MLMD -Chapter 100 Wedding in Progress (Part 2)

Although most of the people present had never seen the eunuch in charge of the central palace personally, that did not prevent them from understanding the office.

The office of the eunuch guarding the central palace originated in the first year of the Hongxi reign of the Ming dynasty. The first eunuch to hold the post was named Wang An. Apparently, the emperors of successive generations of the Ming dynasty regarded eunuchs as individuals who had been “cut off from worldly worries” and thus posed no risk of rebellion. They were effectively their household servants. Except for the founding emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, later emperors trusted this group, often having eunuchs involved in any matter.

Although the eunuchs stationed throughout the provinces were usually low-ranking—only fifth or sixth rank—they held considerable authority. In addition to supervising the military and local officials and coordinating relations between the provinces and the central government, they had the right to submit reports to the emperor at any time. Therefore, local officials and gentry both feared and resented them. Of course, for an ordinary person, catching the attention of a palace eunuch was not easy; without some real influence, a eunuch wouldn’t even glance at you.

Now, hearing Xu Dingchen introduce him so solemnly, everyone present naturally hurried forward to pay their respects.

“Your humble servant [name] greets Lord Wei, wishing you health and prosperity!”
“Your humble servant [name] greets Lord Wei…”

Wei Tonghe, though sharing the common flaw of most eunuchs—greed—was nevertheless courteous in social situations. Even if these people did not impress him, he still politely returned their bows.

The inner hall of the rear courtyard was just over a hundred square meters, and with thirty or forty people present, it was almost full. Especially after Xu Dingchen and Wei Tonghe arrived, the space became tightly packed.

As the host, Yue Yang had originally intended to seat them at the main seats, but Xu Dingchen and Wei Tonghe insisted on sitting at the lower seats by the old lady. Yue Yang had no choice but to comply.

Once everyone was seated again, the hall quieted, and all eyes turned to the two highest-ranking individuals.

As a seasoned official, Xu Dingchen knew exactly how to handle the situation. Raising his cup, he smiled at the crowd:

“Everyone, today Wei Gonggong and I ventured here not just to ask Master Yue for a cup of wedding wine, but we did not expect such a warm welcome. Truly, we are deeply honored.”

“Hehe… Sir Xu, you are too polite.”

“Yes indeed. We never expected Sir Xu, as the provincial governor, to be so approachable—it is a blessing for us commoners of Shanxi!”

Seeing Xu Dingchen’s humility, the crowd quickly offered their praises. Many also took the opportunity to approach him, hoping to make a favorable impression.

Xu Dingchen furrowed his brow slightly at the forwardness of the crowd, then smiled and said, “Alright, today is Master Yue’s great day. Let us not steal the spotlight—everyone, go ahead and enjoy yourselves.”

Zheng Fa Kui, who had been observing Xu Dingchen, noticed the fleeting look of displeasure on his face and quickly stepped in to smooth things over:

“Yes, yes… today is Master Yue’s special day. Let’s not overshadow the groom. Let the couple begin their ceremony.”

“Yes, yes… Master Zheng is right. Today is indeed Master Yue’s wedding day. We must not steal the show.” The others, not fools, understood the hint and quickly echoed the sentiment.

Meanwhile, Yue Yang hurriedly changed into a bright red wedding robe. Countless faces—some sincere, some feigned—flashed before him, and voices of blessing seemed to come from a distant sky. Red lanterns and fragrant wine filled the Yue family mansion as a scene of celebration unfolded. Yet, Yue Yang could not help but feel a bit vexed that the attention had shifted away from him, the main character of the day.

The one thing keeping him calm was Hailanzhu. Usually lively, today she quietly stood beside him, her head covered with a red veil. Even amidst the strong scents of wine and food, her subtle natural fragrance persisted, soothing Yue Yang’s restless heart.

After bowing to Heaven and Earth and to their parents, and after the playful pranks in the bridal chamber, it was only under the moonlight that Yue Yang bade farewell to the guests and entered the bridal chamber. Inside, only Hailanzhu and her accompanying maids Xiaoman and another remained.

Yue Yang took the silver hairpin from Xiaoman and gently lifted the red cloth covering Hailanzhu’s head. Instantly, her face, a delicate mix of shyness and joy, appeared before him.

Her peach-colored cheeks, cherry lips, fair nose, and dark brows were as beautiful as ever. Her inviting lips remained enticing, and her dark eyes sparkled like stars. The only change was in her gaze: no longer proud or aloof, it was filled with infinite joy and tender affection, leaving Yue Yang momentarily speechless.

Seeing this, Xiaoman and the other maid exchanged smiles and quietly withdrew, closing the door behind them.

It was early summer. The room was warm. Sixteen thick dragon-and-phoenix candles lit the chamber brightly, while the blue porcelain lion-handle incense burner filled the air with sandalwood. Candlelight and incense haze created a dreamy atmosphere, like a celestial palace.

Yue Yang sat beside Hailanzhu, cupped her face in his hands, feeling the smoothness of her skin, a sense of happiness rising in his heart. He whispered in her ear, “Hailanzhu, from today on, you will be my wife for life. Are you happy?”

“You fool. Ever since Abbu betrothed me to you, I’ve been your wife,” Hailanzhu replied with a radiant smile, indescribably beautiful.

Faced with this scene, Yue Yang had no words; the silence spoke volumes.

Most of the candles were blown out, leaving only two casting a gentle glow. In the bridal canopy, a single light flickered. Under the red quilt, two entwined bodies were barely visible, rolling together amid the red waves.

Yue Yang removed Hailanzhu’s outer robe, leaving only the moon-white silk undergarment embroidered with mandarin ducks playing in water. Her twin peaks, like paired lotus flowers, were revealed, subtly moving with him. As the lotus-like forms shifted, soft sighs escaped, and her usually clear eyes became misty, like a bend of azure water—utterly captivating.

Yue Yang kissed his beautiful new wife, holding her close and letting her feel his firmness. Finally, he could no longer resist, and soon the gentle sounds of pleasure filled the bridal chamber.

The next day, until mid-morning, Yue Yang and Hailanzhu, assisted by Xiaoman and the other maid, dressed and went to the rear courtyard to greet the old lady.

After the wedding, Hailanzhu naturally no longer wore Mongolian attire. Her hair was styled in the horse-tail side buns, and she wore a simple colored ruqun. She lost some of her previous heroic vigor but gained a soft domestic charm. When the couple respectfully greeted the old lady, she could not stop smiling at the newlyweds.

The old lady handed red envelopes to both Yue Yang and Hailanzhu, advising them to love each other and have children promptly. Hailanzhu’s cheeks blushed at the advice, and even Yue Yang felt slightly embarrassed.

Finally, as if remembering something, the old lady said to Yue Yang: “Grandson, yesterday was your great day. With the governor and Lord Wei present to congratulate, it was a huge honor for the Yue family. Make sure to visit the prefectural office later to thank them properly—don’t let anyone say the Yue family lacks manners!”

“Understood, Grandmother!” Yue Yang replied promptly.

After breakfast with Hailanzhu, Yue Yang, accompanied by a few guards, went to the prefectural office, presented his business card, and was led to the rear hall. There, Xu Dingchen, Wei Tonghe, Tang Xueying, and Zheng Fa Kui were all solemnly seated.

“Hehe… Yue Caoshou, they say newlyweds find it hard to part, yet you came so early. This truly surprises me,” Xu Dingchen joked upon seeing him.

“Damn, I never knew this old man could be so irreverent,” Yue Yang thought, smiling wryly. “I dare not. I am already overjoyed that Your Excellency and Lord Wei graced my humble home with your congratulations. How could I indulge in bridal pleasures and neglect proper matters?”

“Hehe, alright, I won’t joke further,” Xu Dingchen said, knowing one jest is appropriate, two would be excessive and unseemly.

Pointing to Lord Wei, Xu Dingchen said loudly, “Yue Caoshou, we come together today because Master Tang said you are willing to pay the remaining salt tax in full—is that correct?”

Hearing this, Yue Yang straightened and hurriedly bowed: “Indeed. I heard the court ordered collection of this year’s overdue salt tax. Therefore, I dare to lighten the burden for His Majesty and the court.”

Xu Dingchen stroked his beard and nodded: “Your intentions are commendable. Today, Lord Wei and I come to congratulate you and also to remind you: the court faces many challenges, and taking responsibility for half of Shanxi’s salt tax is no small task. You must continue to serve the emperor and the court diligently.”

As a subordinate receiving instructions, Yue Yang bowed again: “Yes, I will strictly follow your guidance.”

Xu Dingchen nodded, then turned to Wei Tonghe: “Lord Wei, do you have anything to add?”

“That old fellow, his words were openly instructing Yue Yang, but secretly reminding us not to go too far,” Wei Tonghe muttered silently in his heart.