, was full of vitality and in high spirits with her skin glowing.

She had nothing to worry about. The only thing she was somewhat concerned about was the message that the Princess’s mansion had relayed to her last night, saying that Pei Wenxuan was going to give her a gift and that she didn’t need to thank him.

She felt a little panicked when she heard these words and always had the feeling that Pei Wenxuan was going to do something unreasonable.

But what shall come, will come, and so she didn’t think too much about it.

When she rose early in the morning, she started on her dressing and makeup routines, and then she went to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager, Emperor and Empress in turn. After the afternoon meal, she changed into her wedding robes and waited for the auspicious hour to arrive.

All of this was not much different from the previous life, but in the previous life, she actually didn’t know what kind of person she would be marrying. Her heart was full of anxiety, hopes and expectations as well some concerns about the future.

So she kept asking the people around her what kind of person Pei Wenxuan was, was he really as good-looking as he appeared in the painting, what was his family like, and he…

Recalling her former self in the previous lifetime, Li Rong couldn’t help but laugh aloud. At this moment, a ceremonial officer’s singsong voice sounded from outside, announcing that the auspicious hour had arrived. Jing Lan came in and smiled as she said: “Princess, the hour has come. Please rise.”

Li Rong responded with a hum of acknowledgment and lifted the golden round fan with peony embroidery in her hand to cover her face.

The round fan covered up everything in her line of sight ahead. Li Rong lowered her eyes, sensing that there was someone on her left and right supporting her up. Li Rong advanced step by step, dressed from head to toe in a heavily layered and magnificent ensemble. If it were an ordinary person, perhaps she would already be trembling under the crushing weight. However, Li Rong was actually rather at ease. She stood tall and upright as bamboo, her every step like a lotus in bloom, reflecting her dignified and elegant bearing as well as a majestic aura that ordinary people could not hope to match.

Perhaps you might not be able to make out the difference on most days between individuals from the Heavenly imperial family, century-old noble clans, and ordinary regional families, but the moment they put on ceremonial robes, you will pick up on the subtle difference. It was like making tea with clear spring water and the water from any mountains and streams. There is a distinct difference between the two when they reach the lips and teeth.

Li Rong followed the lead of the people beside her. She could sense herself stepping onto a soft, red carpet and countless flower petals falling down all around her. The moment she walked past, the ceremonial officials lined up on both sides of the carpet recited verses of blessing, and not too far away came the sound of joyous music.

She walked for a long time and didn’t know where she had arrived, so she stopped. Off to the side, Jing Lan reminded her: “Your Highness, this is at the palace gates.”

Li Rong responded with a hum of acknowledgement. After that came the sound of a ceremonial officer’s voice, instructing her to pay her respects and thank the Emperor and Empress.

Supported by the maids at her side, Li Rong turned towards Li Ming and Shangguan Yue in their regalia. Then, Li Rong slowly knelt down with the assistance of others and kowtowed to Li Ming and Shangguan Yue in salute.