Chapter 64: The Crown Prince's Wedding

In the tenth month of the Hongwu Third Year, at Yingtian Prefecture.

During the Mid‑Autumn Festival, lanterns and streamers were strung inside and outside the Imperial City, and the festive atmosphere was richer than in previous years.

Today is Crown Prince Zhu Biao's wedding day.

Before dawn, Zhu Rong got up.

He donned a brand‑new princely robe: a crimson‑purple python‑patterned gown, a jade belt at the waist, and a seven‑tassel crown.

This attire was personally overseen by Empress Ma, who ordered the Imperial Garments Office to rush its making; the materials are exquisite and the embroidery fine.

"Prince, you look truly spirited in these clothes," the maid Xiao Ying said with a smile as she adjusted his collar.

Zhu Rong scratched his head and chuckled, "These robes are too restrictive; ordinary clothes feel more comfortable."

"Today is the Crown Prince's wedding; you must dress more formally," Xiao Zhu said softly, bringing warm water for Zhu Rong to freshen up.

After washing, Zhu Rong stepped out of his room.

In the courtyard, Royal Guard Captain Zhang Wuhe and Chen Heng had been waiting for a long time.

"Prince, the carriage is ready," Zhang Wuhe said, bowing.

"I'll ride a horse; taking the carriage feels too stifling," Zhu Rong said, striding toward the stables.

At the entrance of the Prince's residence, Hu Bo had already led in a jujube‑red horse.

It is a fine Western Regions steed that Zhu Yuanzhang bestowed a few days earlier, entirely scarlet with hooves like snow, named "Chi Xiao."

I wonder whether this horse will collapse as quickly as the others did before!

Just like that horse "Treading Snow," which fell apart after only a few days of riding.

Zhu Rong swung onto the horse, leading Zhang Wuhe, Chen Heng and the Imperial Troops toward the palace.

As dawn brightened, the streets were already packed with common folk.

The Crown Prince's wedding, a nationwide celebration, prompted the people of Yingtian Prefecture to voluntarily hang red lanterns and paste "joy" characters on the doors.

"Look, Prince Wu!"

"Prince Wu is here!"

The townspeople cheered as they saw Zhu Rong.

In the past six months, Prince Wu Zhu Rong's reputation has already spread throughout Yingtian.

The three‑hammer breach of Kaiping City, the single‑hammer siege of Helin City, the battlefield slaying of Yesu, and the persuasion of Wang Baobao to surrender—these deeds have been recounted repeatedly by storytellers.

Zhu Rong chuckled and waved to the crowd, urging his horse onward.

Outside Wu Gate, the Civil and Military Officials' carriages had already formed a long procession.

As a prince, Zhu Rong could enter the palace directly through the side gate.

"Second Prince!"

Just after entering the palace gate, Zhu Biao's voice was heard.

Zhu Rong turned and saw Zhu Biao clad in a bright red wedding robe, wearing a Travel Crown, standing by Jinshui Bridge.

Today Zhu Biao looked especially vigorous, his brows bearing both the Crown Prince's dignity and the groom's joy.

"Elder brother! You look truly handsome today!" Zhu Rong leapt from his horse and strode over.

Zhu Biao smiled, "You're not bad either; this python robe fits you well."

"Mother had it altered several times, saying I'm built stout and need it looser," Zhu Rong chuckled.

The two brothers walked side by side toward Fengtian Hall.

On the way, Zhu Biao asked softly, "Second Prince, did you sleep well last night?"

"Very well, I slept until dawn. Elder brother, are you nervous?" Zhu Rong replied.

"A bit… Though I've been childhood friends with Miss Chang Wan, today is the grand wedding, with so many Civil and Military Officials watching and countless rites to observe…" Zhu Biao admitted honestly.

"What are you afraid of? I'm here! Who dares to cause trouble, I'll smash them with a hammer!" Zhu Rong patted his chest.

Zhu Biao laughed, "Today is a joyous day; no rough play allowed."

"Got it, got it, I was just kidding," Zhu Rong said, scratching his head.

He followed Zhu Biao to receive Crown Princess Chang Wan.

The two arrived together before Fengtian Hall, where the Civil and Military Officials were already lined up on both sides according to rank.

Seeing the Crown Prince and Prince Wu walk side by side, everyone bowed and paid their respects.

"May the Crown Prince live ten thousand years! May Prince Wu live ten thousand years!"

Zhu Biao gave a slight nod, while Zhu Rong chuckled and waved, "Greetings, honored guests!"

The Minister of Rites stepped forward, saying, "Your Highness, the auspicious hour approaches; please enter the hall and wait."

Zhu Biao nodded and said to Zhu Rong, "Second Prince, go sit in your place first; when the ceremony begins, you must keep an eye on things for me."

"Don't worry, elder brother!" Zhu Rong patted his chest.

Inside Fengtian Hall, Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma were already seated on the dragon throne and phoenix seat.

Zhu Yuanzhang wore a bright yellow dragon robe today, a twelve‑tassel crown upon his head, and, unusually, a smile graced his face.

Empress Ma was clad in a crimson phoenix robe, wearing a nine‑dragon four‑phoenix crown, exuding elegance and nobility.

Zhu Rong went to the princely seat and sat down, beside him the Third Prince Zhu Shuang, Fourth Prince Zhu Gang, Fifth Prince Zhu Di and others.

"Second Brother! Your attire looks truly imposing!" Zhu Di exclaimed, his eyes brightening at the sight of Zhu Rong.

Zhu Rong smiled, "Fifth Prince, you look vigorous today as well."

Zhu Shuang leaned in quietly, "Second Brother, with the elder brother's wedding, can we rest from training for a few days?"

"Indeed! Second Brother, we'll get a few days off!" Zhu Gang looked at Zhu Rong with eager anticipation.

"All right, but only one day of rest…" Knowing today's wedding would last late into the night, Zhu Rong granted his younger brothers a single day off.

"Just one day! Still better than none…" Zhu Shuang muttered.

"Thank you, Second Prince…" Zhu Gang said with a smile, looking at Zhu Yong.

Zhu Di and several others also happily thanked Zhu Yong.

Zhu Yong looked at his several younger brothers, feeling warm inside.

During this period, he taught the brothers martial arts and studies every day; although the boys were mischievous, they respected him greatly as their Second Prince.

From outside the hall came ceremonial music.

The auspicious hour had arrived.

The Minister of Rites shouted, "Crown Prince Marriage ceremony, begin!"

The drums and music sounded together, and the bells and chimes played in harmony.

Zhu Biao stood in the hall, facing Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma, performing the three kneelings and nine bows grand ceremony.

"I, son Zhu Biao, pay my respects to Imperial Father and Imperial Mother!"

Zhu Yuanzhang proclaimed loudly, "Today the Crown Prince marries, establishes a household, and I hope you both live in harmony, united in heart and virtue, to serve Great Ming, to serve the people of the world, with utmost loyalty and responsibility!"

"I, son, will carefully follow Imperial Father's teachings!" Zhu Biao bowed respectfully.

Empress Ma's eyes were teary, and in a gentle voice she said, "Biao, from now on you are truly an adult; Wan is a fine young lady, you must treat her well."

"I will certainly not disappoint Imperial Mother's expectations!" Zhu Biao bowed again.

After the ceremony, Zhu Biao rose and turned toward the outside of the hall.

At that moment, Chang Yuchun, dressed in a duke's ceremonial robe, holding Red Silk, led his daughter Chang Wan slowly into Fengtian Hall.

Chang Wan today wore a phoenix crown and rosy veil, with a Red Cap covering her face.

Although her features were hidden, her graceful figure and dignified gait already displayed the bearing of a refined lady.

Chang Yuchun walked to the hall's front, bowed to Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma, and said, "I, Chang Yuchun, accompanied my daughter Chang Wan, pay my respects to the Emperor and Empress!"

"Stand straight, Bo Ren… From today onward, we are in-laws," Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile.

"I am humbled! My little daughter marrying the Crown Prince is a tremendous blessing for my household," Chang Yuchun hurriedly said.

In such a setting, Chang Yuchun also became solemn.

Empress Ma softly said, "General Chang need not be overly modest; Wan, this child, I have watched grow up; Biao being able to marry her is his good fortune."

Chang Yuchun's eyes were slightly reddened, and he handed the Red Silk to Zhu Biao, saying, "Prince, Wan… I entrust her to you."

"Chang Shu, rest assured, I will treat Wan well," Zhu Biao said solemnly, receiving the Red Silk.

Chang Yuchun stepped aside and stood together with Xu Da, Li Wenzhong and other generals.

This battlefield veteran, at this moment, could not help but wipe the corner of his eye.