Chapter 630

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

The name Zhaoning was agreed upon during prior discussions; it is full of deep meaning and brimming with blessings!

Among them, "Zhao" symbolizes brilliant radiance and a boundless future; while "Ning" signifies peace and safety, tranquility and auspiciousness. Such beautiful words combined together undoubtedly entrust the Emperor and An Wang's earnest expectations and deep prayers for Qianqian's future life.

After Princess Chang of Pingyang finished reciting the congratulatory address in a loud voice, Qianqian was seen wearing a smile, responding with her clear and melodious voice like a yellow oriole emerging from the valley: "Though Zhaoning is not quick-witted, I dare not but serve reverently day and night." Having spoken, she and Princess Chang of Pingyang each performed their salutes, then returned to their respective positions.

Immediately after, An Wang rose from his seat, stepped forward to stand before Qianqian, and began the admonitory instruction.

Qianqian listened with full concentration to every word An Wang spoke, committing them to heart. When An Wang finished his admonition, Qianqian immediately replied respectfully: "Though your child is not quick-witted, I dare not but accept and obey."

Afterward, she once again performed a grand salute to An Wang, expressing respect. At this point, the entire capping ceremony was basically complete.

Finally, An Wang led An Wangfei, Princess Chang of Pingyang, Qi Xi, Qianqian, and the rest of the group to the center of the venue, lining up in a row facing the many guests who had come to observe the ceremony.

First, An Wang stepped forward, cupped his fists with both hands, bowed with clasped hands to all the guests present, and declared in a clear voice: "My daughter Zhaoning's capping ceremony is complete; thank you all, honored guests, for gracing us with your presence!"

Having spoken, he then, together with Qianqian, once more bowed with clasped hands to the crowd in thanks.

With this gesture, the capping ceremony finally came to a satisfactory conclusion.

Just when everyone thought everything had settled, Eunuch Sun, holding a scroll of dazzling bright yellow imperial edict, walked with elegant and solemn steps to the center of the high platform and stood steadily beside An Wang!

Immediately after, a sharp, thin voice suddenly rang out: "By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees..."

This sudden turn of events greatly startled everyone present, but they quickly recovered, all kneeling and kowtowing in salute, expressing reverence and submission to the Son of Heaven's decree.

After a slight pause, Eunuch Sun continued reading the imperial edict: "Princess Yongping, born with a beauty that could topple cities and states, and exceptionally intelligent and kind-hearted; moreover possessing both talent and beauty, truly a rare talented woman under heaven.

Now specially confer upon her the title of Princess Yongping, and bestow a Princess Mansion. Now Princess Yongping has already reached the capping age, the proper year for marriage.

And Our Dynasty's Imperial Forest Army Commander, General Su Muchun, is also a man of outstanding appearance and imposing bearing; not only is his martial skill superb and peerless, but his demeanor is graceful, refined, and courteous.

Such a match of talented man and beautiful woman can be called a perfect pair made by heaven and earth. Therefore, We specially bestow grace upon the two to marry in mid-July this year; the specific wedding date shall be left to the Bureau of Astronomy to calculate and select an auspicious day.

May the two from now on be of one heart, like paired wings and intertwined branches, accompanying each other until white-haired old age, never to part. Receive this decree!"

Hearing these words, An Wang did not hesitate to shout at the top of his voice: "Your subject thanks the Emperor and receives the decree! Respectfully wishing Your Majesty a healthy dragon body, boundless fortune and longevity, ten thousand years, ten thousand ten thousand years!"

The moment his voice fell, the others below the platform also awoke as if from a dream and shouted in unison: "Long live the Emperor, ten thousand years, ten thousand ten thousand years!"

For a moment, the atmosphere of the entire scene was extraordinarily heated; cheers rose and fell, as if they would break through the clouds.

Su Muchun knelt amid the bustling crowd; his gaze unintentionally drifted toward Qianqian not far away, but the instant their eyes met, Qianqian suddenly, like a startled fawn, flushed slightly and quickly averted her gaze.

The people around who had just listened to the reading of the imperial edict now also curiously stole glances at the two; seeing this scene, they couldn't help but secretly laugh to themselves, thinking: The interaction between these two is truly interesting!

After Eunuch Sun finished reading that long and tedious imperial edict aloud, he then followed His Majesty the Emperor back to the palace.

Simultaneously, Princess Chang of Pingyang did not rush to leave, but waited until the other guests had all dispersed before having a good talk with An Wangfei, and only then departed.

The next morning, after the morning court session ended, An Wang rushed without stopping, taking Su Muchun and Qianqian's birth dates and eight characters to the Bureau of Astronomy to seek divination.

After a round of calculation and divination, the Bureau of Astronomy concluded — the auspicious day was the twenty-fifth of the seventh month.

This date was still a full month and a half away from the present, so it could not be considered too urgent or hasty.

Thus, An Wang tucked away the calculated auspicious day with satisfaction and headed straight for the Imperial Study, preparing to report this matter to the Son of Heaven.

When he heard An Wang finish his report, the Emperor on the Dragon Throne couldn't help but secretly ponder: What should be given as the dowry?

When An Wang came out of the Imperial Study, he casually stopped a patrolling Imperial Guard and asked where Su Muchun currently was.

Seeing this, the guard dared not be negligent, hurriedly ran off to find Su Muchun, and conveyed the message that An Wang wanted to see him.

Su Muchun moved like lightning, arriving at the Imperial Study entrance with the speed of wind and lightning.

An Wang had only waited a short while when he saw Su Muchun arrive; he hurried forward to meet him and told him the calculated auspicious day in detail.

Su Muchun rejoiced secretly in his heart, but on the surface still maintained composure and solemnity, replying respectfully: "Many thanks, Uncle; this junior understands."

An Wang nodded slightly, indicating satisfaction, then added: "When you next have leave, remember to come to An Wang Fu; then we will discuss the many details of the wedding carefully. You are currently on duty, so this King will not disturb you further; farewell for now."

Su Muchun hastily cupped his fists in salute and replied: "Yes, Lord Uncle. This junior will certainly keep the appointment on time; please rest assured, Uncle." Having spoken, he watched An Wang depart.

After An Wang walked far away, Su Muchun, all the way, was in a pleasant mood, his steps light, as if the whole world had become exceptionally beautiful.

On the other side, after An Wang returned to the residence, he rushed without stopping to find An Wangfei and conveyed the calculated date to her.

Upon hearing this, An Wangfei was overjoyed and immediately summoned Chunxi, instructing her to quickly go to Shangguan Xingyu to convey the news and have her gather at Qianji Yuan at once.

Not long after, Shangguan Xingyu hurried over. Qianqian had just finished breakfast, and the three gathered together to begin discussing the various arrangements before the wedding.

From the layout of the wedding venue, confirmation of the guest list, to the design and production of the bridal attire and the planning of the ceremonial process, nothing was not a focus of their attention.

Just like that, time passed minute by second; unknowingly it neared midday. Yet the three seemed not to notice the passage of time, still immersed in heated discussion...