TRBDM -Chapter 243 Xie Wanrou and Jiang Yuelin’s Grand Wedding

The streets of the capital were alive with excitement as the wedding procession departed from the Jiang residence, resplendent with ceremonial guards, drums, and music.

Jiang Yuelin, dressed in a dark wedding robe, rode a tall horse, his brow noble and bearing extraordinary. A brilliant, uncontainable light shimmered in his eyes.

The endless procession arrived at the Mingde Marquis Mansion, where lanterns and decorations overflowed with festivity and joy.

Xie Chuan, leading the two Xie brothers, awaited at the entrance.

Jiang Yuelin dismounted and performed three bows and three offers at the door, presenting a ceremonial gift in a gold-inlaid jade box.

“Elder Brother, Third Brother, Fourth Brother, I am here to marry Wanrou.”

“Brother-in-law!” Xie Chuan laughed heartily. “Go ahead, our eldest sister is waiting for you.”

“Mm.” Jiang Yuelin, full of vigor, strode into the mansion.

As he approached the Moyun Courtyard, his heart raced faster.

The woman he loved awaited him ahead, and even his breathing quickened.

Dou Shuxin stood at the courtyard gate. Seeing Jiang Yuelin in red from afar, she ran forward with a smile: “Mother, Eldest Sister, the groom has arrived.”

Wei Zhaorong smoothed the strands of hair by Xie Wanrou’s ear and pinned in a phoenix hairpin, her eyes glistening with tears.

“Rourou, after you marry, come back to see your mother often. If you are wronged in your in-laws’ home, do not hide it—tell me everything, understand?”

Xie Wanrou’s eyes shimmered with tears. She nodded lightly.

Wei Zhaorong covered Xie Wanrou’s head with the red embroidered bridal veil and smiled. “Go now, embrace your new life. My Rourou, you will surely be happy.”

Jiang Yuelin entered the main hall of Moyun Courtyard, kneeling before Wei Zhaorong as the groom.

The ceremony officer called out: “Respectfully invite the bride to emerge from her chamber, to meet the groom.”

Xie Wanrou, dressed in a bright red skirt embroidered with gold, stepped forward with the help of her maid.

A smile lifted Jiang Yuelin’s lips; his gaze rested on her, unwavering.

Even with the red veil between them, they could feel each other’s heartbeat.

“The handkerchief ritual,” the officer announced.

The couple held the red silk handkerchief and bowed to their elders.

At that moment, outside the mansion, a clear, melodious proclamation rang out:

“Imperial—Edict—Arrived—!”

The guests fell silent, then bowed their heads in respect.

The marriage envoy, holding a golden silk scroll, stepped into the hall with a smile.

Jiang Yuelin and Xie Wanrou knelt at the center of the hall, with the rest of the Xie family following suit.

The envoy opened the imperial edict and read aloud:

“By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Dali Temple Minister Jiang Yuelin, loyal, upright, and honest; eldest daughter of the Mingde Marquis Mansion, Xie Wanrou, noble-born, virtuous, and proper. These two are a match made in heaven, truly a worthy couple. The Emperor is greatly pleased and bestows upon them: a hu of Eastern Sea pearls, a set of red gold jewelry, ten bolts of cloud brocade, twenty jars of the imperial brew ‘Drunken Chang’an,’ and a pair of jade ruyi. May the couple enjoy lifelong harmony and happiness. By imperial decree—”

“Your subject thanks His Majesty for His heavenly grace! Long live the Emperor, long live, long live!”

“Your humble daughter-in-law thanks His Majesty for His heavenly grace! Long live the Emperor, long live, long live!”

Jiang Yuelin and Xie Wanrou together expressed their gratitude, joy and excitement shining through their voices.

The imperial gift was the highest honor.

After reading the edict, the envoy congratulated the couple with a smile: “Lord Jiang, Madam Jiang, the Emperor also asked me to convey that he cannot attend personally today but wishes you two eternal unity and happiness.”

The imperial favor reached its peak.

Inside the hall, the atmosphere grew even more grand and lively. Music played again, the imperial treasures gleamed, and amidst the guests’ envy and blessings, the couple completed the final rituals.

At the Jiang residence: Red candles burned high, embroidered canopies hung low, and at either end of the red silk, the couple’s palms met, warm to the touch.

Jiang Yuelin lifted the red veil. Xie Wanrou’s long, curled lashes fluttered like startled butterfly wings.

Her eyes shimmered with a misty water-like radiance, reflecting Jiang Yuelin clearly.

The bed curtains fell—the most beautiful moment had arrived: the bridal chamber, the wedding candles.

Thus, the ceremony was complete!

The wedding of the Mingde Marquis Mansion and Jiang residence became a celebrated story among the capital’s noblewomen.

On the wedding day, the bride’s dowry and betrothal gifts stretched for miles, overwhelmingly magnificent.

The imperial gifts were generous beyond measure, reflecting the Emperor’s favor.

Xie Wanrou became the object of envy among the capital’s noblewomen.

Among them was Xie Wanyi, residing in the Xie Mansion’s separate courtyard.

She gripped scissors, shredding the handkerchief in her hands with fury, eyes burning with hatred.

“How dare Xie Wanrou, a divorced woman, marry the Minister of the Dali Temple!”

Xie Wanyi had always looked down on Xie Wanrou, thinking her weak and incompetent.

Now, Xie Wanrou enjoyed the blessings of their mother, a First-Rank Lady, and had married into the Jiang family in grand fashion.

Meanwhile, Xie Wanyi languished in the cramped, humble annex, with even Nangong Hai dismissing her.

Thinking of Nangong Hai, Xie Wanyi felt a pang of bitterness.

She had truly liked Nangong Hai and wanted to marry him.

But he had clearly rejected her.

She could only brood alone.

At that moment, Xiao Luo ran in, excited: “Miss, Young Master Nangong has arrived!”

“Really?” Xie Wanyi jumped up. “Where is he? Quick, take me to see him!”

“The butler is leading Young Master Nangong to the front hall.”

Since the last time Xie Wanyi and Nangong Hai had met at Xiangshan, she hadn’t seen him. Months had passed, yet he came in person.

Xie Wanyi ran to the front hall.

Nangong Hai was drinking tea. His profile was sharp; his Adam’s apple moved as he swallowed. Xie Wanyi was stunned, only regaining her senses after a long moment.

“Young Master Nangong, long time no see.”

Xie Wanyi shyly brushed her hair back, eyes full of affection and longing.

Nangong Hai glanced at her once and already saw through her completely.

He relied on his handsome appearance and was popular with girls.

Xie Wanyi’s gaze, like those of the other girls who liked him, was foolish and excessive.

The thought of marrying such a woman repulsed him.

But who could deny that Xie Wanyi had a good mother?

She was a First-Rank Lady. Naturally, Nangong Hai wanted to secure that connection.