allonlinenovel Chapter 400 Wenxuan's Wedding
Chapter 400 Wenxuan's Wedding
Just as Gu Wenxuan was about to turn and step into the sedan chair, she suddenly felt her sleeve being pulled tightly by a force. She turned around in surprise and saw Ouyang Lie's fingertips hovering beside her clothes, as if trying to grab something, but in the end he just gently brushed it off the grass clippings stuck to her shoulder.
“Fifteen days from now, at the hour of Xu (7-9 PM), I will be waiting for you at the Vermilion Bird Gate.” Ouyang Lie’s voice was deep and resolute, as if this promise was a vow for life. Gu Wenxuan gazed into his eyes, where a burning flame resided, making her cheeks flush slightly. She nodded lightly, then turned and stepped into the sedan chair embroidered with golden phoenixes.
At the command of the honor guard leader, the three thousand guards drew their longswords in unison. In the afterglow of the setting sun, these swords gleamed with a dazzling silver light, like a shimmering ocean.
"Welcome, Princess!" The unified shouts resounded through the sky, deafening and startling countless birds. Gu Wenxuan slightly lifted a corner of the sedan curtain, his gaze falling on Ouyang Lie, who was riding a tall horse.
Ouyang Lie wore a dark cloak that fluttered in the wind, his figure tall and imposing, like a god descending to earth. His gaze fell on Gu Wenxuan, and their eyes met for a moment, as if the whole world had fallen silent.
Recalling their first meeting, a slight smile crept onto Gu Wenxuan's lips. At that time, her heart was filled with fear and unease about the unknown. After all, for a princess, a marriage alliance meant leaving her familiar home and family to live in a strange place. However, it was at that moment that she met that man; his appearance was like a ray of bright sunshine, illuminating the shadows in her heart.
Now, as she gazed at the man before her once more, a wave of anticipation washed over her. His smile was warm and kind, his gaze gentle and profound, as if it could penetrate her very soul. Gu Wenxuan couldn't help but wonder, what would their future hold?
The procession moved slowly forward, the wheels rolling on the wet stone road after the rain, making a "clattering" sound, as if the earth were humming. Gu Wenxuan gently lifted the sedan curtain, curiously gazing at the world outside. The customs and culture of the Western Regions unfolded before her eyes, completely different from the bustling prosperity of the Great Xia.
The streets here are narrow and winding, lined with houses of unique architectural styles and walls painted in vibrant colors, giving them an exotic feel. Street vendors loudly hawk their wares, some offering exquisite handicrafts, others fragrant delicacies. Children play and laugh in the alleyways, their laughter clear and melodious, like silver bells.
Everything was so new and interesting to Gu Wenxuan; she felt as if she had entered a fantastical world. The sight before her filled her with even greater anticipation for the future. She looked forward to exploring this unfamiliar place, learning about its culture and customs, and building deep friendships with its people.
By the time the group arrived at the post station, night had fallen. The inn's carved beams and painted rafters shone brilliantly under the lanterns, and golden auspicious cloud patterns adorned the vermilion pillars—every detail exuding royal grandeur and luxury. Gu Wenxuan stepped down from the sedan chair, treading on the flower-strewn cobblestone path, inwardly admiring, "This Western Regions palace, though not as magnificent as the Great Xia palace, possesses a unique exquisite charm."
For the next ten days or so, Gu Wenxuan spent her time at the post station. Every day, she would stand by the window, gazing absently at the distant palace. Ouyang Lie also frequently sent people to deliver rare treasures and exquisite pastries from the Western Regions, along with handwritten letters. Between the lines, his concern and longing for her were palpable.
Finally, the wedding day arrived, one of the most important moments in Gu Wenxuan's life.
As dawn broke and the sky was still tinged with a pale, fish-belly white, the post station was already bustling with activity. The palace maids rose early to begin dressing and grooming Gu Wenxuan. Their movements were gentle and meticulous, as if every item in their hands were a priceless treasure.
First, her hair was combed. The palace maids used their nimble fingers to smooth and glossy Gu Wenxuan's long hair, then carefully pinned it up and secured it with a gold hairpin. Next, they applied cosmetics, using the finest rouge and face powder to gently add a touch of blush and fragrance to Gu Wenxuan's face.
As the palace maids did Gu Wenxuan's makeup, every movement was filled with blessings. They hoped that this woman about to be married would have a happy and fulfilling life together, growing old with her groom.
The pearl tassels on the phoenix crown swayed gently with Gu Wenxuan's movements, making a crisp sound, as if playing a cheerful melody for her. Each round pearl shimmered with a captivating luster in the sunlight, making Gu Wenxuan's face even more radiant and beautiful.
The gold thread embroidery on the bridal gown was another magnificent sight. It shimmered in the sunlight, as if the glow of the sunset had been draped over Gu Wenxuan. The exquisite embroidery was breathtaking; every stitch and thread contained the artisans' painstaking efforts and blessings.
As time passed, the auspicious hour drew near. The eight-bearer sedan chair slowly approached. It was entirely vermilion, decorated with exquisite phoenix and dragon patterns, and red silk ribbons hung around it, fluttering in the wind like a red ocean.
Supported by palace maids, Gu Wenxuan slowly stepped into the sedan chair. Her steps were slightly unsteady, her heart filled with both nervousness and anticipation. At this moment, she would leave the familiar post station and embark on a completely new stage of her life.
The streets were packed with people, shoulder to shoulder, a sea of onlookers. They stood on tiptoe, craning their necks to gaze at the magnificent sight of the ten-mile-long red procession, their faces filled with amazement and envy.
"Look! That's the princess from Great Xia, she's absolutely stunning!" someone in the crowd shouted, prompting others to echo their sentiments.
"I've heard that the Emperor dotes on this princess; this is truly a match made in heaven!" another person exclaimed.
The murmurs of the people rose and fell, flooding Gu Wenxuan's ears like a tide. Sitting in the bridal sedan chair, she couldn't see what was happening outside, but hearing these words of praise, a shy feeling welled up in her heart, and a faint blush rose on her face.
As the bridal sedan chair arrived at the main gate of the palace, the sound of drums and music suddenly rang out, deafeningly loud. Ouyang Lie, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, stood tall and straight on the steps, his eyes like two bolts of lightning, fixed on the slowly approaching sedan chair, as if trying to see the person inside through the curtain.
As the bridal sedan chair drew closer, Ouyang Lie's heart began to race. He recalled the day he first met Gu Wenxuan; her radiant smile, like a spring flower in full bloom, stirred ripples in his heart like a gentle spring breeze.
The bridal sedan chair slowly passed through the Vermilion Bird Gate and proceeded along the avenue covered with red carpet. Palace lanterns hung high on both sides of the road, illuminating the entire night as if it were daytime. When the sedan chair finally stopped in front of Zhaoyang Palace, Ouyang Lie took a deep breath, then stepped forward and gently lifted the curtain of the sedan chair.
In that instant, their eyes met, and time seemed to stand still. Gu Wenxuan's beauty shone like the brightest star in the night sky, instantly captivating Ouyang Lie. And in Gu Wenxuan's eyes, there was only Ouyang Lie's handsome and affectionate face. A thousand words were uttered in that moment, transformed into a single, tender gaze; no words were needed, their hearts already understood each other.
“Wenxuan, welcome home.” Ouyang Lie said softly, his voice trembling slightly.
Gu Wenxuan placed her hand in his palm and, with his help, stepped out of the bridal sedan chair. At that moment, she knew she had finally found her own happiness. And this grand procession of red bridal makeup and eight-bearer sedan chair was the most beautiful testament to their love.