Chapter 1195: Intermarriage Among Kin

In the sixth year of Kaibao, on the winter solstice, according to the new Kaibao calendar, it was auspicious for moving house and marriage. And on this very day, the imperial household welcomed a new bride; the protagonist of the wedding was the third imperial son, Duke of Jinguo, Liu Xi.

Regarding Liu Xi's marriage, it had been delayed for nearly a year. Previously, Emperor Liu had also agreed that as long as his elder sister and brother-in-law had no objections, he would not oppose it. Through the mediation of Noble Consort Gao, a union between cousins was finally arranged. Duke of Huiguo Song Yanwo and the eldest daughter of the Grand Princess Yongning—the seventeen-year-old young lady of the Song family—became Liu Xi's lawful wife.

This wedding was conducted with great pomp. The specifications may not have been as high as when Crown Prince Liu Yang married, but the spectacle absolutely surpassed Liu Xu's wedding back then. A child without a mother and with few relatives—only he himself knew the bitterness within.

Since his own nephew was getting married, Duke of Anguo Gao Huaide specially requested leave from Jiangnan to return to the Western Capital to attend the wedding ceremony. Emperor Liu naturally approved without question.

The mansion of the Duke of Jinguo was naturally decorated with lanterns and colored banners, with distinguished guests filling the gates and noble visitors crowding the seats. Emperor Liu had experienced such lively scenes countless times, yet each time, he could hardly conceal his joy and delight, immersing himself in the festive atmosphere. The only regret was that Empress Dowager Li was gone, no longer seated in that familiar position receiving congratulations from the guests. It was only when thinking of his mother that Emperor Liu had such moments of soft-hearted emotion.

The winter solstice was the most important festival of the latter half of the year. Both nobles and commoners attached great importance to it, so the wedding feast also featured some special touches, such as the still-practiced custom of dumplings.

Liu Xi was usually idle and languid in demeanor, but facing the foremost event of his life, he was uncharacteristically reserved. According to the secret report of the fifth son, Liu Yun, when the third brother went to fetch the bride, he was so nervous his face flushed and he trembled...

Among the noble ladies present, the most radiant was probably Noble Consort Gao—even the Empress did not steal her spotlight. After so many years, no matter how much unwillingness or how many private schemes she harbored, seeing her son's marriage accomplished, she could not help but have tears glistening in her eyes.

Of course, aside from Liu Xi, the absolute protagonist had to be Emperor Liu. No matter where he was, no matter the occasion, wherever Emperor Liu was, he was always the protagonist, and everyone else had to revolve around him.

There were quite a few people taking turns toasting Emperor Liu. Even though each only took a sip, half a catty of imperial brew still went down.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty, on gaining another fine daughter-in-law!" The one coming to offer congratulations this time was the Imperial Father-in-Law, Duke of Xingguo, Guo Wei.

As their cups clinked, Guo Wei's cup was held half a notch lower. Emperor Liu drank half, while Guo Wei drained his cup completely. Emperor Liu's harem had no shortage of women, so naturally he had no shortage of imperial fathers-in-law. But there were differences among them; among those still living, only the Fu and Guo families held such exalted status.

Seeing Guo Wei bowing his body, Liu Yang, who was seated nearby, immediately rose and supported him to take his seat. Such courtesy from the Crown Prince was indeed a special honor. Old Guo Wei felt gratified inwardly, though his mouth expressed reluctance: "Your Highness the Crown Prince, please do not do this. This old minister dare not overstep!"

"Old Imperial Father-in-Law, you are both an elder and a meritorious official—you deserve it!" Liu Yang smiled slightly, his smile quite warm.

At Liu Yang's magnanimous display, a flash of approval and recognition passed through Emperor Liu's eyes. He waved his hand and said: "At today's joyous feast, we set aside the distinction between sovereign and subject, and speak only of kinship. Imperial Father-in-Law, no need to stand on ceremony—sit down and keep me company in conversation!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, Your Highness!" Since Emperor Liu had spoken, Guo Wei no longer declined. Supported by Liu Yang, he sat down beside Emperor Liu.

Guo Wei was now sixty-five years old. Even after more than a decade of rest and recuperation, he looked wrinkled and frail, his strength failing, no longer possessing his former bearing.

Noticing his white hair, Emperor Liu could not help but sigh: "The Imperial Father-in-Law is also growing old day by day!"

Guo Wei revealed a smile: "After all, I am advanced in years, my strength hard to sustain. Your servant is now truly decrepit—teeth loose, sleep scarce, and the mind growing increasingly muddled! However, to have witnessed the Great Han's current prosperity and flourishing, with the nation at peace and the people secure, and to enjoy it in comfort—this life has not been lived in vain!"

Hearing this, Emperor Liu laughed heartily. From Guo Wei's very words, he could tell that though old, the man was not muddled in the least. Looking at him with concern, he said: "Then the Imperial Father-in-Law must take good care of his health! The Great Han will become even more prosperous, and I look forward to sharing the splendor of this golden age with you all!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Guo Wei beamed with joy, the wrinkles on his face seeming to dance.

"Snatching" the wine pot from the attendant's hands, Emperor Liu personally poured wine for Guo Wei, who respectfully held his cup with a slight bow. Emperor Liu said: "The Imperial Father-in-Law is advanced in years and should not drink too much. I will share a small cup with you, to express our bond..."

"Yes!" Naturally, he followed Emperor Liu's lead.

While the sovereign and his minister conversed intimately, Liu Yang stood quietly by like a junior disciple attending to his elder. However, his attention was inevitably drawn to the several tables nearby.

Emperor Liu's achievements in spreading his branches had already become quite considerable—men and women, old and young, filling fully nine tables. Under the leadership of Liu Fang, Liu Yun, and Liu Jia, the atmosphere was quite lively.

Especially the brothers Liu Fang and Liu Yun, who were leading the drinking contest at their table. Liu Xu still maintained his eldest-brother demeanor, occasionally admonishing them a word or two, yet not with his usual seriousness.

As for his family of three, sitting together, they radiated harmony and joy. A trace of envy flashed through Liu Yang's eyes, especially when he looked at his adorable little nephew Liu Wenyuan.

Now, Liu Yang had also been married for two years, but the Crown Princess's belly showed no movement at all, while his elder brother's second child was almost due. This was in fact a hidden worry for Liu Yang. Over these two years, he had labored diligently on the Murong Crown Princess, but without results, it inevitably invited speculation from outside.

Liu Yang, for his part, was perfectly proper. In the Eastern Palace, aside from the Crown Princess, he had not favored any Lady of Beauty. He had also consulted imperial physicians, yet no definitive answer could be given.

In light of this, the Crown Princess naturally bore the greatest pressure. Murong had already proactively suggested to Liu Yang that he should take some secondary consorts. After all, the continuation of the bloodline was a matter of utmost importance.

While Liu Yang was lost in thought, the groom Liu Xi, amid the teasing of a crowd of relatives, was already preparing to enter the bridal chamber. The noisy bridal-chamber custom was also part of the proceedings, though everyone remained restrained and did not go too far. After offering their blessings, they dispersed.

The joys of Liu Xi's wedding night naturally need not be detailed. However, it could be anticipated that after marriage, Liu Xi would be entrusted by Emperor Liu with more substantial duties and bear heavier responsibilities.

The next day, Emperor Liu and Empress Fu, as husband and wife, received the new bride's tea-offering in Chuigong Hall. After the ceremony, Emperor Liu called Liu Xi aside and asked directly: "Where do you want to serve?"

Upon hearing the question, Liu Xi, still immersed in the joy of his new marriage, immediately revealed a fawning smile and said: "Father, the Court of the Imperial Stud is just fine..."

Emperor Liu's eyebrows shot up: "What, you've gotten used to it there?"

Liu Xi chuckled: "Look, I just got married—shouldn't you give your son a long vacation?"

Seeing his attitude, Emperor Liu turned his head and stared at him seriously, making Liu Xi feel somewhat uneasy, before finally saying: "If you want to stay idle, I have no objection—go ask your mother!"

Hearing Emperor Liu say this, Liu Xi's face immediately fell. He hastily said: "I'll follow your orders! Whatever you arrange is what I'll do—even if you send me back to raise horses, I don't mind!"

After so many years, Emperor Liu had watched Liu Xi grow up. This son had been clever since childhood, by no means as simple as he appeared on the surface. In Emperor Liu's view, such concealment of one's abilities was rather unnecessary.

After considering for a moment, Emperor Liu said directly: "I had originally planned a southern inspection tour, but due to various reasons, I could never make the journey. Liu Xu and Liu Fang made a trip to the northwest on my behalf—you will go south in my place to look around.

Take your new bride along and enjoy the scenery. The two Hu regions have been areas of vigorous development for the Great Han in recent years—go see how they have progressed! And also Lingnan!"

"Yes!" Hearing this instruction, Liu Xi put away his playful expression and answered solemnly.

"The climate in the south differs from the Central Plains, and in terms of comfort, it's even harder to compare with Jiangnan. Mind the change of water and soil—bring an imperial physician along!" Emperor Liu could not help but add: "Also, the young Lady Song is the apple of your aunt and uncle's eye, and she is also your cousin—don't you dare bully her!"

"How would I dare..." Liu Xi replied.