The ninth day of the ninth lunar month, auspicious for weddings.
For Lan Yue, this day was a grand occasion.
On this day, the Lan Yue Imperial Concubine was to be married.
On this day, the Empress would enfeoff her Imperial Husband.
It seemed as if all good fortunes had converged on this single day. Civil and military officials gathered in the Grand Temple, awaiting the witnessing of these two momentous events.
It was thought that the Feng family was wiped out, and others would have a chance to ascend to the position of Imperial Husband. Who would have thought that Feng Mo Ran, who had disappeared for many years, would return? Not only had he returned, but the Empress still doted on him as before. This made many feel a pang of envy while also admiring him immensely.
"Why did the Empress choose to hold the grand ceremony of enfeoffing the Imperial Husband on the same day as the Imperial Concubine's wedding?" a minister whispered. "This seems rather hasty."
"I heard it was the Imperial Husband's request," another minister chimed in. "The Imperial Concubine was, after all, raised by the Imperial Husband himself. It's not strange that he would want to marry on the same day as the child he raised."
The crowd chattered amongst themselves, discussing the relationship between the two. Suddenly, a voice interjected, "Don't you think the Imperial Husband dotes on the Imperial Concubine a bit too much? He seems to fulfill her every wish."
"Don't you do the same for your own beloved daughter?"
The speaker was momentarily silenced, unable to refute the statement, for she did indeed indulge her own daughter. Moreover, considering the Imperial Concubine's noble status, it was only natural for Imperial Husband Feng to spoil her.
"But I heard that Imperial Husband Feng is not very pleased with Gentleman Wen?"
"The little white cabbage you painstakingly raised, before you could even properly admire it, has been snatched by a pig. How could you be happy?"
The crowd nodded in agreement. Even if Imperial Husband Feng disapproved, it was no match for the Imperial Concubine's affection. Furthermore, their Imperial Concubine was a formidable figure, accustomed to getting her way. Which minister in the court did not scatter like mice when faced with a cat when she appeared? Many ministers had suffered losses at her hands.
"General, what are you looking at?" the副将 asked, noticing General Jing looking around curiously.
"Don't you think there are a lot of unfamiliar faces today?"
"Unfamiliar faces?" The副将 glanced around. No, they were all familiar officials. Although some officials' family members were unfamiliar, they could be guessed. Moreover, today was a grand occasion for the Empress and the Imperial Concubine, and many commoners had come to witness the ceremony. It was not unusual to see unfamiliar faces. "There are quite a number of commoners here to witness the ceremony. It's not surprising to see unfamiliar faces."
General Jing cast a sideways glance at her副将. She truly wondered how this woman managed to fight alongside her on the battlefield and achieve merits. With such a lack of discernment, was it her ancestors' good fortune or divine providence that kept her alive?
"I'm talking about the guards," General Jing gnashed her teeth. "They're all unfamiliar faces!" If not for her副将's unwavering loyalty and obedience, she wouldn't want to bother with her at all!
Upon hearing this, the副将 quickly looked over everyone. She usually only paid attention to her own subordinates. As for other soldiers, except for the leaders and those of higher rank, she didn't recognize them at all. How could she tell who was a stranger and who was familiar?
"General, there are so many soldiers. We can't possibly recognize every single one of them."
General Jing sighed and stopped speaking. She feared that if she continued, she might lose her temper and beat her副将, or even open her head to see if it was filled with tofu dregs.
"His Majesty has arrived. The Imperial Husband has arrived." The voice of the Director of Ceremonies was thin and sharp, carrying far. The whispering ministers immediately fell silent and bowed.
"Greetings, Your Majesty. Greetings, Imperial Husband."
"All ministers, please rise."
"The Imperial Concubine has arrived. Gentleman Wen has arrived." As the ministers had just stood up, they heard the Director of Ceremonies announce the arrival of the Imperial Concubine, and they bowed again.
"Greetings, Imperial Concubine. Greetings, Gentleman Wen."
"Rise."
Xiao Man and Wen Mo Han stood at the entrance. The Empress and Feng Mo Ran stood at the very front. The four of them met eyes, the Empress's gaze filled with emotions that were difficult to decipher. Xiao Man, on the other hand, was smiling brightly, holding the red silk, and walking forward slowly.
Xiao Man's gaze fell upon Feng Mo Ran. In the past, she had viewed this man as a father, a senior, respecting and loving him. Yet, behind his hidden smile lay endless schemes and persecution. She truly wished she could open his chest and see if he had a heart, and if so, whether it was a black heart!
Feng Mo Ran's gaze fell upon Wen Mo Han. The crimson wedding attire made Wen Mo Han appear even more refined and handsome. A smile flickered across Feng Mo Ran's lips, tinged with a trace of cruelty that vanished in an instant, as if that moment of ruthlessness was merely an illusion.
However, Xiao Man, who had been watching Feng Mo Ran intently, did not miss it. She clearly saw the cruel smile on Feng Mo Ran's lips. For some reason, a chill crept up Xiao Man's spine. She immediately glanced at Wen Mo Han.
Wen Mo Han seemed to have sensed it and smiled gently at Xiao Man. Xiao Man couldn't help but feel relieved and continued to walk forward. Wen Mo Han's smile was gentle, his steps firm, moving forward one by one.
Wen Xiang and his wife were on the viewing platform. Wen Xiang suddenly stepped forward, his gaze fixed on his son. Something was wrong, very wrong!
"Husband, what is it?"
"Han'er seems a bit off." Wen Xiang stared at Wen Mo Han. He knew his son too well, so he sensed that Wen Mo Han was not behaving as usual, but he couldn't pinpoint what was wrong.
Madam Wen quickly looked at Wen Mo Han, but couldn't discern any abnormalities. His expression, his demeanor, were all perfect and flawless.
"Husband, I don't see anything wrong!" Madam Wen clutched Wen Xiang's arm and asked nervously.
Wen Xiang was also somewhat anxious, his palms sweating, and his breathing became hurried.
Xiao Man steadied her thoughts and continued to walk forward. No matter what tricks Feng Mo Ran played, she would meet them head-on and repay him doubly. This time, if he dared to harm anyone close to her again, she would make him understand what regret meant!
Wen Mo Han's steps faltered for a moment. He felt a blur before his eyes, and then he continued to walk forward, his gaze fixed straight ahead, revealing nothing. His smile became even more perfect, as if light flowed from his eyes.
Feng Mo Ran watched them walk up step by step, his face adorned with a perfect smile, leaving no room for criticism. It was as if he were merely a benevolent elder. However, both Xiao Man and Wen Mo Han knew that this man was not benevolent, nor did he deserve to be an elder. His heart was full of malice, his mind full of schemes. He would devour anyone, be it family or friend, leaving no bone behind!
The two finally ascended the high platform and stood before the Empress. The four of them met eyes, each harboring their own thoughts. The Director of Ceremonies turned, cleared his throat, and announced loudly, "The ceremony begins."