The commoners went absolutely wild.
As they scrambled to snatch up the tiny gold leaves, they continuously shouted words of congratulations.
Ling Yue kept scattering the gold leaves without pause.
This had been Su Qing’s idea.
The gold leaves themselves had also been provided by Su Qing.
After all, once you’ve accepted someone’s gifts, it’s hard to speak ill of them.
No matter how meticulously Ling Yu had planned everything, there would always be petty people lurking in the shadows, eager to spread malicious gossip.
The simplest solution…
Was to give them a benefit and let them willingly shut their mouths.
It had to be said—
The tactic worked remarkably well.
As the golden leaves fluttered through the air, the few remaining voices of doubt gradually disappeared, replaced entirely by heartfelt blessings.
Just then—
“His Majesty the Emperor has arrived! Her Highness the Imperial Noble Consort has arrived!”
Wan Zhenxiang’s shrill announcement rang out.
The moment the people caught sight of the imperial sedan chair draped in brilliant yellow approaching from the distance, everyone immediately dropped to their knees in waves, shouting in unison,
“Long live Your Majesty!”
Supported by Su Qing, the Emperor stepped down from the sedan, laughing heartily as he bade everyone rise before walking into the Ministry of Personnel Residence.
Well then…
That completely silenced all the nobles who had come intending to stir up trouble.
After all—
Even the Emperor and the Imperial Noble Consort had come in person.
Originally, Huangfu Yi and Jiang Shi had planned to sit in the seats of honor to receive Ling Yu and Tang Wan’s formal bows.
Instead…
They quietly stepped aside.
What a joke.
With the Emperor present, how could it possibly be their place to sit in the position reserved for the elders?
The Emperor was extremely pleased with their tact.
The entire reason he had come today was precisely for this moment.
Even Eunuch Wan Zhenxiang was overflowing with excitement.
He outright stole the master of ceremonies’ job, his sharp voice ringing with enthusiasm.
“First bow—to Heaven and Earth. May your love endure forever!”
Ling Yu and Tang Wan turned together and bowed solemnly toward the heavens.
“Second bow—to your honored elders. May they enjoy peace and health through all four seasons!”
The couple turned and bowed deeply before the Emperor and Su Qing.
“Husband and wife bow to one another. May your love last a hundred years!”
The two turned to face each other.
Gentle warmth filled Ling Yu’s eyes, and a faint sparkle shone within them.
Though he couldn’t see Tang Wan’s face beneath the bridal veil…
He knew she must be feeling exactly what he was.
Hidden beneath the crimson veil, Tang Wan saw nothing but red.
Scene after scene from the past flashed through her mind.
Their misunderstandings.
Their reconciliation.
Their kisses.
Their embraces.
Every warm word he had ever spoken echoed through her heart.
She felt…
As though she finally understood what love truly was.
Facing one another, they bowed deeply.
Thank you…
For never abandoning me.
For understanding me and accepting me, time and again.
For supporting me through every hardship and helping me spread my wings.
Thank you…
For patiently guiding me.
For teaching me joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness.
For allowing me to experience the warmth of this human world.
“The ceremony is complete! Escort the bride and groom to the bridal chamber!”
Wan Zhenxiang’s final announcement was especially exuberant.
His grin was so broad that wrinkles spread across his entire face.
Holding Tang Wan’s hand, Ling Yu slowly led her toward the little world that belonged only to the two of them.
Because she wore the bridal veil and couldn’t see, he gently reminded her every few steps to watch her footing.
That simple display…
Made many of the noble ladies attending the ceremony green with envy.
But only those who knew the whole story understood how much Tang Wan had sacrificed for this family.
Everything she had received today…
She had earned.
If it had been any other woman in Tang Wan’s situation when she first arrived—
A family with absolutely nothing…
A crippled husband…
How many women would have been willing to stay?
Ling Yu accompanied Tang Wan back to their room.
Everything inside had already been redecorated in festive shades of red.
After the two of them drank the ceremonial wine from linked cups, Ling Yu lifted her bridal veil.
Even someone like him, who had long since grown accustomed to Tang Wan’s breathtaking beauty…
Was startled.
“You…”
What on earth happened to you?
Why is your face painted so white?
You look like a corpse!
And your lips…
They’re so red.
Did you drink blood?
And that rouge on your cheeks…
And…
Ling Yu: …
This was supposed to be such a romantic moment…
My wife’s genes have suddenly mutated!
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