This person, with whom I have long been soulmates, will now accompany me through the blooming and withering of flowers, and through joys and sorrows...
Yao Bilu smiled with her lips pursed, and carefully put the red veil back on.
When Jun Yilin entered, he saw his bride's petite figure sitting quietly by the bed, waiting. She was so serene and elegant, yet captivating and alluring!
Jun Yilin suppressed his excitement and gently lifted the veil with trembling hands. Under the veil, a beautiful woman was smiling at him.
Jun Yilin gently cupped Yao Biluo's face and softly recited: "With colorful sleeves, she diligently held up the jade cup, in those days she risked her flushed face in a drunken stupor. The dance was low, like the moon in the heart of the willow-lined pavilion, the song ended, like the wind beneath the peach blossom fan. Since we parted, I recall our meeting, how many times have my soul and dreams been with you. Tonight, I will light the silver lamp again, still fearing that our meeting is but a dream."
"So many times, I've fantasized about this moment, but when it finally came, it felt unreal!"
"Did I really get you?" Jun Yilin murmured.
Yao Biluo reached out and took his hand, and said softly, "My husband, we are now husband and wife. From now on, may I be like a star and you be like the moon, shining brightly together every night."
These words soothed Jun Yilin's uneasy heart. Yes, from today onwards, they would be companions for life, and even if the world changed, they would still shine together.
Looking at his beloved's shy appearance, Jun Yilin's eyes were misty as he solemnly kissed his bride's red lips, as if making a lifelong promise.
Red candles flickered, fine wine was intoxicating, and the air was filled with the fragrance of agarwood. The curtains slowly fell, and the small room was filled with deep affection. Amidst soft moans, a primal ritual was performed to celebrate a lifetime of bliss...
☆、19、Blind Date
Three months later.
The Empress hosted a private banquet, ostensibly for flower viewing, but in reality, it was a matchmaking event. She invited Minister of Works Jiang Yumin, Prime Minister Wang Chenglin, General Ye Zhanqing and his wife Liang Shiyun, several rising stars of the court, and a few elegant and refined ladies from prominent families. Though the number of attendees was small, their discerning taste was remarkable; the mere presence of a few people had already alerted those in the court to something unusual.
"Have you heard? The Empress is going to arrange a match between the Minister of Works and the Prime Minister, and she's holding a flower-viewing banquet in the palace."
"What flower viewing? It's ostensibly a matchmaking event, but in reality, it's just the first step in the Empress's ambitious scheme to get involved in politics!"
"How so?"
"That's simple. Although the Emperor has allowed the Empress to participate in politics, she is, after all, a woman. In order to seek support in the court, she has begun to win over several officials!"
"So, do you think these officials will buy into this?"
"That's hard to say. These officials are all highly talented and unruly individuals, even the Emperor sometimes struggles to control them. Who else would they listen to? But what's strange is that they all unanimously expressed their support for the Empress's participation in politics, which puzzles me a bit!"
"We need to be careful not to misjudge the wind direction!"
"good!"
Just as the court officials were whispering among themselves, the invited officials, dressed in their finest attire, set off for the palace one after another. These powerful ministers, representing the civil and military officials of the monarchy, usually held their own territories and commanded their own fiefdoms in the court. Yet, they were now gathered together in harmony, chatting about love and romance. One couldn't help but marvel at the Empress's affable nature!
Fengyi Palace Incense Hall
When Wang Chenglin arrived, he saw Ye Zhanqing and his wife Liang Shiyun sitting at the table below the Empress, chatting happily. Wang Chenglin entered and bowed to the Empress.
Yao Biluo chuckled and stepped down to help Wang Chenglin up: "Prime Minister, there's no need for such formalities. Do we need these empty gestures between us?"
Without further ado, Wang Chenglin smiled lightly, stood up, and quietly looked at the woman's face in front of him.
I had heard that she had returned long ago. Although Confucius said not to talk about strange phenomena, physical prowess, disorder, or spirits, after experiencing so many things, I believed it immediately. That's why, under the Emperor's instruction, I firmly stood up to support the Empress's participation in politics, to repay the kindness she showed me back then and the friendship we shared later.
I finally met her today. She looks completely different from before, but deep down she still has that same soul that makes people willing to risk their lives for her!
"I had hoped to arrive early and be the first to pay my respects to the Empress, but I didn't expect the General to arrive so soon!" Wang Chenglin said with a calm smile.
Ye Zhanqing laughed upon hearing this: "Haha, the Prime Minister knows my temperament best. If the Empress invites me, I'll run away as fast as I can!"
Sitting beside her, Liang Shiyun was already secretly surprised by the conversation between the Empress and her husband. How could the Empress be so familiar with her husband? It didn't seem like they had just met. Now, after hearing Wang Chenglin's words, she was even more astonished. How could even the Prime Minister be familiar with the Empress?
Liang Shiyun was a renowned talented woman in the entire kingdom, and she held herself in high esteem, believing that no one in the kingdom could surpass her. Originally, she was chosen to live in the palace as the empress, but unexpectedly, she was betrothed to the general inexplicably.
That was fine, but General Ye Zhanqing, though from a military background, was quite refined and not a reckless man. He also cared for her very much, which gradually calmed her down after she was slightly hurt.
However, Yao Biluo's sudden emergence repeatedly overshadowed Liang Shiyun, who had been highly regarded since childhood. Now, even her husband listened to her every word, and Liang Shiyun felt a strange sense of frustration. However, she concealed her feelings well, simply listening to everyone's conversation with a quiet smile.
Ye Zhanqing never imagined that in just a few words, his wife's mind was already racing with a hundred thoughts. He still chuckled and said, "Today the Empress is going to act as your matchmaker. You'd better choose carefully later, and don't disappoint the Empress's kindness!"
Wang Chenglin smiled shyly, cupped his hands in greeting, and sat down.
Yao Biluo and he reminisced about the past. The two hadn't seen each other for a long time, and they were quite emotional when they talked about the past.
Just then, a palace maid announced that the Imperial Censor and the newly appointed top scholar had arrived.
Yao Biluo and Wang Chenglin exchanged a glance and then stopped talking about the past.
The matter of the soul's return should only be known to a few close friends and should not be publicized to avoid unnecessary speculation. Liang Shiyun was already Ye Zhanqing's wife, which was why Yao Biluo felt comfortable talking to her, but she still held back and did not mention the matter of the soul's return.
"Your Majesty, this is Lu Yong, the Imperial Censor, and this is Meng Lin, the newly appointed top scholar." Since it was their first meeting, Wang Chenglin stood up and introduced the visitors to Yao Biluo.
The two knelt down to pay their respects.
Yao Biluo remained silent, looking at the two kneeling figures in the prince's presence with a composed expression.
The two knelt on the ground, feeling somewhat awkward, yet dared not move, their hearts filled with immense fear.
The two were fellow disciples of Prime Minister Wang Chenglin, and were his prized students. With the protection of the head of the civil officials, they had always been arrogant and disdainful of the court. Upon receiving the Empress's invitation, they had deliberately arrived late, intending to be disrespectful. Unexpectedly, their usually haughty teacher was so respectful to the Empress, and the two immediately sensed something was amiss.
Wang Chenglin coldly observed the two men. He knew their thoughts perfectly well and secretly resented their incompetence. He had brought them here to recommend talented individuals to the Empress, but now they had become a laughingstock. Therefore, since the Empress wanted to train them, he did not speak up to protect them.
Their knees gradually went numb before they heard the Empress gently call out.
This sound was no less than heavenly music, and the two of them found it incredibly beautiful.
She coldly instructed the palace maids to arrange seats for them, and then ignored them, continuing to chat and laugh with Ye Zhanqing and Wang Chenglin.
The two sat nervously to the side, listening to their teacher speak respectfully to the Empress. Even the usually defiant general was obedient to the Empress. They dared not eat or drink, and sighed inwardly at their miscalculation!
After waiting for another quarter of an hour, Yao Biluo frowned and glanced to the side, where a nimble little palace maid approached.
"Go and see why Lord Jiang hasn't arrived yet," Yao Biluo instructed.
Just as the palace maid was about to leave, Jiang Yumin came running up, panting.
Because she had run so fast, her hair was a little disheveled, but Yao Biluo didn't mind. She just waved and Jiang Yumin sat down next to her.
"What happened?" Yao Biluo asked, naturally fixing his hair with her hands.
Jiang Yumin looked slightly embarrassed: "I—I got up late!" Actually, she was trying to change into a nice outfit, but she forgot the time. Then she said softly, "Sorry, I'm late."
Yao Biluo said softly, "It's alright, it's good that you're here." Then she pointed to a table next to Wang Chenglin and told him to sit there. She had originally thought that he was reluctant to attend because of something on his mind, but seeing him come, Yao Biluo breathed a sigh of relief.
Jiang Yumin obediently went over and sat down.
Lu Yong and Meng Lin were even more surprised. The Minister of Works always had an arrogant and unapproachable demeanor. Even the Emperor couldn't do anything about him. He didn't attend court often, but as long as there was a memorial to the throne, the Emperor would approve it.
Seeing this man so meek and submissive before the Empress, the two were filled with remorse and vowed never to act rashly again. Hadn't they just lost the support of several powerful ministers by failing to make a good impression on the Empress today? The Empress's influence was not to be underestimated!
Yao Biluo looked around and said with a smile, "Now that everyone is here, Xiao Tao, go and invite the young ladies over!"
The young palace maid agreed and went to the side hall to invite several young ladies over.
Several young ladies gracefully approached and bowed to the Empress, creating a scene of bustling activity and fragrant aromas.
Only Ye Zhanqing among them had a family, so he could just watch the show without worry.
The others were all single, and seeing so many beautiful women made them feel a little awkward, but they were unwilling to show weakness, so the scene was quite lively.
Wang Chenglin and Jiang Yumin are both getting on in years, and they have never married. This makes Yao Biluo feel uneasy, so she specially selected several women who are outstanding in both character and appearance, hoping that one of them would catch their eye.
Yao Biluo knew why Jiang Yumin hadn't married, but she had to pretend not to. However, Wang Chenglin had also been married, so Yao Biluo didn't know the reason and didn't dare to ask. She just wondered if it was because he had too high standards.
The young ladies were all from prominent families. After receiving the Empress's invitation, their families had already been talking a lot about it. They understood that those who could attend the Empress's private banquet today were either trusted confidants or future pillars of the country. They secretly thought that they should seize this opportunity to find their own and their families' future support.
Wang Chenglin looked at the shy woman sitting beside him and politely struck up a conversation. But what came to mind was the scene when he first arrived in the capital to participate in the imperial examination. At that time, he was young and unruly, but he met that woman, so dazzling and outstanding! He admired her greatly!
Wang Chenglin was startled by his own thoughts. Although he had long known he was unworthy of her and had long since given up on these ideas, why did they suddenly come to mind again today? Oh well, the bright moon must eventually be paired with the dazzling sun. As for himself? He only needed to be a star, a supporting character, and that would be enough!
A moment of distraction made the woman next to her uneasy, wondering if she had said something wrong.
However, Wang Chenglin quickly recovered and still wore a humble smile, which reassured the woman.
During the banquet, beautiful scenery and delicious food were enjoyed, with beautiful women by one's side. Fine wines and goblets were clinked together.
Ignoring the woman beside her urging her to drink, Jiang Yumin secretly watched Yao Biluo and Ye Zhanqing chatting and laughing. She felt pain in her heart, but if this was what she wanted, then there was nothing she couldn't do!
He took the wine glass the woman handed him, drank it down in one gulp, and gave her a bright smile that could captivate anyone!
The woman was also captivated. She had long heard that Lord Jiang always wore a mask, and her close friends had secretly guessed that his appearance might be unpleasant. But she never imagined that the cold mask concealed such a bright and beautiful face!
After a few rounds of drinks, Yao Biluo wanted to create some opportunities for them to be alone, so she suggested going to the garden to admire the flowers. This was also part of the pre-arranged activity, so everyone got up.
As everyone dispersed, Yao Biluo quietly pulled Jiang Yumin aside: "So, is there anyone you like?"
Jiang Yumin's eyes were filled with complex emotions, but she said, "Yes!"
Yao Biluo gently stroked the agate beads on her chest and said, "You rascal, you should settle down soon so I won't have to worry about you so much. Since you've found someone you like, then go ahead and go! Bring her back for me to see."
Jiang Yumin didn't speak, only nodded, and walked towards a woman without looking back.
Yao Biluo felt a slight pang in her heart. Her younger brother was finally leaving her to live his own life, and she felt a deep emptiness inside.
Ye Zhanqing and Liang Shiyun had no blind date assignments; they simply spent their time talking and admiring the flowers with Yao Biluo.
"In the blink of an eye, everyone has grown up and matured. After that, they will all start their own families and revolve around their own little families. The carefree days when we used to get together often are probably gone forever!" Yao Biluo held a bright red peony in her hand, gently smelled it, and sighed.
"On such a joyous day, why utter such sorrowful words? You are not alone. You have the Emperor, and you have us!" Ye Zhanqing comforted him.
Yao Biluo smiled: "Yes, this is the life I've always wanted. You're all here with me, I should be happy!"
Yao Biluo turned to Liang Shiyun and said, "Madam is a talented woman renowned throughout the country. I have heard of your great name since I was a young girl. Madam should visit the palace often in the future so that I can learn from you!"
Liang Shiyun replied respectfully, "I am but a concubine in name only. When it comes to seeking advice, it is I who should be seeking your guidance from Your Majesty!"
Yao Biluo looked at Ye Zhanqing gazing lovingly at his wife and felt relieved; it seemed the two had a very good relationship.
As they were chatting, Jun Yilin arrived, and Ye Zhanqing and the others tactfully went to the other side.
"I'm sorry I'm late, I just finished dealing with an urgent matter!" Jun Yilin whispered in Yao Biluo's ear, "Please come and help me, can you bear to keep me so busy?"
Yao Biluo said smugly, "No way! I finally get a chance to rest properly, why would I want to get involved in your mess?"
Jun Yilin sighed helplessly and gently pinched her nose.
The two chatted and laughed. Jun Yilin broke off a peony and put it in Yao Biluo's hair. Yao Biluo smiled happily.
Not far away, Dark Enchantress sighed softly, "Sigh, I'm single too! Why doesn't anyone care about me?"