The Emperor has been very kind to the Liu family, and not only that, he will also elevate the status of this mother and daughter.
Lady Liu raised a good daughter who was very lucky to win the favor of Princess Changyang. The imperial decree clearly stated that she was to be married to a woman who had once been a concubine, making her the principal wife. This can be said to have set a precedent for marriage between women in the Great Yan Dynasty.
Ji Ying was extremely satisfied with her prospective daughter-in-law and showered her with praise, showering Yu Zhi with compliments. Yu Zhi blushed with embarrassment, thinking that this was the usual way the royal family behaved.
I wonder how Xi Xi spoke of her to His Majesty. Just listen to what His Majesty said about her; he practically praised her to the point of worship.
The imperial edict was solemnly handed to Liu Shi. Liu Boyan hurriedly stuffed the gifts she had prepared in advance into her father-in-law's palm. After a few exchanges, the eunuch smiled as he left the Yu family, saying, "His Majesty and the Empress value Princess the most."
This statement came out of nowhere, and was left unsaid. The group then returned to the palace to report.
Liu Boyan seemed to be deep in thought, then turned to look at her daughter: "After you get married, just treat the Emperor and Empress as your own parents. There's no need to stand on ceremony, understand?"
Yu Zhi hummed in agreement, then returned to her room and hesitantly asked, "What if our daughter makes a mistake?"
"Then let's change it."
Yu's mother hugged her beloved son and said, "You should treat your own parents the same way Your Highness treats them. Follow their lead and don't lose your courage just because they are royalty. The Emperor and Empress have such magnanimity and courage. As a royal daughter-in-law, you need to be bolder so that you can truly be a family with them."
After carefully considering the eunuch's words before he left, she gently advised, "The Emperor and Empress cherish His Highness like their own flesh and blood. You are His Highness's person and will be in charge of the household affairs of the Princess in the future. Times have changed. My child, you must stand up for yourself."
When she was a concubine, her timidity and fearfulness could be described as charming and interesting. But as someone's principal wife, she represented the princess's face and could no longer act as before.
You don't need to be an expert in everything, but you should at least have the ability to discern right from wrong, so you don't get fooled by servants and suffer in silence.
After the imperial decree of marriage was issued, Yuzhi busied herself learning to sew wedding dresses from the embroiderers assigned by the palace. At night, her mother would give her detailed instructions on how to manage a household.
In short, it can be summed up in one word: busy.
When she gets busy, she completely forgets the shyness of getting married and only focuses on making preparations.
Compared to her, Ji Pingxi lived a leisurely life. As a princess, she had no shortage of people to command and could often do whatever she wanted with just a word. She had the ability to recognize and use people, and the Empress hardly needed to worry about her.
"Once you get married, you should live a good life with Zhizhi. It's a lifelong commitment, and it depends on responsibility, commitment, and courage, not on temporary liking or novelty."
Yan Xiu rubbed her little head: "Did you hear that? Stop bullying your wife."
Upon hearing the word "daughter-in-law," Ji Pingxi's lips curled up: "Oh, Mother, I'll remember that. If you're so worried about your son, who is your real daughter?"
"When Zhizhi marries you, she becomes my own daughter. Both of you are my little darlings."
"That's true."
Princess Changyang nestled in her mother's arms, peeling and eating lychees: "I haven't seen Zhizhi in so long. Getting married is such a hassle. Whether you go openly or secretly, it's not good either way. My mother-in-law treats me like a thief."
She looked annoyed: "I just want to see Zhizhi, and I'm sure Zhizhi wants to see me too." She swallowed the fruit in her mouth. "Who made this rule? No meeting before marriage? What's wrong with meeting once? Are you afraid I'll kidnap her?"
The Empress listened patiently to her rambling, and only after she finished did she speak softly and gently: "How could you possibly know what your mother-in-law is thinking?"
"Your child doesn't understand, but your mother does?"
"We're all mothers, of course I understand."
Ji Pingxi got out of her arms and sat down, listening attentively.
"This brings us back to the matter of 'taking a concubine as a wife'."
Yan Xiu's voice was beautiful, comparable to celestial music: "Her daughter became your concubine without her knowledge, and her reputation is tarnished. As a mother, she feels sorry for her daughter. Now she is guarding against you having secret meetings at night to make up for the regret of not being able to protect her daughter before."
"Since ancient times, wives and concubines have been separated by countless mountains. Although Zhizhi has become your woman, it is still her first time marrying someone else, and proper etiquette cannot be neglected. Naturally, she thinks her daughter is the best and deserves the best."
The Empress tapped her daughter's forehead with her finger: "From now on, when you see your mother-in-law, you must treat her as your own mother. Your words and actions must not be frivolous or presumptuous, understand?"
"Understood," Ji Pingxi replied earnestly.
...
After her mother-in-law's words of comfort, her little resentment towards her mother-in-law for stopping her from seeing her sweetheart dissipated. With nothing else to do, she went to visit the Princess's residence.
Ji Rong was annoyed when she saw her, as if she had just come out of a vinegar jar: "Why are you here instead of waiting to welcome your beautiful wife into the mansion?"
She disliked her niece very much.
Ji Pingxi didn't care about her sarcastic remarks; he just found his jealous aunt quite amusing.
It's her who's getting married now; her aunt can't even get a kiss from her sweetheart.
She stood in front of the railing, casually feeding the fish: "Auntie, how about I give you an idea?"
"Do you have any good ideas?"
"Of course I have a good idea! My idea can help Auntie achieve her wish sooner." Her eyes sparkled. "So, will you listen or not?"
The allure of the phrase "wishes come true" was so strong that Ji Rong's heart swayed violently. Allowing herself some smugness, she said, "Go ahead."
Ji Pingxi scattered fish food, a mischievous smile playing on his lips: "Auntie, come closer."
"..."
The summer winds are hot and dry; even in August, the days can be unbearable.
The eldest princess's ears turned bright red, whether from the heat or from embarrassment, she couldn't tell. She glared at her shameless niece and said, "You little rascal, who would give someone such an idea? Aren't you afraid of making things worse!"
"It won't cause any trouble." Princess Changyang laughed like a mischievous little fox: "How will you know if you don't try? Or is it that Auntie is completely unaware of her own charm?"
These words successfully appeased Ji Yunzhang. She gave her niece a look that said, "You have good taste," and slowly began to seriously consider the feasibility of the plan.
Ji Pingxi didn't bother her any longer and left the Princess's residence with a wave of his sleeve.
How can it be justified for a niece to eat meat at every meal while her aunt eats only plain cabbage every day?
Especially since my aunt has taken a liking to her good mother-in-law, it would be inappropriate if she didn't serve her mother-in-law well, in case she came to disturb her and Zhizhi's lovey-dovey time.
For her to be happy after marriage, the imperial aunt must also be happy.
...
Time flies, and before we knew it, it was mid-September from August, and the wedding was just around the corner.
A cool autumn breeze broke through the layers of night.
Before dawn, Yuzhi was woken by her mother, who then bathed, changed her clothes, and went through a series of tedious preparations for her wedding.
Wearing a bright red embroidered gold wedding gown, with a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix embroidered on the chest and a long skirt trailing on the ground, she truly showcased the beauty of Jinghe Liu to the fullest.
Looking at her stunningly beautiful daughter, Liu Boyan and her daughter locked eyes, their eyes reddening.
"Mother..."
Hearing the sounds of music and celebration outside, Yu's mother smiled with satisfaction: "Ten miles of red bridal procession, the whole capital celebrating, this is what a proper wedding is like."
Yu Zhi's voice choked with emotion: "Your daughter can't bear to part with her mother..."
"Silly child, the princess's residence is just a few steps away from home, what's there to be reluctant about?" She was open-minded about this matter, her eyes slightly moist: "Let's go, don't keep Xi Xi waiting."
Perhaps it was because the royal wedding was handled so beautifully that she was moved and teased her daughter in a low voice, "Your Highness has been upset again after not seeing you for months."
"..."
Yu Zhi's ears turned red, and she said coquettishly, "Mother!"
The emotions of parting were overshadowed.
Thinking that today was her and Xi Xi's big day, Yu Zhi was in high spirits and her face was glowing.
Outside the gate, Princess Changyang, who had come to fetch him, couldn't wait any longer on horseback—what was going on? If he didn't come out soon, she was going to go in and snatch him away!
Chapter 92 A Bond of Hearts
"She's out! She's out! The bride is out!"
Some people in the crowd were cheering. Ji Pingxi turned her head and glanced at them, suppressing the urge to roll her eyes, thinking to herself: It's her getting married, isn't it? Why are these people so happy?
Her eyes narrowed slightly, her heart filled with joy. But Zhizhi was truly beautiful. Though her face was hidden by the veil, her figure alone was enough to make her heart itch. Thinking of how long it had been since she had tasted meat, she couldn't resist the urge. She nimbly dismounted, her graceful and elegant movements drawing gasps of admiration from the crowd.
Two of the most beautiful young women of the Great Yan Dynasty were happily married. Princess Changyang, her beautiful eyes filled with affection, tried her best to suppress her overflowing joy and walked over with steady steps.
The red ribbon was handed to her.
Liu Boyan sighed, "I will entrust Zhizhi to Your Highness."
Ji Pingxi greeted her solemnly: "Your son-in-law will certainly live up to your trust and will love Zhizhi with all my heart."
The mushy words came from her mouth, and Liu Boyan's smile deepened. Under the red veil, Yu Zhi blushed, her heart pounding rapidly.
The eldest princess, standing to the side, was bubbling with jealousy. For some reason, she remembered the last time she asked her niece to pass on a message, but her niece told her with a look of disgust, "That's too cheesy, I can't say it."
Is it something you can't explain?
You little rascal!
Don't treat your imperial aunt like you're not your mother-in-law, otherwise... ha, you'll regret it!
Ji Pingxi was caught off guard by someone's 'malice' and smiled broadly—oh well, what can you do when your royal aunt doesn't have a wife to cuddle with at night? Her jealousy is understandable.
The princess, magnanimous as ever, did not hold a grudge against her aunt, and held the red silk with tender eyes.
Seeing that she had finished her work, His Highness the Crown Prince called out, "Let's set off!"
As Ji Qingyou's clear, youthful voice rang out, the wedding procession once again put on a vigorous ensemble of music and drums.
Overjoyed and filled with celebration, Ji Pingxi couldn't help but recall the scene of 'taking a concubine' last time.
Back then, when she took a concubine, a horde of moralists blocked her way, hurling all sorts of accusations at her for being unorthodox and defying the world. Now, however, they've become like gourds with their mouths sawed off, quietly hiding in the crowd.
Looking at the familiar yet frustrated faces in the crowd, wanting to offer congratulations but too embarrassed, the princess suppressed a laugh: "Father's name is still the most effective. When Father issues an edict, these people don't even dare to fart."
Power is good, power is wonderful. Princess Changyang touched the silk ribbon as she escorted the bride into the bridal sedan chair.
Yu Zhi's small hand was suddenly slapped, making her both embarrassed and surprised.
Taking advantage of the opportunity to escort her into the sedan chair, Ji Pingxi whispered a seductive love word in her ear, causing Yu Zhi's heart to pound uncontrollably as she sat in the bridal sedan chair.
"Lift the sedan chair!"
When people are happy, they are in high spirits; when His Highness shouts, the whole world seems to brighten up.
Yu's mother took a few steps forward, reluctant to part with her daughter.
"Xi Xi will treat her well." Ji Rong finally said something nice for her niece.
Liu Boyan smiled through her tears; her delicate appearance made her look nothing like a woman in her early forties. The hardships of the years had not diminished her beauty.
Watching the wedding procession disappear into the distance, she felt a great sense of relief and was genuinely happy for her daughter: "She's finally married. It wasn't easy."